Some interesting SA facts

• South Africa’s Rand is the second best-performing emerging market currency of the 26 monitored by Bloomberg in 2009
• With two gold medals and one silver medal, South Africa ended the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics in ninth position on the medals table, ahead of the likes of Australia, Cuba, China and France.
• South Africa sold $1.8 billion worth of cars to the US last year, putting us ahead of Sweden and Italy as suppliers to the US market.
• In 2009, Time magazine named two South Africans in their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
• The International Monetary Forum‘s World Economic Outlook ranks us in the top 10% of counties in respect of Real GDP Growth Projections for 2010.
• Three South African cities were voted amongst the world’s top 100 Most Liveable Cities in a study conducted by Mercer Human Resource Consulting. Cape Town was ranked in 85th place, Johannesburg 90th and Port Elizabeth 97th.
• Johannesburg has been ranked as the eighth cheapest city in the world for expatriates, according to the most recent Cost of Living Standards Survey from Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
• South Africa ranks 57th out of 157 countries in the world in terms of economic freedom, ahead of Italy (64), Brazil (101), the United Arab Emirates (63), Greece (94th), India (104th) and China (126), according to the Index of Economic Freedom 2007

Courtesy of SAgoodnews.co.za

Kumar visit to SA

Vincent Ebrahim is in South Africa.  A lot of people did not know who this man was, but you should know if we tell you he is the father in the hit BBC show, The Kumars at no 42.

Interestingly enough, this famous man is actually a South African born actor that went over the to the UK in 1976 already.  He visits South Africa often and still know a little bit of Afrikaans!

His sister is also famous in SA and plays the role of Charmaine in 7de Laan on SABC 2.  Strange how we seem to have so much South African talent abroad that we never know of.

Picture courtesy of Sam Cowen

Getroud met Rugby Premiere

The exclusive premier for the movie was held tonight in all its glory!  Izak Davel plays a lead role and we also loved Heinz Winckler in this one.  
Heinz also attended the premiere earlier tonight. 

Story Sinopsis

Reghart Venter (Izak Dave) is a mechanic from the wring sides of the tracks. He was a promising rugby player but lost his way. After several charges of fighting and assault he gets a final warning – pull yourself together or go to jail.

Regharts sentence is to do community service – practicing rugby with a fallen hero of the Stryders Rugby team, Fafa Beltrame (Altus Theart). “Fast Fafa” was once the fastest wing in the country en a hit among the ladies. Fafa lost his way after he and his wife Kiki (Hannah Grobler) seperated after losing their daughter. Fafa seeks his refuge in drink and in the process alienates everyone who ever cared for him.

When Reghart, unwillingly, is dragged to Potties Place (the local Stryder Rugby Team bar) by his friends he meets Lize (San-Marie Nel). For the first time in his life there is something he cannot fight against. His heart.

Through the metaphor of rugby the two broken men inadvertently helps one another to find their way again.

Website: GetroudMetRugby

Jacques on ROER!

Our favorite Jacques was interviewed by Tammy for the TV show ROER showing on Kyknet.  We heard about all the practice runs, making the perfect curry and now we get to see it on our screens.

Don't miss the show!  

Tammy and Jacques - Roer!

Picture shared by Jacques

Breakfast Xpress back to normal

From tomorrow morning the breakfast xpress will be back to the normal broadcast from Sandton SA.  The crew seemed to have really enjoyed their time in LA and have seen things that a lot of 'normal' people would just dream of.

Darren

Picture courtesy of Heat.co.za

Sean Kingston - Highveld

Sean Kingston visited the Highveld studios today.  Here is a picture of him with one of my favorite peeps, Ricci.

Ricci with Sean Kingston

Paul with Sean Kingston

Jason Greer from Mnet's All Access is also interviewing him this morning in Kempton Park.  This will most probably be on the show next week Friday.

Picture by Ricci and Paul respectively

Sean Kingston in SA

Gauteng’s entertainment mecca, Emperors Palace in association with MXit and Omusic.com and 94.7 Highveld Stereo presents superstar, Sean Kingston live for 2 shows on 25 and 26 February 2011 in the Centre Court.

Sean Kingston

Breakfast Xpress Hollywood update

As everyone knows, Dr Rey visited South Africa at the end of last month.  With the crew going over to Hollywood for their daily broadcast earlier this week, they got treated for lunch by the famous doctor.

Dr Rey with Sam

This picture was shared by Darren today.  

Here are some of the pictures from the highveld website taken during Dr Rey's visit to their studio.  

Heinz Winckler Workshop

Heinz is hosting session to assist Idol contestants to prepare for their auditions.  These will be held on 3, 10 and 24 March at R500 per hour for one-on-one sessions.

The candidate will also be video recorded so they can see themselves in action.  I think this is awesome for some of those funny guys that really believe they can sing but actually can't.

You can email Heinz at heinzwincklerworkshop@gmail.com if you are interested.

Heinz also assists people not going for additions and shares advice on how to make it in the music industry in South Africa.  With his achievements over the last few years, Heinz is really well positioned to be of great help to new rising stars.  

Joburg Fashion Week - hiccup

AFI is doing their show in Johannesburg tonight.  Brilliant concept but a lot seem to have gone wrong, creating a two hour delay on the Nelson Mandela bridge where the show is being held.
Designer David Tlale did receive some positive feedback on his collection from quite a few people.

