Latest news with #FairtreeAtterburyTheatre
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Exchange night a call to action for youth to step forward
On the evening of June 23, the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria east was transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration, dialogue, and inspiration as it hosted the China-South Africa Youth Exchange Night. Organised by the Embassy of China in South Africa and the National Press Club, the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of youth empowerment, cultural understanding, and global partnership, values that resonate deeply during South Africa's Youth Month. At the heart of the evening was the shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding and long-term collaboration between China and South Africa. Guests were treated to a rich programme that included the launch of the book China Through My Eyes: A Journey of a Young South African to China by Michael Mayalo, and a screening of the emotionally moving film Ordinary Hero. Dignitaries and thought leaders also made thoughtful speeches. The evening kicked off with a finger buffet of traditional Chinese dishes, where guests mingled and networked, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and shared experience. As the formal programme commenced, Ambassador Wu Peng took to the stage, his words striking a chord with many in the audience. The evening was attended by more than 200 young adults from both China and South Africa. 'China is South Africa's largest trade partner since 2009,' he remarked, highlighting the depth of economic ties. 'There are over 200 Chinese companies doing business in South Africa. One of our strongest trade links remains agriculture, but we want to expand our partnership to also include more manufactured products from South Africa.' Peng's focus was not merely economic. He emphasised the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, adding, 'You can always have a meaningful conversation with South Africans when you want to build bridges of friendship. The exchange programme is the outflow of that'. Peng stressed the role of education in shaping tomorrow's leaders. 'Education is a top priority in China, and we want to carry this value into our exchange programme with South Africa. Over the next three years, we aim to offer more training and learning opportunities to the South African youth.' One of the evening's most anticipated moments was the appearance of the young South African author Mayalo, whose newly launched book explores his journey in China. His speech was deeply moving, grounded in lived experience and honest reflection. 'Living and studying in China changed me,' he said. 'One of the things I've learned in China again is that you can go far in life if you are humble. Traditions, like I have discovered in China, are also always a journey of discovery and not merely historical cultural detail.' Mayalo's message to his peers was urgent: 'The youth are not the future. They are the present. We are shaping our societies today. And every opportunity to learn from others, especially across cultures, is an opportunity for growth.' His book serves as testament to this mindset, drawing readers into his journey of transformation, identity, and discovery in a foreign land. The screening of Ordinary Hero added an emotional and inspirational layer to the evening. The film tells the story of everyday individuals who rise above challenges to create meaningful change in their communities. It served as a powerful metaphor for the role young people can and should play in society: champions of kindness, determination, and service. The audience was visibly moved by the film's core message: that heroism is not limited to grand gestures. It is often found in the quiet resolve of people who simply care. Albi Modise, executive member of the National Press Club, praised the event's significance. 'It is good to attend a function that celebrates young people during Youth Month,' he said. 'We appreciate the hand of friendship extended to South Africa. In an era where artificial intelligence, climate change, and global shifts are affecting the youth's lives and career paths, international support and cultural exchange have never been more vital.' ALSO READ: Homeless get more than warmth at shelter Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrating 80 years of Russia's Victory Day: A tribute in Pretoria
The Russian Embassy celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day on Wednesday with a musical performance at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers Ambassadors, local politicians, and public members gathered at The Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria on Wednesday night to celebrate Victory Day, marking 80 years since the end of World War II. The event was hosted by Russian Ambassador Roman Ambarov, who represented the Russian Federation in South Africa and Lesotho, in anticipation of Moscow's official Victory Day celebrations on May 9. On May 9 Russia will celebrate Victory Day as its most significant secular holiday marked by grand parades through Red Square and other ceremonies. For Russia, Victory Day is more than just a ceasefire commemoration but also a potent symbol of courage and unity prevailing over Nazi ideology, which was rooted in hatred and disregard for human life. The Wednesday event featured a screening of the Russian war film "Five Brides" and a musical performance of Russian wartime songs, with the local youth orchestra coming together to pay tribute. The audience was captivated by the musical performances, including the Mamelodi Music Conservatoire's debut rendition of the Russian piece "The Blue Scarf". The audience was captivated by the Russian war film "Five Brides" at The Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The performers received a warm reception, with guests enthusiastically clapping along to the rendition of "Victory Day". Ambarov said: 'This evening we honour legacy not only through words but also through arts.' He said the film "Five Brides" conveys a story of love, hope and the will to build a new future despite the past devastation. 'Five Brides reminds us that victory was not all about battlefields; it was also about the chance to live, to love again and to fall in love,' he said. He expressed gratitude to those in attendance for the special occasion 'dedicated to one of the redefining moments in modern history'. 'Eighty years ago in this month (May),1945, the world witnessed the end of the conflict that scarred continents, took millions of lives and forever changed the course of history,' he said. He noted that for the Soviet Union, the war was more than just a conflict, it was a national tragedy. 'One fought in the street, in the skies and in the hearts of our people. This victory came at a tremendous cost, over 27 million of Soviet citizens lost their lives,' Ambarov said. He said the event honoured those who lost their lives during the war, paying tribute to their courage, steadfastness, and unwavering commitment to peace and freedom. He remarked that for Russia and many people of the former Soviet republics, victory is not just a date on the calendar, but 'a matter of pride and a celebration that brings tears to our eyes and hearts'.
