In its 8th iteration, Ann Nurock shared insights with our community on the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, yet again drawing a substantial crowd.
The evening, co-hosted by the SA Jewish Museum and the SAFIM Art Collaborative in August, gave the Cape Town audience a glimpse into global trends shaping the creative world.
An advertising and marketing expert, Ann is currently a partner at Relationship Audits and Management, a global consultancy that measures and optimises client-agency relationships. With a 25-year-long background in the South African advertising world, Ann served as MD of Grey Advertising SA and then as CEO and head of the Africa region for the agency. She also had a stint as CEO of Grey Canada. Previously a resident of Johannesburg, today Ann lives in Cape Town.
In her address, Ann highlighted three big themes from Cannes this year:
Humanity in the age of AI While many fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will kill advertising, it was clear at this year’s Cannes Festival that it is not replacing human creativity. In fact, the strongest work at Cannes was not driven by technology but by human stories. The message was clear: originality, empathy, and emotional connection remain at the heart of powerful communication.
This shone through in the selection of the winner of the Grand Prix Award: the French insurance company AXA’s Three Words campaign. In a development set to dramatically enhance the insurance industry, AXA added three words – ‘and domestic violence’ – to its policies, and now its policies cover victims of domestic violence for emergency housing and legal assistance, just as most policies do for people affected by fire or flooding.
The rise of the creator economy Content created by individuals – not traditional brands – has become a central force in how people connect with messages. Audiences, especially younger ones, are drawn to the authenticity and relatability of creator-led storytelling.
While some are sceptical about these influencers, many big brands are reaping significant benefits from collaborating with these people. In fact, Unilever is set to spend 50% of its media budget on working with content creators.
Consistency over reinvention Amid all the talk of innovation, industry leaders reminded us that brand trust is built through consistency. Lasting impact comes not from constantly reinventing campaigns, but from messages that are repeated with clarity and purpose.
Ann also expressed a concern about the overall lack of creativity being seen in the advertising world. She pointed out that companies are increasingly risk-averse, and so this limits the creative space that agencies can play in. “It’s very risky to be risk-averse,” she cautioned. “Playing it safe is bad for business.” ●
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“I feel so privileged to have been able to live life to the full,” enthuses Helen Millson, possibly Rondebosch’s most well-travelled resident.
Splitting her time between Cape Town and the UK, she says: “I get to enjoy the beauty and natural surroundings of the Mother City while still working in professional sport abroad – and I always try to add a little European travel along the way.”
Helen’s career began when, at just 17, she left the then Rhodesia for England to study physiotherapy. “I wasn’t sure physio was really my choice,” she admits, “but it led me into some of the most exciting opportunities imaginable.” Those opportunities took her into the world of elite sport: five years with Stormers Rugby, work with the SA Rugby, South African national cricket side, and with the SA surf lifesaving team, SA Women’s Hockey, Commonwealth Games, All Africa Games and more. Today, even in her 70s, she continues to treat Premier League footballers in England as well as Bayer Leverkusen and PSG. “I was offered my current post for just two years,” she laughs, “and here I am, 15 years later, loving this work and the academic journey it involves.”
Eight years ago, Helen returned to Cape Town, motivated by a sense of social responsibility. “I felt I needed to give back after the damaging legacy of apartheid,” she explains. “That’s why I do a lot of pro bono work here, while still honouring my international commitments.”
She attributes much of her determination to her late mother, a German-Jewish refugee who fled Nazi Germany at the age of 11. “My mother valued education above all else,” Helen recalls. “Her example taught me that challenges are there to be taken on, not avoided.”
That lesson inspired Helen to pursue a PhD when many thought she was ‘too old’. Invited by the University of Kent, she turned decades of professional writing into a doctorate on hip and groin health in sport (completed in 2022). “I wanted my research to make a difference in the field I love,” she says.
