The Life's Way: September 2023

Friday, 22 September 2023

My Road to 42 Years of Shree Hanuman Chalisa!

Hi Friends,

I always had a dream to do Shree Hanuman Chalisa for every day I am here living on Planet Earth. I got his idea long back and even printed the Excel sheets which was going toll 2,500 count and this remained with me for the last 14-15 years or so. So during lockdown when everyone was preparing Banana Cake and Coffees etc. I was devoted to this exercise of completing the Hanuman Chalisa for the years that I have lived here.

My Road to 42 Years of Shree Hanuman Chalisa!

I did one jap of Hanuman Chalisa for every day I am alive and the target was to complete this exercise before my 42nd birthday on 22 July 2022. This exercise was taken up as a thank you to Lord Bajrang Bali Ji for always blessing me in my life.

18 Years - 9 March 2021
19 Years - 14 March 2021
20 Years - 21 Mar 2021
21 Years - 23 Mar 2021
22 Years - 31 Mar 2021
23 Years - 7 Apr 2021
24 Years - 20 Apr 2021
25 Years - 30 Apr 2021
26 Years - 19 May 2021
27 Years - 09 June 2021
28 Years - 08 July 2021 - 10227
29 Years - 13 July 2021 - 10592
30 Years - 23 Aug 2021 - 10958
31 Years - 12 Oct 2021 - 11323
32 Years - 21 Dec 2021 - 11688
33 Years - 03 Jan 2022 - 12053
34 Years - 11 Jan 2022 - 12419
35 Years - 21 Jan 2022 - 12784
36 Years - 31 Jan 2022 - 13149
37 Years - 28 Feb 2022 - 13514
38 Years - 10 Mar 2022 - 13880
39 Years - 26 Mar 2022 - 14245
40 Years - 18 Apr 2022 - 14610
41 Years - 03 May 2022 - 14975
42 Years - 22 May 2022 - 15341

So finally I could finish it well ahead of my time I was thinking of completing this exercise by July 2022 but could do it a month before. I really felt grateful to the Lord Almighty for providing me with the power to do so.

I really felt grateful to Almighty Lord that I could complete my pending task that I promised and now I have completed the same as well. The strength given to me and the time spent in the devotion is really supreme. I felt divinely connected in my soul and I have lived the principles but some of them are totally missing inside me so maybe in future I will get some of them too.

I see that I have not captured the date for the previous counts of 18 Years as I didn't think that I would be writing this post. I also used to burn the pages so that they meet their makers once the page was full on the tracking diary from my friend and owner of Karnal Livestock Development Services (P) Ltd. in India. Our friendship also started when I gifted him a small purse version of Shree Hanuman Chalisa to tell him that he would soon come on the free seat and also join the Computer Engineering he wanted to do and that happened in less than a month or so after giving him the Chalisa. After that, he immediately invited me to his home and we became friends for life! Thanks to Lord Hanuman Ji! There are so many such stories that have happened in my life because of Lord Bajrang Bali ji where he was involved for sure. Will tell you the same as and when I could collect my thoughts around the same. Keep Praying! Keep Jap, Tap and Meditations going!

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h
Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!

Fujifilm GFX100 II Opens New Genres for Large Format Photography @Fujifilmx_za

Hi Guys,

The new flagship model delivers the highest burst-shooting, auto-focus and video performance in the history of the GFX Series. Three new GFX lenses were also added.

Fujifilm South Africa has announced the latest (and greatest) camera in the GFX lineup - the Fujifilm GFX100 II. This new flagship large format camera promises not only outstanding image quality due to its 102MP sensor but also improved shooting speed, auto-focus (AF) performance and video quality.

To start, the GFX100 II features the newly-developed GFX 102MP CMOS II HS high-speed image sensor consisting of 102 million pixels. At 43.8mm x 32.9mm in size it’s approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor. The mirrorless camera is powered by the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine, which in combination with the sensor provides double the signal readout speed compared to 2021’s Fujifilm GFX100S.

