Balizza in Port Elizabeth

By Björn, January 27, 2008

There is a new pub in PE (Port Elizabeth, South Africa). It’s called Balizza. Situated in Heugh Road in Walmer on Times Square we found the decor to be very stylish and attractive. Balizza is an italian fashion related name. Come to think of it, maybe that was the reason for Fashion TV on all the television screens.
The atmosphere is great and the staff are very friendly and diligent. The music is great and even the bouncers are friendly!
Even though it is a very fashionable place, we found that the crowd hanging out there was not your usual yuppies with their designer clothes. Overall a good time was had by all and the place is definitely recommended to be included in a pub crawl list.

In: Rants & Raves

Tags: PE, port elizabeth, South Africa

81 Responses to “Balizza in Port Elizabeth”

On February 5th, 2008 at 7:36 am Nolan said,

I see you don’t advocate a ‘designated driver’ in your “Pub Crawl”??
Please think about this.
Just Think
On May 22nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm matteo said,

I worked for balizza Italy
On July 28th, 2008 at 3:45 pm Mickey said,

Balizza is a great place especially because it is for over 23′s… Its about PE got a club like it…
On August 17th, 2008 at 12:51 pm Angie said,

Our scooter was stolen right outside the door of Balizza – another was badly vandalised – DON”T GO THERE!!!
On August 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 pm Mark said,

Hi our doorman recovered the scooter after a tipoff of who it was. Two youngsters were collected during the week outside ther school and dropped of with the police the scooter was returned to the owner.-Management Balizza
On September 28th, 2008 at 2:02 pm Johan said,

visit http://www.barstuffstore.co.za
On September 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm Johan said,

see an amazing shooterglass dispenser @ http://www.barstuffstore.co.za
On November 14th, 2008 at 4:48 pm Ed said,

ASSAULTED BY BOUNCERS AT BALIZZA FOR NO REASON
Yesterday, the 13th of November 2008, my wife and myself had 2 friends from Europe visiting us. After supper we decided to go for one drink to Balizza. My wife and myself ordered 1 glass of wine each. After I had 2 sips from my wine I excused myself and went to the toilet. In the toilet I had to experience a very unpleasant event which I wanted to report to the owner or manager on duty. Instead of calling the manager or owner a group of bouncers tackled me, forced me to the ground and dragged me along on the ground all the way from the toilet through the entire bar area to the entrance door where I was thrown out. I am a well respected 53 year old businessman and never in my life have I been humiliated like this. No explanation was given to me as to why I was treated like this – I have pictures and a medical report which are testimony to the brutality of this attack.
I have opened a case of assault at the Walmer Park Police station.
On November 14th, 2008 at 8:15 pm Johan nagel said,

As a businessman in PE it is shocking to hear about these incidents at so called up market places and it makes me wonder why places allow their staff to behave in such a way. It is un aceptable and if it continues the businesses must realise that they do not really need the business they cry for… I wonder what the local papers would do with such a story?
On November 15th, 2008 at 10:18 am Bob said,

I actually witnessed this incident and it is amazing to see how a so called local well respected business man acts after “2 sips” of wine.You were actually shouting and screaming at the toilet cleaner and being racially abusive the last straw was when you started to breakdown the toilet door.The cleaner called the doormen and the “2 sips” of wine gave you miracle strength to start to tackle them too.You were removed proffesionally by the doormen.After you had been to the police station the police came to the club and mentioned that you were abusive with them too.Apparently you own ellies coffee maybe you should stay there at night instead of running your opposition down.
On November 15th, 2008 at 10:25 am bob said,

Johan nagel you seem to be one of those guys that believe everything you read in the papers get all the facts before you comment.You should know this as a local business man
On November 16th, 2008 at 1:07 pm Mark said,

I went and looked at the CCTV footage and met with our security. I am satisfied with the reason for removing you from the club and the way in which security removed you from the club.

Our main conern during these type of occurences is for the safety of those around you and the correct decision was made as you were becoming increasingly violent.

I have saved the CCTV footage and you were not dragged along the floor as you described you kept pulling the doormen to the floor.You also damaged the toilet doors.

The doormen have also being notified not to allow you back into any of our venues as it is very clear from the CCTV footage that you do not respect our venue and the rest of the patrons that were there simply to have a good time.
On November 17th, 2008 at 8:04 am Ed said,

Dear Mark, I am really not surprised that you will try to defend your doormen’s behaviour and I am most certainly not going to pleasure you by debating this matter any further with you. The matter of assault will be dealt with in court and a judge will decide on whether the action taken by the doormen was justified or not. In the meantime I have instructed my lawyers to draw up summons for my civil claim against Balizza which will be served in due course.
By the way, you can rest assured that I have no desire to visit any one of your establishments ever again, but neither will any of my friends, business associates etc. who are totally horrified by this event.
On November 17th, 2008 at 10:18 am mark said,