Her appetite for challenge remains strong. Just recently, she cycled 300km along the Danube River with a group of fellow seniors. Over eight days they travelled on board a luxurious Danube River cruise ship, stopping to pedal along the way. Their journey went from Passau in Germany, through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary before looping back, averaging 45km a day. This came only seven months after knee replacement surgery. “Cycling turned out to be the best therapy for my knee,” she says with a smile. ●
Helen’s advice on ageing
“I’m lucky to have chosen a career that kept me physically active. Older people should definitely keep moving. On our Danube trip, even those who weren’t cyclists rented e-bikes at some stops to explore towns instead of sitting on the ship. Staying active makes all the difference.”
Physio support – a woman among men in professional sport
Being a female physio in the world of men’s professional sport has come with its challenges, as Helen knows. In 1992, after Mandela’s release she was selected as the physio for the South African national rugby side. Danie Craven was appalled that a woman would be working in a role he considered suitable only for men. “Being denied the role didn’t stop me,” Helen comments. “In fact, I’ve worked almost exclusively with men in the professional sporting arena.”
This experience gave Helen good insight into the world of professional sports management and its many prejudices. Today, she shares those insights with corporates looking to educate their management teams.
Cycling tour in Budapest
For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
I recently read about the passing of Ruth Weiss, who fled Nazi Germany with her parents in the 1930s and settled in South Africa.
Here, she encountered discrimination as a Jewish person living among right-wing Whites, and was horrified by the impact of the apartheid system on people of colour. She commented, “In this white-dominated country, we had the right skin colour but the wrong religion.” Her experiences led her to become a life-long activist fighting for tolerance and for peace.
On the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, she said: “The hatred that continues to grow with every new death will only prolong the tragedy for both peoples.”
I have no doubt that we can all learn valuable life lessons from the late Ruth Weiss z’l. ●
(Information taken from DW – South Africa)
For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
Spring usually gives one the feeling of joy – days become longer with dawn breaking and warmer days.
We are so blessed to be living in the Western Cape where the flowers are in abundance and it is so easy to view the most spectacular array of all sorts of flora within a short distance from Cape Town.
Our members have been treated to special days as each branch enjoyed a day’s outing to the West Coast where the plethora of colours was a sight to behold.
One group visitd Stanford to see the magnificent Chelsea Flower Show exhibit which was reconstructed by horticulturist Leon Kluge after the South African entry won the Best on Show exhibit and a Gold Award. We took the coastal road to Stanford, enjoying the wonderful view of the coast and many different species of indigenous flowers. The people of Stanford pulled out all the stops with their stands selling food and other items along the main road. The exhibition hall was truly spectacular and we were all awed by what we saw. Leon Kluge was in attendance and graciously responded to all questions and also posed for photos.
After wandering around the village, we made our way to Hermanus and were treated to the sight of whales in the bay, enjoyed browsing the shops and then drove to the Habonim Campsite, our home for the night. It was comfortable and clean and we enjoyed being out in the open with the sound of the ocean close by. After supper together at the Mall we turned in for the night. The next morning gave us another whale-viewing opportunity.
We hosted our second Shabbat evening at Marais Road Shul with an Israel=themed evening. The guests, both members of Marais Road and CJSA members, enjoyed the dinner and beautiful musical renditions of a selection of Hebrew melodies sung by Cantor Ivor Joffe and Erez Shaked.
Pre-Rosh Hashanah tea was hosted at Temple Israel Wynberg with entertainment by musical group, the Companions, who sang and danced and lifted the spirits of all present.
We promoted Physio Month with a visit by a physiotherapist who gave sound advice on the best way to remain supple and mobile, which can stop back pain and age-related disability.
Educator Jos Horwitz is currently visiting each branch to promote the special programme of forgiveness which is so apt at this time of the year. Listening from the heart tells of the pain of loss and how forgiveness promotes understanding and working to bridge the gap between people of different faiths. Jos promoted this programme at Limmud and encourages everyone to participate in the programme and view the exceptional video shown during her presentation.
We encourage you to join our programme which enables you to remain active and part of a vibrant, caring community. This helps prevent loneliness and isolation. Our service includes transport to and from your home. The CJSA offering is unique in South Africa and certainly does add Life to Years.
