Face the facts – Joburg city is on the up
Feb09

Face the facts – Joburg city is on the up

In a recent survey of Represent subscribers, it was impressive how many readers voted Joburg.org as one of their favourite sites. We agree whole-heartedly, it is a well managed, informative and dynamic site. Congrats to all the peeps working so hard – particularly Lucille Davie whose research and writing is world class./A As usual, the Joburg website (City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)) cuts to the chase and tells us the facts – check out the comprehensive and highly informative (not to forget easy-to-read) Building developmental local government 2000-2005 report. Click here for the full report on how the city has fared over the last five years. Some personal highlights: Population of Inner City The population of the Inner City has grown rapidly since the late 1980s, and evidence suggests it continues to grow today. A comparison of two studies, one conducted in 1992 and the other in 1996, indicates that the population of the Inner City may have doubled in the first half of the 1990s. The first estimated a population of approximately 60 000.106 The second estimated that the population had grown to between 120 000 to 128 000.107 Census data shows that this growth continued between 1996 and 2001. The City of Johannesburg has disaggregated the census data for each of its 11 administrative Regions. A comparison of 1996 and 2001 census figures for Region 8 shows an increase in population from 203 765 to 257 180 during this period. Office Space in the city There are approximately 7 million m2 of floor space available in the Inner City, of which around 3 million m2 is formal office space. This represents some 57% of the combined total office space of South Africa’s next three largest cities, Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria. Informal Trading in the city Informal traders have been quick to exploit this potential. Anywhere between 7 000 and 10 000 informal traders work in the Inner City, many trading directly off the streets. Although the presence of informal traders is often seen as a sign of urban blight, informal trade is a significant economic sector with an estimated annual turnover of around R 4,2 billion. Migrant Traders in the city Migrant traders are attracted by the Inner City’s transport infrastructure. This allows them to purchase goods in the Inner City and transport them to other parts of sub-Saharan Africa for resale at competitive prices. Approximately 400 000 to 500 000 tourist traders and shoppers from across the sub-continent make their way to the Inner City each year. Security in the city The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance Project is one of the City’s most exciting...

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So you want to live in a city apartment?
Feb09

So you want to live in a city apartment?

Believe the hype – the city is being renovated and anyone that can and wants to is snapping up a snazzy place. In reality they’re all pretty expensive for the floorspace (some are ridiculously small), however if one considers Manhattan and London central and the price of apartments there, it seems to be relatively well-priced. Then there are the speculators amongst us that are waiting …for a mass renewal period where all of a sudden there are loads of blocks being upgraded at the same time pushing the competition higher and thus encouraging better value for money. But one must ask- could this be the start of that wave? First up is 100 Jorissen – thanks to Zithu for the tip – They go from R200g’s – R.4million depending on what size you’re after – therir location is ideal – right near Nelson Mandela Bridge and with a fantastic view of the city but it’s in Braamies not the bowl. THE PHILOSOPHY OF GOOD LIVING Situated in the centrally located suburb of Braamfontein, 100 Jorissen is an exciting new development that takes city apartment living to new heights. With 161 unique residential apartments and 5 luxury penthouses, this designer block is part of the inner city growth and renewal drive – the latest property trend to hit Johannesburg. Modern lines blend effortlessly with practical industrial detailing, while multiple courtyards, landscaped roof terraces, balconies and patios take advantage of the spectacular Highveld climate. With a multitude of lifestyle features on offer, 100 Jorissen sets a standard for inner city convenience. Next up is THE NEWTOWN development is in Quinn street at the MILLS – the old Premier Milling headquarters – an amazing building in another rapidly developing area… They are right off the highway and easy to get to… They’re selling quickly too and are at the top end of the range – from R600 – R1m. “the newtown will consist of 30 chic urban apartments and 7 breath-taking penthouses, with each apartment having a sweeping view of JO’burg’s skyline.” Then there’s the STALWARTS, the guys that kicked it off – URBAN OCEAN – Alphonso Botha and his team – of the famous Apprentice apartment – they’re looking to expand into a wider market and their friendly marketing lady KATY is always keen on a chat and a brisk stroll around the city. ENJOY and let us know if you buy something! If anyone knows of any other developments – bring ’em...

