South Africa Archives - Page 3 of 4

Nov 30

by Nicola in Art, Nature 1 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Exploring, KwaZulu-Natal, Long Walk To Freedom, Marco Cianfanelli, Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Nelson Mandela Memorial, President Jacob Zuma, Sculpture, South Africa, The Midlands Meander, The Natal Midlands, Tribute to Nelson Mandela

The Nelson Mandela Memorial

A week before the first anniversary of Mandela’s death, 6 December 2013, I visited The Nelson Mandela Memorial, at Madiba’s Capture Site for the first time. A spectacular tribute to Nelson Mandela –South Africa’s first black president died aged 95 – by artist, Marco Cianfanelli, marks the 50-year anniversary of Mandela’s “Long walk to freedom.” Upon President Jacob Zuma unveiling the artwork on the 6th of August 2012, Cianfanelli stated: “This represents the momentum gained in the struggle through the symbolic of Mandela’s capture. The 50 columns represent the 50 years since his capture, but they also suggest the idea of many making the whole; of solidarity. It points to an irony as the political act of Mandela’s incarceration cemented his status as an icon of struggle, which helped ferment the groundswell of resistance, solidarity and uprising, bringing about political change and democracy.” It is incredible how only from a certain point, about 35m before the sculpture, do the 50 steel column constructions the image of Mandela, facing west, comes in to focus. The museum takes you on a journey through the life of Mandela and his battle against Apartheid that brought about a democratic South […]

Nov 21

Phinda Vlei Lodge

A second visit to stunning Phinda, this time two nights and three days at Vlei Lodge exceeds all expectations once again. After all, each of the six private suites has its own swimming pool overlooking the vlei (wetland) on the edge of a forest. Despite all being booked, the lodge feels as peaceful as the surrounding bushveld. Upon arrival, about a three-hour drive from King Shaka Airport, Friday lunchtime, a two-course meal awaits to fill the gap until high tea is served just before the evening game drive. Of course it is not compulsory to eat everything; however, when the five-star quality food tastes as good as it looks #ResistanceIsFutile. I probably ate a month’s worth of calories in three days – who keeps score when one’s on holiday anyway? Not to forget the three course dinner, snacks served in the middle of the bush during the game drives, morning and evening and then the hearty breakfast which consisted of your own personal continental buffet tray brought to rest alongside the table, for nibbling on while a hot plate of whatever your taste buds crave is being prepared. All meals are served out on the open deck, weather permitting, […]

Nov 12

by Nicola in Art, Cities 0 comments tags: Art, BeanOn Photography, Boy Parts / Girl Parts, derelict, Exhibitions, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, The Green Camp Gallery Project, Umbilo Road

Artwork transforms derelict building space

The Glenwood Gazette published a few of my words and photographs, Friday, 7th November, on how artwork transforms derelict building space at The Green Camp Gallery Project. View the original post and images here: beanon.co.za/green-camp-gallery-project/

Nov 04

by Nicola in Not-for-profit 0 comments tags: Abandoned Baby, Amway, Artistry, Baby Hope House, BeanOn Photography, Free Facial, Free Make-Over, KwaZulu-Natal, Pinetown, South Africa

Support a good cause

Melani Nel, a committee member at Baby Hope House, and her daughter, Caitlyn, organised a fun morning of sheer indulgence that permitted the ladies a free facial and make-over with hot drinks and delicious cakes. The pampering took place at Amway in Pinetown, Saturday 1st November, where we supported Lynne Pieterse and Sonia Swinton, both founders of Baby Hope House, who are now part of the Amway family. If you are already using Amway products and desire to support a good cause and or have not yet experienced the products then please get in touch with Lynne on 072-7748549 / 072-3749563 or email: sonlyn7@gmail.com. I had only before heard of the name “Amway” – short for “American Way” – and wasn’t familiar with their products until now. Google has since informed that it’s “a legal pyramid scheme…” and all on the scheme appear to win. The extensive Artistry range of products were used and included: eye & lip make-up remover, cleanser, a rich masque for deep cleansing, renewing peel, alpha hydroxy serum to lift, smooth and firm skin and Crème LX – the first cosmetic product to contain Cardiolipin, “a rare and unique lipid for restoring healthier looking skin.” […]

