Category: TRACE ACQUIRES OKUHLE MEDIA

South African born Afrobeats DJ, Spokenpriestess, has partnered up with one of South Africa’s leading fashion and retail brands, Foschini, for an exclusive T-shirt collaboration coming from the release of her first music video for “Rotation Shemix“.

The T-shirt is a limited edition release illustrated by the talented Zee Feels in celebration of the Pan-African song as well as the women who came together for this single. The bigger goal, however, is to sell the T-shirt with the aim to empower other women who are not where they would like to be in life. 

The mission, according to Spokenpriestess is to “sell out within 8 weeks of release and donate 100% of the profits of sales (R50  per T-shirt) to the Frida Hartley Shelter for Destitute Women and Children based in Yeoville, Johannesburg”.

This gesture is her way to support and give back to the shelter for the inspiring work they do to protect women in need and help them get back on track with their lives after facing challenges such as gender-based violence and displacement. She explains that this partnership is an example of the power of women coming together for themselves and then others because just like her, the Foschini team is all about women and supporting them in various phases of their lives. 

The Rotation Shemix T-shirt is currently available in Foschini and Donna stores nationwide (SA) as well as online going at just R199. To read more about the collaboration, the song and Frida Hartley visit the #FoschinixSpokenpriestess page: https://bit.ly/3ynedMz 

Registrations open for the world’s biggest Walkathon for breast cancer.

 Registration is now open for the 16^th edition of the iThemba Walkathon, which will once again be a virtual walk. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s walk will again feature decentralised walks, encouraging participants to walk in small groups in their local neighbourhood across the country.
 

                            “The third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is upon us, and we need to painstakingly heed the health and safety protocols aimed at curbing the further transmission of the virus,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon Justine Turkey, Middle East & Africa. “It is equally important that we should also keep the momentum in the fight against breast cancer by supporting frontline organisations and people infected and affected by breast cancer. This year we’re inviting all iThemba Walkers to walk with a purpose, to join the crusade against breast cancer, to give from the heart and take some time to walk with us and help us raise funds for a good cause. We urge everyone to join us as we paint South Africa pink as a sign of our pledge to fight breast cancer.”
 
The second virtual iThemba Walkathon will be held on Sunday, 3 October 2021 and participants from across the country are invited to register for the event and join the worldwide crusade against breast cancer.  This means that registered participants can join the iThemba Walkathon wherever they are, as long as they comply with health and safety protocols.
 
Avon Justine staff and select influencers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Polokwane will also join the walk from the respective CANSA offices in the various regions. Numbers for each of these regional walks will be kept in line with the current Covid-19 regulations. All the Walkathon activity from across the country will be shared on the official iThemba Walkathon social media platforms including, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
 
Registration entries for the walkathon are R180 for adults and R100 for children. iThemba Walkathon Walkers can register online at www.ithembawalkathon.co.za or in-store at select Sportsmans Warehouses.

The select stores include:

• Eastern Cape: Moffet Park, Gqeberha
• Freestate: Bloem Value Mart, Bloemfontein
• Gauteng: Fourways Mall, Fourways
• KwaZulu Natal: Cascades SC Pietermaritzburg, Pavilion Mall
• Limpopo: Thornhill SA, Polokwane
• Mpumalanga: Highveld mall, Nelspruit Crossing
• Northwest: Platinum Square and Matlosana Mall
• Northern Cape: Northern Cape Mall
• Western Cape: Tygervalley, Somerset Mall

All registration enquires can be directed to avonjustinewalk@s4u.co.za or by calling by 012 880 26 35 during weekday working hours, on Saturday from 10h00 to 16h00 or on Sundays and public holidays from 10h00 to 13h00. 

 
The closing date for online entries is 25 September. In-store registrations close on 15 September 2021.
 
Early bird entries to this year’s virtual walkathon will receive a gift bag consisting of an iThemba Walkathon 2021 collector’s T-shirt, Avon and Justine products and an iThemba Walkathon 2021 collector’s buff. Participants can choose to have the gift bag directly delivered to their homes for a nominal fee of R80,50 or they can select to collect it, free of charge, at select Clicks store.
 
