Snoek & Patat Fees 2012

When I was first invited to the annual Snoek & Patatfees I thought to myself, ‘mmm interesting combination’. I was told the event grew from 7 000 to close to 12 000 visitors in just twenty-four months.

On arrival we were welcomed by citizens of Goedverwacht, for 1 kilometer we were welcomed with waves, smiles and hooters. We stepped out and grasped the soul sounds of the local band and the smell of snoek. At 8am more than 2000 people were having breakfast and the people were braaing, singing and just enjoying the atmosphere of true country. At 11am I was told more than 6000 had passed through the gates. 

This festival is one of the very few where the whole family and community can come and enjoy themselves. After my first plate of snoek&patat I was officially an attendee of the festival. What amazed me the most was the chefs, their dedication, hard work and smiles on their faces while they were preparing the fish and snoek. The tourism workers were wearing their velvet t-shirts very proudly and weren’t shy to pose for the camera midst the busy day they were having.

Entertainment in my opinion was the highlight of the day. They had dancers ranging from traditional, hip-hop to freestyle. The bands both local and from other countries like Namibia surely entertained the crowd. Performers included the Diazville Koperband, Citrusdal dance group, Witzenburg dance group, Houtbay dancegroup, Jac Jul, Tribal Echo, Bee Wings and headline act Emo Adams. All the performers gave it their all when they performed.  

 

South Africa is one of the most cultural countries in the worked. This event brought neighbours, friends, communities and the Western Cape together to celebrate not only the festivities but the meaning of togetherness.

I look forward to next year’s festival.    

Pictures: Taken by Graig-Lee Smith

Additional Sources:  Source: http://www.allstarlive.co.za/artist/emo-adams.php & 

Source: http://www.weslander.co.za/778/event/snoek--patat-fees-2012

        

ROB VEMBER Talks about his new slot on 5FM

It's that time of the year again where South African radio stations moves, shape and changes the line up of their respective stations. Rob Vember, renowned national radio dj at 5FM will be moving from night time to day time.

He took time out of his busy schedule to talk about his new show and time slot , Mon-Fri 12-3pm.

How do you feel about moving to a new slot, from nigh time to day time?

“I'm no stranger to daytime as I do so many stand-in shifts so I think it will be a easy transition and one I look forward to.” 

2. How did you end up in radio? What did you do before joining Heartfm?

“Getting into radio was no accident. I had a plan and luckily everything fell into place, possibly sooner than I thought but the hard work paid off. I decided to study at Rhodes University mainly because I was aware of Rhodes Music Radio and the many great industry leaders they have produced and believed it was my best shot at getting into the industry. I was due to go back to Rhodes for a fourth year of studies but was then head hunted by Heart 104.9FM so I graduated after 3 years and started the Weekend Breakfast show on Heart.” 

3. Where did you grow up? What's your fondest childhood memory?

“I stayed in Cape Town's southern suburbs in my early years before moving to Bellville where I did most of my "growing up". My favourite memories have to be holidays and camping with family, cousins, aunts, uncles, I come from a huge family.” 

4. Which High School & University did you attend?

“I attended Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High and studied at both Rhodes University and UWC.” 

5. What was the most embarrassing moment on school or university?

“None that I can think of at varsity but at school it had to be passing out in front of the entire school assembly.” 

6. What inspired you to be a radio broadcaster?

“I loved the idea of having fun and being paid to do it!” 

7. What do you see in the youth of today? What the things you admire most of the youth and what scares you the most?

 “We are increasingly becoming a society that settles for mediocrity and that worries me greatly. The youth especially are so desperate for role models that they are willing to put anyone on a pedestal to worship. It's the age of celebrity and we believe the hype around people way too easily.”  

8. Tell us what listeners look forward to on your new time-slot on 5FM?

“It's more of me, just bigger (if that's possible) and better. I've never changed who am I for radio so not going to start now.” 

9. Complete the following sentence.
The biggest lesson that I learned in life is..............

“... listen... breathe... speak...”  

10. Any advice for future radio broadcasters?

“As with anything in life... work hard, put in the hours, work the crappy shifts. The world owes you nothing so don't expect things to fall into your lap.” 

11. Do you miss Cape Town? How is JHB different?

“Most Capetonians come to Joburg and hate it. I miss Cape Town on occasion mainly because I miss family and friends. I live a solitary life by choice, as long as I have my three dogs I could live anywhere so being in Joburg doesn't bother me at all.”  

12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

“Hosting a bigger show on 5FM and doing more TV work.”  

Karin Rises Above

Idols winner Karin Kortjie yesterday held a press at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. After years of bad publicity she finally broke the silence and decided to tell all.

It started in the Kuier magazine where she revealed all her personal details dating back to her childhood. She spoke about her emotional and physical abuse, her addiction with substance abuse. When asked if she did it because of pressure from the public she denied it. “It was a personal decision and I was ready for it. I know that I have disappointed a lot of people, for me its not how hard you fall but the way up and how you do that,” she explained.

Accompanied by her public relations manager Morné Meyer, the two seemed very close and you could see the trust. Whenever Karin weren’t comfortable answering, he jumped in and eased her. The journalist asked if it was a PR thing or if Meyer were really looking out for her. He advised that the two of them have a great working relationship.

Meyer recently became Karin’s PR manager. After the ‘Diva’s Concert’ they started working together. “When I saw hoe she made a lot of mistakes, I told myself I have to get hold of that girl.” According to him, Karin gets a standing ovation wherever she performs and the public still loves her. She recently opened an international conference at the CTICC.

When asked if Karin’s life would be the same hadn’t she joined Idols, she simply said “I performed across the Western Cape while I was in a band. Yes Idols did change my life.”She however advised that young and fresh talent should consider doing their own thing. “Idols gave  me a lot of knocks. I wouldn’t want that for anyone.”

Looking at the future, she’ll be hard at work to work on her album. Her new production called ‘this is my life’ will start 18 August at the Baxter Theatre.

“God allowed me to go through what I did. He made me stronger and wiser,” she added.

Get UP!

Over the past four years the education department in South Africa has tried almost everything to get matriculants to go to tertiary institutions. According to the Western Cape education department, two out of five school leavers go to university and FET colleges.

First year welding student at Northlink College, Cheree Kleinsmith (23) explained the challenges she faces at tertiary. “Finance is one of the most difficult things I face. It’s not easy getting funding.”

Welding is a predominantly male choice of study; being the only female in her class she faces stereotypical comments on a daily basis. However she chooses not take in any of the things the male students say.” I choose to study welding because I wanted to bring a point across. Ladies can do a better job. The money is good. “ 

Kleinsmith’s day start with a half an hour theory lesson and then they spend about four to six hours working on their practical components. This is not her first time studying. She studies boiler making and has a certificate. “I wanted to take it a step higher in empowering myself. “

In Bellville South there are shocking statistics when it comes to high school scholars. More and more drop out. Stay at home and fall into the trap of drug abuse, crime and gang related activities.

Christopher Mars, Cape Peninsula University of Technology graduate didn’t look at his circumstances. “You can’t blame your parents or where you live and say you can’t study. Stand up and break the cycle.”