
Celebrity Drive 2025: Celebrating local talent in true luxury
The journey began in true elegance as VIP guests were chauffeured from Gauteng to Sun City in luxury vehicles provided by BMW Menlyn. From the moment they arrived, guests were immersed in world-class hospitality and opulence.
Every celebrity guest received a timeless watch from the French luxury brand Herbelin—a gesture of appreciation and sophistication. The atmosphere was elevated by Lascento, who scented the evening with elegance and gifted guests with exclusive Xerjoff perfumes, one of the world's most prized fragrance collections.
J'adore Champagne ensured the celebration sparkled from start to finish, offering premium bubbly in every suite, on the red carpet, and throughout the Gala Dinner.
The Gala Dinner became a spectacle of art and fashion, as Gert-Johan Coetzee unveiled his latest Fashion Week collection in a dazzling runway show. SYNC Models brought each piece to life, while Lungstar Creations transformed the space into a visual dreamscape.
Guests enjoyed every moment with a glass of Glenfiddich whisky, tasting the range that defined timeless craftsmanship.
Adding to the evening's elegance, Uniq Brows showcased the artistry of brow perfection. Brand Manager Natalie Naidoo delivered an inspiring speech about the brand's commitment to enhancing natural beauty and empowering confidence through their innovative brow solutions.
The evening featured heartfelt speeches, including remarks from Sun City's General Manager Brett Hoppe, alongside other supporters who shared why they stood behind the vision of Celebrity Drive. It was a moving tribute to the power of local talent and the responsibility of influence.
On the following day, guests were treated to a morning of wellness at Royal Spa, followed by a deeply emotional charity drive to a local HIV-based care home in Rustenburg. Joined by McDonald's and the Mmakola Foundation, the team donated school shoes and sanitary pads.
Many celebrities pledged personal support, reinforcing that glamour means little without impact.
With coverage from SABC and national media, Celebrity Drive 2025 not only trended—it touched lives and reminded the country that our local talent deserves platforms of excellence and generosity.
As we wrap up our second edition, Celebrity Drive is more than an event—it's a movement. A celebration of who we are, where we're going, and what we can do together. We look forward to Celebrity Drive 2026, where once again, Luxury will meet Legacy—and Local Talent will lead the way.
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CelebrityDrive2025 #CelebratingLocalTalent
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Mail & Guardian
5 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Tolkien's sci-fi shows we need only one ring
(Graphic: John McCann/M&G) I love science fiction movies and series. But what always bothered me was that as imaginative, forward-thinking, inventive and superlatively intelligent as the worlds and multiple universes they created, it was no match for the diversity we have on Earth and humankind. Even my current favourite Apple TV+'s Foundation, based on the genius Isaac Asimov's 1950s book series, cannot create a world or planet as diverse as ours. Generally speaking, movies and TV series have just one type of people per planet. Indeed, a planet is often a single city. When I read politics and philosophy at university, I was introduced to Douglas Adams and his amazing book series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the 'trilogy in four parts'. It was through Adams' Hitchhiker's books that I began to recognise the lessons I had been picking up from Star Trek and Star Wars movies. All the stories involved good fighting against an overwhelming evil power, while they try to build a new society that is based on equality and freedom. There are obvious comparisons to South Africa's resistance against the apartheid government and military. But some of the greatest minds cannot imagine a world as diverse as Earth's or conjure up a species with a multitude of cultures, nationalities and peoples as the human race. It is British-South African writer JRR Tolkien, in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, who is able to best reflect the many sides of humankind. In truth though, Tolkien's books are fantasy and, strictly speaking, not sci-fi. But I like to think of fantasy and sci-fi as close cousins. Although Tolkien wrote the books during World War II, he strongly denied they were an allegory of that war. But it would not be incorrect to reflect that Tolkien's experiences in World War II influenced his writing. So maybe the evil Sauron was not necessarily Hitler, but it is not too farfetched to relate Sauron's evil purpose to build a world that serves him and over which he has complete control to the objectives of Nazi fascism. We should not focus on the banal evil of Sauron or his minions, the Orcs. There have been articles accusing Tolkien of being racist in his descriptions of the Orcs. But thinking of the Orcs as black people is a cop-out and not a useful unpacking of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It is in The Hobbit that Tolkien explores and describes the inequality of the world and