ED I certainly don’t “derive pleasure” from having to deal with people like yourself and having to repair the toilet structure that you damaged.Maybe when you get to see the CCTV footage once you wasted everybodys time you will see what I’m talking about. You should rather as a “respected” business man take responsibility for your actions as your complete disrespect including reving and wheel spinnung your red slk with Zebra EC is also in our incident book.
On November 19th, 2008 at 5:23 pm Anthony said,

Shame on Balizza, shame on staff, management and owners of Balizza and especially shame on Mark !!
I have been following this correspondence with great interest to see where it would lead. Before I go on let me assure you that I was right there when it happened – so please, Bob and Mark, I am now commenting from my personal observation.
Firstly, why am I not surprised that Mark does nothing else but try to put all the blame for what has happened on Ed – does Mark really think the readers and his patrons are so stupid that they cannot see the picture ?? But be that as it may, what Mark seems to forget is the fact that a patron of his establishment was severely assaulted and injured – how does he justify this?
I do not know what Ed was supposed to have damaged inside the toilet as I was only on my way to the toilet when I witnessed the most brutal attack on Ed by two monstrous doormen following Ed’s very polite request to have either the manager or one of the owners called as he wanted to complain about an incident in the toilet. At no time has Ed raised his voice let alone used abusive language. Mark alleges that Ed had damaged structures inside the toilet, and that this led to the action taken against him – well, let me assure you, I can not recall having noticed any damage whatsoever once I got inside the toilet, and this I state for the record.
What I would also like to state for the record is the fact that as soon as I got back from the toilet I confronted the very same doorman who manhandled Ed to find out what exactly has happened, but, does it surprise you, I have been told in the most provocative way that I can “take it outside” if I wish to. Needless to say – one look at the doorman and I kept quite.
Well Mark, your 3 establishments have most certainly lost another patron for good and I am sure that many more will think twice whether they want to take a chance.
What I am really curious about is the outcome of an investigations launched into of all your establishments’
compliance with Government Bills, Municipal Bylaws etc.
Last word to Ed – you need a witness – you got one.
On November 19th, 2008 at 5:59 pm Mark said,

Anthony I think you need to look at the CCTV footage as you missed most of what really happened and as far as the abusive attitude of ED is concerned the walmer police station can confirm this for you. Its becoming a bit of “he said she said” as Bob also saw a different version.The CCTV footage including ED even driving past slowly yesterday scoping out the venue and the fact he owned the recently failed Zebra add to the old trick of running your opposition down.We don’t stoop that low.
On November 19th, 2008 at 8:31 pm Johan nagel said,

Not being at the venue when the incident happened makes it difficult to take sides but what i am concerned about is the safety of patrons. Which ever way, your patrons should be at the top of your list after all, they pay all the bills and the such, i whish you luck
On November 19th, 2008 at 9:05 pm Mark said,

Hi Johan

Safety of the patrons is always our top priority some of the doormen work as paramedics by day and we make use of this skill by always trying to ensure one of them is on shift.Edmar Robnik was becoming increasingly viloent and abusive towards staff and other patrons and as a result was removed from the club professionally.
On December 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 am Julian Krane said,

I have recieved threats from the bouncers as well! And I too did nothing, my g/f was sitting on my lap and the bouncer came past and told her off for sitting on my lap, I asked why this was a problem and then he replied “He would drag me outside”.

I have not been to the place since and I will not go again. The only reason this venue is succeeding is because there are no others in PE at the moment, I hope someone comes up with something new because to say this place is average is being way too nice!!!
On December 22nd, 2008 at 6:55 am jill said,

balizza is a great place and i have no idea why ur all finding fault with it! the only time the bouncers do anything to ppl is when they actually cause problems…..
On January 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 am chris said,

Hi There

Last night…… Friday2 January 2009, my girlfriend and I, were at Balizza. My Girlfriend and I, were having a good time in the bar area. We moved on to the “Dance area” where I was planning to propose. I went up the the DJ to dedicate a song, ” BOB MARLEY – COULD THIS BE LOVE” -Keep this in mind that there was no one on the dance floor! The DJ informed me that it was no problem. ! An hour later there was still no request!!! I eventually went up to remind the DJ and his friends of the request, they however laughed and joked at how “nerdy I am”, and would not proceed with the song! I would Not recommend anyone to Balizza, Only reason….. DJ SUCKSSSSS!!! FAT !!@!!!, Skinny !!@!! crew. Not impressed High class pimp !!@!! Gay DJ’s
On January 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 am Andy said,

Chris what a fucking stupid comment at 12.13 am sober up dude before you fire up your pc and Bob Marley Could you be loved in a dance floor is like a fucked up request no wonder you got laughed at I’m sure the dj’s at balizza aren’t gay you just a loser I hope your girlfriend told you to fuck off when you proposed cunt
On January 9th, 2009 at 10:57 pm Jason F said,

Andy you sound like a loser …such vulgarity and an evident lack of class.

Heard there a few new places opening such as Berlin and a new Toby Joes, cannot wait.

