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.”