December - January Issue

Page 1

Australia’s Premier Monthly African Magazine BRISBANE • PERTH • MELBOURNE • SYDNEY • ADELAIDE

December/January ‘12 Issue 15

INSIDE

The rise of Marius Kloppers An African Australian & Pitched at the very top of Australia’s corporate ladder

Applause 2011 African Nobel Laureates

Gail Kelly A Phenomenal Woman you can BANK on


R O F S L EA S D T E N V I E S D EXCLU 26 OR STU UNDER

over and you stop ore with re e h w go, nm save eve t Flights here you trol of w 26? Then you’ll en n d o c tu e S k at of d ta available fares an r under the age p ly a n e o h c re r a o u t ip with o a studen ck Market Flights lines. ur own tr travel. Are you la B . d ding air te n Build yo u u rst? orlds lea disco tion yo y w c il e e v ir a th d you go fi e f h h o whic at are ere will some h th m w s o – fr re y s fa a re f tod heaps o sive airfa arket trip re exclu Black M r u o y and featu d il y and bu own wa Go your

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*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices and taxes are correct as at 28 Nov 11 and are subject to change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until 31 Jan 12 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices 2 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2011 are per person & are subject to availability. For travel from 1 Mar 12 - 30 Apr 12. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Additional taxes specific to your flight routing may apply and/or may not include checked luggage (which can incur additional charges). Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store. Student airfares are available to full-time students holding a valid ISE/ISIC card and/or be a youth under 26 with a valid IYTC card. FROM PERTH. Flight Centre Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Student Flights. WA Lic No. 9TA589. SFADV49436


IN THIS ISSUE

04

06

6

To Our readers

Moments

Events Afriqan Times could not pass by in December

08

Applause:

10

Yes, I Am Afro-Aussie

Truly Making Us Proud - 2011 Nobel Peace Laureates

8

Lena Kozak-Fretwell Afriqan Times Editor

13

Afriqan & Distinguished:

BHP CEO Marius Kloppers

18

My Africa: Tanzania

23

Phenomenal Woman:

Gail Kelly - A woman you can BANK on

26

Afrillionnaires:

Christoffel Wiese

30

Entertainment:

Afro-Australian Movie and Music Awards

32

‘Tis the Season Poem

33

Movies:

Top 6 movies from Nollywood we recommend you watch this month and major Australian premiers

34

Obsessions:

Top 6 gadgets you should put on your your wish list… and mail it to your wealthy friends and relatives . Or one of our Afrillionnaires.

As we move from 2011 to 2012, many feel this is the time to review the year and make plans for the next. So, along with the usual “quit smoking”, “drink less”, “go to the gym more often” and “lose 10kg by the end of February” in your New Year resolution, let’s get creative and add something like this: Learn a new skill

18

Learn a new language Make a new friend Buy a present without an occasion Call a friend you haven’t heard from in years Take a new route from work to work Throw something away Volunteer Well, you’ve got the idea. Finish the list to your likening, keep it in your diary and start doing things you enjoy! And remember to be realistic about the start date of your project. 1 January is the worst time to start new things. It is the best time to celebrate though. Happy and safe festive season t o you and all of yours!

20

December/January ‘12 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  3


DISTRIBUTION LIST

20

28

PERTH CBD 6000

30

23

Trinity Uniting Church 72 St Georges Terrace

MADDINGTON 6109 Beauty West Salon Shop 75, Centro Maddington S/C. Attfield Street All Nations Varieties Market Shop 2, 72 Attfield Street

MALAGA 6090 D Jay’s Gourmet 22 Midas Road

MIRRABOOKA 6090 Best of Friends Foods Shop 4, Mirrabooka S/C. 43 Yirrigan Drive Mirrabooka Shopping Centre - Food Court 43 Yirrigan Drive Maharajah Food Stores 2 Chesterfield Road BBQ Billy’s - Charcoal Chicken Cnr Chesterfield Road & Yirrigan Drive Dawson’s Supa IGA Supermarket Mirrabooka Village S/C, 73 Honeywell Boulevard