Whats the deal with memphizz??? Maybe one of the owners could explain how a Tennessee city fits into that “theme”. Really thought Finezz was great, Balizza started out great, but they missed the mark with the new place.
On February 8th, 2009 at 3:34 pm dj screw said,

Hi guys

Phisical safety is important but what obout safety to your health? I write this after a visit to Steers Newton Park. It is shocking to know that we buy food, stuff we put in our bodies from a fast food chain store where there is so many roaches you wont believe. Not even the basins where the chips is prepared gets cleaned. Not to speak of the chip maker and oh dear…. the dirtiest toilets i’ve experienced in the food trade. What happened to hygene? No, if you can eat at such a place you can eat from your bin
On February 20th, 2009 at 2:06 pm Gavin said,

Balizza is crap! Own a club in Cape town and the comparison is , well there are no words to describe it! Will be opening a club in Port elizabeth very soon and maybe you guys can learn something from me.

Good luck
On February 20th, 2009 at 2:11 pm Björn said,

Looking forward to it Gavin. PE is in dire need of some proper entertainment…
On February 20th, 2009 at 2:46 pm mark said,

Hi Gavin.

You are entitled to your opinion and we wish you the best of luck be assured that we won’t stoop as low a to post negative comments about your new venture we prove ourselves with results something you still need to
On February 21st, 2009 at 6:00 pm Jan said,

Gavin – I am a hospitality man through and through, your comment suggests you obviously dont! Balizza is a very good club, and dont even get me started on cape town, you people sell pretentious bullshit…please do come and try and open a club here, I’ll be the first to send my food back to the kitchen
On February 24th, 2009 at 12:36 pm Gavin said,

My comment was completely out of line and i do apologize! Wish you guys all the best for the future.

As for pretentious bullshit you are entitiled to your own opinon.

Goog luck and all the best

Gavin
On February 28th, 2009 at 6:27 pm Johan said,

Gavin, where you opening a club and when? What club you running in Cape Town at the moment?

I’m 18 and want to get into the industry, would you consider taking an apprentice under your wing?
On March 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 am Gavin said,

The fundementals are still being discussed! Doing extensive research before moving forward. What cam you offer me if i do take you under my wing?
On March 3rd, 2009 at 12:43 pm Michael Gaskin said,

Hi, I am Mark’s cosuin from the UK. Firstly let me say about the guy being taken out of the club: Why would they willingly and forcibly take a paying customer out (in front of other customers) if the guy was doing nothing wrong? This makes no sense and I cannot see the boucners risking their jobs to remove a 53 year old man for no reason.

Also, my brother and I (both DJ’s) wll be coming over to visit in April and we will be brining the big bad UK sounds with us! Remember this is still a relatively new venue &South Afirca is fast rising up the ranks for club nights. The UK only got to where it’s got through years of putting events on, hit and miss and trying out new things.
My cousin has big plans for his venues and my brother&I are hoping to add some of our experience of hosting nights here in the UK when we come over soon.
So haters, keep the noise down and give some recognition2someone who is tying to put Port Elizabeth and South Africa on the map!
On June 22nd, 2009 at 3:15 pm New 2 PE said,

I have only heard good things about Balizza. What kind of a businessman has so much time to try and defame a night club on the web. Every club has such events when booze is involved. Grow up and stay in or act your age. At 54, and if you were any kind of respected man of that age, you should be home reading a book. Either way, stop moaning, its pathetic. Maybe if its for over 23′s they can make it under 50′s as well?
On July 4th, 2009 at 4:26 pm PeGirl said,

After all the posted comments, I realised that what some people don’t understand about Balizza is that not all the bouncers are aggressive and confrontational, just a couple of them. I was once accused of dealing drugs with Nigerians by a bouncer for no reason other than I walked past said Nigerian’s car and I have on numerous occasions seen the same two bouncers “escorting” rowdy patrons out the front door only to start make loud, rude comments about the patrons and in my estimation actually inciting a response. I have even explained to these bouncers that they are there to neutralise conflict, not cause it, only to be called a string of vulgar names. Asking for a manager is always met with, “I am the manager”. I now only go there when those bouncers aren’t there. My question is, why is Balizza the only club in town that employs some bouncers who seem always keen for a fight? I have friends who have been involved in and witnessed these bouncers actually following patrons and taking their issue with them right up to their cars and on a few occasions these bouncers threw the first punch. Being a bouncer is about keeping the peace and not exposing other patrons to any violence, drug use or exploitation. A foul mouth, foul temper and intimidation tactics do not make for a good bouncer. Surely these bouncers should be trained in conflict resolution, crowd control, anger management and some First Aid? Word of mouth is often not the most flattering way you want to advertise your club. Bouncers who are calm and trained to deal with drunk patrons are the most valuable assest any club can have, regardless of where you live. And in closing, I think the DJs and Bar staff at Balizza are some of the best in PE.
On July 21st, 2009 at 1:49 pm BB said,

Balizza is the best place for entertainment in PE. and I think old ppl (like the 53 year old guy) must stay at home and go to bed early rather. Its creepy to have old men flirting with us young girls. Except for that I love Balizza. I recommend it to everybody that wants to have a good time and thanx to the sexy bouncers for our safety.
On September 9th, 2009 at 5:24 pm Paul said,

Respect to Ed and respect to the club owner. You really handled that professionally.
On September 9th, 2009 at 5:27 pm Paul said,

By the way Mark, Balizza does not yet have a website. I’d love to help you out on that one – sarealm@gmail.com
On December 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am Justin said,

FTV is opening soon guys. CANNOT WAIT!!!!

