Knysna Municipality supports vibrant township event talent
The Knysna Municipality’s Economic Development Department has made a difference in the lives of three event managers from the local community.
After a selection process in 2018, Oliver Mabukane, Bulelane Memane and Vuvu Ralushe were chosen to be part of a three-year event incubation programme in order to enable them to host their events in the township and at Loerie Park in June and July 2019.
This year the Oyster Festival program has shifted extensively in terms of content – with quite a few exciting new events managed by locals, being planned.
Executive Mayor – Mark Willemse has been giving input to some of the LED community projects. “I am pleased to see these event managers improving their skills in 2019. The people of Knysna are encouraged to support these three events and the Festival. It is a welcome and needed boost to the local economy during the quieter Winter months.”
The Knysna Municipality has also provided funding for a mentor, who has experience in presenting larger events, to provide some guidance to these young entrepreneurs. This will be the second year that Zandile Meneses has worked with the event managers. Her aim is to give them guidance to help them present a safe and successful event that is sustainable and can ultimately provide employment to others. In 2019 these three event managers have taken their events “up a level” applying for extra funding and approaching sponsors where they could. One manager has bought his own equipment for his event that can then be hired out as an income earner in the future.
Bulelani will be hosting the Colour Splash Party during the Knysna Oyster Festival. He had a sold out event in 2018 with over 900 people enjoying a well organised evening in the township.
This year’s event will feature well known DJs Lulo Café and Anga Azz on Saturday 29th June at Club Nitelife in Dam Se Bos. Bulelani – who also started and owns the popular clothing line “iSkeem Sepotsoyi” – feels strongly that there is a real need for well-organised events that cater for all cultures to take place in the Knysna Township. “The reality at present is that people are travelling to George and Oudtshoorn in order to enjoy a gathering that appeals to them. The Municipal assistance will enable us to have the confidence and knowledge to put on top quality events in our areas for our local people. This will boost the local economy in the future – by providing job opportunities for people in these communities where the lack of employment is a daily reality for many.” For tickets and enquiries about this event, contact 073 000 0160.
Oliver owns the Knysna Ikasi Experience which is a registered events company that is affiliated to the NPO – the Yona-Yethu Initiative. This initiative’s main focus is on the development of the youth and the local economy. The Ikasi Colour Fun Walk/Run and After Party will take place on Saturday 22nd June – also during the Knysna Oyster Festival. This year the event will be held at Loerie Park with the start of the Walk / Run at 12:00 noon. People are welcome to come earlier as the Hockey Field at Loerie Park will have various children’s activities from 09:00. The After Party starts at 15:00 and will include top world-class entertainment with Headline act Kilopascal, Graeme Mkhalima and a very popular Mpumi from Johannesburg.
Oliver encourages people from all walks of life and cultures to join this fun day out. “It will be fantastic to see Black, White and Coloured people coming together to celebrate our beautiful town.” Tickets are available at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/75856-ikasi-colour-fun-runwalk/ or by calling 078 631 4478.
Sidwell Vuvu Ralushe – will host the second annual Green Carpet Fashion Extravaganza and After Party at the Nite Spot Club – Hornlee Hotel on Saturday 6th July 2019. “My event will showcase local designers and models – while township DJs and a comedian will add lots of flavour to the event.”
The lineup will include DJ Andiroq from Uitenhage, DJ SK from Port Elizabeth and DJ Spectrum from Bay FM Radio – as well as the master of ceremonies Sir Obua and the Cape Town-based comedian – Kumkani Sibu. These well-known personalities will aim to keep the crowd entertained. You can arrange tickets by contacting Vuvu on 060 743 4082.
The complete Knysna Oyster Festival Programme can be accessed at www.KnysnaOysterFestival.co.za
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