Fujifilm GFX100 II Opens New Genres for Large Format Photography @Fujifilmx_za

Improved speed and auto-focus

Thanks to this improved signal readout speed, the GFX100 II is capable of continuous shooting of up to 8.0 frames per second, up from 5.0 fps on the previous GFX model. With a reinforced buffer memory, it opens the GFX Series up to the field of sports photography. It does so without sacrificing the high definition and high image quality synonymous with the large format sensor.

However, the GFX100 II is also the first GFX Series mirrorless digital camera that features Fujifilm’s AI-based subject-detection AF, developed with Deep Learning technology. The use of an improved algorithm has evolved not only Face/Eye Auto Focus (AF) but now allows photographers to automatically track animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones. Once again, this benefits sports photography, which requires advanced tracking capability to track a subject that moves quickly within the frame.

And enhanced video performance

The GFX100 II is the first GFX model that supports 8K/30P video recording, plus it can also record 4K/60P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally and features F-Log2, broadening post-production flexibility. The GFX100 II’s range of video features allows videographers to explore completely new avenues due to the possibilities of the large format sensor in use.

The camera is further equipped with the best Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) on a Fujifilm camera yet - a high-magnification and high-definition 9.44-million-dot EVF with 1.0x magnification. It boasts a smooth refresh frame rate of approx. 120fps in Boost Mode to accurately identify a subject’s fast movements. Alternatively, the 3.2-inch Tilt-Type touchscreen monitor at the back can be used, consisting of approx. 2.36 million dots.

This while low light performance is improved thanks to the five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) now set to an impressive eight-stops - more than any other camera in the full Fujifilm lineup.

For those looking for even larger images, GFX users can use the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. This controls the IBIS mechanism to shift the image sensor by 0.5 pixels at a time and shoot 16 RAW images in quick succession, with the dedicated software combining these to generate a mouth-watering 400MP image.

Price and local availability

The Fujifilm GFX100 II large format mirrorless camera, with its improved speed, AF and video capabilities, is set to land in South Africa during October 2023, with a suggested retail price of R160 000 incl. VAT.

Three new GFX lenses also coming

Fujifilm has also committed three new lenses to the GFX lens lineup. Two new tilt-shift lenses, the Fujinon GF30mmF5.6 T/S and the Fujinon GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro, cater to the needs of professional photographers who want to explore composition and shooting positions in architecture, landscape and commercial photography. They do so by combining the tilt function of tiling their optical axis and the shift function of moving their optical axis, to alter how the optical axis relates to the imaging plane. The tilt-shift lenses are set to retail for a suggested R80 000 and R70 000 respectively.

Finally, the Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 R WR lens with its creamy bokeh characteristic and field-of-view close to that of human vision, allows for capturing genres ranging from day-to-day snapshots to full-fledged portraiture both indoors and outdoors. It comes with a suggested R45 000 retail price.

All the new Fujinon lenses are set to arrive in October 2023 in South Africa, alongside the Fujifilm GFX100 II large format camera.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h
Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!

Fujifilm’s Instax Pal Camera Makes Small Moments Feel Big #InstaxPal @Instax_ZA

Hi Guys,

The palm-sized camera takes photos at the moment, to be shared through the smartphone app or printed directly via Instax Link printers.

Fujifilm South Africa is introducing a new palm-sized Instax camera into the Instax range of cameras and printers. The Instax Pal is different, being the first Instax device specialising in only taking photos. With a weight of approx. 41g, this is a camera you can take anywhere and the one you want by your side when pulling out a smartphone will only spoil the moment.

With a sensor capable of capturing 4.9MP images, the Instax Pal comes with internal storage able to store 50 photos, while a microSD card can also be used. Images from the Instax Pal can be automatically transferred via Bluetooth to a smartphone using the free Instax Pal smartphone app, from where it can be shared to social media, complete with Instax frames.

Fujifilm’s Instax Pal Camera Makes Small Moments Feel Big #InstaxPal @Instax_ZA

Various ways to shoot

The Instax Pal features a variety of functions to facilitate different shooting situations. To start, the Standard mode allows a picture to be taken by pressing the shutter button at the back of the camera. This snaps regular pics or allows users to take advantage of the wide-angle lens to shoot selfies from an elevated position, using just one hand to capture a dynamic photo that incorporates more of the background.

