The weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the wanted online pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- David Kochukov, Candidate Attorney with APA Africa, provides a legal opinion on matters surrounding the VIP Protection Unit N1 assault video.
- Comedian Costa Carastavrakis shares all the details on his upcoming show at the Theatre on the Square titled ‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki’.
- Michael Fridjhon, convenor and Chairman of the Judges of The 2023 Trophy Spirits Show discusses this year’s categories and winners.
- Ulana van Biljon, Chief Operating Officer of Emira Property Fund, chats about their new beehive project in greater Sandton.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on Mix 93.8, Mondays at 7pm.
The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The Sandton magazine show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business and so much more beyond the borders of greater Sandton. In 2023, the radio show and podcast was selected by Feedspot panellists at #15 on a ranking of Top 40 South Africa Podcasts on the web.
In this week’s show [Edition 122 | Week 28] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
Legal Opinion On Matters Surrounding The VIP Protection Unit N1 Assault Video With Candidate Attorney With APA Africa David Kochukov
David Kochukov is a highly skilled Candidate Attorney at APA Africa, holding a BA Law and LLB degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. While he possesses a strong interest in various areas of law, including Contract Law, Family Law, Corporate Law, and Insurance Law, David’s passion and expertise truly shine in these fields.
Prior to his current position, David worked as a paralegal at APA Africa, gaining valuable experience and honing his legal skills. This background has equipped him with a diverse set of abilities, enabling him to effectively advocate for and protect the rights and interests of his esteemed clients.
He believes in taking a holistic view of the law, analyzing the broader implications and context surrounding each case. With unwavering dedication, David devotes himself wholeheartedly to the cases he handles, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.
For more information, visit the APA Africa website.
‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki’ With Comedian Costa Carastavrakis
In ‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki,’ Costa Carastavrakis brings a stand-up South African Greek comedy feast that delves into a Greek man’s quest to find his identity. Directed by Renos Spanoudes, this heartfelt and hilarious production promises an unforgettable experience for audiences.
Costa’s personal journey serves as an inspirational backdrop for the show. In his book, “I Am Costa – From Meth to Marathons,” he chronicles his transformation from a life consumed by alcohol and drugs to becoming a published author and now a stand-up comedian. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to turn one’s life around.
Costa’s early years were marked by challenges, including being bullied as a child. Seeking escape, he turned to alcohol and cigarettes at a young age, eventually spiraling into heavy drinking and substance abuse. At 36, he made a life-altering decision to break free from addiction and embarked on a journey of recovery.
With newfound sobriety, Costa embarked on a new chapter in his life. He became a successful franchise owner of a popular restaurant and ventured into motivational speaking. Embracing his creativity and productivity, Costa discovered a passion for running, participating in marathons and even completing the New York Marathon in 2011.
Throughout his life, Costa diligently kept a journal, which led him to join a writer’s group. In a remarkable span of nine weeks, he transformed his experiences into the memoir From Meth to Marathons, a candid account of his struggles and triumphs.
‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki’ is a seventy-minute show that takes audiences on Costa’s unique journey through life. From uproarious anecdotes about his upbringing to his dating escapades, Costa fearlessly exposes both his own flaws and those of his community and South Africa. His honesty, sharp wit, and cheekiness leave no one untouched, drawing parallels between communities and highlighting the shared human experience.
Costa’s ‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki’ offers a delightful blend of comedy, personal growth, and relatable storytelling. Through his unique perspective and infectious humor, Costa invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. Don’t miss this captivating and inspiring production that promises an evening of laughter, introspection, and a celebration of the Greek and South African spirit.
Please note that the show is rated PG and not suitable for audiences under 16 years old. The performances will be held from 12 to 16 July 2023, at the Theatre on the Square in Johannesburg. Tickets are priced at R170 and can be booked through Computicket, the official ticketing agent, or directly at the Theatre on the Square box office.
The 2023 Trophy Spirits Show With Convenor And Chairman Of The Judges Michael Fridjhon
The Trophy Spirits Show, presented by Investec, recently concluded its fifth edition with remarkable success. With an impressive number of entries and an array of high-quality beverages, the show celebrated the craft and skill of producers and distributors from around the globe.
The show received a total of 145 entries, representing 72 brands across 15 categories. Whisk(e)y dominated the submissions, with Scotland leading the way. However, South Africa and Ireland also made notable contributions. The gin categories displayed a fair spread of entries, while brandy, tequila, rum, vodka, aperitifs, and cream liqueurs added to the diverse selection of beverages on display.
The competition witnessed a thrilling contest between France and South Africa for the top brandy crown. While Martell emerged victorious, South Africa’s aged brandies secured gold medals in the pot-still brandy class, showcasing their legendary status.
The world of whisk(e)y boasted exceptional entries, with gold medal and trophy winners in categories such as malt, Irish pot-still, and blended Scotch. Renowned names in the whisky industry were honored on the winners’ podium, highlighting their contributions to the craft.