May you all enjoy the High Holy season with the various Chaggim that can be celebrated together. This year, more than ever, it is so important to show up, share these special times together, and be proud of our Jewish heritage. Have a wonderful month!
Diana Sochen, Executive Director ●
Social & Personal
We congratulate our members who have had joyous occasions during the last month.
Our thoughts and wishes of strength are with those members who are ill or grieving.
Get Well wishes: Eunice Mofsowitz, Stella Kope, Leonie Segal
Wishes of Long Life and Strength on the passing of members of CJSA or their family members to: Barbara Mandel – Sister Lee Rosemary Magid, mother of June Hayman.
Harriet Hoffman, Pearl Selibowitz and Nan Scholij enjoying the Companions Concert and the honey, a gift from the UJC.Southern Suburbs members enjoying the Companions Show.Josh Friedman, Programme and Development Manager at the Cape Board visited the CJSA West Coast MembersSouthern Suburbs members enjoying the spring flowersShirley Mitchell enjoying her special birthdayMiriam Kleineibst enjoying the concert in the Southern Suburbs
A valuable record of the Nazi occupation of Jewish Warsaw
The tour to Poland in late July organised by the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre included a visit to the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw. This organisation serves as a centre for academic research relating to Poland’s Jewish history, and it holds numerous documents and other materials of relevance to this history.
According to Wikipedia, “The most valuable part of the collection is the Warsaw Ghetto Archive, known as the Ringelblum Archive (collected by the Oyneg Shabbos). It contains some 6 000 documents (some 30 000 pages).”
The World Jewish Congress has produced a short video about the Ringelblum Archive which you can view here. ●
For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
According to Wesley Cowan, Director at Galetti Auction, “Sellers are increasingly turning to auctions as an efficient sales method, particularly in South Africa’s top-performing industrial property sector.”
Cowan refers to surging demand for industrial-zoned land, which continues to drive low vacancy levels and higher rentals – most notably in the Western Cape.
“Demand for commercial property in the Western Cape is exceptionally strong, especially across key asset classes like industrial, retail and hospitality,” he says. “In some cases, properties are selling before they even reach the market.”
Looking at the broader commercial property sector, Cowan notes industrial remains the top performer, delivering returns of around 15% (MSCI SA Property Index), with retail close behind, supported by improved consumer spending and salary growth. Office demand is also rising as interest rates ease and more employees return to workplaces. South Africa’s REITs are boosting momentum, recording a 2.4% monthly gain in August and lifting year-to-date returns to 14.2% (SA REITs Association Chart Book).
“With such high demand and limited supply, it’s easy to see why auctions have become an increasingly popular sales channel,” Cowan adds.
Opting for auction
Cowan notes that, while auction was once viewed as a last resort for dilapidated properties, it has fast gained ground in recent years for positive reasons. “In countries like Australia, auction is a standard method of sale and helps generate competitive prices,” he shares.
He highlights the following seller benefits:
Competitive bidding creates urgency, leading to quicker transactions.
Extensive marketing attracts a larger buyer pool, driving up prices.
Transparent price discovery ensures fairness and often exceeds seller expectations.
Non-suspensive contracts reduce the risk of deals collapsing.
Flexible terms let sellers align conditions with objectives.
Cowan advises buyers to consider:
Location – proximity to transport routes, ports and hubs.
Correct zoning – compliance with local, environmental and safety regulations.
Accessibility – space for heavy vehicles and machinery.
Scalability – room for future expansion to boost resale value.
Security and solar – reliable power, controlled access and protection for operations.
For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
Comfort Care Chronicles: Navigating life’s transitions Shelly korn Care Imagineer | Evercare
You don’t have to choose between fighting for life and seeking comfort. You can have both!
It’s not either/or – it’s side-by-side When facing serious illness, many families believe they must make a heart-breaking choice: fight for life or ‘give up’ and accept comfort care. This is a false choice! Adding comfort care from the time of diagnosis, alongside active treatment, helps people live longer and better. It’s not about choosing between hope and help – it’s about having both, each strengthening the other.
