2012 JOBURG PRIDE

EMBRACING OUR SEXUALITY!



LOVE ME FOR ME: Attenders at the pride
(source: www.iol.co.za)

PINK AND PROUD: A man at the event
(source: www.timeslive.co.za)

 

Joburg Pride 2012; an event I have been hearing a lot about in the past couple of months. Although I couldn’t attend the event myself, it sounded like an epic venture to be a part of. Joburg Pride has been known as the largest gay and lesbian event in Africa. For its 23^rd year running; it invited a range of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender citizens to join in the fun and support the Joburg Pride event. This event is definitely a great initiative; because it offers a specific platform for an often misunderstood cluster of members in our community. At the end of the day; our country preaches equality and a democracy, why not embrace our true selves. To make things even better; attendees are not limited. Any citizen with interest can join in the Pride! For 23 years of successful event execution; I give big-ups to the organisers and publicists for the Joburg Pride. Not everyone in the country would respond well to an event like this; but the team managed to make it a success. It really looks like something you would not want to miss. Anyone would want to be a part of this!

 



PERFORMING FOR THE CROWD: Crazy White Boy
(source: www.joburgpride.org)

ON THE STAGE: Artist Nancy G
(source: www.joburgpride.org)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year’s event took place at the Zoo Lake Sports Club on the 6^th of October 2012. The parade then ended with great festivities in the form of performances and various stalls. The event also provided a kiddies area, these indicates just how this was for the whole family as well! Gates opened at 8h00 and stage performances started at 9h00. With performances from the likes of Crazy White Boy, Divas of Drag, Nancy G, Pabi Moloi, Simply Blue and many more. This definitely sounds like it was worth attending!

 

Idols8 SA Season Finale

SPEECHLESS: Khaya Mthethwa after being crowned the winner
(source: citypress.co.za)

 

 AND THE WINNER IS…KHAYA!!

It has been weeks of competition and anticipation. Until Khaya Mthethwa; was crowned as the first Black winner of South African Idols. The 8^th season of Idols SA has been my favourite season of the show, to date! I always made sure I tuned into the show every Sunday at 17h30 and the results show on Tuesdays at 18h30. Originally from Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Khaya Mthethwa became a fan favourite at a very early stage in the competition. It was through his solo performance during Sun City week. Khaya sang a soulful rendition of Nicki Minaj’s hip hop song; Super bass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZar0k39eZ4). A day after that episode; newspapers such as The Times featured an article on Khaya, already predicting his win! This actually had me worried a bit, because I felt as though more pressure was given to him to do well in the competition. However; Khaya proved me wrong by always standing his ground because he performed at his best, every single week!

COINCIDENCE OR NOT?



RACE TO THE FINAL: 2012 finalists, Khaya Mthethwa and Melissa Allison
(source: gatewaynews.co.za)

In a way; I actually think South African Idols had a lot of pressure to make Khaya the winner this year. This is because; a lot of past allegations have been made with regards to just how the show has been running for 8 years and the country had not received a Black winner yet!  Khaya was up against Melissa Allison (Coloured) in the final show, upon the fact that the show had already crowned a couple of Coloured winners. I seriously think Idols SA would be faced with a lot of controversy right now if things hadn’t turned out the way they did. To top it all off- Several South African celebrities campaigned for Khaya to win the show; such as Minnie Dhlamini, Kabomo, Bonang, Somizi Mhlongo and RJ Benjamin. Personally after listening to Khaya numerous amounts of times and watching his new music video, Move. I strongly believe that he did deserve the title. Both Melissa and Khaya were great, but at the end of the day: the best man always walks away with the price!

 

5th Annual South African SEXPO

HOT AND HAPPENING

One of the sponsors: Playboy
(source: www.groupon.co.za)

This week I decided to take a risk and talk about an event some would consider explicit. However; I really consider it to be very interesting! The 5^th Annual South African Sexpo, which will be taking place from the 27^th September to the 30^th. You probably have noticed the banners on the roads and in certain stores: SEXPO-Health, Sexuality and Lifestyle Expo. The event will be taking place at the Nasrec expo center’s hall 6. From Friday up until Saturday; it will begin at 11h00 until midnight. Then on its final day (Sunday); it will take place from 11h00 to 21h00. The South African SEXPO is very different from any other ordinary event. Visitors will experience new products, stage shows and workshops hosted by professionals. There large stage will cater to great acts such as former miss nude Australia Suzie Q and pole fitness instructor, Alicja Grawleska.

GOOD OR BAD?

Official banner: The South African SEXPO banner
(source: www.whatson.co.za)

Personally; I think the event marketing for the South African SEXPO is great! Large and small billboards publicizing the event are placed around different areas and cities. Their line-up looks very exciting (well for all those who find this type of venture fun). However; there are always two types of people in this world, the ones who agree and the ones who disagree. Some people may find this a bit too explicit to be placed at certain areas and be seen by every citizen who passes by (including young kids), especially considering the types of pictures accompanying the billboard itself. At the end of the day, many people became aware of the event and gained an interest for it. If you want to experience the South African SEXPO; you can view the ticket details on www.computicket.com. To all those attending the event, all I can say is ENJOY!

2nd Annual Spring Fiesta 2012

MASSIVE MARKETING TURN AROUND!

