Launch of Heartbreaker - The Life of Christian Barnard

Heartbreaker

Christian Barnard and the first heart transplant

Wednesday 6th December at 12 noon for 12h30

at The Pavilion, Kelvin Grove

The launch of Heartbreaker: Christiaan Barnard and the first heart transplant in the week of the 50th Anniversary of the First Human Heart Transplant was an exciting affair.

Author James Styan did extensive research in writing this book. There are many unknown facts about Heart Surgeon Christiaan Barnard which the author has uncovered that will warm your heart and some that will surprise you.  An outstanding speaker. 

The Book

In this new biography of Chris Barnard we not only learn about the life of South Africa’s most famous surgeon, from his Beaufort West childhood through his studies locally and abroad to his prominent marriages – and divorces – but James Styan also examines the impact of the historic heart transplant on Barnard’s personal life and South African society at large, where apartheid legislation often made the difficulties of medicine even more convoluted.

The role of black medical staff like Hamilton Naki is explored, as is the intense rivalry that arose between other famous heart surgeons and Barnard. How did Barnard manage to beat them all in this race of life and death? How much did his famous charisma have to do with it all?

In the light of his later years, his subsequent successes and considerable failures, what is Barnard’s legacy today?

Styan covers it all in this fascinating new account of a real heartbreaker.

A two-course lunch with wine was served.

For more information telephone Sandy on 021 685 8071 or email sandybailey@telkomsa.net

           

                                                                                                            

Jaques Pauw's Explosive Best Seller - November 2017

                                                                   

Buitenverwachting Restaurant

 Wednesday 22 November at 12 noon for 12h30

Guest Speaker Jacques Pauw spoke to us about his explosive book The President’s Keepers.

Journalist and author he was a founder member of the anti-apartheid Afrikaans newspaper Vrye Weekblad in the late 1980s, where he exposed the Vlakplaas police death squads. He worked for some of the country’s most esteemed publications before becoming a documentary filmmaker, producing documentaries on wars and conflicts in Rwanda, Burundi, Algeria, Liberia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, among other countries.

When he left journalism in 2014, he was the head of investigations at Media24 newspapers. He has won the CNN African Journalist of the Year Award twice, the Daniel Pearl Award for Outstanding International Investigative Reporting in the US, Italy’s Ilaria Alpi and the Nat Nakasa award for bravery and integrity in journalism. He is the author of five books: four non-fiction and one fiction. They are In the Heart of Whore, Into the Heart of Darkness, Dances with Devils, Rat Roads and Little Ice Cream Boy. Three of his books have been shortlisted for major literary awards.

The Book

Investigative journalist Jacques Pauw exposes the darkest secret at the heart of Jacob Zuma’s compromised government: a cancerous cabal that eliminates the president’s enemies and purges the law-enforcement agencies of good men and women. 

As Zuma fights for his political life following the 2017 Gupta emails leak, this cabal – the president’s keepers – ensures that after years of ruinous rule, he remains in power and out of prison. But is Zuma the puppet master, or their puppet?

Journey with Pauw as he explores the shadow mafia state. From KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape to the corridors of power in Pretoria and Johannesburg – and even to clandestine meetings in Russia. It’s a trail of lies and spies, cronies, cash and kingmakers as Pauw prises open the web of deceit that surrounds the fourth president of the democratic era.

Chef Patron Edgar Osojnik created a delicious menu which was accompanied by Buitenverwachting’s elegant and award-winning wines. 

Please telephone Sandy on 021 685 8016 for more information.  

‘An amazing piece of work, stuffed with anecdote and evidence. It will light fires all through the state and the ANC.’ Peter Bruce

‘This is dynamite. Dynamite that will shake the foundations of the halls of power.’ Max du Preez

Art Historian Anna Tietze - A History of The Iziko South African National Gallery

The All New

Is delighted to host guest speaker Anna Tietze

on

Thursday 12 October at 12 noon for 12h30

Anna Tietze, a cultural and art historian at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town has had extensive curatorial experience with the Iziko South African National Gallery. 
She has authored A HISTORY OF THE IZIKO SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL GALLERY – Reflections on Art and National Identity. It is a scholarly work which could have been as dry as the dust behind long hanging old pictures, but it is not. 

It is written in plain English and brings to life the arguments and battles over what should and shouldn’t be exhibited.

A History of the Iziko South African National Gallery it considers questions of artistic and cultural identity, from the late 19th century to the present day. It is a valuable book because to date, there has been no large-scale historical inquiry into the Iziko Museums. The absence of such a history is a serious gap in the literature, which this study aims to fill.

It’s not only historically important but is a beautiful book, black and white and full-colour images abound. 

The cover seen here is an illustration by Mary Sibande; The Reign (2010) 

from the Iziko South African National Gallery.

