Month: August 2024

On 15 August 2024 the Nico Carstens Digital Database was handed over to the Music Library at Stellenbosch University. This handover marks a significant milestone in preserving and enhancing access to the extensive works of the renowned South African musician and accordionist, Nico Carstens.

During the handover meeting, the structure of the database was thoroughly explained. Klem Carstens detailed how the information was gathered and incorporated into the collection, a project that began in 2013. The process involved collecting records, taking photographs of all items held in the Music Library’s Documentation Centre for Music (DOMUS) and systematically adding the collected information to the database.

The database is divided into two main components: the Data section, which includes sheet music and documentation, and the Music section, which contains recordings and albums. Klem Carstens organised all music files into MP3 format and created MP4 videos for TV recordings of the songs, ensuring that all data was neatly compiled and synchronised. The database is designed to be researcher friendly, featuring intuitive navigation and search functions.

Additionally, a plastic container containing music and documentation (already integrated into the digital database), was also handed over.

Nico Carstens (1926-2016) was a prolific and versatile musician whose career spanned numerous genres and formats. He composed 600 works, with Anton de Waal penning lyrics for over 300 songs. Carstens published more than 1,000 compositions and produced over 100 commercial albums, selling more than two million records in South Africa alone. His influential work, Zambezi (1953), was recorded by 56 orchestras worldwide. Carstens also appeared in Afrikaans films and received several prestigious awards, including the Sarie Award, ATKV Award, SAMA, and an honorary accolade from the South African Academy for Science and Arts.

Founder of the Nico Carstens Orchestra in 1950, Carstens toured extensively across South Africa, and performed in various African countries and Europe. His South African engagements included TV and radio broadcasts, dance parties, agricultural shows, and music festivals, among others. He collaborated with notable musicians like Ray Phiri and his later works blended light Afrikaans music with Afro-jazz and Cape Malay influences.

The Nico Carstens collection donated to Stellenbosch University in 2012, encompass a wide array of paper documents and audiovisual materials, ensuring that Carstens’ rich legacy continues to be accessible for future research and appreciation.

 

Theresa Schoeman

An inspiring journey of passion, perseverance, and six Comrades Marathons

Introduction

In this enlightening interview, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Zisiwe Mnothoza, a dedicated athlete from Stellenbosch University Library who has completed six Comrades Marathons. Known for its gruelling distance and challenging terrain, the Comrades Marathon is not for the faint of heart. Zisiwe shares her inspiring story, revealing the immense dedication, rigorous training, and unwavering determination required to conquer this iconic ultramarathon. Through this conversation, we gain valuable insights into Zisiwe’s experiences, motivations, and the profound impact this journey has had on her life. Join us as we explore the essence of endurance and the spirit of a true marathon runner.

Q: What inspired you to start running, and what motivated you to participate in the Comrades Marathon?

A: Athletics has been my hobby since my early school grades. During my school days, I was a track and field athlete both in primary and high school. That didn’t end there; my interest and tireless involvement in athletics, specifically in running, grew even more when I got to university. I challenged myself even more by joining long-distance races gradually as I was still not quite sure which race exactly I fit well into. Evident that this is like a calling to me, I used to participate in races where we never received or per se never expected any prizes. When we were lucky, we would receive goodie bags as a motivation to do more and not be demotivated. The more I participated in different races, the more I got an opportunity to meet different runners. I started networking, and someone mentioned something about the Comrades Marathon, which triggered my interest even more. I started doing a bit of research about it, and I decided to challenge myself and joined just to see how far my body could carry me. Today, under my belt, I have recorded six Comrades Marathons with no regrets for the chance I have taken. If given the chance again, I would grab it with both hands because running the Comrades Marathon has helped me a lot in my life and given me an opportunity to meet different people. It also helped me to jump out of the introvert space.

Q: Can you describe your training regimen in the months leading up to the marathon? How did you prepare physically and mentally?

A: Before Comrades 2024, I followed a training program that helped me achieve my goal. The preparation was not easy, but I always reminded myself of the people rooting for me, which eased my mental preparation because I always glued my mind to my goals. One of my goals is to make my supporters proud. The training was challenging, especially as race day approached because it was dark during the winter season, and I was training alone during the week. I had to be brave and train in the mornings close to where I work because it felt safer. I chose one spot to train in because I was familiar with the area and knew there wouldn’t be any obstacles.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the race, and how did you overcome them?

A: The challenge I typically face during races is cramps, but luckily this year I didn’t experience any. I conducted extensive research on cramps, so I knew how to prevent them.

Q: Do you have any memorable moments or highlights from your Comrades Marathon experiences that you can share?

A: Highlights of the Comrades Marathon include the incredible support from colleagues, friends, and family. Being the first woman to finish in my club is the ultimate achievement.

Q: How has participating in the Comrades Marathon impacted your life, both personally and professionally?

A: The Comrades Marathon has taught me discipline, consistency, and proper time management. It has also taught me the value of sharing (UBUNTU) during or out of the race.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering running the Comrades Marathon for the first time?

A: The advice I would give to someone considering the Comrades Marathon is to commit, be consistent, stick to the plan, and not follow every piece of advice you receive. Everyone is different, so not everything that works for someone else will work for you!

 

Theresa Schoeman