When I first arrived, I decided to drive the route that I had planned on running – just to double check that there was a wide enough shoulder, if not a sidewalk, and confirm that it truly made the loop it appeared to on the map. It’s short – not more than 2 miles and makes a perfect loop through the wealthy, gated community estates of Sandton. Most of the estates have black guards at the entrance, black lawn workers in the yards and a generally busy atmosphere of black staff attending to the grounds. It was clear that I would be the only white person running (or doing anything, for that matter, on the street – and I’ve since, when running, never seen another white person outside of his or her car). But I figured, with such a buzz of estate staff around, it would safe to run.

Let me pause here. I mention that the estate staff are black only because it’s observable. This is not to say that black men and women do not hold C-suite and other professional positions here in South Africa, nor that they are not the wealthy owners of several of the said estates – they most certainly do and are. Since the apartheid regime came to an end, Black Economic Empowerment (essentially Affirmative Action) has been enforced in an effort to undo the oppressive set-backs that stem from years of segregated, white minority rule. When you consider that approximately 80% of South Africa’s population is non-white (Black, Coloured, Asian) the socio-economics begin to make sense, especially here in Sandton, this suburb deemed “Africa’s richest square mile.” People of European decent have had a head-start – for like a century – with the support of political, economic, and social structures to uphold their well being. Obviously, even with the enforcement of Black Economic Empowerment, the non-white majority population will need some time to catch up. Until then, I suppose non-whites will continue to fill the labor pool of domestics, grounds-keepers, residential and commercial staff and other related services. That said, this is the racial make-up surrounding the streets of my runs.

Just one more aside: Plenty of people equate South Africa with crime. While that has rapidly changed, even in the past two years, in preparation for the World Cup this June, crime has sadly been an identifying reality for this country. (INVICTUS touched upon the crime and violence that were paramount in the early 90s. A MILLION COLOURS does the same.) But, I get unnerved with generalizations, even when they’re based in truth, and had made it a priority to prove that in 2010, South Africa is just as safe as any city anywhere. However, upon arrival, when all of our local colleagues and friends took me aside to give me the “safety talk”, and one even handed me pepper spray, I decided I don’t need to single-handedly change the world’s perception about crime in South Africa…and I’ll keep my guard up just enough to be safe and not sorry.

So back to my story. If you recall, I was driving my potential running route.

I rounded a bend and saw down the road a silver car, stopped rather crookedly on the curb. As I approached the car, I noticed a man, white, casually but nicely dressed, maybe mid 30s, waving me down. His hood was not up, his fourways weren’t on and I could see no damage to the car. My initial instinct was to stop and see what he needed…poor guy, I thought, maybe he’s lost, maybe he’s out of gas and needs a lift. But as I scanned the street I realized that for the moment, there was not one other person in sight – not in a car, not walking on the sidewalks, not working estate grounds. Then my heart began pounding and a second instinct replaced the first. The cautionary words from a recent “safety talk” rang loud and clear in my head: “Don’t trust anyone here. Pink, purple, black, white – I don’t care. You don’t trust anyone.”

So I drove by. The man gave me a pleading wave right in front of my window and he and I made eye-contact. I mouthed “I’m sorry” and shook my head with an apologetic expression as if to say “you must understand why I just can’t stop to help you”.

I actually think he probably understood…and I’ll never know if he was going to hijack me. I imagine most people here, even hijackers, embrace the “don’t trust anyone” motto, regardless of any of their remaining stereotypes – racial or otherwise. But the angst I felt from casting aside my good samaritan instinct was new. One never wants to be so self-protective that she’s cold to others. But how do you know when a simple act of good samaritanship might lead to danger…in a place where crime once ruled the day? Feeling like I’m not in Kansas anymore.

This venue has recently been added on Expopedia, the tradefair service finder. Visit our website for more information.

Sandton Convention Centre
Maude Street Sandown 2196
2146 Sandton (South Africa)
More information about Sandton Convention Centre …

An overview of the available activities for Sandton Convention Centre …

• Standdesign / Designstudio
• Stand construction: custom build
• Hostesses
• Displays (design/fabrication)

If you come from Doornfontein in lower Johannesburg, drive up Twist Street all the way to the top of the rise you will find yourself in Hillbrow, a two-square-kilometre sprawl of tightly packed high rise buildings.

Once the pick of Johannesburg real estate, the area is now a slum, the buildings mostly sagging hulks within whose dark interiors an unbelievable jumble of jam-packed humanity inhabits every room, every nook, every cranny, every passage and space beneath every stairway.

