Until January 27, they will share stories behind their motivation and special techniques for each of their magnificent items, which include more than 500 pieces of fashionable apparel, accessories, handbags, and home decor furniture, all of them designed by students from four universities.

Visitors will have a chance to learn techniques for taking beautiful photographs on mobile phones like a pro, as well as enjoy a fashion show and live interview with net idol and designer Apichet “Madiew” Atirattana.

Five of his creations will be on display, including Thai farmer’s fashion, a sticky rice steamer pot and basket based on Isaan culture and bedding and a mosquito net that reflects the culture of the hilltribes.

On Sunday (January 20) starting at 2pm, students from the Faculty of Industrial Textiles and Fashion Design, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon will showcase clothing inspired by nature and culture.

Visitors are invited to learn techniques for taking eye-catching photographs on their mobile phones with a professional photographer twice a day at 2.30pm and 5pm tomorrow and Saturday (January 18-19) and again from January 25 to 27. From January 21-24, the class will run once a day at 5pm.

The fair is being organised by the shopping mall in collaboration with the Department of Creative Arts, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University; the Creative Centre for Eco-Design, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, Poh-Chang Academy of Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin and the Faculty of Industrial Textiles and Fashion Design, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/SeaconBangkae.

Last Saturday was national children’s day and while the slogan, given to the young ones by the prime minister, was shorter than usual, kids had a wide variety of fun activities to enjoy at many venues, some of which are not usually open to the public. For most of them, a trip to National Theatre these days means a classical Thai theatre production like khon or lakhon nai, and of course an afternoon without classes plus a coach ride with friends.

It was different last Sunday afternoon, the last of the five-show run, as most youngsters were with parents and the Thai title “Lilit Phra Lor” came with an “AD 2019”, suggesting that this was a contemporary Thai theatre production. Of course, those who are old enough would also remember that it was here that national artist Patravadi “Khru Lek” Mejudhon gave a memorable solo performance “One Night with Patravadi” in the 1980s, after returning home from New York and even before founding Patravadi Theatre, now a boutique hotel, across the river in Soi Wat Rakhang. A showcase of dance, theatre and music from different genres and styles, that groundbreaking show defined not only her subsequent illustrious career but also contemporary Thai performing arts.

In her opening monologue, Khru Lek, as narrator, noted that this was already her fourth stage adaptation of the classic Thai literature “Lilit Phra Lor”. First was Thommayanti’s “Rak Thi Tong Montra”, which was also inspired by the Thai literature, seen at the long-closed Silpa Bhirasri Gallery back in the 1980s. Next was a play-within-a-play “Ror Rak Lor Lilit Lilit Phra Lor” 10 years ago at Patravadi Theatre, featuring a collaboration with American virtuoso violinist Kyle Dillingham. That version was later adapted into a smaller production, which toured major North American cities – a unique cultural ambassador that didn’t simply showcase the exotic traditional Thailand, but an intercultural and contemporary one. This 2019 production, even more stylistically diverse, was like a revival of “Ror Rak Lor Lilit Lilit Phra Lor”, with Dillingham reprising his role, albeit with slightly less stage time.

“Lilit Phra Lor” is clearly one of Khru Lek’s favourites, and after realising that I’ve understood this literature, and appreciated its timeless value, from her productions more than any Thai literature classes I took, I knew I wouldn’t mind watching it onstage again. By the end of this new 90-minute version, some kids and adults would probably agree that this was the most fun we’ve had either reading or watching “Phra Lor”. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the audience members were to pick up “Lilit Phra Lor” and read it again.

Khru Lek also noted that this was a staged reading, rather than a theatre production. Audiences soon realised, though, that this was simply a deft scheme to convince us to read this literary piece and not simply enjoy the sight and sound of its stage adaptation. Call it what you will: it was a unique afternoon at the National Theatre, with a work by a national artist and her collaborators who keep delighting and surprising us by taking artistic risks.

Settling into the theatre seats with more than ample legroom and seeing cello, keyboard, piano, and drum set along with traditional Thai xylophone the ranat ek and Thai percussion on stage left, it was fairly obvious that this wouldn’t be just another afternoon at our National Theatre. The show’s music director Anant Narkkong, a Silpathorn artist and ethno-musicologist who performs multiple instruments and music that as intercultural as the show itself, was another star of the show, without ever upstaging the dramatic story. That said, audiences in some seats on the sides and in the back voiced complaints that the sound system made it difficult to understand some words in certain songs.

