Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
The Voortrekker Monument dominates the skyline of Pretoria and commemorates the early pioneering days of the country. It was designed by renowned South African architect Gerard Moerdijk to commemorate the Great Trek of 1838 when around 15 000 pioneers (known colloquially as Voortrekkers) of mainly Dutch, French and German descent left the Cape by ox-wagon to move into the interior of the country in search of independence and freedom from colonial rule. The foundation stone was laid on 16 December 1938.
Facilities on site include the Heritage Centre Museum, art gallery and Fort Schanskop. Horse and ox wagon rides can also be undertaken in the surrounding nature reserve.
Address: Eeufees Road (M7), Tshwane
Tel: + 27 (0)12 326 6770
Set in an attractive terraced garden with magnificent views of the city, the imposing Union Buildings complex is a famous landmark in Tshwane. The buildings form the official seat of South Africa’s government and house the Presidency and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1909, building started in 1909 and was completed in 1913.
This landmark saw the advent of democracy in South Africa with the inauguration of South Africa’s first democratically elected head of state, former President Nelson Mandela here in May 1994. Former President Thabo Mbeki was also inaugurated here, as well as President Jacob Zuma in May 2009.
The landscaped gardens contain a number of memorials including the Delville Wood war memorial, a tribute to South Africans who died during the First World War, and statues of former South African prime ministers, Generals Louis Botha, JBM Hertzog and JC Smuts.
Address: Church Street, Pretoria
Church Square, in the centre of Pretoria, is steeped in history and was originally the market place where farmers gathered with their ox-wagons and tents when they came to town for “nagmaal” or Holy Communion. The square is dominated by Anton van Wouw’s statue of Paul Kruger, the last president of the former Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (Transvaal Republic) and is surrounded by strikingly beautiful old buildings.
Buildings on the northern façade include the Palace of Justice where many struggle heroes (including former President Nelson Mandela) were tried, and the Reserve Bank and Old Mutual buildings, both in the classical style of the 1930s. On the western façade you will see the General Post Office, Café Riche, the Ou Nederlandsche Bank Building (which accommodates the tourism information office) and the Capital Theatre, where an African market is now operational.
The southern façade consists of the Old Council Chamber and the First National Bank Building. The eastern façade sports Our First People’s Bank, a good example of Cape architecture, and the Tudor Chambers.
Johann Says: “You have to pop in at Café Riche, a bistro in the historical heart of Pretoria. Have a look at the wonderful old photo’s of Pretoria in its early days hanging on the walls, and then admire the old buildings while sitting at one of their tables on the sidewalk. Great coffee, and even better South African beers!”
Café Riche is a fully licensed bistro situated on Church Square in the centre of Pretoria. Originally established in 1905, it was closed down and re-opened in 1994. The Café Riche building celebrated its centenary in 2005, making it the oldest café and bistro in Pretoria. The Café is frequented by South Africans as well as tourists from all over the world.
Café Riche bakes fresh pastries from six until about twelve at night, so you are assured that the popular baguettes and croissants will always be fresh. Also popular are their Mediterranean Fussily Pasta with Tabouleh style vegetables. The salads are a refreshing choice for the hot Pretoria summer or you may choose from different daily specials. Café Riche is open daily before and after concerts, which makes it an ideal after-theatre stop. Several famous Belgian beers are also available.
Every last Friday of the month. This youthful seven year old multi-cultural Philosophy Cafe, the first in South Africa, is open to any premeditated ideas. We regularly host, within the informal atmosphere of the bistro, famous local and international speakers. Discussions at the FilosofieKafee has been held in English, French, Greek, isiZulu and Afrikaans!
Freedom Park is a 52-hectare site located on Salvokop, offering a panoramic view of Tshwane and its other famous landmarks. The park is a one-stop heritage precinct that provides a broad new perspective of South Africa’s history and tells the country’s story in a visual and interactive way. It is a symbol of acknowledgement of the heroes of the struggle for freedom in South Africa and a tribute to the truth and reconciliation process in the country.
