IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS

 

Rhumbelow Film Club membership is R300 for half a year. Attendance to the films will then be free. At this stage, there are screenings every Wednesday – and occasionally on a Monday.

Membership for SASSA PENSIONERS is free.

This series of films does not apply to Royal Opera, Royal Ballet and London Stage Shows.

The next film will be In Search of the Castaways, screened on Wednesday, August 6 at 18h30.

Young Mary Grant (Hayley Mills) and her brother (Keith Hamshere) travel to Scotland with their friend Professor Paganel (Maurice Chevalier) to attempt to convince Lord Glenarvan (Wilfrid Hyde White) to help locate Mary's missing father, Captain Grant (Jack Gwillim).

As Grant was working for him, Glenarvan agrees, and the group sails to South America and then Australia in search of him. They eventually meet the treacherous Thomas Ayerton (George Sanders), who may know the captain's location.

Refreshments are available but members may bring their own refreshment except alcohol. No alcohol may be admitted to the theatre. There is a full bar.

Please email roland@stansell.co.za for more information. Strict Covid protocols will be observed. Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban.

THEFT: REVIEW

 

(The story may be a simple one, but “Theft” is the kind of book that creates a reality that will stick in the mind of the reader for a long time. - Review by Margaret von Klemperer)

 

Abdulrazak Gurnah’s writing is brilliant, perhaps unsurprising for a Nobel Literature Prize winner.

At first glance it seems unshowy, beautifully easy to read and straightforward. But at the same time, it has immense power to hook the reader in and make them care deeply about the characters and their circumstances.

 Theft has three main characters whose lives we follow as they move from their 1990s childhood into adulthood. They are based in the author’s native country of Tanzania, specifically Zanzibar, which Gurnah left at the age of 18 as a refugee before settling in Britain.

The first is Karim, who, although his mother abandoned him when he was a child, was fortunate to have a supportive half-brother who saw that he wanted for very little.

In contrast, Badar has no idea who his real parents were. The presumed relations who raised him until he was aged 14 then unceremoniously dumped him onto another family in Dar es Salaam to be a servant.

The third character, Fauzia, is an only child, clever and deeply loved, but with an overprotective mother who is always terrified that her daughter’s childhood epilepsy will recur and ruin her life. In the early part of the book, we learn less about Fauzia, but her role will develop.

The family who employ Badar are in fact Karim’s mother, her second husband and his gloomy father. Once Karim is a successful, high-flying and somewhat entitled student in Dar es Salaam, he visits them to re-establish a relationship with his mother and, in what is perhaps a slightly patronising way, befriends Badar. And when Badar is wrongly accused of theft, he takes him back to Zanzibar and helps him to find a job, working in a slightly run-down hotel in Stone Town.

Karim is a charming and successful young man whose easy generosity to Badar sets up an unequal relationship, which when tested, may prove difficult. But at the beginning, it is happy, and when Karim marries Fauzia, it seems that Badar has the friendships and stability he has always craved.

But life is not that simple and in this story of three young people – ordinary in many ways and none of them likely to change the world – Gurnah explores how relationships work. It is not just the interpersonal that he highlights: Tanzania attracts aid workers, and Gurnah shows how the volunteers, however good their original motives, can be predatory and frighteningly careless of the societies they find themselves in. And on the personal level, he shows how people interact – who has power, influence, affection, empathy and need and how these compete.

The story may be a simple one, but Theft is the kind of book that creates a reality that will stick in the mind of the reader for a long time. - Margaret von Klemperer

Theft is published by Bloomsbury: ISBN 978-1-5266-8010-5

THE NICOTINE GOSPEL: REVIEW

 

In his acknowledgements section, Axelrad writes “that although none of this happened, all of it is real”. Ultimately perhaps the message is that the human spirit is resilient, even when damaged. – Review by Margaret von Klemperer

 

This is Sven Axelrad’s third novel, following Buried Treasure and God’s Pocket, both of which were very well received here in the author’s native South Africa and beyond. 