Khru Lek and her conarrator, another veteran performer, Sansanee Sitapan, appeared onstage occasionally to read the original poems from the literature. This was another exercise in oral interpretation, which proved that good thespians are able to not only make sense of any difficult verses but also make them entertaining. Of course, most of the stage actions remained a fine juxtaposition of dance, music and theatre.

With its vast forestage in front of the large proscenium frame, the National Theatre was designed for grand scale productions of khon, and fitting a contemporary show in it was no easy task.

Instead of trying to fill all the horizontal and vertical space with a huge set, the set pieces here were movable and neutral, and lighting designers as well as video and projection designers added colours and theatrical touches for each scene. Another national artist Somchai Kaewthong and his Kai Boutique’s costume design fit the theatrical purpose perfectly.

Apart from long-time collaborators like Somchai and Anant as well as Lanna performing artist Krit Chaisinboon, Suphannahong-awarded actor Wannasak Sirilar and another Silpathornawarded choreographer Manop Meejamrat, Khru Lek also had some input from a new partner, Jitti Chompee. Those who have followed his works for 18 Monkeys Dance Theatre would be able to tell which scenes in “Lilit Phra Lor 2019” came with his choreography as his signature was dominant. Another was Tachaya “Keng The Voice” Pathumwan whose many fans witnessed that he, thanks to this theatre experience, could also act and not just sing and play musical instruments. Another performing arts troupe “Kid Buak Sip”, or performing art from positive thought, lent their multi-disciplinary prowess and their shadow play performance in an early scene drew loud applause.

It’s interesting to note that, with its diverse elements, some may choose to call “Lilit Phra Lor 2019” an eclectic, or hodgepodge, show, rather than an intercultural theatre production. For further discussion, I would turn to, as usual, a food metaphor. Here in Thailand, would you rather have Thai food at restaurants that Thai people frequent, with some dishes adapted from or inspired by European and other Asian cuisines, or those that are more popular among tourists, with only traditional Thai cuisine, some also with Michelin star accolades, and servers in traditional Thai costumes? If you choose the latter, then prepare to pay Bt300 for three pieces of khanom bueang for your dessert, and later ask your Thai friends how much they pay for them elsewhere.

See you in Hua Hin

– “Lilit Phra Lor 2019” continues tomorrow at 2pm and 8pm, and on Saturday at 8pm, at Vic Hua Hin, a five-minute drive from downtown Hua Hin.

– Tickets are Bt600, Bt800 and Bt1,000, at (032) 827 814 and Line “@VicHuaHin”. Students (undergraduates and lower) and seniors (65 and older) receive 50-per-cent discount.

Titillate your taste buds with choux cream at Pick a Choux, milk tea with chewy tapioca balls at Cha-Bar, crab fried rice at Herehai, Sawang Crab Noodle and bingsu at Sofuto from Chiang Mai.

Popular artists stage mini concerts to keep everyone entertained. The festival is open from 11am to 10pm.

Sura stirs the soul

South Korea’s sexy sensation DJ Sura is all set to spin high-energy electronic dance music at the Bacardi House Party at Demo in Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) tomorrow night from 9 until 2.

Find out more or male a reservation by calling (085) 250 2000 (Thai) or (096) 387 4569 (English).

Bangkok gets its block party

The Bangkok Block Party returns from its second edition this Saturday and Sunday with stages dubbed Blaq Lyte & Rap Now at Siam Paragon, Future Factory Bangkok at Siam Center and Auntys Haus at the Siam Discovery Skywalk.

The outdoor party, which runs from noon to midnight on both days, will feature top Thai and international music talents, including Irish hip-hop artist and producer Rejjie Snow, Jessie James, Solomon, Autograf, The Greed and Flytrap.

Tickets are Bt900 for a one-day pass and Bt1,500 for a 2-day pass at BTS ticket booths. For more information, visit Facebook.com/bangkokblockparty.

Putting the concept into context

Concept Context Contestation, the travelling project organised by the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut, is presenting contemporary art from Southeast Asia at The Secretariat in Yangon, Myanmar from Saturday until February 18.

CCC Yangon features many of the original CCC Bangkok pieces, in addition to some 25 extra works, many of which are new commissions, and 10 newly included artists, among them Thai photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom.

On Sunday, Goethe-Institut Yangon will host a one-day public symposium focusing on Southeast Asian visual practice and CCC discourses of art relating to collective concerns in Southeast Asia.

