SAB Newlands Brewery Tour

On Monday, July 30, 2012 I accompanied 10 media from various publications on a tour of South African Breweries' Newlands Brewery.

I had sent out invitations and set up this media tour in an attempt to educate the environmental media in Cape Town about SAB's contribution to water efficiency.  SAB obtains their water from the Liesbeeck River, and while brewing millions of litres of beer on a daily basis, it was important to highlight the measures that SAB are taking to use as little water as possible.

The tour was highly educational as we were given a first-hand insight into how the beer that we, as South Africans love so much, is made.  SAB are the producers of well-known alcoholic brands, such as Hansa Pilsener, Carling Black Label, Castle Lager, Castle Light, Castle Milk Stout, Peroni, Redd's, and Brutal Fruit, to name just a few.

After listening to two presentations from the General Manger and Manager of Environmental Affairs, respectively, we were given a guided tour of the brewery by the head of Engineering of the Newlands Brewery.
The ingredients - including the special 'hops' that SAB makes use of - are mixed in large containers for about three hours before going in to fermentation.  Each brand of beer consists of special ingredients which are mixed together in these containers by means of special formulas.  The containers are flushed once a week to ensure they remain clean and free of bacteria.  Once the beer has been fermented, it is passed down the production line where bottles and cleaned and filled and labeled.

The containers where the ingredients are mixed

The process is mind-blowing and one can see the attention to detail that is required in the factory as well as with the machinery. The bottles move across the conveyer belt at a significant speed, all in the right place and at the right time. The realisation is that one barely thinks about the extensive planning and preparation it takes to produce just one beer, while we sit back and enjoy the great taste that has taken hours to prepare.

After the tour, we all sat down to enjoy a delicious lunch in the bar area where questions could be asked and guests were able to enjoy their long-awaited refreshments.

The tour of the SAB Newlands Brewery is definitely one that you should experience, whether you enjoy the taste of beer or not!

To book your tour, call 021 658 7440, email newlandstours@za.sabmiller.com, or visit the Newlands Brewery website on www.newlandsbrewery.co.za.

Tours are available weekdays at 10am, 12pm and 2pm; and Saturdays at 10am.  Tours cost R30 per person and includes two complimentary drinks.

I am...?

I am hard-working.
I am dedicated.
I am a good listener.
I am trustworthy.
I am reliable.
I am determined.
I am an achiever.
I am thoughtful.
I am sentimental.
I am emotional.
I am caring.
I am always on the go.
I am impatient.
I am a bitch.
I am sarcastic.
I am a joker.
I am fun to be around.
I am friendly.
I am courteous.

I am ME!

Manchester United vs Ajax Cape Town South Africa Tour

On Saturday, July 21, 2012 I attended the much anticipated football match between my favourite football team, Manchester United, and local team, Ajax Cape Town.  The match took place at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Leading up to the big match, I was overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation.  The tickets were completely sold out and the stadium was filled to capacity on the day.  Many skeptics felt that it would be a second-string or 'B-team' that would come out to South Africa, but with the likes of Berbatov, Hernandez, Ferdinand, Carrick, Anderson, Valencia and Scholes, the team was anything but mediocre.

On the match day, Cape Town presented us with its notorious winter weather as it poured down in what felt like buckets of rain in Green Point.  This prevented us from doing the fan walk along Somerset Road, so instead, we opted to take the ever-efficient MyCiti bus to the stadium.

There were football fans everywhere, both Manchester United and Ajax Cape Town, painting Green Point with a bold red colour.  One could hear the excitement and eagerness through the drones of the vuvuzela's and the chants of "Glory Glory Man United" among the crowds.  As we made our way in to the stadium, excitement escalated as there was not one seat unattended, and the crowd in the Mother City showed its welcoming hospitality with Mexican Waves throughout the game.

The game was a bit slow-paced with not too much action, and Ajax Cape Town definitely held their own against one of the biggest and most successful football clubs in the world.  Ajax Cape Town opened the scoring in the 89th minute, with a beautiful goal by Alcardo van Graan, which electrified the stadium as it sent the crowd in to an uproar.  In true Manchester United fashion, they threw everything but the kitchen sink back at Ajax Cape Town, and were rewarded with an equalising goal by Bebe in the 93rd minute, leaving the final result at 1 - 1.

It was by no means a 'pretty' game in the most part, but the final 5 minutes were sensational.  I am eagerly awaiting their next visit to our shores!

My 15 minutes of world fame...

Andy Warhol said, "In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes."

If I were to be world famous for 15 minutes, I think the reason for this would definitely have something to do with me being filmed on a television show like boiling points or prankz!  I know that if someone were to try and catch me out on a show like that, I definitely wouldn't last long.  Before the crunch line I would probably have freaked out or gone crazy on the person trying to pull one over on me!  I would definitely be remembered as the girl who lost her cool and most likely made a fool out of herself on international television!

That having been said, I have no desire to be world famous one day.  It has never been a dream of mine to accomplish fame or to be in the spotlight.  I feel like I have no real admiration for the arts (e.g. singing, acting, dancing, painting, etc.) - which is what seems to fulfill the majority of fame slots for most people these days.  Then again, I guess being famous for being famous (aka Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton.) is also a pretty good foundation for building your 15 minutes on.

Without a doubt, I fully agree with Andy Warhol's statement that in the future (or even in our present time at the rate things are going) that everybody will be world famous for 15 minutes.  Doing the most arbitrary things these days seems to grant you considerable admiration and extreme following from others.  People should be famous for doing meaningful things, not for reading a few lines from a movie script in front of a camera.  Unfortunately, that is the way the world works.  But if everybody is world famous, even if it is just for 15 minutes, then is anyone really famous at all?

Ratanga Junction

On Thursday, July 16, I went to Ratanga Junction with three friends of mine.  I must admit that I love that place, despite the fact that the rides are still the same as when the place first opened.  Luckily, I did not have to pay for my ticket (R152 for the full rider ticket) as my friend's mom works for Rabie and managed to get us free tickets (it's who you know, remember?)

We were so excited because as we rose in the morning, the sun was partially shining in the sky and it seemed like a beautiful summer's day.  Murphy's Law, as we turned the corner on our way to the theme park, we were overwhelmed with thick, grey clouds in the sky.  Still optimistic that it would clear up, we made our way closer to Ratanga, beaming with excitement and feeling like kids again!

We managed a whole three rides (Congo Queen, Cobra and Monkey Falls) and as we were on our third ride, the rain started pouring down in buckets.  I doubt I have ever been that cold in my life as I was in the log on the Monkey Falls, getting wet both from
the rain pelting down and the water from the ride splashing up on either side of us.

We made our way to the sheltered centre point and got something to eat before calling it quits and deciding to leave.  Let's just say the weather was not ideal for a fun-filled day at Ratanga, and most of the rides began to close as they are not functional in wet conditions.

Overall, even though I love Ratanga Junction to bits as it always brings back fond memories (I used to go there all the time as a kid) I can't help but feel that it is ridiculously overpriced!  After forking out R152 just to enter the park, and have access to "all" the rides, you still need to pay R50 extra just to be able to ride the slingshot.  Apart from that, you need to buy food as you are there the whole day and may not bring any edibles into the park.  That's another R21.50 for a standard slice of pizza, or R35 for a chicken burger, or R29.50 for a large chips.  The food is definitely not of the highest standard either.

Even though I love Ratanga to bits and will definitely be visiting again (provided I have free entry and the weather permitting) there is no way I would splurge almost R250 minimum for it.  If it is going to be that pricy, they definitely need an upgrade of the rides and entertainment available.

A skill set called leadership

In life, there are two types of people: Leaders and followers.  Which one are you?

I like to think I am a leader rather than a follower.  I like to use my own initiative and to take control of things.  I like to know that things are done properly and leave no room for error.  This being said, there is nothing wrong with being a follower.  In order to be a leader, you need followers, and vice versa.  Without the one, the other would not exist.

So what skills do you need in order to be an effective leader?  Firstly, I think you should be goal driven.  You need to know what you want and how you want to achieve it.  There should always be something bigger that you are working towards.

You need to be approachable so that your followers are not scared of you and are able to come to you for help or advice.  Being friendly but strict is always a good skill to have as a leader.

A leader should be able to communicate very well with others.  Bad or ineffective communication is what results in miscommunication, confusion and tension between subordinates.  As a part of communication, motivation should be an important component.  Your followers should feel motivated to do their best and should feel proud about the work they've done.  Praise from a leader is always a boost in morale.

You need to be able to lead.  As obvious as this sounds, a skill that every single leader requires is to be able to set a proper example to others and to ensure that they follow it.  This does not refer only to your words, but your actions too.  It is no use being a hypocrite by saying one thing and then doing another.  Your actions speak louder than your words - true, indeed.

Finally, you should be a team player.  Even though you are the one that sets the example and takes charge of things, you should never view yourself as superior to others.  They will see this very clearly and will not be impressed by it.

Being a leader is a complete package.  One cannot only possess a few leadership traits.  If you do, yes, it might still make you a leader, but will not ensure your effectiveness.  What is the point of doing something if you are not going to do it right?

Camping in Porterville

During the very long June/July holidays a group of us decided to face the outdoors and go camping in Porterville.  Porterville is a small town up the West Coast, situated near Piketberg.

As we are quite the adventurous group, we decided it was the perfect location for a getaway.  Unfortunately the only space they had available at the time was the campsites without electricity - but we thought, oh well, might as well rough it even more then.

The campsite was clean and very peaceful, and camping prices are extremely reasonable (R160 for four people per night withouth electricity; and R190 for four people per night with electricity).  We had pleasant neighbours and were surrounded by lots of trees and bushes.  The main reason we chose this campsite was for the breath-taking waterfalls that can be seen as you hike up the mountain.  Although not natural waterfalls (i.e. man-made) they were absolutely beautiful.  The hiking trail takes you on a circular route past 22 waterfalls surrounded by indigenous fynbos and trees.  The hike was quite intense (we only made it to about 9 waterfalls) so if you're thinking of trying to conquer it, prepare yourselves!

Our time was occupied by exploring the grounds and sitting around the campfire while enjoying the nature that surrounded us.  Although I don't really mind 'roughing it' every now and then, spiders are definitely a no-no!  As we were in the campsites with no electricity, only the next morning in the sunlight did we see the enormous spiders sitting politely on the walls of the ablution blocks.  Spiders the size of my hand!  After that discovery, showering and using the toilets were a mission to say the least.

The weekend was such a relaxing getaway and perhaps if we had some electricity, we would have been better prepared for our scary visitors!  But if that sort of thing doesn't phase you, I would definitely suggest Porterville for a great getaway where you can soak up the beauty of the nature that surrounds you.

Rock Journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, for people who can't read - Frank Zappa

The comment made by Frank Zappa about rock journalism is one of great substance.  Musician Zappa, according to quoteinvestigator.com, made this comment in 1977 during an interview for the Toronto Star newspaper.  Lets break it down a bit further to fully wrap our heads around what is being said.  Zappa is alleging that:

- A rock journalist is someone who cannot write;
- The interview recipients of rock journalists cannot talk; and
- Those that enjoy rock journalism cannot read

The bottom line of what is being said in this statement is that rock journalism is for the simple-minded, and is dull, lifeless and insignificant.

Indeed, I do not agree with the statement made.  Granted, I do not know much about the rock genre of music, or rock journalism for that matter, but being a journalist, I know, is no easy feat.

"Rockers" are always known to be in a completely different sphere or category than that of other musicians.  They are like a united group, bound together in some way or another, and do not conform to the social influences around them.  They always maintain a sense of uniqueness that I think many other musicians do not have.  And who doesn't like a bit of Rock 'n Roll every now and then?

My sense is that they are profoundly passionate about their music and that is what they live for.  And to be a journalist whose job is to decipher, if you will, what is going on in the heads of rock musicians, cannot be an easy task.

Journalism, in whichever shape or form it may be, is one of the most cut-throat and often challenging careers out there.  And as the old saying goes, "different strokes for different folks" - who are we to judge?  Some may have a passion for the rock music industry, whether it is in the form of writing about it, talking about it, or reading about it.  Oh what a boring place the world would be without music!

New venture...

This week I started a new job at Corporate Image, a Public Relations agency in Cape Town.  My account manager from my internship in 2011 moved over to Corporate Image (coincidentally right next door to marcusbrewster) and needed some help on a few campaigns they are implementing for one of their clients, Hansa Pilsner.

Tuesday was my first day and I must say I am really enjoying it so far.  I have been extremely busy and definitely feel like there are just not enough hours in the day!  The people are really nice and very helpful, and I am so very grateful for this opportunity as it will mean I can gain more experience and add it to my CV.  I can also definitely see the difference between the two agencies I have now worked at, and I am really enjoying the more corporate approach to PR that Corporate Image offers.

For the next three months, I will be going in every Wednesday and Friday (even during university time) as those are the days I am fortunate enough to not have class.  I must say, I really have no idea how I am going to balance this 08:30 - 17:30 job, plus studies and assignments, oh and let's not forget still working in retail on weekends too!

However, I am definitely up for the challenge as it is never too early to start planning for your future. Who knows, maybe this will turn into a permanent thing one day, but if youthink I've fallen off the face of the earth, you know why!  And what a perfect way to start saving some moolah for my Thailand 2014 trip ;)

My top 200 achievements

Wow, have I even achieved that much in my lifetime?  At only 21 years old, and not having really lived or experienced all that much yet, it is difficult for me to say that there are 200 things that I have achieved already!  Nevertheless, I will try my best to list all the great things I have achieved in my lifetime, so here goes:

1. This would definitely be being born.  Surely that is an achievement, right?  I mean, how much more momentous can something be than that one particular sperm out-swimming the rest of the competitors to fertilize the egg?
2. Learning to walk - if this did not happen, I cannot fathom how I would go about my every day tasks.
3. Learning to talk - as a PR practitioner, I would have to say this must be my biggest achievement (and for some, their biggest regret!).  Without being able to talk, how would I communicate with the relevant stakeholders in order to do my job properly :)  And I just love talking in general, so I'm very glad I achieved this in my lifetime.
4. Graduating pre-school
5. Passing grade one
6. Passing grade two
7. Passing grade three
8. Passing grade four
9. Passing grade five
10. Passing grade six
11. Passing grade seven (and making my way to high school)
12. Passing grade eight
13. Passing grade nine
14. Passing grade 10
15. Passing grade 11
16. Being the captain of the 2nd girls' hockey team
17. Passing grade 12
18. Obtaining an 'A' aggregate (passing with Cum Laude) in Matric
19. Getting accepted into university
20. Passing 1st Year PRM
21. Passing 2nd Year PRM
22. Securing an internship at marucsbrewster
23. Passing 3rd Year PRM
24. Obtaining my National Diploma in PRM with Cum Laude
25. Getting accepted to complete my BTech in PRM
26. Securing another internship job at Corporate Image
27. Being able to work two jobs and study at the same time
28. Being the first person in my family to obtain my National Diploma, and soon to be BTech degree
29. Earning an income and being independent (i.e. being able to buy everything I need myself)
30. Saving money and making provisions for my future

After trying my utmost to form the mere 30 achievements listed above, I have nothing more that I could possibly add!  I figured, I don't want to add meaningless things that are not really achievements, just to fill up 200 accomplishments - what would be the point of that?  Hopefully by the time I'm old and grey I will be able to complete this list without even having to think twice about it!