WHAT DID I LEAVE OUT

At the moment Newtown is undergoing renovations,these renovations will take two years to be completed but people can still come  and explore and experience the diverse culture it has to offer. After sitting and thinking what exactly can be explored,something I have not mentioned or informed of you about, I thought oh THE ORIENTAL PLAZA

Just down the road from the cultural precinct is the Oriental Plaza,with 360 stores, the Oriental Plaza, a shopping centre that is the very expression of uniqueness and tradition, has been rooted in the very heart of Johannesburg City since the 1970’s. The Oriental Plaza prides itself in adding value to this great metropolitan and never fails to add to the richness, beauty and wealth of our rainbow nation.
With its individually owned stores, the Oriental Plaza will, as always, deliver to it customers originality in their shopping experience and, staying in line with tradition, shoppers get to indulge themselves in a variety of stores.
There’s something for every individual, no matter what the desire at the Oriental Plaza.

on entering, shoppers can experience the brilliance of the Plaza’s design. It’s as though you have entered a city all on its own. Surrounded yourself with the spicy mystique that fill the air, the rich colors that draws the heart and warm friendly and welcoming smiles.




ABOVE: Indian food and shalimar delights



ABOVE: Pots sold in the Oriental Plaza.

  

ABOVE:  a model in one of the materials
sold in the Oriental Plaza.

 

ABOVE: Riaad Moosa and Imraan Heidi
at the Oriental Plaza



SAB WORLD

"Take a tour of the South African Breweries World of Beer, and you’ll quickly discover why it was twice named the number one tourist attraction in South Africa."

If you happen to be in Newtown or plan to visit Newtown do visit The World of beer and explore the culture of beer and take their award winning tour they have to offer and NO  I am not inviting you to a shebben or drinking spree I want to you to acknolwdge the importance of beer and its culture and get to know SAB brands.

This fun and interactive journey explores the rich history of Africa’s beer culture, transporting you from the beginnings of Castle Lager and the story of Charles Glass, into the tombs of Egypt and mining townships of Johannesburg’s early days.   
The World of Beer born 1995, was an iconic year in South Africa’s history. It was the year we came together as a nation to lift the Rugby World Cup trophy, and the year SAB celebrated a century of brewing mastery. To commemorate this milestone, the company opened what was then known as the Centenary Centre, a museum showcasing the history of South African beer. It was one of the first major investments made in the Newtown Cultural Precinct, which ultimately paved the way for future developments in the area.
Former President Nelson Mandela officially opened the centre and delivered a memorable speech on the day, effectively summing up the importance behind what is now called the SAB World of Beer.

“This centre will also helps to remind us of a history we neglect at our peril. Inevitably, a product as integral to the culture and economy of a society as is yours, traces in its won history, the history of its society.
“People will also be reminded that, for all their hole-in-the-wall status, shebeens played an influential role in our cultural development, particularly in music and writing. This is where many of our top artists honed their talents.
“But in addition to its instructive lessons, the centre has without doubt helped promote tourism in the area and in Johannesburg as a whole. It is a valuable addition to the economic assets of the Gauteng Province.”

The tour has been developed and perfected to give visitors a seamless glimpse into the history and culture of beer. After taking the journey, you are invited to relax in the Tap Room, enjoy two complementary ice-cold local beers and take in the panoramic views of the pristine Newtown district. Delicious pub lunches are also available, and the gift shop offers a wide variety of branded merchandise, beer gear and sports accessories.
The World of Beer is also a unique venue for conferences or functions, boasting a number of first-rate facilities available to cater for all needs. All rooms are accessible, well equipped and available at very competitive rates.

INTERNATIONAL ARTS ALIVE FESTIVAL



ABOVE: South African Artist who took part in
The International
Arts Alive Festival. Thandiswa Mazwai.

                                                                              

ABOVE: South African Artist who took part in
The International
Arts Alive Festival. Lira

The City always seems to be buzzing with entertainment and one of the best months to attend these events is the month of September. An introduction to spring and what most of us put up on our social networks as status updates: " spring has sprung"


Well...welcome September!

Johannesburg once again hosted South Africa's premier celebration of the arts when the annual Arts Alive Festival hit the streets and theatres of the City in September for the 20th year in a row.
For ten days in September, Johannesburg was transformed into a giant stage where our artists, actors, directors and musicians displayed their formidable gifts to appreciative audiences.

"Arts Alive confirmed Johannesburg's position as South Africa's cultural capital and a city that can host world-class events that are accessible to all communities," this being said by MMC Vondo.

