FEATHER AWARDS 2012, ARE BACK WITH A BANG



feather awards celebrates four years.
pic: www.justcurious.co.za

 The Feather Awards have fluttered back for 2012 and have officially secured themselves as an annual phenomenon.They've been awarding Feathers for four years this year and make their debut on TV for the first time. The ceremony takes place in Jozi on Wednesday, 7 November and the ceremony will air on SABC 1 in a delayed broadcast. The broadcast date hasn't been confirmed by the channel yet - will keep you posted when it is.



Model and TV personality, Jennie D
pic: www.sabc3.co.za



In case you aren't familiar with them, they can best be described as a pop ceremony that pays homage to personalities who inspire the gay community. Some are tributed for their achievements, some are celebrated for their humorous antics and others are awarded for their booty and scandalisciousness.





More about the inspiration for them from awards founder and co-producer Thami Kotlolo: “The Feathers are now a firm part of the Mzansi entertainment scene -and more importantly, have created a platform for sexual minorities to express themselves about the lighter side of life. "We deal with so many heavy and serious issues as gays and lesbians in South Africa - this is just one night where we kick back be fabulous, and give a ‘Cheers, darling!’ to people who inspire us!”

some of the nominees are:

Drama Queen – personalities we read about every Sunday over breakfast, their lives revolve around a lot of dramatic behaviour and situations:

• Tshidi Tenyane
• Bishop Keith Harrington
• Tina Mkwaiwa
• Sello Maake Ka-Ncube

Sponsor of the Sport personality of the year award.
pic: www.gorv.co.za





For the first time this year, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts & Recreation will be sponsoring the Sports Personality of the Year category, while The Real Ghoboza (RGB)  has elected to sponsor the Drama Queen category. In yet another first, the awards will also be broadcast on SABC 1 this year, even though it will be a delayed broadcast.

"we've decided to sponsor the Drama Queen category, not only because its one of the most anticipated category but, because this will help us grow as a brand in the entertainment industry and we also believe that this awards will increase our viewership tremendously as they are anticipated by many", said SABC1 spokesperson, kaizer Kganyago.   

 Gauteng Department of Sports, Art & Recreation's spokesperson, Sandile Madlala said" it is an Honor for us to be part of such an event, we've decided to sponsor the sport category because we want to encourage youngsters to participate in sport as we believe that by doing so, in such an event will also paint us as a brand that looks after its sports personality and therefore, this build credibility and trustworthiness to the public" 

for more information on the nominees read here

 

 

South Africa's new Idol: Khaya!

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SA's fovourite singer, Khaya Mthethwa
picture: www.justcurious.co.za



Khaya Mthethwa of Durban cannot contain his surprise as he is named the winner of Idols 2012 in Johannesburg last night, beating Melissa Alison from Port Elizabeth. More than 3 million viewers voted in the competition in the past week.

 

A stunned Khaya Mthethwa clutched his head in disbelief when he was announced as the first black Idols winner last night. "I just want to thank God and my parents who have flown out here and taken the time to come and support me here even when they were busy," he exclaimed. Mthethwa, 25, became Idols SA's season 8 winner.

 

 2012 SA idol winner, Khya mthethwa

picture: www.justcurious.co.za



The Durbanite blasted naysayers who had predicted that his prospective win would be to appease disgruntled black viewers.

For the record, for the past seven seasons of the competition, not a single black contestant has scooped the Idols SA title.

Mthethwa, still huffing and puffing from celebrating his win, said it "saddened" him whenever the competition's race issue reared its head.



idols contenders, khaya and Mellisa
pic: www.justcurious.co.za





Though M-Net would not reveal the difference in the number of votes between Mthethwa and Alison, apparently more than 3million votes were cast in the past week.

Universal Music SA boss Lindelani Mkhize would also not entertain questions whether Mthethwa would release a gospel album.

Radio presenter Akhumzi Jezile, Mthethwa's friend, said: "I believed in him from his first audition. When he decided to enter, he came to my mom's house carrying a stack of CDs. The only one I remember was Bruno Mars".

