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IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The music imbizo is making a comeback
Independent Media, one of the largest media houses in Southern Africa, joins as a key editorial partner, ensuring The Music Imbizo 2025 receives strong national exposure across digital, print, and broadcast platforms. Their coverage will include speaker features, opinion pieces, and real-time updates throughout the event. Image: Supplied The Music Imbizo 2025 returns to the Durban ICC from 26–30 August, under the theme 'At the Root of Innovation is Culture, Creativity and the Power of IP', and today reveals its dynamic roster of keynote speakers, backed by a powerful coalition of strategic sponsors and partners committed to advancing Africa's creative economy. Opening the conference with an authoritative government perspective, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Bertha Peace Mabe, will deliver the first keynote. Mabe, a seasoned Member of Parliament since 2009 and appointed Deputy Minister in July 2024, holds BA and Honours degrees in Public Administration from the University of Pretoria. Her address will examine national strategies that strengthen cultural industries and leverage intellectual property for economic development. On Wednesday, Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis, a multi-award-winning jazz vocalist, composer, and academic, will lead a keynote dialogue with Vuyisile Mshudulu of the City of Johannesburg. Holding a Master's in Jazz from UCT and an EMBA from Henley Business School, Xaluva lectures at UCT and has released two acclaimed albums under Universal Music. Her keynote will offer insight into the role of culture and innovation in shaping artistic and business futures. Thursday features a continental perspective with Brahim El Maned, Director of Visa for Music in Morocco, speaking on 'Language as a Tool for Preserving Culture.' Known for his work in African music diplomacy, El Maned will explore the role of language and music in preserving identity and enabling cultural exchange. 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. 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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 ✕ Friday's closing keynote belongs to Ntsika Tyatya, Creative Director of MaXhosa Africa, who will deliver a compelling session titled 'Cultural Innovation: The Future of African Creativity.' Tyatya will discuss the intersection of fashion, music, and design as tools to elevate African narratives and protect intellectual property on a global scale. This year, SABC 1 powers The Music Imbizo 2025, bringing one of South Africa's most influential media platforms to the heart of the conference. With its unrivalled reach across youth and emerging creative markets, SABC 1 will amplify the event's message through broadcast, digital storytelling, and coverage that extends far beyond the venue. Durban Tourism returns as the official sponsor, reaffirming the city's position as a continental hub for cultural dialogue and economic development through the arts. Their longstanding support underscores Durban's strategic investment in music, tourism, and the broader creative industries. Independent Media, one of the largest media houses in Southern Africa, joins as a key editorial partner, ensuring The Music Imbizo 2025 receives strong national exposure across digital, print, and broadcast platforms. Their coverage will include speaker features, opinion pieces, and real-time updates throughout the event. The Music Imbizo 2025 is also proud to welcome Brand South Africa as a strategic content partner. As South Africa leads the G20 Presidency, Brand South Africa will profile its acclaimed G20 campaign at strategic moments during the conference, including high-visibility AV placements. A curated panel discussion featuring the Brand South Africa CEO will explore how film serves as a catalyst for nation branding and economic growth, positioned within The Music Imbizo's Music-Focused Film Festival. Additional partners include CAPASSO, SAMRO, TikTok, Bathu, and NoOx Worldwide (Italy) — each contributing valuable insights and activation support in rights management, creator monetisation, digital engagement, brand building, and international collaboration. Over five days, The Music Imbizo 2025 will host over 60 speakers, 25 artists, 60 exhibitors, curated film screenings, workshops, speed meetings, and competitions such as the Beat Battle, Hackathon, Moot Court, Film Scoring Challenge, and Dance Music Showcase. Tickets are available online via Webtickets and at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide. The Music Imbizo The Music Imbizo is one of the most important music business gatherings on the continent, held annually in Durban, South Africa. Established in 2009, the conference brings together musicians, industry professionals, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the continent and the globe. With a strong focus on education, collaboration, and innovation, The Music Imbizo provides a platform for dialogue on critical issues such as intellectual property, artist development, technology, and the future of the African music industry. Through keynote sessions, workshops, showcases, film screenings, and networking opportunities, The Music Imbizo empowers creatives and drives the growth of the cultural economy in Africa. SABC 1 SABC 1 is South Africa's leading free-to-air television channel, renowned for its dynamic, youth-focused programming. As part of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the channel plays a vital role in shaping pop culture, amplifying local voices, and promoting homegrown music and talent. SABC 1 has a strong national reach and continues to serve as a key platform for social discourse, entertainment, and creative development. Durban Tourism Durban Tourism is the official destination marketing arm of the eThekwini Municipality. With a focus on promoting Durban as a vibrant hub for business and leisure, Durban Tourism actively supports initiatives that drive cultural tourism, creative industries, and international engagement. Through strategic partnerships and event sponsorships, it positions Durban as one of Africa's top destinations for arts, culture, and entertainment. Brand South Africa Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of the South African government, tasked with building and managing the country's national reputation. Established in 2002, the agency promotes South Africa as a globally competitive destination for investment, tourism, and trade, while fostering national pride and social cohesion domestically. Through strategic campaigns, partnerships, and thought leadership, Brand South Africa works to shape a compelling narrative that reflects the nation's values, potential, and innovation. Its mission is to position South Africa as a leading African nation and a key global player — particularly during milestone moments such as the country's 2025 G20 Presidency. CAPASSO The Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) is a mechanical rights licensing agency based in South Africa. It ensures that music creators are paid royalties when their work is reproduced digitally or physically. CAPASSO plays a critical role in supporting the rights and livelihoods of composers and publishers in the fast-evolving digital music ecosystem, especially across streaming platforms and digital downloads. SAMRO The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) is a collective management organisation that licenses music use and ensures the fair payment of royalties to composers, authors, and publishers. With decades of experience, SAMRO protects intellectual property rights and advocates for a thriving and equitable music industry in South Africa and beyond. Bathu Bathu is a proudly South African sneaker brand that celebrates township culture, entrepreneurship, and African identity. Founded by Theo Baloyi, Bathu has grown into one of the continent's most recognised lifestyle brands. With a mission to inspire and empower, Bathu blends design innovation with local storytelling, making it a cultural icon in South Africa's fashion and youth scenes. NoOx Worldwide (Italy) NoOx Worldwide is an Italy-based cultural agency specialising in Afro-European artistic collaboration and global creative exchange. With a focus on music, festivals, and cross-cultural programming, NoOx connects African artists with European audiences and platforms. The agency actively supports initiatives that elevate African voices and promote intercultural dialogue through the arts.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Professor Anthony Figaji awarded prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship for groundbreaking research on childhood brain injuries
Professor Anthony Figaji Image: UCT In a significant advancement for paediatric neuroscience, Professor Anthony Figaji from the University of Cape Town (UCT) has been awarded the esteemed Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship for his pioneering research into childhood brain injuries. Recognised at an award ceremony on 15 July 2025, this accolade not only highlights Figaji's contributions to the field but also positions him among an elite circle of scholars dedicated to enhancing the global understanding of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children. The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship, one of Africa's most coveted academic honours, has previously celebrated nine UCT academics, making Figaji the tenth recipient and affirming UCT's status as a leader in cutting-edge research. Alongside him, Professor Andrew Forbes from the University of the Witwatersrand also received the 2024/2025 fellowship, further showcasing the calibre of research emerging from South Africa. Children are particularly vulnerable to TBI, which remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Professor Figaji's research aims to decode the complex reactions of the brain following injury. By exploring the biological mechanisms underlying recovery and the effectiveness of various treatments, his work aspires to enhance recovery trajectories for many young patients. One of the significant challenges in treating brain injuries lies in the brain's protected environment, complicating drug delivery due to physiological barriers. Professor Figaji's innovative project utilises an extensive dataset, the largest of its kind globally, created through continuous monitoring of paediatric patients at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH). This initiative facilitates the gathering of complex physiological and biochemical data, enabling insights at an unprecedented scale. 'Our developed techniques allow us to repeatedly sample both total and active drug levels directly from the brain,' Figaji explained. 'This will let us better predict what works, where, and how—as never before.' His research not only focuses on understanding how medications act on the brain but also aims to prevent the dangerous secondary injuries that often follow initial trauma. The fellowship will support Figaji's African Brain Child (ABC) team in collaborating with experts in complex systems and data science, processing an enormous volume of data comprised of millions of data points per patient. The anticipated outcomes could lead to new diagnostic and predictive tools that significantly improve patient outcomes, potentially impacting a wide array of neurological conditions. Professor Graham Fieggen, director of the Neuroscience Institute at UCT, hailed Figaji's accolade as richly deserved, emphasising the immense potential for world-class scientific advancements that directly address South Africa's major health priorities, particularly the epidemic of trauma. 'Figaji has established UCT as a global leader in brain injury research, significantly affecting patient outcomes through innovative and targeted approaches,' he added. Beyond academic research, the ABC team actively engages the community, raising awareness about TBI risks to children through initiatives like the 'Be Quick to Click' campaign. Their most recent endeavour involved a car seat collection and donation drive in partnership with WheelWell and SupaQuick in October 2024. With approximately 55 million individuals worldwide living with TBI-related disabilities, the global burden is immense. Particularly for children, the lifetime ramifications of brain injuries can significantly alter educational and social trajectories. Professor Figaji asserted, 'When a child suffers a brain injury, the effects often extend into adulthood—impacting education, behaviour, employment, and even increasing risks of criminal involvement.' As he reflected on the far-reaching implications of his research, Figaji noted, 'Understanding the brain's response is critical if we're to change these trajectories.' The potential for profound impact on millions of lives underscores the critical importance of investing in such pioneering research, heralding a new era in the treatment and understanding of brain injuries globally.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Women's forward Lerato Makua looking forward to fronting up to Black Ferns' haka
Springbok Women's forward Lerato Makua holds on to the ball during training at UCT on Tuesday. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media Facing up to the haka for any rugby player is one of the highlights of their international careers. Equally, it is one of the most unnerving and Springbok Women's forward Lerato Makua is certainly anxious about the prospect fronting up to the traditional pre-match Maori war dance ahead of the clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. 'We've seen it (the haka) on TV and we don't know how it feels when they're doing it,' Makua told the media at UCT on Tuesday. 'We know the nerves are going to be there. 'It will be another experience that we've never experienced before. But we're looking forward to it.' Makua should have nothing to worry about though. The Bulls Daisies utility forward, who hails from Mamelodi East Ext 5, has experienced much worse during a 16-month period she spent on the sidelines due to a long-term knee injury.
IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
UCT's Rajend Mesthrie joins prestigious ranks as Fellow of the British Academy
In a significant honour for South African academia, Rajend Mesthrie, the revered linguist and emeritus professor at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy. This prestigious accolade stands as one of the highest recognitions for distinguished scholars in the fields of humanities and social sciences, honouring exemplary contributions to the discipline. Mesthrie joins a cohort of luminaries, consisting of 58 new fellows from the UK, 30 international fellows, and four honorary fellows, all elected this year. The newly inducted fellows reflect a diverse array of expertise that spans across various critical fields, including the sociocultural contexts of 20th-century music, the structural causation of poverty, environmental law, and the fascinating neuroscience behind memory, language, and cognition. Each of these experts contributes a unique perspective aimed at addressing some of the pressing challenges faced by contemporary society. Following the announcement of the fellowship, Professor Mesthrie expressed his profound gratitude, noting that despite never having studied in the UK, his work has been significantly influenced by British scholarship, particularly in general linguistics, sociolinguistics, and the historical nuances of the English language. 'I am rather pleased to be recognised in this way by the British Academy. This recognition is a testament to my lifelong commitment to teaching and research in South Africa and the manifold linguistic streams that flow through our country,' he stated.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Active citizens: Phakeng speaks out on threats to SA's democracy
Phakeng says all South Africans must embody the spirit of service and justice South Africans should take confront the many problems the country faces before it is too late, says former UCT vice-chancellor professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. Phakeng was speaking at Hope Restoration Ministries in Kempton Park on Friday. 'We have begun to take the unacceptable as a given, we drive around potholes as if they are normal parts of the road,' she said. 'People read about children falling into pit latrines or having to cross dams to go to school in the Eastern Cape and they just say 'shame' and move on with their day. That numbness is precisely how democracies die.' Phakeng said it is rare for democracies to die through dictatorships or military coups. 'Democracies die more effectively through apathy. They die when good people stop paying attention, they die when good people stop believing in their power to bring change. 'When good people look away, when good people trust bad people with responsibilities, that is how democracies die,' she said. How to honour Madiba Phakeng said each citizen should stand up for what is right in honour of Nelson Mandela. 'Madiba himself taught us to face reality head on no matter how uncomfortable it is. So, we must confront these ugly truths if we ever hope to change them,' she said. It is in your hands She said it is now time for South Africans to take charge of their destinies and stop depending on political figures to save the country. 'I know that given our challenges it is very easy to think that we have to wait for someone to save us. 'We are waiting for a bigger hero, a more ethical politician a new government, a new policy, a billionaire philanthropist, the UN, or a miracle from somewhere. 'But fellow brethren we must be honest there is no one who is coming to save us.' The solution is active citizenry Phakeng said the solution to South Africa's problems is in active citizenry. 'I submit to you that the answer is active citizenship, active citizenship means that ordinary people not only politicians or officials but all of us come forward and take responsibility for the wellbeing of our communities and our country. 'It means not waiting for someone else to save us but rolling up our sleeves and getting involved.' ALSO READ: Mandela Day: Food and community upliftments How to become an active citizen Phakeng said active citizenship means each citizen must lead by example. 'If all we do is criticise without lifting a finger to help, then that is not active citizenship, that is commentary and it does not change anything. 'Active citizenship does not mean taking the law into our hands in a distractive way. 'Active citizenship is not anarchy, it is not looting or vandalising community resources out of anger or frustration.' Phakeng said another way of being an active citizen is to report corruption to the authorities. Her remarks come at a time when the country prepares for a national dialogue next month. This dialogue will provide South Africans with an opportunity to express their frustrations with the challenges in the country and come up with solutions. NOW READ: The real national dialogue has begun