Address: Entrance off Potgieter Street, across Pretoria Central Prison, Salvokop
Tel: + 27 (0)12 470 7400
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is the largest zoo in the country and the only one with national status. More than 600 000 people visit the zoo annually. The 80 hectares accommodate 2 586 specimens. An aquarium and reptile park form part of the zoo. A cableway provides a panoramic view of the gardens and the modern enclosures in which the animals are kept. The walkways cover about six kilometres, but golf carts can be rented.
Address: 232 Boom Street, Pretoria (see website for directions)
Tel: + 27 (0)12 328 3265 / 6020
The Pretoria Art Museum hosts the largest collection of South African art, boasting works of the old masters like Pieter Wenning, Henk Pierneef, Frans Oerder, Irma Stern and Maggie Loubser. The museum also focuses on contemporary developments in Southern Africa and includes traditional art.
Address: Cnr Wessels and Schoeman Streets, Arcadia
Tel: + 27 (0)12 344 1807/8
The 500 ha Groenkloof Nature Reserve is well known for its hiking trails and view of the Fountains Valley and was the first proclaimed game sanctuary on the African continent. It provides sanctuary to various game, small predators and bird species.
The hiking trail caters for up to two days’ hiking and offers overnight accommodation. This is also a very popular mountain bike destination and bikes can be hired on the premises. The 4×4 trail is very popular and there are drives to choose for the advanced as well as the less experienced 4×4 driver.
Address: Drive up to the Fountains Circle, take Fountains Valley turn-off, Groenkloof, Tshwane
Tel: + 27 (0)12 440 8316
Johann Says: “Don’t miss out on the fantastic MOYO restaurant, set in ‘n park in the reserve. You will forget that you are actually in the city, within minutes. Listen to some crossover jazz while you enjoy their delicious African meals (the Lamb Tagine and Pomegranite Pork Belly Ribs are my favourites!), after you had your face decorated and your hands washed and blessed. They also have an extensive winelist and cocktails menu if you just want to sit back, and kick your feet up on their comfy couches outside.
The Rietvlei Nature Reserve covers an area of 3 800 ha and supports around 1 600 head of game which includes buffalo, white rhino. Hippo, eland, zebra, springbuck, waterbuck and cheetah. More than 240 bird species unique to the area can also be viewed here.
Address: Take the Irene/Rietvlei off-ramp from the Fountains Circle and turn left. After turning right at the junction follow the signs. The reserve is on the left.
Tel: +27 (0)12 345 2274
The Tswaing Meteorite Crater was formed when a meteorite hit the earth 220 000 years ago and is one of the youngest and best-preserved terrestrial meteorite impact craters in the world. It is 100 m deep and 1, 3 km wide. The crater is the first eco-tourism site in South Africa and is situated 40 km northwest of Tshwane. The site has been developed into an enviro-museum and a national destination for eco-tourism, environmental education, research and recreation.
Guides are available to take visitors to the impressive crater and to explain the cosmic and geological forces responsible for it. Visitors can also take one of the nature trails or visit the authentic Ndebele village and wetland nearby.
Address: Some 32 km north of Onderstepoort, off M35 (Soutpan Road), towards Soshanguve (follow signs).
Tel: + 27 (0)12 790 2302
Natural history museum founded in 1892, the museum houses large collections of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. The Austin Robert Bird Hall contains a comprehensive collection of South African birds depicted audio-visually. The museum is
open seven days a week. The Transvaal Museum was amalgamated with the Pretoria-based National Cultural History Museum (also known as the African Window) and the South African National Museum for Military History in Johannesburg.
Address: Paul Kruger Street, opposite the Pretoria City Hall
Tel: + 27 (0)12 322 7632
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Situated across the road and just around the corner
of some of Pretoria’s most prestigious schools, it is
only right that we keep you updated on some of their
events.
Kirkness Guest House bied ideale akkommodasie reg oorkant Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool vir ouers van ander dorpe wat wil oorbly.
Die 17e Affie-Wildsfees word Saterdag 14 Augustus gehou. Dit is die sosiale gebeurtenis van die jaar op die Affie kalender, en beloof om hierdie jaar net so opwindend soos in die verlede te wees. Die Wildsfees word aangebied as ‘n gesamentlike projek van die
Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool en Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool op die seunskool se B- en C-rugbyvelde.