ZZ are a group of thick Dutchman planks that KNOW NOTHING!!!!!

Balizza was a stroke of luck – when FTV opens they all f*cked!!!! Because they fat bald useless c*nts!!!!! DUTCHMAN C*NTS!!! And they all dating WH*RES that try and write into newspapers to put pressures on other clubs SUCH WH*ORES!!!!

GO FTV, GO!!!!!! F*CK BALIZZA!!!! F*CK BUZZ!!!! F*CK FINEZZ!!!!
On December 9th, 2009 at 10:11 pm Mark said,

Hi Justin

Many thanks for taking the time to review our clubs.

As you can see from the tone of this reply we are in no way offended or concerned about your comments.
We would however encourage you in future to be more professional in your reviews.

Should you have any concerns from a service level point of view please feel free to contact me or any one of our management on 041 5812448 and we will gladly assist you.

All the best for 2010

Regards

Mark
On December 10th, 2009 at 2:23 am Mickey said,

Dear Justin

As a supporter of the “ZZ Group” all I can say to you is that if that is the type of language that you use when you speak to people, myself, my friends and business colleagues will not support your venue. Do you eat with that mouth? You should be ashamed. Any decent human being will not use such filthy language. You have tarnished your reputation before you have even opened your doors.

You know the old saying “First Impressions Last”
On December 13th, 2009 at 5:11 pm missbliss said,

Um Justin…. clearly you have a personal gripe with the owners of Balizza, should that be the case, why don’t you take up the issue personally with whomever it was that may have offended you. It is extremely unbecoming of a person to write such distasteful things on the net for everyone to see. I also think that you should get your facts straight before mouthing off about people, i.e. the owners’ girlfriends – calling them whores. Firstly, WHORE definition: a woman who engages in promiscuous sexual intercourse, usually for money. Does this sound accurate to you? I think not. And FTV can welcomingly open their doors in PE, whether it will work or not is a different story.. but we have enough people in PE to support more than 3 venues on any given night, so I am sure that when FTV decide to open up in PE, Balizza, Finnezz and Buzz will not be “FUCKED” as you so politely put it.
On December 28th, 2009 at 2:34 pm paul said,

mark has still a lot to learn about clubbing. berlin [berghain, London {fabric},ibiza [amnesia] are real clubs and the small shit playing dj’s that balizza’s got will never ever come close to what clubbing is all about. dont rate yourself that high mark you are still a small timer in the entertainment industry, people who know anything about clubing knows copying shit will make you shit you need to make people dance my friend drunk stupid aggressive music will only make people want to fight. a Great man gathers the best possible team around him a weak man gathers a weak team around him ill leave you with that. I wish you luck to the top mark, you will need it.
On December 28th, 2009 at 4:58 pm Mark said,

Hey “Paul”

Thanks for your comments and for taking the time to write a chapter about me its really appreciated.

Regards

Mark
On December 28th, 2009 at 6:35 pm Renaldo said,

Paul…

Please stop hiding behind a fake name when posting your nonsense…

I DJ at Balizza and you saying

“and the small shit playing dj’s that balizza’s got will never ever come close to what clubbing is all about.”

really amuses me… real funny thing is that we have had 3 international acts in Balizza and all three cleared the dancefloor. I have played all over SA in the Top clubs and not once have I cleared a floor.

I suggest you educate yourself before you spew this nonsense about what “real” clubs and “real” dj’s are…

You have no idea mate.
On January 2nd, 2010 at 1:52 pm Aidan said,

I cant completely agree with that Pauls said having said that I suggest that the ZZ group start looking for an exit strategy with regards to Balizza.

I like the idea of a Red Z representing excellence, its a very good concept I must say!

I think the problem is not with the quality of Marks work but the quality of the PE scene. I think the group should focus on expansion into territories where there is real money. One each in Cape Town, Jozi and Durbs would suffice for now. From there move on to major African capital cities (Lagos, Accra) and then start the real overseas expansion.

However I would recommend that Mark buys the other guys out (there 5 or 6 shareholders from what I heard – correct me if I’m wrong!) and then sells a percentage to a reputable F&B group or a B.E.E. group.

I’m not in the industry its just my own humble opinion.

Happy 2010 peeps!!!

PS: Justin, you should take a look at how FTV is doing in East London my friend, just read that before you go on about it dominating the Port Elizabeth market.
On January 4th, 2010 at 1:13 am Mark said,

Hi Aidan

Many thanks for the comments expansion is on our plan going forward.

Regarding the share holders , I only contribute a small part and all our shareholders are a key reason to our current success in Port Elizabeth.

