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South African Arts Icon, Kurt Egelhof, launches four-book collection in May 2025

Renowned South African actor, director, playwright, and producer, Kurt Egelhof, is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career with the physical launch of his four books in May 2025. These in-person events will take place in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, offering readers the chance to engage with one of the country’s most respected creative minds. With a career spanning over 40 years, Egelhof has made an indelible mark in film, theatre, and television. His work in The Ghost and the Darkness, Zulu Love Letter, The Last Victims, and The Native Who Caused All the Trouble has solidified his reputation as a powerhouse performer. Behind the camera, he has directed over 250 episodes of South Africa’s most beloved TV dramas, including Isidingo, Scandal!, and Backstage. Additionally, he served as Head of the Creative Department at Endemol South Africa and pioneered the SoloAfrica Festival of Monodrama, Africa’s first monodrama festival. Born and raised in Durban, and now residing in Cape Town, Egelhof holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama from the University of Natal. Beyond his creative contributions, he has remained deeply committed to mentoring young artists and advancing South African storytelling. From Stage to Page: The Four Books Egelhof’s literary venture brings to life the same intensity, depth, and socio-political awareness that characterize his performances and productions. His four books—The Adventure Boys, The Palace of Broken Dreams, The Accidental Death of a Good Coloured Man, and Man Overboard—each explore unique narratives inspired by personal experiences, historical observations, and social injustices. They are currently available for digital purchase via Lulu.com and via Amazon for the hard copy – both locally and internationally. ● The Adventure Boys was inspired by a tragic incident Egelhof witnessed as a young boy, shaping a story of youthful innocence and hard-earned wisdom. ● The Palace of Broken Dreams addresses race, privilege, and talent in the arts world, questioning the fairness of opportunity. ● The Accidental Death of a Good Coloured Man is a deeply personal exploration of racial identity, resistance, and legacy, stemming from Egelhof’s acclaimed stage production. ● Man Overboard delves into the stark realities of life on cruise ships, contrasting the luxurious experiences of passengers with the realistic conditions faced by crew members. Each book can be read as a standalone story, but together, they weave the compelling journey of one character from age 16 to 60. Upcoming Book Launch Events – May 2025 Egelhof will be personally presenting his books in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town at exclusive launch events where fans, literary enthusiasts, and members of the arts community can engage with him, gain insight into his storytelling process, and purchase signed copies. Direct links to purchase each book digitally: 1. Adventure Boys – https://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-egelhof/the-adventure-boys/ebook/product-w4ry666.html?q=Adventure+boys&page=1&pageSize=4&fbclid=IwY2xjawJZzwxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWUJd8Fg8yjkJ-W_OOV5ricjtsnhjWmCO1szQdGh7q_Zv5kA-dKYo2h24g_aem_dMqbuTQEZdwWGDCznIYR9w 2. Palace of Broken Dreams – https://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-egelhof/the-palace-of-broken-dreams/ebook/product-57vpvpm.html?q=PALACE+OF+BROKEN+DREAMS&fbclid=IwY2xjawJZzq9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTdPozUBP6pyg5IBtMHShhORA3PBkuj358SKMuxg23hxN0P7w9kUCXnMzA_aem_d_x96S_3kTml4A2XrayiUQ&page=1&pageSize=4 3. Man Overboard – https://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-egelhof/man-overboard/ebook/product-e74pmye.html?q=MAN+OVERBOARD&page=1&pageSize=4&fbclid=IwY2xjawJZzl1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTE4Gm6NbegOGsW_5ENP_aarZbgWRY3wgahLg055Sqg6jvsoYndGl2EX6w_aem_DqvzZFIPW7omHfnLTxUJew 4. The Accidental Death of a Good Coloured Man – https://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-egelhof/the-accidental-death-of-a-good-coloured-man/ebook/product-w4kwk56.html?q=THE+ACCIDENTAL+DEATH+OF+A+GOOD+COLOURED+MAN&fbclid=IwY2xjawJZzdtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUIrDg8DBGgbXjjttSY_5SoeJd8lnguI4nmk6I7s2vhNdIoE80KckL7EQg_aem_mdvz_4yUkQ4h1MmLXye5Dg&page=1&pageSize=4 About Kurt Egelhof Kurt Egelhof is a veteran South African actor, playwright, director, and producer whose career spans over four decades in film, theatre, and television. He has played significant roles in productions such as The Ghost and the Darkness, Zulu Love Letter, The Last Victims, and The Native Who Caused All the Trouble. As a writer, Egelhof explores themes of identity, social justice, and personal history, drawing from his own life experiences and South Africa’s complex socio-political landscape. His work continues to shape and inspire the local creative industry. Connect with Kurt Egelhof For updates on his book launches, interviews, and upcoming projects, follow Kurt Egelhof on social media: ● Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Kurt-Egelhof/61571492430606/ ● Twitter/X: https://x.com/thekurtski ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtegelhof/