Kirkness Guest House bied ideale akkommodasie reg oorkant Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool, kontak ons gerus vir spesiale tariewe.
Inligtingsessies vir ouers, toere aan die Graad 7′s, besoek aan die koshuis, registrasie vir 2011.
Looking for a place to stay close to school?
| Reunion | Date | Contact | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50-Years-On Dinner 1960 |
3&4 September 2010 |
Geoff Ossip Grenville Camps |
gossip1@telkomsa.net |
| 30-Years-On Dinner 1980 |
10 & 11 September 2010 |
Guido Gioia Gerhard Snoeck |
guido@gioia.co.za |
| 40-Years-On Dinner 1970 |
15 & 16 October 2010 |
Henkemans Brian Haynes-Smart |
Gerhard@cjirons.co.za Brian.H-S@vodamail.co.za |
| 20-Years-On Dinner 1990 |
6 November 2010 | Greg Hassenkamp | greg@pbhs.gp.school.za |
| 10-Years-On Dinner 2000 |
20 November 2010 | Mark Grondel | mgrondel@aureos.co.za |
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Being situated less than 300 meters from Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Kirkness Guesthouse was in the thick of all the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup.
It was a fantastic time, the atmosphere was electric, and the 100’s of Fans that stayed with Kirkness infected us all with their enthusiasm.
Nou is dit alles verby en skielik is Pretoria weer net…., wel… Pretoria. Gelukkig is die winter op sy laaste bene, en party oggende kan jy die belofte van Lente vir ‘n oomblik in die lug voel. Gelukkig gaan die lewe aan en is daar heelwat dinge om na uit te sien in die volgende paar maande. Ek het ‘n lys gemaak van ‘n paar Teater gebeurtenisse wat my opgewonde maak, en as jy een van die mense is wat soms stad toe kom om ‘n Teaterstuk te sien, onthou Kirkness Gastehuis is perfek geleë en baie naby aan beide die Staats- en die Brooklyn Teater.
Laurika Rauch and Jannie du Toit hail from the era when they both featured as pioneers of the Afrikaans light music industry. They met amidst the euphoria of MUSIEK EN LIRIEK (1979) which led on to the extraordinary success of Stephan Bouwer’s cabaret concert VAN BERLYN TOT BAPSFONTEIN (1988). These endeavours firmly established the legitimacy of cabaret in Afrikaans. It was during this production that Rauch and Du Toit combined to sing Brel in duo for the first time, although Rauch was already well established in the genre, thanks to her outstanding performances in THE BEST OF BREL and ENCORE BREL! under Taubie
Kuschlick.
Some years later, Jannie sang more Brel in the Ilse van Hemert production, DE KLEINE MAN. As well-known interpreters of the music of the greatest chanson composer of the 20th century, Laurika and Jannie now reunite in a new compilation of their favourite Brel in Afrikaans, Dutch and French to boot. Christa Steyn, who did some musical arrangements for VAN BERLYN TOT BAPSFONTEIN, will be supporting them on the Brooklyn Theatre’s fine grand piano.
Bookings at Computicket or at Brooklyn Theater
In her room at the old age home Magdaleen is making sure that Miss Muffet, as she calls her beloved Bernina, is extra clean and that all the extra thread, needles, and spindles are neatly packed for the woman who is coming to collect the machine. And between
cleaning and packing she takes us on a journey of compassion, humour and wisdom to a time of milk deliveries in glass bottles, brewed coffee, socks with seams and a childhood on the farm. Interwoven with these memories are the stories of her family: her husband, Tielman, and her four children, including the apple of her eye, Wim. We are again reminded that every person’s life, however ordinary and simple it may be, is an epic poem with universal themes of luck, loss and reconciliation.
“Nie alle teks-pryswenners is ewe blink nie, maar die Nagtegaalwenner, Die Naaimasjien, skitter soos ‘n splinternuwe Bernina. Dis ‘n teaterbelewenis wat jou helder oordag tot in die weefsel ruk en jou bewend en verslae uitspoeg om die res van die dag te trotseer.
