World-class horse riders from Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud

When local entrepreneur Nchakha Moloi bought out the Hilltop Equestrian Farms and turned it into the Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud, he did so in order to satisfy his children’s insatiable appetite for all things equestrian.

Thanks to Nchaka’s oldest son Kutloano, and his younger brother Sefanyo’s keen interest in being world-class horse riders, Yarona boasts thoroughbred Arabian horses that have not only brought back numerous international awards, but they have also assisted the growing business to realise a life-long dream of economically empowering Bethlehem.

A breeding programme that was established using two stallions from the US has proven to be fruitful as the horses’ offspring are reared and trained with the help of local community members who were previously disadvantaged. This initiative has seen a number of local and international horses being purchased to benefit the town’s residents and future generations who are being taught at an early stage in their lives how to breed, produce and train horses.

Constantly and consistently in touch with those around them, the Moloi family founded the Simply Red Equestrian Clothing Line as well as the Hilltop Saddlery - both of which are co-owned with Nkqubs - as yet another means to contribute positively to the people of this Free State town.

“Yarona came about so that our family could be involved in a competitive and rewarding sport. It has since become much more than just that, transforming into a lifestyle that is poised to impact a significant part of this region,” says Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud founder, Nchaka Moloi.

“The Arabian is the oldest and purest horse breed and encapsulates all that - as an entrepreneur - I would look for in a business partner: intelligence, loyalty, performance, versatility, endurance and a strong personality. After all, we couldn’t let the future of our potential-filled town depend on anything other than the best,” adds Moloi.

While 14-year-old Kutloano and his 13-year-old brother Sefenya are setting records by being the youngest black South African horse riders to compete at the annual Scottsdale Arabian Show in the USA, their hometown of Bethlehem cannot keep up with the economic possibilities that have been brought about by the influx of individuals and groups who now frequent the town because of the Moloi’s growing Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud.

By choosing to be based in Bethlehem, this equestrian centre is forming part of the multi-million Rand horse industry in South Africa that has been identified as one of the most promising sectors in the job creation drive.

As Kutloano and Sefenya master disciplines such as showjumping and endurance racing, so does the centre, planting seeds whose results will be reaped by future generations as the number of horse owners, related service providers and employees continue to increase on a yearly basis.

Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud is part of a highly diverse industry that supports a wide variety of activities in all regions of the country. Equestrian activities combine the primarily rural activities of breeding, training, maintaining and riding horses with the more urban activities of operating racetracks, off-track betting parlours, horse shows and public sales, all benefitting the communities they operate in.

More critically, Kutloano and Sefenya’s remarkable efforts have meant that Yarona has also opened up a pastime and industry that has previously been perceived to be for the wealthy and white of South Africa, something that has changed radically in a short period of time since the centre started operating, exposing previously disadvantaged community members to much-needed exposure.

FESTIVAL OF FAME – EXPRESSIONS OF HERITAGE

From Feb 25 – March 2nd the National School of the Arts will showcase its inspirational emerging talent during its annual flagship event, The Festival of Fame. Now in its twelfth year this highly anticipated event on the school calendar sees NSA Learners and Professionals joining hands in a celebration of art, drama, dance and music!

A Heritage Theme has been imaginatively woven into the content of this year’s festival: Festival of Fame – Expressions of Heritage. A year before our democracy turns 20; FOF is an invitation to start the celebrations early with this six-day festival reflecting South Africa’s dynamic cultural heritage.

Festival of Fame – Expressions of Heritage, will see the creative precinct at the top the Braamfontein Hill alive with activity, extending from the National School of the Arts, to Constitution Hill to the Joburg Theatre. The NSA, all three Joburg Theatre venues, The Mandela, The Fringe and the space.com, as well as Constitution Hill will host Festival of Fame Productions.