Searching for Shakespeare

Bangkok Community Theatre is holding auditions for William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on February 10 from 2 to 6pm and again on February 12 from 6 to 10pm.

The search is on to fill 10 principal roles (3 female and 7 male) and between four and six ensemble members.

If you have what it takes, head to Bistro on Sukhumvit 33 and try out but fist download the audition form at bangkokcommunitytheatre.com then send it to twelfth.night.bct@gmail.com.

Wearing a bright floral ensemble with her short hair dyed blonde, Chinese model Ma Yinhong struts a Shanghai catwalk with a style and swagger that belie her 56 years.

She made her modelling debut just two years ago and is already in demand, working for leading fashion brands such as Dolce & Gabbana.

Ma is one of a growing number of older models sought after by Chinese and international labels trying to court the country’s growing faction of “silver spenders”.

She seems to embody this target market of older Chinese who are spending more on themselves.

“I never go out without dressing up and getting made up. I never let myself look like an old granny,” Ma said at a recent show for Uooyaa, which used a mix of younger Chinese and foreign models, as well as seniors.

Once confined largely to life insurance and healthcare ads, today glamorous Chinese seniors are in demand for high fashion.

“They save me as ‘best for last’ in fashion shows after young models, so I am quite visible,” Ma said.

Chinese model Ma Yinhong, right, talks to her friends at a cafe in central Shanghai.

By 2050, one in three people in China, or 487 million people, will be over the age of 60 – more than the population of the United States – according to the official Xinhua news agency.

This greying population, combined with rising incomes and living standards, means an explosion in consumption by China’s elderly is forecast in coming decades.

Once expected to selflessly stay home and mind the grandchildren, seniors – particularly women – have become a coveted market for products like clothing, fashion accessories, cosmetics and travel, according to consumer research firm Mintel.

Portraying older models in active, youthful lifestyles sells well in a culture with a strong tradition of respect and deference toward elders, parttime model Liu Wei said.

“A sense of sophistication can show in the facial expressions of seniors,” explained the 52-year-old.

He added: “Handsome young men, even with their good bodies, cannot convey maturity.”

Liu only began modelling two months ago and does it as a hobby. The owner of two listed companies, he typically appears in adverts as a successful businessman.

“The market for senior models in China is not huge yet but it is growing,” said Michelle Chien, a modelling agent with ESEE Model Management, one of the city’s largest agencies.

This echoes a trend now well established in Western markets, where brands have been keen to tap the pockets of the affluent baby boomer generation.

In the past five years, catwalks globally have seen greater age diversity and models such as Jacky O’Shaughnessy, Jan de Villeneuve, and Elon Musk’s mother Maye Musk, making names for themselves as fashion stars in their 60s and 70s.

In her youth, Ma had hoped for a career in fashion design. She moved to Japan to study in the 1980s but did not graduate as she could not afford the fashion fees.

But she did not start modelling until getting her first gig two years ago after sending her photo to a Shanghai fashion house.

Despite fashion brands embracing the grey hair and wrinkles that come with older models, Ma said it was still important to stay stylish and in shape.

She gets her hair done every three weeks, and stays fit with daily breathing exercises and regular workouts at the gym.

Ma explained: “Keeping in good health keeps me on the catwalk. There is no age limit in fashion, so hopefully my dream can continue.”

Hansa Kraikosol, chief executive director of Playmondo Group, a leader in the amusement park business with more than 25year experiences, hosted the grand opening recently.

“Playmondo is centred on the idea of turning an indoor amusement park into a small planet where children can play and learn safely on rides that can stir their imagination,” Hansa told The Nation. We have chosen a Tardigrade named Phi Mon as Playmondo’s mascot. This animal is known as the world’s most tolerant creature as they can remain in nature in all climate conditions. We want the kids to learn about tolerance and the beauty of nature through this mascot. Playmondo is an amusement park for learning for children from one to 13 years of age.”

Children can have adventures in four play zones inspired by such natural surroundings as the desert, ocean, volcano, and jungle. Each ride can support growth during childhood. Interactive rides help with cognitive development while reactions are boosted with games like Ball Wall where children throw a ball against the wall and catch it as it comes back to them. Blue Blocks meanwhile enhance the imagination as they work to assemble the blocks in shapes. These activities also develop problemsolving skills, thinking and analysing.

Physical development gets a look in with trampolines, climbing walls and mock up cliff face while social development is generated through the playing experience. All rides and equipment have been designed and produced by a professional team from Europe and America and hold International Safety Certification like European Norm (Europe), and IPEMA and ASTM (USA.)