If you know anything at all about Hillbrow you will keep your car doors locked, the windows wound up tight, and you will try to adjust your speed to coincide with traffic lights. You will not want to have to stop at any of the endless street intersections. Not if you can help it. You will know that the denizens thronging the streets are always on the lookout for the main chance, to smash and grab, to hijack. You name it, every bad thing imaginable happens in this neck of the woods.

Now you have passed over Hillbrow’s crest, heading down the other side, anxious to leave that place behind. Far behind.

You turn left into Empire Road, heading west, swing right into Oxford Road heading north now, and you’re on your way to Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, the nature of the terrain different, not so many intersections, not so dangerous anymore.

You can relax a bit. But only a bit. You’re not yet out of the woods. Actually you’re never out of the woods anywhere in South Africa. Criminals lurk everywhere. From place to place it’s just a matter of degree. But never mind, Hillbrow is falling farther and farther behind with each passing minute. That, at least, is a reason to feel more comfortable.

You’re still driving along Oxford Road, passing Killarney on the right then Saxonwold on the left (where President Zuma used to live), the first of the northern suburbs. Oxford Road is a long thoroughfare.

Now you’re crossing over the Bolton Road intersection, passing between Rosebank and Melrose, then over Jellicoe Avenue, Dunkeld on the left, off to the right, farther on, Wanderers Stadium.

Now Oxford Road changes its name to Rivonia Road, still heading north, driving past Inanda, the Inanda Country Club a stone’s throw away in a high wind, but you’re not going there. Your destination is Sandton, one of the most affluent suburbs in South Africa.

All the larnies live in Sandton. You’re getting closer, left into Sandton Drive, Nelson Mandela Square on the right, this is Sandton.

Sandton, a paradise on earth.

Hillbrow might just as well be on a different planet, so removed is it from this place where the signs of prosperity meet the eye every which way you turn, the magnificent houses and manicured lawns behind high walls with electronic entrance gates, driveways adorned with Mercs and Beamers and four-by-fours, state of the art security, every house locked in tight as Fort Knox, people inside sleeping peacefully at night, not a care in the world beyond counting their money.

At least that is the perception.

To the casual observer that would certainly be the perception. But the casual observer would be wrong. It’s all a facade, a front masking a grim reality, which in South Africa is that the more affluent a suburb, the more attention it gets from criminals, vicious, violent monsters who have no shred of decency as human beings, no compassion for anyone, man woman or child.

And Sandton gets plenty of attention from criminals.

Which brings me to the reason for writing this missive (sorry if you’ve been bored by the droning preamble, but I wanted to paint a word picture, for readers across the water, of the discrepancies that exist between places like Hillbrow and Sandton, whose counterparts are spread all over South Africa).

No one is really protected from crime in Sandton. Criminals use creative methods to circumvent the most stringent security. A recent media report highlights the plight of Sandton residents:

Hot Iron Torture: Domestics Arrested

For police officers accustomed to hauling armed robbers out of Alexandra, it was an unusual mission: track down and arrest two domestic workers hiding out in Hillbrow.

But the capture of their suspects broke wide open a case in which a Sandton woman was tortured with a hot iron during a house robbery last week.

The attack was the third in as many years that has taken place at the luxury Bryanston complex where convicted drug dealer Glenn Agliotti’s family were held up in 2007.

Here’s a link so you can read the entire article, but first bear with me for a moment longer. Corruption and incompetence in South Africa’s police force is an established fact. Nevertheless, we need to recognise that there are good and dedicated cops out there working hard to bring to justice the criminals that without doubt have the potential to bring this country crashing down about our heads.

The good cops are few in number and the expression that comes to mind is the thin blue line that stands between law abiding citizens and anarchy.

The cops who successfully tracked the two criminal domestic workers all the way to Hillbrow achieved a remarkable feat of investigative police work. But over and above that, to actually locate the pair in that practically impenetrable sanctuary for criminals, and bring them out to face a court of justice, is beyond remarkable. It’s mind-boggling that they got it right.

World class police work, that’s what it is, along the lines of, the Mounties always get their man.

Na wereldwijde omzwervingen in de hotelwereld is Maarten van den Nieuwenhuijsen nu directeur Zuidelijk Afrika voor de Rezidor Hotel Groep. “Wij zijn op weg de grootste in Afrika te worden.”