For more outlets, visit: afriqantimes.com/distribution-outlets/

4  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12

Founders Circa 2009 • Emmanuel K Solomon, Gabriel Gomado

The Afriqan Times welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for corrections. We are committed to presenting information fairly and accurately. The Afriqan Times Level 28, AMP Tower 140 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 P. O . Box 445, South Perth 6951, Tel: 1300 A TIMES (1300 2 84637) Fax: +61 8 9463 6232 Feedback: info@afriqantimes.com - News inquiries: editor@afriqantimes.com Advertising inquiries: len.fretwell@afriqantimes.com • Mobile: 0417 001 080 Editor : Lena Kozak-Fretwell - Writers: Rumbidzai Chekeche, Abigail Damoah Guest Writers: Ireen Pedro, Terri Smith, Pamela Asare, Sefakor Dokli, Priscilla Appiah Special Features by: Abigail Damoah Graphics: Elvin Wong Photography: Emily Dimozantos, Andrea Klarin, Ben Scott, Priscilla Appiah Subscription: www.afriqantimes.com/temp/subscribe Publishing Information: The Afriqan Times is Australian owned and operated. Afriqan Times Pty Ltd ABN: 521 386 161 09 / ACN: 138 616 109. Cover: Miss Universe 2011, Luliana da Costa Vieira Lopes Photographer: AP Photo/Andre Penner


PEACE OF MIND when sending money overseas Why should I choose to transfer money overseas with Australia Post? Australia Post offers the Western Union® Money TransferSM service which is available at Australia Post retail outlets displaying the Bank@PostTM sign. So when you need to send money overseas you can have peace of mind you are using a reliable money transfer provider such as Western Union, and can have the added convenience of being able to send your Western Union® money transfer transaction at more than 3,200 participating Australia Post retail outlets across Australia. It’s a fast, reliable and convenient way to send money overseas to your family or loved ones.

Is it easy to send money from Australia Post? Of course, it just takes 3 easy steps. (1) Visit any of Australia Post’s 3,200 participating retail outlets nationwide (2) Fill in a Western Union® Transaction Form (3) Bring the amount of money you wish to send in cash or EFTPOS (in most cases, you can send up to AUD$10,000) and a form of photo ID. The rest is taken care of for you and the Australia Post counter officer will give you a receipt once the transfer is complete. AP0127 eng editorial 139x215.indd 1

This receipt includes your Western Union® Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) - keep this number safe so you can track your transfer and only provide this number to the intended receiver of your money transfer transaction. Your receiver will need to mention this number when they collect your money transfer overseas.

What does the receiver need in order to collect the transferred money? Your receiver does not need a bank account to collect your money transfer (although in some countries this is one option to receive funds), and there are also no receiver fees* that will need to be paid. In order to collect the money, they will need to provide their full name and yours, a valid picture identification, where the money was sent from and the MTCN number to the Western Union® Agent overseas. And of course it is always wise to inform them the precise amount of funds you have transferred to them so they know what to expect.

How long does it take for the money transfer to reach the receiver? When you have finished sending the money transfer transaction at Australia Post, the money will be

available within minutes**, ready for collection at any of Western Union’s over 437,000*** Agent locations around the world. Before collection, you will need to let the intended receiver know you have sent the funds and provide them with the MTCN. They can then choose to collect the money at their own convenience at any of Western Union Agent locations overseas.

Where can I get more information? You can visit www.auspost.com.au/personal/ overseas to find out more information. You can even choose to transfer your money online on this website. Or else call 13 POST (13 7678) to find your nearest participating Australia Post retail outlet. *Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. Subject to applicable taxes if any. **Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action(s), identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional Restrictions may apply. See Send form for details. ***Network data as of 30 September 2011. In certain countries, the send money service is not available; customers can only receive money. The Western Union Brand is owned by Western Union Holdings, Inc. 2/12/2011 5:17:22 PM

SEPTEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  5


Moments

Miss Africa Australia Beauty Pageant

Moments:

6  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12

Queensland


Potjiekos Camp Oven Cooking Competition Sydney

OCTOBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  7


Applause

Truly Making Us Proud:

2011 Nobel Peace Prize Two of Three women who fought injustice, dictatorship and sexual violence in Liberia accepted the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize on Saturday 10th of December, calling on repressed women worldwide to rise up. Afriqan Times Magazine sends its congratulatory Applause on behalf of African Australians to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee, also from Liberia. Amazing women! Be Inspired. Something to aspire to‌

We will love to applaud African Australians who in their various endeavours are scaling the ladder of excellence. Email us at info@afriqantimes.com with Name Award Won, Awarding Organisation, Name of Award winner, Photo (min.500kB) From primary school to Industry awards, we welcome ALL. 8  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011


It’s a fact; when we remind people of the power they have to help police convict criminals, they respond. An ad like this, along with our current tv commercial, will result in calls – and if you’ve committed a crime, it’s a very real possibility that you will get caught. It’s the anonymous crime-fighters that will do you in.

Those who care enough about their community’s safety to pick up the phone and tell us what they’ve seen. And believe us, they are

out there in greater numbers than you can imagine.

Worried yet? Well it gets worse. The facts we

gather from anonymous callers often

combine to give us a bigger

picture, linking crimes

and perpetrators, which helps police to

join the dots. So you may be starting

to wonder whether now would be a

good time to find somewhere to hide?

The thing is though,

you never know who’s

watching. There are many vigilant you know if you have been seen?

people out there, so how would And

you

might curse those who call us,

thinking they’re do-gooders or

busy-bodies, but remember

this; when you cause pain in our community,

you deserve to be punished. And the undaunted

anonymous callers you look down on are more

heroic than you’ll ever be. And you? You are

alone. Vulnerable. Because

it’s 1800 333 000 against 1.

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Yes, I am Afro Aussie

Yes, I Am Afro Aussie Your Name:

Sefakor Dokli

Meaning of Name: God comforts my soul Country of Origin: Ghana State of Residence: New South Wales Profession: Law student 3 words to describe Australia: Multicultural melting pot 3 words to describe Africa: Vastly untapped potential

Photography: Dr Ibrahim Mo

10  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011


SEPTEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  11


Get the facts

with DrinkWise Australia Drinking alcohol involves balancing the pleasure of socialising, the taste and enjoyment with food, with the health and social risks. DrinkWise Australia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting change towards a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia. The DrinkWise Australia website provides you a series of fact sheets including the latest research findings on how alcohol may affect your health. To get information on how the amount of alcohol taken and the pattern of drinking can affect your health you can visit the website www.drinkwise.org.au. As part of ongoing community education activities, DrinkWise Australia has launched new consumer information messages that will appear on the labels of alcohol products in Australia - ‘Get the facts’ labelling initiative, whereby Australian alcohol producers are introducing new bottle labelling which highlight the effects of drinking on families, kids, and pregnant women in particular. The key message ‘Get the facts’ is being used alone on labels or with three other messages:

Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix

Is Your Drinking Harming Yourself or Others?

It is Safest Not to Drink While Pregnant

DrinkWise is trying to increase the age that young Australians first begin drinking alcohol, as we get evidence of the impact that alcohol has on a developing adolescent brain. Studies also show that there is a strong connection between the way parents drink and how their children grow up to drink. To empower parents to positively influence their children’s future drinking behaviour, DrinkWise Australia has provided a wealth of information and tips on their website www.drinkwise.org.au.

Drinking alcohol involves balancing the pleasure of socialising, the taste and enjoyment with food, with the health and social risks. Most of us who enjoy alcohol want to keep on enjoying the benefits without harming ourselves or others. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released the Australian alcohol guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. These guidelines provide evidence and advice to the community so that you can make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption. For the NHMRC recommendations and other information on effective ways of regaining control of your drinking, refer to the factsheet on the DrinkWise website.

NHMRC advises that it is safest for women not to drink if they are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. The NHMRC has made this recommendation to help reduce the risk of harm from alcohol to both the mother and the baby. It is not known yet how much alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. However, it is known that the risk of damage to the baby increases as the amount of alcohol in blood increases, and that binge drinking is especially harmful. Therefore, drinking no alcohol is the safest choice for your baby.

To learn more about the ‘Get the facts’ labelling exercise and information on a range of issues associated with alcohol, tips for reducing your risks and places to go for further information and assistance, log on to www.drinkwise.org.au and make informed decisions about your drinking. 12  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011


African & Distinguished

Maurius Kloppers An embodiment of Success & African Australian

SEPTEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  13


African & Distinguished

African & Distinguished

M

arius Kloppers is the CEO of the largest mining company in the world, BHP Billiton. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 26, 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Pretoria; then pursued a Doctorate at the prestigious Ivy League Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the same subject. Kloppers is now an Australian citizen residing in Melbourne with his wife and three children.

Kloppers career began at Sasol, a global petrochemical group producing chemicals and fuels; he then became a materials researcher for Mintek, South Africa’s natural mineral research organisation. He later decided that he wanted a change in his chemical engineering career and went on to study for an MBA at INSEAD in France, one of the world’s leading schools of business. After graduation, he moved to the Netherlands and was employed as a management consultant with Mckinsey & Co where he nurtured his passion for the aluminium industry.

“Maurius Kloppers is one of the finest examples of African Australians whose impact on the Australian Business landscape cannot be overstated.” 14  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12


African & Distinguished

After leaving Mckinsey, Marius joined Billiton in 1993, previously known as GenCor. After the companies restructure, he held a range of senior operating positions. Kloppers played a key role in the merger of BHP and Billiton in 2001, as well as being a key member of the group responsible for creating the companies aluminium business, he also led the 2005 takeover of Australia’s Western mining corporation before his appointment as Group President in January 2006, which he held the posts of Chief Commercial Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer.

the economic downturn. Kloppers has also headed the groundbreaking change from traditional iron ore and metallurgical coal pricing from one year contracts to quarterly, which has lead to a new trend within the mining industry. Maurius Kloppers is one of the finest examples of African Australians whose impact on the Australian Business landscape cannot be overstated. His success certainly shows, it is possible for African Australians to rise to the very top of corporate Australia.

At the age of 44 Kloppers became the CEO at BHP Billiton in October 2007 after the retirement of former president, Chip Goodyear. His position did not come easily as he was considered an outsider in comparison to other applicants, his energy, ambition and experience within the resources sector convinced the board that he was capable of leading Australia’s eminent company to its next stage of development and growth. His achievements with the company to date are unparalleled. They include a 60 percent increase in pre tax profits despite

December/January ‘12 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  15


e

Destinations: Around Africa

An African Emerges

Miss Universe 2011 An African beauty queen emerged as the winner of the 2011 Miss Universe pageant. Leila Luliana da Costa Vieira Lopes, a 25 year old student from Benguela dazzled the judges with her poise, beauty and grace.

Y

es, she is beautiful but Leila totally set herself apart when she answered the interview question about which of her physical trait she would change, she said “Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing…I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.“ Other beauty queens in the top 5 were Olesia Stefanko from Ukraine (1st Runner-Up), Priscila Machado from Brazil (2nd Runner-Up), Shamcey Supsup from the Philippines and Luo Zilin from China.

Miss Panama, Sheldry Saez won the Best National Costume Award; Miss Montenegro, Nikolina Loncar was voted by the fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality and Miss Sweden, Ronnia Fornstedt won the Miss Photogenic prize. The 60th Annual Miss Universe Pageant hosted by Bravo TV’s Andy Cohen and NBC’s Natalie Morales was broadcast from Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil. BN and BN commenters predicted that Miss Angola was the strongest contestant from Africa and they got it right! This is the first time a beauty queen from Angola has been crowned as Miss Universe! Congrats to Leila.

16  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12


ONLY WATER ONCE ON YOUR ROSTERED WATERING DAYS â–

Right now, everyone in Perth is being asked to take 60 litres - or around 10% - off their daily water use. That’s because every litre we save now is a litre banked for the future, and will reduce the amount we need from our underground water sources and dams. In the garden, be sure to only water once on your rostered watering days, either before 9am or after 6pm. Watering in the morning is generally best, since the water is available to the plants throughout the day when they need it most. And for pop-up sprinklers, try to keep to a ten minutes per station. For lots more water-saving ideas, and to create your personal Target 60 action plan, visit watercorporation.com.au

WATER3244_139x215_AfricanTimes.indd 1

25/11/11 3:35 PM


r

My Africa: Tanzania Kenya

Mafia Island - Marine Park, Tanzania

18  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12


Capital: Dodoma Region: Eastern Africa Population: 84 000(2010 est.) Currency: Tanzanian Shilling, TZS [1AUD = 1,646TZS] Language: English, Swahili GDP: US$22.318 billion (2009 est.) Calling code: +255 Tourist Attractions: Serengeti,
 Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduavi Gorge, elous National Game Reserve, Lake Tanganyika

December/January ‘12 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  19


APA CHARITY DINNER By Pamela Asare

T

he APA (African Professionals Australia) recently held a charity dinner to raise funds for less fortunate children in Ethiopia. This momentous occasion was held at the Ryde Golf Club. APA helps African people find jobs and helps raise awareness of the assistance needed in places suffering from humanitarian disasters. The APA’s charity buddy was no other than the Australian Red Cross. There were many performances by various artists such as D.I.S.C.I.P.L.E and the award winning King David. There were also paintings and other forms of artworks that were up for auction. Raffle tickets were drawn with great prizes to be won .All the money raised was gathered for the less fortunate children in Ethiopia. The entertainment for the night was quite interesting, such as the spectacular performance by Sharina, Iyda and the two Vivians, they performed the song ‘Stand up for love’ by Destiny’s Child. This song was performed in an acapella version, the mouths of the audience instantly dropped as these beautiful 20  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12