The setup this afternoon on the Nelson Mandela bridge in JHB

Innibosveld wrap-up

Innibosveld with Kurt Darren is officially over.  Some final pictures of the stars attending the show as well as some of Steve Hofmyer.
During the show, Jakkie Louw asked his girlfriend to marry him and luckily received a response in the positive.

Nicholis with Steve

Nicholis and Arno

Group Pic

Jakkie Louw - now engaged

Gareth's new addition

Our favorite DJ from 5FM, Gareth Cliff, is getting a new puppy at the end of this month.  He is currently undecided about a name and shared this picture earlier today.

GC's new addition

SHOUT Car wash

The guys have been busy since 09:00 this morning washing cars for charity - Domestic Watch.  They will be at it until 14:00 this afternoon.

Luckily, these guys know how to make it fun so can't use the slogan "all work and no play"

PJ Powers

First for Women Guardian Angel car getting a wash

Tamara

All Access presenter Jason Greer with Evolverband

VIRGIN ACTIVE SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2011

The award ceremony is taking place tonight at Emperor's palace in Kempton Park.

Some of the guys on the shortlist are:

• Big-Ball
• Blue Bulls
• Nike
• The Sharks

• Nedbank - Nedbank Cup Soccer
• Nike - Write the Future
• SuperSport - FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010
• Vodacom - Join the Voice Behind Bafana Bafana

• Chevrolet Warriors
• MTN Energade Pro Cycling Team
• Kaizer Chiefs
• Western Province Stormers Rugby

JUDGES' CATERGORIES

Can't wait for the results to come out later tonight.  In the interim you can read more on www.sportindustry.co.za

GC Aplology

Good going Mr Cliff!  I thought this was truly awesome...

Gareth Cliff Idols SA pic courtesy of MNET

I've never imagined for a second that I was perfect. I know I'm full of stupidity, occasional myopia and some prejudice, but that doesn't mean I'm not capable of correcting myself. I thought the month of love might be a good time to clear the air. To those I have offended, here is your long-awaited apology:
To Former President Mbeki: I'm sorry I compared you to Stalin and begged the ANC to unseat you in Polokwane. You were a thinker and you were sensitive, like the poets of old. I was a loud white guy who criticised you a lot, and it annoyed you and made you justifiably petulant. I'll bring you a bottle of whiskey in Killarney if you will let me in at the gate and not set your dogs on me.
To Cindy Nel: I'm sorry I said that you didn't really win Miss SA and that Sami Sabiti read the results the wrong way round. You're a beautiful woman and you turn me on. It must have been my inability to charm you that frustrated me into being nasty.
To Helen Zille: I'm sorry about all the horrible jokes (concubines, Botox etc), bad impersonations and on-air questions about toilets. You work really hard and you deserve more respect than I have given you. You're also looking really good, and you have much to be proud of.
To all the failed Idols contestants: I might have been crass and insensitive, especially in the first season or two. I behaved like an attention-seeking moron. The show is not about me, it's about you - and I've finally grown up and realised that. Randall, I admit, is unlikely to have the same epiphany.

This summary was taken from garethcliff.com and you can visit his website to read more.  

Performances Today

Bobby is back for the first time this year and is performing at HTS Vereeniging tonight

Chris Chameleon will be performing at the Centurion Theatre tonight at 20:00

Latest stars joining SHOUT

PJ Powers joins again this year

Mafikizolo

Judith Sephuma

Ross from Primecircle

Idol winner Elvis Blue

U2's Bono at the 702/94.7 Studio

Bono with Alex J

and my pic of the day is with Riccardo Regnani

Pics from Primedia staff

SHOUT Car wash coming up

ere are some pictures from last year

And now... 2011 on its way!

The pictures are not owned by this blog and thanks is given to SHOUT SA, FB and the Saturday Star.  

Dial Direct takes the initiative!

For years South African motorists have been plagued by the constant threat of potholes.

Not only are they a safety hazard, but they also pose danger to the wheel alignment and suspension of your car - that’s if the short- term danger of a flat tyre doesn’t get you first.

Many have tried to curb the problem, but there are still an increasing number of potholes in South Africa, which are growing in size and stature as fast as they are multiplying.

In the spirit of ‘less yada yada, more ching ching’ and in the interest of public safety and urban pride, Dial Direct and Trafficare, in association with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport (GPDRT), have joined forces in an effort to assist in the fight against potholes in Gauteng. Dial Direct will begin a Pilot Project by proactively filling potholes on selected roads in Gauteng, under the jurisdiction of GPDRT.

In keeping with Dial Directs techno-savvy brand positioning, the initiative will be using cutting edge, internationally acclaimed technology to repair the potholes. The Jetpatcher will be making its South African debut with the Dial Direct Pothole Brigade project. Ultimately Dial Direct and Trafficare would like to increase the scope of the activity of the Pothole Brigade over time, so watch this space!

Click here to see the Dial Direct Pothole Brigade in action.

Click here to read about the Jetpatcher technology

• Click here to view our pothole related press releases

Darren Simpson at Dial Direct Pothole brigade launch

Thanks to Dial Direct and LeadSA for all the info and for filling up those huge potholes!