Category Archives: Africa

Pigalle by Villamoura Reopens: Experience Halaal Fine Dining

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Pigalle, a beloved dining institution in Sandton, is set to reopen its doors as Pigalle by Villamoura under new ownership on Friday, 1st November.  Now fully Halaal certified, Pigalle is ushering in a new era of dining with a focus on premium cuisine, offering a revitalized experience while maintaining the high standards of food and service it has long been known for.

To celebrate its grand reopening, Pigalle will be hosting an exclusive ‘Dining with the Stars’ weekend. Running from Friday, 1st November to Saturday, 2nd November, this event will feature special appearances by Dubai Bling personalities, Kris Fade and Ebraheem Alsamadi (aka The Blooming Man), both hailing from Dubai. Bookings are limited for this intimate dining experience and patrons can book by calling 011 889 8866.

Pigalle’s revamped offerings will now include a brand-new sushi bar, providing guests with a fresh and innovative take on the Japanese culinary tradition. Additionally, a stylish shisha & cigar lounge has been added, giving patrons a new way to relax and unwind while enjoying the restaurant’s renowned cuisine. The menu will continue to showcase Pigalle’s famous Mediterranean and seafood fusion dishes, ensuring that long-time patrons will find the quality they have always loved, now with an expanded offering and a more modern twist.

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Pilates for a Cause: Breast Cancer Awareness with COCO Pilates @Sandton Hotel

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This November, COCO Pilates @Sandton Hotel invites you to stretch, strengthen, and support a cause that touches countless lives. Nestled in the heart of Sandton’s luxurious hotel setting, the studio transforms into a lively hub of movement and music, bringing people together for a dynamic day of fitness, fun, and philanthropy.

From sunrise yoga to spirited Pilates, live DJ beats, and hunger-busting food stalls, the annual event is designed not just to raise funds, but to raise hope for women across South Africa through the life-saving work of breast cancer screenings.

With ticket sales now open on Quicket, the event invites individuals of all backgrounds to take part… and the best part is that no prior Pilates experience necessary. Bring your friends, colleagues, and family to enjoy an active morning while contributing to a worthy cause. All proceeds will go directly to ILoveBoobies, an organisation dedicated to providing life-saving breast checks to women across South Africa.

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Emad Mostaque at SingularityU: The Future of Decentralised AI

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Emad Mostaque, Founder of Stability AI and CEO of Schelling AI, delivered a compelling keynote at the SingularityU South Africa Summit 2024, advocating for a future where decentralised AI empowers individuals and nations alike to ensure equitable access to this transformative technology, ultimately increasing the collective intelligence of humanity.

“AI allows us to do more things, as everyone has access to an army of really intelligent graduates at their fingertips,” said Emad Mostaque, Founder of Stability AI and CEO of Schelling AI, as he addressed hundreds of delegates at the SingularityU South Africa Summit 2024, in collaboration with Old Mutual. He took to the stage on day 1 of the summit to talk about ‘the future of decentralised Al’, alongside a host of other local and global speakers at the Sandton Convention Centre.

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Ruda Landman: Redefining Retirement in South Africa

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Ruda Landman

Celebrated South African journalist Ruda Landman may have stepped away from the spotlight, but she’s proving that life after a high-profile career is far from slowing down. In a candid conversation on The Rocktirement Podcast series created by Circle Senior Living, Landman reveals how she’s defying the stereotypes of aging by embracing new challenges, giving back to young South Africans through her GRAD initiative, and maintaining her signature wit and wisdom. Her message? Age is just a number, and retirement is merely a new chapter in a life that’s still vibrant, dynamic, and full of purpose.

When asked about her time on Carte Blanche and some key lessons she learnt along the way that earned her success as a journalist and becoming a household name in South Africa, she revealed, “I’ve found I have a talent for listening—with my skin”. Known for her piercing interviews on Carte Blanche, her deep listening skills have always been her superpower, allowing her to connect with people in ways few others can. This same intuition has guided her into a new phase of life—where she continues to defy societal expectations around aging and retirement. “Don’t put me in a box just because I’m older. I’m still the same person I always was.”

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Brasse Vannie Kaap: A Documentary Tribute to South African Hip Hop

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Showmax has released “Brasse Vannie Kaap”, a nostalgic feature documentary about the iconic, game-changing 1990s group, who helped to make hip hop South African. The music documentary started streaming on Showmax on Monday, 7 October 2024. 

In the documentary, the who’s who of the Afrikaans entertainment industry line up to pay tribute to Brasse Vannie Kaap’s undeniable impact, from David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen of Joe Barber fame to Karen Zoid, Kurt Darren, Francois van Coke and Valiant Swart.

“I started rapping in Afrikaans because of Brasse, and eventually rapping on stages in Afrikaans thanks to Brasse,” says Jack Parow. 

“I am a student of theirs; I am a product of what they made,” echoes YoungstaCPT, flagging how even his name echoes theirs. “I’m a Bra Vannie Kaap, you know. That kind of name, that kind of title, gives you hope and inspiration to not feel ashamed of where you come from, and not be ashamed to use your own language or your own slang. They give you the confidence to do it.” 

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