Green Fest 2010

Visit our Green Fest website or Facebook page for more information about this green event that will take place on the 12th and 13th of November 2010 at the Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein.
Green Fest Facebook page
Green Fest Website

This festival will be a great way to learn how to live more green and how to look after our environment.
Hope to see you there!!

Happy birthday Lebone!

DETEA sponsor trees as Launch of Green Fest 2010

Leon Barkhuizen (Environmental specialist & consultant of Department Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs as well as representative of WESSA) handing over a tree to Annemarie Cronje (Z2A Village) . DETEA sponsored all the trees that was given as gifts at the Launch of the Green Fest on 1 September.

Louwna Erasmus from Krant receives a tree from Annemarie Cronje (Z2A Village).

From left: Elmarie Fitzmaurice (Environmental consultant from Windmill casino), Bets Bonthuyzen (Z2A Village), Annemarie Cronje (Z2A Village) and Louwna Erasmus (Krant)

GREEN FEST 2010 LAUNCH

On the 1st of September 2010, the Z2A Village launched the Green fest at the Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein.
For more information you can visit http://www.groenfees.co.za/ or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=145661378806416&ref=mf#!/pages/Green-Fest-2010/146504428711737

SPRING DAY and CASUAL DAY!

Please visit http://www.casualday.co.za/getinvolved.htm for more information on what Casual Day is and how you can participate on Friday 3 September!


DELICIOUS DISHES FOR SPRING!!!

1. Spicy Lamb Kebabs with Baby Golden and Red Beetroot
The delightful blend of cumin and paprika gives a spicy kick
to this quick and easy dish.
BY Dixie Elliott
Aug 18, 2010
Serves 4
12 pre-soaked bamboo skewers
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp sea salt flakes
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp smoky paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
850g lamb leg steaks, cut into 2cm pieces
1 cup hummus
½ cup Greek-style yoghurt
24 stuffed green olives
1 bunch small yellow beetroot, trimmed, peeled, halved lengthways
1 bunch small red beetroot, trimmed, peeled, halved lengthways
olive oil cooking spray
½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, optional

1 Combine cumin, salt, coriander, paprika, oregano and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add lamb and toss until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Combine hummus and yoghurt in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until required.

2 Thread 2 cubes of lamb, an olive, 2 cubes of lamb, an olive and lastly 1 cube of lamb onto each skewer. Set aside on a large plate.

3 Preheat oven to 200˚C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place beetroot on tray. Spray with olive oil. Bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a bowl; add parsley. Toss until well combined. Heat a chargrill or frying 
pan over medium high heat. Spray skewers with olive oil. Cook skewers for 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Serve kebabs with beetroot 
and dressing.

2. Beef Empanadas
BY Dixie Elliott
Aug 18, 2010
Makes 8
1 tbsp olive oil
750g chuck steak, cut into 2cm pieces
1 brown onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp plain flour
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp sweet paprika
1½ cups beef stock
4 sheets frozen ready rolled shortcrust
pastry, partially thawed
8 large green olives, sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, cut into wedges
1 egg, whisked
340g jar fire-roasted marinated red
capsicum strips, drained

1 Heat oil in a heavy-based heatproof casserole or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ⅓ of the beef and cook for 4 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining portions, in batches. Add onion to pan and cook for 3 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle flour, cumin and paprika over onion and stir until well combined. Slowly add beef stock, stirring constantly until well combined and mixture comes to the boil. Return beef to casserole. Reduce heat to low, partially covered and simmer for 1½ hours or until meat is very tender. Season with salt 
and pepper. Cool.

2 Preheat oven to 200˚C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut each pastry sheet into two 14cm rounds. Spoon ¼ cup beef mixture into the centre of each pastry round. Top with olives and egg. Press edges together to seal and form a frill along the top. Transfer to baking tray. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

3 Place capsicum in a food processor and process until a smooth, thick sauce forms. Spoon sauce into small bowls 
and serve with empanadas.

