Fidel Mbhele

Jealousy can make you nasty. Set for Robben Island, ferries at Cape Town’s Waterfront were loading passengers who had been able to fork out R1 250 to watch Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, on the island. For most Capetonians, watching the event on a big-screen television at a distant athletics stadium seemed the only option. The green grass on the pitch matched the envious mood, reprots Fidel Mbhele.

Dizu Plaatjies just got a new spring in his step. With a solo album released late last year, and a blow-away performance at the Oude Libertas auditorium last weekend, Plaatjies has been reinstated on the musical map, writes Fidel Mbhele.

Valentine’s Day always rings in the undeniable truth for many of us; that we are lonely, miserable creatures. Year after year the day brings no silly white teddy bears, heart-shaped chocolates, pointless arguments or breakfasts in bed. This year, however, things were different for me. I spent February 14 with a legend and she mothered me to tears, writes Fidel Mbhele of Thandi Klaasen.