Playsquare Laser Tag is a place for space warriors to experience an advanced laser field with lighting and audio effects in a galaxy war that enables kids to learn how to observe, defend themselves and visualise in the dark. The illuminated bulletproof vest and laser guns are imported from USA. The field is also installed with protective equipment. Players must be at least 110 centimetres tall to take the weight of the bulletproof vest.

The grand opening saw lots of celebrities turning out with their kids.

Ticket prices start at Bt550 for kids 75100 cm tall and Bt650 for kids taller than 100 cm. The duration is 3 hours for all rides.

For Playsquare Laser Tag, the ticket price starts at Bt350 per game and each game lasts 15 minutes with a maximum of 24 players. It’s open daily from 11am to 8pm daily.

For more information, call (02) 103 2499.

 It boasts a spacious reception area, five double treatment rooms and three river suites. Each suite offers panoramic river views and includes an oversized aromatherapy floral bath, a steam-and-shower room and a changing room.

One deluxe garden suite opens onto a private rooftop garden and the interior design is a Zen-like blend of smooth stones, water images and tropical plants.

The wide-ranging Thai and internationally inspired spa menu includes massages, body scrubs, add-on treatments and enhancements, waxing, and nail and foot care.

The signature Siamese Heritage Signature Journey features a luk prakob wrap, foot ritual, Thai herbal steam, luk prakob herbal ball massage and herbal refreshments with Thai delicacies.

Perfect for a couple relaxing together, another signature is the tailor-made Riverside Indulgence. It includes a foot ritual, choice of body scrub, choice of bath or steam, de-stress aroma massage and refreshments.

Book any treatment or buy a gift voucher using the promo code “FREEMASSAGE” between Friday and January 27 and you get a complimentary 30-minute foot massage and a chance to win a 60-minute Afternoon De-Stress Aroma Massage.

Go to Facebook.com/royalorchidsheratonhotel by Thursday.

Lung cancer is third most common among Thais and the second cause of death from cancer. Each year, 20,000 patients are diagnosed with lung cancer, the mortality rate of which is a massive 40 per cent. Efforts are constantly being made to reduce the frequency of the disease through anti-smoking campaigns and other means, the most recent being the Healthy Lung Thailand project, which was launched in July last year by Astra Zeneca (Thailand) in collaboration with Ministry of Public Health and healthcare organisations. The aim is to promote consciousness as well as improve diagnosis and treatment,

The project is now expanding to cover a wider region, namely Health Region 1 in the North, Health Region 8 in the Northeast, and Health Region 11 in the South, covering a total of 22 provinces.

The agencies involved have contributed towards creating awareness of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Health Region 1, which is comprised of eight provinces –Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, and Lamphun – and which has the highest prevalence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the country.

In Thailand, 78,036 patients were diagnosed with COPD in the past two years, a high proportion of them resident in the North who suffer from air pollution as a result of biomass burning for agriculture and also smoke the traditional banana leaf cigarettes, both main causes of COPD. According to the Health Data Centre, out of 17,347 deaths in 2017 caused by asthma and COPD, more than 30 per cent were from the Bangkok area and provinces in Region 1.

“In the north of Thailand we have more patients admitted to the hospital in March and April, which is when farmers burn their fields to prepare for planting,” says Dr Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, Inspector General of Ministry of Public Health Region 1.

Air pollution has also become a major concern Bangkok area after the amount of PM2.5 – airborne dust particles 2.5 microns in diameter or less – exceeded the safe level of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air along roads on several occasions in recent weeks.

Chaleerat Direkwattanachai, the director of the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Association of Thailand notes that even though pollution doesn’t cause lung disease, it does trigger symptoms in patients with pre-existing conditions.

Last year, Healthy Lung Thailand was successful in developing the knowledge base on asthma and COPD for 9,320 medical professionals nationwide, while also initiating development in effective treatment and care.

“After the launch of Healthy Lung Thailand in July, the number of COPD patients in Thailand increased by 20.4 per cent overall, 12 per cent of which were from Health Region 1. This increase definitely reflects the accomplishments of Healthy Lung Thailand in increasing the understanding of COPD in Thailand, while educating medical professionals so they can provide better diagnosis and care,” Dr Thongchai says.

The support in terms of medical equipment and drugs from the private sector during the project also played a role in correct diagnosis and screening compared to the past where medical staff were less experienced and didn’t have enough equipment for the proper diagnosis. Through targetted training and seminars, medical personnel now have better knowledge of lung disease.