The iThemba Walkathon is the largest breast cancer walkathon in the Avon world, consisting of over 50 participating countries that supports the fight against breast cancer by encouraging women to go for regular screening to increase chances of early detection and survival.
 
Once again Avon will donate the proceeds generated from iThemba Walkathon frontline non-governmental organisations working with breast cancer survivors such as breast cancer support group Wings of Hope, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Journeysys, and Look Good… Feel Better (LGFB).

On par with global trends moving more towards day time entertainment, even more so now with the current pandemic, the ultimate luxury destination Altitude Beach opened it’s doors almost 2 years ago, this week announced it’s next chapter of daytime dreaming.
 
Known for exclusivity and a premium offering, Altitude Beach, nestled in the heart of the northern suburbs, intimately and safely tucked away next to the Fourways Mall, this week officially launched the newly renovated venue with the inclusion of a state of art new roof application, as well as a mouth-watering sustainable new menu.
 
Having made a high impact on Joburg’s entertainment scene over the past 18 months, this premium water-front dining and lifestyle venue is stepping it up a notch with their next chapter.
 
 
THE ROOF IS ON FIRE (not really)
 
The translucent retractable roofing structure was designed to let natural light in, while keeping the harmful UVA rays out during the summer time. The dynamic roof structure is carefully positioned over a huge part of the venue to keep the winter chills at bay. The addition of 50 infrared heaters strategically placed under the roofed section will also further warm guests up on colder evenings in Johannesburg.  
 
 
THE MENU

A modern fusion between Asian and Caribbean inspired food with an obvious African twist flipped the new menu on its head. Curated by a team of silver service consultants, the diverse menu boasts a selection of delectable trademark tomahawk steak options including the infamous villa carnival platter. The venue also hosts a sophisticated, state-of-the-art, stand-alone Sushi / Oyster bar which remains a firm favourite.  
 
 
THE DRINKS
 
The various bars throughout the venue offer an endless selection of premium drinks, luxury cocktails and designer warm drinks option will be available from their world-class bartenders and mixologists.
 
 
 
“Having survived the pandemic thus far, Altitude Beach offer our patrons an exclusive safe haven to still experience best of what South Africa entertainment has to offer, right in your backyard. With the recent addition of this functional roof application, our offering is now even safer during both summer and winter. Also with this next chapter of Daytime dreaming, we have introduced a brand new list of world-class delectable dishes to our menu to die for,” stated venue owner Ricardo da Costa. ‘With our patrons always at the forefront of our decision making, we are super amped about the latest changes, , and know they will be too’.
 
 
Situated in the heart of  the north, this breath-taking water wonderland can host 1500 guests at full capacity post.

Stay tuned to their social media handles to get the latest updates and find out how you can be a part of this exclusive world. 

Hennessy proudly announced an expansion of its partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), which makes it the first global spirit partner in the franchise’s history.

This ushers in a new chapter in the relationship, with a synergy that celebrates everything that pushes the spirit of the game forward. As a brand that’s deeply entrenched in urban culture globally, with a passion for game-changers – those who Never Stop. Never Settle – the relationship is a perfect fit with Hennessy’s long-standing ethos.

To celebrate locally, Hennessy has partnered with TV personality and basketball fanatic Scoop Makhathini to bring courtside to South African fans with his popular lifestyle show Catching Waves.
Over the next few months, the Catching Wavesseries will feature a star-studded celebrity line-up going head-to-head in a Hennessy x NBA series of basketball challenges. In addition they break down some of the motivators that help them to forge forward and live the Never Stop. Never Settle attitude in everything they do.