Opening the six-day program on an exceptionally high note in The Mandela Theatre will be the highly acclaimed Songs of Migration featuring 2013 Grammy nominee Hugh Masekela. This production from Sibojama Theatre returns to Johannesburg after a successful international tour, which included performances at the Kennedy Centre in Washington and the Hackney Empire in London. For five memorable performances, learners from the NSA will share the spotlight with seasoned professionals in this special FOF Season. Award winning director, actor and storyteller, James Ncgobo has re-directed the work to give the NSA learners their individual moments to shine. Songs of Migration marks a special collaboration between experience and youth and announces a special relationship between iconic musician Hugh Masekela and the National School of the Arts. Songs of Migration also features the ever-popular Gloria Bosman.

A rich heritage of dance styles will be given grand exposure during Dance Spectrum also at home in The Mandela Theatre. Choreographed by Manuel Norambuena and Sarah Hurter Minkus Variations celebrates the traditional classical ballet heritage. Pictures of Africa is a dramatic contemporary piece choreographed by Lauren Jones. In a clever confluence of cultures, Gillian Bonegio uses the rich rhythm of the kwela as inspiration for her Spanish program, which also includes Flamenco Tangos danced to Raul Bonegio’s atmospheric guitar and vocal accompaniment. Guest choreographer Gregory Maqoma from Vuyani Dance Theatre brings his signature choreographic style to the NSA in his staging of two movements from his critically celebrated, The Four Seasons.

Hauntingly beautiful and featuring the NSA Drama Department learners is Wesley Swain Lauder’s production of The Secret Garden in The Fringe. The Music Department’s African Reflections conducted and directed by Jana Barnard features the NSA’s forty-five-piece orchestra and thirty-voice choir. This eclectic musical journey through our history shows that the soul and heart beat of our heritage lies in our music.

In a significant celebration of our heritage, both in paying homage to the ancient San and in celebrating the perception shifting work of Sylvia Glasser, the NSA will host five performances of Tranceformations. Ever willing to enrich the learning experience, Sylvia ‘Magogo’ Glasser will conduct a special introductory lecture aimed at the dance students who study this iconic work as part of the syllabus.

The NSA will see over 40 productions including workshops exhibitions and more than 10 visual arts workshops and installations over the week of Festival of Fame.

The FOF Monday- Friday’s programme is designed with school groups in mind. R80 per child affords a full day of performances, workshops, and exhibitions adding a memorable dimension to the Arts and Culture curriculum. It provides what is often the only opportunity for disadvantaged youth to experience art, music, dance and theatre first hand, by offering free tickets and transport to a number of under-resourced schools. Artists on the FOF Daily program include: Omphile Molusi, Richard Antrobus, Gera Louw, Francois Le Roux (Ha!Man), the hilarious Matthew Ribnick, Tristan Jacobs in a piece directed by Andrew Buckland, John Jacobs, Craig Morris, Briony Horwitz, Nkosinathi Gaar among others.

Alongside the featured NSA productions and professional performances, the NSA learners will present their own burgeoning original work. Showcased Drama productions range from psychological thrillers, to cultural commentaries. The music department offers a visit to the legends of yesteryear and fashionable Doo Wops will have your toes tapping with music from the 70’s and 80’s.

The Visual Arts program features the “Host a Legend” series, with David Koloane, Kagiso Pat Mautloa, Patrick Rorke, Charles Levin and Janene Fourie in exciting exhibitions, discussions and installations alongside NSA Learners. Watch their creativity in action during the week and admire their finished creations on Saturday 2 March. FOF 2013 also includes an encouraging number of NSA alumni on the program eager to give back, to share and to further the vision of the school. The Ballet Hall will host the popular Alumni Art Exhibition.