This one is a quirky, inventive read, hard to categorise and, I have a feeling, one that may be something of a Marmite book, dividing readers into lovers and haters.

The narrator is Nathan, telling the story of his decidedly unusual childhood from his perspective as an adult. 

When he and his brother Danny were young children aged four and six, their mother died, having been struck by lightning during a Durban thunderstorm while they watched. And they were then left in the care of their father, the oddly named Esben Muesli. As a single parent and caregiver, he was a long way out of the ordinary. He was the author of one bestselling book, but the readers of this one get to hear little about it – merely that it was a source of his fame.

As a story of Nathan’s coming of age, The Nicotine Gospel goes into the world view of Esben as he brings up his children. He invents his personal Nicotine Gospel, which is a way of summing up and understanding the people around him by studying the brand of cigarettes that they smoke. And he insists that his children learn the rules of his system to enable them to survive in the world. But his curious gospel is not the only thing he brings into their lives. His girlfriend, who moves in with them, is nasty, vicious and abusive. All in all, it is a very unusual childhood, damaging to both boys, though in different ways.

Moving backwards and forwards from the past they endured together to a present where Nathan and Danny, long estranged, are travelling together to their father’s funeral, the novel creates a strange world, but one that becomes oddly believable.

There are moments of clever and dark humour – Esben’s funeral is particularly funny. And there are episodes of deeply disturbing action, glimpses of another existence which Nathan aspires to and may eventually reach, and some excellent descriptive writing.

There is no doubt that Axelrad is a talented writer, but as I said earlier, this book will not appeal to everyone. In his acknowledgements section, Axelrad writes “that although none of this happened, all of it is real”. Ultimately perhaps the message is that the human spirit is resilient, even when damaged. - Margaret von Klemperer

The Nicotine Gospel is published by Umuzi: ISBN 978-1-41521-139-7

THE UNLIKELY SECRET AGENT

 

A gripping true story of courage and resistance

Forms part of the Playhouse Company’s Women’s Arts Festival and presented by Unlikely Productions. 

Durban, 1963. At the height of Apartheid, the government intensified its brutal campaign against resistance movements, throwing the country into chaos. Amid this unrest, a young single mother named Eleanor, working quietly at Griggs Bookstore, is arrested under the notorious 90-day detention law.

 

Suspected of links to the elusive "terrorist" Ronnie Kasrils, Eleanor becomes the target of relentless interrogation. But Eleanor is no ordinary citizen; she is a secret operative for the banned African National Congress.

To survive, she devises a daring plan; feign a mental breakdown, get transferred to a psychiatric hospital and make her escape.

The Unlikely Secret Agent is a powerful, true story of resilience, courage and defiance against an oppressive regime. Don't miss this electrifying production that brings one woman’s extraordinary bravery to light.

Written and directed by Paul du Toit and featuring Ashley Dowds, de Klerk Oelofse, Sanda Shandu, Luntu Maziza and Erika Breytenbach.

August 8 at 19h30 & August 9 at 15h00 in the Playhouse Loft Theatre, Tickets: R120 booked through Webtickets.

ONCE UPON A TUNE

 

16 August at 14h00 | Playhouse Drama Theatre

Zanne Stapelberg takes centre stage in Once Upon A Tune, a deeply theatrical, moving and engaging cabaret directed by Steven Stead.

Featuring a selection of powerful musical theatre songs, each piece unfolds as a dramatic monologue rich with story, emotion and resonance. With her extraordinary voice and presence, Zanne weaves together a tapestry of human experience, inviting the audience to reflect on what it truly means to live, to lose, to love and to laugh.

Join up for this stirring afternoon of music and meaning, an experience not to be missed. Musical direction and piano by Albie van Schalkwyk.

Tickets R150 available at Webtickets.