The Remote mode connects the camera via Bluetooth to a smartphone installed with the Instax Pal app so that pictures can be checked on the smartphone as they are taken.

Finally, there’s the dynamic Interval mode that snaps photos continuously at a three-second interval, in sequences of 3, 6, 11 or 21. The app can then be used to create an Instax Animation that combines multiple images into a flipbook video. Friends can play this video by scanning the QR code printed on an Instax print.

Direct print to Instax printers

The Pal also connects to the Instax Link series of instant printers to print straight away, which allows the Pal to be used like other analogue cameras in the Instax range. Users can print on Instax Mini film (Instax Mini Link 2), Square film (Instax Square Link) or Wide film (Instax Link Wide).

Each Instax Pal camera comes with a Multifunction Ring Accessory that can be used as a safeguard strap to prevent accidentally dropping the Pal, or as a simplified viewfinder and a camera stand when shooting a group photo. There’s also a built-in speaker for customisable pre-shutter sounds, which can be recorded by users through the app.

The Instax Pal has a built-in lithium-ion battery that’s set to last for approximately 240 frames per charge. The battery is recharged via the USB Type-C terminal, with a cable included with the camera.

Release date and availability

The new Instax Pal’s release marks the 25th anniversary of Fujifilm’s instant photo system was launched in 1998. It will be coming to South Africa in five different colours - Lavender Blue, Powder Pink, Milky White, Gem Black and Pistachio Green.

For now, the Instax Pal’s local release date and retail price have not yet been confirmed, but fans should keep an eye on Instax’s local social media for updates.

I really love the way Instax keeps bringing this technology that's really nice and lovable to the core of it. For that, I will grant Instax and Fujifilm full marks. This Instax Pal is so cool and I am sure this thing is going to be hit once it reaches South African shores.

Thursday, 21 September 2023

New Year Resolutions - Week 30 Achievements & Failures in 2023 #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys,

This time on my birthday I was really happy and this is the first time in many years I have felt like that. This may be due to the divine blessing from Lord Shiva. This week was more about entertainment and watching a lot of movies and web series. I also attended some of the launch events as well.

1. Entertainment - I started the week by watching the movie Oppenheimer which is okay in terms of its storyline but to show the guy has learned from the Hindu culture they should not do the scene of a sexual nature with the Bhagwad Gita as it's similar to showing a sex scene with Bible or other religious scripture in the hands of someone. I am sure if the same was done using the Quran or something of that sort the whole of Hollywood would have burnt in the fire. This scene has no impact and could have been showcased in another way as well. I am not sure why this picture is creating waves as this is just a biographical story of a man by the end of which you don't feel inspired at all.

New Year Resolutions - Week 30 Achievements & Failures in 2023 #TheLifesWay

I also watched the Secret Invasion Season 1 on the Disney+ Streaming platform before my annual membership was finished. It stars Samuel L. Jackson and Emilia Clarke and the story will continue in the next season of the same as well. I think there are a lot of spin-offs of all the characters one by one be it Marvel or DC Comics world after the huge releases of Avengers etc. I don't find them interesting enough as they are not full-feature films which you look forward to.

I also watched The Night Manager (Hindi) Episodes 5-7 without watching the first 4 episodes with my wife on Disney+ Hotstar as well. Because the Disney+ platform still doesn't have play speed control on their app it takes extra time and effort to watch the series at 1x speed. I can't waste my time as some series are shown so slowly to extend their episodes that it's always better to watch them at 1.5x speed.

I also watched Rocky aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani movie and really loved the movie directed by Karan Johar. Thankfully Karan didn't put her several agenda angles and lectures in this movie as he did in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Though he did some old bollywood songs this time he did extended sets and dance sequences to go with it rather than the antakshari kind of sequences in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. I totally loved the story though the Dharmendra love story was on the top. Definitely worth watching.