All the best for 2010

Mark
On January 4th, 2010 at 11:49 am Aidan said,

Hi Mark,

As I said I do not know all the details about your business but do find the concept very refreshing. I used to work in hospitality but currently am focusing on other interests.

I still however find it no coincidence that the brand has expanded and operated so professionally since you joined up. It also shows your level of professionalism that you are praising the efforts of all your shareholders.

I must say however the Memphizz thing did not make much sense to me but you showed great courage by admitting a failure and turning it into its current venue that attracts a key niche in the market.

Remember everything I am saying is basically on hearsay but if I were you I would start recruiting people with a strong educational background in the field of hospitality, this would ensure your brand gets the correct strategic direction and that adequate research methods are used before entering a new market or implementing new ideas. I think that although it is commendable to hire from the ground up (barman becoming managers) they lack somewhat in credibility to the outside world.

One only needs to take a look at groups like “Milk and Honey” to see what a person with a strong educational background can do for a entertainment group.

I know of quite a few such people however from what I understand it would be difficult to work with some of your staff who have a “know it all” attitude (once again hearsay).

I also must say that I feel that your Public Relations department is not up to scratch. This issue with the newspapers got blown way out of proportion.

However generally I think you guys could make it big, international big! I think you just need to seriously look at basic restructuring and look to recruit credible people from the industry. Your website is fantastic (just needs to be updated better) and your decor and style within your venues is absolute class!!!

Please do not see my views as being negative I just feel that your group could go on to do great things! First you need to understand what direction the bus is going in and then make sure the bus has the right drivers!!!

Best of luck for the future, I hope to see a massive Red Z in Times Square New York one day.

Regards.

ps: If you want I can make some people I used to work with/lecture in the industry aware of your brand and perhaps let them approach you? Anyway keep well Mark, lets hope to see a true PE success story.
On January 4th, 2010 at 10:00 pm Mark said,

Hey Aidan

Many thanks for the comments and advice it is appreciated.

Great to see there are people out there with unbiased honest view.

Regards

Mark
On January 7th, 2010 at 5:12 pm paul said,

dear renaldo
my name is paul mate. I am not as fake as your CV. Renaldo I know you have played for under 18′s at some teen scene jol and thought that you are the next norman cook playing your hand me down’s cheesy pokker face like cd’s that someone got you for x mas from musica. like you said you have only played in clubs in south africa that is so sad. maybe you will became the next resident dj at pacha if you know where that is. oh and i have seen you trying to mix. I walked out of the bar when you played the same track twice (remember me) bad luck for you Renaldo entertaining young drunk kids who still have to see and hear the best DJ play in london next year. Because they will always compare the kak dj in PE to the best. PS please send me a fake CV of all the top CLUB you’ve been to and the top fack dj’s you have played with.
On January 7th, 2010 at 6:49 pm Renaldo said,

LOL @ Paul Mate…

I have never done a under 18′s Jol… and what CV are you referring to? I have never compiled a DJ CV.

My goals in life where never to be a full time DJ for the rest of my life. It was a means to an end and my aspirations were never to be a international DJ… hence me studying and finishing my masters.

Why do you feel the need to come online and hide behind your screen. Why don’t you use your real name and come tell me this to my face?

You can try and spread false rumors and lies all you want but all of it is in vain if you are too much of a coward to come say it to my face…

You are are just a little insignificant man who can’t even scrape a little bit of courage together to face someone…

But that is all cool… the world needs people like you too… you know… the ones who are all high and mighty behind a PC but ends up being a real suicidal freak in real life.

Well done E-Thug… im sure your parents are REAL proud of you.

Paul Mate… PFFF lol… what a tool!
On January 8th, 2010 at 11:00 am Björn said,

Guys guys!! Eish. This is a friendly blog. Lets play nice. The subject is Balizza…
On January 8th, 2010 at 5:29 pm paul said,

you are such a dumb ass Renaldo you have just said that your heart is not in your work

Renaldo: My goals in life where never to be a full time DJ for the rest of my life} LOL…….

thats what you said, any man that does not take pride in his work is a small time loser that brings me back to my point about you.

Mark…..
please get rid of this guy he has no passion in what he is doing you cant
build anything with Renaldo please get a Dj who is passionate about his work who you can build a future with.

PS renaldo you don’t want to take me on you should learn to how mix before you pick a fight.
On January 8th, 2010 at 9:03 pm Mark said,

“Paul”

Why don’t you just come and see us ?

Mark
On January 11th, 2010 at 2:05 pm paul said,

Sure mark Ill pop in when Im in Port Elizabeth again and share some improvement ideas with you. You can read up on some of the biggest party’s happening in the UK done by {Pixel Addicts} or follow the link http://www.thepixeladdicts.com/inside-us-all/ ill give you the name of a good Dj agent in Cape Town with the good CV when I see you soon.
On January 11th, 2010 at 2:15 pm paul said,

And renaldo you are a real mate
On January 15th, 2010 at 1:25 pm Renaldo said,

So that was your comeback?