Chef Patron Edgar Osojnik has created a delicious menu:

Amuse Bouche

Norwegian Salmon Tartar

cauliflower – crème fraîche espuma, rye-almond crisp, egg yolk, deep fried caper

Main Course

Roasted Pork Belly with Crackling, own Sauce

potato-butternut puff pastry, tarragon vinegar glazed vegetables,

caramelized apple-horseradish puree

Dessert

Lemongrass Ice Cream

crispy banana ravioli, spiced pineapple, passion fruit

Filter Coffee and Truffles

Accompanied by Buitenverwachting Wines

The price per person is R375 fully inclusive. Here it has to be said that it is not bottomless wine, a glass on arrival and a glass with your meal is the order of the day. One is welcome to buy more.

There is limited seating at the new Buitenverwachting Restaurant so please book early, book by email sandybailey@telkomsa.net or by telephoning 021 685 8016. When booking please mention any allergies or special dietary requirements.

Dean Allen at Buitenverwachting Restaurant

Buitenverwachting – Thursday 7 September at 12 noon

Guest Speaker Dr Dean Allen - Author/Lecturer/Historian

Exciting news;   the newly re-opened Buitenverwachting Restaurant has had a complete makeover.  It looks absolutely fabulous!  Chef Patron Edgar Osojnik has prepared a special menu for the launch.  He has even invited his favourite speaker, Dr Dean Allen to be the guest speaker at this luncheon.

 Dr Dean Allen

Dean is originally from Somerset in England, he is a Senior Academic at Bournemouth University in the UK and a Research Associate of Stellenbosch University in South Africa.  He has published widely on the history and politics of sport and society throughout the British Empire, most notably South Africa.  Dean is a popular guest lecturer and speaker and has presented motivational talks and keynote papers around the world. His topic for us:

Empire, War and Cricket in South Africa: Logan of Matjiesfontein

It was during research for his Masters Degree (that focused on Sport during the Anglo-Boer War) the Dean first visited Matjiesfontein and a fascination for the history of cricket and this region led to a PhD and later to his book Empire, War and Cricket in South Africa.  It is a truly amazing story that has had many British and South African audiences enthralled. 

Menu

Amuse Bouche

Marinated Calamari Salad with Chermoula

Main Course

Lamb Fillet – Roasted Balsamico Onion Crepinette, own Sauce,

Red pepper potato mousseline, crispy provencal cube

Dessert

Iced Amarula Zabaione

Chocolate tart with an assortment of oranges

Filter Coffee & Friandises

The price per person is R375 fully inclusive of service and the elegant Buitenverwachting wines which will accompany the lunch.  

Contact Sandy on 021 685 8016 or by email for more information or to book. 

More on the Guptas - Pieter-Louis Myburgh

Pieter-Louis Myburgh will be the Guest Speaker

at a Luncheon on Monday 14^th August

The Pavilion – Kelvin Grove

Guest speaker Pieter-Louis Myburgh is up to date on the Guptas and he will be happy to answer questions.

He is an award-winning investigative journalist. His series of exposés on a multibillion-rand contract for new locomotives at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) earned him several accolades, including South Africa’s prestigious Taco Kuiper Award for investigative journalism. After completing his BPhil (honours) in journalism at Stellenbosch University, Myburgh cut his teeth as a general reporter at Beeld newspaper in Johannesburg. He found his feet as an investigative journalist at the Afrikaans weekly newspaper Rapport before moving to News24, where he still exposes the mechanics of dodgy deals and crooked cronies.

The Republic of Gupta investigates what the Gupta brothers were up to during Thabo Mbeki’s presidency and how they got into the inner circle of President Jacob Zuma. It shines new light on their controversial ventures in computers, cricket, newspapers and TV news, and coal and uranium mining. And it explores their exposure by public protector Thuli Madonsela, their conflict with finance minister Pravin Gordhan, and the real reasons behind the cabinet reshuffle of March 2017.

Pieter-Louis Myburgh delves deeper than ever before into the Guptas’ business dealings and their links to prominent South African politicians and explains how one family managed to transform an entire country into the Republic of Gupta.

The venue is the lovely Pavilion room set amongst the trees with a beautiful view of the mountain.  The menu is as follows:

Starter

Butternut and Feta Tartlet

Main

Grilled Fish served with Warm Tomato and Green Olive Salsa

 served with new Potatoes

Vegetarian

Sweet and Sour Stir Fried Vegetables with Pineapple and Cashew nuts.

Filter Coffee/Tea

The price of R300 includes wines and service. For more information or to book please contact Sandy per email or telephone 021 685 8016.

Launching Dr Jakkie Cilliers FATE of the NATION

Launching

Judith February will interview author Jakkie Cilliers

Three Possible Futures for South Africa

Date                 Thursday 3 August

Time                6 p.m.