ladies sung their hearts out, they got the whole crowd on their feet at the end of their piece hooting, clapping and cheering as the melodies of these talented ladies brought them great joy. For dinner there was a buffet’ outside the hall where waiters served the scrumptious food. It was filling and delightful, it also triggered the realisation that we are very fortunate to be provided with such necessities and various privileges revolving food , whilst some people do not have such privileges, which is the main reason why the charity dinner was held in the first place. The evening held by APA was absolutely fabulous, raising a sum of seven thousand one hundred and seventy dollars. I personally had an awesome time. The event allowed me to become more aware of the dreadful state of famine in third world countries, this evening called us all to action, action to make a difference in a place that needs it. The dinner fundraiser was stupendous and I look forward to attending similar events held by the APA in the near future.


SEPTEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  21


Year End - Count Your Goals, Now! By Sefakor Dokli

If you set out to shed some physical weight, end an abusive-relationship, save a higher percentage of your income, get a car, improve your grades in Grad school, propose to the one you would love to spend the rest of Today’s OBM post will be about taking stock of the your life, write your best song ever, win an international outgoing year. Just like yesterday, billions of people contest, whatever it is, how willing were you to pay the across the world welcomed the year in style, albeit the time difference. I could imagine people screaming “Happy price? Deliberate efforts make a man successful in his plans.! New Year!!!” in a sequential manner round the globe at the dot of 12 on January 1st. It would be amazing have bird’s eye view of the whole world and hear the shouts of Let’s take a second look at this cliché from my last joy ascending in an orchestra of voice boxes… post: “Our thoughts become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits can make or mar us.” A reader asked for practical tips on how to break Now that we are neck deep into the year, how have bad habits. These could be specific to the nature and/ we fared as individuals, households and as a nation? or complexity of the habit, and I am not an expert, but At the beginning of the year, I documented my goals I could share a few general tips, especially those that and have been monitoring them over the months. My have worked for me. I think that your reasons/motive score card so far is not sad, but can be improved upon for breaking a bad habit should be clear to you. Can you even the short time left. So many lofty goals: specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. I bet honestly answer the great question, “Why?” Outline the benefits of the resultant positive change to you, you’ve heard that acronym a zillion times before. Truth believe you can do, and just do it! Allow no doubts and be told though, many times we set vague, unrealistic, and gargantuan targets for ourselves. Of course, we have take positive action. You could select an accountability no business setting small or mediocre goals, but caution partner or partners who could check on your progress in an agreed manner. Then, the truth is: some habits are must be taken that we may not become depressed at more difficult to break than the others. Just don’t resign the end of it all. A man ought to outgrow the tendency to set unrealistic goals. Big dreams have a corresponding to failure; keep at it. It’s a new month, people! It’s been a whooping 3-05 days into 2011 already!

high level of risk for failure, which should not deter us from aiming high, but a man who would lead the affairs of a home must not be given to youthful frivolities and daydreaming. We’ve got to get serious; get realistic!

I cannot tell you the limitations of the common saying that “where there is a will, there is a way,” but it holds true many times. When you set your goals, if at all you did, did you count the cost? What did you have in you and within your control to invest in achieving them? 22  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12

To round off today’s post; I encourage you to flip through your goals/targets for this year and tell yourself some cold, hard truth. Honestly assess yourself, and outline the unattained goals. Could you weed out the outlandish goals you had set in based on the wrong motives? 60 days is a long time to achieve many of your dreams before the year comes to an end. I would like to read from you, how you hope to move from 60% to 100% success in two months. See you in a fortnight. Go succeed!


Phenomenal Woman

Gail Kelly is the chief executive of the Australian bank Westpac Group, managing $675 billion in assets and $37.8 billion in revenue, she is considered as one of the country’s most influential businesswoman. In 2002, she became the first female CEO of a major Australian bank. The Westpac Group has a customer base of approximately 12 million, employing 40,000 members of staff in more than 1500 branches, and it is continuously growing. It increased its number of branches by merging with the fifth largest lender and subsidiary in Australia. In 2008 she was ranked the 11th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes Magazine.

Phenomenal Woman

a

a

SEPTEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  23


a

Phenomenal Woman

Phenomenal Woman

24  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12


Gail Kelly: The Most Powerful Female CEO

B

orn on April 25th 1956 as Gail Currer in Petoria, South Africa to English parents. Her father was a real estate agent. She grew up in the 1960s and `1970s during the apartheid era followed by an intense period of political instability. Kelly states that being raised in such conditions taught her about change, uncertainty and how to engage with people that were fundamentally different in terms of their experiences and outlook.