• TV Personality and Actress Pearl Thusi
• Multi-talented choreographer, dancer and actress Bontle Modiselle
• Award winning TV presenter, model and sneaker fanatic Kim Jayde
• Hiphop Artist FLVME
• Photographic genius Young Stilo
• Hiphop Artist 25K
• Culture Connoisseur MKay Frash
• Basketball Sensei Mogal ‘Juice’ Ndlovu

 
Alongside this, there will also be interactive Hennessy x NBA pop-up activations at select locations within Johannesburg, where fans will have an opportunity to watch Scoop and fellow guests battle it out on court. Fans will also be able to show off their skills and shoot their shot for the chance to win exclusive Hennessy x NBA merchandise.  
A trailblazer in the urban culture space who has a strong affiliation with both brands, Scoop has a deep passion for the game.
 
           ‘I am honoured and excited to be chosen as the SA ambassador for the Hennessy x NBA campaign. I have always loved basketball – it’s a sport that has provided me with many great life lessons over the years, both on and off the court. Through this partnership, we have a real opportunity to showcase the talent we have in this country and to celebrate South Africa’s vibrant basketball culture.From adopting the fashion and style to mentions by hip hop artists and the burgeoning movement of local basketball players, South Africans have welcomed the sport with a lot of enthusiasm’ stated presenter Scoop Makhathini.
 
             ‘We are looking forward to partnering with Scoop – a fellow South African who embodies our 250 year ethos of Never Stop. Never Settle. As a game-changer in the urban culture space for over 14 years, as well as an avid basketball support, he was an obvious choice for us.’ adds Brand Manager for Hennessy SA, Khomotso Ledwaba.
 
Julie Nollet, Hennessy global CMO concludes by saying that the NBA is more than basketball, and Hennessy is more than cognac, ‘We represent global communities, and this partnership empowers us to support a game and culture that  brings people together through entertainment and camaraderie despite the current challenges faced  by fans around the world. We share the NBA’s core values of integrity, teamwork, respect and innovation,  which are more powerful than ever as we work to inspire and unite people across the globe. Both brands share a drive to push beyond the expected, a respect for heritage and dedication to craft and that’s why we are perfect partners.’
 
To celebrate this iconic partnership, fans around the country will be able to purchase the new exclusive Hennessy VS Limited Edition gift box to enjoy during the 2021 NBA playoffs.
To learn more about the 2020-21 NBA season with Hennessy, visit Hennessy.com or @HennessySA on  Facebook.
 

Last month saw the launch of Trace Academia – the free online vocational training platform built for youngpeople looking to build their skills to find or create jobs.

The company’s latest youth empowerment programme created in response to the high rate of unemployed youth across the continent,  kickstarted in the country this month.  The training programme which was created to develop and support the professionalization of the creative and cultural sector in Africa, will focus on empowerment through educating and training young people.
 
More than 50% of Africa’s population is under 25 years old. The youth are struggling with the effects of a longstanding economic and psychological crisis. The reach of the global pandemic has further accelerated the need for new approaches to education.
 

Trace Academia courses are created in collaboration with leading local and international companies, institutions and experts to ensure that the skills provided are well matched to the market needs. A localised, interactive and entertaining course format keeps the learner’s attention and significantly improves course completion rate.

Trace Academia will primarily target young South Africans in their initial phase of it’s inaugural year, followed by expansion into other African countries.

The platform will launch with several locally produced training courses including Get Started with Digital Marketing (Grow with Google), How to Become a DJ (Trace), Spark your Interest in Electricity (Schneider Electric), Become a Successful Entrepreneur (Valued Citizens & UJ), Become a Real Handyman (Leroy Merlin) and Own Your Situation (Durex). Trace Academia will take the learner through the journey towards skill acquisition.

Trace Academia platform will offer:
  

• Vocational Training
• Entrepreneurial courses
• Soft Skill and Well Being courses
• Social Learning Features
• Job Information

Learning Engagement – Engaging content keeps the learners’ attention and maximises completion

Testing and Certification – Course certified by industry leaders providing credibility and applicability

Employment Opportunities – Learners are connected to an ecosystem of employment enablers

Due to the high youth unemployment rate in South Africa, it was important for Trace to introduce the Trace Academia project as a getaway to Trace’s mission of entertaining and empowering young people to stand up and shine. With the mammoth goal of training over 25 million youth by 2025, Trace Academia aims to develop hundreds of courses to help empower these young people to become employable or become employers.