THE CRY OF WINNIE MANDELA

 

Saturday August 9, 2025, at 14h00 at The Playhouse Drama Theatre..

Witness a groundbreaking theatrical experience that explores love, waiting and resilience through the eyes of South African women.

Adapted from Njabulo Ndebele’s celebrated novel and directed by the trailblazing MoMo Matsunyane, this powerful production interweaves the stories of four women whose lives echo the struggles and strength of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Expect a raw, deeply emotional journey filled with truth, pain and hope. This performance will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Booking through Webtickets.

HILTON ARTS FESTIVAL

 

It’s that time of the year again...

Booking is open for the annual Hilton Arts Festival taking place at Hilton College, just outside Pietermaritzburg, from August 8 to 10, 2025. The Hilton Festival, now in its 32nd year, is one of South Africa’s leading festivals and the largest festival of its kind in KZN, and brings the pick of the country’s music, theatre, film and art to KZN audiences.  

As regular festival-goers will attest, Hilton is MUCH more than simply a drama festival; there are dollops of comedy, music of different genres, an extensive fine art exhibition, exciting arts related workshops, fun activities for kids and upmarket craft, as well as loads of live music, interactive musical experiences, free street theatre, and a varied food and beverage offering.

Of special mention are: My Ma se Platespeler; Funk The Disco; The Cleansing and Tails to Tell, Wings to Fly. Look out for these recommend productions.

Valid for three days, entrance to the festival for the weekend is a once-off cost of R100 per car.

See the full programme on www.hiltonfestival.co.za

Bookings via Webtickets on https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Client.aspx?clientcode=hiltonartsfest

 

2025 DFM AWARDS ANNOUNCED

 

The 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) has wrapped up, concluding with the presentation of the 2025 DFM Awards on Monday July 21.

The premier film industry event in Africa, DFM 2025, took place from July 18 - 21 in Durban, under the theme Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite The event successfully brought together 1364 film professionals and filmmakers from 63 countries across the world.

Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), says: "We are delighted to have hosted such a dynamic array of filmmakers from across the African continent. They entrusted us with their projects and ideas, and generously shared their time, expertise, and passion through enriching conversations, creating a truly African event. The talent showcased in this year's programme and film projects exemplifies the strength of African cinema. The memories made, networks expanded, and partnerships forged have significantly contributed to DFM's enduring legacy and impact. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their support in celebrating and elevating African storytellers, producers, and content creators."

The event ended on a high with the presentation of 39 awards from 34 partners to the total of over R1,5 million (USD 80,000).

 

** AWARDS:

** CATEGORY - CASH AWARDS:

National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF)

 

 

** Best Fiction - Grant of R100,000: The Second Coming (South Africa)

Producer: Siyabonga Xaba. Director: Michael James

 

** Best Non-fiction - Grant of R100,000: The Salt of the South (Tunisia)

Producer: Ramzi Laâmouri. Director: Rami Jarboui

 

** Best Animation - Grant of R100,000: Crocodile Dance (South Africa, Nigeria)

Producer: Ingrid de Beer. Directors:  Shofela Coker, Nadia Darries

 

** Red Sea Film Fund Award of 5,000 USD: Golden (Zimbabwe)

Producers: Rumbi Katedza, Ingrid Martens. Director: Rumbi Katedza

 

** Red Sea Film Fund Award of 5,000 USD:  The Second Coming (South Africa)

Producer: Siyabonga Xaba. Director: Michael James

 

** Red Sea Film Fund Award of 5,000 USD: Climbing the Mountains (Algeria)

Producers: Kenji Accard, Sabrina Chebbi. Co-producer: Oualid Baha. Director: Sabrina Chebbi

 

** Al Jazeera Co-production Award of 10,000 USD: Climbing the Mountains (Algeria)

Producers: Kenji Accard, Sabrina Chebbi. Co-producer: Oualid Baha. Director: Sabrina Chebbi

 

** Climate Story Labs Award of 10,000 USD: The award is on behalf of Climate Story Labs Africa and Doc Society, in collaboration with UMI Fund.