An extra layer of expertise – not a last resort Comfort care is specialised support for people living with serious illness. It focuses on relieving symptoms, clarifying treatment goals, and guiding families through complex –and often overwhelming– decisions. It can and should be provided at any age and at any stage of a serious illness. It’s an extra layer of expertise – not a last resort.
Earlier = longer and better When comfort care is introduced early, people typically experience less pain and anxiety and a better quality of life. In cornerstone studies with cancer patients, those who received early comfort care lived longer than those who received standard treatment alone. Why? Because well-managed symptoms mean more strength and resilience to complete treatment, better continuity of care, fewer emergencies, calmer conversations at home, and decisions that reflect what matters most – while avoiding harmful, non-beneficial interventions.
Side-by-side in real life Imagine someone on chemotherapy. With comfort care, nausea, pain, and fatigue are carefully managed so treatment can stay on track. Or consider a loved one with advanced heart failure at home. A clear breathlessness plan and the right medications reduce fear and suffering, prevent midnight hospital runs, and create more peaceful, meaningful time with family.
Families find strength too Comfort care supports families as much as it supports patients. Caregivers receive practical training, round-the-clock guidance, and a safe space to voice fears and process emotions. This support eases stress and strengthens family unity, allowing everyone to focus on what matters most.
Jewish comfort care In Judaism, Pikuach Nefesh – preserving life – is a sacred duty, inseparable from a commitment to dignity and to preventing unnecessary suffering. Comfort care honours these values by relieving pain and distress so that no one suffers needlessly. And as Hillel teaches, Im ein ani li, mi li? – if I am not for myself, who will be for me? Taking steps to access the right care is a profound act of self-advocacy, preservation, Chesed, and compassion for those we love.
You are not alone If you or someone you love is facing a serious illness, you don’t have to choose between fighting and comfort. You can choose both. Contact me if you need further guidance on how to start this important conversation. ●
For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
Daniel Bloch and David King with members of the Piketberg Museum Board
Piketberg Museum celebrated a major milestone in the history of the town on Friday, 22 August 2025, namely the centenary celebration of the local Jewish Synagogue.
Flower Week is also celebrated every year during the last week of August and, as a result, the two were simply combined. The result was a lavish Centenary Tea Party in proper 1920s fashion – feathers and frills, pearls and lace.
Forty-five guests, including Piketberg’s Municipal Manager, Councillors and two representatives from the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, were treated to delicious tea and snacks. The programme included a very interesting and extremely informative talk by Emeritus Professor Matilda Burden, on the history of the Jews, as well as the importance of Heritage Preservation. Piketberg Museum’s manager, Marié Ehlers, gave a brief overview of the history of Piketberg’ synagogue, and certificates were presented to the top ten photographers of the photo competition held specifically for the centenary. ●
Calling back the past: the history of the Piketberg synagogue
MARIÉ EHLERS, Manager, Piketberg Museum
The first church in Piketberg was dedicated in October 1836 and the church council began to dispose of building plots around the church. The need for a church for worship directly led to the founding of Piketberg. About sixty years later, another group of people arrived in Piketberg, with a different culture and faith, but with the same need: their own church for worship. The first Jewish families settled in Piketberg in the 1880s and by 1891 Piketberg was mentioned as one of the towns in the Cape where many ‘well-to-do’ Jews had settled.
In 1922, The Piketberg Hebrew Congregation, with members from surrounding areas such as Redelinghuys, Het Kruis, Zuurfontein, Porterville, Moorreesburg and Citrusdal, decided to build their own synagogue. At that stage, there were already more than thirty Jewish families living in Piketberg. The Piketberg Synagogue was built in 1925, with Herman Myers laying the cornerstone. It was built on the same plan as the Malmesbury Synagogue by Ludwig Andras Simon, a Hungarian Jew. The pair of palm trees at the front entrance and also the entrance to the shul match the entrance of the ark.
