Latest news with #TimeOutJohannesburg
Time Out
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out
An inside look at the Woman of Stature Awards Media Launch
The Woman of Stature Awards has been recognising women who are doing phenomenal work in society. For the past ten years, countless women have had their careers elevated through the help of the mentorship and networking opportunities that the platform gives. What makes the awards unique is that each nominee is taken through a journey where they are empowered by industry leaders before any of them can be crowned a winner. It celebrates women who are not only excelling in their own businesses, but are uplifting others in their communities. This year's media launch occurred on Friday, 15 August, at the stunning Hotel Sky in Sandton. The event brought together women from different parts of the country and from different walks of life who are currently flourishing in business. The incredible Tandi Potgieter led the program with ease and maintained a lively atmosphere. She engaged the audience and reminded each attendee that they were winners in their own right. The CEO of the Woman of Stature Awards, Charlotte du Plessis, spoke about having a support system. She shared her journey and how the support from fellow women had been her greatest motivation. Speaking to Time Out Johannesburg, Charlotte, who spearheaded the Woman Rise program and founded the Women of Stature network, says she is intentional about helping women shine. " I wanted to really make an impact in the lives of women. I had a mother who I looked up to; she was my role model, and she really made me the woman I am today," Charlotte said. The philanthropist says her journey started with her running a fundraising charity organisation before it turned into a woman empowernment and networking business. " In the early years, we raised funds for cancer, and then we raised funds for child welfare. That is actually how it started. In 2015, I then changed it to focus on the women and not the charity. Then I started Women empowerment as the main objective." Speaking about the success of her initiatives, Charlotte says that through the Woman of Stature, they have provided a home for one woman who was one of the mentees. " I have got several stories that stand out, but one that is current is about a young mother of two sons. She started on the Women of Stature journey about four years ago. Through all the contacts that we have, we have now built her a house. She was living in a shack before that. That to me is the most inspiring story." Charlotte says the woman worked as a domestic worker and after losing her job, she approached Woman of Stature for mentorship on how to run her own business. " She now runs her own cleaning business. She contracts cleaners to go work at different places. She does post-construction cleaning as well. Her personal aspirations is what led her to us." The keynote speaker at the media launch was Annemarie Mostert. The former recepient of the Woman of Stature award shared pearls of wisdom and encouraged women to take care of themselves because one cannot pour from an empty cup. She also reminded women that they must never look down on themselves, but must know that they are more than enough. Women were empowered through the panel discussion which featured advice from women who excel in their professional and community roles.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Get ready for movie nights: Carletonville's cinema is coming back with a bang
West Rand movie lovers, here is some good news: the Kine Cinema Carletonville is reopening. The cinema will officially open on Saturday, August 31st, making it the perfect treat for the end of the month. Locals can look forward to watching films produced and shot in Carletonville. The cinema, which has been inactive for over ten years, will open with the premieres of two films produced by Thabo 'Mahavatar' Ramaine: Game Changers and Hidden Clause. Thabo expressed his excitement about the reopening of the cinema. "It's an amazing cinema, a state-of-the-art. It is a beautiful space with a restaurant, bar, and food court," Thabo tells Time Out Johannesburg. He says that only white people previously used it during apartheid, and it was later not well-maintained, forcing it to close. "It was used before for events, but then it was later closed. Now we are trying to revive it." Speaking about his films, Thabo, who started producing films in 2016, says Game Changers is "about a journey of young people who are creatives, but also who are hustlers." "The film tells a story of young people who are vulnerable, but also have big dreams. They use art to shift the dynamics of their community," says the producer. Thabo says he is also honoured that his films are exposing local talent. "In Game Changers, I feature a lot of local talent," he says proudly. Thabo says viewers can also expect to be entertained by the pantsula dance featured in the film. " It is also a film that revolves around movement, around dance." Speaking about his other film, Thabo says it is all about the pain of betrayal. "It is also about the mental war and battle". He says the film features local talent from Carletonville and new actors. Tickets are R80 and you can purchase popcorn, sweets and soft drinks. See the trailers for the films below: 🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg 🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg 🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg 🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Behind the Counter: The guacamole maestro making magic at Ocaso
Step out of the spotlight and into the soul of the city, one counter at a time. Behind The Counter is a Time Out Johannesburg series celebrating the real people who power the city, from artists and baristas to tailors and traders. These are the everyday legends giving Joburg its soul, one story at a time. If you've been to Ocaso in Rosebank and ordered the guacamole and momma's chips, chances are you've met Thabo Ferguson, and if you haven't, you've probably seen him on TikTok. Known for his charismatic table-side guacamole preparation, Thabo has turned a simple appetiser into a full-on performance. As a musical theatre and education graduate from Texas State University, Thabo never imagined he'd find himself in the restaurant industry. 'My career challenges started late last year, and I found myself in the service industry with no experience whatsoever,' he explains 'But a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do,' he adds jokingly. Challenges aside, Thabo believes the skills he's acquired through his education translate perfectly. 'People think musical theatre is just about standing on stage and performing, but performance comes into play in any job. I'm just using what I've learned, entertaining and engaging people, but now it's for my everyday guests.' Talking to Thabo after his guac-prep performance, I'm instantly struck by his lively, passionate presence, the kind of energy that draws in even the shyest guests. He approaches every table with warmth, humour, and a deep knowledge of the menu, which, he says, is the real secret. 'It's about personality, passion, and knowing your stuff. When you know what you're talking about, you're more confident, and guests are more open to interacting with you.' When asked for his menu recommendation, Thabo doesn't hesitate, 'The enchiladas. If you're at a Mexican restaurant, you have to try the Mexican dishes. From the enchiladas to the empanadas and tacos, it's all about the Mexican fiesta, and we do it so well here.' Thabo's first tableside guacamole performance wasn't something he planned or even realised would go viral. 'I didn't even know I was on TikTok until people started coming in saying they wanted to be served by me. I looked up the video, and it blew my mind. At the time, we were all new, the staff, the management, and we were just figuring things out. But I did it anyway, and it took off.' Outside of work, Thabo teaches Latin American ballroom dance classes and continues to share his love of performance. He credits his colleagues for making his work at Ocaso such a joy. 'I owe everything I am in this profession to the people I work with. They've been so supportive and amazing. It takes teamwork to put on a show.' For visitors unfamiliar with Rosebank, Thabo recommends starting with a meal at Ocaso, then exploring the nearby spots: Q Lounge for a winelands experience in Johannesburg or Obscura for high-energy fun. There's also the local park for a stroll, and on weekends, Ocaso itself transforms into a lively party spot with DJs, sunset views, and yes, even free Don Julio tequila shots. Working in the service industry might have been an unexpected detour for Thabo, but it's one that's led him to the perfect stage, one where every bowl of guacamole is an opening act and every table is a new audience. At Ocaso, he's found his spotlight, his people, and his rhythm. So whether you're a local or just passing through Rosebank, start your night with Thabo's tableside guac, because in this show, you don't just watch, you're part of it.
