Posts in Category: Feature
Bravo Africa Arrives on DStv & DStv Access:
Star-Packed Launch Event Showcases Ultimate Reality TVChannel
Johannesburg, 9 October 2025: Johannesburg turned all the way up yesterday as NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-To-Consumer celebrated the highly anticipated launch of Bravo Africa at Four Seasons, The Westcliff. The packed event marked the arrival of the ultimate destination for reality TV, now available to viewers on DStv channel 124 and on DStv Access.
A guest list that brought the star power
The venue was buzzing with some of South Africa’s favourite personalities including Minnie Dlamini, Somizi, ThembisaMdoda, Nia Brown, Candice Modiselle,
Vourne Kgosinkwe, Mamello Makha, Buntu Petse, Taryn Louch, Kayise Ngqula, Lula Odiba, Jo Judnick-Wilson, Judie Kama, Kay Sibiya, Jason WIlliemse, Yaya Mavundla, Kuhle Adams, Ray Neo Buso,
Diolan Govender, Margo Fargo, Danny Painter, Sachi Okada, Roxy Burger, and Jason Goliath.
MC for the event, Thulane Hadebe (@YesitmeToolz), kept the energy high, entertaining the room as he highlighted the fun, the personalities and the unmissable drama that viewers can expect from Bravo Africa’s fresh slate of reality entertainment.
An exclusive first look at Bravo Africa’s content
Guests enjoyed an advance screening of the highly anticipated first episode of The Real Housewives of London, the 30th international instalment of the world-renowned franchise, premiering Sunday, 12 October at 19:00. The sneak peekshowed off the signature mix of drama, glamour and wit that hasmade The Real Housewives a global obsession.
The party also teased the return of the immensely popular comedy dating show Dating #No Filter South Africa, premiering Saturday, 11 October at 18:00. Guests were treated to a Q&A, hosted by Thulane, with cast members Jason Goliath, Kim Jayde, Carpo More,
Nadia Nakai, Jo-Anne Reyneke, Tums The Narrator, Skyf Your Loss and Robby Collins.
Immersive brand experiences
Overlooking the Jozi skyline, the launch event featured plenty of fun interactive elements including guests getting their glam on at the Fenty Beauty station and indulging in Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl fragrance experience.
Africa’s new home for reality TV
Bravo is NBCUniversal’s global home of unscripted entertainment; the channel is available outside the US in Africa, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Through the exciting launch of Bravo Africa, local viewers are introduced to a huge line-up of top reality content. In addition to The Real Housewives of London and Dating #No Filter South Africa(Season 2), the channel offers an exciting range of iconic titles such as The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Below Deck Mediterranean, Married to Medicine and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Bravo Africa is available now to DStv subscribers on channel 124, and on DStv Access. For regular updates and the inside scoop on Bravo programming, follow@bravotv_africa on Instagram.
GAME CHANGERS. INNOVATORS. LEADERS.INTRODUCING THE INNOVATOR TRUST WOMEN IN TECH AWARDS POWERHOUSE LINEUP
Johannesburg – From coding the backbone of our networks to scaling innovative enterprises, women in ICT are building South Africa’s future, and on 20 November 2025, the Innovator Trust’s Women in Tech Awards will honour their impact on the local economy.
This year’s theme, “Shaping Her Growth: Code it. Shape it. Scale it,” recognises the advancement of female owned SMME’s who are building foundations, honing their leadership, and expanding their enterprises into lasting, influential businesses. In this context, the concept of redefining strength becomes tangible.
As one of South Africa’s premier events for women in ICT, the Awards promises a truly unique experience—honouring the exceptional contributions of the Innovator Trust’s women-led SMMEs and spotlighting the inspiring stories of trailblazers who have broken barriers and made a lasting impact on society. This forum continues to underscore the profound impact of technology on the contemporary world and the evolving role of women in society. It serves as a unifying call for women of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures to rise and collectively envision a brighter future—leveraging the transformative potential of technology to develop innovative solutions to Africa’s most significant socio-economic challenges.
Get ready to be inspired and empowered as Innovator Trust proudly reveals an electrifying speaker line-up for the 2025 edition of the Women in Tech Awards to accompany this years’ celebrations. From a blend of cross-industry entrepreneurs and thought leaders, to seasoned experts of brand executives and also content creators, the Women in Tech Awards proudly showcases the diverse talent driving innovation in the tech industry. The exciting programme will be filled with thought provoking keynote addresses with lively and insightful panel discussions.
Renowned broadcast journalist and global conversation strategist Nozipho Tshabalala will guide the formal proceedings as the official moderator of the programme. Adding to the prestige of the event, corporate power player and Vodacom Business Operations Director: Vodacom Ventures and Business Partners; Martha Lamola will deliver the keynote address—sharing insights on leadership, innovation and the evolving role of women in the ICT sector.
A preview of the list of some of the distinguished speakers in the different panels include:
PANEL ONE
TOPIC: The Creative Corner – Reflection on Digital Creative Agencies and impact of AI
- Janine Wood – Founder and Marketing Manager of Ignite Media
- Aphiwe Tafeni – Founder and CEO of Olem Business Boutique
- Zumurrud Rinquest – Managing Director of Curious & Creative
PANEL TWO
TOPIC: SMME Leadership in the Age of AI: How you can Lead Beyond Your Limits
- Nomvuyiso Batyi – CEO of Association of Comms and Technology
- Zukiswa Phillips – Managing Executive Financial Planning & Analysis of Vodacom South Africa
- Charmaine Houvet – Senior Director Africa of CISCO
- Siphokazi Simandla – Managing Director of Bolunga Systems
PANEL THREE
TOPIC: One Africa, One Market: African Women SMMEs Trading Without Limits
- Smangele Nkosi – General Manager South Africa of CISCO
- Kanini Mutooni – Regional Managing Director of Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
PANEL FOUR
TOPIC: Africa’s Youth – How are they Coding, Shaping and Scaling?
- Serisha Barrat – CEO & Co-Founder of Laweyerd Up
- Thabile Makhoba – Director of Makhoba Professional Services
Additional speakers are set to be announced over the next few weeks.
As in previous years, the awards will be held in a hybrid format, featuring a live audience of invited guests alongside virtual participation. Viewers from around the world are encouraged to join via livestream.
Virtual registrations are NOW OPEN until 14th November 2025.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WOMEN IN TECH AWARDS
DATE Thursday, 20th November 2025
TIME 9am – 4pm
For more information about the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards, visit any of the Innovator Trust online platforms below:
Instagram: @innovatortrust
Facebook: @innovatortrust
Twitter: @innovatortrust
YouTube: Innovator Trust
Website: www.innovatortrust.co.za
The Levi’s® Brand and Pixar Celebrate 30 Years of Toy Story with Western-Inspired
SAN FRANCISCO (September 22, 2025) – Thirty years ago, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story introduced audiences to the unforgettable friendship between Woody and Buzz Lightyear, forever changing the animation industry as the first computer animated feature film and capturing hearts across generations. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, the Levi’s® brand has collaborated with Disney and Pixar to create a limited collection that celebrates the Western frontier spirit behind Woody’s character and the adventurous heart of the Toy Story films. The new Levi’s® x Toy Story 30th Anniversary collection is inspired by beloved characters and moments into wearable art, blending Western authenticity with the whimsical magic of Andy’s toy box.
For men, the collection offers the standout Levi’s® x Toy Story Western Jacket with a cropped silhouette in piece-dyed bull denim. Custom studs feature five film-inspired motifs: Woody’s belt buckle, Space Ranger logo, Pizza Planet emblem, Woody’s boot logo, and cactus design, with quilted interior lining and limited Woody patch. The Levi’s® x Toy Story Rodeo Shirt features ecru denim with all-over cow print and contrast black piping. Chest embroidery declares “Hey Howdy Hey,” while two chest smile pockets showcase contrast fabric welts and Western mother-of-pearl snaps.
The Levi’s® x Toy Story All Over Print Vest offers quilted zip construction with contrast black interior lining. The back features a large Disney and Pixar’s Jessie and Woody riding Bullseye graphic with kangaroo pockets and flour sack print fabric throughout. The Levi’s® x Toy Story Type III Trucker features patch and repair detailing using printed pocketing fabric and massive Woody Saddleman graphic on the back with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” stitching. The Levi’s® x Toy Story Western Shacket reimagines the Western shirt with full zip front and streetwear sensibility, crafted from midweight indigo denim with sawtooth pocket flaps and mother-of-pearl snaps.
Men’s bottoms include the Western Flare with double knee carpenter styling and custom studs, the Loose Jean with matching patch details, and the Carpenter Jean in flour sack print. All bottoms feature custom pocket bags with Andy’s handwriting and Saddleman graphics. Each pair features authentic Western construction details including reinforced stress points and contrast stitching that echoes the craftsmanship of frontier workwear. The custom Andy’s handwriting pocket bags pay homage to the film’s story while the Saddleman graphics serve as collectible Easter eggs.
The women’s offerings emphasize Jessie’s spirited independence through empowering silhouettes and authentic Western detail. The standout Levi’s® x Toy Story Type II Jacket is offered in rinse indigo with Western silhouette, “Yodelayheehoo” chain stitch embroidery, and ecru collar contrast. The Western Shirt maintains the cow print denim theme, while the Ribcage Bell transforms the popular silhouette with Western smile pockets, cow print waistband, and “Howdy” embroidery.
Graphic tees capture key characters and moments: the Woody Short Sleeve Tee with Saddleman pose on vintage red, the Boxy Tee featuring Disney and Pixar’s Woody riding Bullseye in black, and the group Boxy Tee with an Alien in cowboy hat in white. The blue vintage wash Long Sleeve Tee features a Woody-Buzz back graphic with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” The chocolate brown Hoodie showcases the Woody Saddleman lockup on the back. Accessories round out the expansive collection. The denim Logo Hat features Toy Story lockup and embossed Pixar ball clasp, while the Cow Hat comes in ecru cow fabric with variable patches. The All Over Print Tote combines denim and flour sack canvas with exterior arcuate detailing, while the Cow Pouch offers compact storage with Woody’s bandana print lining. The 3-Pack Bandana set includes yellow with Woody Saddleman, red with Buzz Lightyear, and white with Jessie designs. The Woody Belt authentically recreates Woody’s iconic buckle in leather with gold-brass studding and laser-etched Saddleman pose.
Throughout the collection, variable patches featuring Disney & Pixar’s Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Rex, and Aliens add collectible value, allowing fans to showcase their favorite characters while building personal connections that mirror the bond between toys and owners in the films. The Levi’s® x Toy Story 30thAnniversary collection launches worldwide on Oct. 2, and will be available for purchase on Levi.co.za and in select Levi’s® Stores, with select items on DisneyStore.com.
Celebrate Heritage month with flavour, flair, and a well-deserved reset at The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts
September is South Africa’s month-long excuse to eat, dance, laugh and celebrate our heritage. This month is about flavour and flair and this year The Capital Hotel Group plans to do it in style. Whether you’re craving a foodie adventure, a long weekend of luxury, or a little bit of both, The Capital Hotel Group has you covered.
A feast for the senses:
Every South African knows that the quickest way to connect with our heritage is through the kitchen. Every dish tells a story and every bite is a celebration. From Cape Malay curries simmering with spice in the Cape, to bunny chow that makes Durban proud, to Joburg’s unbeatable shisa nyama and street food scene. Food is where our cultures meet and where memories are made.
At The Capital Hotel Group, you can start your day with a breakfast of champions before heading out to taste the flavours of the city. Think of it as the launchpad for a foodie tour. One that begins with eggs and coffee and ends with smoky braais, bobotie and melktert. After all, Heritage Month is as much about eating as it is about remembering.
Celebrate, then reset:
Of course, no great celebration is complete without a little indulgence on the side. After the dancing, the laughter and the plates piled high with heritage flavours, you’ll want somewhere luxurious to recharge. That’s where The Capital Hotel Group steps in again.
In Johannesburg, The Capital On The Park and The Capital Empire are urban escapes that put you right in the heart of the city while still giving you space to breathe. For something chic and stylish, The Capital Melrose and The Capital On Bath have you covered. And if you’re looking to add pure indulgence to the mix, SEVEN Villa Hotel and Spa is your go-to for treatments that make relaxation an art form.
In Nelspruit, The Capital Mbombela offers the perfect break for those wanting to escape the bustle, while in Cape Town The Capital 15 on Orange and The Capital Mirage set the stage for a coastal celebration with a touch of glamour. Wherever you land, you’ll find more than a bed for the night, you’ll find the perfect reset button for a long weekend well spent.
Heritage generosity, The Capital style:
Heritage Month is about generosity and The Capital Hotel Group is serving it up with a smile. Book a three-night stay at any participating hotel between 19 and 28 September and your last night is on the house. That’s one extra evening of exploring, feasting, or simply unwinding by the pool, free of charge.
It’s the perfect excuse for a city escape, a stylish break, or a well-deserved long weekend. Add breakfast to the mix, and you’ve got yourself the kind of stay where both body and spirit get exactly what they need.
Where will you celebrate?
- In Joburg: Choose from The Capital On The Park, The Capital Empire, The Capital Melrose, The Capital On Bath or the 5-star SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa.
- In Mbombela: The Capital Mbombela is ready to welcome you with comfort and charm.
- In Cape Town: Make it The Capital 15 on Orange or The Capital Mirage for a coastal celebration with flair.
Wherever you go, you’ll find modern comfort, vibrant energy, and the freedom to celebrate heritage your way.
Make Heritage Month count:
This September, why not make your holiday about more than a braai in the backyard? Give yourself the gift of flavour, flair and a well-earned reset. Whether it’s tucking into local delicacies, soaking up culture, or surrendering to a spa day, The Capital Hotel Group has the perfect stay waiting for you.
Book your Heritage Month escape today and let the celebrations begin. Breakfast and bliss are on the menu and if you stay three nights, so is an extra night on us.
WHISKY MEETS ART: MAIA LEHR-SACKS PARTNERS WITH THE BALVENIE TO BRING CRAFT TO LIFE THROUGH ART & LIGHT
In a refined union of heritage and contemporary creation, The Balvenie has partnered with sculptural paper artist Maia Lehr-Sacks to reveal a series of bespoke window installations at key Norman Goodfellows outlets. This is the first South African expression of The Makers Project, a global campaign honouring modern creatives who, like The Balvenie, bring deep intention, skill and patience to their craft.
The collaboration centres on a shared philosophy: that true luxury lies not in speed, but in the personal commitment to process, detail, and care. Just as The Balvenie upholds rare traditions like growing its own barley, malting by hand, and trusting a single Malt Master to guide every cask, Lehr-Sacks brings a tactile, meditative depth to her sculptural paper works.
A Dialogue Between Two Craft Philosophies
The Balvenie’s Five Rare Crafts: home grown barley, owned cooperage, working floor malting, copper stills and malt master remain the pillars of its distinctive character. Rather than recreating them literally, Maia Lehr-Sacks drew inspiration from this model of intentionality to define her own Five Pillars of Craft: process, material, memory & intention, repetition, and transformation.
“Each fold holds memory. Each crease is deliberate,” she reflects. “The hours of folding, the physical strain, and the quiet repetition all live inside the work. That’s the craft. That’s the soul of it.”
The resulting installation is a series of pleated paper sculptures, suspended, rhythmic forms that catch light and shadow in constant movement. The work captures a duality present in both art and whisky: the fragility of the medium, held together by the strength of discipline.
The Art of Display, The Poetry of Precision
Lehr-Sacks designed the installations with acute sensitivity to light, ensuring that each display would shift throughout the day. “Paper doesn’t just sit in space, it responds to it. Light becomes a collaborator. Shadow becomes the storyteller.”
This commitment to imperfection, intimacy and hand-finished variance is mirrored in The Balvenie’s approach. From its use of copper stills to its on-site coopers, every element of its whisky-making process is touched by human hands and time-honoured skill.
A Preview of the Makers Journey
The window displays mark the beginning of a journey that will unfold in the coming months, as South African makers, across culinary and visual disciplines share their own craft philosophies in response to The Balvenie’s heritage.
This is not a reinterpretation of The Balvenie’s Five Rare Crafts, but a celebration of parallel purpose: where each maker defines their own five pillars of personal craft, grounded in character, patience and passion.
Visit the installations now at:
- Norman Goodfellows Fourways
- Norman Goodfellows Kyalami
- Norman Goodfellows Melrose Arch