The Jews played a big role in the community at that time. A close relationship between the Afrikaans and Jewish members was notable. It seemed very fitting to have the Jewish community, who came to settle in Piketberg about 100 years ago, lay claim to their heritage in and their contribution to the town this way.
It is evident from these anecdotes and memories that the Jewish people of Piketberg had a profound influence on the lives of the people in this area. They are remembered, not only for their achievements in business, school, farming or sport, but also with love and humour and as truly remarkable people. The Jewish people are and will always be God’s chosen people and wherever they may find themselves in the world, and in whatever circumstances, they are able to lift themselves up and rise to the forefront of society.
Hardworking people. People with strong convictions, resourceful and with a keen eye for business. Despite their rather small numbers, they have an influence everywhere that extends far beyond their numbers. This is true of Piketberg’s history and here their ‘monument’ stands in the middle of the historical heart of our town and is already celebrating a full century of glory this year. ●
The work of seasoned Cape Town artist Adele Sanders has been recognised for its excellence through the inclusion of her portrait of Ella Blumenthal in the Top 100 portrait works in the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery’s Portrait Award for 2025. This award is a highly respected national award in South Africa, akin in status to the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award in the UK (originally known as the BP Award). Adele’s work has previously been acknowledged in this Award but this year’s placing is the best achievement thus far.
The stringent selection process for the Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award 2025 involves the expertise of a panel of three independent, invited judges. The submitted portraits are not signed and therefore anonymously judged; and the judges’ decisions are not shared.
Adele shares the inspiration for her portrait, I am Ella – 48632 – Survivor.
On hearing Ella Blumenthal’s talk at the Holocaust Centre in Cape Town, I knew that I was in the presence of an extraordinary lady, whose likeness I had to capture in an artwork. Ella stood and spoke for two hours, without notes. A major achievement for anyone, let alone a lady of 98 years young, at that time!
To learn more about Ella’s life, one can read Ella’s book; or choose to watch the hugely successful animated movie made by Jordy Sank and Gabriella Blumberg called I am Here. My aim was to capture Ella’s story in a portrait that would do her proud. This tribute to Ella took six months to create and to complete. The photos that I took of Ella that evening, as she stepped off the podium, served as the resources for her portrait.
After obtaining Ella’s permission via her daughter, Evelyn Kaplan, the next consideration was whether Ella’s portrait should be done in oils or in a graphite drawing. I chose the latter.
Portraiture as an art form is hugely humbling. Spending many hours accessing the subject’s essence is an intensely personal and privileged experience. Ella’s portrait was even more so because every facial line and nuance was a reflection of her traumatic experience. Her portrait highlights the pain, the torment and the anguish that she suffered during her time in the concentration camps. But also clearly visible is this woman’s courage, resilience, iron will and the immense power of her faith.
Ella, now 104 years old, currently lives happily in the home of her daughter Evelyn and son-in-law Paul, surrounded by much loving care.
Because we share our Jewish heritage, Ella’s story reaches deep into my consciousness and my Jewish soul. This sense of connection to my Jewishness is very powerful.
The stories of my late mother’s history during the pogroms in Poland have provided additional insight, which assisted in my creation of Ella’s portrait.
The portrait ‘I am Ella – 46832 – Survivor’ has been created as a tribute honouring Ella.
That it has been selected among the top 100 portraits, is both gratifying and humbling. The electrifying vibe at the opening of this exhibition, proves that portraiture is alive and well in South Africa!
I’ve turned heART-ache into ART. ●
Commenting on how she treats light and shade in her work, Adele Sanders explains that, “Chiaroscuro, the light and the shade, the shadows and the reflected light, underpin every form. In art I strive to filter out the worldly clutter and noise, focusing on the pivotal essence of the sitter, engaging the viewer by capturing the authenticity of the image.”
Exhbition on until 29 October 2025. Venue: Spier Arts Trust, Union House, 25 Commercial Street, Cape Town.
Free admission, Monday to Friday 09H00–16H00
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