Mthethwa takes home prizes worth about R1-million. That includes a:

•  recording contract with Universal Music SA,
•  R250000 cash
•   car sponsored by Ford and many other prizes

Some of the SPONSORS of idols were:

• SAMSUNG
• FORD
• UNIVERSAL MUSIC

"we are very excited to be part of this talent search to market where consumers did not only have an opportunity to be directly part of the idols phenomenon, but through this competition we have stimulated interest in the music industry",said Craige Fleischer, Director of mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

Ford's spokesperson, jerry Figo couldnt hide his excitement about the competion"we are very proud to be part of such an amazing competion, as it has helped us grow as a brand" khaya is one amazing singer, he deserved to win, we want to associate our brand with winners and being part of idole has enhanced our brand dramatically", jerry continues.

will Khaya Mthethwa be crowned SA's first black idol?

idols logo
pic: www.tvsa.co.za





Idols SA Season 8 contestant Khaya Mthethwa seems to have hit the right note, although it has not been easy not to be  the most popular contestant, the KZN born rising star was almost a victim of a smear campaign against him called ABK “nothing but Khaya”, which was aimed at voting against him because of a believe that he may have been head-hunted and receives preferential treatment. however this did not stop the 26 year old rising star from doing what he is known for.

By no doubt Khaya Mthethwa is talented and he deserves to be in the top 3 and so is everyone who made it to the top 3, but the songster has created a niche for himself with the judges and viewers and has given signal loud and clear that he is the real deal. And for some people to suggested Mthethwa is headhunted because he is black is nothing but an insult to his talent and to a larger black community and a disgrace that such allegations are coming from a black person.



idols oficial sponsor FORD
pic: www.ford.co.za

 The 2012 idols were able to get SPONSHIPS from big brands such as:

• FORD FIESTA
• KFC
• SAMSUND GALAX
• UNIRVESAL MUSIC COMPANY



Man of the moment, Khaya Mthethwa
pic: ww.mnet.co.za



The 2012 winner of the idols competion will walk away with a 1 year Recoding deal from UNIRVESAL MUSIC, a sport car from FORD FIESTA, and a luxurious SAMSUNG GALAXY and many other things.

"We are excited to bring this ‘talent search’ to market, where consumers not only have the opportunity to be directly part of the Idols phenomenon, but, through this competition, we hope to stimulate further interest in the music industry - offering an opportunity for consumers to demonstrate their talent and be recognised as musicians,” says Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

"It is Ford’s third year of sponsoring MNet’s ultimate singing competition, we’re giving away two FIESTA 1.6 Titanium's, one for this season’s winner and another for the winner of the viewer's competition"said ford's spokesperson, markus jameson. 

For more exciting music from all idols contestants, tune in to channel 107, at 18:30, sunday on DSTV. for more  information on contestants you can Read here

MNET have been accused of being racist several timesd and this comes after former Idols judge Mara Louw was booted out after having raised the issue of race taking preference in crowning the ultimate winner,  now rumours are circulating  that this season Mnet is aiming at producing a black winner, thinking to myself i wondered why in South Africa should everything be about race and unfortunately this race card is now being abused. I personally know white people who have voted and who rally behind some black contestant simply because of their vocal ability not race.

SABC1 SPRING CLEANING THEIR PROGRAMMES.



pic: www.sabc1.co.za



SABC1 has decided to make a few changes on their programmes following the criticism they have been getting from the public regarding the shows the station offers.The channel decided to introduce new shows and revamped some of The shows that will interest their viewers at home. some of the shows include :





 The new mzansi insider revamped presenter
Kedibone Mkhabela
pic: www.sabc1.co.za


• LIVE AMP
• FAN BASE
• MZANSI INSIDER REVAMPED
• TURN IT OUT STREET BATTLE

The new LIVE AMP will replace LIVE, which its current season ended on Friday 31 august and the new show will debut on Friday 14 September. FAN BASE will take over from JAM ALLEY with a new TV presenter, Zuluboy from Friday 28 September as jam alley will go off air on 21 September. MZANSI INSIDER has revamped itself to MZANSI INSIDER REVAMPED, which has also introduced a new TV presenter-Kedibone Mkhabela( former sabc1 channel ambassador). JIKA MAJIKA has been replaced with a new show called TURN IT OUT STREET BATTLE which will be a dance show.