Plastic Atlantis (Cape Verde)

Producer: Pedro Soulé. Director: Samira Vera-Cruz.

 

** Inkaba Award (Stained Glass TV) Award of 5,000 USD and consulting time

Inkaba, meaning “navel” or “origin,” speaks to where stories are birthed — a fitting symbol for bold new work seeking financing and co-production support.

The Second Coming (South Africa)

Producer: Siyabonga Xaba. Director: Michael James

 

** CANAL+ Development Grant of 5,000 EURO with a development contract

Golden (Zimbabwe)

Producers: Rumbi Katedza, Ingrid Martens. Director: Rumbi Katedza

 

** TRT Award of 5,000 USD

The Guardian (Libya, Algeria, Canada)

Producer: Lynda Belkhiria. Director: Muhannad Lamin

 

** MTN Group Digital Award of 5,000 USD (R100,000)

Nomvula (She Who Brings the Rain) (South Africa)

Producer: Kethiwe Ngcobo. Director: Sibusiso Khuzwayo

 

** Sundance Institute Documentary Fund New Voices Award of 5,000 USD grant

Plastic Atlantis (Cape Verde)

Producer: Pedro Soulé. Director: Samira Vera-Cruz

 

** The Whickers Bursary Award of 3,000 GB POUNDS for a first-time feature documentary director

Vuka (South Africa)

Producer: Rehad Desai. Director: Matthew Robinson

 

** OIF-ACP-EU Award of 2.500 EURO

Plastic Atlantis (Cape Verde)

Producer: Pedro Soulé. Director: Samira Vera-Cruz

 

** Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Award of 2,000 CAD

Climbing the Mountains (Algeria)

Producers: Kenji Accard, Sabrina Chebbi. Co-producer: Oualid Baha. Director: Sabrina Chebbi

 

** Wrapped Talents Durban Prize  of R10,000 cash prize; One-year Premium Subscription to Wrapped; and Featured spotlight on Wrapped

Trucker Man (South Africa)

Director: Shiefaa Hendricks

 

 

CATEGORY - MARKET/EVENT PARTICIPATION AWARD

** DFM Talents Durban Award

Flights and accommodation to participate in DFM Pitch and Finance Forum 2026

Designing Divide (South Africa)

Director: Jessie Ayles

 

** Sørfond Award

Flights and accommodation to participate Participation in the Sørfond Pitch 2025

Baptism of Silence (South Africa)

Producer: Casey Diepeveen. Directors: Kanya Viljoen, Emilie Badenhorst

 

** El Gouna Film Festival Award

Flights and accommodation to participate in CineGouna 2025

Samaa Gafa (Dry Sky) (Sudan)

Producer: Aya Tallah Yusuf. Director: Ibrahim Omar

 

** The FIDADOC Award

Flights and accommodation to participate in FIDADOC Pan African Writing Residency 2026

Kumfoga (Togo)

Dissirama Bessog

 

** Rotterdam Lab Award

Accreditation and accommodation to participate in the Rotterdam Lab 2026

Space Maasai (Tanzania)

Producer: Wilson Nkya. Director: Priscilla Marealle

 

** Animation Production Days (APD) Award

Accreditation and accommodation to participate in Animation Production Days 2026

Tribe (South Africa)

Producer: Debbie Crosscup. Director: Tendayi Nyeke

 

** Visions du Reel Award

Accreditation and accommodation to participate in the Visions du Reel Market 2026 (presentation in the Marketplace Pitching/Roundtables / One-on-One Meetings)

Akal (Morocco)

Producer: Karim Debbagh. Director: Basma Rkioui

 

** Sheffield Doc Fest Award

Accreditation and accommodation to participate in Sheffield Doc Fest 2026

Plastic Atlantis (Cape Verde)

Producer: Pedro Soulé. Director: Samira Vera-Cruz

 