2013 marks the inaugural Festival Finale Day on Sat 2nd March. With a breathtaking panoramic view, the NSA field will be a vibrant buzz of craft, cultural food, music, dance and street theatre! The NSA Lab and Assitej SA Family Venue will feature content curated by Artist in Residence Kyla Davis. Shadow Puppetry, ingenious street theatre from the Lunatic Fridge, Craig Morris and his Amazing Dr Seuss, Daniel Buckland and a Circus Skills Workshop, Causing a Scene Improv Group with some of the finest and funniest performers of our City including James Cairns, Toni Morkel and Lindi Matshikiza are just some of the professional highlights of the Finale Day. Other activities include drumming and dance workshops, a variety of music and fashion on the Coca Cola Truck. The aim of the Festival Finale Day is to offer the finest choice of quality productions to cater for all ages and all tastes! The NSA drama students will shine in their original works, their physical theatre, their student pantomime and of course in the Secret Garden, which also forms part of the Festival Finale! Every theatre space will be showcasing dance, drama and music! Every gallery will be an explosion of visual delight! This will be a day for everyone - art lovers, families, students and professionals. A celebratory day to share in our glorious artistic and cultural heritage! The Gates will open at 10am and close at 6:00pm with a performance from the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Jazz Ensemble. In response to the Heritage Theme and the NSA’s association with the great Hugh Masekela – the Jazz Ensemble will play a special Masekela tribute in a program that incudes many South African favorites!

A Day ticket costs R 80.00 and affords access to ALL productions seating permitting.

The Festival of Fame – Expressions of Heritage comes to an end with the NSA learners in the spotlight as the Music and Dance Department join forces for the Double Bill African Reflections Meets Dance Spectrum. This gala finale will ring the curtain down on Festival of Fame 2013 on the stage of the Mandela Theatre.

And when it is finally down, the learners will celebrate the week with a well-deserved U-Party hosted by the NSA.

Without out our sponsors this festival would not be possible. With special thanks to RMB Bank and ABI for their continuing contribution to the nurturing and development of our young artists.

Free State siblings champing at the bit

The Olympics introduced us to Chad le Clos and the Africa Cup of Nations unearthed Dean Furman, and now it’s the turn of exceptional brothers Kutloano and Sefenya Moloi to wave South Africa’s flag high as they set the pace for their counterparts at this year’s prestigious Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, taking place in Arizona, USA, from the 14th to the 23rd of February.

The proficient riders’ dreams were realised when their father acquired Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud, based in Bethlehem, eastern Free State and gifted them with reins to what the equestrian fraternity regards as one of the foremost endurance breeds: Arabian horses.

As if 14-year-old Kutloano and his year younger brother Sefenya were born to be champion riders, the pair were champing at the bit, doing Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud proud as they successfully competed regionally and nationally, raking up recognition in both riding and show jumping.

By not allowing racial stereotypes to limit their outstanding abilities, the siblings took on a relatively new sport for black South Africans and actively demonstrated what determination and perseverance can result in. Under the guidance of Arabian National Champion rider and trainer Sheila Nortje, the backing of their father and the support of the entire South African nation, Kutloano and Sefenya are well on their way to rewriting the history books as the first black horse riding and show jumping champions.

“My sons are each other's best friends and I knew that they would be magnificent with horses when - of their own free will – they spent endless hours with their thoroughbreds, both in practice and in training,” says Nchakha Moloi, the boys’ father.

“But most importantly for us as a family, equestrian disciplines are more than sports, and it’s this love for horses that confirmed our family did the best thing by investing in the Arabian stud breeding business,” he adds.

Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud is proving to be more than an incubator of hidden talent but is also the place where lifelong relationships have been formed. Arabian horses are known for displaying high levels of sensitivity and bonding only with one individual, but the centre’s dedicated staff has played an integral part in the riders’ ascension to international acknowledgment.

Spurred on by Kutloano and Sefenya’s insatiable thirst for success, Yarona has dominated the industry and in a short span of time founded the Simply Red Equestrian Clothing Line as well as the Hilltop Saddlery, ensuring that it satisfies riders’ and horses’ requirements. By combining the local community’s efforts and utilising international resources, the centre has grown in leaps and bounds, even starting a breeding programme, producing world-class mares and studs.

The surrounding community continues to be aided by the centre as collaboration with the Charlotte Theron Children’s Home in Bethlehem has identified children who stand to benefit from spending time riding and competing on these majestic animals.

South Africa’s hopes rest on the broad shoulders of Kutlano and Sefenya as they compete in the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, an annual event that sees more than 2 500 of the most accomplished riders in the world competing for top honours.

The Moloi brothers are also hopeful that they will not only come back home with impressive silverware, but that they will also use the opportunity to qualify for the US Youth Nationals, to be held in New Mexico in July.

Yarona is a Sotho word meaning “it is ours” and that is exactly what Kutloano and Sefenya have succeeded in doing, taking what has been - for far too long -considered out of reach and turned it into a matter of national pride and unity.

Johannesburg Heritage Foundation: Walking Tours for the First Quarter of 2012

FIRST QUARTER PROGRAMME – 2013

JANUARY TO MARCH


WALKING TOUR

‘FROM CONCESSION TO CO-OPERATION’

SATURDAY, 26th JANUARY

Join us on a tour of Modderfontein. The history of the area is intrinsically linked to the development of Johannesburg as Africa’s power house.

Discover the stories behind the growth of explosives in the Mining Industry and the move into less dramatic activities.

The distinctive "village atmosphere" of a bygone era covers nearly 120 years.

Many of the century old buildings are still in use today, including some with strong Anglo-Boer war connections. Add to this many interesting personalities and there is a recipe for a fascinating exploration of a Johannesburg suburb.

Join Keith Martin, Clare van Zweiten and Janet Hughes at 14h00 at the Museum – the cost is R80.00 for members and R110.00 for non-members – which includes a donation to the Modderfontein Conservation Society and the duration is approximately 3 hours.

Should you require directions / further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

FEBRUARY

WALKING TOUR

‘WITS MEETS BRAAMFONTEIN’

SATURDAY, 2nd FEBRUARY

This tour will focus on the eastern side of the Braamfontein East Campus of Wits University. Wits has gradually taken over an historic corner of Braamfontein and saved an interesting range of heritage buildings in the process. This south eastern section of the University is dedicated to the arts. The Old School of Dentistry (an architecturally important Fassler building with an early Villa art work is now home to the School of Arts. The old University Corner (once Lawson's building with its revolving restaurant and garage) has been given a new and very visible new life as the Wits Art Museum.

The tour will be led by the very knowledgeable Professor Kathy Munro who spent her academic career at Wits and has developed a passionate interest in heritage buildings. She will be joined by Flo Bird, Chairman of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation.

Meet them at the basement lifts on the Jorissen Street side 1t 14h00 and safe parking has been organised In Senate House basement. The cost is R85.00 for members and R115.00 for non-members which includes refreshments.

Should you require directions / further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

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BUS TOUR

‘OVER THE GARDEN WALL’

SUNDAY, 17th FEBRUARY

A chance to peep over the garden walls and view the lovely gardens one never sees from the road. A little history and gossip goes a long way towards a casual Sunday afternoon outing.

Meet Winnie Job at 14h00 at the Sunnyside Park Hotel, 2 York Road, Parktown. The cost is R145.00 for members and R175.00 for non-members - IT IS ESSENTIAL TO BOOK.

Should you require directions / further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

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LAUNCH OF THE

JOHANNESBURG HERITAGE DINING EXPERIENCE FOR 2013

WALKING TOUR

‘THE ORIGINAL CHINATOWN AND THE SWALLOW INN’

SATURDAY, 23rd FEBRUARY

Probably not the first Chinese Restaurant in Johannesburg but Den Adams remembers only two in the CBD in the 1950’s – the Little Swallow, now the Swallows Inn, but still in the same position in Commissioner Street, and the Dragon’s Pearl, in Delvers Street, the latter now gone.

Not even the present owners of the Swallows Inn can remember the history, but we are keen to open our Restaurant Programme here. It follows the start of the Chinese New Year and it gives us another chance to visit this part of the City and possibly hear about some of the re-development plans for this area. This tour will incorporate a walk, a talk and a lunch. We plan to meet at the Sunnyside Park Hotel, sort ourselves into cars, drive into the City, park and walk around the area for about 1,5 hours and then go to the Swallows Inn. It sounds like a five to six course lunch, but simple Chinese-style, and it comes with a talk on the history of the Chinese in the area.

Join Den Adams and David Forrest 10h30 – PLEASE NOTE EARLY STARTING TIME – at the Sunnyside Park Hotel, 2 York Road, Parktown - hopefully some of you will volunteer your cars to carry some of those who don’t want to drive into town. We will then go to Swallow Inn and park in the vicinity of 6 Commissioner Street (opposite John Vorster Square). Duration is 4 hours and the cost is R160.00 per person including meal and tips. Any drinks will be for your own account.

Should you require further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

MARCH

WALKING TOUR

‘ADLER MUSEUM’


SATURDAY, 2nd MARCH

Visit the Adler Museum of Medicine and see interesting collections depicting the history of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy through the ages. There are hundreds of items of medical historical interest on display including documents, sculptures, pictures, videos and philatelic and medallion collections relating to medical history. See reconstructions of an African herb shop, a patient consulting a sangoma (traditional healer), a 20th century Johannesburg pharmacy, a doctor's consulting room, a dental surgery, an operating theatre, an optometry display of the same period, and an exhibition of early electro-medical equipment.

Meet Val Hammerton and Clare van Zwieten at 14h00 and park outside University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown. The cost is R85.00 for members and R115.00 for non-members.

Should you require directions / further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

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WALKING TOUR

‘FORDSBURG – FROM MINERS TO MERCHANTS’

SATURDAY, 9th MARCH

The tour starts with the outraged miners and a very new South African Air force bombing the strikers, but damaging the Presbyterian Church instead. Government displayed many errors of judgment over the years, yet Fordsburg flourished and the Indian community thrived, developing schools and institutions despite laws which disempowered them in all aspects of life. Struggle heroes emerged, forced removals were resisted, yet many were still forced to move to Lenasia. Ultimately adversity never defeated the energy which South African Indians brought into Fordsburg. We will unveil a plaque in the Market Square on the small public lavatory block recording the final battle of the Rand Revolt. This is the only original building still standing on the square from the 1922 Strike. We will be looking at a number of charming old buildings, and visit the serene Mosque in Newtown, the site of Gandhi's passive resistance campaign.

Meet Flo Bird and Yasmin Mayet under the trees at 14h00 and park at the Oriental Plaza cor Bree and Main Streets, Fordsburg – R8.00 parking fee for your own account. Use High Street Entrance No 3 (opposite Osbro Cash & Carry). The cost is R70.00 for members and R100.00 for non-members.

Should you require directions / further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

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BUS TOUR

‘MONUMENTS AND MEMORIES

THE ARCHITECTURE OF GERARD MOERDYK’

SATURDAY, 16th MARCH

Moerdyk is most famous for his Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria but his portfolio includes a large and eclectic array of fine buildings dotted throughout Johannesburg and Pretoria. As one of our earliest South African architects, Moerdyk's personal history is as quintessential local as his architectural legacy. Join us on this bus tour as we celebrate the life and work of this tremendous architect. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised!

Meet Colin Berger and Alex Parker at 13h00 – PLEASE NOTE EARLY STARTING TIME and park at the Sunnyside Park Hotel, 2 York Road, Parktown. The cost is R155.00 for members and R185.00 for non-members.

Should you require further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

WALKING TOUR

‘ANOTHER RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE

THE TROYEVILLE HOTEL’

SATURDAY, 23rd MARCH

Built in 1939, the Troyeville Hotel still stands proud on Bezuidenhout Street, bordering Ellis Park to the north and Troyeville to the south. Famous for its Portuguese cuisine, we have arranged to have lunch there, Portuguese-style, with platters of food in the centre of the tables, and we all help ourselves! After lunch we will visit a few of Troyeville’s main sites, including the Spaza Shop, the Park and one or two churches. Again, for those who would prefer to be lifted to the venue, arrangements will be made for you to join others at Sunnyside Park Hotel.

Meet Den Adams and David Forrest at 12h30 - PLEASE NOTE EARLY STARTING TIME - and park at the Troyeville Hotel, 25 Bezuidenhout Street, Troyeville. There is adequate parking behind the Hotel on the northern side and there is a brick staircase leading up to the restaurant deck. The walk will commence at 14h15 and last about 2 hours. The cost is R190.00 per person – all drinks for your own account

Should you require directions / further information please ‘phone Eira Bond on 011 482-3349 every weekday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm