Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The Spingbok Museum at Cape Town Waterfront

The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum at the V&A Waterfront


Rugby is about as central to South African culture as biltong, braaing and bakkies. So it was only a matter of time, really, before a state-of-the-art monument was launched in its honour.
The Springbok Experience, a new double-storey rugby museum that spans 800m2, is billed to open at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront in the Portswood House building on 24 September 2013 (the rather appropriate date of cultural holiday Heritage Day), and, given the game’s royal Mzansi status, will surely soon take up rank alongside Table Mountain, Robben Island and Boulders Beach as a Mother City must-do.

“We are putting a world-class visitor attraction, celebrating the rich but complex history of South African rugby and the Springboks, into the middle of one of Africa’s most visited tourist destinations,” Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), is quoted as saying.
As he notes, while the uber modern museum is, in part, about paying homage to the passion and fervour that surrounds the sport, it also aims to recount the tale of the game’s controversial past, which is so intimately entangled with our nation’s own political journey.
“Rugby’s story is South Africa’s story,” explains Andy Colquhoun, SARU’s general manager of corporate affairs. “So, The Springbok Experience charts the country’s history through the lens of rugby.”

Thus, one of the main features of the large rugga shrine, which replaces a much smaller museum in Newlands, is an advanced audio-visual exhibit that, through interactive touch-screen technology, invites visitors to tackle both the more well-worn account of traditional Springbok play and the often ignored tale of the development of black and coloured rugby before the union was formed in 1992.
In addition to this informative and entertaining digital display, the space will also host a number of notable artefacts, like the iconic No. 6 jersey Francois Pienaar wore when he led us to victory in the ’95 Rugby World Cup, the boots that played a part in Joel Stransky’s famous drop goal in the same match and the jersey of Philip Nel, who captained the all-conquering team of 1937. What’s more, guests can try their hands (and feet) at a series of kicking, passing, reaction and fitness tests in the downstairs Springbok Trial zone (there’s a virtual coach and all) or pick up Springbok-related clothing and memorabilia at the on-site retail store.

And as the cherry on the cake, the green and gold-adorned monument, which boasts a life-size set of goalposts on its manicured front lawn, will, in future, also be the site of a permanent display of the bronze-cast handprints of at least 43 former national captains. Based in a sculpture garden, this interesting exhibit is meant to symbolise the sport’s different histories and traditions and pay tribute to those key players who’ve helped push the game towards the try line.
In short, The Springbok Experience is set to be not just a highlight for ball fanatics from near and far but for anyone keen on learning a little more about our country and its major cornerstones.

Tip: Don’t miss the official launch of The Springbok Experience on Heritage Day – the rugby museum will be opened to the general public at the sounding of the Noon Gun and the entire Springbok squad and a number of former national captains are expected to attend the opening ceremony, which starts at 10am (plus, Jan Braai will be firing up the grills on the green in front of the museum).

The Bill: As SARU aims to make the museum as accessible and inclusive as possible, they’ve deliberately kept prices very affordable. Adults enter for R50p/p, senior citizens and scholars between the ages of 5 and 18 get in for R30p/p, and kiddies younger than 5 years of age can enjoy the experience for free; discounts are available for families, groups of 10 people or more and schools.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm (only closed on Christmas Day)
Portswood House (near intersection of Portswood and Dock roads) | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 928 7000

Website: Cape Town Magazine

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Live Shows at Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts

Old Mutual Summer Concert


Grab your picnic baskets, slather on that sunscreen and throw on those forgotten sandals; it’s time for the Kirstenbosch summer concerts, and everyone is welcome. Billed to take over Cape Town’s historic and stunning botanical gardens every Sunday from November 2013 to April 2014, the ever-popular outdoor live music series returns with a vast and varied line-up that’s likely to appeal to all music lovers.
This year, patrons can enjoy the classic tunes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Mango Groove and Johnny Clegg alongside pop and rock acts like Jack Parow, Jimmy Nevis, Fokofpolisiekar and more.
Plus, certain concerts feature a kid’s zone, so moms and pops can chill out and drink in the music while kiddies can let loose and have fun running around in a designated area.
And if you don’t already know, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has a wide array of open spaces that make it the perfect picnic ground. Thus, concert-goers are encouraged to bring along blankets and picnic baskets filled with eats and drinks, including alcohol. If you do not wish to make your own basket and lug it along, then the Kirstenbosch Tea Room and Moyo Restaurant offer made-to-order baskets for purchase. For more information or to request a basket for your picnic, contact the Kirstenbosch Tea Room on +27 (0) 21 797 4883 or t424u@ktr.co.za.
Line-up for the 2013 - 2014 Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts Series

24 November Prime Circle R85 – R120
1 December Jack Parow, Francois van Coke and PH Phat R65 – R90
8 December Tailor, Matthew Mole and Nakhane Toure R65 – R90
22 December Mango Groove R85 – R120
29 December Oliver Mtukudzi (ZIM) R85 – R120
31 December Goldfish, Yoav, Tailor R290
5 January The Parlotones R115 – R145
12 January MACSTANLEY, Craig Hinds and Ard Matthews R85 – R120
19 January Johnny Clegg R115 – R145
26 January Jimmy Nevis R65 – R90
2 February Fokofpolisiekar R65 – R90
9 February Civil Twilight (USA) R85 – R120
16 February Freshlyground R85 – R120
23 February The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra R85 – R120
2 March Mi Casa R85 – R120
9 March Hugh Masekela R85 – R120
16 March Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Music Festival R65 – R90
23 March Desmond & the Tutus and Shortstraw R65 – R90
30 March Lira R85 – R120
6 April Jeremy Loops R65 – R90
Tickets for the 2013 - 2014 Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts Series
Tickets are available via Webtickets.co.za as well as at the gate on the day, depending on availability. If online tickets for a particular show are sold out, do note that extra tickets will be on sale at the Kirstenbosch box office from the Tuesday before the specific performance. Shows are priced between R90p/p and R290p/p; concessions for Botanical Society Members apply on presentation of a valid card.
Gates open at 4pm. Concerts are held between 5:30pm and 7pm, come rain or shine.  Refunds are not issued.

Dos and Don'ts at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

  • Do not smoke in the audience.
  • Do not sit on chairs that block other people's view of the stage.
  • Do not pick flowers or walk in flower beds.
  • Do bring something to take your rubbish home with you, this is a bin-free world heritage site.
  • Do not leave a mess.
  • Do bring alcohol along but leave the bad attitude at home.



Train from Cape Town to Matjiesfontein 2013

Take the road less travelled on a two-day adventure to the Klein Karoo

So you’re wondering what exactly you can expect from the Forgotten Route, a historical journey from Cape Town to Matjiesfontein led by the owners of Wine Flies, a boutique tour operator committed to uncovering unique destinations and real experiences. The short answer: it’s two solid days of learning, landscape and loads of laughter.
Lord Francois van Binsbergen and Baron Riaan Renke lead the charge through the Klein Karoo, the fascinating and beautiful semi-desert in the heart of South Africa, offering an all-inclusive and completely one-of-a-kind experience that retraces the steps of diamond miners and explorers venturing into the nation’s unknown wild. But don’t anticipate a regular, old guided history tour: the maverick operators like to throw a couple of quirky curveballs into the mix. Not to mention, the often overlooked region is just as majestic and bucket list worthy as the well-explored Garden Route.
The expedition starts on a Friday with a walk through the Company’s Garden in Cape Town’s city centre. After a visit to the Kimberly Hotel, which was the starting point for many prospectors heading East with diamond-studded dreams in the 1800s, it’s a scenic bus ride to Rawsonville for a cupcake and red wine pairing in the private cellars of the boutique Kirabo wine farm. From there, it’s all aboard the Shosholoza Meyl for a train ride to the former centre of the British Empire.
The locomotive tugs its way right back in time to the station in Matjiesfontein, the quaint one-road town that seems to be frozen in its Victorian era glory days, where guests stay overnight at the historic Lord Milner Hotel. The evening’s activities include a traditional Karoo lamb braai under the limitless starlit skies (including guided stargazing), a brilliant (and super short) night bus tour and honky-tonk music from the old piano in the Laird’s Arms pub. It’s festive, to say the very least.
After a hearty breakfast, the journey back to the present day begins with a stop at the famous graveyard of legends en route to a local family-owned farm that produces “jewels of the Karoo” – biltong and dried fruit. The treats are paired with wines from the region, and guests are invited for lunch at the family’s cottage in the KOO Valley. On the way home, the bus makes one last stop at an old Anglo-Boer War fort in the town of Montagu before driving through the expanse of fragrant fynbos towards Cape Town. 

How much does the Forgotten Route Train Tour to Matjiesfontein Cost? 