** The DOK Leipzig Award

Accreditation and accommodation to participate in DOK Leipzig 2025

Akal (Morocco)

Producer: Karim Debbagh. Director: Basma Rkioui

 

** DOK.fest München Award

Accreditation and accommodation to participate in the DOK.forum Marketplace 2026 (DOK Co-Pro Market or in DOK Preview Training)

Golden (Zimbabwe)

Producers: Rumbi Katedza, Ingrid Martens. Director: Rumbi Katedza

 

** CATEGORY - MENTORSHIP, DISTRIBUTION AND MEMBERSHIP

** MAD Solutions Award

Sales and Distribution of one project in the Arab world. The award was presented to a project from the Palestine Film Institute Spotlight, presented at DFM 2025

Ping Pong (Palestine)

Producer: May Jabareen. Director: Saleh Saadi

 

** Doc A Award

Consultation, training and granting of the impact campaign

Plastic Atlantis (Cape Verde)

Producer: Pedro Soulé. Director: Samira Vera-Cruz

 

** EURODOC Award

Tuition and residential fees for one session in Euro Doc 2026 and 12 months-long membership

The Salt of the South (Tunisia)

Producer: Ramzi Laâmouri. Director: Rami Jarboui

 

** Fak'ugesi Residency Award

Participation in the Residency Programme

Kamaroza (Egypt)

Producer: Nouran Abdallah. Directors: Ahmad Abdelhameed, Islam Mazhar

Studio: Samaka

 

** TFL Next IEFTA Award (supported by IEFTA)

Invitation to Film online workshop in 2025

Nomvula (She Who Brings the Rain) (South Africa)

Producer: Kethiwe Ngcobo. Director: Sibusiso Khuzwayo

 

** Women Make Movies Award

Best Pitch by a Women Filmmaker.

Acceptance into the Production Assistance Program, which includes the following additional benefits: Fiscal sponsorship, allowing filmmakers to raise grants in the U.S.

Individualized fundraising, distribution, and ongoing project consultations, including feedback on rough cuts. A project page on WMM’s website to facilitate online donations. Access to WMM’s catalogue of more than 700 films. Social media support for crowdfunding campaigns, screenings, and events. Promotion of the completed film. One year of free WMM webinar on the business side of the business and case studies. Scheduled use of WMM’s NYC office, including the conference room for meetings or rough-cut screenings.

Plastic Atlantis (Cape Verde)

Producer: Pedro Soulé

Director: Samira Vera-Cruz

 

** Impronta Films Consultancy Award

Consultancy Award offering up to 4 sessions over a 12 month period, for two documentary projects in development

Planet Carnival (South Africa)

Producers: Thandi Davids. Co-producer: Luana Rocha. Director: Kurt Orderson

 

Vuka (South Africa)

Producer: Rehad Desai. Director: Matthew Robinson

 

** Triggerfish Mentorship Award

6-month mentorship of one-on-one sessions covering all the aspects of development, production and business/marketing for their project

Aisha Qandicha (Morocco)

Producer: Alyssa Harden. Director: Fatima Mahdar

 

** Isiziba Award (Stained Glass TV)

40 hours of executive development and consultancy for a Talents Durban Story Junction participant.

Isiziba, meaning “a still and sacred water source,” reflects the quiet depth and potential of emerging talent — those still waters that run deep.

Watching over you (South Africa)

Director Stephen Nagel

 

** Talent Press Award Supported by FIPRESCI

1 Year Membership to FIPRESCI

Alice Johnson (Ghana)

 

** Wrapped Talent Press Prize

Press and publicity support

Tshi Malatji (South Africa)

 

DFM thanks all attendees for their support and dedication to African cinema, travelling from near and far to be part of this event. We now eagerly anticipate the 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart and look forward to welcoming you back next year.

The Durban FilmMart Institute, which organises DFM 2025, receives its primary funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.