Healthy Lung Thailand was initiated by Astra Zeneca Thailand, the BMA and the Medical Services Department, with academic support provided by the Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Association of Thailand, and the Paediatric Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Society.

This year, the project is being rolled out in Health Region 1, as well as Health Region 8 (the Northeast) and Health Region 11 (the South).

Dr Ekaphob Sirachainan, president of the Thai Society of Clinical Oncology says approximately 20,000 patients are diagnosed with lung cancer every year and 8,000 die from the disease.

“We are determined to improve the lung cancer situation in Thailand and the Healthy Lung Thailand campaign helps to educate medical professionals in accurately identifying and diagnosing lung cancer patients prior to admitting them for appropriate medical treatment. This will in turn reduce the death rates of lung cancer patients in Thailand,” says Dr Ekaphob.

“Respiratory illnesses, like asthma, COPD and lung cancer are rising rapidly across Asia. This presents particular challenges for most healthcare systems, which have historically focused on acute, short-term care. Effectively treating respiratory disease requires a lengthy, potentially life-long management with the patient at the centre,” adds Inge Kusuma, country president of Astra Zeneca Thailand.

Healthy Lung Thailand is slated to operate until the end of 2019 with three approaches from partnership with various organisations to increase awareness of the disease, capability and skill development, and better understanding of the disease leading to the development of effective treatment.

The goal of this project extension is to increase awareness and educate more than 8,000 medical professionals on lung cancer’s risk factors, prevention, identification and making differential diagnoses between asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.

Healthy Lung Thailand also aims to support Government’s five-year (2017-2021) strategic plan on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), where cancer and COPD are given high importance in the effort to reduce premature death from NCD by 25 per cent.

Healthy Lung Thailand is part of the greater campaign Healthy Lung Asia that has been rolled out in nine countries across Asia since 2017, namely India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand.

The region-wide programme has seen positive outcomes including helping to diagnose more than 425,000 patients of respiratory diseases, with 22,000 medical professionals trained while supporting the education of more than 24,000 patients. In addition, the programme has shaped 10 national guidelines and care pathways, and 956 respiratory centres of excellence have been developed. To date, three bilateral agreements have been secured with Governments across the Asia-Pacific region and 15 formal partnerships secured to improve respiratory care, reaching over close to half a million patients across the region.

In his role as the campaign’s presenter, the 40-year-old rocker is encouraging Thais to reduce and stop using plastic bags and turn it into a donation of Bt0.20 per bag to Siriraj Hospital to support the purchase of medical equipment for Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building.

Tanin Buranamanit, managing director and chief executive officer of CP All Public Company, which operates 7-Eleven in Thailand, explains that each time a customer says no to a plastic bag, the number of bags reduced will be recorded in the system. Both the number of the reduced plastic bags and the amount of donations made to the Siriraj account will be shown on screen at the cashier counter, and can be tracked real-time on the 7App mobile application and the 7-Eleven Thailand Facebook page.

The new TV commercial featuring Toon Bodyslam, which plays with the word “promise”, makes the point that the best promise is the one that is achievable. The TVC will be broadcast via both offline media (television) and online channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Line and YouTube), as well as through in-store communication at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

“Toon Bodyslam is one of the most popular artists in Thailand thanks to his philanthropic efforts to improve Thai society and in particular, his epic charity marathon ‘Step by Step’, which successfully mobilised resources from Thai people to raise funds for public hospitals across the country. This is another campaign that intends to alleviate environmental problems while raising donations for Siriraj Hospital. We truly believe that Toon Bodyslam can help communicate the core message of this campaign to our target audience effectively,” Tanin said.

The campaign will raise funds for Siriraj Hospital until February 28.

At the launch event of campaign, CP ALL also announced it was joining up with 13 leading organisations to collaborate in reducing and stopping plastic bag use. They are: the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, the Pollution control Department, the Department of marine and Coastal Resources, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Department of Local Administration, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Sustainable University Network of Thailand, the Green World Foundation, Mahasamut Patrol Thailand, Thailand Environmental Institute, Thai Volunteer Service, and Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE), and the Federation of Thai Industries.

WITH ITS imposing columned facade, hunting trophies and oil portraits, the Rand Club in Johannesburg’s city centre is a relic of South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past.

