It’s Mandela Day this Thursday and I’m sure you’re gearing up to put in your 67 minutes of service to the community. When you’re done with that you might be in need of some entertainment. Phumlani S Langa has a few Mandela Day events that could help with this.
JOBURG
ART EXHIBITION
Zanele Muholi: Faces and Phases 13
Stevenson Gallery, 46 7th Ave,Parktown North
Until August 30
Free entrance
Catch the opening of Zanele Muholi’s new exhibition. This prolific visual artist seems to work tirelessly to keep creating memorable work and we all know Mandela was a big patron of the arts. Take a leaf out of his book and visit this one.
ORCHESTRA
Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble
Linder Auditorium, St Andrews Road Parktown
July 21, 3pm
R180 to R280 at computicket.com
Imagine a little classical string ensemble emerging from a tiny corner of South Africa’s biggest township and taking the world by storm. Gauteng audiences have the chance to experience this remarkable group of highly talented young musicians. They’ll be playing a unique mix of classical, classic pop and township favourites.
JAZZ
The Sandton Jazz Club
Alice & Fifth, Sandton Sun, Alice Lane
July 17, 7.30pm
Free event
Joburg doesn’t seem to be going too hard on the Mandela Day events, but hey, Tata liked jazz so you could go support some local talent on the rise in his honour. You will also receive a free glass of Glenlivet on the rocks.
KIDS’ MUSICAL
Madagascar Jr – A Musical Adventure
People’s Theatre
Until August 4
R149 at webtickets.co.za
This DreamWorks movie had me in stitches and every kid I know is a fan. Imagine if you present your tots with the prospect of seeing the live stage production.
SOWETO
WRITERS EXPO
Indaba Writers Workshop
Credo Mutwa Cultural Village
July 14, 12pm
Free event
Led by Letepe Maisela and coordinated by Serala Edgar, this workshop of the written word will delve into African literary excellence.
PARTY
Queens Night with DJ Poomla Da Princess
Cubaña Southgate
July 18, 5pm
Free event. Visit the Facebook events page for more information
Let loose after work and in preparation for the weekend with this exclusive party. Ladies will get free Hendrick’s cocktails between 7pm and 9pm, while DJ Poomla Da Princess spins a few epic party starters.
MANDELA DAY
Soweto Is Walking #MandelaMile
Mandela’s House, 8115 Vilakazi Street
July 18, 12pm
Free event
From Accra to Oslo, Luton to São Paulo, people all around the world will be doing the #MandelaMile. This one will be the most special of all because it starts at Nelson Mandela’s house in Vilakazi Street.
ELSEWHERE
CAPE TOWN
67 Minutes of Laughter
Cape Town Comedy Club
July 18, 8.30pm
R167 at computicket.com
Madiba was always smiling and joking around. Why not laugh in his memory? Join The Napsta and a host of the country’s best comics. There will be a Joburg leg of this show.
DURBAN
Mandela Day Night Market SPCA
Springfield Park
July 18, 5pm
Free event. Donations are welcome
You are encouraged to bring a can of dog or cat food for the animals that are cared for at this establishment. Get your arts, crafts and grub on at this quaint night market.
Secret Sunrise Dance for Madiba
Durban Beach Front
July 20, 6.30am
R100 to R140 at quicket.co.za
Ticketholders will be notified about the venue closer to the time, but expect it to be near the beach front for this relaxing dance session at sunrise. Let us know if the secret dance routine includes the Madiba jive.
PRETORIA
THEATRE
Amawethu
SA State Theatre
July 17 to 28
R100 to R120 at webtickets.co.za
Explore the complexities that lie within black people’s subconscious self-loathing. A story of culture and customs and how events before the slave trade lead us to believe we were barbarians.
EAT OUT
Winter Restaurant Week Pretoria
Until August 4
R150 to R250 at restaurantweek.co.za
Until August 4 you can experience high-end dining at a variety of premium restaurants at a reduced rate. Choose your restaurant, make your booking and tuck in. Participating restaurants include The Black Bamboo, De Kloof, Al Fiume, Carbon Bistro, Geet, LeSi, Prosopa and Fermier.
MANDELA DAY
Long Walk/Run to Freedom – 21km, 10km and 5km
Atterbury Value Mart
July 20, 7am
R57 to R114 at entrytime.com
Walk or run in honour of Madiba. Register online until July 17, otherwise you can register on the day at Mugg & Bean in the shopping mall at 5am. A temporary licence for non-registered athletes is required and will cost you R45.