The success of the event is made possible through the generous support of various organisations and entities The Durban FilmMart Institute receives its principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

The success of the annual Durban FilmMart is made possible through the generous support of various organisations and entities. Funders, sponsors and exhibitors include the Ford Foundation, Netflix, Afreximbank, National Film and Video Foundation, NEFTi, Industrial Development Corporation, MTN Group Digital, French Institute of South Africa, IEFTA, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Independent Media Producers Association of Creative Talent (I.M.P.A.CT), Panavision, Panalux, Namibia Film Commission, Palestine Film Institute,  Network of Arab Alternative Screens Cine Connect, Film and Publication Board, Directors Guild of South Africa , Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Côte d'Ivoire (Cultural Office), Downtown Music Africa, Next Narrative Africa Fund, GIZ, Sunshine Cinema, Wesgro, Independent Producers Organisation, Wrapped, Canal + University, Bertha Foundation, Gauteng Film Commission, Film Cape Town, CNN Collection

Additionally, the event benefits from partnerships with esteemed organisations and festivals. The programme partners include the Durban International Film Festival, African Reel Collective, Africa No Filter, Animation SA, Berlinale Talents, Cape Town International Animation Film Festival, Dante Languages, Disabled Audiovisual Workers Network, Digital Lab Africa, Directors Guild of South Africa, Doc Society, Documentary Filmmakers’ Association, Durban University of Technology, DW Akademie (supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Developments), Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, European Audio Visual Entrepreneurs, Fipresci, Hot Docs Blue Ice Fund, Independent Producers Organisation, Sisters Working in Film and Television, South African Guild of Actors, Tempo, The Climate Story Labs Africa, The Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, The Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, The South African Guild of Editors, Writers Guild of South Africa

 

For more information visit the website (http://durbanfilmmart.co.za/)

 

https://facebook.com/

https://instagram.com/

https://linkedin.com/

https://youtube.com/

mailto:info@durbanfilmmart.com

 

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

 

TRIBUTE EVENING FOR THE LATE PIETER SCHOLTZ

 

(Pieter Scholtz)

Fellow actor and drama lecturer Jane Ross will present St Clements’ Monday at Six programme on August 4 as a tribute evening for the late Emeritus Professor Pieter Scholtz.

A celebrated actor, playwright and novelist, Pieter Scholtz headed the Department of Speech and Drama at the University of Natal in Durban (now UKZN), for 22 years. He died on the afternoon of July 5 at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital after a period of declining health. He was 88.

Pieter Scholtz, the inspiration behind Mondays at Six: friend, mentor to many, emeritus UKZN Drama professor, author of innumerable books and plays (a number of which, long-time Monday night fans will remember, were launched by Pieter at St Clements), adventurer, visionary, dreamer, legend and forever-adoring husband of the late Jilian Hurst (Jilly), who died in 1997 (dancer, choreographer, director with Margie Larlham of the Barefoot Dance Company, precursor of the Flatfoot Dance Company).

Jilian Hurst wrote the book Dancing into Being, one of the books Pieter published and launched at St Clements, written and illustrated by Jilian before she died.

Pieter was a man who cared about others and whose fervour for acting, theatre, the stage, the written word, seemed to come not from ego or pretension but from a deep passion for the art, the craft, the desire to share, to interpret, to nurture, to create.

Planned for the August “Monday at Six” is a lively and celebratory tribute evening for Pieter. Jane Ross, a lecturer in drama at Stadio college, an actress and a friend, is putting together the evening. Look forward to meeting some of Pieter’s former students, hearing interpretations of some of his favourite readings and poems and lots more.

Also on the programme will be Caroline Smart, artSMart owner and editor as well as an experienced actress, who will present a couple of items in honour of Pieter, who was a good friend. She will also read a tribute by Mervyn McMurtry who took over the Department of Speech and Drama when Pieter Scholtz retired.