3. Berry Crumbles

If you're prone to eating fresh raspberries straight out of
the punnet before they make it into a recipe, then consider
using frozen berries for Stephanie Alexander's
easy mini berry crumble.
BY Stephanie Alexander
Nov 25, 2009
Serves 4
50g unsalted butter
400g raspberries (or mulberries 
or blackberries or a mixture)
⅓ cup caster sugar
double or clotted cream, to serve
CRUMBLE TOPPING:
⅓ cup soft brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
60g unsalted butter, chopped
⅔ cup plain flour

1 Preheat oven to 200C.

2 To make the crumble topping, mix sugar, baking powder and ginger in a bowl. In another bowl, crumble butter into flour with your fingertips to make pea-sized pieces, then toss flour mixture with sugar mixture. Set aside.

3 Use some of the butter to grease four 125ml gratin dishes. Divide berries among dishes. Press them down lightly with the back of a spoon. Scatter over sugar. Spoon over crumble topping; it should be no more than 1cm deep (any extra crumble topping can be put into a suitable container, labelled and frozen, ready for a crumble some other day). Divide remaining butter into small pieces and dot over top of crumbles. Set dishes on a baking tray with a lip to catch any overflowing juices.

4 Bake crumbles for 15 minutes or until topping is golden and berry juices are bubbling through. Leave crumbles to cool for several minutes before serving with spoonfuls of double or clotted cream.
4. Prawn and Cucumber Rolls with Aioli

Here's a light and tasty lunch to mark the start of Spring.
BY Dixie Elliott
Nov 25, 2009
Serves 4
2 egg yolks
1 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
½ cup olive oil
1 tbsp dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
4 sourdough bread rolls, split
4 butter lettuce leaves
1 cucumber, shredded or thinly sliced
20 large cooked prawns, peeled

Put egg yolks and capers into a small food processor and process for 30 seconds or until well combined. With processor motor running, slowly add oil in a steady steam until a thick creamy sauce forms. Add dill and lemon juice. Process until aioli is well combined. If too thick, add warm water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency. Put lettuce leaves on base of roll. Top with cucumber, prawns and aioli. Top with bread roll tops. Serve.

5. Fruit Salad with Lemongrass Maple Dressing
BY Dixie Elliott
Nov 25, 2009
Serves 4
¼ cup maple syrup
2 stalks lemongrass, finely sliced
3 kaffir lime leaves
1 rockmelon, peeled and chopped
1 red papaya, peeled and chopped
200g seedless green grapes
2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
1 Heat the maple syrup and 2 tbsp water in a pan, add the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Bring to boil, remove from heat and allow to cool.

2 Put the rockmelon, papaya, grapes and kiwifruit into a serving bowl. Pour over the cooled syrup and serve.

For more visit http://www.mindfood.com/ac-in-season-spring-recipes-food.seo

Happy birthday Madiba!

Hundreds of thousands of people in South Africa and around the world are preparing Friday to honour former president Nelson Mandela on his 92nd birthday at the weekend by devoting time to helping others.
Former South African president Nelson Mandela smiles in this handout photograph taken on July 8, 2010. Mandela is celebrating his 92th birthday on Sunday.

The United Nations has declared Mandela's birthday on July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day, in support of an appeal by the revered statesman for his birthday to be used for good.

Mandela will himself be spending the day at home with family in Johannesburg. Around 100 children from his native Eastern Cape province are being flown in from his home village of Mvezo to celebrate with him.

President Jacob Zuma will, meanwhile, be heading to Mvezo to lead celebrations there. Along with other ruling party politicians, he will be rolling up his sleeves to help the community complete a health clinic.

Scores of businesses and public institutions are also mobilising their staff to devote at least 67 minutes -- representing the 67 years Mandela devoted to politics -- to a good cause.

Some have volunteered to read to children in an orphanage.

Others will clean up a public park or repaint a school.

A group of 21 Bikers for Mandela were riding from Johannesburg to Cape Town this week, performing charitable deeds along the way.

"Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations... He is an exemplary global citizen," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, leading tributes this week.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison between 1963 and 1990 for resisting apartheid rule. On his release, he led negotiations with his former jailers to transition the country to democracy -- a process that culminated in his election as the country's first black president in 1994.

He stepped down in 1999 after a single term and threw himself into charity work, including his 46664 Aids charity and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, meanwhile, seeks to promote his legacy of reconciliation and nation-building. Mandela himself has told the world on more than one occasion: "It's in your hands now."