Oct 29

by Nicola in Art, People 0 comments tags: Art exhibition, Artists, BeanOn Photography, Ctrlroom, derelict, Durban, Gallery, KwaZulu-Natal, Open-air, Sinegugu Ngwenya, South Africa, The Green Camp Gallery Project, Umbilo Road, Wi-Fire, Xolani

The Green Camp Gallery Project

Found in lower Glenwood, the rebirth of a derelict now known as the Green Camp Gallery Project beats with its heart in the open. Partly a work function – Wi-Fire, powered by Ctrlroom, sponsored the free Wi-Fi for the event – I wouldn’t have missed for the world. An experience that took me back to my school days (my maths is exceptionally bad so I won’t even attempt to work it out…) when learning about the history of art, and all I wanted to do was draw and be creative at every possibility. Xolani, simply known as ‘X’, started the project towards the end of last year and has hosted a number of exhibitions since then, although Boy Parts/Girl Parts was the first of its scale. Sinegugu Ngwenya – Ctrlroom’s temporary Marketing and Brand Communications Trainee – exhibited, “I Never Thought I was a Feminist”, where people could interact and engage with the subject matter. Ngwenya presented a recording of her stories for all to listen to; those that took the opportunity, within an open cubical, were moved by the experience and the sensitive subject matter. “Don’t fuss about the battle, when you stand to lose […]

Oct 17

by Nicola in Fashion, on the Rock camera club, People, Photo shoot 1 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Broadcast Lighting, KwaZulu-Natal, lighting, models, on the Rocks camera club, photo shoot, Pinetown, South Africa, studio shoot, studio work

An illuminating experience

Another first; another experience I cannot wait to repeat. Perhaps I shall consider adding studio work to my list of offerings. The biggest thank you to on the Rocks camera club for making this happen with Broadcast Lighting, models, pole dancers, belly dancers and props. From 9am until 1pm on Saturday, 11th October 2014, at Broadcast Lighting’s studio – Shop 26, The Power Centre, 21 Lanner Rd, New Germany, 3610 – where the illuminating experience captured us.

Sep 23

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road 4 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Challenge, Exploring, Highest Pub in Africa, Jimny, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Sani Pass, South Africa, Suzuki Jimny

Sani Pass adventure

A first I’d never driven a vehicle up Sani Pass – experienced it a few times as a passenger and even walked it a couple of years ago in just over 2.5 hours – and couldn’t wait to experience the thrill in my Jimny. Well, it turned in to more than a Sani Pass adventure anyone could have bargained for. Road trip With the day off from work on Friday, we departed mid-morning for Mkomazana Mountain Cottages where we spent two nights enjoying a log fire and freshly baked scones (best scones ever tasted) brought to us first thing on both mornings – the closest accommodation before San Pass, about 3kms on dirt road after the Sani Pass Hotel. Replenish At Himeville Arms we relished a late lunch and took pleasure in stretching our legs after almost a 2.5 hours drive. If only we’d driven 500m past Himeville Arms where we discovered a quaint café with outdoor seating – it appeared new and fresh and worth a visit, which we did the following day for lunch. Definitely worth it and even offered traditional home-style cooking such as bobotie. Rustic yet comfortable Upon dumping our […]

Mar 15

by Nicola in Rugby 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Cell C, Growth Point Stadium, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Rugby, South Africa, The Reds Rugby, The Sharks, The Sharks Rugby

Attack by the sharks

Another brilliant attack by the Sharks! How they pulled it off while sleeping for much of the second half, is questionable; however, they did it in the end. The score says it all… Sharks 35 Reds 20. The empty-ish stadium surprised me after all they were playing a decent flair-full Australian team. Where was everyone today? Great to see one or two die-hard fans around!