Wat verder Ter Tafel Komt

Maarten van den Nieuwenhuijsen
directeur Zuidelijk Afrika, Rezidor Hotel Groep

Ik ben een nieuwe hobby begonnen. Ik vlieg!”, onderbreekt Maarten van den Nieuwenhuijsen (44) abrupt het gesprek over de expansie van de Rezidor Hotel Groep, de moeizame start in Johannesburg en het wereldkampioenschap voetbal dat volgend jaar in Zuid-Afrika plaatsvindt. “Toen ik jong was wilde ik al piloot worden. Het is een fantastische ervaring om zelf een vliegtuig te besturen.”

De eerste vliegles kreeg de hotelier vorig jaar cadeau van zijn vrouw Annette. “Misschien is het een kleine midlifecrisis”, lacht Van den Nieuwenhuijsen verlegen. Enthousiaster: “Het is écht iets om in Zuid-Afrika te doen: qua weer, qua afstanden en qua kosten.” Met alleen middelbare hotelschool op zak werkte Van den Nieuwenhuijsen zich op. Zijn drang naar buitenlands avontuur is ontembaar, maar een waaghals is hij niet. “Ik had al lang solo mogen vliegen, maar…..” Een berustende zucht. “Binnenkort gaat het wel gebeuren.”

Eerlijkheid en voorzichtigheid typeren zijn uitspraken – kwaliteiten die ook zijn opmars in de hotelwereld verklaren. Als regiodirecteur voor Zuidelijk Afrika heeft de geboren Voorburger vier hotels onder zijn hoede en dat worden er rap meer. Het van oorsprong Scandinavische Rezidor – het hoofdkwartier staat nu in Brussel en het Amerikaanse Carlson heeft een flinke vinger in de pap – heeft zijn oog laten vallen op ’s wereld armste continent. De lijst van geplande openingen is duizelingwekkend. “Wij zijn hard op weg om de grootste internationale hoteloperator
in Afrika te worden.”

Locatie van het gesprek is restaurant Vivace in het Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton, hét zakencentrum van Johannesburg – “én van heel Afrika ten zuiden van de Sahara”. Alles is Italiaans: van het uit Toscane geïmporteerde San Pellegrino-mineraalwater tot het eten zelf.

Druk is het niet in de lobby en het restaurant. Aanvankelijk was het ploeteren, erkent Van den Nieuwenhuijsen. “We hadden een moeilijke start vorig jaar december. Dan is het hier zomervakantie en tegelijkertijd drong de internationale crisis door in Zuid-Afrika. Het hotel bevindt zich in de opstartfase, maar na de eerste drie maanden zagen we gestaag verbetering.” Van den Nieuwenhuijsen wijst door het raam van de dertiende etage naar een bouwplaats. “Kijk, daar wordt nog een Radisson Blu gebouwd en verderop komt een Park Inn – juni volgend jaar hebben we hier 760 bedden en zijn we de grootste internationale speler in Sandton.”

Naast Radisson Blu en Park Inn exploiteert Rezidor de merken Regent, Country Inns & Suites en het modieuze Missoni. “Twee jaar geleden is besloten dat we dit continent gaan veroveren.” Van den Nieuwenhuijsen verwacht dat Johannesburg uiteindelijk zeven Rezidor-hotels telt en ook de portefeuille in Kaapstad groeit. Bovendien wordt in booming hoofdsteden als Maputo en Lusaka gebouwd. Luanda – hoofdstad van Angola – staat op de rol voor 2012. Elders in Afrika gaan hotels open in Nigeria, Kenia, Congo, Libië en zelfs Mali. En dat terwijl het slecht loopt in Sandton? Van den Nieuwenhuijsen lacht. “Nou, we maken hier natuurlijk wel winst.”

Gelukkig komt het WK voetbal dichtbij. “Wij verwachten natuurlijk veel van 2010. Dit toernooi is een goed visitekaartje voor Zuid-Afrika. Sommigen zeggen dat er te weinig kamers zullen zijn, maar niemand komt zonder eerst accommodatie te regelen. Op veiligheidsvraagstukken is men goed voorbereid. Natuurlijk trekken dit soort sportevenementen meer zakkenrollers en tasjesdieven, maar dat is overal ter wereld zo.”

Waar een kamer in Sandton normaal 2.800 rand (250 euro) kost, wordt dat tijdens het voetbaltoernooi 4.300 rand (400 euro). Sponsoren en media betalen blijkbaar grif, want het hotel is vol tijdens het WK. Het Nederlands elftal zit op steenworp afstand in het Hilton, maar Van den Nieuwenhuijsen treurt niet echt om de afwezigheid van teams. “Als een team na de eerste ronde wordt uitgeschakeld, verdwijnt hun hele entourage.”

Hoewel Van den Nieuwenhuijsen nu zou doorstuderen aan een hogere hotelschool – “Je moet meer afweten van e-commerce, strategisch management en leiderschap.” – klinkt zijn carrière als een sprookje. ”Ik ben op het strand in Scheveningen begonnen toen ik veertien jaar was. Mijn moeder wist niet wat ze de hele zomer met mij aanmoest en vroeg bij strandtent Hennie en Martin of ik daar kon werken. Ik deed alles: stoelen klaarzetten, bedienen. Op de fiets naar het werk toe, mooi was dat. Ik heb het met veel plezier gedaan.”

Zijn ouders bestierden de fameuze kledingzaak Het Jagershuis, waar Hagenaars van stand bijna een eeuw lang klassieke mode, jacht-, en rijkleding kochten. “Ga alsjeblieft wat anders doen, zei mijn vader, want het runnen van een eigen zaak viel hem zwaar.” Dus ging zoon Maarten aan de slag bij het Smulplein van de V&D en later bij sterrenrestaurant Villa Rozenrust in Leidschendam.

Via een stage werkte Van den Nieuwenhuijsen drie jaar bij het InterContinental Hotel in Luxemburg. Daarna volgden steeds hogere functies in Keulen, Düsseldorf en Dubai. “Vervolgens kwam ik bij het Radisson in Amsterdam. Ik was toen tien jaar weg uit Nederland.” Na Berlijn en Peking belandde de hotelier in de Saoedi-Arabische hoofdstad Riaad. “Dat was tijdens de Tweede Golfoorlog. Er vonden regelmatig bomaanslagen op westerse compounds plaats. Het was een moeilijke tijd, maar we hebben erg goede vrienden aan die tijd overgehouden.” Toen het te gevaarlijk werd was het tijd voor een nieuw avontuur. “Ik ben vertrokken naar Kaapstad, een prachtig hotel aan de kust. Hier in Zuid-Afrika ligt mijn hart. De mensen zijn warm en hebben een echte glimlach. Er is zoveel diversiteit: vier seizoenen, walvissen, zon en bush.”

En er zijn uitdagingen. “Mensen zien hun werk in de hotellerie als een baan en niet als een carrière”, vindt Van den Nieuwenhuijsen. Ook de bedizening in Vivace is volgens hem nog te ongeïnspireerd. “De mensen komen uit een township en moeten hier een vijfgangenmenu serveren. Het is aan ons om hen op te leiden.” Van den Nieuwenhuijsen wijst op zijn Yes I Can!-speld. “Je hoeft echt niet op alles ‘ja’ te zeggen. Maar als een dame met nat haar naar de receptie van het hotel komt omdat de haardroger kapot is, kun je geld teruggeven. Je kunt ook zeggen: ik rijd u even naar de kapper om de hoek. Die houding probeer ik mensen aan te leren.”

Hoe gaat u om met cultuurverschillen?
“Leiderschap is het belangrijkst. Het werkt ontzettend destructief als het personeel niet positief over de zaak denkt. Je moet een goede gastheer zijn en het commerciële management onder de knie hebben, maar uiteindelijk moet je een leider zijn. Dat kan niet iedereen, je moet het hebben.”

Welke problemen zijn typisch Zuid-Afrikaans?
“Vanwege de apartheid hebben we hier Black Empowerment (bedoeld om door middel van ondermeer aanname-, en inkoopbeleid en training de achtergestelde positie van de zwarte meerderheid recht te zetten, red.). Dat is een leuke uitdaging.”

Werken gelijke kansen voor iedereen niet beter?
Voorzichtig: “Ik denk dat het noodzakelijk is om de balans te herstellen, op den duur moet het dan mogelijk zijn om Black Empowerment af te schaffen.”

Johannesburg, dat is toch een crimineel nest?
“Iedereen is negatief over Johannesburg, maar ik vind dat volledig ongegrond. Natuurlijk is er criminaliteit. Je moet voorzorgsmaatregelen nemen, maar voor de rest is het hier fantastisch. Er is zoveel te doen! In Zuid-Afrika wordt het geld in Johannesburg verdiend en in Kaapstad uitgegeven. Daarom is dit toch meer mijn stad – Kaapstad blijft een heel mooie vakantiebestemming.”

Is dit weer een tussenstop?
“Nee, ik ga voorlopig druk aan de slag nu er zoveel hotels bijkomen. Het succesvol openen van meer hotels in Zuidelijk Afrika is een intensief en moeilijk karwei. Qua inkoop, accounting en personeelszaken zijn er ontzettend veel schaalvoordelen te behalen, zeker als we hier straks drie hotels binnen 500 meter hebben. Ik geniet erg van werken in het buitenland en ik vind het belangrijk dat onze kinderen in een internationale omgeving opgroeien.”

Internationaler dan u wordt lastig.
Lachend: “De wereld wordt steeds kleiner.”

I’d be interested to hear people’s responses to this video that try to counter Western stereotypes of African economic and social life with its own selective, glossy images of a largely urbanized, clean, ordered–oddly without any people–Africa.

[Source]

>>> UPDATED NOVEMBER 26th, 2009 <<<

(At the time of this update, NuMetro’s official website indicates that their Suncoast complex is showing A Christmas Carol in 3-D. NuMetro Theatres HQ in Johannesburg has confirmed, however, that this is an error.)

JOHANNESBURG : NORTH

Ster-Kinekor Sandton, Sandton City, Rivonia Road, Sandton

Ster-Kinekor Fourways Mall, Fourways Mall, cnr William Nicol Drive & Witkoppen Road, Fourways.

Ster-Kinekor The Zone, The Zone @ Rosebank, cnr Oxford & Tyrwhittt Roads, Rosebank – this was South Africa’s first Real-D digital 3-D cinema!

Nu Metro Hyde Park, Hyde Park Corner, Jan Smuts Avenue, Hyde Park
Tel:  (011) 325-4257/8 HydePark@numetro.co.za

JOHANNESBURG : EAST

NuMetro Emporium, The Emporium at Emperor’s Palace Casino & Entertainment Complex, Jones Road, Kempton Park. OPENING DECEMBER 1st 2009. There will be one permanent digital 3-D screen, and *rumour* has it that the other five cinemas in the complex will also be “3-D-ready”. This probably means that they all have the metallic screens required for 3-D projection. How many are ready to rock-n-roll in 3-D, remains to be seen…

NuMetro Bedfordview, Bedford Centre, Smith Street, Bedfordview. Tel: (011) 616-6828. Bedford@numetro.co.za

Ster-Kinekor Eastgate, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Road, Bedfordview

Ster-Kinekor Greenstone, Greenstone Shopping Centre, cnr Modderfontein Rd & Van Riebeeck Ave, Edenvale

Ster-Kinekor East Rand Mall, East Rand Mall, cnr Rietfontein Road & Bentel Avenue, Boksburg North

JOHANNESBURG : SOUTH

DURBAN (& ENVIRONS)

Ster-Kinekor Gateway, Gateway Shoppertainment Complex, 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga

Nu Metro Pavilion, Pavilion Shopping Mall, 3 Jack Martens Street, Westville
Tel:  (031) 265-0001 Pavilion@numetro.co.za

Nu Metro Galleria, The Galleria, Amanzimtoti – GPS Latitude: -30.0338047949426 Longitude: 30.8984899520874  *** Rumour has it that this cineplex will have two 3-D screens. We await confirmation…

PRETORIA  (& ENVIRONS)

Ster-Kinekor Brooklyn Mall, Brooklyn Mall, Veale & Fehrsen Streets, Brooklyn

Ster-Kinekor Irene Mall, Irene Mall, Irene

Nu Metro Menlyn, Menlyn Centre, Menlo Park, Pretoria
Tel:  (012) 368-1301 Menlyn@numetro.co.za

CAPE TOWN

I was dragged to Manhattan Night Club in Sandton on Thursday night by a few friends. They said dancing and tequila would “aid the healing process”. To an extent, I agree. But Manhattan was an experience I wish I could forget.

When you walk in, the bouncers immediately check you out to see whether you’re 1. dressed appropriately (which is fine) and 2. the right ‘type’ of person to be seen at the club.

I think the only reason I got in was because I was with two hot women. I was profiled from the time I stepped in – being the fat girl with flea market clothing.

It’s expensive, it’s plush and it reeks of money. Ed Hardy fragrances adorn the advertising cabinets and the smell of Armani, Gucci, Louis Vitton and even one-off pieces by Stella McCartney clothing floats around like a perfume you’d dare not touch.

Manhattan is all about the look, but I have to hand it to them for a setup nicely done. Its open plan and differing bars make for an entertaining evening without having to look for your friends in nooks and crannies. Unless, of course, they’re getting it on, in which case, they will be in a bathroom.

To the right is the cigar bar, which I made a beeline for before the girls dragged me away. All I wanted was a Romeo Y Julieta and a glass of good whiskey. (Is it whisky or whiskey? I always get confused about this!)

The main bar is central and is fancy-schmansy. It’s circular and great for spotting a potential hook-up on either side. In fact, the entire club is like this.

The dancefloor is a bit silly. It is semi sunken and has stairs leading down to it – I saw about ten women lose their balance and fall very ungracefully into the arms of men wanting any excuse to talk to them.

The ladies bar is cool but even I, with DD breasts could not get served. Fat girl syndrome hit very quickly.  The shooter bar is awesome. It’s got a spin-the-wheel system going and you pay a flat rate for shooters, spin the wheel and whatever shooter name it lands on, you drink that one. It’s awesome to see a prissy little daddy’s girl down something she hates. Or better still, can’t handle.

The coolest part of the club is the balcony. Although this is where the creepy single guys sit to check out the girls on the dancefloor, it’s not as loud as the rest of the club, it’s well chilled and the panoramic view of people making asses of themselves is great.

The music is nothing short of shit. Well, for the most part. I think I must have shaken my head in disgust for the tenth song in a row before they got on to Justin Timberlake. I eventually gave in after the twentieth song which sounded exactly like the last one before my Indian heritage kicked in and I decided to have a bit of a shimmy shake on the dancefloor. I must hand it to the deejay for playing Bassment Jaxx’s Where’s Your Head At, though, to which I danced and made a complete tool of myself.

So, the women – they all look the same. They wear name brands, high heels (totally pointless) and have freshly GHD-d hair strategically styled to flick into guy’s faces. Most of them wear dresses short enough to be blouses. In fact, I think most of them were blouses. Little do the women know they look skeazy and like they’ve forgotten their pants. Quote of the day from the ladies bathroom:

Random One: Look! I love Africa. I have a zebra on my shirt!

Random Two: Uh, that’s a leopard.

It was actually a lion.

In close second came this one.

Random Three: I couldn’t find my pink hairband so I had to change my entire outfit from pink to green.

The guys all look like they’ve stepped out of the Harvard interview queue. But they look too dim to have gotten there in the first place. Bootleg jeans or formal pants, collared shirts and Pringle jerseys were to be spotted all around. Gel in hair and drink in hand, the men swarm the bars, the dancefloor and the balcony looking for an easy hook-up. I doubt many of them could string more words together than “hey…wanna dance?” Okay, I am being mean. Some of them did appear quite decent. I even saw a few friends there among the guys. But by and large, this is jock country.

I did spot one potential sitting on the opposite end of the area surrounding the dancefloor. He was geeky-looking and had a Led Zeppelin shirt underneath his collared one. He smiled awkwardly at me and I smiled back thinking “hmmm…maybe.”

This was quickly dismissed from my mind when he started singing along to Britney.

Less R150 in my wallet, I left tired and about as bored as I had been five hours before. This is undoubtedly an experience I am not likely to repeat.

The place would be cool if it had some System of a Down playing!

After a few unsuccessful attempts at blogging in the past, I’m now back again with a renewed passion and interest in photography. I’ll mostly be posting photos where at times I’ll be giving them more context than what would appear on my flickr photostream. There are also tons of interesting photography posts all over the web so I’ll be sure to make reference to these from time to time.

I had a great time in July participating in the Johannesburg walk of Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk and had the pleasure of meeting Neill (check out his blog) at this event. We have since undertaken to reinvigorate our interest in our current home and try to get out on photowalking at least each month.

Here are some of my favourites from our second photowalk in Sandton.

You can check out more on my flickr photostream.

From December 2009, a new and exciting digital opportunity in Johannesburg will become available. These screens are highly visible to all vehicular & pedestrian traffic moving through the Sandton CBD, on West street travelling east and on Rivonia road travelling north. Site is directly opposite future Gautrain station on the street level entrance and exit. Approx. 91,050 cars per day to pass the screens but is expected to increase as Gautrain & BRT commuters make their way to the station, as well as large amount of visitors to FIFA head office and organised events.

For more information on this exciting opportunity please contact stacey@posterscopesa.co.za

Salut tout le monde !!

Je suis arrive comme prevu Lundi, au petit matin, sur Joburg (5:40). Et j’ai directement enchaine par une journee de boulot… lool dur dur

J’ai passe deux nuits à Centurion dans le nord du Gauteng (la province d’Afrique du Sud dans laquelle se trouve Joburg – la capitale economique – , Pretoria – l’une des capitales administratives -, et Midrand – la ville ou je bosse – ).

Puis, j’ai bouge sur Sandton, dans une famille SudAf qui me loue une chambre pour un mois. Son nom, la famille Marchand (Pierre, le pere ; Julien, Marcelle et Michel les enfants). Difficile de croire qu’ils sont vraiment SudAf et qu’ils ne parlent pas francais.