South Africans rose to the challenge this year by hosting an immensely successful Soccer World Cup, despite Mandela being largely absent.

Mandela, who canvassed for the tournament to be brought to South Africa, missed the opening on June 11 to mourn his great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela, who had died that morning in a car crash.

He did, however, make it to the closing ceremony at Soccer City a month later. A star-struck crowd of more than 84,000 spectators cheered the frail statesman as he was driven around the pitch in a golf cart with his third wife Graca Machel, waving and smiling.

"The man who has suffered so much and who, when he came out (of jail), set out to bring peace, solidarity and humanity, he had a dream, and his dream was to see the World Cup in his country," Fifa president Joseph Blatter said.

"That dream has now come true".

For more information: http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article554615.ece/The-world-will-honour-Nelson-Mandela-on-his-92nd-birthday

World Cup Fever!

Zotos

A 100 years innings! Kosta Zotos celebrated his 60th birthday and the 40th year of the ZOTOS Property Group, on Saturday the 5th of June 2010. Family, friends and business associates joined in the festivities at Emperors Palace. The new Zotos corporate logo, that was designed by Z2A Creative, was also unveiled at the gala dinner. http://www.zotos.co.za/

Google earth photo of Z2A Village office

Our office from the sky!
We are on the corner of Sir George Grey Street and Donald Murray in Bloemfontein

Message from Nel

We received this letter and photo from Nel when she got back to the Netherlands. We are glad you got home safely!

Bijgaand een mooie thuiskomst-foto: boot - vlag - cadeau - Jan - Nel.

Wil je iedereen bij de Village de hartelijke groeten doen?
Ik heb een mooie tijd gehad bij jullie.
Tot ooit!
Nel van Dijk

Women in Business

Z2A Village is privileged to be included in the yesterday’s Krant Newspaper’s feature on woman in business in Bloemfontein.

Coping with troubled youths

The Health and Wellness Centre of the University of the Free State in partnership with Department of Education: Xhariep Inclusive Education presented a workshop on coping with troubled youths on the 15th of May 2010 at the BOK Auditorium at the University of the Free State. Z2A Events co-ordinated the event and Annemarie, Engela and Surita represented Z2A Events at the workshop.
We want to thank Dorian for giving us the oppertunity to work with such an amazing group of people!
After the event, Dorian Ben Attar form Inclusive Education wrote this word of thanks to Z2A Events:
Hi Annemarie and Engela
Thank you sincerely for all the hard work and for making sure that we had a "trouble free" event today! Z2A you are great!
Take care
Dorian

Steven says goodbye

Steven Devarwaere is a student from Belgium and he did his internship of 3 months at Z2A Events. We had to say goodbye to him yesterday as he went back to Europe. Everyone at the Village enjoyed working with him, and we were very sad to see him leave!

Steven, we wish you all the best with your studies and everything else you will be busy with back home! Really hope you will come visit us again!!

He wrote us a beautifull goodbye letter:

Z2A Creative exceeds expectations!

Z2A Creative recently did some work for the Central University of Technology of the Free State, and received this word of thanks from Marlene Bossett. Keep up the great work Creative!

I just wanted to say thank you very much to all of you for all the help last week. I know that sometimes our demands were truly crazy, but through it all you remained professional, friendly and upbeat. And you delivered! You all have a client for life... I have worked with some of the best in the corporate world, and you certainly rank right up there with the best!
Warm regards,
Marlene Bossett Manager: Transformation Projects
Central University of Technology

Z2A & South African Flag

The Z2A and South African flags flying next to each other on a windy autumn day at our office in Bloemfontein.

Mothersday 9 May 2010

Z2A Village Rebranding Launch in the media

On the 15th of April 2010, we launched Z2A Village's new branding. The event was a great success and everyone enjoyed it a lot!

Annemarie Cronje announced at the launch that Z2A Village will be hosting the first Groenfees in Bloemfontein on the 12th and 13th of November 2010.
Keep following this blog, to read more about the Groenfees!
Thank you to everyone that attended the launch and helped to make it a night to remember!

Green Trees at the Village

Tomorrow is our REBRANDING LAUNCH!!
Look at our beautifull green trees! They are also getting ready for the launch.

