September Issue 21

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

September • Issue 21

INSIDE From a War Orphan to a Ballet Dancer How an image in a magazine page blown against the gate of the orphanage where she ended up changed Michaela DePrince’s life

African Awards Speech by Her Excellency, Ms Jacqueline N. Zwambila, Ambassador of The Republic of Zimbabwe to Australia at the African-Australians National Awards 2012 Ceremony

2 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011

IN THIS ISSUE 03

To Our readers

06

Moments:

APA Gala Ball

08

African Awards

Speech by Her Excellency, Ms Jacqueline N. Zwambila

09

Celebration honours African Australians

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs,

Kate Lundy, presented the

inaugural African Australian National Awards

12

Afriqan & Distinguished: Michaela DePrince

From a war orphan to a ballet dancer

18

My Africa: Sossusvlei

21

Africa Down Under

24

Entertainment:

‘Good Deeds’ signals a New Direction for Tyler Perry

27

Movies:

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

28

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.

06

09

Lena Kozak-Fretwell Afriqan Times Editor

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?

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 communicate with his relatives. After about 40 years he couldn’t remember how to speak or read his mother language. Back then I thought it must have been just a trick used by the producers of the show to boost the ratings, it can’t be true.

Living in Australia today, I realise it was very possible. The secret is to find that healthy balance between your past and your future, treasure your background while investing in your future. It is our responsibility.

12

18

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.

SEPTEMBER 2012 | 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: 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, 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.

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COVER: Michaela DePrince

4 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

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Moments:

6 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

APA Gala Ball

SEPTEMBER 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 7

African Awards SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY, MS JACQUELINE N. ZWAMBILA, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE TO AUSTRALIA AT THE AFRICAN-AUSTRALIANS NATIONAL AWARDS 2012 CEREMONY, 25 AUG 2012, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Ladies and Gentlemen.

I feel humbled and overjoyed to be invited to address this great and auspicious occasion at which we are gathered to honour the achievements of African-Australians.

This event is also significant in that it comes against the backdrop of the recently held Global African Diaspora Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the African union, the Caribbean and South America held in South Africa in May this year. The Heads of State upheld the importance of the African Diaspora in supporting the development of the African continent.

The occasion is this special as we focus on the African Diaspora in Australia and it gives us the opportunity to exchange ideas on the most appropriate roles they could play in fulfilling the aspirations of Africa.

I therefore, on behalf of the African Heads of the Diplomatic missions in Australia, wish to thank the organisers of this award ceremony, in particular Mr John Nze-Bertram who has tirelessly worked to ensure that it becomes a success. John, you have raised the bar!

We pay tribute to this year’s African-Australian awards recipients for their outstanding achievements.

They have indeed advanced a positive image of Africa and inherently played their part as ‘Africa’s Ambassadors’ in their line of duty. As much as we would want you to maximise your energies on your personal advancement, we call upon you to play your part in supporting and contributing in the successes of both your host country Australia and your respective countries in Africa.

I am sure Hon Kate Lundy, who has graced us today, will agree that

you represent an important ingredient in the promotion of multiculturalism in Australia. It is most recognised that Australia plays host to a large African community and this therefore provides for a perfect platform by which to create mutually beneficial interrelations between Africa and Australia, be it in business or cultural spheres.

It is therefore out of this relationship that the African Australians should be well placed in seeking Australia’s support in Africa in terms of contributing to the acceleration of the continent’s economic growth and development through the opening of trade linkages with the African countries. We say you are ‘well placed” because you have successfully integrated into the Australian society and you understand how Australians conduct their business.

For long, African countries have complained of “brain drain” as hordes of skilled personnel drift to the developed world for greener pastures. However, the Diaspora cannot be expected to wholesomely return to the continent.

Maybe African-Australians can be useful in compensating the skills loss

by African countries by establishing institutions that can provide managerial and technical advice to Africa. This could be done in collaboration with key Australian institutions.

Another important contribution to Africa, that African-Australians can make, is by way of encouraging Australian investments into Africa.

In addition, they can also facilitate the transfer of the much needed technology to African businesses through their contacts. Also importantly, the Diaspora may play the catalyst role

8 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTMBER 2012

of the investment drive by leading the way and investing themselves in Africa.

I wish to conclude my remarks by sharing with you the initiatives that were agreed upon by the Heads of State and Government in May, which I alluded to earlier and which I believe, would be very relevant to the shaping of future relations between Africa and the African Diaspora in Australia.

The leaders from Africa, the Caribbean and South Americas adopted five legacy projects as a way of giving practical meaning to the Diaspora programme. The projects are inter alia; a) the production of a Skills Database of African Professionals in the Diaspora; b) the establishment of the African Diaspora Volunteers Corps; c) the African Diaspora Investment Fund; d) a programme on the Development marketplace for the Diaspora, as a framework for facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship among Africans and the Diaspora; and e) the African Remittances institute.

It is without doubt that the above projects, if implemented, would transform the African Diaspora into a formidable institution that would accelerate Africa’s growth.

I, therefore, urge the AfricanAustralians to be seized with the above proposals and take the initiative.

Lastly I wish to congratulate all those who have been recognised for their sterling work and have been nominated for the prestigious awards today. I believe these awards would be a way of encouraging other AfricaAustralians to work harder and to be counted among the best.

I thank you all.

Celebration honours African Australians

T

he Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Kate Lundy, today presented the inaugural African Australian National Awards at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House.

The awards recognise the artistic, sporting, economic political and community contributions of the African community to Australian society.

“These awards are a wonderful tribute to the African Australian community who have contributed to Australia’s success and prosperity over generations,” Senator Lundy said.

“The African community has enriched and enhanced the Australian community and it’s fitting that these awards are a celebration of our unique diversity.

“The awards recognise African Australians across a wide spectrum, from sports, medicine, law, entertainment, business and the community.

“Their achievements inspire and motivate others, but they are also shared and experienced by the entire community.

“It was a privilege to present the awards today and I commend all those involved with the organisation of this wonderful event at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

“I’m sure that the awards will be an enduring celebration that will continue to honour and recognise the contribution of the African community to Australia.”

SEPTEMBER 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 9

10 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | JUNE 2012

African & Distinguished

12 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | JUNE 2012

From a war orphan to a

Ballet Dancer Michaela DePrince was little more than a toddler when she saw her first ballerina - an image in a magazine page blown against the gate of the orphanage where she ended up during Sierra Leone’s civil war. It showed an American ballet dancer posed on tip toe.

JUNE 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  13

African & Distinguished

African & Distinguished

F

rom the misery of the orphanage “I saw has been fast, if not typical. At 17, she’s already hope in it. And I ripped the page out and I been featured in a documentary film and has stuck it in my underwear because I didn’t performed on TV show “Dancing With the Stars.” She just graduated from high school have any place to put it.”

Now Michaela’s the one inspiring young and the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Africans: She escaped war and suffers a skin Kennedy Onassis School, and will go on to pigmentation disorder that had her labeled work at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Her “the devil’s child” at the orphanage. She’s an family recently moved from Vermont to New African dancer in the world of ballet that sees York City to support her dance career and her few leading black females. She was adopted sister’s acting and singing. Michaela said she and raised to become a ballerina in the U.S. — has been offered many opportunities to dance a country where she believed everyone walked with companies in Europe and in the U.S. around on tippy toes.

Her big brown eyes are framed by mascara On July 19, Michaela performs in her first coated lashes to cover their whiteness professional full ballet, dancing the part of stemming from the vitiligo skin disorder.

Gulnare in Le Corsaire, as a guest artist of Tiny wisps of white curls peek through the South Africa’s two biggest dance companies, dark brown hair pinned into a bun. Her wide Mzansi Productions and South African Ballet infectious grin turned strained as she chatted Theatre. about her childhood.