The Forgotten Route tour costs R1 250p/p, which includes everything except lunch and drinks, and is perfect for pretty much anyone looking for a weekend away, a typical South African experience or a fun alternative to the Garden Route.
The tour is ideal for individuals, couples or groups and colleagues celebrating any occasion. For information or to book call +27 (0) 21 423 2444 or email 

Fugard Theatre - Rocky Horror Show

The timeless musical is back for another racy romp on stage in Cape Town

 

It’s time to whip out those wigs and brush up on the old ‘Time Warp’: the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town presents Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show as its 2013 winter musical production, from Wednesday, 10 July 2013 to Sunday, 12 January 2014.
The kitsch classic that’s run from stage to cinema and back to stage is a firm favourite of theatre fans the world over for its camp combination of comedy, horror and unforgettable music.
Brad and Janet need no introduction as the freshly engaged couple who happen on some car trouble. As a result, the unknowing duo stumble upon the home of Dr Frank N. Furter, a mad scientist and transvestite whose latest creation is the strange and wonderfully muscular Rocky Horror. A sexy, saucy adventure ensues, with hits like ‘Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me’, ‘Science Fiction/Double Feature’ and ‘Dammit Janet!’ peppering the performance with unforgettable melodies.
Produced by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, this local take on Richard O’ Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is directed by Matthew Wild, and the madcap gender-bending ensemble of actors and actresses is made up of an all South African cast.
Needless to say, a jump to the left and a step to the right (with your hands on your hips) will land you straight in the middle of this much loved adult musical. Don’t forget to dress the part, audience members are invited to get in full gear to support the play.

Tickets for Rocky Horror Show at the Fugard Theatre
Tickets are available via Computicket or at Computicket.com. Alternatively you can book through the Fugard Theatre Box office by calling +27 (0) 21 461 4554. Ticket prices are R90p/p, R130p/p, R170p/p or R210p/p, depending on where you’re seated and on which day you book. The show starts at 8pm on Tuesdays through Fridays and at 4pm and 8pm on Saturdays. Rocky Horror Show is not suitable for children under the age of 16.

Date: 10 Jul 2013 - 12 Jan 2014
Time: 20:00 - 22:00
Venue: The Fugard Theatre
Location: Corner Harrington and Caledon Street | Cape Town
Price: R90p/p - R210p/p
Phone: +27 (0) 861 915 8000
Email info@computicket.com
Website: www.computicket.com

Da Vinci - Exhibition at the Cape Town Waterfront

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inventions and art of Leonardo Da Vinci


You know that he painted the Monal Lisa and The Last Supper, but did you know that Leonardo da Vinci also created flying machines and diving gear? You can learn this and more amazing facts about the master painter at the exhibition Da Vinci – The Genius. It will be on show at the V&A Waterfront’s Chavonnes Battery Museum from Wednesday, 27 November 2013 until Sunday, 9 February 2014.
This travelling exhibition has captivated crowds in many cities – from Manchester to Budapest and Rotterdam to most recently Alabama, before heading to Cape Town. It showcases Da Vinci’s lesser-known talents as an inventor, sculptor, mathematician, writer, anatomist and botanist. This one-of-a-kind exhibition is a glimpse into his genius mind through more than 200 replicas, including 75 life-size prototypes of Da Vinci’s machines, carefully crafted using his notebooks as a guide. You will get insights into some of his greatest works, like the first concepts of a car, helicopter, bicycle and submarine. You will even get to push, pull, yank and crank some of these machines.
It’s a dream exhibition for art and history aficionadas, engineers and mathematicians. But it will also be interesting to those simply enchanted by the Mona Lisa. A big feature of the exhibition is the unveiling of the 25 secrets about the Mona Lisa, like the fact that the blanket covering her knees also covers her stomach and that her left finger was not fully finished.
Vincian expert and scientific engineer Pascal Cotte spent two years photographing the painting using a high-tech 240-million megapixel camera. He invented the camera specifically so he could peel the layers of Da Vinci’s every brush stroke. The Frenchman will be at the museum to share some of his findings.
More to see and do at Da Vinci – The Genius Exhibition
  • anatomical sketches;
  • preparatory drawings of a lost painting
  • touch-screen versions of Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks
  • 3-D interactive presentationsof The Last Supper, the Vitruvian Man and the Storza Horse sculpture;
  • and a replica of the most recently discovered Da Vinci, Bella Principessa.
Tickets for Da Vinci – The Genius Exhibition
Tickets are available from the Chavonnes Battery Museum or online at Webtickets.co.za. They cost R140p/p, R110p/p for students and seniors, R90p/p for children between the ages of 6 and 17 and are free for little ones younger than 5. Family tickets are also available for two adults and two children at a cost of R400p/p.
The museum is open every day from 9am to 9pm and the last admission will be 90 minutes before closing.