Live replaced with Live AMP
pic: www.justcurious.co.za



"we thought it was about time we get ride of our old shows and introduce new ones that will estate our viewers and keep them as our loyal viewiers' said SABC spokespeson, Kaizer kganyago, "the channel will continue to give its viewers what they want to see because at the end of the day we are doing it for them"

former SABC1 presenter Kedibone Mkhabela also expressed her happiness and excitement to be back on TV after a long time, "if feels good to be back, i feel like I've been gone for too long and I'm grateful for the opportunity the channel is giving me"

The channel promises to provide its viewers with great shows they'll love and enjoy Read more...

PUMA TO LAUCH A NEW STORE IN BRAAMFONTEIN.

PUMA South Africa will be opening a new store in Braamfontein,Johannesburg on 25 August and we are giving away tickets to the invite only launch!
“PUMA is very excited to open our first PUMA Store in the Johannesburg area,” said PUMA South Africa’s Marketing Director Brett Bellinger. “We have carefully selected Braamfontein for this venture as we believe the mix of students and hipsters perfectly fits the offering that we have at the PUMA Store.”

www.puma.co.za

PUMA International’s new Retail 2.0 store design launched in early 2011 in Berlin, with the new system now being rolled out in all major global markets, including the PUMA Canal Walk store which was the first store in Africa to undergo this latest facelift. The PUMA Store in Braamfontein will also be equipped with the new store design, with additional store elements such as a:

•  PUMA Social area and DJ mixing station
•  a peep show to surprise shoppers in the change-rooms
•  and an unSMARTphone.

There are 10 tickets to be won for the Exclusive Launch event on Friday, 24 August 
If you would like to join everyone for drinks, food and hopefully a good time at the Puma launch, just send an email with your contact details, to competitions@puma.co.za Put #PUMADigsEgoli in the subject line and name one 2012 London Olympic team sponsored by PUMA. 

THE NYDA AWARDS.



NYDA LOGO
picture: www.nyda.co.za



The NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY hosted the inagural south african youth awards recently, at gallagher estates in midrand, hosted by generations actor Thato Molamu and Carly Field. the ceremony took the audience the times, from Sophiatown to modern South Africa.

Hosts: Carly Field and Thato Molamu
picture: www.justcurious.co.za

Themed 'Against all odds', the objective of the awards is to provide a platform to show case the exeptional work and contribution that young people make in their community and the world, as well as to tell aspiring stories of youth who have achieved extra ordinary,despite odds and challenges.





 AWARD WINNERS:

• Enviroment category: Ntombomzi Tsotetsi
• Extraodinary champions category: Nolwazi Pinkie Madlala
• Entrepreneurship category: Refilwe Ledwaba

Extraordinary champion award winner
 Nolwazi Pinkie Madlala
picture: www.justcurious.co.za 

The most sought after prize of the night , chosen from the finalists, The presidential award, was awarded to Nolwazi Pinkie Madlala (26), a physicallly challenged lady who has faced challenges of studying and working in an "able bodied world"where adaptations and adjustments to facilitate wheel chair accssibility are not always made. shes currently working as an intern clinical psychologist at 1 military hospital, Thaba Tshwane pretoria.




Nolwazi have won in two categories received: R50 000 for the extraodinary champions category and R100 000 for having won the Presidential award (the overall award of the evening) plus a Bursary Sponsored by EDUCOR valued at R100 000 for 3 years of tertiary education at Damelin.