I also watched Satyaprem ki Katha movie which is a little serious with the message that a woman has to take a stand and then her family also needs to support her to at least get justice. One-time watch for sure. Then I went on to watch Kandahar movie which is totally action based starring Gerald Butler and Ali Fazal. You already know what kind of movies are these as they are oriented around a story of recuse or escape with all the action built around it.

I also wasted time on a movie named One Friday Night starring Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman. This is a total waste movie and you should not watch it at all. There are plenty of things you can do by saving your time rather than watching this one.

2. Launch Events - Samsung launched their new foldable Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 in their new avatars on 26 Jul 2023. I have been a fan of foldable from the start and for many years using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 in my day-to-day life. I also used Galaxy Z Flip4 on my Mauritius trip and all the photographs and reels are using the same phone. Currently, I am also using Galaxy Z Flip5 as my daily device and the camera quality and big cover screen are really great. I can also watch YouTube on the cover screen as well now with the new Flip5. I also played a lot of games at Cracker Zac in The Zone Rosebank where the event was held. I also did the goodies review on my YouTube channel as well.

I also attended another event for Castrol New Can Design and 2 TikTok Influencers and this was the first event where there was Indian food for vegetarians. I really felt great to be attending the show and the goodies box I got from them now holds my fountain pens inks and other accessories.

Other than these two tasks I don't think I did anything else for the whole week. Yes being a salary day, it was good to get your one pay cheque for which you wait for the whole month. I have to break this cycle and with Lord Shiva's grace, I will be able to do so very soon. May Lord Shiva bless us all!

Ride into History: Uber celebrates Heritage with discounted rides to South Africa’s Iconic sites and Museums @Uber_RSA

Hi Guys,

As South Africa gears up for the much-anticipated Heritage Day, Uber is delighted to announce a special mobility activation that will allow South Africans and international visitors to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. From September 23rd to 30th, users will be able to enjoy discounted rides to some of the most iconic Heritage sites and museums in the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban.

September is a month of profound cultural significance, culminating in the nationwide celebration of Heritage Day on September 24th and Uber is thrilled to be a part of this celebration and to leverage the cultural momentum that surrounds it. During the activation period, everyone who would like to explore the history of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban will have the opportunity to enjoy discounted rides to some of these cities’ most iconic Heritage sites and museums:

Johannesburg: Constitution Hill, South African National Museum Of Military History, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Mandela's House, Apartheid Museum.
Pretoria: Union Buildings, Melrose House Museum, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum, Voortrekker Monument.
Durban: Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre, The Durban Central Post Office, House of Chief Albert Luthuli, The Old Durban Railway Station, KwaMuhle Museum.
Cape Town: Iziko Slave Lodge, Table Mountain, Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum, Robben Island.

"For over 10 years, local and international tourists have relied on Uber to enrich their sightseeing experience. We want to continue leveraging the power of our platform to connect them with South Africa’s history and culture. By making it easier and more affordable to visit these iconic sites, we hope to encourage exploration of the rich tapestry our country’s past and present has to offer,” said Kagiso Khaole, General Manager at Uber in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ride into History: Uber celebrates Heritage with discounted rides to South Africa’s Iconic sites and Museums @Uber_RSA

How does it work?

Open the app.
Enter the promotional code for the city you are in:
a. Johannesburg and Pretoria: HERITAGE1
b. Cape Town: HERITAGE2
c. Durban: HERITAGE3
Enter your destination among the selectable sites and museums in each city and enjoy two trips at 50% off.

Aum Namah Shivay!

ASUS South Africa Launches the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM Gaming Monitor in South Africa @ASUS_za

Hi Guys,

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) South Africa announced that the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM gaming monitor is now available in South Africa. The 27" QHD ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM features a blazing 240 Hz refresh rate, rapid 0.03ms (GTG) response time and better heat management for immersive gaming

27" QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate for competitive gaming with exceptional OLED visuals
This display features 17% higher peak brightness than previous ROG OLEDs, thanks to improved cooling
A highly efficient custom fanless heatsink silently manages heat and complements intelligent voltage optimization to reduce the risk of burn-in
An optional uniform brightness setting ensures consistent luminance levels, and DisplayWidget Center software helps users easily tweak system settings

Faster-than-fast game-changing displays

The ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM is the first ROG 1440p OLED gaming monitor with a superfast 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms response time. It comes with an anti-glare micro-texture coating to reduce reflections for a better viewing experience in all lighting conditions, and it offers 1,000 nits peak brightness.