Founded in 1887 by British mining magnate Cecil Rhodes, it was the favoured venue for white businessmen and free-wheeling gold prospectors to strike deals and socialise in the hushed library or at the 31-metre-long teak bar, reputedly the longest in Africa.

But Alicia Thompson, a black woman born in Johannesburg, is seeking to reposition the club, which has struggled to stay open in recent years, by attracting the city’s “young hustlers” of today while preserving its heritage.

An oil painting of former South African president and Anti Apartheid icon Nelson Mandela is on the first floor of the Rand Club – the imposing Edwardianstyle club in Johannesburg’s vibrant centre that is a relic of South Africa’s colonial and apartheid history. /AFP

Thompson, a 46-year-old beauty business owner who is the club’s deputy chairman, says that she faced “not one iota of resistance” in her efforts to haul the club into the modern era.

“I grew up in Johannesburg, I frequented the city and I used to see this building that I was not allowed to enter,” Thompson recalls.

“It was this hallowed, ivory tower and I didn’t know what happened inside. Then I attended a wedding here in 2010, and I couldn’t believe that this gem was withheld from us for all our life.”

Thompson has seen the number of full-time members – paying $720 (Bt23,000) a year – grow recently to nearly 500 after years of decline, while the numbers of student and absentee members are also up.

“My attitude to members is just to make it your space,” she says.

The fumoir and the bar on the first floor of the Rand Club. In past centuries freewheeling gold prospectors, all white men who were followed by Churchill and Cecil Rhodes, gathered to strike deals, intrigue and drink../AFP

A life-sized portrait of Rhodes, an imperialist businessman and politician inextricably linked with racism and colonial exploitation, still hangs in a second-floor room.

But the room itself, which previously bore his name, has been renamed the Founders’ Room following an initiative by younger members.

Books from another era bearing the words “kaffir” (an offensive racial slur) and “native” still line the shelves of the library, alongside a fireplace, wingback leather armchairs and a typewriter.

“Some of our history is very unimpressive – but I’m not a ‘fallist’,” says member Lucky Dinake, 24, a black councillor from the main opposition Democratic Alliance party.

“Fallist” refers to supporters of the “Rhodes Must Fall” movement sparked in South Africa in 2015 by students seeking the removal of statues of Rhodes and other colonial symbols from university campuses.

Sello Chauke, the barman of the Rand Club leans on the bar./AFP

“Our history is our history. Our responsibility is to learn from it, move forward, not to tear it down,” Dinake adds.

Outside the library’s tall windows, workers hurry along the roads of the Marshalltown district while minibuses packed with commuters speed past.

Over the years, the club’s fortunes have reflected the mixed fortunes of the surrounding inner-city streets.

Unlike “clublands” in cities like London and New York in upscale neighbourhoods, Johannesburg’s city centre has grappled with businesses fleeing, rampant crime as well as derelict and illegally occupied buildings.

But work is under way to rehabilitate the area with high-end booksellers opening nearby in recent years as well as investment in public transport and policing.

“The club is becoming a lot more relevant and a lot more accessible to more people, taking advantage of our location. In Joburg, there’s a lot of renewal,” Dinake notes.

Alongside efforts to modernise the club and appeal to millennials, including the launch of a business networking club, some rules still honour tradition with phones and tablets banned in the club’s upstairs communal areas.

A waiter holds champagne glasses at the entrance of the bar./AFP

“The idea is to enjoy each others’ company. It’s good for the ‘personal’ – that’s what’s lacking on places like LinkedIn,” says Thompson.

“It’s not just stuffy businessmen and bullish miners anymore.”

Jane Germaner, the 33-year-old wife of a member, is full of praise for the club’s transformation policy.

“One of the beautiful things about it is you get to network with all these people you wouldn’t necessarily meet in your day-to-day life. You meet all kinds of characters,” she smiles.

Women were not admitted until 1993 but Germaner says she has never felt unwelcome.

Vestiges of the past like hunting trophies are also displayed less prominently than they once were. A portrait of Nelson Mandela, a member in his lifetime, takes pride of place above the sweeping staircase at the heart of the club.

Conventions like the dress code have been quietly relaxed over time as the club pushes to grow its membership base.

It has also begun hosting weddings, parties and functions which, along with a loan from three members, have put the club on a surer financial footing.

It came close to the brink of closure following a fire in 2005 and it went into “hibernation” in 2015 when its fate again hung in the balance.

“Now members are hustlers, they’re the entrepreneurs,” says Sello Chauke, a 34-year-old Soweto resident who tends the club bar.