Eintlik het ek nie woorde om hierdie kragtoer te beskryf nie, behalwe: Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!”
“Wat ‘n mens sonder twyfel kan se is dat hierdie eenvrouvertoning ‘n algehele kragtoer is. Dit sal maklik wees om in byvoeglike naamwoorde te verval. Sandra Prinsloo lewer ‘n meesterklas in toneelspel. Sy knip die karakter uitmekaar soos duur lap en begin dit dan aanmekaar stik totdat dit ‘n balrok of trourok is waarvan nie een enkele naat sigbaar is nie.”
“This Nagtegaal Scriptwriting prize winner is a play with legs. There are many contributing factors for this show’s success, and the theme of ageing not the least of them. With the baby boomers dealing with ageing parents, an audience is guaranteed. Its success has much to do with Hennie van Greunen’s introduction of different characters’ voices and Prinsloo creating a main character with a gentle heart, but spunky soul.”
DRAMA THEATRE, THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE THEATRE
DIE NAAIMASJIEN WITH SANDRA PRINSLOO
DIRECTOR: HENNIE VAN GREUNEN
SCRIPT: RACHELLE GREEFF
PRODUCTION: JOHO! PRODUCTIONS
PRESENTED BY: LEFRA PRODUCTIONS
15 SEPTEMBER @ 20:00 | 16 SEPTEMBER @ 20:00
17 SEPTEMBER @ 20:00 | 18 SEPTEMBER @ 20:00
BOOKINGS @ COMPUTICKET (011) 340 8000 OR WWW.COMPUTICKET.COM
GROUPS 10 OR MORE – DISCOUNT PRICES: PHONE LAUREN BOTHA @ (011)815 3000 / 073 300-5525
MORE INFORMATION @ WWW.LEFRA.COM
In an exciting coup for the South African opera scene, German opera company Theater Erfurt will be bringing its production of La Traviata to Pretoria in July to launch its three-year partnership with Opera Africa and The South African State Theatre.
The groundbreaking tripartite cultural exchange agreement, co-ordinated by Xoliswa Ngema, CEO of The State Theatre, and Hein Marx Director Opera Africa, will see the German opera house bringing out top international singers, conductors and directors. Theater Erfurt will be mounting its productions at The State Theatre in conjunction with its South Africa co-production partners, Opera Africa and The State Theatre.
This exchange partnership will kick of off with Giuseppe Verdi’s popular opera La Traviata, and this will be an opportunity to experience the cream of international and local opera talent right here in Gauteng’s premier opera house.
Opera Theatre Erfurt’s Guy Montavon will be directing the production and international conductor Walter Attanasi will conduct; the characters of Violetta and Alfredo will be played by international principals Marisca Mulder and Erik Fenton, and the production will also feature South African opera singers Kelebogile Boikanyo, Rouel Beukes, Aubrey Lodewyk and Otto Maidi as well as the Opera Africa Chorus.
Opera Theatre
22, 24, 27, 29 and 31 July at 20h00
Ticket prices R300 – R180 – R100 – R50
DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN is a humoristic exploration of the differences between men and women and how those differences cause us to misunderstand each other completely.
And says Hannes Muller: “Ek is die grotman! Ek is die jagter! En alle mans is nie poepholle nie! Ons sien julle by GROET DIE GROTMAN!” (“I am the caveman! I am the hunter! And all men are not assholes! See you at GROET DIE GROTMAN!”)
It’s back! Rob Becker’s highly successful comedy, DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN, in Afrikaans, as GROET DIE GROTMAN, will visit The Arena at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria 8 to 12 September 2010! Koos Kombuis translated the play into Afrikaans and adapted it, Sandra Prinsloo directed it, and Hannes Muller plays the role of DIE GROTMAN. Bookings have just opened at Computicket – please visit your nearest Computicket outlet. Alternatively, visit their webpage at www.computicket.com or call them on (011) 340-8000. For more information, please visit www.grotman.com
Visit the Grotman’s website at www.grotman.com.