Passion?

LOL…

ok dude. Be sure to call when you are in PE… and I will take you on… when you step foot in PE let me know. Would love to meet up and discuss this in person.

Chat later E-thug!
On January 18th, 2010 at 6:37 pm paul said,

Im realy tired of this shit! Renaldo. your attatude needs an ajustment. You said you are doing your masters in what?{and LOL means you are still a kid} I take it that you are not a bright kid and that your young intellect will get yourself into big trouble. Remember I have the element of surprise. I think you should get some [real elite protection] cause I have dealt with kids like you in in the past, who thinks he’s a somebody but ends up getting raped. Obviously you have a shit memory that explains your choice of music cause I realy hated your music not you that much, just the why you work it was never about you it was about the shit you play and your professionalism. If you know anything about the real world of clubbing. I suggest you stop with your childish comebacks and except that you are a shit dj. This industry is not for you kid, it can be very evil so just quite before you hurt yourself. At the end when all is said and done, mark will get rid of you and I will do business with your boss if you likes me or not and for your boss and your friends they will not protect you the faster you know this the saver you will be.
On January 18th, 2010 at 9:14 pm missbliss said,

I enjoy dancing when Renaldo plays at Balizza, I have partied at a number or places in cape town and jhb and Renaldo isn’t any less of a DJ than the guys playing at those comparitive venues.. Still seeing presonal gripes coming into this blog it seems. Why though? If the topic is Balizza as Bjorn so clearly stated – let’s talk about it then. Maybe Mark and the rest of the crew could think about having a themed evening once a month – like for instance ‘Old school’ and they can play old school classics all night – different genre’s of music though – so that it doesn’t attract only a niche market for the evening. And maybe to up the Friday after work vibe – a happy hour??? 5 til 6 or something? Not sure which hour works best. Just a suggestion – and then I guess some live entertainment would work well with that – cover singing.. I seem to think it may have been done in the past there??? Didn’t it work?
On January 19th, 2010 at 3:11 am Renaldo said,

Paul…

I suggest you watch what you say… you are threatening me… and your IP isn’t hard to trace by the police syndicate unit. Not sure if you know this seeing that you love being anonymous but you leaving comments on here means that your IP is locked into this blog… one more threat and I will definitely have to take this further.

I also suggest you grow the fuck up seeing that you are the one obsessed with me being a DJ… I do it to make money… not to become a fucking international superstar.

I suggest you either come and talk this nonsense to my face or fuck right off… for all I know you are a little pimple faced SOB that has nothing better to do than sit on this blog awaiting my responses…

You call me childish and an adolescent yet here you are hiding behind a PC hurling threats and insults my way… what does this make you?

I think I know who you are… not 100% sure yet but keep on talking… one or two more responses from you and I think I will have it.

Keep chirping bud… you real manly behind your PC E-thug
On January 19th, 2010 at 4:39 pm Shvek Singh said,

This is really strange.
On January 19th, 2010 at 11:46 pm Vampire said,

The Hills are alive with the sound of music….
On February 11th, 2010 at 11:24 am Salz said,

Greetings. This is to Mark,i was wondering if you guys hire out the place and if you do,how much does it cost for the whole night. Im from NMMU and i am hoping to have a private party there at your establishment. Please let me know ASAP.
Thanx
On February 19th, 2010 at 7:00 pm Mark said,

Hi for booking enquires please send an email with the details to mark@redzworld.co.za

Thanks

Mark
On June 9th, 2010 at 1:31 pm David said,

This message is by no means bias or forced and is only written through my own personal experience of Balizza as a club and the staff therein including the DJ.

From my first experience at Balizza through the days till present day, I greeted the Bouncers and been greeted in return and have on many occaisions actually chatted with them. As far as any assault charges etc go, I wasn’t there to have witnessed any of the above mentioned incidences as my only experiences have been those times seeing the bouncers removing drunk patrons who had no temper control etc.

Also, to those of you who feel the music at Balizza isn’t up to standard with other major clubs abroad, maybe you should be on a plane to one of those clubs or consider opening your own place and if you succeed, good for you, if not, log in to your own blog one day and write about how your club doesn’t compare with others abroad and very possibly Balizza too. I remind you that this is the Eastern Cape and I rate Mark has done more than well with the place. Yes we do need more clubs, but even Brookes hill (Tapas/Toby Joes etc) had its issues, it doesn’t boil down to aggressive bouncers who look to fight every patron and honestly to those of you saying Balizza’s bouncers are monstrous, Imagine a fight breaking out where a group of drunk patrons attack you…I rate i’d be more than glad when those same “Monstrous” oaks come running to assist.

Renaldo….Keep playing the songs you play and innovate at your own pace, after all thats what you get paid for as a Dj and the patrons are always enjoying the dance floor area, your music and the Balizza atmosphere. I see people are concerned with how the bouncers handle situations but with patrons such as Paul and some of the others I’ve seen, I don’t blame the bouncers for making sure they ‘get to their cars safely’!!