Rick (a St Clem stalwart now in Joburg) and Jill Andrew have recorded Pieter’s St Clements anthem, Forever Young, for the occasion. Expect, also, to hear from Pieter’s St Clements "Friday breakfast group" friends including Chris Nicholson, Val Coppin-Shaw and Paul Mikula. Hopefully Graham Linscott, too, who Pieter would coerce when he was still “running the show” to judge the many short story contests he ran, won sometimes by the late great Andrew Verster, who was a Mondays at Six stalwart and great Pieter friend.

Jane promises an open mic. Expect to enjoy a four-minute video from James Parker in the UK, telling an anecdotal tale about Pieter. James, who wrote the book Drama Queen on Prof Elizabeth Sneddon and who was a close friend and collaborator (of both former UKZN drama professors), has also sent a segment of an interview where Pieter eloquently defines art. James is among Pieter’s St Clem friends who has moved far away but opts to stay on the special Mondays at Six email invitation list and when in Durbs, comes and joins the little Pieter “friends” group that meets weekly at St Clements.

Pieter had been living at Garden Grove, his well-being overseen by his loving niece, Heidi van Rooyan, with a full-time carer and with regular visits from former drama students and other friends. He celebrated his 88th birthday with a brekkie at St Clements, his home from home, and where, until the last six or seven weeks, he was still a regular, if frail, visitor.

The great staff at St Clements took good care of him. Steve Clements was there for Pieter, helped him find and buy his last car (which Pieter gave to a former student when he had to stop driving), gave Pieter a refuge that kept him sane during Covid, took him to Eshowe when Pieter had to finally pack up his dream “tree house” there. (Which came, in retirement, after the house boat in the UK, which was followed by the water tower in France.) 

Hopefully, a public memorial for Pieter Scholtz will be arranged at some point at UKZN — ideally at the Sneddon Theatre. James Parker reminds us, “Elizabeth (Sneddon) told me Pieter “designed” the Sneddon Theatre (as in having been consulted on every aspect.) For instance, “his insistence that the area above the stage be of equal size as the stage to accommodate the ‘flies’ and that the wings be roomy enough to allow actors to stand there… the rake of the auditorium” and more.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you’re destined for.

But don’t hurry the journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years,

so you’re old by the time you reach the island,

wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,

not expecting Ithaka to make you rich. — from Ithaka by C.P. Cavafy.

 

Pieter had Ingrid Lotter Smith, artist, teacher, calligrapher and owner (till some commercial people turned it into an office) of what was the fabulous Artisan Gallery at the top of Florida Road, “calligraphy” this poem for him. He had her transpose the poem in English over the words printed in pale green in Greek. Pieter had this framed in his Eshowe “dacha” and moved it with him to Garden Grove, where it hung on the wall in his bedroom. It is a poem that seems to powerfully express Pieter’s life and how he lived it.

(Ingrid was scheduled to present, on calligraphy, at the August St. Clements Monday. Instead, she will be with us in September.)

When the donation box is passed around, a minimum of R50 per person is suggested.

Weather permitting, the production will be outdoors. Indoors if it rains.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff.

Be there in time to order — evening scheduled to start at 18h00

Please cancel if you book then can’t make it.

Table bookings essential: RSVP ST Clements +27 62 582 0980* (aka 062 582 0980)

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00. Table bookings are essential on 031 202 2511.

If you wish to dine after the presentation, place your order before 18h00.

 

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS YEAR'S YOUNG PERFORMERS CONCERT

Deadline: Friday, August 8, 2025

Applications for this year's Young Performers Concert close next week Friday, August 8.

The annual concert sees the cream of KZN’s music and vocal students performing with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, Africa’s premier orchestra. If you're dreaming of being one of the 2025 cohort onstage with some of the best classical musicians in the country, now is your time to act!

Auditions will be held on Saturday September 6 at Clifton School, 102 Lambert Road, Morningside, Durban.

The concert takes place on Saturday October 18, 2025, at 15h00 in the Playhouse Drama Theatre.