Z2A Villagers 2010

22 days...

There is only 22 days left untill the Z2A Village rebranding launch!!
We are so excited!!
Watch this space for more info...

Z2A Village GREEN day!

Z2A Village had a very GREEN day on the 11th of March!
We painted some of our office's walls green...if you find yourself in Donald Murray Drive or Sir George Grey Street in Bloemfontein, make sure you don't miss our office with it's stunning new GREEN walls, on the corner of these two streets!!

AHI Conference

During September 2009, Z2A Events helped with the registration prosess of the AHI Conference at Ilanga Estate in Bloemfontein.

From left to right: Engela du Plessis, Chantelle Rabie, Louise Vermeulen and Annemarie Cronje

ADD Flavour

Only 30 days untill the Z2A Village Rebranding!!
Keep watching this space!!

100 Day countdown

Today marks the 100 day countdown to the FIFA World Cup!
We are very excited! Hope you are too!

Lebone Watersports 2010

On 20 February, Z2A Village assisted Lebone for the third time to host the annual Lebone Watersportsday at Lebone Land. This year 33 teams from Bloemfontein participated in this competition and team building event. Although the competition is always fierce, it is always remembered for the fun accompanied laughter. Trul...y a day to remember and everyone leaving Lebone as a lifelong friend and supporter! Thanks Lebone!

See the Z2A Village team: Team Avatar!

BEE Rating

Z2A Events is now a Level 2 on the BEE rating scale! We are very proud of our team for all the hard work and dedication!

Z2A Village partnership with Mechelen University College in Belgium

On 8 February 2010 Mr Bruno Neuville, head of the Communications Department at the Mechelen University College in Belgium, visited Z2A Village to discuss future plans for the existing partnership between Z2A and his institution. Another reason for his visit was to talk about Steven Devarwaer, the new present Belgian internship student working at Z2A Events. He is busy with his third and final year in Communication Management, specialising in Public Relations and Information at the Mechelen University College.

We are sure that Steven will enjoy his time at Z2A Village!


In this photo:
Steven Devarwaere, Intern student; Annemarie Cronje, Z2A Village; Bruno Neuville, Director of Studies Communication Management, Mechelen University College

Valentine's Day

A Valentine's Day message to make this an extra special year!

Campus Health Conference

The annual Conference of the South African Association of Campus Health Services (SAACHS), took place at Bains Game Lodge in Bloemfontein this year and a total of 66 people attended the conference. Campus Health is a body of health care professionals providing primary health care & support at tertiary institutions. The theme was”Bridging the gap between the Academic and Health care”.

After the Conference Z2A Village received this wonderful thank you letter from Sr. Mapaseka Mbuli, head of the LOC of the Free State. What a great testimonial!

Dear Annemarie and Thapelo

If you are looking for a friendly perfect, reliable many-in-one company for organizing your event, ask me.
I will never close my mouth telling about Z2A which made things easy for a challenging conference I had to prepare, Z2A just made it all.
I would like to thank you Annemarie and Thapelo for your wonderful service you provided to our SAACHS Conference.

May God bless you.

Thank you,
Mapaseka Mbuli
Head: medical centre

On the photo:
Front from left: Ms Ida Motlogeloa, Free State University; Mr Thapelo Lekgetho, Z2A Events; Ms Mapaseka Mbuli, CUT Chairperson of LOC; Ms Annemarie Cronje, Z2A Events; Ms Mimi Shayi, CUT
Back from left: Dr TPE Tondi, Deputy Registrar: Student Service CUT; Dr Mohlamme, CUT and Ms Antoinette Goosen, National Chairperson.

Hein opening Planet Pixl Exhibition

Planet Pixl introduced Bloemfontein to their talented students at their annual student exhibition on the 26th of November 2009 at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Hein du Plessis (Z2A Outdoor) had the honour of opening this popular event. He did a great job with his creative speech and so the evening started on a high note!
We want to congratulate Markus Steinmann on the excellent exhibition!

Hein and his beautiful daughter, Rachael

A new year - new oppertunities!

Z2A Village wants to wish everyone a prosperous 2010!
We hope that this year will hold great things for you.
Remember to seize every oppertunity in this new year!