Mark – Balizza isn’t my favourite pub but it’s a damn good jol and i’ve only ever enjoyed myself when being there, I know many of the staff that work there and can honestly say it’s always a good time at Balizza, i’m just more of a pool hall junky I guess but i’ll definately never stop supporting the Balizza scene and still pop by for a random drink now and then.

One final thought, about a year ago myself and a few friends went to Balizza and had one too many drinks and as rowdy and noisy as what we were not once did the bouncers give us any kind of trouble (note I said rowdy and noisy, not brain dead drunk starting fights or swearing at staff) or threats except when it came to closing time, we were asked to finish our drinks and leave, we complied and left, without bruises, or a beating, or being dragged along the floor or told to take it outside. I even stood outside the venue testing the patience of the bouncers by deliberately asking other patrons for ID documents etc and pretending to do their jobs as a joke at them. Mark actually came outside and decently asked us not to interfere with the bouncers jobs and then even took the time to ask what we thought of the club and chatted to us all, not sure if you remember this Mark? All I can say is that bouncers need to be on high alert, they can’t play around and take chances, they are there to protect the patrons, and yes sometimes mistakes are made, it’s just part of the Human condition. DIE ANTWOORD THIS FRIDAY AT BALIZZA – JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER PARTY AT BALIZZA – GONNA BE AMAZING AND A DAMN GOOD LOT OF FUN!! And Paul, why don’t you pop by and have a chat with Renaldo, i’m sure he’d be more than willing to ensure you get safely to your car???
On June 18th, 2010 at 12:51 pm Jonathan Williams said,

Although the band aswell as the place both excededed previous expetations as we had already been to the first Puma Gear party up in joburg, a group of mates an I were very dissapointed with the level of service from the bouncers employed by this establishment(BALLIZZA) . My buddy (who had had an argument with his girlfriend) had been escorted out by the scruff of his neck, with no hint of any previous discretion other than a couple of loud words with his girlfriend,
I naturally followed the commotion, only to witness my mate being beaten into the fence railings and getting dragged accross the tar by these behamouths of men,
for a simple enquiry as to why he was getting this treatment,
I was subjected not only to a headlock, but to full on punches to my face, knocking me to the ground, and told to leave, these ‘bouncers” were hopped up on roids and were cleary looking for a way to vent there rage, as myself and my mate are not exactly a match for them physically we were taken advantage of,

is this any way to treat a tourist to your province,
my friends and i will never again give patronage to BALLIZZA,
it might not sound like much of a threat, but there were 12 people in our group, and we all feel the same.
i would like to corraspond with any person willing to comment on this as far as BALLIZZA is concerned.
On June 18th, 2010 at 1:38 pm Andrew said,

Hey Dude

I remember this incident you left out the bit were your “Mate” hit his girlfriend.

I’m not a huge fan of PE in general, but if i go down that way it’s always to Balizza as its the best in PE and on par with the best SA has to offer.

If i was a Bouncer at Balizza i would have made sure your “Mate” ended up in hospital as cowards hit women.

I’m glad to hear you and your common women hitting friends will be staying at home or going to a club that tolerates that kind of behavior.
On June 18th, 2010 at 1:50 pm Jonathan Williams said,

Look Andrew besides the fact of any previous discretion that my mate had with anybody, the fact of the matter is, i was clearly not involved with this, i was an outsider helping somebody off the ground, what happened was vulgar, clearly barbaric, did you see this go down? did you witness it?
If you were there you might have had something to say then wouldnt you big mouth? I’d like to see you get treated like a dog on the pavement…. you have no idea who i am or what I’v been through, you have no right to judge buddy, i have no gripe with you… but with management for letting this happen….
On June 18th, 2010 at 1:57 pm Björn said,

Guys who beat woman don’t get to have any say. They have no leg to stand on.
On June 18th, 2010 at 2:37 pm Jonathan Williams said,

oh my gosh dude, how many times must i explain that i had NOTHING to do with this….. i have never hit a woman, and as i am currently in a long-term relationship myself, i can totally understand this mentality as i wouldn’t tolerate it either, but surely afford me the same respect as i was harrased…. you guys are losing the point of this complant and are accussing me of something i havnt done…. please do not generalise and judge based on assumption…. I went to p.e with my girlfriend to watch football, and ended up getting a beat down…. not cool on any leval… say what you want, judge who you will,, i know the truth of what happened…. every dog has his day though, i just hope that in Balizza’s case it will happen a little sooner than most, the place is a dive and clearly only makes money due to lack of any reptuable competition….
On June 18th, 2010 at 2:48 pm Björn said,

Eish, I always said to myself I will not get involved in this page, but I just had to go open my big mouth.

Fair enough, maybe the bouncers needed to have some discretion here. I did not see what happened (even though I was there, Die Antwoord freegin rocked dude!!!!).

All I can say to you Jonathan is this piece of advice someone gave me a very long time ago. You are judged by the people you hang out with. And clearly this is what happened in this situation. Hope you’ve recovered and have put this behind you and moved on.