La ville de Sandton est la ville la plus riche de toute l’Afrique, ce n’est donc pas si “depaysant” pour le moment.

Ici le centre de Sandton et la tour Sandton City
Comme une ville americaine classique on y trouve de larges avenues, des tours, et des “malls” (centres commerciaux) un peu partout. Mais, comme ici on ne fait rien comme ailleurs en Afrique, on peut y trouver un casino digne des plus grands casinos de Las Vegas (le “Montecasino”) et des vendeurs de voitures de luxe à profusion (Maserati, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche …).

Ici le Montecasino, un casino aux allures de cite italienne

Cote sortis, pas de grande différence avec Paris. Ce soir, je sors pour la 3e fois en 3 soirs. Apres une soiree avec la communaute francaise de VIE Jeudi (Nous sommes une centaine sur Joburg), une soiree avec le SudAf chez qui je suis heberge hier, je vais ce soir au Manhattan apprecier l’une des boites les plus branchées de la ville.

Major financial services company requires a technically strong C#.NET Developer to build new applications specifically focusing on large, transactional systems requiring integration into existing systems across the Enterprise. This is an Agile environment, you’ll find yourself working in small teams in an environment that promotes personal responsibility and proactive thought.

You need:

Min 3 years C#.NET coding experience with experience of at least C#.NET 2.0;

Good ASP.NET coding skills ideally on enterprise size projects;

WCF;

Good MS SQL 2005 development skills.

Advantageous to have:

Analysis and design experience;

C#.NET 3.0 / C#.NET 3.5;

Strong integration skills either building your own layers or using Biztalk;

SSIS.

Permanent, Sandton, negotiable between R300K and R400K ctc per annum

Major financial services company requires a Senior Developer to design and build new applications specifically focusing on large, transactional systems requiring integration into existing systems across the Enterprise. This is an Agile environment, you’ll find yourself working in small teams in an environment that promotes personal responsibility and rewards proactive thought.

You’ll need:

Min 3 years C#.NET with experience of both C#.NET 2.0 and 3.5;

Enterprise ASP.NET skills;

WCF;

Strong MS SQL 2005 design and development skills;

Good integration skills.

Advantageous to have: SSIS; Biztalk.

Permanent; Sandton; negotiable between R400K and R500K ctc

Get your dictaphones and digtal and video cameras out my fellow South africans! Puff Johnson is officially gracing Johannesburg with her presence. And what has pulled the lady out of the cocoon of Ishmael’s arms?! A press conference. I think the lady is tired of the gossip and hearsay, now. And it’s about time…

So the lady will be in Sandton tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately I cannot disclose the location for matters of safety. But then again, I saw home girl jamming in a club a month back so there really shouldn’t be a threat. Especially if girl is hittin’ the streets.

This is what we think is in the piplines for the pressie confie…her up coming album and what she is doing in SA (this may confirm the Ishmael courting Puff rumour).

Madame Puff is here…it’s official!

Kultur-Nachrichten: Nelson Makamo, Gallery on the Square Sandton – Ausstellung (Titel): (South Africa – A Place I Call Home) Termine: Voraussichtlicher Zeitraum der Ausstellung: 06.05.09. Kunst & Kultur-Info: Sandton. Künstler (Texte) informationen von Nelson Makamo: Veranstaltungen für Sandton: (Ort) Gallery on the Square Sandton, (Künstler) Nelson Makamo Kulturell in Sandton: Kunstausstellungen – Rubrik: Hobby, Freizeit, Ausstellungen in Südafrika. Kulturinformation der GAK Berlin: Nelson Makamo, Kunstprojekte in der Gallery on the Square, (Sandton).

AKTUELL: Kunstprojekte Sandton.

Kate Moss als Biografie, Text und Porträt Fotografie.

Ralph Ueltzhoeffer TEXTPORTRAIT.

Kultur und Allgemeines: Gallery on the Square Sandton, Nelson Makamo – Kunstausstellung mit dem Titel: (South Africa – A Place I Call Home) Termine: Zeitraum der Ausstellung: 06.05.09. Künstlerbiografie sowie Kunsttexte, Inspiration und Medien über Nelson Makamo: Kulturkalender für Sandton: Gallery on the Square Sandton, (Aktuell 2009) Nelson Makamo Kunst und Kulturprojekte Sandton – Kultur Südafrika 2009. Kultur und Kunst GAK: Nelson Makamo, Aktuelle Kunstprojekte der GAK Berlin: Kunststätte; Gallery on the Square, Sandton.

Kunstprojekte 2008 Südafrika (blogging):

Ralph Ueltzhoeffer, Laura May: Kate Moss Portrait.