IT'S BACK: 2nd Annual Spring Fiesta banner
(source: www.whatson.co.za)

 The 2011 Spring Fiesta came and went. I am specifically saying this in this manner because not many people really knew about it; with myself included. I only got to hear about the 2011 event weeks after. However; the 2012 Spring Fiesta is all I hear about these days. Every street corner I take a turn at has a banner of the event. Various radio stations are publicizing the event. What takes the cup for me is how the event’s marketing used South Africa’s largest television station, SABC for publicity. Plus I must admit; every time I see the 2012 Spring Fiesta advertisement while watching the channel, I just gain a desire of being there and experiencing what seems to be the event of the season!

WILL IT ALL BE WORTH IT?

EVENT OF THE SEASON: The event's DJ line-up
(source: www.imixwell.com)

The advertisement informs us of how the event is happening on the 22^nd of September 2012 (during the long weekend) from 12h00 until late, at Wild Waters complex in Boksburg. My friend and I took the time to check Computicket for ticket prices. Ranging from R131 to R1290, we were really shocked! The true question is for a R1290 priced ticket, what does one receive in return. Well for one; the line-up looks very convincing. With performances from international act The Layabouts, Imaani, Oli Lazarus from Reel People, DJ Kent, Liquideep, MiCasa, Black Coffee, Oskido, Lulo Café and many more acclaimed acts! With 4 stages lines up for more than 50 acts; I guess a true party enjoyer will see something worth paying R1290 for. For more information, visit www.springfiesta.com.

Annual Vaal Tropika Beach Party

THE BANNER: The Vaal beach party banner
( source: www.masiasound.com)

Goodbye winter and hello spring! The heat is on and I mean this literally; we are just a few days to a lot of people’s favourite season: spring. After the cold days tucked in our beds, and even the memorable snowy moments South Africans have shared this week, the heat is starting to make its way back. I blog about events and this is not me discussing season changes; instead I will be talking about the Annual Vaal tropical beach party 2012. A fun packed event where the youth meets up to celebrate the hot weather. The event takes place at the Vaal show grounds in Vereeniging, and will be taking place on the 1^st of September 2012. Prices range from R150 to R200, with performances from popular South African artists and DJ’s.

 

 

MUCH MORE ENJOYMENT FOR THE SUPPORTERS



 The event organizers have decided to add even more to the festivities, by including a few other events to support the main beach party: A Vaal beach comedy showdown on the 30^th of August, a Vaal beach pre-party on the 31^st of August and a Vaal beach Sunday chilling on the 2^nd of September 2012. Personally, I think this is great way of getting more supporters for the event, and even sustaining current supporters. It is nice to see such great event execution being created for the young generation of our country.  The only sad part is finding out about sad happenings; such as irresponsible drinking and accidents caused by drunk driving. Let us all enjoy without any negativity in the end!

THE SUNDAY AFTER: The banner for the beach Sunday session on the 2nd of September
( source: www.yomzansi.com)





Soweto Wine Festival 2012

Details of the Soweto Wine Festival
(source: www.sowetowinefestival.com)

The eighth annual Soweto Wine Festival will be taking place from: September the 6^th to the 8^th 2012. This festival, which takes place at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus; brings together a mix of wine lovers and trendsetters. In association with Spar’s Tops and The Food Network, it promises to bring enjoyment to everyone attending! Visitors to the festival are treated to up to 900 different wine tastes, a lounge to hang out at and a food court to indulge at.

AN APPROPRIATE VENUE FOR THE EVENT

An advert for the festival
(source: www.sowetowinefestival.com)

This is a great event and I honestly feel like a venue in Soweto is perfect for the festival. I firmly say this because most classy events are placed at inaccessible venues sometimes, and it ends up categorising them in one cluster. However; I also wonder if it really is a good idea for the events to be at an educational institution. Higher education keeps getting negative commentary because some students end up getting distracted from their school work, because of corruption, drugs and even alcohol. I am not trying to stand against the festival being at the university in any way, I just have a little concern with the fact that some people might see this as a contradictory situation!

Totalsport's Ladies Race

National Woman’s Day is known as a day to celebrate the beauty and freedom of every South African woman. Whether it is: treating themselves to breakfast in bed, a massage or even a day out with their girlfriends. Some of the women however; choose to spend their woman’s day challenging themselves in the Totalsport’s Ladies Race. This race happens every year on the 9^th of August at Stellenbosch, Durban and Johannesburg. This race is especially dedicated to women. There is a 5km and a 10km long race for the ladies; to take part in.

The Ladies Race Logo
(source: www.topevents.co.za)

JUST FOR THE WOMEN

Once the women reach the finish line of the Totalsport’s Ladies Race, they receive special medals and get free photos of themselves; which were taken during the race. After getting a breather, they are then treated to a special performance by any one of the South African music artists. The likes of The Bala Brothers, Gift Gwe and Lloyd Cele have graced the Totalsport’s Ladies Race’ stage.  I strongly believe that this is a great PR tactic to get women motivated each time they come to the race each year. At the end of the day; which lady doesn’t want to be treated to a great musical performance from a hunky artist after a good workout?

MORE CAN BE OFFERED



ALMOST AT THE FINISH LINE: Ladies enjoying the race
(source: www.topevents.co.za)

As a woman and of course a Public Relations student; I am always hungry for more! In this case, I do think that the Totalsport’s Ladies Race can include a little goodie bag for the ladies. I think this will be yet another tactic which will make women want to keep coming back for more races each year. This race has some sponsors which can help organise this, one of them including the main sponsor: Totalsports. All good things can be better, and I feel the same when it comes to the Totalsport’s Ladies Race. It is a very motivational and fun experience for women and can even be more fun as time goes by!