Akuna matata
On June 18th, 2010 at 2:49 pm Andrew said,

Jonathan

It is clear that you have some form of personal reason to attack Balizza.

You have gone from saying you “Simply enquired” to “Having nothing to do with it”

I have been going there since it opened and the security is excellent and i feel safe.

You are in a nightclub follow the rules.

Why don’t you take your women beating friends and go and have a brandy braai somewhere instead of publicly attacking Balizza.

Idiiot
On June 18th, 2010 at 3:10 pm Alzira said,

Andrew, you clearly are an asshole….no guy hit his chick ok……there is nothing wrong with Balizza but they really need to get those bouncers sorted as it seems that violence is their only way of calming a situation down in their mind……….We thouroughly enjoyed ourselves until the bouncers decided to to get violent. If Violence is the only way a man can sort any kind of situation out then he is truely not a man at all!!!!!!!! If the bouncers had a problem with any unruly person at the club then they should call the cops and get them arrested and not take the law into their own hands!!!!!! You were probably just as drunk if you think that guy hit his chick………
On June 18th, 2010 at 3:11 pm Jonathan Williams said,

I was attacked by a bouncer ….. obviously i have a personal reason to voice my opinion of the humiliation of being beat down for nothing, I wrote the complaint hoping to get a response from management, an apology atleast, you andrew are jumping to conclusions and attacking me for what i have to say? who the hell are you anyways? i had nothing to do with what was going on… hence, i simply enquired.
how hard is that to wrap your pea sized mind around? you’re splitting hairs andrew…. clearly grasping at straws as your argument is flawed, you have a biased opinion of this place, i am just expressing mine, get over yourself.
On June 18th, 2010 at 3:16 pm Jonathan Williams said,

Bjorn i can fully undersand the whole “birds of a feather” argument as far as this is concerned… but nobody hit anybody and this whole situation was blown out of proportion…. I’ve had my say now though and lets leave it at that….
On July 8th, 2010 at 10:28 am paul said,

Thats such a pathetic story David AKA Renaldo. I was stading right next to you at balizza the other day you little midget how tall are you 5ft 3. I was think of what bone to snap first but fucking up a dwarf is not my style. go fuck your hand you little shit or go and rule North Korea.
On July 8th, 2010 at 12:10 pm Mark said,

Hi “Paul”

That comment was very unprofessional.

Mark
On July 8th, 2010 at 3:15 pm paul said,

MARK ,Thats the only way to comment about a napoleonic villian who wrights an essay about my comments. am i that important? but ill give you a call. Now that i have your number, is it 0826592212 and i am sure there are others who wants to phone you to and inform you about the monstrosities happening in your place.
On July 8th, 2010 at 6:07 pm Mark said,

Hi “Paul”

Yes that is my number ,call me and I will set up a meeting with you to address any issues you may have.

Regards
On July 9th, 2010 at 4:49 pm Tony Harkness said,

Hi ,
Me and my friends popped in Balizza on the night England beat Slovenia 1-0 in PE , we were down the Captains Grill but was full of piss heeds and chavs!

Balizza was highly enjoyable , a good port of call in PE

Tony , Cumbria England
On July 9th, 2010 at 5:39 pm Mark said,

Hi Tony

Many thanks for the compliment , I hope your trip to South Africa was a good one.

Regards

Mark
On July 12th, 2010 at 11:41 am David said,

Paul….read my comment carefully again, the “essay” you refer to was based around a group of issues discussed in this blog, addressing the story of the bouncers being mindless brutes etc, yes my last part of the “story” was perhaps pathetic, but anyone with more than a single braincell will know that the point i was making was that despite me and my friends mocking the bouncers, still they did not attack us, hence my disbelief when I hear of the Balizza bouncers giving people a “beat down” for no reason.

Your part however was only commented on as far as the music goes and your little issue with Renaldo, he worked as a dj not seeking to make a life career out of it but for extra cash. Now fair enough, you mentioned you hated the music he played, point taken and made. Now where was my “essay” based on you? Two parts – 1. “And Paul, why don’t you pop by and have a chat with Renaldo, i’m sure he’d be more than willing to ensure you get safely to your car???” 2. “I see people are concerned with how the bouncers handle situations but with patrons such as Paul and some of the others I’ve seen, I don’t blame the bouncers”.

And the challenge was issued – Renaldo said “ok dude. Be sure to call when you are in PE… and I will take you on… when you step foot in PE let me know. Would love to meet up and discuss this in person.” Now you stand back and wonder which bone to break you say. What were you waiting for?

Here’s another of your comments – “Remember I have the element of surprise. I think you should get some [real elite protection] cause I have dealt with kids like you in in the past, who thinks he’s a somebody but ends up getting raped.” If this is who you are paul, It’s such a relief knowing that one day you’ll damned to hell and suffer the same fate for eternity, no time for criminals. Enjoy the rest of your life Paul, I’ve got a bad feeling the afterlife is full of elements of surprise just waiting for you….

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