“Hannes Muller maak van GROET DIE GROTMAN ‘n ware genotgrot.” – Paul Boekkooi (Beeld)
“GROTMAN is heerlik komies in Afrikaans.” – Christa Smuts (Rapport)
COME AND “GROET DIE GROTMAN” AT THE STATE THEATRE!
TRANSLATED INTO AFRIKAANS AND ADAPTED BY KOOS KOMBUIS
DIRECTOR: SANDRA PRINSLOO
WITH HANNES MULLER AS DIE GROTMAN
DESIGN: HARDUS KOEKEMOER
THE ARENA THEATRE
WEDNESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER | THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER
FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER | SATURDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER | SUNDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER
BOOKINGS: COMPUTICKET (011) 340-8000 OR WWW.COMPUTICKET.COM
GROUPS 10 OR MORE – DISCOUNT PRICES: PHONE LAUREN BOTHA @ (011) 815 3000 / 073 300-5525
MORE INFORMATION @ WWW.LEFRA.COM / WWW.GROTMAN.COM
Starting out as a Country & Western singer in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy and his two friends, Joe and Jerry, form ‘The Crickets’ and with the support of a local radio DJ, ‘Hipockets’ Duncan, they begin to carve out a career in music.
After an inauspicious start at Decca Records in Nashville, Buddy and the Crickets sign a contract with up-and-coming innovative record producer, Norman Petty. Within hours of meeting they start to record Buddy’s biggest hit “That’ll Be The Day” which will rocket up the charts to number one in a matter of weeks. Buddy Holly & the Crickets suddenly become the hottest act in the country.
Now successful, the Crickets travel to New York, where Buddy meets and proposes to Maria Elena Santiago, the Puerto Rican receptionist of his music publisher, after a courtship which takes all of five hours! Newly married and ambitious, Buddy completely shifts his focus to New York and an inevitable rift develops between him and the Crickets. After a declaration of home truths during a recording session in Clovis, the band split and Buddy unexpectedly finds himself having to pursue a solo career. The ‘Winter Dance Party 1959′ is a tour that is travelling by bus through the Midwest, quenching the teenage thirst for the new music called Rock & Roll. The tour is hard work, the weather conditions appalling and the performers are alternating between sleeping in the luggage racks
and dropping into hospital to be treated for frostbite.
Here, Buddy’s final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, with Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”) and the ‘Big Bopper’ J.P. Richardson (“Chantilly Lace”) is recreated. After the concert, Buddy breaks his promise to his pregnant wife not to fly as he and the other two headliners board a small plane and fly off into the night for Moorhead only to crash into a ploughed field shortly after take-off. There are no survivors.
The tragedy snatches away the lives of three of the world’s most dynamic musical talents – Buddy Holly (22), Ritchie Valens (17) and the Big Bopper (28) – and as the legend says, it was “the day the music died…”
Buddy Holly’s brief life has become the stuff of legend. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is a celebration of that legend and catches that unique mixture of innocence, determination, humour and charm that was Buddy Holly and wraps it up into a package that truly deserves the billing: “The World’s Most Successful Rock & Roll Musical”.
Directed by Pierre van Pletzen and starring Craig Urbani, Andrew Webster and Zetske van Pletzen.
The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT), the country’s largest professional ballet company is pleased to announce its return to Pretoria with the all-time family favourite The Nutcracker.
Since its first performance in 1892 The Nutcracker ballet has come to embody the festive season and SABT’s year-end season continues this tradition. The Nutcracker appeals to audiences, young and old, continues to grow with each passing year. Join Clara as she is magically transported to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets; travel with the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and meet a dazzling array of colourful characters in a fantasy land. Root for the Nutcracker Prince as he battles against The King of the Rats and escape to a dream world with the lyrical and well-known score by Peter Ilyich Tshaikovsky.
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Allan Stephenson
Remember opening night on 19 November is half price night!
Ticket prices from R77 to R240
Please watch the press for further details or visit www.saballettheatre.co.za
Opera Theatre
19 November to 19 December
Tags: brooklyn theatre, events, states theatre
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