The NYDA spokesperson Nandi Thobela shared words of appreciation to all the SPONSORS who made the ceremony possible, and gave a big thank you to Damelin and Educor for giving the disabled youth bursaries to futher their studies."thank you Educor and Damelin for giving our youth the opportunity to live thier dreams by futhering thier studies in the field of their choice".


For more information on the winners Click here



WHO WILL BE TOP BILLING'S NEXT PRESENTER?





www.topbilling.co.za



The race is on and seven finalists have been announced after four weeks of intense national auditions in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Polokwane, and Bloemfontein.

One of the contenders is set to enjoy the good life of presenters like Janez Vermeiren and the ever beautiful Jennie D, who have travelled the world courtesy of TOP BILLING. The ultimate winner will receive prices from SPONSORS including:

• Nedbank
• Woolworths
• Metal CH
• Mercedes Benz
• Virgin Active

Finalists include off-beat beauty Khanya Ngubela, Lauren Wallet, Greg Kriesk, Lauren Blackwell, Chamedran Naidoo, Lynelle Kenedy and former Sabc1 continuity presenter Zama Ngcobo.



 Top Billing Finalists
www.topbilling.co.za



TOP BILLING fans will have an opportunity to watch the auditions over the next seven weeks in my TOP BILLING dream show. fans will also have an opportunity to vote for their favourite aspiring shinning stars on TOP BILLING Read more and stand a chance of driving a

 stylish Mercedes-Benz E class for six months.

One of the finalists, Zama Ngcobo who is no stranger to TV told the Sowetan newspaper that presenting comes natural to her and she'd love to develop her career in this medium."Top billing is the epitome of what one aspires to in this business. its in a league of its own and I'm keen to learn the art of  presenting"



www.mercedes-benz.co.za



The lucky winner of the my TOP BiLLING dream will have an opportunity to drive a brand new Mercedes-Benz for six months. The company's spokesperson, John Thomas said, "Top Billing brand is synonymous with  a lifestyle that encompasses style, quality and discernment. this values can only be found in a Mercedes-Benz, which is why Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce that the winner of this year's competition will have the privilege of driving a stylish B class for six months." Read more

My Top Billing dream airs every Tuesday on SABC3 at 8pm. for more information you can visit www.sabc3.co.za

glitz and glamour at the YOU spectacular awards.



The eight annual YOU spectacular awards was definitely the party of the year. it was held at the Teatro at Monte Casino,and the who's who of the south African sports and entertainment world came dressed to impress.




www.you.co.za

 

Each and every year the YOU awards recognise the outstanding TV and Radio personalities,Musicians,Actors and Actresses,Sportsmen and Sportswomen. the public is given the chance to choose the winner in each category by voting for their favourite stars.



pic: Lee-Ann liebenberg and husband Nicky van Der Walt
 source: www.you.co.za



The 2012 YOU spectacular awards were hosted in partnership with Monte Casino, Black pal and crystal creations, Zando.co.za, and organised by Juanita Daniels, show and creative director of KO production.

TV personality Jeannie D,who was also MC of the night, was one of the favourites yet again, taking two awards. Lee-Ann liebenberg and her hubby Nicky van Der Walt won the favourite couple category. the parlotones walked away with the favourite music star award.



pic: woman of the evening Jeannie D
source: www.you.co.za



WINNERS:

Favourite newcomer

• Zahara (singer)

Favourite TV presenter

• Leanne Manas (morning live)

Favourite couple

• Lee-Ann liebenberg and Nicky van Der Walt

Sexiest woman

• Jeannie D

Sexiest man

• Tyrone Keogh

Favourite soapie

• The wild

its no doubt that the event was a success and the sponsors of the YOU awards were also impressed. "it has been a pleasure to work with all shinning lights in our entertainment industry," says Juanita. "putting my signature on this occasion was an honour and the endless talent in this country fills me with inspiration." This year's official fashion sponsor ( ZANDO), ensured MC Jeannie D was dressed in an elegant gown by Rare London. "once again, YOU spectacular was an enormous success," says YOU editor Linda Petersen in a TV interview."its a wonderful opportunity to mingle with people we feature in our magazine and share the light with some of our readers too."