The Trophy Spirits Show attracted entries from around the world, including the USA, England, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean islands, the highlands of Scotland, the deserts of Mexico, and the villages of Cognac. This global representation demonstrated the reach and impact of the event. Among the submissions, more than fifty brandies, liqueurs, whiskies, and gins hailed from the Cape and Gauteng, further validating South Africa’s prowess in the spirits industry.
The show enlisted esteemed international judges, including George Harper and Jérôme Royer, who brought their expertise in whisky and brandy, respectively. Joining them was gin expert Jon Gray, marking his first appearance on the Trophy Spirits Show panel. These experts shared their insights alongside local judges and associates, all graduates of the esteemed spirits judging academy.
The culmination of the show brought forth an impressive display of accolades. Among the 145 submissions, there were 10 gold medals, 37 silvers, 39 bronzes, and 10 highly coveted trophies. This recognition highlighted the outstanding craftsmanship and innovation present within the spirits industry.
The Trophy Spirits Show 2023 was a celebration of the revitalized spirits industry and the passion of producers and distributors worldwide. The diverse range of entries, the competitive spirit, and the recognition of excellence reaffirmed the significance of this vibrant sector.
The Trophy and Gold Medal Winners Are:
Trophy for Best Cognac
Vinolok Trophy for Best Premium Spirit
Investec Trophy for Best Brandy of Show
Martell XO Cognac
Investec Trophy for Best Distilled Gin
Riedel Trophy for Best Gin of Show
Imagin Classic Gin
Investec Trophy for Best Malt Whisky
Investec Trophy for Best Whisky of Show
Aberlour Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 Years Old – Double Sherry Cask Finish
Investec Trophy for Best London Gin
Gordon’s Special London Dry Gin
Investec Trophy for Best Blended Whisky
Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 18 Years
Investec Trophy for Best Single Pot Still Whisky
Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Aged 12 Years
Investec Trophy for Best Pot-distilled Brandy
Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy Aged 12 Years
Investec Trophy for Best Grain Whisky
Bain’s Cape Mountain Single Grain Whisky
Investec Trophy for Best Rum of Show
Red Heart Original Imported Rum
Investec Trophy for Best Tequila of Show
Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Chichicapa
Gold Medal Winners
Aberlour A’Bunadh Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Aged 15 Years
Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky – American Barrel aged 7 Years
Beefeater London Dry Gin
Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac V.S.
Del Maguey Las Milpas (Tequila/Mezcal)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Years
The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Year Old
The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Year Old
For more information, visit The Trophy Spirits Show website.
New Beehive Project With Emira Property Fund Chief Operating Officer Ulana Van Biljon
Emira Property Fund, a JSE-listed company, is making waves beyond the stock exchange by championing an important cause: bees. Recognizing the decline in global bee populations and the crucial role bees play in pollinating plants, Emira has installed beehives at several of its properties in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal since 2020.
Bees are vital for pollinating food crops, with a third of global food production relying on their pollination efforts, as highlighted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. Unfortunately, bees face numerous threats from human activities, including habitat loss, pesticides, air pollution, and climate change. Emira’s bee conservation project takes a holistic approach to combat environmental degradation and protect these essential workers.
Emira strategically selected sites for beehive installation based on safe locations, surrounding biodiversity, and the availability of flowering plants that provide nectar for honey production. Knightsbridge office park and Hyde Park Lane were among the first properties to host beehives, followed by Wonderpark Shopping Centre, One Highveld industrial premises, Springfield open-air retail centre, Park Boulevard local shopping centre, Albury Park, and Epsom Downs Office Park.
Emira prioritizes safety by carefully considering hive placements away from heavy foot traffic. Signposts clearly indicate the presence of beehives, and beekeeping activities take place at night. The initiative has already yielded impressive results, with the bees producing 85kg of honey across multiple sites. The honey serves as a reminder to Emira staff and service providers of the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Each property’s honey exhibits a distinct flavor profile due to the bees’ collection of nectar within a 3km radius. Johannesburg honey features notes of exotic garden ornamental plants like jasmine, lavender, rosemary, and jacaranda trees, while Pretoria North honey carries hints of indigenous plants, acacias, and grassland flowers. Recipients of the honey have enjoyed the unique and delicious flavors.
Emira’s bee conservation project aligns with its commitment to good environmental, social, and governance practices. The company’s “No Net Future Loss” policy aims to conserve and promote biodiversity across its portfolio, reducing its environmental impact. Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in providing clean air and water, fertile soil, and food, and Emira recognizes their importance for the well-being of communities and the economy.
As the company continues to prioritize environmental stewardship, it sets an example for other real estate investment trusts and highlights the positive impact that businesses can make in safeguarding our planet’s natural resources.
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Jax Jones & Fireboy DML – Me & My Guitar
- Ava Max – My Head & My Heart
- Lana Del Rey – Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)
Get The Sandton Times Hour Playlist
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