Date: 27 Nov 2013 - 09 Feb 2014
Time: 09:00 - 21:00
Venue: Chavonnes Battery Museum
Location: Clock Tower Square | V&A Waterfront
Price: Free – R400 (two adults two children)
Phone: +27 (0) 861 22 55 98
Email info@webtickets.co.za
Website: www.webtickets.co.za

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Touws River Accident - Diesel Truck Overturned at Touws River N1 - Traffic backed up for km's

A Diesel truck overturned at Touws River on the N1 after colliding with a bakkie. Traffic are backed up for several kilometers. 

Vehicles was stopped at 20:30 last night and according to traffic control they will only start moving at 10:00 this morning.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Fish on the Red List - illegal to buy or sell




These fish are illegal to buy or sell in South Africa. Some are specially protected and others are not allowed for sale reserves for recreational fishing only.

Baardman River Bream
Banded Galjoen River Snapper
Blacktail Sawfish
Black Musselcracker Seventy Four
Brindle Bass Sharks (Trawl Caught)
Bronze Bream Southern pompano
Cape Stumpnose Spotted Grunter
East Coast Rock Lobster Spotted Gully Shark
Galjoen Springer
Garrick Stonebream
John Brown West Coast Steenbras
Kingfish White Musselcracker
Knife Jaw White Steenbras
Kob (Trawl caught) White Edged Rockcod
Large-spot Pompano Yellowbelly Rockcod
Dageraad
Natal Stumpnose
Natal Wrasse
Potato Bass
Ragged Tooth Shark
Red Stumpnose
Tuna (Imported or longline)
Scotsman
 

Limits for Shellfish and Bait 2013



Organism Max Per Day Collection Method Other
Alikreukel 5 By Hand only Min Size 63.5mm
Armadilo (Chiton) 6 By Hand Only  
Bloodworm 5 By Hand, Suction Pump or Wire  
Clam 8 By Hand Only  
Crab & Hermit Crab 15 By Hand, Rod & Line Excl. Mud Crabs & Mole Crabs
Cuttlefish 2 By Hand Or Line  
Limpets 15 By Hand Or With An Implement With A Blade Or Flat Edge Not Exceeding 12mm in length  
Mole Crab 30 By Hand Or Triangular Trap  
Mud Crab 6 Only By Hand, Rod Or Line No Crab in berry may be kept. Min Size 140mm measured across the broadest part of the back
Octopus 2 By Hand, Rod, Line Or Gaff  
Periwinkle 50 By Hand Only  
Razor Clam (Pencil Bait) 20 By Hand, Suction Pump Or Wire  
Red Bait 2kgs Without Shell By Hand Or With An Implement With A Blade Or Flat Edge Not Exceeding 12mm in length  
Rock, Black, Brown, Ribbed Mussels 30 By Hand Or With An Implement With A Blade Or Flat Edge Not Exceeding 12mm in length  
Mud Prawn 50 Only By Hand Or Suction Pump  
Sand Prawn 50 Only By Hand Or Suction Pump  
Sea Worms 10 Only By Hand Or Suction Pump Excludes Bloodworm, Mussel Worm, Cape Reef Worm
Swimming Prawns 50 Only By Hand Or Scoop Net Cant Exceed More Than 50cmx50cm
Scallop 50 By Hand Only  
Sea Cucumbers 10 By Hand Only  
Sea Urchins 20 By Hand Only  
White Mussel 50 By Hand Or With An Implement With A Blade Or Flat Edge Not Exceeding 12mm in length Min Size 35mm
Oysters 25 By Hand Or With An Implement With A Blade Or Flat Edge Not Exceeding 40mm in length not less than 1 meter  
Chokka Squid 20 Rod Or Line Only  