SEE IT ALL AT THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK GAME RESERVE.



Kruger national park lodge
 pic source: http//www.sa.venues.com





leopard in Kruger national park
 pic source:http//www.sa-venues.com





Most people are wondering why whenever tourists visits South Africa, The first place they want to go to is Mpumalanga and why not Limpopo or Kwa-Zulu Natal? the answer is simple, its the Kruger National Park. This place offers the best wildlife in South Africa, I visited the Kruger National Park over the long weekend with my family and we had the best time of our lives there.It is a self-drive destination, although there are guided tour operators, it has excellent infrastructures that includes picnic sites, rest camps, waterholes and hides. while we were there we got an opportunity to see Lions, Rhinos, Crocodiles, Leopards and spent the night in their luxurious lodge, many tourists are attracted to this place because it is a remarkable reserve offering an incredible experience of Africa at its most wildlife, it also have affordable lodge with the best service. on Monday 30 April 2012, the departmental environment affairs reported that South Africa has lost 199 rhinos to poaching since the beginning of the year, "the latest statistics indicates that the Kruger National Park is still the most targeted by poachers", said departmental spokesperson Albi Modise. It is not hard to see that the Kruger National Park offers the greatest wildlife experience that does not only attract tourists but also local people with their affordable hotels, great food, entertainment, game drives, bush walk and health spa. for more information visit http//www.sa-venues.com  



Rhino lies dead after being killed at kruger national park
 pic source:www. sa-venues.com



LIVING LARGE AT USHAKA MARINE WORLD RESORT.



Ushaka Marine World in Durban
 pic Source:http//www.ushakamarineworld.com





 







The Penguin Campaign
 pic source:http//www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

If you've always had a dream of visiting the best  resorts in south africa, dont look any further because Ushaka Marine World is the place to go. Some people are wondering as to why Ushaka Marine? What makes it stands out of the rest of other resorts?  Ushaka Marine is situated in Durban which is famously known for its  beautiful weather. It has the family environment that has been created through the establishment of a grass banks towards the top beach area, allowing patrons the choice of sand versus grass. When visiting the ushaka you'll get an experience of a life time, it has a world of entertainment, excitement, fun and uniqueness, you'll also get to see and play with penguins, sleep in their luxurious hotels and also get to spend time in the Ushaka beach which is one of their major attractions. The ushaka Marine World has recently established an initiative called "Penguin Promise Campaign"  which aims at encouraging people to make promise to the penguins-something you change for the environmental behaviour that will positively impact the endangered African penguins http://penguincampain.com/ It is no doubt that the ushaka is one of the best resorts that offers unforgettable memories and an experience of a life time, it is safe, clean and most importantly, it has the best services and approachable friendly staff.

THE BEAUTY OF THE CAPE TOWN'S TABLE MOUNTAIN.



Table mountain.
pic source: http://www.denoordhoek.co.za/

 Why  was the Table mountain voted as one of the new7wonders of nature? What's so special about it? Is it the location where its located?  after my visit last month to the mother city, I  now understand why it was voted as one of the new7wonders of nature, firstly, you can feel the welcome breeze before entering the Table mountain, it has the right welcoming atmosphere that you can only get in Cape Town.

The cableway car.
 pic source: http://www.2ocaensvibe.com/

Most people are wondering as to why Table mountain not the Drankensburg mountain? Its simply, it is because of its 1200 mitre long cableway cars, which takes you from the ground floor to the top of the mountain and in that way you'll be able to get a full view of the city of Cape Town and its beautiful natures and the sea point. you'll also slightly see the Robben island from the Table mountain and also have perfect view of  the Green Point stadium. what i found fascinating about the mountain its limited resources to deal with emergency crisis such as when people get hurt, they are unable to get help immediately. after my short visit to the mountain, i can say that Cape Town is one of the most attractive city in the land. 

TOP FIVE QUALITIES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONER IN THE DIGITAL AGE.