Feb 11

by Nicola in Beach, Not-for-profit, People 0 comments tags: Abandoned Baby, Baby Hope House, BeanOn Photography, Durban beach front, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Pinetown, South Africa

Our government is blinded

‘Sawubona, boy! You so beautiful, boy.’ Yesterday, a young black woman greeted the child I sat with on the beach, Moses Mabhida Stadium directly behind, under an umbrella made out of thin wooden logs almost of identical size. I told her his name. Her eyes dropped down to the camera that dangled from my neck. ‘Are the photos instant? Can you take one of me with boy? How much?’ ‘I will not charge you. Do you have an email address?’ My ear felt deafened after she screeched with excitement. ‘I don’t have email but my friend does.’ Next thing I was taking photos of 3 people, many poses. About 4 groups of black people approached at different times soon after my friend joined us. ‘How you get black baby?’ A black man asked me while my friend went for a dip. I explained Hope House and their great cause. He grins, thanks me and then runs off.

Feb 03

Only in Africa

The ultimate beach-and-bush experience en route to Cape Vidal via the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Greater St Lucia. Stunning vistas of grasslands; greetings by zebra and kudu along the side of the road en route to the beach, where a beautiful, unspoilt bay awaits, beckons to be explored beneath its electric blue surface and then a grand farewell by two rhinos still with their horns attached, followed by a munching warthog. Honestly, what more could a visitor wish for? Once again, only in Africa!

Jan 05

by Nicola in Not-for-profit, People, Swimming 0 comments tags: Abandoned babies, Abandoned Baby, Baby Hope House, BeanOn Photography, KwaZulu-Natal, orphans, Pinetown, South Africa

Unsung heroes

What amazing work both Sonia and Lynne do by nurturing the stunningly beautiful children that are parentless, babies that have been abandoned; however, have been given another chance at life – beginning their new adventure at Hope House until they are adopted by other selfless people. Thank you, Sonia and Lynne, for allowing me the honour of being a part of your love-filled journey. Inspiration at its best! http://www.babyhopehouse.org.za/

Dec 16

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

The day after Mauritius, from 14th – 17th December, I retreated to the middle of the bushveld at the stunning Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, on the banks of Zululand’s Mkuze River. Surrounded by thick bushland, wetlands and mountains makes for spectacular vistas from one of the six luxurious river suites I stayed in, and found a challenge departing from. The entire five-star experience – from the welcoming staff, the sensory cuisine, the game drives, the landscape, the animal sightings, the noises of the bush, the smells and the packed lunch given to you upon farewell – had you feeling like royalty; an experience fit for a king. It was worth driving 4.5 hours from Durban to Pongola, and I plan to visit again sometime in the next few years.

Nov 30

by Nicola in Black & White, Nature 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Black & White Photography, Exploring, Flowers, Garden, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, Plants, South Africa

Colour-less

I enjoyed a stroll through a garden with my camera in hand, poised, ready for action; inspired by everything around me, I couldn’t resist shooting black and white – a colour-less world – to capture the dull, wet day… ANON: These are beautiful images, I have always personally thought that “Black and White” photography shows the true character and nature of things. Somehow light and shadow seem to intensify and define themselves much better. I enjoy these images, and hope to see more on your website soon. BeanOn: Thank you for enjoying these images. Some things definitely demand to be captured in black and white, as you mentioned, highlight (excuse the pun) shadows and definition and turn something ordinary into something that’s worth appreciating.

Oct 29

by Nicola in Adventure, Nature 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Getaway Magazine, Giba Gorge, Hi-Tec, Hiking, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, Pinetown, Quarry, Rugged Terrain, South Africa

Getaway Magazine and Hi-Tec at Giba Gorge

About 50 of us joined Getaway magazine and the Hi-Tec crew for a half-day hike at Giba Gorge on Sunday, 27 October. What a stunning trail through the peaceful new and old-growth forests with spraying waterfalls and inspiring vistas – to the top, high above the N3 freeway where it suddenly turned dangerous climbing in the pouring rain; not for the fainthearted!

Oct 20

by Nicola in Art, Beach 0 comments tags: Beach Bums, BeanOn Photography, derelict, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, North Coast, South Africa, Westwood Beach

Slow death of a derelict

A slow death of a derelict, next to Beach Bums, Westbrook Beach, north cost, KwaZulu-Natal: Around 1940, the owners, a wealthy Indian couple, departed South Africa to return to India. The couple left the house to their children who’d never set foot on the property, and the place died a slow death – pieces removed bit by bit by the squatters, whom to this day, still inhabit the hills across the road. The property is now in the process of being reclaimed as part of the beach; however, legalities prevail.