Venue              Buitenverwachting’s Wine Tasting Room

August is a month that is going to go down as an important one for South Africa. We are fortunate in that before the momentous impeachment vote in Parliament on the 8^th August we are going to be able to hear an interview of Jakkie Cilliers by Judith February at the launch of his book Fate of the Nation.  

This will take place in the historic Wine Tasting Room at Buitenverwachting we will quaff some wine and a light meal of delicious breads with Adrienne Kirchbaum’s delicious home-made soup to feed the inner person.

THE BOOK

Incisive, bold and sobering. A revealing forecast and a call to action – CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

What does our future hold? Will the ANC split within the next five years? Could the DA rule the country in 2024? Will the EFF form an alliance with the ANC? What should we do to make our economy grow at levels that will impact on poverty and inequality? Will we become a more tolerant or a more violent society?

In Fate of the Nation scenario expert, Jakkie Cilliers answers all these and many other questions. He has developed three detailed scenarios for our immediate future and beyond – Bafana Bafana; Nation Divided and Mandela Magic.

According to Cilliers, the ANC is in many ways paralysed by the power struggle between what he calls the Traditionalists (supporters of Jacob Zuma) and the Reformers (led by Cyril Ramaphosa and others). This power struggle leads to policy confusion, poor leadership and general ineptitude in the civil service.

Key to which scenario will become our reality is who will be elected to the ANC’s top leadership at their national conference in December 2017. Whichever group wins will determine what our future holds. We could also see a compromise grouping being selected Cilliers says, in which case the Bafana Bafana scenario – where we simply muddle along as a country – is the strongest

possibility.

A book for all concerned South Africans.

Jakkie Cilliers

 THE AUTHOR

JAKKIE CILLIERS is a well‐known political and Africa analyst and commentator. He was the executive director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) for many years and currently serves as chairman of the board of trustees. Cilliers has written and published several dozen books, monographs and papers.

He is an Extraordinary Professor at the Centre of Human Rights and the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. His current interests relate to issues around South Africa and Africa’s long‐term future.

Judith February

THE INTERVIEWER

JUDITH FEBRUARY describes herself on twitter as ‘governance specialist, lapsed lawyer, columnist, lover of words, latte drinker, fellow traveller, Classicist & cricket fan.’

Judith was previously executive director of the HSRC’s Democracy and Governance unit and also head of the Idasa’s South African Governance programme for 12 years. Presently she is the Senior Research Associate of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Cape Town.

She studied law at the UCT where she obtained her BA [Law] and her LLB degrees in 1991 and 1993 respectively. She was then admitted as an attorney in 1996 and practised law in Cape Town until 2000. In 2000 she obtained her LLM in Commercial Law also from the UCT.

For more information email sandybailey@telkomsa.net or telephone 021 685 8016.

An Epic Row - A delicious lunch - Cape to Rio

                                                                    

Guest Speaker Wayne Robertson will share his Amazing Journey

at

Luncheon at the Palmyra Room, Kelvin Grove, Cape Town

Thursday 20 July 2017

Courageous duo Wayne Robertson and Braam Malherbe achieved an epic world first by rowing approximately 8100 km's from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro Yacht Club. They rowed in a small vessel Mhondoro and they arrived at their destination on the 9 May 2017 after spending 92 days at sea.

Wayne will be sharing his journey with us and also be showing us slides of this epic journey.

The challenge was undertaken to publicise Braam Malherbe’s Foundation the DOT Challenge, which stands for Do 1 Thing, it is a challenge that encourages one to make simple lifestyle changes, known as DOTs, which have a positive impact on our environment.  For more information www.thedotfoundation.org 

Besides the obvious physical and mental challenges of every long expedition, the extraordinariness of their mission includes an extremely perilous crossing in the unpredictable and variable weather conditions of the Southern Atlantic ocean; having to avoid countless collisions with ships or underwater vessels which happen to cross the Atlantic on a similar route and of course the possibility of encountering whales. This entailed being on constant and vigilant alert, each of them taking turns to row continuously in two- hour shifts to ensure a safe crossing.

More extraordinary however is that this challenge was entirely unassisted and unsupported. There was not a single rescue boat following them or in contact with them at all and in an emergency, the closest ship would be their only source of help- which could be days away.

A delicious lunch will be served in The Palmyra Room which has its own private balcony overlooking the fountain and Kelvin’s immaculate gardens.

Starter:

Butternut Cream Soup

Main:

Moroccan Chicken with Apricots and Toasted Almonds

Vegetarian:

Sweet and Sour Stir-Fried Vegetables with Pineapple and Cashew nuts

Filter Coffee /Tea

Accompnaied by Kelvin Grove Wines

To book or for more information  sandybailey@telkomsa.net or telephone 021 685 8016.