Good News

BULLETIN 12 February 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# The fourth annual Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival gets underway at the Western Cape town’s NG Church from tomorrow until Sunday. Musicians of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will perform ten concerts over four days, with music repertoire from Mozart’s Gran Partita to Beethoven’s Razumovsky Quartet. This year’s guest artist is renowned violinist Miclen LaiPang, who is also the founder and artistic director of the Miesbach Chamber Music Festival in Germany.

# The University of Fort Hare’s vice-chancellor, professor Sakhela Buhlungu, has been honoured with a vibrant mural for his significant contributions to the East London and Buffalo City rowing community. The mural, created by renowned South African architect and street artist, Nathan Sanan, is on the East London Boating Association building situated on the banks of the Buffalo River. Buffalo Rowing Club president, Kate Godfrey, says the mural features Buhlungu’s joyful image, smiling proudly as a reflection of his deep connection with the rowing community.

# University of Cape Town alumnus, Mbulelo Ncube, has received the McCall MacBain Regional Award. This is Canada’s largest research-based scholarship for master’s and professional studies. The scholarship recognises students who have displayed exceptional character, community engagement, and leadership potential, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity. Ncube currently works for World Wildlife Fund South Africa, and advocates for the conservation of wildlife in urban areas.

# The Collen Mashawana Foundation has built a modern computer classroom and donated computers to Tshishonga Primary School in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. With 438 learners and limited resources, the school will also benefit from a three-year partnership, including renovations, a new administration, and daily maintenance by the foundation’s staff. Over 200 pairs of school shoes have also been donated to support learners. The foundation says this initiative aims to enhance education and improve learning conditions for the community.

# And finally: Grammy-award-winning singer, Sabrina Carpenter, will become the first international artist to receive the Global Success award at next month’s Brit Awards. She is also nominated for International Artist of the Year and International Song. Carpenter held the top spot on the Official UK Charts for a combined 21 weeks in 2024, the first artist to do so in 71 years. Her hit singles, Taste, Please Please Please, and Espresso, held the top three spots simultaneously, making her the first female artist to do so.

Stay tuned for more news………….