            ‘To build Trace Academia, we’ve combined our expertise and experience in entertainment with cutting edge learning approaches adapted to the realities and cultures of Africa. The young people we have worked with in building the platform find the content highly engaging. In fact, in a recent study of 17-25 year olds in SA, Kenya and Nigeria, 96% said the app would motivate them to further their education or improve their employment prospects. We believe that Trace Academia has the potential to positively impact the lives of millions of young people in South Africa and across the continent,’ stated Trace Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Olivier Laouchez.

Acclaimed South African DJ Doowap playing at the launch also commented, ‘Being a young South African artist, I feel this programme is the perfect platform to empower and train other young people in various career choices. For those less fortunate who can’t attend a formal tertiary educational institution, or even those who no desire or interest to go to University, the Trace Academia offering is exactly what is needed right now. Our youth are talented and this training will give them the much needed professional backing to strive in the current economic climate’.

Part of the launch centred on the signing of a protocol of cooperation between the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Senghor University in Egypt and Trace to establish a partnership to support the development and professionalisation of the cultural and creative sector in Africa through the Trace Academia programme. AFD’s financing of €650k will cover a training course dedicated to understanding the challenges of the sector and providing workable solutions. The learning content of the training is to be developed through this partnership between Senghor University in Egypt, Trace and Campus AFD, AFD’s training centre.

Trace Academia is set to be launched in the rest of the continent by the end of this year, with more courses to be produced with leading companies, institutions and experts  globally.

Trace Academia application can be downloaded on the Apple App store and Google Play store.

More information on www.traceacademia.com

Celebrating almost two decades in the fashion world, award winning African couture fashion brand Rubicon last week showcased their latest 2021 collection ‘Myth Re-imagined’ in Sandton, Johannesburg.

This year’s collection is inspired by the fashion trends from the great historical Mapungubwe Kingdom in Limpopo. The design aesthetic is derived from the kingdom’s social structure, the influence of trade with the far east and the area’s dynamic ecosystem. 

Further inspiration was gathered from the kingdom’s surreal landscape – from it’s horizon to it’s gorgeous flora and fauna found in the region. The kingdom has inspired legends from all over the world over the centuries. During it’s heyday, emissaries travelled from near and far to trade for the kingdom’s precious jewels – especially gold and ivory.

With much research on the fashion trends that were popular in the kingdom over 1000 years ago, Rubicon’s founder and creative Director, Hangwani Nengovhela allowed herself to dream and re-imagine it’s fashion history.

Fast forward a century to the Majestic #RubiconQueen woman Rubicon designs for.
She is a globetrotter. A go-getter who brings the spirit, the energy, and the power of the Mapungubwe Royal Kingdom to life wherever she travels. Adorned in her regal Rubicon garment in various settings from work through to all her social events.
The #RubiconQueen is uncompromising in how she presents herself and is known by those in her life as someone who is majestic and operates with integrity.
 
          
             ‘It is well known that the Mapungubwe Kingdom was a bustling nation whose people lived in abundance. To show their strength and power, the Mapungubwe’s ruler moved the upper classes to the top of a hill while the working classes remained on level ground. We have included that concept into our latest work. Translating the different levels of authority into fashion, our garments showcase various layering of fabrics while depicting movement throughout the collection, stated Rubicon’s Hangwani Nengovhela.
 

With almost 20 years on the global fashion scene, Rubicon has come to be known for one major thing –  their fine attention to detail. This is what separates Rubicon from most African fashion brands.

Rubicon focusses on details including:- top-stitching (inspired by garments worn by emissaries from the far east) and the blue, yellow, and white colour scheme (brought in from the Mapungubwe area’s surreal landscape, especially its horizon and gorgeous the flora and fauna found in that region).
 
COLLECTION PICS

SHOWCASE EVENT PICS



For more information and to view the latest ‘Myth Re-Imagined’ collection, check out Rubicon’s social media platform as per below: 
 
Instagram      @RubiconClothing 
Website         Rubiconclothing.co.za