Australia’s Premier Monthly African Magazine BRISBANE • PERTH • MELBOURNE • SYDNEY • ADELAIDE
November 2011 • Issue 14
INSIDE
Guest Lounge AT with John Mahama VP 1 on 1 with Ghana’s Vice-President at CHOGM and more on Ghana – Australia relations
What Your African President said at CHOGM AQT spoke with a number of African presidents and reprentatives at CHOGM, read all about what the said.
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2 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
IN THIS ISSUE
04 06
8
To Our readers Moments
Events Afriqan Times could not pass by in August
08
Message:
SA Commisioner to Australia HE Koleka Mqulwana
09
Guest Lounge: John Mahama VP of Ghana
One on One with VP discussing Ghana role at CHOGM
10 12
Yes, I Am Afro-Aussie CHOGM Special
18 23
My Africa: Tanzania Phenomenal Woman:
Her Excellency AJa Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia and Minister of Women’s Affairs inspring African women
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Sight of CHOGM:
An all week event capturing the presence of various leaders with ties to the British empire
4
Lena Kozak-Fretwell
Back To The Roots How often do you go on a journey back in time tracking something down? Look around. Can you remember where all those things in your house came from? Check your mobile phone. When and where did you meet all those people under “K”? Let’s move to the next level. Try to remember names of each of your classmates in year one. Take your time… Not easy, right? It’s amazing how easily we forget events, facts and even people?
Snap shot images of events and performaces which graced Perth during CHOGM
A few years back I saw a show on TV about a Japanese guy who left his country in his twenties and never had a chance to go back or 30 Entertainment: communicate with his relatives. After about 40 Sabo Yohanna Jise a lead singer, recording years he couldn’t remember how to speak or read artist, songwriter, music teacher and his mother language. Back then I thought it must producer, who is becoming more have been just a trick used by the producers of recognized internationally the show to boost the ratings, it can’t be true. 32 10 Q’s to Afro-Aussies Living in Australia today, I realise it was very Let’s see how much we know about possible. The secret is to find that healthy balance Australia between your past and your future, treasure your And what we remember about Africa background while investing in your future. It is 33 Movies: our responsibility.
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 rich friends and relatives or one of our Afrillionnaires
23
26
So, grab a photograph from a family album, open a history book, research a subject, go back to your roots and be surprised by what you may find.
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 3
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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: +61 8 9278 2624 Fax: +61 8 9278 2727 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, Tendai Kambikambi Guest Writers: Ireen Pedro, Terri Smith Special Features by: Emmanuel K Solomon Creative Consultant: Tamu Mnangwa 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: Sheila Yaa Akyaa - Yes, I am Afro-Aussie! Photographer: Bobby Jiang Apologises: To Hayden Brotchie (www.haydenbrotchie.com) Cover Image photographer of the Afriqan Times October Issue
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NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 5
Moments
Kenya Ball / Perth
Moments:
Ozaliwa Ball / Perth
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Images: Raymond Chan
Nigeria Ball
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 7
Guest Lounge:
His Excellency John D. Mahama Ghananian Vice President Gabriel Gomado | WA
His Excellency Mr. John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. Was born in Bole Bamboi, which is in the Northern Region of Ghana. His father Mr. Emmanuel Adama Mahama was the first Member of Parliament for the Gonja West Constituency and the first Regional Commissioner of the Northern Region during Ghana’s First Republic. He studied Bachelor’s Degree in History, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, Postgraduate Studies in Social Psychology at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, Russia After completing his education Mr. Mahama returned to Ghana and, from 1991 to 1996, he worked as the Information, Culture and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra. From there he moved to the nongovernmental agency (NGO) PLAN International’s Ghana Country Office, where he worked as International Relations, Sponsorship Communications and Grants Manager. In 2000, Mr. Mahama was re-elected for another four-year term as the Member of Parliament for the Bole/Bamboi Constituency. He was again re-elected in 2004 for a third term. From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Mahama served as the Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Communications. In 2002, he was appointed the Director of Communications for the NDC. That same year, he served as a member of the team of international observers selected to monitor Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Elections. Mr. Mahama became a member of the Pan-African Parliament in 2003, serving as the Chairperson of the West African Caucus. AT had the privilege to meet with H.E within hours of his arrival to Perth for CHOGM 8 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