Application forms may be downloaded here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mcusercontent.com/a9401b52c844e85fe6ffcacc0/files/1d9cb5db-6890-2c58-655f-945be281e051/Application_form_Young_Performers_2025.pdf

.. or completed online here.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_YvIeNOH2wQiz7vL78srRHSstEw56_ujk0rIhfnehsSARWQ/viewform

 

Looking forward to making music with KZN's up-and-coming musical talent!

Message from Bongani Tembe, CEO and Artistic Director of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information click on the KZNPO advert at the top right-hand side of this article.

MITH JULY 30

Where can you meet with friends, enjoy great music in a beautiful environment with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50? Music in The Hills (MiTH) at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm in Hilton every second Wednesday! Your best bet for an affordable, soul-stirring musical experience with your friends.

 

MiTH – 30 July 2025

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (Cash or Zapper at the Door)

Info: 082 331 7271

 

19h00 – Chris Erasmus (Dust)

Chris Dust is a bilingual Afrikaans and English singer-songwriter known for his emotive vocals and acoustic storytelling. With a strong focus on voice and lyrical expression, he performs a mix of originals and carefully selected covers, blending elements of folk, pop, and country.

Influenced by the melodic depth of artists like Billy Joel and Coldplay, alongside Afrikaans greats like Laurika Rauch and Koos du Plessis, Chris brings authenticity and heart to every performance.

He was recently named a Top 10 finalist in the FAK’s Skryf’it 2025 competition with his original song Padkaart.

 

19h45 – Brian and Martin: The 70s Show

After nearly 50 years of occasionally crossing paths on stage, Martin Godfrey and Brian Bedingfield are finally teaming up properly for the first time. Their collaboration brings you a nostalgic set of classic songs – all from the 1970s.

Expect clever arrangements, tight harmonies, and a heartfelt tribute to a golden musical era.

 

20h45 – Hot Fuzz

Bringing serious energy and throwback vibes, Hot Fuzz is a dynamic 5-piece band that covers the best of the 80s, 90s, and beyond.

From Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls to Nirvana, Coldplay, and Maroon 5, this band takes you on a journey through the alt-rock anthems and pop-rock hits that defined a generation.

The band consists of Evan on vocals and guitar, Ryan on vocals and electric guitar, Braydon on electric guitar, Jamie on bass, and Josh on drums.

 

About MiTH:

KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music. Every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton. Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available.

 

Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email mithbookings@gmail.com to perform.

 

 

Directions To MiTH:

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

TUTU PUOANE FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Tutu Puoane)

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents International-based SA jazz musician Tutu Puoane who will perform her album Wrapped in Rhythm on Wednesday August 6, 2025, at 17h30.

The Pretoria-born artist Puoane will embark on a nationwide tour across stages in major cities in the country. The Durban concert will be a duet together with Belgian pianist Ewout Pierreux, who is also her partner in life.

For just under a decade, South African singer Tutu Puoane walked around with the poetry collection In A Ribbon Of Rhythm by her compatriot Lebogang Mashile under her arm. Mashile’s poems made a deep impression on her, and every time she read them, she heard music. She wrote a slew of new songs based on some of her favourites from Mashile's collection. The result is an original and glowing repertoire, sounding like her own mix of singer-songwriting, jazz and soul.

This music forms the basis for legendary American musician/bassist/producer Larry Klein who produced the likes of Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Thomas Dybdahl, Herbie Hancock etc. The open and loose structures of the repertoire allow for a free, improvised and communicative approach to the music when performed live. Those who have already experienced her on stage know that this is the ideal context for Puoane at her best.

The concert takes place at the UKZN, Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on August 6, 2025. Doors open at 17h00, music starts at 17h30.

Tickets available online: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1567747030

If they do not sell out, there will be available for cash at the door: R120, R90 for pensioners, R60 for students

The Centre for Jazz is located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2.