how accepting we are of the inequality, despite supposedly fighting against it. It is the experiences of the dwarfs and the difficulties they face that reflect our world; one in which those who have precious resources are made to mine them and hand them over to the elves so that they can rule the world forever. Tolkien presents the elves as close to immortal and beautiful, almost God-like. The dwarfs are short and stumpy, nothing noble about them. They covet Earth's riches, but do not know how to develop them. So it's in the interests of all of Earth that the elves take these jewels to invent machinery and technology to make the world easier. But it requires the dwarfs to live in the dark, remain in the bowels of the mountains and mine the precious treasures. The hobbits are of course, the simple rural and working class, who befriend the dwarfs and assist in creating a balance with their simple lives. Just when the opportunity of equality presents itself, the human penchant for greed takes over and this allows evil to reign. The implication is clear: there can only be a semblance of equality. The elves rule (benevolently because they are naturally good, of course) and the dwarfs remain underground mining for the elves, while the rural and working class produce the goods and live in their Middle Earth. The elves like to say that if they are not revered and allowed to remain in charge then an evil Sauron will take over. Our world today is not very different to what Tolkien reflected upon. The instability in the world is not fuelled by US President Donald Trump, even though he benefits from it. The real fear for our elves (the political West) is that if the current path is allowed to continue it will result in them no longer being in charge. In their understanding they cannot exist unless they have hegemonic control of the world; it is the natural order of things. For them, Russia and China are Sauron, and it is in our interests to reinforce the West so that the 'evil' Russia and China do not take over. If we look at our international multilateral system, we have to accept that even though it is stated that all countries are equal and sovereign, the multilateral institutions are deliberately created with structural inequalities. The obvious one is the United Nations, where it is only the UN Security Council that makes decisions that must be implemented. The resolutions of the UN General Assembly are ceremonial and no one is compelled to implement them. And the five permanent members of the UN Security Council possess a veto vote, which means all five must agree for a resolution to be passed. The unequal power dynamic of the Security Council is generally catered for by creative means by all other multilateral institutions. Thus, the International Monetary Fund is always headed up by a European, who must be approved by the United States. The World Bank is always headed by an American. The International Criminal Court (ICC) must charge those the Security Council tells it to, even though not all the permanent members of the Security Council have ratified and signed the ICC's Rome Statute. Essentially, the inequality is multiplied and reinforced. It is impossible that these unequal relations could go on forever. But, just like the elves regarded themselves as immortal, in reality the West and its leaders cannot understand why they are not liked. French leaders find it weird that former French colonies would prefer Beijing over Paris. The legions of Western sympathisers in Central and South America, as well as Africa and parts of South East Asia, have a difficult time trying to understand why the masses would cheer Putin and Xi Jinping, but not get excited by Joe Biden or Kamala Harris. For too long we have regarded a see-saw as balance. A see-saw is unbalanced or, at most, an uneasy balance, where one is higher and the other lower, only for the reverse to occur. If one remains on top, the other at the bottom need only to walk away for the one on top to be brought back down to earth. As Tolkien's books reveal, we are made to believe that someone has to be on top or in charge for there to be stability and balance. But that is not stability, that is dominance expressed as stability. Our three-legged potjie or four-legged chair is balance and stability. We need to reconstruct this world, so that it reflects not who is in charge or is the most powerful but rather how to ensure that everyone has a voice. Africa, together with Central and South America and parts of South East Asia, should not swop the dominance of the West for China, Russia and India. It is important that they join Brics, but they need to recreate the Non-Aligned Movement without India, Russia and China. They can provide Pakistan conditional membership because of its nuclear weapon capability. If Iran goes the nuclear route, they should also be treated in a similar manner. The Gen-Z Non-Aligned Movement has to be different to its predecessors; it has to form a trade bloc. The non-nuclear political South has to either unite or accept that either the Western or Eastern elves remain in charge, and that we, like the dwarfs, must hide in the dark and only come out to praise them. Donovan E Williams is a social commentator. @TheSherpaZA on X.


