Latest news with #Liebenberg
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Centurion band charts independent path to success
Centurion band Vabond has been forging ahead since its explosive debut on the South African music scene last year, after winning Best Alternative Single at the Afri Indie Awards for the track 'Roll the Dice'. LISTEN: In just over a year, this seasoned five-piece has shifted gears from being the new kid on the block to a serious contender, carving out a unique space in South Africa's rock landscape. Now, the band is focused on completing its highly anticipated debut album, which is expected to be released soon. Guitarist and founding member Andre Liebenberg, also known as 'The Traveller', recently told Rekord that the band has poured its heart into crafting something truly special. 'We're focusing more on the album than performances right now. Once it's ready, we're planning a big launch,' he said. He added that the band has also submitted new music for the next Afri Indie Awards cycle. The band's journey began just over a year ago when Liebenberg and drummer Jimmy Burger started jamming together in late December 2023. By January 2024, guitarist Steve Doble had joined, followed by vocalists Philip Marensky and Brad Cunningham, completing the five-piece lineup. Liebenberg stated that it was evident from their initial rehearsal that they were on a unique path. Since its formation, Vabond has been making waves despite some notable challenges. 'One of the biggest things we've had to navigate is doing all this without the support of a major record label,' Liebenberg said. 'Getting our name and music out there has mostly been up to us.' He said much of their promotional work has been spearheaded by Burger, whose understanding of social media and branding has helped the band gain traction. Despite operating independently, Vabond has maintained a strong work ethic and a clear artistic vision. Liebenberg explained that winning awards hasn't changed how the group approaches its music. 'We've always held ourselves to a high standard. For me, it's about honest music and striving for excellence, whether it's with the band or my solo work.' He noted that the band's creative process is a true collaboration, with members contributing lyrics, themes, musical structures, and riffs. Each member brings something different to the table. 'I often handle musical structures and ideas, while someone like Burger might come with a full lyric concept.' One of the group's defining features is their dual lead vocalists, Marensky and Cunningham, a duo that has added richness to their sound and set them apart from other rock outfits. Liebenberg shared how their bilingual song 'Staan op en Sing' (Stand Up and Sing/Shout) became a radio hit, reaching #1 on Lekker FM's Top 20 for several weeks. 'We're a bunch of older guys doing a classic rock sound, and the South African music scene has responded really well to that,' he said. He noted that, while they're not the first Afrikaans rock band, they have a distinct flavour due to their age, experience, and commitment to quality musicianship. Age has been a quiet strength for the band. The members range from 40 to 55 years old and bring decades of musical experience. 'The biggest thing we have learnt about the industry is to always leave your ego behind. That's probably something young musicians can learn from us.' Liebenberg added that this humility and unity have proven crucial to their rapid progress. Looking ahead, the band has ambitious plans for 2025, including playing at major music festivals and touring to promote their debut album. 'We're not aiming for pub gigs. We want the festival stages, the big venues where bands really belong,' he said. The group is also exploring collaborations, with one of their upcoming songs currently in production. 'We're open to working with more artists. The local music scene is tight-knit, and everybody knows each other, which makes collaboration exciting,' said Liebenberg. He also shared a simple but powerful message with their fans. 'You've got one life: live it. Rock out. Have fun. But don't sacrifice excellence,' he said. 'A lot of modern music trades skill for popularity. We want to prove you can still make intelligent, well-crafted music and enjoy every minute of it.' 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
26-05-2025
- IOL News
Desiree Liebenberg's bail appeal rejected
Louis Liebenberg's wife Desiree Liebenberg will await her trial in jail after the high court turned down her appeal against the refusal to grant her bail. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers In yet another blow for Desiree Liebenberg, wife of diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, turned down her appeal bid against the earlier refusal to grant her bail. The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate's Court in November refused her bail as it found that she is a flight risk. The lower court also found that she did not play open cards about where she would stay if she was granted bail. On Friday, Judge Mashudu Munzhelele found that the magistrate did not err in refusing bail for Liebenberg. Apart from the fact that it is still vague as to which address she will reside if she was to be released, the judge also found that the State had a strong case against her. She was arrested in October last year, alongside her husband, relating to charges including racketeering, money laundering, fraud, theft, and corruption. In opposing bail, the State said it had a strong case against her and that it is not in the interest of justice to be released while awaiting trial. It also argued that she was a flight risk because she had access to at least R200 million that her husband claims to have hidden away from authorities. While Liebenberg said the investigating officer did confirm her residential address, the State argued that she gave two residential addresses to the investigating team to verify. One is a rented property in Bronkhorstspruit and the other a rental in Bloemfontein. While Liebenberg was said to have stayed with her husband in the Bronkhorstspruit property, the Bloemfontein one was apparently only used for her immovable property. Liebenberg provided the court with a third address and a statement from a friend who is willing to let her stay with them if she was to be released on bail. But the State also objected to this, as this address was never given to the investigating officer to verify. The court was told that given the fact that the Liebenberg couple had employed bodyguards to keep them safe before their arrest and statements made to court that they lived in fear, the State said if she was to be released, she would clearly have to go into hiding. It was also argued that Liebenberg tried to mislead the court about her employment, as she mentioned directorship of only three of her husband's companies, while she was allegedly the director of 18 companies. Louis will meanwhile return to the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate's Court on July 8, when he is expected to apply for bail. This is after he had earlier abandoned his bail application. The couple, together with their co-accused; Magdelena Petronella Kleynhans, Johannes Petrus Badenhorst, Helena Dorothea Amy Schulenburg, Adriaan Dewald Strydom, Christelle Badenhorst, Nicolize van Heerden, and Walter Niendinger, are still to plead on the 42 charges against them.