How many fish may you catch per day

Fishing limits and sizes -  fishthesea.co.za


Fish Species Name

Scientific Name

Minimum Size

Bag Limit

Anchovies Engraulidae 0 CM None
Baardman (bellman, tasselfish) Umbrina 40 CM 5
Banded Galjoen Dichistius multifasciatus 0 CM 5
Billfishes (Marlin, Sailfish) Istiophoridae 0 CM None
Blacktail (Dassie) Diplodus sargus capensis 20 CM 5
Blue Hottentot Pachymetopon aeneum 0 CM 5
Bronze Bream (Bluefish) Pachymetopon grande 30 CM 2
Cape Knifejaw Oplegnathus conwayi 0 CM 5
Cape Stumpnose Rhabdosargus holubi 20 CM 5
Carpenter (Silverfish) Argyrozona argyrozona 35 CM 4
Catface Rockcod (Spotted Rockcod) Epinephelus andersoni 50 CM 5
Chub Mackerel Scomber japonicus 0 CM None
Cutlassfish (Walla Walla) Trichiurus lepturus 0 CM None
Dageraad Chrysoblephus cristiceps 40 CM 1
Dane Porcostoma dentata 0 CM 5
Dorado (Dolphin Fish) Coryphaena hippurus 0 CM None
Elf (Shad) Pomatomus saltatrix 30 CM 4
Englishman Chrysoblephus anglicus 40 CM 1
Fransmadam Boopsoidea inornata 0 CM 10
Galjoen Dichistius capensis 35 CM 2
Garfishes Belonidae 0 CM None
Garrick (Leervis) Lichia amia 70 CM 2
Geelbek (Cape salmon) Atractoscion aequidens 60 CM 2
Glassies Ambassidae 0 CM None
Hake Merluccius 0 CM None
Halfbeaks Hemiramphidae 0 CM None
Horse Mackerel (Maasbanker, Mosi) Trachurus trachurus capensis 0 CM None
Hottentot Pachymetopon blochii 22 CM 10
John Brown Gymnocrotaphus curvidens 0 CM 5
Kingfishes Caranx 0 CM 5
Kingklip Genypterus capensis 0 CM 1
King Mackerel (Couta) Scomberomorus commerson 0 CM 10
Kob**** Argyrosomus 50 CM 1
Large-Spot Pompano (Wave Garrick) Trachinotus botla 0 CM 5
Leopard Cat Shark Poroderma pantherinum 0 CM 1
Mullets (Harders) Mugilidae 0 CM 50
Natal Knifejaw (Cuckoo Bass) Oplegnathus robinsoni 0 CM 5
Natal Stumpnose Rhabdosargus sarba 25 CM 5
Pinky (Piggy, Olive Grunt) Pomadasys olivaceum 7.5 CM 10
Poenskop (Black Musselcracker) Cymatoceps nasutus 50 CM 1
Queen Mackerel Scomberomorus plurilineatus 0 CM 10
Ragged Tooth Shark Carcharias taurus 0 CM 1
Red Stumpnose Chrysoblephus gibbiceps 30 CM 1
River Bream (Perch) Acanthopagrus berda 25 CM 5
Rock Salmon (River Snapper) Lutjanus argentimaculatus 40 CM 5
Roman Chrysoblephus laticeps 30 CM 2
Santer (Soldier) Cheimerius nufar 30 CM 5
Sardine (Pilchard, Red Eye) Clupeidae 0 CM None
Sauries Scomberesocidae 0 CM None
Scads Decapterus 0 CM None
Scotsman Polysteganus praeorbitalis 40 CM 1
Slinger Chrysoblephus puniceus 25 CM 5
Snoek (Cape Snoek) Thyrsites atun 60 CM 10
Southern Pompano Trachinotus africanus 0 CM 5
Spotted Grunter Pomadasys commersonnii 40 CM 5
Spotted Gully Shark Triakis megalopterus 0 CM 1
Springer Elops machnata 0 CM 5
Steentjie Spondyliosoma emarginatum 0 CM 10
Stonebream Neoscorpis lithophilus 0 CM 5
Strepie (Karanteen) Sarpa salpa 15 CM 10
Striped Cat Shark Poroderma africanum 0 CM 1
Swordfish (Broadbill) Xiphias gladius 25 KG 5
Squid (Chokka) Loligo vulgarus reynaudii 0 CM 20
Tuna Thunnus 6 KG 10
West Coast Steenbras Lithognathus auret 60 CM 1
White Musselcracker (Brusher) Sparodon durbanensis 60 CM 2
White Steenbras (Pignose Grunter) Lithognathus lithognathus 60 CM 1
White Stumpnose Rhabdosargus globicebs 25 CM 10
Wolfherring Chirocentrus dorab 0 CM None
Yellow Belly Rock Cod Epinephelus marginatus 60 CM 1
Yellowtail Seriola lalandi 0 CM 10
Zebra Diplodus cervinus hottentotus 30 CM 5

When does the Crayfish Season open in Cape Town 2013

The West Coast Rock Lobster season opens on 15 Nov to the 17 Nov,  closes from 18 Nov till the 13 Dec, re-opens from the 14 Dec till the 1 Jan 2014, closes again from the 2 Jan until the 17 April and then opens for the public holidays between 18 and 21 April 2014.

This represents 26 open days in all.

Crayfish may be caught from 8am and must be landed by 4pm.
A maximum of 4 West Coast Rock lobsters may be taken per day.

The minimum age for license holders is 12 years. Licenses can be bought from your local post office for R92 per permit.