As the nation celebrates three decades of democracy in 2024, a nine-day Women’s Month festival is being held at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein.
She Fest seeks to celebrate the achievements and contributions of South African women over the past 30 years.
Founded by DJ Teedo Love (real name Noluthando Rotwane), the landmark event is being held in collaboration with Love Infinity Media and the Sizoya Sibuye Foundation.
The musician explained: “She Fest is a nexus for empowerment, embracing diversity and inclusivity.
“It serves as a platform for information, job creation and addressing crucial issues affecting women in the film and music industry.”
The gathering, which kicked off on August 1 and will run until Friday, August 9, includes an array of festivities.
A highlight is the free concert, which will be held on Women’s Day. It will see the likes of Teedo Love, Buhlebendalo, Lordkez, Dj Fae Fae, Miria Alves and Delta The Leo taking to the stage.
“Everyone is welcome to attend and the concert tickets are free. But we urge you to register for tickets at Webtickets,” Reuben Phasha, Constitution Hill’s head of heritage, education and public programmes, added.
He also extended the invitation to the nation’s females in uniform such as police officers, nurses and paramedics.
“The focus of this concert and the other She Fest events is to pay tribute and recognise women, especially those who paved the way in the liberation Struggle.
“The event is also a way to highlight the issues that women are facing today but to do it in a way of recognising their achievements.”
As part of the festival, there was also a dynamic group exhibition made up of art pieces by female artists.
“The artworks selected from the collections represent 30 years of democracy and reflect on themes of democracy, freedom and women's rights,” Phasha explained.
It also included the Umbono Film Screenings which highlighted women in the film industry. Some of the productions showcased were: “Lobola, “A Bride’s True Price? helmed by multi-award-winning director and scriptwriter, Sihle Hlophe and “Eruption”, a short film written by Missy Ngamlana, a queer black film-maker from Khayelitsha in Cape Town.
The duo also participated in a Q&A session which was hosted by the Gauteng Film Commision (GFC) and the National Video and Film Foundation (NFVF) earlier this week.
There were also music industry talks which delved into discussions on how female artists can grow their careers.
Phasha adds that the festival also included free self-defence classes for women as well as a mental health dialogue and a yoga session.
“As part of the festival and for the rest of Women’s Month, Constitution Hill is also hosting the Take a Girl Child To ConHill initiative including educational museum tours and Bill of Rights workshops.”
Many of these programmes took place at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site’s women’s jail, where Struggle heroes such as Albertina Sisulu and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela were incarcerated during apartheid.
The Soil Live in Concert
After making an epic musical return earlier this year following a seven-year hiatus, The Soil will perform in Gauteng this weekend.
The multi-platinum acapella group, composed of lead singer Ntsika Ngxanga, his brother and the group’s beatboxer Luphindo and newest member and vocalist Theo Matshoba, released their comeback album, “Reimagined” in February.
Their concert is set to feature some of their new music as well as some of their renowned hits which have earned them widespread acclaim over the years.
“Experience musical excellence as The Soil returns by popular demand to the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace,” the organisers said.
“Let them take you on a journey like no other infusing the air with their signature blend of traditional African rhythms and contemporary grooves in a beautiful storytelling experience while celebrating the past 18 years of music alongside brand new tracks from their newly-released album.”
Where: Saturday, August 10.
When: The Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.
Cost: Tickets cost R190 and are available at Ticketpro.
Made to Move Sunrise Yoga Sessions
This Women’s Month, find your zen as you focus on health and self-care at the Made to Move Sunrise Yoga Sessions.
Held until August 31, the exercise sessions seek to embrace the sunrise as you feel the stretch and find your inner peace.
“Join us for a rejuvenating morning of yoga, laughter and community spirit, which is the perfect way to honour and embrace the strength and beauty of womanhood,” the organisers said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, our sessions are tailored to provide a fun and uplifting experience for everyone.”
Every participant will receive a goodie bag with exclusive Hyde Park Corner branded items as well as a green smoothie.
“Feel free to bring your own yoga mat but if you don’t have one, we’ve got you covered with mats available on-site,” the organisers added.
Where: Hyde Park Corner (next to the Alchemy Store).
When: Runs until August 31, from 8am.
Cost: Tickets cost R100 per session and are available at Webtickets.