Ralph Ueltzhoeffer (www.ueltzhoeffer.de).

Nelson Makamo, Gallery on the Square Sandton, Titel der Ausstellung: (South Africa – A Place I Call Home) – Zeitraum: 06.05.09. Ausstellungen Gallery on the Square Sandton. Künstlerinformation: Nelson Makamo: Biografien; Museen und Gallery on the Squaren: Nelson Makamo — Veranstaltungskalender, Kulturveranstaltungen in Sandton: Gallery on the Square Sandton, Nelson Makamo – zum Thema: Nelson MakamoKunst und Kultur Südafrika, Sandton. GAK Berlin: Nelson Makamo, Kunstprojekte (GAK Berlin): Gallery on the Square in Sandton.

Weblogeintrag allgemein / Aktueller Kunstevent: Thema Menschen.

Textportrait von Kate Moss (Foto).

Ralph Ueltzhoeffer.

Gallery on the Square Sandton – Ausstellung: Nelson Makamo, Ausstellungstitel: (South Africa – A Place I Call Home) – Dauer der Ausstellung: 06.05.09. Kunstausstellungen Gallery on the Square Sandton. Infomaterial über (Künstler): Nelson Makamo: Biografie, Galerien, Museum – Events: Nelson Makamo — Kunst und Kultur in Sandton: Gallery on the Square Sandton, aktuelle Ausstellung von Nelson Makamo – …weitere Informationen über Nelson Makamo Gallery on the Square Sandton – [Südafrika].

Aktuelles Thema “Kunst im öffentlichen Raum”:

Bild von Kate Moss (Fotografie, Portrait – Biografie).

Ralph Ueltzhoeffer.

EXHIBITION – artist: Nelson Makamo, location: Gallery on the Square Sandton, date: 06.05.09 / current exhibitions at: Gallery on the Square Sandton 2008. Artistinformation and biography-text from: Nelson Makamo Gallery on the Square Sandton CATEGORY: art, modern art, projects: TEXTPORTRAITS Nelson Makamo by Ralph Ueltzhoeffer and Laura May. More information about Nelson Makamo Exhibition Gallery on the Square Sandton, South Africa.

New entries: actual 0

Kate Moss / Portrait (TEXTPORTRAIT).

textportraits by Ralph Ueltzhoeffer.

AKTUELLE AUSSTELLUNG: Gallery on the Square Sandton; Künstler: Nelson Makamo; Betitelung: (South Africa – A Place I Call Home) – Zeitraum der Ausstellung: 06.05.09. Kunstausstellungen (Südafrika) aktuell: Gallery on the Square Sandton (2008). Weitere Informationen über: Nelson Makamo: Biografie/Biography — | Galerieninformationen/Gallery: Nelson Makamo — Weitere geplante Ausstellungen: Gallery on the Square Sandton von Nelson Makamo — Nelson Makamo Kunstportal: Wikipedia (http://de.wikipedia.org). Mehr aktuelle Informationen über Nelson Makamo Gallery on the Square Sandton.

Beitragsforum Kunst & Kultur allgemein:

Textportrait: Kate Moss.

Textportraits – Ralph Ueltzhoeffer.

I haven’t been going out much lately, however, I have a few discoveries.

Sandton  -  Justine Beauty Salon

Justine, one of SA’s stars in the beauty industry, has hidden this gem in Sandton City opposite the Reggies toy store.

Service is absolutely excellent, their waxes are quick and not so painful, and you have friendly staff catering to your need.  Bonus points are the loyalty cards which you have stamped at every treatment and you actually get money taken off after a few treatments!  Something that is certainly needed when people are feeling the pinch!

A 8/10. 

I was reading about these dudes Knife Gang when I suddenly realised how small minded most of our people can be. You have this idiot William “Big Spender” Lehase who lead a gang of similar minded tough guys fools in their criminal ways that left many a Sandton residents peeing in their pants (or panties) but instead of taking his ill gotten monies and starting a small spaza in Alex so he can support himself and his family and STOP terrorising poor soccer mommies across the M1 the fool decides to be ‘abuti madlesa’ and flivoriously spend his monies and in the process earn the name ‘Big Spender’, a name he no doubt thought was cool.  Look I’m not here to judge moth3rf#(k3rs but if you gonna go do crime use your payouts wisely and build something with all the quick cash you get and in that way you will not see a reason to commit a crime again. Honestly speaking you can only get away with shot for so long before shit catches up with you.

Moth3f#(k3r you are not Shabir and you don’t have JZ on your speed dial. Simply put; YOU ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW!