Latest news with #Rekord
The Citizen
3 hours 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!
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Security forum seeks support to prioritise men's mental health event
Lakes Security Forum in the east of Pretoria, is urging the public to support its upcoming Mental Health Month initiatives, with a particular emphasis on assisting men. The organisation is preparing for a busy calendar in June, which includes mental health awareness campaigns, a prayer day, and a Father's Day event, all designed to address the often-overlooked emotional struggles faced by men. Chairperson Jean Jonker has called for assistance in the form of sponsorships, volunteers, venues, and resources to ensure the success of the events. 'We're specifically looking for speakers, mental health professionals, and experts who can offer their time and skills during our men-focused sessions,' said Jonker. He emphasised that far too many men suffer in silence, grappling with grief, trauma, pressure, or stress without adequate support. 'In June, we want to create a safe space for men to open up, connect, and find strength together,' he said. 'Men's mental health is often neglected, and we hope to change that by bringing in motivational speakers, mental health specialists, and faith leaders who can provide the tools and emotional support they need.' He said the mental health and support sessions will be open to all men but will certainly welcome women who wish to learn how to support the men facing these challenges in their lives. 'We know that in society, men's mental health is stigmatised, and many will be too ashamed to come themselves, so we encourage their women to accompany them and support them.' Jonker added that this session will aim to create awareness and build an environment in which men can be supportive pillars for one another. 'However, we need the community's support to make this event a success. We essentially have to create something from scratch, so we will need food for participants, financial contributions for support materials and services, and speakers and experts to offer their skills.' He added that even if people simply spread the word about this upcoming beneficial event, it will make a difference. 'If people share this and talk about it, more men will show up, and every action creates a ripple of hope and support.' One of the directors, Malcolm de Klerk, said it is important to make the awareness campaign a success. 'It will essentially help with men's mental health, which is too often overlooked, especially in the community safety space,' he said. ALSO READ: North residents confront Tshwane officials at imbizo 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!
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
Metro unaware residents buying materials to repair pipes
The Tshwane metro says it is unaware that residents in Waterkloof Glen were forced to buy their own materials to fix a series of burst pipes earlier this month. However, Ward 47 Councillor Lida Erasmus, who was standing in for Ward 83 Councillor Andrew Lesch at the time, sent a message in the community group thanking residents for stepping in with supplies and tools. Erasmus confirmed that residents in Tolstoi Street had to source their own pipe connectors. She also said she personally called her husband to deliver a four-pound hammer to break concrete that was obscuring the pipe. In the message to residents, Erasmus thanked residents who contributed and bought materials. 'Thanks also to the two residents who bought some pipe connections to assist, and the residents who assisted with lights tonight.' She further praised metro workers who stayed on site until late, but made it clear that residents filled in where municipal services fell short. The pipe reportedly burst four times in the same spot, just above the original repair site, and seven times in total over the first weekend of May. Lesch said the situation was unacceptable and unfair to residents. 'It's not right for ratepayers to fund infrastructure with their taxes and then still be expected to buy materials out of pocket,' Lesch said. 'The teams need proper oversight. Someone should be checking whether they have the correct tools and materials before they leave the depot.' Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro is not aware of residents buying materials for repairs. 'The city is not aware of residents purchasing materials themselves,' he said. He added that technical teams are always dispatched with the necessary tools. Mashigo explained that the full extent of damage often isn't clear until the pipeline is exposed, which can affect the materials needed. However, he maintained that the metro has internal storage stocked with essential components, and that daily checklists are in place to ensure maintenance teams are equipped. 'All maintenance teams have daily checklists, which ensure that they have all the necessary tools and equipment required for maintenance before they can travel to the sites.' When asked about recurring pipe bursts, Mashigo said the metro has embarked on a programme of replacing aged infrastructure. He added that currently, critical areas are being prioritised, which will be followed by other aged infrastructure that is less critical across the metro. 'There are teams dedicated to areas with critically aged infrastructure to ensure that water leaks are attended to timeously.' ALSO READ: Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m 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!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Hijacking hotspots in Pretoria exposed: Avoid these areas
Hijackings in Pretoria are surging, with Mamelodi East, Akasia, and Sunnyside emerging as the city's most dangerous hotspots. Hijackers are zeroing in on Pretoria, with Mamelodi East, Akasia, and Olievenhoutbosch ranking among the country's most dangerous precincts for carjackings. According to the latest crime statistics released by SAPS for the period January to March 2025, these Tshwane-based stations recorded some of the highest hijacking figures nationwide—Mamelodi East with 65 cases, Akasia with 58, and Olievenhoutbosch with 51. These numbers place all three precincts in the national top 30 for aggravated robberies, highlighting a worrying trend for motorists in the capital. While Gauteng recorded a general decline in carjackings, Tshwane remains a key target area, with criminals favouring high-traffic routes, driveways, and intersections to strike. Here are the hot spots: Mamelodi East – 65 cases Akasia – 58 cases Olievenhoutbosch – 51 cases Sunnyside – High risk zone (frequently listed in trio crime stats) Pretoria West – Noteworthy activity linked to aggravated robberies Mamelodi West – Not in the top 30 but consistently flagged in past stats Temba – Previously listed among high-risk stations for violent crimes. Eersterust and Garsfontein – Not top-ranked but noted for related robbery and theft activity Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially during the early morning and evening hours, when most of these incidents typically occur. Meanwhile, Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network said here are the most targeted vehicles in the country now: VW Polo Toyota Hilux Ford Ranger Toyota Corolla Cross Toyota Fortuner Haval Jolion Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Haval H6 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro These models are often targeted due to their resale value, parts demand, and, increasingly, use in cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates. Also read: These nine vehicles are NOW targeted by hijackers 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!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m Cable theft and electricity losses are spiralling out of control in the suburbs east of Pretoria, costing the metro millions. The city spent nearly R4.9-million on repairs and maintenance in the past financial year due to cable and electricity theft, a heavy financial toll to its already strained budget. These incidents have led to frequent power outages, disrupting daily life and business operations. Residents also voiced concerns over the city's response, adding, 'We are paying rates and taxes, yet it feels like no one is protecting the infrastructure. We need stronger action and quicker response times.' According to city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the direct repair costs amounted to R4 889 985,70, not including additional losses due to service disruptions and secondary infrastructure damage. 'These ongoing incidents not only cost the city millions, but also jeopardise essential services and public safety,' said Mashigo. 'The damage goes beyond the cables themselves – entire communities are affected when the power goes out.' Mashigo said cable theft and vandalism in the east were the worst in Erasmuskloof, Armscor, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Water Works, Woodlands Mall, Woodlands Lifestyle Estate, Faerie Glen (Koedoeberg), Mooikloof, Moreleta Park and surrounding suburbs. He said the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and private security companies were surveilling the hotspots, conducting regular patrols in identified high-risk zones. Mashigo confirmed that supply chain management is still processing the tender for enhanced infrastructure security. 'In the interim, the TMPD is working closely with SAPS and private security partners to secure vulnerable infrastructure.' He said cable theft and electricity infrastructure vandalism reduce the reliability and longevity of the electricity infrastructure. MMC for Finance Eugene Modise said the metro has allocated more than R565-million to the installation of CCTV cameras, the recruitment of 200 more metro police officers from January, and the deployment of security personnel to protect its assets, including electricity infrastructure. 'Tshwane is woefully under-protected and we are pursuing a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technological solutions,' said Modise. He added that the metro plans to incorporate modern technology, such as motion detectors and smart surveillance tools, to support and strengthen the efforts of ground security teams. ALSO READ: Noweto stations indicate an increase in contact crimes 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!
