Latest from TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
12 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Junior Lavie to host at Durban July marquee and Wonderland Party in Umhlanga
Multi-award-winning promoter Junior Lavie is gearing up for a power-packed weekend as he takes centre stage at two of Durban's hottest social events this July. Junior will be the official host at the Yugo Durban July next Friday and the Makubenjalo Durban July marquee at Greville Racecourse the following day. Known for bringing A-list energy and curated vibes, Makubenjalo promises a fusion of fashion, music, and unforgettable experiences. Not slowing down, Junior will keep the party going as host of Wonderland at Rockets in Umhlanga on July 6 at a dazzling after-party that's expected to draw Mzansi's elite and entertainment lovers alike. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Junior expressed excitement about the upcoming festivities, highlighting the resurgence of Durban's nightlife scene. 'The resurrection of Yugo is definitely what Durban needs. People need to have more than enough options to pick where to go and de-stress on weekends. I'm also excited about the Makubenjalo marquee,' he said. Junior , who has cemented his name in the entertainment and events space, continues to be a driving force behind some of the country's most talked-about experiences. With Durban July weekend known as the pinnacle of South Africa's social calendar, all eyes will be on the coast and Junior is ready to set the tone.
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Radio icon Wilson B. Nkosi to receive lifetime achievement honour at inaugural SA Voiceover Awards
Veteran radio broadcaster and voiceover legend Wilson B. Nkosi is to be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the first-ever South African Voiceover Awards (TSVA) in Johannesburg on October 4. Nkosi, a revered figure in the world of radio and voice artistry, has spent decades behind the mic, capturing the hearts of South Africans with his unmistakable baritone and soulful delivery. From Sunday soul sessions to brand campaigns that echoed across generations, his voice has become part of the nation's cultural fabric. Announcing the accolade, TSVA president Sinemivuyo Mpulu said the award recognises more than just Nkosi's body of work — it honours a legacy. 'We are beyond excited to honour uBab' Nkosi, a voice that echoes in the hearts of millions,' Mpulu said. 'This is a moment to celebrate not just a career, but a legacy that continues to inspire.' Nkosi's contribution to the radio and voiceover industry spans more than three decades, having started his career in the early 1980s. Best known for his long-standing role on Metro FM, his warm and authentic presence has not only entertained but also united communities through music and storytelling. The South African Voiceover Awards aim to shine a spotlight on the often-unsung heroes of the audio industry — the voices behind radio, television, advertising, and digital platforms. This year's event marks a milestone for the industry, and the organisers promise a night of glamour, celebration and recognition for South Africa's finest vocal talent. The awards ceremony is expected to draw prominent names from media, entertainment, and broadcasting.
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Preserving amapiano: How can SA protect its cultural legacy?
The third annual Amapiano Africa Summit is taking place at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg. This gathering draws together key industry professionals, youth, amapiano enthusiasts, fashion designers and innovative brands. Against the backdrop of a musical genre that has captured the hearts of millions around the world, artist and industry experts share the importance of preserving the amapiano cultural legacy. The Basha Uhuru amapiano summit takes place at Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein. Image: Refilwe Kholomonyane The Basha Uhuru amapiano summit takes place at Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein. The Basha Uhuru amapiano summit takes place at Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein. Image: Refilwe Kholomonyane The Basha Uhuru amapiano summit takes place at Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein. Image: Refilwe Kholomonyane The Basha Uhuru amapiano summit takes place at Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein. Image: Refilwe Kholomonyane
TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Ramaphosa cancels his trip to Spain in case DA decides to leave GNU
President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled his planned trip to Spain at the eleventh hour in anticipation of major announcement GNU partner the DA as the fallout over his axing of deputy minister Andrew Whitfield heightens. TimesLIVE understands that Ramaphosa has decided to stay in the country in case the DA decides to leave the government of national unity (GNU) today. The DA is said to be considering exiting the one year old coalition after Ramaphosa this week fired the party's deputy minister of trade and industry Andrew Whitfield without consultation. The blue party's federal executive is meeting on Saturday do decide the way forward after giving Ramaphosa 48 hours on Thursday to also fire ministers implicated in corruption, state capture and other forms of wrongdoing, which expires this afternoon. Ramaphosa said he decided to axe Whitfield after he undertook a trip to the U.S at the height of the diplomatic tensions earlier this year without getting his authorisation. Whitfield argued that he had asked Ramaphosa for permission to travel and decided to go after not getting a response after 10 days. The DA has taken a dim view of Ramaphosa's actions and have given him until 3pm today to reverse his decision to fire Whitfield. The ultimatum by the DA says that the party will consider its continued participation in the GNU should he not reverse this decision. The DA believes Ramaphosa has been ill treating the party in that he has been taking decisions without proper consultations including the signing of several laws. So aggrieved is the DA over its treatment that the party even voted against the proposed budget to hike VAT. A move that has created even further tensions in the GNU. Sources with intimate knowledge say Ramaphosa, who was expected to travel on Friday evening using a commercial flight, decided to miss the trip in case the DA's federal executive meeting on Saturday morning decides to leave the GNU. 'The President said is he is not going anymore. Just incase DA does funny things like leaving GNU,' said a senior government insider. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya on Saturday morning that Ramaphosa has indeed cancelled his trip. Magwenya confirmed that Ramaphosa's decision to not travel was informed by the possibility of the DA exiting. 'He called me saying he is not coming anymore. Just in case DA does funny things like leaving GNU,' said Magwenya.
TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
More visa officials to clear SA-Ireland applications backlog
The Republic of Ireland has increased the number of officials processing visa applications from South Africans seeking to visit or work in that country, as it moves to clear a backlog caused by a huge spike in visa applications. Neale Richmond, minister of state for international development and diaspora, said the decision to impose strict visa conditions was taken over a year ago when the country experienced a 100% increase in people entering the island nation from South Africa and Nigeria and claiming international protected status. 'That's why we put them on the list of those who require visas, to stop people who were coming because it was visa-free travel. They were getting here claiming international protection,' Richmond said on the sidelines of the Africa-Ireland Horizons conference in Dublin. The imposition of the strict visa regime resulted in applications for work, family and travel visas taking months to process as the government agency responsible could not cope with the many applications. 'Those moves were very harsh, but they were necessary at the time to re-regulate migration,' Richmond said. 'I have quite a large South African minority population in my constituency who've been here a long time; they have been here 20 to 25 years, they are Irish citizens, but Granny can't come and visit the new child, business partners can't come. The head of Nandos lives in my constituency ... It's had very real human consequences; it's been tough.' A decision was taken to triple the number of officials processing visas from South Africa and this had brought the waiting time down to three months, he said. 'We've doubled the resources in terms of visa applications in South Africa, both here in Dublin and at our embassy in Pretoria. The acute issue was far more (serious) in South Africa than Nigeria; not only for established commercial reasons but also for very clear people-to-people reasons. The process will now go much quicker but will always be under review.' The country is prioritising South Africans for critical skills visas, he added.