The Festival demonstrates the City's commitment to create an enabling environment for the citizens of Johannesburg for the conservation and celebration of artistic expression and heritage.

The Growth and Development Strategy 2040 adopted by Johannesburg provides for the creation of opportunities for the upliftment and advancement of communities through sports and recreation as well as library and information services.
Arts Alive signals the start of the spring season for a City that had a jam-packed programme of cultural, sporting and community festivals.
This year, the festival consisted of a number of inter-related events to cater to the tastes of a wide range of audiences:

Jazz on the Lake brought the smooth sounds of some of the country's top performers, including multiple-award winners, Thandiswa Mazwai and Lira, to Zoo Lake on the first sunday of September which was on the 2nd.
The outdoor concert was followed by a jam-packed music festival on the Newtown Cultural Precinct's Mary Fitzgerald Square which took place this past weekend on 7 and 8 September 2012. The area was buzzing with various South African Artists and audiences who enjoy having a good time and listening to these artists. It was a funfilled, Organized event. Organizers and teams who worked together in putting on a great show acheived their objectives. Artists too made the event a huge success.

JoyofJazz

Newtown is known to be host of one of the best and biggest events in and around johannesburg and the jazz festival is one of the biggest and most anticipated events on Newtown's Events calendar.Now in its 13^th year, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival grooved onto the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown two weeks ago from Thursday 23^rduntil Saturday the 25^th of August.

Whether you’re a serious jazz junkie, or love great live entertainment, and oodles of urban vibe, the jazz festival in Newtown was definately the place to be at.
Without question, Joy of Jazz is Jozi’s largest and best jazz event of the year. Artists every year down to this precinct  and the festival has never lost its commitment to showcasing African artists, or its ‘living room feel’.  By which, the sense of intimacy and spontaneity of the artists’ performances, and impromptu unplugged sessions that materialise at secondary venues like 

The Dinaledi Stage and the Mbira Stage was erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square, creating two purpose-built venues that showcased this year’s line-up. Other venues included Bassline, Conga and The Market Theatre all played host.
Free venues included Sophiatown, Shikista and Nikki’s Oasis.


Oozing jazz melodies, the Joy of Jazz festival was the place to mellow out at the end of August. All-night restaurants, bars, and clubs were an added bonus in this chilled-out, cosmopolitan corner of Newtown Johannesburg. Nine venues in the city’s Newtown precinct hosted an extravaganza of over 40 international and local artists.The artist were:

Thandiswa Mazwai and Swazi Dlamini national artist and international artists were:

SAX Summit (Shannon Mowday, Rosemary Quaye, Tineke Postma, Grace Kelly,Nthabiseng Mokoena
Eddie Palmieri       

Manu Katche
Marcus Wyatt
Duke Ellington Orchestra
Wycliffe Gordon
Tribute to Miles Davis
Kurt Elling
Earl Klugh

IF YOU MISSED OUT ON THIS YEAR'S JAZZ FESTIVAL,NOT TO WORRY YOU CAN JOIN IN THE FUN NEXT YEAR!

MUSLIMS THIS MONTH

It just does'nt stop in Newtown, The buzzing atmosphere and the cultures incorporated in this place. TODAY I have decided to shift the focus from culture,entertainment and art to RELIGION.....

                         

Muslims around the world anticipate the arrival of the holiest month of the year. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims from all continents unite in a period of fasting and spiritual reflection and we see this through South African MUSLIMS.
Just down the road from Newtown, is a place called fordsburg. In Fordsburg most people,mainly indians and coloureds are Muslims and fall under the Religion Islam.

Ramadan Basics

Each year, Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observing a community-wide fast. The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims who are physically able are required to fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Qu'ran.


THE FAST ENDS AND WHAT I CALL STARVATION COMES TO AN END AND MUSLIMS NOW CELEBRATE EID-MUBARACK.

ABOVE: EID POEM SCHOLASTIC.

Muslims worldwide are celebrated the end to Ramadan this weekend, known as the Eid al-Fitr, the feast that marks the end of the holy month for Muslims.

Practicing Muslims fast from dawn till dusk during the month of Ramadan which also includes prayers and abstinence from worldly pleasures. In most places around the world, Eid al Fitr is celebrated up to three days. 

"For Muslims, Ramadan has been a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal. These past four weeks have also been a time to serve the less fortunate -- a reminder of the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other. We congratulate Muslims around the world on this joyous day. Eid Mubarak."
A popular phrase used to congratulate each other on holidays, is "Eid Mubarak" which literally means "Blessed Festival."
Eid is a great day of celebration for Muslims. Traditional  celebrations include gathering with friends and family and having a big feast, wearing new clothes, giving eachother gifts and decorating their homes.
Food items for celebrating include everything from vermicelli in saffron sweet cream, curries, kebabs and biriyani.

