Sportlifestyle company PUMA, through its PUMA.Creative programme, has unveiled the environmental documentary film short HOME OCEANS, as part of a larger ocean preservation education campaign.

Free screenings of the film will take place during the Cape Town stop-over of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12 at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, Two Oceans Aquarium and Iziko SA Museum between 25 November and 11 December 2011.

The never-before-seen short film is from Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the director of the visually-stunning environmental documentary with 500 million views, HOME – a film that PUMA.Creative supported through the French luxury goods group, PPR. Designed to educate and inform, the 10-minute HOME OCEANS highlights marine issues of:  rising floodwaters, the depletion of sea mammals and sea birds, changes to ecosystems, coral reefs and much more. The film will be available for public viewing at each of the ten Volvo Ocean Race global stopover ports.

“Part of our long-term sustainability initiatives at PUMA is to help raise awareness and promote positive actions for environmental issues; this includes the preservation of our world’s oceans and marine life,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman of the Board of PUMA and CEO Sports & Lifestyle Group and Chief Sustainability Officer of PPR. “Our participation in the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race gives us an ideal backdrop to share the amazing imagery and powerful message of the HOME OCEANS film. The film will be viewed around the world, and we hope that it will inspire people to contribute positively to the planet,” he added.

In keeping with the style of the original film, HOME OCEANS approaches the topic of climate change from a unique perspective using only aerial photography to illustrate the transformations made to the earth. The short film not only features the problems facing the open seas, but ways the human race can make changes to help slow down the issues at hand before more damage occurs.  Footage was captured in Antarctica, North Pole, Africa, the United States and other locations.

HOME OCEANS is edited by renowned editor, Claire Ferguson, and has voiceovers in seven languages – Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish.

“The HOME OCEANS film shows how reliant we are on the oceans for everything from food, to transport, right down to the air that we breathe, and our fate is intertwined with what happens to them,” said Claire Ferguson. “The film projects a message of concern but also one of hope…there is time to change.

The times of screenings at the Amphitheatre and VOR Race Village will vary each day, whilst screenings at the Two Oceans Aquarium and Iziko SA Museum will run all day between 25 November and 11 December.

HOME OCEANS will also be screened at the Labia Cinema on Orange on 15 December as part of the Wavescape Film Festival. The screenings are in addition to story time readings of the educational book “Marmo Saves Our Seas” with PUMA’s octopus mascot, Marmo, and other related activities. For a schedule of events and times of screenings, visit: http://puma.com/sailing.

Additional information about the film and PUMA’s ocean preservation education campaign can be found at: http://vision.puma.com.

The first holiday of 2011 is approaching. Schools in the region close on 01 April, and holidaymakers are starting to make their way towards the Western Cape, in pursuit of a relaxing and invigorating holiday.

It’s common for holiday boredom to set in after a few days free from school, so take a look at what’s available to keep your kids occupied during the school holiday season.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is showing at the Artscape Foyer Theatre from 01 to 09 April 2011. The preview performance on 01 April costs just R40 per ticket, and all other performances cost R50. A classic Beatrix Potter tale, The Tale of Peter Rabbit tells the story of Mrs Rabbit, her family and of course, her son, Peter, who goes exploring in Mr McGregor’s garden.

School Holiday Fun in the Western Cape

The High Street Holiday Programme will entertain the kids from 02 to 29 April 2011. The High Street Shopping Village in Durbanville is hosting a number of workshops and activities that will keep the little ones educated and entertained. From craft activities like fabric painting, to baking fun, beading and sand art, the holiday programme has something for every little mind. Visit the website for more information.

The Iziko Planetarium will be running a wonderful children’s story from 02 to 10 April 2011. During this season, the story will run from Monday to Friday, at 11h00; 12h00 and 15h00, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 12h00 and 15h30. Especially for children aged 5 to 12, this story will keep your kids enthralled, entertained and educated.

Laborie Wine Estate, in Southern Paarl, is hosting a Pre-Easter celebration on 16 April 2011. Entrance fee for adults is R100 per person but, kids can join in for free. For the adults, entrance fee includes five tasting coupons, a glass and a bottle of wine to go home with. Kids’ activities include an Easter Egg hunt, a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and a card-making workshop. For more information, call 021 807 3390, or email info@laboriewines.co.za

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is upon us!

The City of Cape Town has issued a media release detailing all road closures on Cape Town Match Days.

Please see below – Media Release No 319/2010 – 05 May 2010:

“Traffic will be affected on match days in Cape Town during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ due to a number of necessary road closures. The City asks the public to be aware of these and to plan their routes and travel times accordingly. We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” said the City’s Director: Communication and 2010 Spokesperson, Pieter Cronje.
Public transport services have been extended as part of the City’s transport plan for the event. “We encourage commuters to utilise these extended public transport services offered by the City,” said Peter Sole, Manager: 2010 Transport Operations.

All trains and certain train stations will have additional security for the duration of the World Cup. In addition, the use of non-motorised transport and car pooling is greatly encouraged.

Detailed information appears below.

Impact of road closures during 2010 FIFA World Cup:ROAD CLOSURES ON CAPE TOWN MATCH DAYS

Routes affected within the Central Business District (CBD)
Four hours before kick-off there will be no general access to Hertzog Boulevard between Civic Avenue and Heerengracht, along Hans Strijdom Avenue, and along Adderley Street between Strand Street and Hertzog Boulevard. Premises in this area will be provided with the necessary access via alternative routes and opening the left lane of affected roads as required. The intersections of Hans Strijdom, at Long and Loop Streets will remain open to crossing traffic at all times, but may close for short periods before and after matches to give priority to the Match Day shuttle.

CBD connections to Green Point, Sea Point, Fresnaye and Atlantic Seaboard
Western Boulevard will be closed in both directions, from Buitengragt in the central business district (CBD), to the Beach Road intersection at Three Anchor Bay. However, motorists will be able to exit the V&A Waterfront using Portswood Road, turning left into Western Boulevard, and then making a left turn only into Buitengragt.
Somerset Road will be closed from Buitengragt to Ebenezer Road in both directions between Ebenezer Road and York Road from 4 hours before the match to 4 hours after final whistle. From Ebenezer Road to York Road, the CBD-bound carriageway will be closed. However, two-way traffic will be accommodated on the Sea Point-bound carriageway. This route is intended for local access only, and should be avoided by non-residents.

Road closures will mostly impact upon traffic leaving the CBD during the evening peak period. People travelling to the Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay areas along the Atlantic Seaboard are advised to use Kloof Nek Road when leaving the city centre. During match day closures, public transport will be redirected onto High Level Road. It is thus recommended that, due to the expected congestion on High Level Road, Kloof Nek Road be used by general traffic.

On match days, it is expected that traffic volumes on High Level and Kloof Nek Roads as well as at the Buitengragt intersections will be very heavy. Thus, wherever possible, it is recommended that commuters adjust their routes and travel times to avoid these routes during road closures.

At the Stadium

Beach Road from Fritz Sonnenberg Road to Haul Road will be open for two-way traffic on the seaward carriageway. The mountain side carriageway will be open to accredited vehicles only. Beach Road from Haul to Portswood Road will be open for one-way traffic towards the CBD. Vehicles exiting the V&A Waterfront in the direction of Mouille Point will access Beach Road via Haul Road. Fritz Sonnenberg Road south-east of the Metropolitan Golf Course entrance, Vlei Road and Fort Wynyard Road will be closed to all but accredited vehicles.

ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE DURATION OF THE 2010 EVENT

Around FIFA Fan Fest™ on Grand Parade

The Grand Parade in the centre of Cape Town, near Cape Town Station, is the venue for the FIFA Fan Fest™. This is a festival venue at which all the matches played will be televised on big screens in addition to daily live entertainment. Minimal road closures will enhance accessibility to the venue. As of 1 May the closures will be:-

• Lower Plein Street between Darling and Castle Streets in the direction of Cape Town Station. Lower Plein Street will remain open for traffic moving between Castle and Darling Streets in the direction of the mountain, and

• Corporation Street between Longmarket and Darling Streets.

Between 6 June and 14 July the following additional road closures will be in place:

• Darling Street between Buitenkant and Plein Streets will be closed.

• The eastbound (Woodstock direction) carriageway of Darling Street between Plein and Adderley Streets will be closed for the duration.

• Plein Street between Longmarket and Darling Streets will operate one-way only in the direction of Darling Street.

• Corporation and Parade Streets will be closed to general traffic between Caledon and Darling Streets with the exception of vehicles requiring access to premises in these streets.

• Lower Plein Street will be open daily only for one-way traffic in the direction of the mountain in the morning up to 09:30 after which the road will be closed to traffic.

Around the Stadium

Fritz Sonnenberg Road south-east of the Metropolitan Golf Course entrance, Vlei Road and Fort Wynyard Road will be closed with access for accredited vehicles only.

Granger Bay Boulevard from Western Boulevard Circle to Beach Road will be closed to all vehicles.

IMPACT OF ROAD CLOSURES ON NORMAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public transport services that, for any portion of their routes, operate along closed or restricted roads may have some route section deviations. Bus services provided by Golden Arrow will be affected by the envisaged road closures in the Green Point area as well as the CBD on both match and non-match days. The affected services in the different areas, as well as their rerouting, are listed below:

Bus services travelling through the Green Point area
On match days, the section of Somerset Road in Green Point, i.e. between York Road and Buitengragt, will be closed to traffic.

All bus services from the CBD travelling through the Green Point area will be redirected to High Level Road, as will all buses travelling from the Camps Bay area through Green Point towards the CBD. Buses will be able to enter Main Road from High Level Road along Cavalcade and Glengariff Roads using existing bus stops on High Level Road.

Bus services entering the CBD

All bus services affected by the road closures will be redirected. Golden Arrow is still to confirm the new route, but all services will terminate at the Golden Acre. Updated information is available from the 24/7 Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63. Road closures will have a minimal impact on services entering the CBD via Darling Street.

MINIBUS TAXI SERVICES

The minibus taxi industry is being consulted with regard to routes and pick-up/drop-off areas that have to be rerouted or moved. These will be communicated as soon as finality is reached.

SWITCH TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT

All fans and commuters travelling to the CBD (City Centre) are strongly encouraged to use public transport, non-motorised transport and car pooling. The World Cup period is an ideal opportunity to try out the extended public transport services. Trains and certain train stations will have additional security measures in place for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

END

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA QUERIES:
PIETER CRONJE
DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATION
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 4592 CELL: 082 465 4965

PETER SOLE
MANAGER: 2010 TRANSPORT OPERATIONS
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 4735 CELL: 084 222 1462

The 2010 Franschhoek Literary Festival takes over the quiet Winelands village on 14 May. A celebration of books and writers, the Festival focuses on promoting South African reading and writing.

A true community event, the Franschhoek Literary Festival unites both residents and visitors in a fantastic melting-pot of both South African writing and visiting authors from abroad. Best-selling French author, Muriel Barbery and John Carlin, the author whose book spawned the epic South African movie, Invictus, are just two of the celebrity authors to join in on the festivities.

At just R60 per event for a ticket, and a concession for students, this creative celebration of the written word is not to be missed. All proceeds of ticket sales and donations go towards the FLF Library Fund. This fund aims to put exciting new books into schools and creches, to encourage reading from a young age. The long-term goal of the FLF Library Fund is to foster a true love for reading within the valley and create an easily accessible community library.

The Sunday Times and Porcupine Ridge Wines have come on board to support this great initiative.

Why not go frolicking in Franschhoek whilst enjoying this written word extravaganza?

With an abundance of places to stay in Franschhoek, you will be hard pressed to decide between a historic guest house, like The Franschhoek or a quaint country inn, like the Cathbert Country Inn.

The Franschhoek is an exclusive five-star historic residence, situated right in the heart of this picturesque village. Beautifully restored in the Cape Huguenot tradition, The Franschhoek has been designed with sumptuous home comforts creating an elegant, sophisticated interior with a handsome mixture of classic and contemporary furnishings.

Cathbert Country Inn enjoys a magnificent position, high up on the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg mountains. Luxurious and spacious, Cathbert Country Inn specialises in genuine hospitality, with comfort and tranquility a must for all who visit. Priding themselves on their personal and non-intrusive attention to your needs, Cathbert Country Inn is the perfect choice when you want to retreat from the world and lose yourself in a book for a few days.

Indulge your love for words at the 2010 Franschhoek Literary Festival and relax in the quiet little village of Franschhoek.

“Only the best in wine, food and music under one roof”

You can expect over 20 wineries exhibiting more than 100 wines in the function venue, as well as more than 20 food stalls and products. There will be music and entertainment for all in the “kuiertent” and entertainment and competitions.

Your tastebuds will be tantalised in the Gourmet tent with food demonstrations by top chefs in the area.

There is also a special Kids Zone for children under the age of 12 years. Each visitor receives a goodie bag as well as a Fynproe Fees tasting glass.

Date: 07 November 2009 to 08 November 2009

Venue: D’Aria Function Venue, Racecourse Road, Durbanville

Entrance Fee: Please enquire

Contact: Ilse van der Merwe on 021 889-9672

The Bonnievale Bonanza is a family and town festival for young and old. Annually the first weekend in November is reserved to enable cyclists, walkers, runners and festival-goers to savour the beauty, serenity and joy of rural festivities.

The Bonnivale Bonanza includes real country fun and games, stalls, guest artists, competitions, 3 cycling routes, 1 mountain bike route and a 5km fun/ run/walk through wine cellar and tasting.

Date: 06 November 2009 to 08 November 2009

Venue:  Hoërskool Bonnievale

Contact: Huipie on 082 921-4463

The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are the perfect opportunity to savour the Cape sunsets during summer.  The Summer Sunset Concerts are held in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and offer you a breath-taking infusion of music and natural beauty in which to sit back and relax.

Held on Sundays, between  17h30 and 18h30, from 22 November 2009 to 4 April 2010, the Summer Sunset Concerts cater for all music tastes – from jazz, folk, rock and classical.

This season’s line up includes:

Johnny Clegg – 22 November 2009
Jesse Clegg – 06 December 2009
Jonny Cooper Orchestra – 13 December 2009
Ashtray Electric and Pretty Blue Guns – 27 December 2009
A Fist Full of Diamonds with Josie Fields, Farryl Purkiss & Dan Patlansky – 03 January 2010
Freshlyground – 10 January 2010
Zebra & Giraffe -  17 January 2010

For the rest of the line up and contact details, please visit the Cape Stay Blog by clicking here.