What does it take to do public relations in the digital age? according to socialmediatoday.com there are certain qualities that one has to follow in order to be a good practitioner, due to that, here are my top five list of qualities a public relations practitioner must have to successfully make the transition from traditional public relations and to new public relations:



 

 1. INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY.

 If you're the type of practitioner who is satisfied with what has been tried and tested, and who isn't naturally inclined to check new ways of thinking about and doing public relations, you may want to step aside and let someone run your client's social media campaign, social media isn't about tools. it isn't twitter or Facebook, but the popularity of twitter an Facebook have to say about how people want to communicate, share and learn.its about a new mentality and new expectations.



ABOVE: Amanda Jacobs and Thomas Hendricks
Pic source: (http://www.socialmediatoday.com/) 



2. PASSION.

 The advent of social media represents a new era for public relations and the way in which it is practised. this should excite you, and your significant other and friends should either find your enthusiasm contagious or start or to complain that you're sounding like a broken record. if you are not passionate about how you spend a significant part of your day, not only is social media likely not for you, you may want to start to start thinking about a new career.

3. DEDICATION.
 Taking social media plunge doesn't mean staying in the wading pool and splashing a bit of water around. it means diving in the deep end. it means getting wet, very wet. it means knowing what a blog is, by blogging. what a podcast is, by pod casting. what an online community is, by becoming part of one. it does not have to be a pr community.

4. INTEGRITY, AUTHENTICITY AND TRANSPARENCY.
 In the world of social media , there is a code to live by.transgress this code by putting up a fake blog, for example, and not only will your client suffer the wreath of the public, once the subterfuge is uncovered, your own reputation will take a hit. no one likes fake, its lame. be real, be confident in who you are.

5. GENEROSITY.
 Share your discoveries and learning with your peers. do someone, even your competitor a favour. you've made a mistake? humility will have you admit it. generosity will have you share it with others so that they can avoid the same pitfall. do it in the interest of the industry standards.

Here are my top five qualities that every public relations practitioner must have, lets hear what you can add to the mix.

if you follow your passion first, the money will follow.

varsity and college students are not following career paths that reflect their passions, or even their interests. students are preparing for careers that will be lucrative or reliable. this is a problem not only for the workforce, but for students themselves. students need to study subjects that interest them. following their dreams will make their lives more enjoyable and increase their chances of succeeding in life. there are three major questions that students need to ask themselves, firstly; what is your true passion? what do love doing so much that you would do for free? , secondly; how much passion do you have for your current career path? are you studying something that will allow you to do what you love to do?, and thirdly; how can you better prepare yourself for a career that follows your passion? ask some questions, once you determine what you want to do, determine how you are going to do it. ask people doing what you want to do how they got to where they are. answer these questions and seriously evaluate why you are following the path you are on, is it because you truly love public relations or marketing communications or is it bacause your high school guidance counselor told you that marketing would provide you with a steady paycheck? most importantly do what you love , be happy. dont ever do something because you think its the responsible choice if you absolutely hate it. you will regret it for the rest of your unhappy life.WWW.GOOGLE.COM/THE DAILY ATHENAUM...

Pr job no more male dominated.

gone are those sdays where everyone thought that woman belong to the kitchen, while their husbands are at work. nowadays woman and men are equal in the corporate world. in the past few years it was known that no woman can do the public relations job, as it was a male dominated industry. nowadays woman are the leaders in public relations field, they are doing a great job in building positive image for their organizations. woman always iam for the high positions and are usually their own boss. "companies like ESKOM, COCA COLA, TELKOM and SAB, allow woman totake on big management positions because their highly believe in the abilities and strengths. they allow them to be who they are and explore their talents"says, nick mccaik from telkom' corporate corporations. woman are as powerful as all man in the pr industry, i strongly believe that companies should hire employees based on their merits not gender. it has been said trhat over 45% of woman hold high positions in big companies world wide http://www.google.com/. woman are important and needed in the pr field as they bring a different element in the work place.