Byron in Greece

Mikhail Peppas

Wondering and weaving through the cobbled lanes and marbled pavings of Plaka Athens in the footsteps of Lord Byron on the final Friday countdown of the year two thousand and seventeen AD.

Lingering about the Lysikrates Monument (334 BC) and surrounds that were incorporated as part of the Capuchin monastery complex, a place frequented by poets Byron and Chateaubriand.

Taking in the surrounds of the Lysikrates Monument, Plaka Athens. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

Lord Byron writes:

‘Be thou the rainbow

in the storms of life.

The evening beam that

smiles the clouds away,

and tints tomorrow

with prophetic ray.’

‘I slept and dreamt

that life was beauty ...’

‘But words are things,

And a small drop of ink,

Falling like dew, upon a thought,

Produces that which makes thousands,

Perhaps millions, think.’

‘If I am a poet

I owe it to

the air of Greece.’

Byron portrait in the foyer of Hotel Byron, Plaka Athens. Photo Mikhail Peppas

Film Historian wins 2017 Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Lifetime Achievement Award

A night amidst the stars. The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala presented Dr Mikhail Peppas with the 2017 Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Lifetime Achievement Award at The Playhouse Durban on Saturday 15 July. The spotlight shines on firsts for Africa originated by Dr Peppas: a film school called The Free Film School and a community TV station, Greater Durban Television – GDTV.

Film historian Dr Mikhail Peppas delivers his acceptance speech at The Playhouse Durban. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim 

Dr Peppas is working on a book project, ‘The History of the Moving Image in KwaZulu-Natal.’ The first volume focuses on the pioneering days of cinema in Natal and film-going as a social phenomenon. Topics covered range from filming on the Boer War battlefields to the opening of the first dedicated cinema in Africa, The Electric Theatre, in 1909.

Dr Mikhail Peppas. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards is an initiative of the Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and is endorsed by the Sabela Family.

The Awards has since 2013 celebrated heroes, legends and veterans who have made a mark in the film and television industry. 

Simon Mabhunu Sabela was a legend in both the small and big screen. He was a revered actor, director and producer with a career spanning over four decades, resulting in over 34 movies locally and internationally.

The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards takes place during the Durban International Film Festival.

Nominees Announced – Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Awards 2017

The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission announced the nominees for the 2017 Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards on Wednesday 28 June.

The event was held at Musgrave Exhibition Centre in Durban. 

Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards is an initiative of the Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and is endorsed by the Sabela Family.

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be revealed on the night of the awards ceremony.

The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards, now in its 5th year, has grown from five categories to 21 categories. The Awards has since 2013 celebrated heroes, legends and veterans who have made a mark in the film and television industry. 

Simon Mabhunu Sabela was a legend in both the small and big screen. He was a revered actor, director and producer with a career spanning over four decades, resulting in over 34 movies locally and internationally.

The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards is scheduled to take place in July during the Durban International Film Festival.

Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Welcome Msomi announces the nominees. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

Peace on the Promenade

Mikhail Peppas

The Gandhi-Luthuli Salt March recognises solidarity with the principles of Ubuntu, nonviolence and environmental protection. The 2017 march with a purpose took place on Sunday 23 April from the Amphitheatre on the beachfront to Ushaka and back. The walk entails approximately 4.6 km.

The Salt March proceeds along the beachfront promenade. Photo Mikhail Peppas

Granddaughter of the Mahatma, Ela Gandhi on the Salt March. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

Gandhi lookalike T. L. Ramjee and Mikhail Peppas sprinkle coarse salt to purify the path along the Salt March. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

The Salt March is held in celebration of the values espoused by Mahatma Gandhi when he led the famous walk to Dandi in India in 1930 against tax on salt. The event equally honours Inkosi Albert Luthuli who was the first Black African recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960 and the guiding spirit behind the Freedom Charter of 1955.

BunnyKats on the Run relax alongside a peace sign formed using coarse salt at the end of the march. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

City Attractions take the spotlight in ‘Things I Love About Durban’ Writing Challenge

Mikhail Peppas

Get those creative juices flowing and share your love for Durban through story.

The ‘One-Pager’ Writing Challenge themed ‘Things I Love About Durban / Izinto Engizithandayo NgeTheku’ runs until Saturday, 11 March. The competition is presented by Book & Design Fair Durban and Durban Central Community Tourism Organisation (DCTO).

Declare your love for the city’s attractions: climate, cuisine, beaches, parks, galleries, creative hubs, quaint coffee shops and favourite hotspots.

Durban BunnyChow. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

Writers are encouraged to submit one typed A4-page in Microsoft Word or PDF format with a maximum 400 words, excluding the story title (Times New Roman, 12 font size) describing what they love about the city.

Only one submission per person will be accepted, in either English or isiZulu. Include a title for your story but not your name on the printed submission.

Complete the entry form and sign the register on submission of your story at the Durban Central Community Tourism Organisation (DCTO) offices, Old Pavilion Site, North Beach, Durban between 9.30am and 12midday on Saturday, 11 March.

Prizes sponsored by the DCTO comprise a R1 000 book voucher each for the best English and isiZulu submissions. There also awaits the chance to have participants’ stories included in a publication.

For more information, contact memberships@durbancto.co.za or 031 321 5140. Entry is free.

Book & Design Fair is Durban’s first book fair. Launched in September 2015, the annual event features a Narrative Futures Conference, KZN Provincial Poetry Day, writing retreats, literary challenges and book launches. A key attraction is The Frameside Lounge offering conversational spaces for comic book artists, graphic novelists, and folk craft entrepreneurs. The project seeks to establish Durban as the Writing Capital of Africa.

The DCTO provides information about attractions in the City Centre, accommodation, travel services, conference venues, and historical/cultural centres.

New Beach Durban. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim