News Bulletin of 18 August 2025, 3pm

Ferndale resident Tholsi Pillay has been named Artist Manager of the Year at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards, marking a highlight in her 20-year career.

Pillay began her journey after leaving human resources to manage flautist Wouter Kellerman, a move that led to Grammy wins, Billboard-charting albums, and collaborations with artists like Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode.

She says the award honours everyone working behind the scenes in music and now hopes to mentor young creatives and take more South African talent to global stages.

A new exhibition titled Junkyard Dogs opens at the Melrose Gallery on 29 August 2025. Featuring works by renowned South African artists Professor Pitika Ntuli and Dr.

Willie Bester, the exhibition invites audiences to engage with powerful artwork created from discarded materials.
These thought-provoking pieces reckon with the past, engage with the present, and imagine possible futures, offernew ing a fresh perspective on waste and its potential for transformation into art.

The exhibition runs until 31 October 2025, offering a unique chance to explore the artists' creative re-envisioning of materials often seen as refuse.

The Western Cape Education Department has praised teachers as key to shaping the province’s future, recognising their vital role at the 25th Annual Provincial Teaching Awards in Cape Town.
Education MEC David Maynier called teachers the province’s “greatest asset” and stressed their importance in creating a brighter future for learners.

This year’s awards honoured excellence across 15 categories, with 13 of the winners being women, highlighting their strong influence in education.

The Eden and Central Karoo Education District won the most awards. The winners, including top educators like Charles Mokoena and Wedaad Esau, will represent the province at the National Teaching Awards in October.

Maynier expressed confidence that they’ll make their mark on the national stage.