My Cape Town

I know that liking a politician for their appearance is as shallow as choosing a racehorse for its name or a wine for its label, but, well... I am that shallow. I am more likely to be found reading the derring-do exploits of The Four Marys from the Bunty Annual 1965 than perusing the political pages of the papers, but for what it’s worth, I liked the fact that Thabo Mbeki was always immaculately tailored just as I liked his upright posture, his quiet demeanour and his reputation for academia.

And I confess that almost as much as the charges of corruption against Jacob Zuma are intensely worrying, and his habit of saying stupid things without thinking are unforgiveable in a politician, what really makes me uncomfortable about old JZ is his penchant of wearing an oversized leather jacket and, well... lolling.

Obviously South Africa is going through some big upheavals at the moment.  The country is going through a spotty, greasy teenage phase of emotional angst and heavy sighs and cries of “it’s not faaair” and stomping off to its room to slam the door and play loud music.  But that is what makes it exciting.  It is not a nit-picking granny of a country, it is a nation brimming with potential... as the tourist board says, South Africa is “Alive with Possibility”.

And now Kgalema Motlanthe has been voted as caretaker President until the elections next April.  In addition to my glee at the idea of international reporters getting their tongues used to the name, it appears he is a rather good choice.  Mentored by the great Walter Sisulu both while on Robben Island and after their release, he apparently is a quiet man respected across all parties and factions.  Not only do reports describe him as a cool-headed man of principles with a keen grasp of international politics but best of all, he’s got a good sense of humour.

And his dress sense?  Well, he has been caught on camera sporting a leather jacket and giving the double thumbs up.  But generally he appears to be rather well turned out.  So long as he resists pairing a suit with a baseball cap or surrounding himself with men in military garb displaying their mobile phones alongside their medals, I think we'll be all right.  South Africa may just have grown up a little...

Daisy

www.capeconcierge.co.za

P.S. To all those who expressed dismay at missing Ben Zander last month (see last newsletter) there is good news - he will be back on 1st December.  See WhatsoninCapeTown.com for more information.

Upcoming Events

Highlights for October, selected from WhatsoninCapeTown.com   - the indispensable guide to all that's happening in Cape Town.   For full details and more events, check out the website.  Upcoming events include festivals, shows and fairs; music, theatre and dance; cricket and other sporting events; comedy and concerts and exhibitions; celebrations of wine and whiskey, flowers and freedom... bring it on, Cape Town!   

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PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHEN SHORE
to 23 November
A highlight of Cape Town's Month of Photography is this American artist - the youngest person ever to hold a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

VOICES OF THE ANCESTORS
to 15 March
An exhibition of 100 African musical instruments from the Iziko collections, displayed here as works of art.  

BALLET MOSAIC
1 October - 4 October
An exotic two-act programme featuring South Africa's top ballet dancers.  Set in a sultan's palace, it includes scenes from Spartacus, Schéhérazade and Act Two of Raymonda. 

OPERA: AIDA
2 October - 10 October
One of Verdi's most revered classics delivers compelling drama about love in ancient Egypt. With a star-studded cast of local and international singers, circus artists and dancers. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

SMOKIE
3 October
Thirty years after its inception, this is still one of the most popular live bands in the world, with its most famous song being Living Next Door to Alice.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
3 October - 5 October
The biggest show ever held on the African continent. The Waterfront and CTICC will be linked by both water ferries and motor shuttles.

ROCKING THE DAISIES
3 October - 5 October
A 3-day eco-friendly music festival and the biggest carbon-neutral event in the country, this annual event endorses the philosophy "Party Hard, Tread Lightly'. 

RUGBY: CURRIE CUP
4 October
Western Province v. Lions.  

LOUISE CARVER
5 October
Cape Town's soul diva performs hits from her latest album.

BREEDEKLOOF OUTDOOR AND WINE FESTIVAL
10 October - 12 October
The fifth annual festival takes place in the natural outdoor playground of the Breedekloof wine region and promises lots of entertainment and activities for all ages.

ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER FESTIVAL
17 October - 19 October
Taking place on the banks of the Breede River, this annual festival offers wine tasting and a chance to meet the winemakers as well as live music, arts and crafts and children's activities. 

THEATRE: ROMEO AND JULIET
17 October - 26 October
Director Clare Stopford revitalises the timeless appeal of Shakespeare's play with a version that is energetic, sexy and contemporary in look, style and feel.

GOURMET BBQ
19 October
An informal wine tasting, followed by a three-course meal in an area renowned for its wild flowers. Snacks and children's food also included.  

THEATRE: DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN
21 October - 15 November
Rob Becker's hugely popular comedy about the differences between the sexes continues its phenomenal run. Alan Committie defends the primitive behaviour of the modern-day Caveman.  

KHAYELITSHA FESTIVAL
24 October - 26 October
The first Khayelitsha Festival celebrates the township's 25th anniversary with a display of the community’s wealth of talents.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
25 October - 26 October
In its 14th year, Africa’s biggest kite festival brings professional kiters from all over the world. Local visitors can bring along their own kites, and enjoy the food stalls, live entertainment, giant inflatables, kids’ rides and craft stalls.

QUEEN TRIBUTE: IT`S A KINDA MAGIC
28 October - 9 November
A theatrical tribute show to the legendary rock band which has received rave reviews throughout the world. Stadium-type lighting, rock concert sound, authentic costumes plus four talented and dedicated musicians recreate the ultimate rock show. 

CAPE TOWN OPERA SEASON: MATS LARSSON GOTHE'S POET & PROPHETESS
30 October - 8 November
A story based on two real-life tales of Europe v. Africa in a time when the future of both continents was shaped.  Sung in English, Xhosa and Swedish with English surtitles.