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Feel like working in the STATES?  Hope you like kids!
Feb09

Feel like working in the STATES? Hope you like kids!

A friend of mine (that likes kids) was telling me the other day about the amazing time that she had in the States when she went off to be a counsellor on a summer camp. She worked for three months and then travelled for a month – she loved it. But, as she pointed out, you have to want to work with kids and you have to be happy chilling in one place for a few months before y…ou get to move on and explore. She made some money and because she was living in the camp she hardly spent any of it – until she went travelling of course. The applications have opened for one of the programs available here in SA – SASTS – if you have the right skills and profile it’s actually not that hard to do – the best part about it is that the planning phase takes place a good few months before you go so you have time to save money for your air ticket, save money for your spending money etc. Check out the SASTS program here for more information. Here is some key info we picked up: Length of programme: Applicants may work in the US for a maximum of four months from Nov to April The recommended minimum stay on Work USA is eight weeks. Introduction What is camp? Thousands of North American children aged between six and 16 go to camp each year to have fun, learn new activities and enjoy the generally hot and sunny long vacations. There are about 10,000 summer camps in the USA, catering for all budgets and types of child, with campers attending for between one and eight weeks. The camps are usually in picturesque lakeside settings in the northeast and upper Midwest, although BUNAC also places a small number of counsellors at camps in the southeast, Texas, on the west coast and in Canada. What do counsellors do? Counsellors look after the children and teach them activities. The role of a counsellor is that of a brother/sister/ parent/teacher/friend and cheerleader all rolled into one. It’s no surprise therefore, that an essential requirement for camp counselling is a genuine liking for children and the ability to get on with them. Counsellors spend 24 hours a day with the children, living and sleeping in the same cabin, working and playing with them – hard work, but for the right people, it can be very rewarding and great fun! How does Summer camp work? Summer Camp USA is a work (first) and travel (later) experience. It can be a beneficial and enjoyable experience for anyone...

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Stand up comics doing their thing at Horror Cafe
Feb09

Stand up comics doing their thing at Horror Cafe

Stand up comedy is spreading so fast in Jozi that not a week goes by without fans getting their humorous dose around Melville and Newtown. Now Norwood, the place to be seen at, has joined the party with the Munt Comedy evening. Held every second Friday at The New 88, this is the jol to experiences with the likes of Kagis…o Lediga and Martin Jonas trying out only their NEW material- three cheers to Munt taking the long needed intiative to give stand up comedy fans fresh jokes. Trek to the club this Friday at 8pm for the final session, led by Kagiso, Martin, Loyiso Gola and David Kibuka. R30 cover charge. Also on comedy, Horror Cafe‘s weekly stand up gig is worth attending. Organised by Nu Breed Comedy Jams, their line up sometimes features Melody Shevlane, Kedibone Mulaudzi, David Kau, James Costello and Joey Rasdien. Catch them and laugh until you drop every Wednesday. Their cover charge is also R30. Doors open at...

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MUNT – still rocking every second Wednesday!
Feb09

MUNT – still rocking every second Wednesday!