Mail & Guardian
17 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
‘Travel has been my classroom'
The MTN Bushfire Festival in eSwatini, which included a poetry and acoustics showcase. (Umsamo we Culture) Over and above audience development, market access and book sales for published poets, event organiser at Hear My Voice Ishmael Sibiya says travelling opens the door to cultural diplomacy. 'Travelling creates space for collaboration, exchange and co-creation. Poets who travel abroad, for instance, become ambassadors of South African art.' Travelling locally, Sibiya adds, allows poets to reach new audiences and connect with different creative communities across provinces. He shared these views during our interview after a panel discussion at a poetry event hosted by the Word N Sound Live Literature Company. Taking place at the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg last month, the panel, which included Sibiya, reflected on the role of travelling and collaborations for poets. A recent initiative that promoted partnerships and travelling of poets was the Poetry & Acoustics Showcase at this year's MTN Bushfire Festival in eSwatini. As a partnership between Hear My Voice and eSwatini-based Umsamo we Culture, Sibiya says, 'The goal is to deepen artistic and cultural exchange between eSwatini and South Africa and to support the development of spoken-word poetry in both countries.' Co-director and poet at Umsamo we Culture, Siyabonga Dlamini, shares Sibiya's enthusiasm about this new partnership. The initiative, he adds, is rooted in the desire to expose poets to new markets while facilitating meaningful knowledge-sharing across borders. As a poet and an organiser, Dlamini affirms such travelling experiences and exchanges have allowed him to understand the nuances of different audiences, sharpen his adaptability and gain a deeper appreciation for how context shapes art. 'These experiences have not only added layers to my writing but also broadened my perspective on how poetry can function as both mirror and bridge. 'Whether it's learning new methods of curation from fellow creatives in South Africa or soaking in the layered histories of communities in eSwatini, travel has been my classroom,' he says. This collaboration for the festival also saw South African poets Jonathan Lefenya and Nomashenge Dlamini participate in performances and cultural site visits, including a workshop hosted by jazz maestro Dr Nduduzo and Omagugu Makhathini. Poet and musician Nomashenge Dlamini said, 'Myself and the incredible Brother Jonathan were delegated to exchange with poets and artists in eSwatini — all this powered by Hear My Voice and Umsamo we Culture. They created a platform in which we could travel to eSwatini to meet and break bread with the likes of Qibho Intalektual and younger poets within the community.' Poet Nomashenge Dlamini. She beams widely when talking about the grandeur of nature in King Mswati's country. 'In eSwatini the trees are the skyscrapers. 'The trees are abundant and ancient. They are incredibly tall like nothing I've ever seen.' I asked Nomashenge how travelling had benefited her creative career over the years. 'Travelling insists on growth and, ironically, solidifies one's 'story', even on the move. One learns to be still in the way one is, which ultimately becomes the signature of one's writing and performance.' Co-founder of Word N Sound Live Literature Company Thabiso Mohare shares similar sentiments. Popularly known as Afurakan when blazing the stage, Mohare says travelling exposes poets to new experiences, cultures, languages and ideas — they are going to be positively impacted in one way or another. He further argues that, when one engages with poetry in different countries, there is confirmation of the importance of the spoken word and literature in society and as a tool for young people. 'You are reassured that you are not alone in your madness and, when you see the impact poetry has in other countries through the work other organisations do, that encourages you to come back home and do more even, though it's difficult.' Poet Siyabonga Dlamini Funding challenges One of the difficulties organisers face is sourcing funds for trips and other programmes. Over the years, Sibiya says, at Hear My Voice they have been fortunate to work with like-minded partners such as the Delegation of Flanders in Southern Africa, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Embassy of Sweden. 'These and other entities have helped fund our core activities, including poetry exchanges, retreats and showcases. Some have also contracted us to curate poetry components for their own programmes.' Like Hear My Voice, Word N Sound has also had its fair share of funding challenges in supporting poets. This Johannesburg-based company has been in the forefront of South African poetry for over 15 years and have funded most of their operational expenses from their own pockets. Regarding funding for programmes, Mohare says it has been difficult, although they have had a few successes, especially with European funders. 'But, again, those are also cyclical, so you're not always guaranteed to get the funding. I think, overall, funding remains a big challenge, especially consistent funding that goes beyond just programmes that the government or the market is excited about at that time.' Despite this, Word N Sound has managed to support poets in seeing the world. Mohare tells me about the various international exchanges, with two programmes standing out for him. One was Next Generation Speaks, a partnership between five organisations from four continents. The other was DExZA, a collaboration between Word N Sound and a German organisation called No Boundaries. Sibiya shares Mohare's frustration on the inconsistency and unpredictability of funders. He says, with every shift in a partner's strategy or vision, funding can dry up, so developing innovative ways to raise money becomes necessary. 'We've had to adapt. We actively raise our own funds by offering poetry-focused services and curations to clients, using that income to support our own programming. 'It's not easy — especially when external funding isn't available —but it's made us more resilient and self-sustaining.' Thabiso Mohare aka Afurakan. (Dirk Skiba) Co-founded alongside Phomolo Sekamotho and MoAfrika Mokgathi, Hear My Voice has been relentlessly committed to the development and promotion of spoken-word poetry for almost a decade. One initiative that has supported poets to travel has been the Hear My Voice Mobility Fund. Launched in 2020 when lockdown restrictions started to ease, the fund was created to help South African poets participate in international literary festivals. 'Poets, and artists in general, are often invited to perform at festivals and book fairs, but they're expected to cover their own travel costs, which can be a major barrier. This fund helps remove that obstacle,' Sibiya says. Since its inception, the Mobility Fund has supported poets such as Xabiso Vili, Mak Manaka and Emmah Mabye, among others. For wordsmiths, travel adds enormously to the growth of the skills, emotions and thoughts which inspire their work. But for such opportunities to be fulfilled, they require sustainable supportive structures. Poetry organisations like Hear My Voice, Word N Sound, Umsamo we Culture, and many other hardworking formations, are playing a key role in being the wind beneath poets' wings. If the African poetry industry is to soar, such partnerships and initiatives should be supported by audiences, funders and, especially, the government.