YOUR WINTER WARDROBE STARTS HERE, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF – THIS SEASON, MENLYN PARK IS THE WINTER FASHION CAPITAL

Staff Reporter 5 days ago5 days ago 0

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, one of South Africa’s leading fashion and retail destinations, is redefining winter wardrobes with its “Destination Winter” campaign, running from 28 March to 1 June 2025. Curated to help shoppers navigate this season’s key trends with ease and excitement, the campaign brings together some of South Africa’s most-beloved personalities, iconic winter destinations, and an unmatched retail offering – all under the Menlyn Park roof. A SHOPPABLE FASHION JOURNEY At the heart of the campaign is a striking installation of eight bespoke fashion pods, each inspired by a uniquely South African winter destination – from the earthy calm of the Karoo to the modern minimalism of Johannesburg. Every pod showcases five signature looks, styled with a mix of local and international labels available at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre. As one of the country’s largest retail destinations, Menlyn Park is home to over 300 fashion and lifestyle stores, including luxury powerhouses like Michael Kors, global icons such as ZARA and Calvin Klein (exclusive to Pretoria), and trend-focused favourites like Ted Baker, H&M and BOSS. Menlyn even has its own NBA Store. Menlyn also champions local fashion with proudly South African brands like Bathu, GalXBoy, Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle, Ama Kip Kip, Blank Collection, Rico Studio, and Shesha positioning the centre as the ultimate destination for fashion that reflects both global trends and homegrown threads. Trend Highlights: This Season’s Must-Haves Menlyn’s “Destination Winter” campaign is designed to make seasonal styling easy and accessible for every shopper. From oversized-silhouettes and textured layers to the return of tailored elegance, each look has been curated to reflect what’s hot right now – and what’s wearable. Central to the season’s palette is Mocha, Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year. This rich, velvety tone is woven into several pod looks, paired with everything from buttery neutrals to contrasting pops of colour. Whether it’s in the form of a luxe wool coat, structured trousers, or layered knitwear, Mocha takes centre stage as the must-have hue of the season. Fashion by Familiar Faces Shoppers can look forward to curated looks from some of South Africa’s most fashion-forward personalities: ● Simoné Pretorius brings Joziwood’s slick edge to life with leather trenches, structured tailoring, and bold accessories. ● Andries Pretorius gives the Karoo pod its rugged charm with earthy layers and durable fabrics. ● Molife Kumona, GQ South Africa’s Editor-in-Chief, channels Winelands sophistication with soft tailoring and timeless menswear staples. ● Nontando Mposo, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour, curates the Dullstroom pod with textured knits and cosy country chic. ● Mareli Bentley (RHOJ) lends the Drakensberg look by channeling ice queen energy, serving icy-chic style. ● Grant Kekana, Bafana Bafana star, captures the Garden Route’s forest tones with relaxed outerwear and street-ready layers. ● Little Alico (RHOJ Nicci Lee Watson’s son) and Harper Pretorius (Simoné’s beloved daughter) bring playful energy to the Durban pod with colour blocking and bold prints. Yes, we even have a pod dedicated to “the Littles” by “the Littles”. ● Madeline Rossouw, Menlyn’s in-house stylist and personal shopper, reimagines the laid-back cool of the West Coast through breezy layers and soft-toned essentials. The 2025 Digital Winter Trend Guide Supporting the in-centre experience is the Winter Trend Guide, a digital companion curated by Madeline Rossouw and Menlyn’s local personalities, to help shoppers shop smarter. Available onlineat menlynpark.co.za, the guide unpacks key looks from each pod, offers style tips, and lists exact items from featured Menlyn retailers – across various price points. “The Winter Trend Guide is all about making style feel effortless and attainable,” says Madeline Rossouw, Head Stylist for the campaign and Personal Shopper at Menlyn. “We’ve broken down each trend, showing how you can build the look with options from stores like Forever New, local streetwear brand the Blank Collection, or international statement brands like Michael Kors, depending on your budget or taste. It’s fashion with function – and flair.” Why Menlyn is Winter’s Fashion Capital This campaign cements Menlyn Park as more than a shopping centre – it’s a curated experience. With immersive fashion pods, a trend guide that does the thinking for you, and access to both international and proudly local brands, there’s no better place to prep your winter wardrobe. From Pretoria exclusives to streetwear gems, tailored classics to statement pieces, Menlyn Park delivers the ultimate winter edit – wrapped in one stylish destination. Visit Menlyn Park Shopping Centre from 28 March to 1 June 2025 and make this winter your most fashionable one yet.

The Right Decision: Going green just makes ‘Cents’ and ‘Rands’

Staff Reporter 6 days ago6 days ago 0

Going ‘green’ is not merely a passing fad; it also makes business sense. Its vital that companies avoid ‘greenwashing’ their reputation- spending more money promoting their ‘green’ image than actually implementing sustainable practices In the past, companies could justifiably pursue one goal and one goal alone: profitability. Today, however, things are significantly different. All businesses, whether large or small, now have corporate social responsibility: a duty to contribute positively to the world, whether environmentally or socially. As a guide, companies can align themselves with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, precisely goal number 9 – to build resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialisation, goal 11 – to make towns and cities safe, inclusive and sustainable and 12 – to promote sustainable consumption and production. For instance, allowing employees to work from home or a workspace closer to home reduces carbon emissions and saves money in other areas. Studies have shown that employees and prospective employees are willing to take a cut in salary in exchange for flexible work options. This, coupled with increased productivity and other benefits such as savings on infrastructure, will save money in the long run. “Embracing these principles is not solely about altruism. In practice, such strategies can also yield tangible benefits for businesses. These benefits include improved talent retention – particularly as Gen Z is drawn to purpose-driven workplaces – enhanced customer loyalty, the potential to enter new markets, and reduce waste”, says Joanne Bushell, Managing Director,(International Workplace Group) IWG, South Africa Let’s delve into seven ways you can make your business greener so you can reap some of these rewards. Diving in: 7 ways to go greener Below are some top actionable tips for promoting sustainability and adhering to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 1. Establish clear and public sustainability goals and be transparent about progress If you aim to make sustainability a goal for your company, it’s essential to communicate this clearly to your customers and the public. This can help hold you accountable for achieving those goals while also serving as a form of promotion – many potential customers are attracted to companies making conscientious environmental efforts. 2. Regularly audit and aim to reduce your business’s carbon emissions Your sustainability record is closely tied to your energy consumption and carbon emissions. To place your company on a greener path, you must actively reduce these and regularly verify that you’re meeting targets and staying on course to achieve your emission reduction goals. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by embracing hybrid working. Recent research has found that companies that switched to a hybrid model drastically reduced carbon emissions (related to commuting and office space) by up to 87%. Moreover, selecting providers like IWG, which offers certified carbon-neutral workspaces, further enhances these environmental benefits. 3. Work towards certifications from reputable bodies (e.g., B Corp, FSC) Often, your environmental efforts will be rewarded with official accreditation. For example, FSC certification is awarded to brands demonstrating that their products come from responsibly managed forests. Meanwhile, B Corp certification indicates that a company has shown a high social and environmental performance standard. These certifications signal to environmentally conscious customers that you are an ethical and sustainable business. 4. Regularly consult with employees, suppliers, and customers on sustainability Decisions about sustainability can stem from more than just the sources mentioned above. Consider crowdsourcing suggestions from your team, partner companies, and customers. This approach yields several actionable ideas. Additionally, it fosters collaboration and cultivates a sense of trust and open communication with your teams and customers. 5. Ensure green practices at every level, from sourcing to sales Being a green company means prioritising ecology at every stage of the product cycle, from sourcing materials to sales practices. For instance, a business can hardly call itself green if it uses packaging made from recycled materials while its product contains crude oil. 6. Avoid vague language or commonly misused terms like ‘natural’ or ‘ethical’ Today, customers are much savvier about what constitutes authentic green practices and what qualifies as ‘greenwashing. ‘ To avoid falling into the latter category, be specific in your descriptions of sustainability initiatives and refrain from using vague terms like ‘natural’ – which can be interpreted to mean almost anything- and ‘ethical, ‘ which, without supporting information, holds little credibility. 7. Partner with environmental consultants or organisations for guidance For many businesses, adopting sustainable practices presents a significant learning curve. To receive guidance and support for making greener decisions, consider partnering with specialised environmental consultants who can help steer you in the right direction. Some final thoughts When it comes to shaping a greener enterprise, the significance of adopting genuine environmental actions cannot be overstated. Indeed, leaders of SMEs — which represent about 90% of global businesses — play a vital role in endorsing authentic green practices over inauthentic ones. This responsibility empowers them to make a significant impact on the environment. Demonstrating a commitment to the environment involves adopting green practices and selecting the right partners to support these efforts. Embracing a hybrid work model, particularly with providers that offer carbon-neutral workspaces like IWG, is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions significantly. It’s not just about minimising commute-related emissions; it’s also about making informed decisions regarding office energy consumption About International Workplace Group PLC International Workplace Group is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size. From some of the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet, to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of International Workplace Group’s hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity. International Workplace Group’s unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 4,000 locations across more than 120 countries and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base. Through our brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing the world’s...

Local Celebs Reveal How They’re Celebrating Easter This Year

Staff Reporter 6 days ago6 days ago 0

There’s so much to love about the Easter weekend – the extra-long break, family lunches, spontaneous getaways, chocolate eggs, and making memories with loved ones. With the Easter weekend officially around the corner, we caught up with a few of Mzansi’s most-loved personalities to find out how they’re spending the special weekend – and what the holiday means to them. Shaun Stylist, musician Whenever there’s a long weekend, entertainers like Shaun Stylist are often balancing time with family and a packed gig schedule. This Easter, the musician – fresh off the release of his latest single ‘Themb’itshe’ with Warner Music Africa – plans to make the most of both. “This weekend, I plan on waking up my son Maison with his very first Easter egg hunt,” he says. “After that, we’ll enjoy a special lunch with the family before I head off to perform at a few gigs. I’m excited to help make other people’s Easter weekend a celebration too!” Martin Bester, Jacaranda FM radio host Being both the host of Jacaranda FM’s popular ‘Breakfast With Martin Bester’ and a touring musician, it’s safe to say that, generally, Martin Bester is often juggling a packed schedule. This Easter holiday, however, he’s intentionally slowing things down to spend time with his loved ones. “Easter reminds me to appreciate the simple things – good food, laughter, and the people who make life meaningful. It’s a time to be fully present,” Martin shares. Usually, I’m busy waking up South Africa on Jacaranda FM or rocking a stage. But come Easter, I swap the mic for family lunches and chocolate eggs—no regrets!” Carol Ofori, radio personality and author For Carol Ofori, Easter is always a perfect time to press pause, reset and spend time with her loved ones. This year, the radio personality says that she has booked a weekend away with her husband and kids for Good Friday and the Saturday after. On the Sunday, she’s excited to return home to Durban and spend Easter Sunday with her loved ones at home “Easter has always been one of the most important times for me. It’s a moment to reflect, reset, and be grateful for everything we have,” Carol says. “For my family, it’s a time of spiritual significance – one we honour by spending it together, focusing on what truly matters.” 2wo Bunnies, Amapiano DJ duo Amapiano duo 2wo Bunnies are set for a memorable Easter weekend. The DJ pair, who are part of this year’s incredible ULTRA South Africa lineup, are using the long weekend to connect with fans and celebrate with their team. “We’ll be recording a special music mix that reflects the sound and energy we’ve become known for,” they share. “Afterwards, we’re looking forward to gathering our team for a delicious Easter meal filled with good vibes and even better company. We’ll be wrapping up the day with an epic live set at Tempo in Sunninghill—ending the weekend on a high note.” Shandor Larenty, content creator and Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at the Lion & Safari Park As someone who works closely with some of Africa’s biggest cats on a daily basis, Shandor Larenty will make sure to split his time up wisely this Easter weekend. “When it comes to the holidays, it’s all about spending time with the ones who matter most. For me, that means dividing my time between the animals and my friends and family,” he says. “Over the Easter weekend, you’ll most likely find me at the Lion & Safari Park in the mornings, checking in on the animals, and then winding down the day with friends—whether it’s hiking, enjoying a braai in the bush, or getting up to some sort of adventure where we can reconnect and catch up. That said, living outside the city means that every day already feels like a bit of a bush break.” Kim Jayde, media personality and businesswoman This Easter weekend, content creator Kim Jayde is intentionally slowing it down and plans on recharging her batteries after a long few months. After travelling non-stop for almost 2 months I’m so thankful to be spending Easter at home in Mzansi! Easter weekend without pickled fish and marshmallow eggs honestly wouldn’t be the same!” Kim jokes. “I’ll be spending Easter Sunday with close friends as my whole family is in Zimbabwe. I am excited to be welcomed into their home , for some home cooking and lots of love and laughter.”