AT: Welcome to Perth Your Excellency Mr. John Dramani Mahama, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana H.E: Thank you Gabriel. Happy to be here. AT: you have a very interesting background. Your father was the member for Gonja during the first republic. How was it like living in a home of political father? H.E: It was ok. My father was very busy but he was my mentor. AT: what made you follow his footsteps into politics? H.E: In fact Gabriel, I entering into politics was part of a conspiracy. It was my family who registered me and paid for all the expenses to run as a Member of Parliament. I was not too concerned because I didn’t think it will go anywhere. But I won and eventually became the Member of Parliament. Later, I had decided to go back to study so I was arranging to do my doctorate in International Politics and Foreign Relations at University of Halle. I was actually in the process of finalising the details with my supervisor when I was chosen by President Mills to be his running Mate. AT: on CHOGM, Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard has just announced a 36 million contribution towards Agricultural innovation. She also commended Ghana’s economic growth which she said grew at about 9 percent. You must be proud of your government’s achievement considering the difficult economic times. H.E: Yes. In fact the economy will peak at about 10 percent. It has been well noted across the globe. Which is envy by some developed economies? Continued on Page 29...
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 9
Yes, I am Afro Aussie
Yes, I Am Afro Aussie Your Name:
Sheila Yaa Akyaa
Meaning of Name: Yaa means Thursday born Ethinicity: Asante or can also be pronounced as Ashanti Country of Origin: Ghana Profession: Online communications 3 words to describe Australia: Beautiful, Laid back and Diverse 3 words to describe Africa: Colourful, Cultural, breathtaking
Photography: Bobby Jiang
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NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 11
AP0127 afr eng 139x215.indd 1
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25/08/2011 12:35:01 PM
African & Distinguished
Civil society calls for Commonwealth to be a “meaningful vehicle for change” NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 13
C
CHOGM SPECIAL
ivil society representatives gathered in Perth today for the start of the three-day Commonwealth People’s Forum to discuss and debate key issues facing Commonwealth People. The Forum was officially opened by the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia in a ceremony also addressed by Premier of Western Australia, The Hon. Colin Barnett MLA, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Foundation Chair, Madam Simone de Comarmond and Commonwealth People’s Forum Chair, Ms Sue Ash. Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said the mark of any civil society was how it treats its most vulnerable in society. “Despite Australia’s relative prosperity, there are people in this country and this state who are vulnerable and they need support. I’m proud of the way we support those most in need but forums like this are important because they provoke debate and remind governments that we can always do better.”
14 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
Commonwealth Secretary-General H.E Kamalesh Sharma described the Forum as a “vibrant expression of the Commonwealth family in action.” The Forum continues to be a crucial part of the interface between governments and civil society. Central to these discussions is a powerful statement from civil society representatives of the 54 member association calling on Heads of Government to act urgently to strengthen the role of civil society so that the Commonwealth can become a “meaningful vehicle for change.” The statement draws attention to the disconnect between the Commonwealth’s stated aims, goals, and high level policy and the realities facing many citizens’ organisations on the ground. Civil society leader Mr. Phiroshaw Camay of the Cooperative for Research and Education in South Africa said: “The global challenges that Commonwealth citizens experience individually every day, from poverty to HIV and AIDS demand that our governments work together – not just with each other, but with the very citizens’ organisations that are leading the way on so many fronts.” Over the next three days, 300 accredited delegates from Australia and the wider Commonwealth will debate the issues raised in the statement in preparation for a round table dialogue between civil society representatives and Commonwealth Foreign Ministers on Thursday 27 October in Perth.
African & Distinguished
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 15
e
Destinations: Around Africa 1. The Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF), brings together civil society representatives from around the world, to discuss and debate key issues facing Commonwealth people. Held every two years in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the CPF is the single biggest opportunity for civil society to engage with Commonwealth leaders on global development issues. 2. The Civil Society Statement was developed out of a Commonwealth-wide consultation process which saw the undertaking of regional consultations in the Caribbean, Central and West Africa, East and Southern Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. These consultations brought together more than 250 civil society representatives between May and June 2011. It was drafted by a group of nominated civil society leaders that were deeply involved in the regional consultations and included representations from the Commonwealth Associations.