The Herald
a day ago
- The Herald
From East London to the world — The Voice Lounge is the Eastern Cape's voice, amplified
Innovative media upstart, The Voice Lounge, has launched a suite of ultra-modern news and content platforms from East London in the Eastern Cape. The youthful 'lounge' is staged upon three digital platforms: an online radio station, a podcast studio, and a fully equipped postmodern recording studio. School pupils can also get free, curriculum-targeted tuition from the Saturday Tutor show. The tech powering up the new media company includes high-resolution broadcast and live-streaming cameras, professional audio mixing and mastering systems, advanced streaming software, and a fully kitted control room for producing radio shows and podcasts. 'We are poised to produce content for local, national, and international audiences at broadcast-level quality. 'This is more than a media house, it's a visionary movement, a stage, and a home for voices that matter. The company has rooted itself in the provincial Home of Legends brand, saying:'The Eastern Cape is proudly known as the Home of Legends — a province that has birthed iconic leaders, world-renowned musicians, and cultural giants. 'From Nelson Mandela to Miriam Makeba, from Steve Biko to Simphiwe Dana — this land is steeped in talent, history, and power. 'Yet for years, the region has lacked a platform bold enough to match its legendary status. That time has ended,' the media company stated. The venture is part of the Naldovision stable which is a highly respected group and community builder with a keen eye for innovation and youth empowerment. With multiple successful ventures already under their leadership, Naldovision seeks a multimedia hub that would serve as a legacy project for the province. 'The group's dream is to build a platform where young people are empowered, stories are told with authenticity, talent is nurtured, and the Eastern Cape takes its rightful place in the global media space. 'Thanks to his vision, The Voice Lounge is now a fully operational reality — and is already changing lives.' Its set-up reflects its tagline: Three platforms, one vision. 'Our online radio station broadcasts with a global reach, accessible by listeners around the world. 'With a language mix of 80% English and 20% isiXhosa, the station remains both inclusive and culturally grounded. 'It's a conversational station, meaning we don't just play music — we engage. We speak. 'We interrogate issues. We bring insight to everyday matters that affect real people. 'Our content is tailored to professionals, urban youth, online communities and current affairs audiences looking for deeper, smarter dialogue.' The Saturday Student Tutor Platform is hosted on-air for pupils in different grades. 'In partnership with qualified tutors, we cover various school subjects in line with the department of education's curriculum, providing pupils across the Eastern Cape [and beyond] with free, accessible academic support. 'This initiative reflects our broader commitment to education, empowerment, and nation-building.' The podcast studio is a major segment in the venture's weekly programming, especially on Sundays, where conversations are hosted with guest speakers — from leaders in government to business influencers, cultural icons and changemakers. 'These episodes are deeply engaging, thoughtful, and positioned to spark national conversation — bridging the gap between formal media and everyday people. 'We've invested in a world-class recording studio, equipped with the latest technology and industry-standard software,' the company said. 'Our aim is simple: record and promote Eastern Cape talent, offer free access to promising artists, and provide artist development and management, all under one roof. 'We are also engaging the Eastern Cape department of sports, recreation, arts & culture to formalise a partnership that ensures our province's talent has a platform to shine — from the village to the world stage.' With a strong focus on strategic growth, partnerships are being finalised with the Daily Dispatch for media collaboration and visibility, and MTN for connectivity and infrastructure support. 'We are also preparing to expand the Voice Lounge model to other parts of the province, including Mthatha and Gqeberha, so more communities can benefit from our innovation.' 'What makes The Voice Lounge powerful is its equipment or format, and the fact that it is born out of the Eastern Cape, built by local hands, and inspired by the legends who came before us.