With a private school education at an English speaking Anglican school, headed by nuns, she excelled in her studies and went on to study history, Latin and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape town, in December 1977 she married Allan Kelly and moved to Zimbabwe earning a position teaching Latin at Falcon College, a private school modelled on the prestigious Eton in England. Alan Kelly served in the army as part of his military service to defend Ian Smith’s government. They later returned to South Africa where Gail Kelly taught history at a government high school and Alan Kelly studied medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand. At the age of 22 Gail Kelly was unhappy as a teacher, leading her to take a position as a bank teller at Nedcor. Her banking career began on January 14, 1980. While pregnant with her first child in 1986 she began an MBA, graduating with distinction in 1987. Her early career included the head of human resources and various other management positions at Nedcor. One of her most prominent positions included being the manager of the Peoples bank, a division of Nedcor, providing financial services to those accessing banking facilities for the first time. She took part in the culture of change and the rebuilding of a new South Africa. By the middle of the 1990’s the Kelly’s relocated to Sydney Australia with a family of four including triplets, after

interviewing with three major banks, she was awarded a senior position at the Commonwealth bank in July 1997. Initially as the head of strategic marketing, and then moving on to customer services. Kelly was later appointed to the banks executive committee. Within four years she was headhunted after the death of their previous CEO, and became the chief executive of St George Bank. Kelly was instrumental in its transformation from a building society to a bank. During her tenure, St George doubled its assets and after tax net profit, she introduced cutting edge employment reward schemes including unpaid leave for grandparents for 12 months. She left a legacy of having created a workplace that attracted only the best employees. Kelly received an award from Australian Banking and Finance magazine for the Best Financial Services Executive between 2003 and 2004. Due to her exceptional performance Kelly received a pay rise as well as an indefinite contract in November 2004. After accepting the job at Westpac she left St George in August 2007. Gail was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Westpac on 1 February 2008. The job came with an immediate $7 million contract fee. Her position began during a time of economic uncertainty, with the collapse of the subprime market and dwindling financial market, bankers everywhere were struggling to keep their heads above water. However Kelly’s role as a CEO grew from strength to strength as she successfully led the merger between Westpac and St George. With an estimated net worth at $32.9 million Gail Kelly is a conspicuous presence in the corporate world, as to where Kelly will feature in the power index in years to come is unknown, as of now she remains a credit to the banking industry,


Afrillionaires

Affrillionaires

Christoffel Wiese

CEO of Shoprite By Abigail Damoah

C

hristoffel Wiese is the CEO of Shoprite, the largest retail store in Africa, with 270 franchises operating in 16 African countries. He is ranked number four on the richest South Africans list and number 782 in the list of richest people worldwide. He is the chairperson of 19 different companies. One of his greatest achievements is transforming an old farmhouse into a five star hotel. Wiese owns 44% of Pepkor Ltd, a large discount store in South Africa. His assets include an exclusive games reserve in Kalahari, and the wine producer Lourensford Estate. He is also the single largest share holder of Brait SA, one of the largest private equity companies in South Africa. As of November 2011 Wiese is listed as having an estimated net worth of $2.7 billion. He is married with three children.

26  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | December/January ‘12

Wiese attended the University of Cape Town and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws; he also holds a Doctorate degree in commerce from the University of Stellenbosch. Recognition for his achievements includes, the marketing manager of the year, business leader of the year and pioneer of the 20th century award amongst others. He comes from a family of entrepreneurs, whose parents played a part in the success of Pepkor He is quoted as stating that his success is due to hard work, enthusiasm and a passion for what he does.


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Entertainment

Fashion

South African

FASHION

FESTI VA L 2011 Designer : Fasttrack Mia Kriek , Socha, Kiki Clothing, MadamWoki Credit : Simon Deiner / SDR Photo

Location : SCC, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa


DECEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  29


o

Entertainment

Afro-Australian

Movie & Music Awards By Ireen Pedro

T

he Afro-Australian Music and Movie Awards (AAMMA) show was held on Saturday the 10th of December at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. It was it’s 3rd year running and the event featured guest African movie stars such as John Dumelo, Desmont Elliot, Pascal Atuma and the international musician Awilo Longomba. Mercy Johnson could not make it due to unforseen circumstances.

The night kicked off with the introduction of the guest starsand a warm welcome to everyone .23 Awards in total were presented that night and among the winners were: Best hip hop artist- Easy P Best Rap Artist- Miracle Best music Video- Love mathematics by Mike Champion There was laughter in the air and the atmosphere was relaxing. The organisers made a wise decision by choosing Pascal Atuma to be the MC of the night. Given that the MC can either make or break an event, Pascal made this one through his great sense of humour. If there is one thing i learnt about him is the fact that he loves saying the phrase ‘It’s not easy’.

The event featured various talents from tribal masquerade to dancing and music perfomances. D.I.S.C.I.P.L.E’s performance stood out the most for me and also the contemporary peace perfomed by Lucky was very tasteful. The music perfomers for the night also included Easy P, Flimpee and Bless a million. Awilo perfomed the closing song, Karolina. Guests had the opportunity to mingle with the guest stars at the Afterparty. The highlight of the evening for me was meeting one of my favourite actors from my days of addiction to African moviesDesmond Elliot, and yes i did take a photo with him for facebook. Two particular performances featured a young lady in shorts, shaking her ass on stage. i do not believe that kind of perfomance was appropriate for the occasion. Though some things may not have gone the way they were intended, It’s the thought behind the event that matters. Besides, there is always room for improvement. Everybody loves to feel appreciated and the organisers did that by recognising the many talents out there in the Afro-Australian community and that is a commendable thing.

30  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011


December/January ‘12 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  31


o

Poem

‘Tis the Season

By Sefakor Dokli

Images of snow, mistletoe, wood fueled fire-places, They are but images in this part of the world. But who said it wasn’t Christmas without winter woolies and pudding doilies? Hmmm, come to my Aunty Fortune’s place and she’ll show you Christmas. Boiled yam and plantain pounded in a mammoth mortar and pestle, Pounded in a beat to rival The little Drummer Boy’s pa rum pum pum, Pum, Rum pum pum pum. And check their Sunday best on Christmas day. In this part of the world they’re not dreaming of a white Christmas, they’re in living colour. Canary yellows and tangelos, ochres and indigoes, aquamarines and tangerines, From the mountain peaks of the South to the desserts of the North, Christmas is splayed in colour across the Dark Continent. So as the carol goes, Christmas, wherever celebrated across the globe,

32  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2011

tis the season to be jolly. Tis the season to be jolly, but about what? Is this the season to be jolly about a table full of food? Jollof, fufu, chicken and plantain, if you’re celebrating the festive season somewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, or a good old summer barbie if you’re celebrating somewhere down under. Are we merry this season because of the way our humble abodes light up in iridescent colours so bright they challenge the stars in the night sky? Frankly yes. But the history of Christmas runs deeper than that. It is a reminder that there are only 6 days left. A time of reflection on the year that was. The bittersweet entrance to new beginnings, solemn goodbyes and final farewells. Birthdays celebrated, lessons learnt, old habits burnt. As I reflect this Christmas season and I begin to pen that last Christmas card, I write, Dear God, It’s us again, as we celebrate the Christmas cheer, we’re thankful for yet another year. Thankful, For your love, for your sacrifice, for your son, For your promise of eternity, For the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet that bore the nails of our inequity. All over the globe, whether in Africa or Calcutta, tis the season to be joyous, To be generous, To be giving, To be forgiving and to be forgiven.


Movies Nollywood

PHONE SWAP 1:57 | COMEDY & ROMANCE | M (E) | 4.5/5 stars STARS:
Wale Ojo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Lydia Forson Director – Kunle Afolayan Synopsis: The movie is a romantic comedy, about a busy executive and a warmhearted fashion designer, who cross paths, when each accidentally picks up the other’s phone at a busy airport. This leads to a series of unintended and comic consequences.

Two Brides and A Baby 1:50 | ROMANCE | M (E) | 4.5/5 stars STARS:
Stella Damasus, Kalu Ikeagwu, Blessing Egbe Director – Teco Benson Synopsis: It all begins on the day before the wedding, during the wedding rehearsal, surrounded by friends and family; the every bride’s worst nightmare takes place! The groom’s ex-girlfriend shows up, bringing along a basket full of drama! Chains of events within 24-hours spiral the ‘perfect relationship’ out of control and the two must weigh whether to risk the moment or stake the future on what they feel.

New in Cinemas

NEW YEAR’S EVE 1:58 | ROMANCE & COMEDY | PG - 13 | AUSTRALIAN RELEASED STARS:
Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, Robert De Niro Director – Garry Marshall Synopsis: In New York City, the love stories of several people intertwine, including a couple stuck in an a man (Josh Duhamel) who wants to meet up again with an extraordinary girl he met for the first time last year; a teenager who wants to establish her independence by going to Times Square for the celebration, a pregnant woman (Jessica Biel) about to give birth and a young man who helps a woman’s resolutions come true.

PUSS IN BOOTS 1:30 | ADVENTURE & ANIMATION | PG | AUSTRALIAN RELEASED STARS:
Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis Director – Chris Miller Synopsis: One of the most beloved characters of the Shrek Universe – tells the hilarious and courageous (daring, bold, brave) tale of Puss’ (Antonio Banderas) early adventures as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) and the street-savvy Kitty (Salma Hayek) to steal the famed Goose that lays the Golden Eggs.

Coming to Cinemas

SHERLOCK HOLMES - A GAME OF SHADOWS 2:09 | ACTION | PG-13 STARS:
Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris Director – Guy Ritchie Synopsis: When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, the evidence, as construed by Inspector Lestrade, points to suicide. But Sherlock Holmes deduces that the prince has been the victim of murder-a murder that is only one piece of a larger and much more portentous puzzle, designed by Professor Moriarty.

ALVIN and THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIP-WRECKED 1:27 | ANIMATION | PG-13 STARS:
Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney Director – Mike Mitchell Synopsis: They discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems. The vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ -Chipettes accidentally go overboard and end up marooned in a tropical paradise - on a remote island. December/January ‘12 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  33


o Obsessions Entertainment

BMW 6 Series Grand Coupe

SYLVANSPORT GO Camper Trailer

BMW is finally entering the “four-door coupe” market with the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe ($TBA). Available in 640i — with a 315 hp TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter 6-Cylinder engine good for a 0 to 62 mph time of just 5.4 seconds — or 650i — sporting a 445 hp TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine that improves the 0-62 mph 4.6 seconds — variations, it also offers up optional xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive, an eight-speed Sport Automatic Transmission, optional Integral Active Steering, adaptive LED headlights, a 10.2-inch dash-mounted HD display, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, rear-, top-, and sideview cameras. Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

The Swiss Army Knife of trailers? A god sends for “Why, yes, that is an iPhone docked on top of that adventurous small car owners? A bright green sideways refrigerator. Would you like to hear blemish on the vast wasteland of asphalt we call an it? Okay, just stand way, way, way over there, Interstate system? You decide. The SylvanSport Go because the 10,000 Watts being pumped out by Camper Trailer ($8,000) is unique in its versatility, the Behringer iNuke Boom ($30,000) — no, it’s not as it weighs only 840 lbs., yet can pack up to a really a fridge, and I heard that every time someone dozen bikes, kayaks, two dirt bikes, an ATV, or says ‘nuke’ and ‘fridge’ in the same sentence, an whatever form of transportation you require, while Ewok dies — are likely to bust your eardrums. still functioning as a camper, with insulated bed What’s that? You’d like to take it outside? Well platforms, a self-inflating mattress, and a secure good luck, pal — it weighs 700 pounds. Why don’t entry — everything you need to hold your own we just turn it up louder, and run to the door before private X Games in the woods. the song starts? Sounds like a plan.”

Call of Duty – Mordern Warfare

Philips Norelco Vacuum Trimmer

Ghost Pepper Bumps

The holiday shopping season is upon us, which means long lines at the mall, crazy deals everywhere, and the release of a new Call of Duty game. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 ($98) is the latest in the long line of FPS titles, serving as a direct sequel to 2009’s Modern Warfare 2, continuing the Russian invasion plot with the battle ensuing in the U.S., England, France, Germany, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Moscow, and Dubai. Of course, multiplayer is the big deal here, and returns in full force, along with a new twoplayer co-op Survival mode.

Ask any significant other that’s had to clean up stray hairs off the bathroom counter: beard trimming is messy business. Thanks to the Philips Norelco Vacuum Beard Trimmer ($40), you can finally ditch the tarp-like towel you’ve been using to keep your cut hairs at bay and trim with freedom. Features include a precision length selector from 1/32 to 23/32 of an inch, maintenance-free blades, a lithium ion battery good for 50 minutes of trimming, and, of course, an integrated vacuum system to ensure a clean counter and happy housemates.

Any longtime reader knows our affinity for small, unorthodox, outdoor offices, and the Tetra Shed ($TBA) continues this tradition in grand fashion. Clad in copper, zinc, corten steel, or marine plywood, and lined in birch-faced plywood or plasterboard, the Tetra is a modular garden office that can be combined with up to five other units to create a rather massive outdoor/indoor workspace. Coming in January.

Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

34  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Behringer Inuke Boom

Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪


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36  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011


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