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My Africa: South Kenya Africa
South Africa | Capetown
18 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
Capital: Cape Town Region: Southern Africa Population: 50,586,757 (2011 est.) Currency: RAND, ZAR [1AUD = 8.23ZAR] Language: Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans, English GDP: US$287.219 billion (2009 est.) Calling code: +27 Tourist Attractions: Cape Town & Cape Peninsula, The Winelands, Garden Route, Kruger National Park, Durban beachfront, Robben Island, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and more
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  19
Message from Koleka Mqulwana South African High Commissioner
20  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
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22 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
Phenomenal Woman
WOMEN of THE GAMBIA EMPOWERING the
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 23
H
Phenomenal Woman er Excellency AJa Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia and Minister of Women’s Affairs.
West Africa’s first female Vice president. Started her career as a teacher in the early 1970’s. She became the minister for Health, social Warefare and women’s Affairs in 1996. She is passionate about the affairs of women in the Gambia and in 1995 was in charge of Compilation of The Gambia’s report on the Status of Women, for the Beijing World Conference on Women. Preparation of Terms of Reference and related matters and seeking funding for The Gambia’s first National Policy on Women and the Review of the National Women’s Council Act of 1980. In 1997 she was appointed to be the vice president of the Gambia. A position she still holds till date. Speaks English, French, Fula, Wollof and Mandinka. AT had the privilege to catch up with this Inspirational woman at CHOGM which was held in Perth, Western Australia recently. AT: Your Excellency, you have an impressive CV, did you do a doctorate or were you a medical doctor? H.E: Smiles, it is an honorary. However, I have done a few masters degrees and have commissioned many high profile reports. Many of them are all on the internet. AT: Tell us a bit about your self H.E : where do I start? Um, i was born in the village with limited opportunities. Between 1959 and 1964 she attended the Brikama Primary School. Then between 1964- 1970 she attended Armitage High School, Georgetown (Janjangbureh). The following year in 1971 I entered the Yundum Teacher’s Training College where I qualified in 1974. Between July 1979 to December, 1979 I entered the Research Institute for Management Science, RVB, Delft, The Netherlands. In 1981 I was enrolled in The University of the Philippines, Institute for small-scale Industries. Obtained Certificate following course in small-scale Industrial Information Management (SINFOMAN). In 1988, attended The University College of Swansea, University of Wales. Obtained
M.Sc. Economics (in Social and Economic Development). AT: why have you taken up the job of the minister for Women affairs? H.E: well, I am passionate about the affairs of the women in the Gambia. I cannot see myself doing anything else. AT: what contributions have you made towards the affairs of women in the Gambia? H.E: In the Gambia, Women comprise about 70% of Agricultural Labour force, but their contribution is unskilled, except in few industries. The annual earnings of women in all activities are about 50% of men’s earnings in the same industries due to the fact that women occupy low level positions. We help to empower them, train them in a number of ways including marketing and trading their produce effectively. AT: There are some African women who are trading internationally. They travel to other countries to buy goods from manufacturers directly. They may not be farmers. H.E: Absolutely. You just have to travel to Dubai, china, Thailand etc. to see the number of international business women. But we want to equip and empower the Gambian women who are small scale farmers and local traders. AT: Does that mean if women in the Gambia were encouraged to occupy high level positions it will help to empower them? H.E: no not necessarily. I don’t believe you need to put women in high positions to empower them. But rather train them and equip them with the necessary tools to be able to do their own thing. Sometime ago, women Could not make decisions without their husbands. We are helping them understand that both the husband and wife could work together no one is above the other. AT: could you make mention of any one policy that is pivotal in addressing some of the issues affecting the Gambian women? H.E: oh yes, National Policy for Advancement of Gambian Women focuses precisely on improving gender relations, whilst taking cognizance of the constraints Gambian women face, as a result of lack of equal access to education, adequate health care,
24 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
finance, jobs, and related matters. The policy aims to mainstream women’s issue into the national development process, by setting goals and strategies for the various sectors to ensure the implementation of concrete and sustainable programmes for the advancement of women. This move attempts to bridge the gaps of inequality and deprivation between men and women, by offering a framework through which Gambian women can become active participants in the national development process. AT: Do you have any concerns in relation to the number of women not grasping the concept of empowerment? H.E: I would say a lot needs to be done especially in the area of education. Learning how to read and write. So far it is encouraging to see some great success stories from our many programs and initiatives. AT: What would be your wish for the Gambian women? H.E: that one day the Gambian women will be business leaders and traders on the International stage.
“I don’t believ highposition train them an sary tools to b
ve you need to put women in nstoempowerthem.Butrather nd equip them with the necesbe able to do their own thing.”
Images: D-Mo Zajac | CI Studios
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 25
Afrillionaires
W
Sights of CHOGM
e 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.
26  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
G O S P EL m u s i ca l n i g h t
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7 lumsden road, wangara for more info contact 0426 828 060 0416 483 428 0421 932 253 NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 0424 918 929 e AFROXPREX@GMAIL.COM
27
Entertainment
What they said at CHOGM
Dr Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, Prime H.E GUY SCOTTI Minister of Swaziland zambia’s vice president
H.E. John D. Mahama Ghana
We try to connect with swazies in the diaspora through our embassies. There are many opportunities in Swaziland. His Majesty and the government are interested in Swazies in the diaspora.Maintain ties with your family. Your remittances goes a long way to help your individual families.
I don’t know the opportunities from the top of my head. We are a new government and we will do all we can to make sure we create opportunities for Zambians in the diaspora. Stay in touch with your family and friends. Don’t forget about them. They need you as much as you need them
There are lots of opportunities for Ghanaians in the diaspora. Ghana is doing well and small businesses has been contributing a lot to the economy. There are areas such Information, communication and Technology which is growing at a fast pace. Agriculture, mineral resources mining, oil and gas, education just to mention a few. Visit Ghana and do your research. Stay in touch with friends and family and get accurate account of what is going on in the country.
Dr Bingu wa Mutharika President of Malawi
Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan President of Nigeria
Her Excellency AJa Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy President of the Republic of The Gambia and Minister of Women’s Affairs
Peter Mutharika, foreign Affairs Minister, said he took advantage of the meeting to further court his Zambian and Mozambican counterparts. He said neighbours across the world have “small conflicts”, but dialogue and understanding ensures the misunderstandings are clearrd.
Mr. Ogbole Ode, said Nigeria’s leadership role in peacekeeping in West Africa and Africa was recognized, with Australia expressing readiness to work closely with Nigeria in further peacekeeping missions. President Goodluck Jonathan combined 2011 CHOGM with an official visit to Australia where he launched the Australia-Nigeria Trade and Investment Council.
The Gambia is a peace haven. We are open for business. There are lots of opportunities in Tourism, Agriculture, Mining and education. The Gambia is ready when you are. Stay in touch with your family and friends and follow what’s happening in the country.
28 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
His Excellency John D. Mahama Ghananian Vice President CONTINUED . . .
AT: There are a lot of Ghanaians in the Diaspora with big ideas and willingness to come back home to invest or be part of the nation building process, what policies have the government put in place to t-help them? H.E: Well Gabriel, our government is doing a lot. We recently passed a bill on local content- where considerable amounts of project are to be awarded to Ghanaian owned companies. AT: Is this to do with the Oil and Gas industry? H.E: Yes, however, it will work for many other projects to come. We want Ghanaians to benefit from business activities in the resources and mining sector. AT: How can Ghanaians take advantage of this policy? H.E: You see, some Ghanaians are too individualistic. With such an opportunity, someone will want to be the only person to supply goods or services. However, we can achieve better outcomes if we come together. Ghanaians in the diaspora should particularly take advantage by forming consortiums. With this I mean bring other able minded people together to plan and manage a proper company and operate with accountability. Take Steve Jobs of Apple computers as an example, he passed away but the company is still going. There are some companies in Ghana once the founder or owner dies, that’s the end of the company.
AT: A lot has been said and debated about the oil in Ghana, very little is said of gas. There are still instances where parts of the country do not enjoy continuous flow of electricity. Gas is cleaner and most efficient fuel to generate power. What is the Government doing about that? H.E: you may remember once upon a time when we supplied electricity to some other African countries. We thought the akosombo dam will continue to flow for a long time. But we are looking at different ways to use the vast resources we have locally. AT: are you confident that this oil and gas policy and contracts and other matters relating to that effect will be transparent enough for all to see and comment? H.E: Oh yes. Ghana parliament is your best place to find information in relation to contracts etc. AT: You are a prolific writer. I have read some most of your articles. What drives you to write considering the office that you are currently holding? H.E: Well Gabriel, I love to write. I try to put pen to paper within the least opportunity. AT: your Excellency thank you for your time. Enjoy your stay here H.E: My pleasure. Let me know when you are in Ghana next time and I will host you. AT: I will be delighted to. NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  29
Entertainment
Sabo Yohanna Jise is a lead singer, recording artist, songwriter, music teacher and producer, who is becoming more recognized internationally. He has been a full time missionary and singer since 2001. Before doing missions fulltime he had a music ministry for 7 years in his home country of Nigeria. He and his wife Brenda currently reside in Perth, Western Australia Sabo started travelling and teaching young musicians, choirs and worship teams at the age of 19 in Nigeria. His love and passion for music has been the driving factor in his life. Today, his life continues to be characterised by excellence in musicianship and a dedication to training others. He has a degree in Music from Christian Institute, Anglican 30 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
Diocese of Jos, affiliated to The Royal School of Church Music (England). He is currently involved full time with Youth With A Mission, YWAM, a non-denominational and non-profit international missionary organization. His heart is to train, equip and mobilize musicians to use their talent as an evangelistic tool in the music industry. He has pioneered the “School of Music in Missions″ in Queensland and Perth, Australia. He is also part of an International College Committee for the University of the Nations, College of Arts and Sports which seeks to facilitate all arts training schools and ministries within YWAM. Sabo is currently developing an online Music Theory Seminar which will be a pre requisite for all Music degrees in Ywam. He has been leading worship in various churches and nations, for over 15 years. He provides instruction and mentorship to worship teams across the nations. In December 2009 he released a new worship album titled ″In His Presence″. Julie Spence, the International Dean for the College of Arts and Sports said that “Sabo has a unique mix of gifts, displaying excellence with humility . Contact info, email: yhnnsabo@yahoo.com.au // Ph: 0431 732 388 (m) To Listen or download Album please click on this link: http://www.tunecore. com/music/sabojise www.sabo-jise.com (coming soon)
ROAR Charity Fundraiser in NSW
ROAR Charity Fundraiser in NSW The ROAR charity (Rwandan Orphans Assistance Response Incorporated) hosted a spectacular Cocktail fashion fundraising event on Saturday 8th October 2011, with over 160 guests in attendance. The High Tide Room at the Bondi Pavilion was transformed into a glittering cocktail bar with a central catwalk for a night full of entertainment and fun. The night opened with a contemporary African dancer, Aicha Keita, two glamorous fashion shows and Bunny Hoopster dazzled guests with her hoola hoop performance. Guests were also treated to drinks, cocktail food and Doughboy served delicious pizzas fresh from their Bondi ovens. Over $20,000 was raised from the event ticket sales, live auction and donations. The proceeds will make a phenomenal difference to Rwandan orphans and disadvantaged children, particularly their educational and health needs. This year, ROAR has concentrated on building a well in the Linganwe School, in order to provide Rwandan children with access to clean water. To learn more about ROAR visit our website: www.roarcharity.org
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  31
o
Entertainment
8 Q’s to Afro-Aussies 1. What was the latest movie about Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI called?
C. 1963 D. 1970
8. What African Council of Australia was launched by the Governor-General in Perth 28th of October?
A. The Kings Speech B. His way to the Throne C. King George VI D. The Historical Speech
5. What year did Australia become a member of the Commonwealth?
A. The African Refuge Council of Australia B. The African Men’s Council of Australia C. The African Women’s Council of Australia D. The African Buisness Council of Australia
2. When is Queen Elizabeth’s actual birthday? A. 28th of October B. 4th of October C. 23rd of June D. 21st of April
6. Which African country withdrew as a member of the Commonwealth in 2003?
3. What is HRH Prince Philip’s formal title today? A. The Prince of Wales B. The Duke of Edinburgh C. King Philip D. Earl of Merioneth
A. South Africa B. Zambia C. Uganda D. Zimbabwe
7. Who is the present Governor-General of Australia?
4.When was the Queen’s first visit to Australia as a reigning monarch? A. 1947 B. 1954
A. 1947 B. 1964 C. 1953 D. 1931
A. The Honourable Bill Hayden B. Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce C. The Most Reverend Archbishop Peter Hollingworth D. Major General Micheal Jeffery
9. Where did the Governor-General host the State Dinner for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 26th of October? A. The University of Western Australia B. Perth Convention Centre C. Parmelia Hotel D. Kings Park
10. How many African countries are currently member’s of the Commonwealth? A. 12 B. 15 C. 19 D. 26 Answers: 1A, 2D, 3B, 4B, 5D, 6D, 7B, 8C, 9A, 10C
Poems NIGERIA By Celestine In my country you better watched out They answer a question with question In my country two great rivers flow The Benue and the Niger At Lokoja, their confluence A marriage of convenience witnessed By Mungo Park Creating a massive ‘Y’ on the landscape Toward the Niger delta on the Atlantic coast Merged to a sea of thought Its tributaries like praise-singers
Paying tributes…mere lip service To Political Lords and Pen robbers Lost like the city of Atlantis In a maze of questions upon questions The people search endlessly for answers The Niger-area goes back in time From palm oil to crude oil But faceless men looted the nation’s coffer And left my country in limbo In Nigeria two great rivers flow Confluencing…echoing ‘WHY’ Across the land Generating power to the people Irrigating fertile lands For a basketful of food for thoughts Nigeria go survive!
32 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
African Woman By Rumbidzai Chekeche Lovely is what you are, naturally inside Aura of home and peace, shining through your eyes Pure affection, stemming from your heart Words out of love even when you’re being short Strong is what you are, never giving up Carrying heavy burdens, a true rock Capable and diligent, maximizing every chance Able to withstand the many pressures of life Beautiful is what you are, made in His image Many contours and yes you’re proud of it African skin beautiful, like a star lit sky Imperishable as with age it only intensifies Astute is what you are, imparting life Intelligent and wise, sharp like an eagle’s eye Breaking down barriers, climbing the ladder Trust worthy and bestowed with honor
Movies African Classix Flix
The Silences of the Palace 2:35 | THRILLER | M (E) | 4.2/5 stars Director – Moufida Tlatli Synopsis: The Silences of the Palace received multiple awards at international film festivals from Cannes to Toronto. It’s story of a servant in the Kings Palace in French controlled Tunisia, and her daughter Alia. Set against the backdrop of the end of French colonial rule, Alia returns to the palace where she and her mother worked for years. She confronts the memories of her mother being forced to perform sexual favors for her master and the misery that it caused.
New in Cinemas
Puss in Boots 1:30 | Comedy & Adventure | PG - 13 | AUSTRALIAN RELEASED Starring – Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis Director – Chris Miller Synopsis: “Puss in Boots” -- based on one of the most beloved characters of the Shrek Universe -- tells the hilarious and courageous (daring, bold, brave) tale of Puss’ early adventures as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty to steal the famed Goose that lays the Golden Eggs.
Comming Soon
Fright Night 1:47 | DRAMA | Starring – Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale and Amanda Bearse Director – Tom Holland Synopsis: A wealthy Iranian couple struggles to contain the teenager daughter’s growing sexual rebellion and her brother’s dangerous obsession
The Gods Must Be Crazy 1:50 | ROMANCE | M (E) | 5/5 stars Director – Jamie Uys Synopsis: The Gods Must Be Crazy weaves together two different stories about cultural miscommunication. The first is the infamous tale of Xi, a bushman from southern Africa, played by N!xau a real life Namibian bush farmer who was named Namibia’s most famous actor. Upon discovering a coke bottle that had been dropped from a plane, he takes it back to his village where it is treated as a gift from the gods. Part documentary, part slapstick, and part screwball comedy, it’s a riot from beginning to end.
In Time 1.49 | Thriller & Sci-Fi | PG-13 Starring – Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy Director –Andrew Niccol Synopsis: In a future where people stop aging at 25, but are engineered to live only one more year, having the means to buy your way out of the situation is a shot at immortal youth. Here, Will Salas finds himself accused of murder and on the run with a hostage - a connection that becomes an important part of the way against the system.
The Whistleblower 1:44 | DRAMA & ROMANCE | M (E) | 2.5 stars Synopsis: Emma (Anne Hathaway) meets Dexter (Sturgess) on their night of their college graduation: July 15th, 1989. And for the next two decades, very July 15th reveals how the two are faring in life and love.
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 33
o Obsessions Entertainment
Elite LED LCD TVs
Carzor
Elite plasma sets that offered up mind-blowing black levels and similarly gasp-inducing pricing? They’re being reborn as Elite LED LCD TVs ($6,000-$8,500). Produced by Sharp, Full Array LED backlighting with local dimming for superior black levels, 3D support, Netflix, YouTube, and other Internet-based connectivity options, THX certification, and Elite Advantage LiveSM support which allows technicians to connect to your TV over the Internet
Forget to shave in your rush to make out of the house on time? That wouldn’t be an issue if you were rocking a Carzor ($17). This handy gadget combines a razor, blade storage, and a mirror in a collapsible, credit card-sized package, making it a no-brainer to carry with you at pretty much all times — just be careful when flying, as we doubt the TSA will find the tricky design to be as novel.
Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
Adidas Recovery September is high time to start gearing up — and picking up a few pieces from the Adidas Recovery ($30-$65) collection is a good place to start. Engineered to help athletes recover faster, these long and short sleeve tops, long and short tights, arm and calf sleeves, and socks feature strategically placed compression zones over core muscle groups to promote increased circulation and help get rid of lactic acid — the leading cause of muscle fatigue. Integrated ClimaCool ventilation technology will help to keep you cool, but for the actual athletics? Those are up to you. Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
Ikelite Waterproof Camera Housings With modern-day DSLRs capable of fantastic stills and Hollywood-worthy video capture, it’s more tempting than ever to take them everywhere — including underwater. If you’re planning on testing your rig’s sea legs, you’re going to need one of these Ikelite Waterproof Camera Housings ($250 and up). Available for everything from point-and-shoots to semi-pro models, they’ll keep your rig usable and dry down to 200 feet
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2012 Infiniti FX It’s not all-new, but it does look new, and that’s enough to make the 2012 Infiniti FX ($43,450 and up) an upgrade worth looking at. Beyond its redesigned front end, the high-end crossover also sports a new 20-inch wheel design and an update instrument cluster, while keeping the same 390hp V8 and 303hp V6 power plants, seven-speed automatic transmission, and optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
Spiral Wine Cellar The Spiral Wine Cellar ($22,000 and up) gives you all the benefits of a normal cellar in a prefabricated, easy-to-install format. The watertight, pre-cast cylindrical system is made from concrete, laid into the ground — which doubles as insulation — and keeps up to 1,900 bottles in perfect storage conditions, hiding away under a trap door and ready to use in just 5-9 days.
Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
NOVEMBER 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 35
Not just a boat trip.... Perth’s most unique venue
YOUR IDEAL VENUE FOR:
• Cocktail Parties • Weddings
• Corporate Events • Formal Dining
• Social Gatherings • Transfers
Pier 3 Barrack Square Perth WA 6000 Tel: (08) 9325 3341 Fax: (08) 9325 2421 36 www.captaincookcruises.com.au AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011
functions@captaincookcruises.com.au