Read more at http://www.travelerstoday.com/articles/2752/20120819/eid-mubarak-muslims-celebrate-the-end-of-ramadan-eid-al-fitr-around-the-globe.htm#OcCIwjeC9Yhd0js3.99

Above:

    Muslims around the world celebrate the end of Ramadan with a feast(Photo : Reuters
Read more at http://www.travelerstoday.com/articles/2752/20120819/eid-mubarak-muslims-celebrate-the-end-of-ramadan-eid-al-fitr-around-the-globe.htm#lmm4pliIUtB7UMMS.99

ENTERTAINMENT VS SYMBOLISM

Through this experience I am taking you through, I'm beginning to realise that entertainment is not the only thing we are offered in Newtown but the symbolism of this geographic place in the city.

ABOVE:  a flyer advertising an event that took
place early this year. the event was organised
by workers who work at a clothing store,'ritual'
in NEWTOWN,JOHANNESBURG.

Ever wondered why are certain places developed in the City,why are certain sites built. Is this just for tourist attrraction or entertainment purposes? Well what most people don't realise is that the city is doing so much for it's people and there's something symbolic about that.

FROM THE BLOGGER, THESE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

1. Is Johannesburg becoming a 24 hour city?
2. Is confidence in the inner city improving? 
3.  Is the inner city property market improving?
4. Are rentals stabilising in the inner city?
5. To what extent has business turnover increased in the inner city?

THIS IS WHAT I FOUND OUT:

Opportunities to rehabilitate, re-use and revamp redundant buildings.

Investment opportunities in cultural tourism and creative industries.

Economic opportunities for informal enterprises.

Support services to creative industries.

Hotels, restaurants and retail opportunities

www.department tourism.co.za

Johannesburg’s policy makers and city planners have adopted much of the rhetoric and language of world city discourse. It is also policies is clearly two-fold; firstly as an attempt to rejuvenate the inner city’s economy through the use of these industries; and secondly on a more symbolic level to create a new African identity. As demonstrated, within world city discourse and in much of the national Department of Arts and Culture’s policy, there is an emphasis on the power of the arts to re-establish and upgrade the country the city’s international image and reputation.

NEWTOWN BEING SYMBOLIC

One of the most symbolic projects undertaken by the city of Johannesburg to this end has

been the latest Newtown development project. This initiative, the most recent in a long history

of such projects, is clearly in line with world city discourse in regards to the creation of a

cultural quarter and the support of the culture industries. Newtown has also become

a flashpoint for opposing policy views; specifically when it comes to issues of urban renewal,

exclusion, and spatial development.

Some of these realities have also impacted on the perceived success or failure of the Newtown project.The Newtown Development project is modeled on the various cultural quarter projects that have taken place in Western cities. At the heart of the project is the understanding that through supporting certain, strategic culture industries within a specific geographic area, the seeds for economic and urban renewal can be planted. This understanding has been specifically stated within national Arts and Culture policy, and in the various white papers commissioned by the Department of Tourism.

www.departmentoftourism.co.za

I AM WOMAN

Above:Different women holding hands showing off the power of women.

I can only imagine how it was on 9 August 1956 when the Federation of South African Woman organized a mass demonstration against the imposition of pass laws on women in South Africa. More than 20,000 women, led by Lilian Ngoyi (a trade unionist and political activist), Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, took part in the multi-racial march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to deliver a petition to the Prime minister JG Strijdom.

I AM  WOMAN......As women we are where are today because of these phenomenal, brave and inspiring women, it does not matter what race you are,how old you are,whether you are a mother,grandmother,daughter,sister,aunt or whether you're a nun,nurse,domestic worker or work in the corporate world, You are a woman and you worth more than you know. However, that  time of the year has come where the nation honours and celebrates these roles in the emancipation of South Africa, yes mother's day was celebrated 2 months ago but it's not enough when it comes to honouring our beautiful and phenomenon women.

HOW OR WHERE TOO  CELEBRATE?

NEWTOWN, NEWTOWN and NEWTOWN!!!!!!
YES YES YES I said it 

After having breakfast in bed and/or lunch at home you and your girls or family can drive down to Newtown, Johannesburg and explore art in all the museums and art galleries,have lunch at the various restuarants and just enjoy a chilled scene on thursday in Newtown. 

                        ENJOY LADIES IT IS OUR DAY AFTER ALL!