SPYKOS IS DELICIOUS IN THE HOUSE! UPDATE THIS IS IT! COME AND EXPERIENCE THIS EXPERIMENTAL COMEDY EVENING GUARANTEED ITS GONNA ROCK! Munt Comedy presents stand up comedy evenings @ The New 88 – William Rd, Norwood. On Wed 05 October and Show starts @ 20H00, R30. Bookings: Tel 728 8417 This week’s line up: Host: Conrad Koch …(Ventriloquist), Denzel, Tshepo (Spykos) Mogale, Headliner: Al Prodgess! 2 open mike slots available! ********************************************** 18 September UPDATE We went along to the MUNT comedy evening’s at the new 88 in Norwood and had a great laugh. It’s probably the only comedy that we have been to in a while that was SO FULL and so WELL SUPPORTED by such a DIVERSE CROWD all LAUGHING at each other and THEMSELVES. Organiser Bobby Digital knows how to pull ’em in. Munt Comedy presents stand up comedy evenings @ The New 88, 114 Ivy Rd entrance on William St, Norwood. Menu offers a blend of experimental and new comedy from artists such as David Kau, Kagiso Lediga, Martin Jonas; Loyiso Gola, Chris Forrest etc&They sometimes a wildcard in the form of some impressive fresh young talent…then there’s cool tunes, snacks and refreshments. MUNT COMEDY SESSION @ The New 88 in Norwood (behind Woolies in the big parking – has a big DECK) Wednesdays 20h00 R30 Couvert Charge Bookings: Tel 728 8417 ****************************************************************** 15 July 2005 Some of the boys from Pure Monate have started up a new comedy brand with a fantastic twist – MUNT COMEDY EVENINGS. MUNT will be a roving event, kicking off with the first session in humming Norwood and then moving on to Fordsburg and Soweto to win over some more hearts- The team wants to use MUNT as a platform to spread comedy amongst as many different social groups as possible – truly Making the Underground the Norm. They aim to go into literal untouched territory as they gig in areas that have been neglected in the past as comedy nodes but in reality are social hubs where the youth interacts. Using various mediums they hope to attract and extract raw talent and amateur comedians from the guests that attend – so if you think you’re funny get on down to MUNT. It will run every fortnight – keep on coming back to Represent for updates. This week at 88 drinks and snacks will be on sale and funky dj’s will spin your tunes… and it’s chipile at only R30. MUNT COMEDY SESSION @ The New 88 in Norwood (behind Woolies in the big parking – has a big DECK) Wednesday 18th May (Every two weeks thereafter) 20h30 R30 Couvert...

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WHAT’S ON AT WITS THEATRE THIS YEAR?
Feb09

WHAT’S ON AT WITS THEATRE THIS YEAR?

WITS THEATRE is super-organised, they already have a list of the happenings at WITS theatre in 2006 from now until NOVEMBER! Just click here for the website or to make a booking please – email Cathy or phone (011) 717-1376 : Represent recommends the DANCE UMBRELLA, Kgafela oa Magogodi, Gerhard Beste…r and Sarah Roberts’ work and the coversations with Nadine Gordimer look interesting but don’t hold us to any of it – go and see for yourselves, support SA theatre!: The Wits Theatre Complex What’s On & What’s Coming ( WSOA & Rentals ) &2006 WITS SCHOOL OF ARTS ( WSOA ) FNB DANCE UMBRELLA 2006 – this is the 18th year that the festival offers choreographers an opportunity to show new contemporary works on various platforms in Johannesburg; 24 February – 18 March at The Wits Theatre Complex, The Dance Factory, Constitution Hill and the Johannesburg University Arts Centre. THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller, directed by Greg Homann; Wits Amphitheatre; 18th April – 29th April @ 19h00 ARMED RESPONSE directed by David Peimer; Wits Downstairs Theatre; 10th May – 20th May @ 19h00 CHAINS directed by Kgafela oa Magogodi; Wits Amphitheatre;17 – 27 May @ 19h00 WORK IN PROGRESS by Gerhard Marx; The Nunnery; 17th July – 29th July @ 19h00 (these dates are not confirmed) MIS- EDUCATION OF MR NONDELA, by Tsepo Wa Mamatu; Wits Amphitheatre; 16th August close 26th August @ 19h00 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING by William Shakespeare, directed by Sarah Roberts; Wits Amphitheatre; 20th September – 30th September @ 19h00 PHYSICAL THEATRE by Gerard Bester; Wits Theatre; 26 Sep – 7 Oct 19h00 PERFORMING THE AFRICAN NOVEL , directed by Kgafela oa Magogodi; Wits Downstairs Theatre; 31 October – 11th November @ 19h00 RENTALS PORRA featuring Sonia Esgueira and directed by Ruth Levin; The Wits Downstairs Theatre; 7 – 25 February @ 20h00. Bryan van Niekerk and Jemma Kahn are THE ANIMALS – animals are people too; The Wits Amphitheatre; 7 – 11 February @ 19h00 ýFUENTES AND GORDIMER AT WITS; The Wits Great Hall @ 17h30; entrance free. 14 February, Carlos Fuentes, Nadine Gordimer and Andrý Brink in conversation 15 February, The Nadine Gordimer lecture by Carlos Fuentes The latest SA discovery! Seminar: The Human Pin Code ( HPC ) ” The Path To Your Truth”; The Wits Great Hall; 04 March, 09h00 – 17h00...

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