The thermal design of the cooling system has been greatly improved to help reduce burn-in. It has a custom heatsink and a new internal layout to improve cooling. Internal airflow has been optimized and the top air vents are larger for improved heat dissipation. Heat is dissipated more evenly across the rear of the monitor. The average temperature is 5% lower compared to other 27-inch OLED gaming monitors, yet this panel has 17% higher peak brightness than the previous ROG OLED display.

ASUS South Africa Launches the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM Gaming Monitor in South Africa @ASUS_za

Intelligent voltage optimization ensures consistent luminance for each pixel by controlling the amount of voltage applied to it. ROG worked closely with the panel maker to determine the correlation between OLED brightness, voltage level, and operational temperature. A smart algorithm coded for the panel optimizes voltage based on temperature changes to ensure consistent brightness across the panel.

The ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM also comes with Uniform Brightness, which keeps the illuminance level even when white windows change dramatically. Plus, the new DisplayWidget Center software makes it easy to use a mouse to change system functions and OLED settings via an intuitive interface.

Incredible Connection Partnership

ASUS South Africa has partnered with retail powerhouse Incredible Connection for the highly anticipated launch of this premium monitor. It will be available at Incredible Connection Sandton on the 30th of September 2023 and at Incredible Connection Canal Walk on the 7th of October. The monitor will retail for R34999.

There is an exclusive treat for our early adopters! When you seize the moment and place your order between September 18th and September 29th, 2023, you'll unlock an extraordinary R3,000 cashback. Cashback Don't let this golden chance slip away to enhance your tech arsenal with ASUS and Incredible Connection!

Instore Promotion

ASUS South Africa will host a Forza 5 Mini Tournament at Incredible Connection Sandton on the 30th of September 2023 and Incredible Connection Canal Walk on the 7th of October where the top speedster will race away with a thrilling R3000 prize pool. Registrations are open Sandton and Canal Walk and close.

About ROG

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand formed in 2006, from a passionate collective within the ASUS R&D division. Their shared vision is to elevate gaming experiences, making them more potent and attainable for all. From that day forward, our unwavering dedication has propelled us to craft extraordinary gaming and enthusiast experiences, consistently pushing the boundaries for players worldwide.

Links

ASUS Cashback: https://promotion.asus.com/en/za/back-to-school-2023

Forza Instore Tournament Sandton: https://www.mettlestate.com/forza-frenzy/eo7wf4

Forza Instore Tournament Canal Walk: https://www.mettlestate.com/forza-frenzy/d797wl

ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM gaming monitor product page: https://rog.asus.com/za/monitors/27-to-31-5-inches/rog-swift-oled-pg27aqdm/

Telkom VS Gaming is Ready to Set the Stage for its League Finals @ComicConAfrica #ComicConAfrica

Hi Guys,

Telkom VS Gaming, the official gaming and connectivity partner of Comic Con Africa, is set to elevate the gaming experience where they will once again host the league finals between 22-25 September 2023.

Comic Con Africa promises an action-packed weekend where esports competitions, cosplay, artists, and gaming enthusiasts come together to celebrate pop culture and gaming.

Telkom remains committed to driving the local esports industry forward by providing improved spectator access, increased awareness, education, and a fun and rewarding environment for both professional and casual gaming enthusiasts. This year, Telkom will elevate the gaming experience for fans and participants alike in the gaming hall where attendees will witness the Telkom VS Gaming Masters, the Telkom VS Gaming Championships, eDiski and High School eSport League (HSEL) finals.

Throughout the year VS Gaming runs various online leagues for various gaming titles and those competing in this year’s finals stand to win their share of R615000. Fans can expect an exciting line-up of esports tournaments at Comic Con Africa 2023:

VS Gaming Masters Season 8 Finals

In 2022, the quest to find the VS Masters Final Champion took place over four days with the grand finals keeping fans at the edge of their seats as Nixuh was crowned the VS Masters Champions for 2022. The VS Gaming Masters Finals at Comic Con Africa will see a total of 40 players across eight teams, namely Bravado Gaming, Nibble, Royalty Esports, Goliath Gaming, VYBN Esports, Nixuh, GFX MuscleMen and KitsuneZA compete for this season's Masters champion.

VS Gaming Championship Season 3 Finals

The 2022 VS Gaming Championship Grand finals saw more challengers rising through the ranks with more attention being placed on the league. In a game of best of 7, White Rabbit Gaming went up against ACES where they claimed the title of Telkom VS Champions after three consecutive overtimes with a final score of 4-0 to White Rabbit Gaming. This year, the VS Gaming Championship finals will see eight teams, namely Water, Bird, White Rabbit Gaming, Monarch Realm, Unity Esports, Team Fusion, Reformed and Red for this season's Championship champion title.

Telkom VS Gaming is ready to set the stage for its league finals @ComicConAfrica #ComicConAfrica

eDiski Season 6 Finals

Previous qualifier events took place online and were open to the public to enter, however, this year will witness eight players go neck-and-neck to claim their spot in the grand finals to be crowned the eDiski champion. The finals will showcase the talents of the following eight individuals: Zaid, Cassim, Yvng Savage, NansTwoTeth, BOBO, Baller3456, Deevak2309, and Zaheero.

High School Esports League (CS:GO) Season 6 Finals

The first-ever season of the CS:GO High School Esports League saw Paul Roos Gymnasium team dominate the season from beginning to end. However, in 2022, gaming fans got to witness Parklands Collage go up against Rondebosch at Comic Con Africa, which saw Parklands being crowned the VS High School CS:GO champions. This year, the top 2 schools, Hoërskool Waterkloof and the returning champion Parklands College from the online portion of the season will contend for 1st and 2nd place to be crowned the next VS High School CS:GO champions.

High School Esports League (Rocket League) Season 3 Finals

The first season of the Rocket League High School esports league saw Curro Hazeldean take the title. Last year, Paul Roos dominated and was ultimately named the HSEL Rocket League Champions. During the Rocket League High School finals, the top 2 schools, Hoërskool Waterkloof and Hoërskool Oos-Moot from the online portion of the season will contend for 1st and 2nd place.

The VS Gaming leagues offer significant prize pools and showcase the best talent in South African esports. These tournaments will feature intense matches, skilled players, and thrilling gameplay that spectators won't want to miss. For those unable to attend the Finals action live at Comic Con Africa, you will not miss out as all the Telkom VS Gaming tournaments finals will be available to stream via the Telkom VS Gaming YouTube channel, giving viewers the experience and excitement to cheer for their favourite teams as they compete for victory.

Telkom VS Gaming remains committed to fostering a dynamic gaming community and providing an environment that brings gaming to life in new and exciting ways. The Telkom Next Gen Village at Comic Con Africa will be a hub of activity, offering fans the chance to interact with their favourite gamers, comic creators, cosplay icons, and even celebrities from films and series.

Mark your calendars for Telkom VS Gaming League Finals at this year’s Comic Con Africa and gather your friends and family for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a casual gamer, a hardcore enthusiast, or just love all things gaming and pop culture, the Telkom Next Gen Village has something exciting in store for everyone. For more information on the Telkom Next Gen Village at Comic Con Africa, visit Instagram or Twitter.

Standard Bank Private and WineX Present SA's Most Vibrant Wine Festival @SBWineX

Hi Guys,

Standard Bank Private announce its role as title sponsor of the renowned WineX annual wine festival in Johannesburg. Visitors can look forward to three nights of wine tastings and interactions with award-winning winemakers as the best of the Cape comes to Jozi for the biggest and most vibrant wine event in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival aims to create new stories and great memories with like-minded wine enthusiasts.

“As the title sponsor, we’re delighted to work with WineX to make the festival memorable for producers and consumers. This new partnership is an opportunity for Standard Bank Private to contribute to the legacy of a growing wine appreciation culture in SA,” says Bridgette Kruger, Head of Private Bank Clients at Standard Bank. “The event has always been a major highlight on the South African wine event calendar and acts as an invaluable platform to showcase some of the country's best wines. At Standard Bank Private, we believe there’s a story in every glass and relationships forged from the many beautifully crafted wines of South Africa.”

Standard Bank Private and WineX Present SA's Most Vibrant Wine Festival @SBWineX

What visitors can expect

The story of WineX is as rich as the culture it preserves. It began almost 50 years ago and now attracts a wine-savvy crowd of up to 10,000 attendees in Gauteng and hosts regional shows across the country.

At the festival, visitors can sample wines, champagnes, Cap Classiques, ports and pot-still brandies from over 150 exhibitors; the who’s who of the South African wine scene. Additionally, there will be speciality meats, olives, cheese, and chocolates, and an opportunity for wine lovers to pause between tasting to enjoy a light meal or a wholesome snack. The line-up includes over 800 wines, most of which are from the Cape, together with a selection of international wines and champagnes.

Making the most of simple pleasures

“With interest rate hikes, petrol increases, and the ongoing power crisis, we understand that consumers have weathered multiple social and economic storms this year. Now, it’s time to have something to look forward to. WineX promises three nights of laid-back mingling and extraordinary taste sensations. During turbulent times, when everyone is trying to keep up with day-to-day demands, it’s important to take a moment to pursue our passions and make new connections over a shared interest,” says Lindy-Lou Alexander, Head of Marketing for Personal and Private Banking South Africa at Standard Bank.

WineX Show Director Michael Fridjhon is delighted with the new relationship, which brings together South Africa’s iconic wine show and Africa’s best Private Bank. “The commitment from Standard Bank Private to partner with our wine producers and to provide our wine industry with a platform to engage with consumers around one of the country's best and biggest exports is just the news we need to raise our spirits,” he said. “The wine industry is very much a national flag-bearer. It brings the message of Cape craft to wine enthusiasts around the globe and is a powerful magnet attracting tourists from Europe, Asia, and the Americas to the world’s most beautiful Winelands.”

Promoting the growth of the industry through skills development

Recognising the importance of skills development in the hospitality sector, Standard Bank Private, together with WineX, will sponsor a specialised training course − aimed at transforming servers in the industry into proficient wine waiters or sommeliers – with the Cape Wine Academy. Through this investment, Standard Bank Private aims to promote inclusivity within the local wine industry, ensuring that more individuals can elevate their careers and contribute to the rich tapestry of Africa's wine and culinary scene.

To make even more vinous discoveries, consumers are encouraged to join the Standard Bank UCount Wine of the Month Club, where local aficionados select the best South African wines at affordable prices. Reward members can shop online at Wine of the Month Club using their personal credit or cheque card to earn 2% back in reward points. To find out more, visit ucount.standardbank.co.za.

To find out more about WineX and to book your tickets, visit winex.co.za. Tickets will be available from 15 September.

This Long Weekend @ComicConAfrica Brings you a MASSIVE Gaming Experience #ComicConAfrica

Hi Guys,

In recent years, the gaming scene in Africa has seen remarkable growth, and is expected to grow by roughly 12% between 2018 and 2028* - this trend is realising each year at Comic Con Africa’s gaming experience. This long weekend, gaming enthusiasts from all walks of life will converge at Comic Con Africa where the worlds of gaming and pop culture will collide in spectacular fashion.

This is what gamers can expect from the Comic Con Africa gaming experience:

The Toyota Gaming Engine (TTGE) and Nintendo Partner Up!

The Toyota Gaming Engine is home to all Toyota esports action from South Africa, the world and beyond. For Comic Con Africa this weekend, TTGE has partnered with Nintendo to bring attendees an immersive Mario Kart experience and a chance to win a trip to Chicago for C2E2.

More than the partnership, Nintendo will also have the biggest Nintendo title of the year, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, playable on their stand at Comic Con Africa before its official release next month!

