Month: July 2017

I am not a conformist and I have a rebellious streak, says world stage filmmaker Jahmil Qubeka Winner of six SA Film & Television Awards including Best Feature, for his second film, Of Good Report.
Jahmil will be coming to Plett in October to direct Kings of Kwano, a script 6 years in the making, originated by Clyde Berning and scheduled for production in October in Kwanokuthula.
When you’re young and ambitious, it can sometimes be difficult to overcome all the obstacles life and society throw at you, particularly in the film industry. Sometimes, the younger you are, the fresher your ideas are. One inspirational film production and training organisation based in rural Western Cape that embraces youth is iKasi Media and one exciting filmmaker who is on the verge of taking over.
Jahmil Quebeka didn’t let his age or inexperience hold him back from taking the journey to become a feature film maker. His documentary and feature film work has enjoyed screenings at various prestigious international film festivals – Rotterdam Film Festival, Pusan International Film Festival, Dubai Film Festival, Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival, Cannes Film Market and Stockholm Film Festival. Jahmil has a link to Plett by way of local filmmaker Daron Chatz who mentored Jahmil in his early career days, working in Johannesburg at the time. Jahmil took the time to talk to Plett Tourism about his inspiration, working in the industry and shares advice with others who are keen to break into the film world.
-THEGREMLIN

Early this morning runners huddled together deep in the Knysna Forest as they waited their turn to get going in the Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon.
The excitement and hope in the air was palpable as runners came together at this event to support Knysna in its relief efforts. Dignitaries were up early as well as they joined the runners at the start to wish them well.
As one of South Africa’s most sought-after running events, the Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon offers some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery in and around the Knysna Forest, offering several highlights unique to its location.
Much of the race took place in the famed forest area, with breath-taking views of the lagoon and the spectacular Knysna Heads for inspiration towards the finish at the Festival Grounds.
The full marathon was won in dramatic style by Mzwanele Maphekula in an earth-shattering 2:34.09. In the half marathon Nkosinathi Mdau took the win in the Men’s category in 1:09.52 while Vicky van der Merwe synched the Women’s race in 1:23.03 ahead of Melissa van Rensberg. This is certainly one run that many are eager to return to do again in 2018. Don’t miss your chance and make sure you enter as soon as entries become available, especially as every year the race is oversubscribed and sold out.
The early morning start is bitterly cold, so along with the 2 000 blankets Momentum donates, the runners have a long-standing tradition of bringing warm clothes, which they wear to the start and then, along with the blankets, leave behind to be collected and donated. Literally truck-loads of warm blankets and clothes are then driven to local communities and distributed and donated to those in need.
-THEGREMLIN

Why have a positive mind-set?

We all know we should have a positive mind-set, but how many of us actually succeed in keeping it?
The first negative conversation / news article / comment steal our joy in mere seconds!
Why do we tend to follow the masses into the trap of believing that negativity is okay? The influence a negative mind-set has is severe and totally underestimated. Feeling ups and downs regularly, not having enough energy, thinking negative punishing thoughts, are only a few examples of the consequences of a negative mind-set.
It’s time to take responsibility for our own lives by taking responsibility of our mind-sets.

What are the benefits of having a positive mind-set?

• A positive outlook results in a problem-solving-attitude during tough times
• Energy to find the silver lining every day
• Attracting more positive things into your life
• Experiencing more joy, peace, hope, love and freedom.
• Influencing those around you to also be positive, etc.

When we have a positive mind-set, our unconscious mind is working from a positive flow of energy. This results in being more focused, productive and motivated. It also improves patience and compassion towards others which results in better leadership skills.

Would you like to keep a positive mind-set?
Sign up for the FREE email course:
7 Steps To Keeping A Positive Mind-set.
At this website; https://www.takealeapcoaching.com/online-courses

 

It was attended by about 300 guests and VIPs including MP James Vos MP Shadow Minister of Tourism, Executive Mayor of Knysna Councillor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and sponsors, organisers and members of the community.

Mayor Bouw-Spies said that the town of Knysna had always looked towards the Oyster Festival to help revive the ailing tourism economy. “This time the knock that our economy is taking is not merely as a result of a downward global economic spiral but as a result of a force of nature that was completely out of our hands, the devastating Knysna Fires,”

However, the overriding message of the evening was one of hope. “Tourism is alive and well in Knysna,” was the announcement from Chairperson of Knysna & Partners, Elmay Bouwer. “We are really excited about this year’s Pick and Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. It’s been a challenging few weeks, but Knysna has managed to rise from the ashes and say to the local and international tourism community that we are strong, we are here, and we are open for business.”

Bouwer also thanked the festival’s headline sponsors, Pick and Pay and Momentum, for “not only making sure that the festival goes ahead, but also for setting their marquees up early so that the disaster relief effort could use the facilities.”
MP James Vos said that “Knysna is heavily dependent on tourism, and residents would be dealt an additional blow if their tourism economy were to decline. Therefore, I’m thrilled by the response from the tourism industry together with the authorities that this town remains ‘open for business’.

“Following on this, I’m happy to report that the Western Cape Government has pledged financial assistance of R75 million towards the rebuilding of this town, and furthermore Wesgro has provided over R100 000 to sponsor and promote the Knysna Oyster Festival and Knysna as an ultimate place to visit.”

The Mayor concluded with an invitation to all residents and visitors to revel in the excitement of the festival.
“Get on a bicycle. Put on your hiking boots. Start slurping on those delectable molluscs that the festival was named after. Grab a shuttle and sample great South African wine at the Knysna Wine Festival. Giggle through the Chuckles comedy show. Watch or join in during the Oyster Shucking and Eating Competition,” she said.

“Let’s ensure that everyone in Greater Knysna benefits from the enormous boost to the economy that the festival brings. Let the fun begin!”

The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from 7 – 16 July. The full programme, which offers plenty of family activities, numerous sporting events and gourmet delights with oysters in between, is available on www.oysterfestival.co.za.

-THEGREMLIN

The Maserati BIG5 Challenge has kicked off in earnest with the Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour mountain bike races the focal point of the first weekend of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival.
The mountain bike race is the first of five events participants will compete in over the coming ten days. Taking an early lead in the Maserati BIG5 Challenge was Bradley Weiss in the Men’s category and Fienie Barnard in the Women’s category after being the first to cross the line after 80km in the saddle.

 

Top cyclists battled it out on the forest and singletrack trails before Matthys Beukes took overall victory, followed closely by Gert Heyns and Matt Beers. In the Women’s category Robyn de Groot arrived first on the finish line in sweeping style with Candice Lill and Yolandi de Villiers finishing second and third respectively.
Next up for the Maserati BIG5 Challenge competitors will be the Knysna Lagoon Mile Swim tomorrow (Sunday, 9 July). BIG5Lite athletes can opt out of the swim and choose to paddle in the Harbour2Heads or Cycle in the Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour Road Cycle.

If you are not participating but wish to be a part of the action support a Fundracer through www.big5fundracing.co.za and help #RebuildKnysna. The Fundracer platform allows for safe, secure and direct donations One click allows supporters and fans to donate via the secure payment portal, PayFast.
There are events to suit every taste lined-up for the duration of the Best 10 Days of Your Winter, for more information visit www.oysterfestival.co.za.

-THEGREMLIN