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Water Corp help students provide a colourful contribution
A Perth artist, in collaboration with local students, has transformed a once-unassuming wastewater pump station in North Yunderup into a vivid public mural. Through Water Corporation's Splash of Colour program, artist Vanessa Liebenberg has collaborated with Year 6 students from Austin Cove Baptist College to create a mural inspired by native flora and fauna. 'I love working with local students, it's a nice opportunity for them to get involved with a community project like this and have their say,' Ms Liebenberg said. Your local paper, whenever you want it. 'The Splash of Colour program is a win-win for everyone; it supports local artists like myself, brightens the community and gets the kids to interact with their surroundings.' Vanessa Liebenberg and Year 6 students from Austin Cove Baptist College who participated in the Splash of Colour workshop and their classroom teacher Mrs Nyete Stewart. Credit: Supplied\ Since its launch in 2017, the Splash of Colour program has helped transform more than 85 waste and wastewater assets across WA, all featuring the work of an array of local artists. Located at Kingfisher Park by the Murray River, this is Ms Liebenberg's fourth contribution to the program, with the mural bursting with images which incorporate several of the Austin Cove students' design patterns around the bottom of the piece. The Year 6s said they enjoyed being part of the project and hoped to do something like it again in the future. 'I like how we got to draw plants from our area and then see what the end result was,' one student said. 'It was so cool to see how our ideas transformed into a beautiful mural.' This newest mural is the 85th asset across WA to the Splash of Colour program Credit: Supplied Water Corporation customer and community general manager Karen Willis said the project was a perfect example of how art and education could come together to create something meaningful. 'By involving local students in the design process, the mural is not only a striking piece of art but also a learning opportunity, inspiring young minds to appreciate the significance of water and conservation efforts specific to their local area,' she said. The program's workshop with the students also offered an interactive lesson on the water cycle and the importance of sustainable water use.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Muizenberg beach upgrades a major boost for Southern Peninsula property
The City of Cape Town is investing significantly in upgrades and refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront area, including improvements to the promenade, parking, Surfer's Corner, and heritage structures. These will have a significant impact on demand and further boost property in the area, according to Seeff Property Group. Anton Liebenberg of Seeff False Bay says these will attract more tourists and increase the area's desirability for both residential and investment buyers. The area has experienced tremendous growth in sales and prices during the pandemic years, attracting a mix of residential and investment buyers, including Airbnb investors. New developments have also been popping up across the area. The False Bay area is a popular weekend and holiday getaway. The train from Claremont to Kalk Bay is a key tourist attraction, as is the coastal drive that snakes around the peninsula to Cape Point. It is lined with eateries and quant art, antique and other boutique-styled stores. Other popular landmarks include Surfer's Corner in Muizenberg, the colourful beach huts of St James Beach, and the penguins of Boulders Beach in Simons Town. The beaches are a big drawcard with both the Muizenberg and Fish Hoek being Blue Flag beaches. Residents are drawn to the laid-back coastal lifestyle and scenic location with the fynbos-covered mountains as a backdrop, and warmer sea, popular for swimming, surfing and paddling. Liebenberg says the market has been good for sellers with properties selling quite fast as demand remains high, so much so that there is a shortage of properties for sale. He adds that there is in fact a waiting list of buyers wanting to relocate to the False Bay area, but sellers are seemingly holding onto their homes. False Bay Price Growth 2020 vs 2025 Area 2025 Ave Price 2020 Ave Price % Price Incr. Buyers Muizenberg R3.2m FT R1.5m ST R1.8m FT R1m ST 77% 50% 33% under 35-years, only 21% over 65-years Kalk Bay R9m FT R5m ST R4.9m FT R2m ST 83% 150% 93% of buyers are over 50-years Fish Hoek R3.8m FT R2.1m ST R1.6m FT R1.1m ST 137% 90% 50% under 50-years, but 57% have been in their homes for 11+ years Glencairn R3m FT R2.3m FT 30% buyers are predominantly older, 79% over 50 and 53% have been in their homes for 11+ years Simonstown R3.7m FT R2m ST R2.6m FT R2m ST 42% – Buyers predominantly over 35-years, 51% have been in their homes for 11+ years Marina Da Gama R2.8m FT R1.2m ST R2m FT R1m ST 40% 20% Almost 50% under 50-years, over 50% have been in their homes for 11+ years Lakeside R2.9m FT R1.8m ST R2m FT R1.8m ST 45% – 66% of buyers are under 50-years, 54% have been in their homes for more than 11-years Source: Seeff/Lightstone Property owners tend to stay for a long time, and most sellers only move for necessity such as downsizing due to empty nesting or relocating to retirement facilities, he says further. Buyers, however, tend to be a mix, from young to old. These include families looking for a healthy lifestyle, or people moving from the Southern Suburbs to be closer to the sea. There has also been a notable uptick in international buyers according to Lightstone data, often because they have been exposed to the area as tourists, and they tend to stick to the tourist areas such as Kalk Bay, St James and Simonstown. Liebenberg says that the area offers the perfect mix of an ideal seaside location and excellent value on offer. While some areas are becoming more expensive, you can still find good value in Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Simons Town in particular, he says. Apartments are a popular choice, often for holiday purposes or as Airbnb investments. These are priced upwards of R1.5m. Houses tend to be priced upwards of around R2m, but can go as high as R17m for a luxury home with stunning views in Fish Hoek. False Bay is also very popular for rentals, often driven by school access and leisure attractions. Muizenberg is hugely popular with surfers looking for rental accommodation. Average rental rates are around R12,000 to R23,000 per month, but luxury homes and sea view properties can go well above this. Tracey Reid-Daly, licensee for Seeff Southern Peninsula which covers Kommetjie, Noordhoek, Chapmans Peak and Scarborough, says these areas have also seen a notable uptick in demand and prices since the pandemic. Aside from locals moving here, there is also an influx of semigration buyers, as well as international buyers who fall in love with the area. Noordhoek for example now boasts an average price of around R9m with most sales over R3m, according to Lightstone data. It is particularly scenic and renowned for its 8km Long Beach, one of the longest and widest in the Peninsula where horse riding is a popular sight. Most buyers tend to be in the 35-60 age group. The average price for Kommetjie is around R6.3m, also with most sales over R3m, according to the Lightstone data, while 61% of buyers are under 50-years. Again, the scenic fynbos and mountain views, clean air, and laid-back lifestyle are key drawcards in the area. Issued by: Gina Meintjes
The Courier
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Golf pro swindled £32k from bosses at Fife sports hub
A golf pro embezzled £32,000 from bosses at a Fife sporting business to feed a gambling habit. Eugene Liebenberg took the cash while working at Cluny Activities – incorporating Craig Donnelly Golf – near Kirkcaldy, between January 1 last year and February 16 this year. The 41-year-old appeared at the town's sheriff court for sentencing after earlier pleading guilty to the embezzlement. Sheriff Steven Borthwick handed Liebenberg 300 hours of unpaid work and a four-month tagging order as a direct alternative to custody. The sheriff told him: 'The reason I am doing that is in recognition of your guilty plea.' Prosecutor Annie MacDonald told the court that in December last year Liebenberg's boss noticed a large sum of cash missing. Liebenberg admitted taking it and arrangements were made to pay it back. His boss started to look at other aspects of the business and noticed discrepancies linked to refunds, which are not typically offered, Ms MacDonald said. He checked receipts from January of this year and noted a 'consistent pattern' of refunds in that month. The court heard that Thursdays and Sundays were days Liebenberg closed the Cluny Activities store and no one else was with him. Liebenberg, who is originally from South Africa, was questioned by his boss but gave no further details and CCTV was checked. Footage showed Liebenberg on the 'terminal' looking like he was putting in an amount, then tapping his phone, and a receipt was printed which he binned. Liebenberg met with his boss and confessed to a gambling problem and confirmed taking money from the company. He said he could not remember when it started and what the total value was. Bank statements showed the total amount taken was £32,000. The fiscal said this came from customer transactions, refunds and 'golf clubs for cash'. Asked by Sheriff Borthwick why the case had been prosecuted at summary level, Ms MacDonald highlighted Liebenberg's lack of previous convictions and cooperation as an explanation. At the time of his court appearance, Liebenberg's photograph is still on the staff section of the 'golf pro shop' part of the Cluny Activities website under the heading 'PGA golf professionals'. His bio states he was PGA qualified in 2010 and has TrackMan (golf technology) certification as a level 2 performance coach. Defence lawyer Martin McGuire argued for a non-custodial sentence for first offender Liebenberg. The solicitor said his client, of Winifred Street, Kirkcaldy, started gambling to try and boost his income. Liebenberg was since dismissed from his employment, the court heard. He had been due pay of £4,400 but his employers retained this, a decision Sheriff Borthwick said was understandable in the circumstances. Mr McGuire said Leibenberg has a background as a golf director and was a proprietor of a golf store in South Africa. He said Liebenberg's current VISA expires in October. The sheriff noted that because of Liebenberg's financial circumstances and status in relation to a VISA he is essentially without income, so he was not in a position to impose a financial element as punishment. Instead, he imposed the four-month restriction of liberty order as a condition of the community payback order. During this time, Liebenberg must stay at home from 7pm-7am daily.