Telkom VS Gaming Next-Gen Gaming Village

This exciting partnership between Telkom VS Gaming and Comic Con Africa promises an unforgettable blend of gaming and pop culture for Comic-Con enthusiasts. Whether you're a dedicated gamer or a casual fan, this area on the gaming floor offers a unique opportunity to join like-minded individuals in a legendary gathering.

The Telkom VS Gaming Next-Gen Village offers fans the opportunity to win exciting prizes and get the opportunity to meet renowned South African gamers such as Okay Wasabi, Sibu Mpanza, Julia "Bish" Robson, and Pippa Tshabalala.

Throughout the year, VS Gaming runs online leagues for various gaming titles and those competing in this year’s finals, which is hosted at Comic Con Africa, stand to win their share of over R600 000. Fans can expect an exciting line-up of esports tournaments at Comic Con Africa 2023, including the VS Gaming Masters and other of South Africa's top esports leagues.

Fans can also participate in thrilling challenges, showcase their gaming skills, and explore epic loot while enjoying a cutting-edge gaming experience with state-of-the-art setups and technology.

This Long Weekend @ComicConAfrica Brings you a MASSIVE Gaming Experience #ComicConAfrica

Doritos Crunch Cup, powered by Comic Con Africa

The Doritos Crunch Cup, in partnership with Comic Con Africa, is back in Johannesburg for its third iteration which will see gamers of all levels go head-to-head for cash prizes this long weekend. This section of the con floor boasts free-to-play tournaments each day for a different game. With a wide array of genres that fans can compete in, the titles are:

Friday, 22 September – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II,
Saturday, 23 September – FIFA 23,
Sunday, 24 September – Street Fighter 6, and
Monday, 25 September (public holiday) – Fortnite

To participate in the Doritos Crunch Cup, players can simply register on-site at Comic Con Africa starting from 9:00 AM at the Doritos Crunch Zone in Hall 5 on the morning they wish to compete. Beyond the mainline daily tournaments, the Doritos Crunch Cup provides festivalgoers with a unique opportunity to "Beat the Pro" each day. This feature allows fans to showcase their skills against a professional player in each title, with the chance to win R1000 if they emerge victorious in the head-to-head battle.

Red Bull

Red Bull will be hosting a leg of the Red Bull Campus Clutch, an open tournament exclusively for college and university students across the world, in the popular game Valorant – a team-based 5 vs. 5 shooters, where communication and teamwork are essential.

Comic Con Africa will host the Red Bull Campus Clutch national finals, with the winner being sent to compete internationally at the global finals against teams from around the world, which takes place in Istanbul, Turkey.

Carry1st Valorant Tournament

Following Riot Games’ announcement of Valorant servers coming to South Africa, The Carry1st Valorant Tournament also promises thrilling gameplay. Carry1st will host Valorant in-person activations at Comic Con this long weekend. During the event, players can learn about Valorant, participate in tournaments, and win exclusive giveaways.

Get info on some of the latest and upcoming games

In addition to Nintendo offering fans the opportunity to experience Super Mario Bros. Wonder, fans can also expect an activation from the recently released Mortal Kombat 1 as well as an exclusive preview of the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Mirage - presented by GLITCHED.

School gaming is serious gaming!

RGB Gaming will also attend Comic Con Africa, a proud sponsor of the initiative, and will bring daily school tournaments to the gaming hall across titles such as Minecraft, Splatoon, Apex Legends, and FIFA. This area of the show floor is proud to welcome 30 primary schools and 10 university teams; be sure not to miss this electrifying clash of young talents and future gaming legends as they showcase their skills on the big stage.

Fans at the show will also be able to experience a variety of tech, gaming products, and peripherals from KooDoo, as well as other vendors.

Coming this long weekend at Nasrec, Comic Con Africa 2023 is shaping up to be a not-to-be-missed festival, Saturday General Access tickets and Four Day Passes are already sold out and will not be available at the gate. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets for R200 through Howler here: https://bit.ly/CCA2023_tickets

* A reminder from the organisers that only tickets purchased from Howler will grant admission to the festival. The organisers wish to remind fans that the authenticity of tickets purchased from a third party cannot be guaranteed. The only source of official tickets from the organisers are found on Howler.

** Please note that all programming is subject to change without notice.