Her ascent to stardom in the ballet world “I lost both my parents, so I was there (the

14 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

African & Distinguished

Q: Do you see the potential in the Q: What has been the reaction from future to become as big as Netflix? the Nigerian film industry?

A: I think Netflix has 25 million subscribers across South America, U.S. Canada and the UK. We are really young, as ambitious as we want to be. Are there 25 million people who love this content? Most definitely there are 25 million people in Nigeria who love this content. Are they willing to pay for it? That’s the big experiment we’re kind of playing now. So we wouldn’t want to compare ourselves to Netflix but we have an interest and opportunity to at least get somewhere along that line.

A: The key thing is that we’ve invested more money in Nollywood in the shortest space of time -- far more than anybody else has done. We are remunerating movie producers who, quite rightly, are receiving additional revenue form their films as we have opened up a new funding avenue for them.

Before, they were losing out to the pirates, now they are gaining financially from iROKOtv. Hopefully this new approach to monetizing Nollywood content will lead to producers re-investing in their films.

- Extract CNN

“I lost both my parents, so I was there (the orphanage) for about a year and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo,” she said Monday. “We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes and what not.”

Michaela said she walked shoeless for miles to reach a refugee camp after word came that the orphanage would be bombed.

Elaine DePrince, who adopted Michaela and two other girls, Mia and Mariel, from the orphanage, said she met the girls in Ghana in 1999. Michaela was 4.

SEPTEMBER 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 15

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My Africa: Sossusvlei Kenya

Sossusvlei

PHOTO copyright: Michael Poliza

The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world. Various arguments are laid out to support this claim, but all miss the point, which is that Sossusvlei is surely one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world - the sand dunes at Sossusvlei are just one excellent reason to visit Namibia.

18  AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

Country: Namibia Capital: Windhoek Region: Southern Africa Currency: The Namibia Dollar (N$) Economy: US$13.771 billion Language: English, German, Afrikaans, Bantu and Khoisan Calling code: +264 Tourist Attractions: Etosha National Park, Soussusvlei, Swakpomund and Walvis Bay, Fish River Canyon, Kalahari Independence Day: 21 March 1990

SEPTEMBER 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE  19

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20 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012

a

Phenomenal Woman

2012

AFRICAN DOWN UNDER JUNE 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 21

STRONG GLOBAL PRICE OUTLOOK FOR TITANIUM AND ZIRCON

O

ne of Africa’s most experienced the shortfall from existing mines,” Mr mineral sands producers says Williams said. the global supply-demand balance for both titanium and zircon “This supply tightness has emerged in recent years due to reduced looks highly favourable. production from existing mines and Speaking in Perth today on the third a lack of new high quality capital and final day of the 2012 Paydirt efficient, quick response supply Africa Downunder conference, former options.

Managing Director and current Advisor to Mineral Deposits Limited, Mr Jeff “This gap has been partly due to Williams, said that while demand is under-investment in mineral sands expected to continue to ratchet up exploration over an extended period.” to 3% or more per annum, supply is Mr Williams pointed to the long expected to remain essentially flat. timeframes - seven years – to typically “Mineral sands supply from existing bring on new titanium-zicon mines.

tension,” Mr Williams said.

He pointed to China’s rapid emergence in the market as a prominent market player from an almost nil position, as titanium feedstock and zircon prices moved to record highs.

“Certainly, the pricing power has shifted in this period away from the major consumers to the mineral sands ore producers,’ Mr Williams said.

“Contracts are shifting from longterm provisions to contracts of significantly shorter duration, with no upside pricing constraints and more frequents price negotiations – six global mines is expected to decline “These style of mines require monthly for titanium feedstocks and and new titanium and zircon projects significant expertise to execute and quarterly for zircon.” scheduled to come on stream will that has added to the demand-supply only do a bit better than make up for

22 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

‘DAWN OF AFRICAN CENTURY” CAN BE LED IN PART BY AUSTRALIA: COFFEY

A

ustralia’s miners and explorers is helping Africa continue to make have been told they have a the transition to world economic role to play in ensuring the powerhouse,” Mr Fredericks said. continue emergence of the “Dawn of the African century” driven by “The investment upside in Africa more successful exploitation of that is increasing levels of available risk capital, new reserves, new continent’s mineral wealth. ore replacement efforts, new Speaking in Perth at the 2012 Paydirt discoveries, changing exploration Africa Downunder conference, Coffey costs, more attractive mining laws and Mining’s General Manager – Africa, investment incentives and availability Mr Chris Fredericks, said the “dawn of dependable geological information,” of the African century” was an apt he said. tagline to now apply going forward to that country’s minerals future – but “In addition to the well understood for improved mining Australia needed to nurture its historic need infrastructure, there are a number mining relationship with Africa. of new requirements to secure “Australian resources investments Australian investment in African have tripled to $20 billion since 2005 mining and these include providing a and it is that sort of commitment that corruption free investment climate.

“We also need to accept that resource nationalism is gathering pace across Africa and we have to work together within that to open partnerships that can work together to develop higher level exploration, mine development and mining operations.”

Mr Fredericks said that from a technical point of view, Australian mining companies had barely scratched the surface in Africa.

It was important however that Australian miners partnered the development of Africa’s mining future with a legacy of training, safety and social and community responsibility.

SEPTEMBER 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 23

o

Entertainment

Entertainment

‘Good Deeds’ signals a

New Direction

for Tyler Perry

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

T

yler Perry wants audiences to know that he’s tackling a new genre in his latest offering “Good Deeds.”

Perry, who has made twelve inspirational themed flicks in eight years, returns as actor, writer, director and producer in what he coins a “romantic movie.”

The movie marks Perry’s first dramatic role away from his ensemble-based films and this time, he’s assembled a formidable

cast that includes British actress, Thandie Newton, Brian White, Rebecca Romijn, Jamie Kennedy, Phylicia Rashad, and Gabrielle Union in this love story about a tycoon who helps a down on her luck office cleaner.

Perry also stars in a miscast role as the main character, Wesley Deeds, a successful businessman whose seemingly perfect life is derailed when he has a chance encounter with a single mother

24 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

(Newton), who can’t seem to make ends meet.

His first attempt at trying something new follows his usual trademark theme, and is riddled with the all too familiar characters we have come to recognize in his movies. There’s the selfdestructing character (White), a domineering parent (Rashad) and the down on her luck character (Newton) whose life he predictably makes better.

“

What I really focus on in this film is this sense of finding yourself in life,” explains Perry. “Wesley Deeds is a man who’s lost. He’s doing everything that everybody’s telling him to do. He’s living his father’s dream and his mother’s dream, and in the process forgets his own. There’s an epiphany of sorts when he meets Lindsey.

”

As the film opens, we are introduced to Wesley and his unhappy fiancée Natalie (Union) as they puddle through their mundane routine.

“They’re the billion dollar couple on paper,” adds Perry, “but she’s completely bored in the relationship and he’s completely lost in it. I think it happens to a lot of people in life. You settle, because you don’t want to be alone, or because you’re told, ‘This is what you’re supposed to do.”

After a chance encounter with Lindsey, who cleans the office building of his company Deeds Corporation, Wesley is compelled to perform a good deed and is jolted out of his predictable routine, forcing him to examine his existence.

“What I really focus on in this film is this sense of finding yourself in life,” explains Perry.

“Wesley Deeds is a man who’s

lost. He’s doing everything that everybody’s telling him to do.

He’s living his father’s dream and his mother’s dream, and in the process forgets his own. There’s an epiphany of sorts when he meets Lindsey.”

Despite being a polished production, what “Good Deeds” lacks is character development.

The relationships could have been fleshed out a bit more, even if only for a few minutes to lead to a heightened understanding of the character’s background, especially to understand Lindsey’s demise.

When we meet her, she has problems paying her rent. She eventually gets evicted and scooping up a single plastic bag from a stack of possessions her landlord has left on the curb, she resorts to living in her car with her six-year-old daughter, Ariel (Jordenn Thompson). Through casual conversations, we learn

that she lost her boyfriend in a war, but the several underlying factors which ultimately leads to her demise are not told, nor will audiences understand what makes White’s character so selfdestructing.

Still, it’s refreshing to see Newton, who has shown an impressive versatility in films like “Crash”and “Beloved” on screen, for she easily delivers an assured, finely tuned performance that almost saves the film.

Another trademark Perry production, “Good Deeds” is notable for one thing: the ability to tell a story without relying on special effects, gross-out humor, gore or x-rated dialogue.

SEPTEMBER 2012 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 25

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL MEMBERS OF AFRICAN MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens MP, and Senator for Queensland, Mark Furner, today announced the inaugural members of the African Ministerial Consultative Committee.

“There was a tremendous response from the African community, with many people from across Australia expressing their interest in being a member of the committee,” Mr Bowen said.

“I’d like to thank all those who applied and extend my congratulations to the African community leaders who have been chosen to be part of the African Ministerial Consultative Committee.”

Senator Lundy said the committee would play a valuable role in informing the Government of the views of African Australians.

“Generations of African Australians have made a positive contribution to the success, prosperity and cultural richness of our nation,” Senator Lundy said.

“The new consultative committee will ensure leaders in the African community can provide important advice to government and continue to shape our national story.”

Ms Owens and Senator Furner said they were pleased to cochair the committee.

“These appointees will provide an important new channel through which the Government can continue to work closely 26 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012

with the African community across the country,” Ms Owens said.

“It was a difficult exercise for all of us to shortlist from all the talented applications to appoint these committee members.

Having seen their backgrounds and achievements, they will all make strong contributions to the discussions and objectives of the committee,” Senator Furner said.

The Ministerial Consultative Committee is comprised of 14 members drawn from African community leaders around Australia:

Theophile Elongo (NSW): President of the Federation of the Congolese Council of Australia; Vice-President of the Congolese Community of Australia; Director-General of the Africa Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development; and Executive Committee Member for the Ethnic Communities Councils of New South Wales.

Ebenezer Banful (ACT): Founder of the African Australian Association of the Australian Capital Territory; former Chairman of Companion House; former member of the Multicultural Advisory Council; and Founder of the Ghana Australia Association.

Tabitha Chepkwony (NSW): Secretary of the Sydney Africa Forum; Member of African Professionals Association; Co-Chair of Parramatta District Sydney Alliance; Member of Kenyans Down Under; Coordinator of Sydney African Forum; Member of African Women Dance; and Member of ‘Club 50’.

Dr Vincent Ogu (NSW): President of the Igbo Community of Australia; Deputy Chair of the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre; Commissioner at the Community Relations Commission; Member of the African Workers Network; and Convenor of the Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme.

Dr Yusuf Sheikh Omar (VIC): President of the Somali Australian Friendship Association; Member of the North Eastern Somali Community; Founder of the Australian Somali Youth Association; Member of the Austin Hospital Community Advisory Committee; Member of the La Trobe Refugee Research Centre; Member of the Centre for Dialogue at La Trobe University; and Member of the African Think Tank.

Diing Atem Bior Bul (NSW): Commissioner with the Community Relations Commission; National Director of the Sudanese Australians National Youth Council; Founder of the African Youth Welfare Association; Member of the African Communities Council; Member of the Human Rights Committee of Young Lawyers; and Member of the African Learning Circle.

Santino Rang Yuot (NSW): Chairman of the Dinka Literacy Association of New South Wales; Member of the Auburn Small Community Organisation Network; Member of the Holroyd-Parramatta Migrant Resource Council; Member of the New South Wales Federation of Community Languages; and Member of the Auburn Community Development Network.

Robert Mukombozi (QLD): Vice-President of the Rwandan Association of Queensland; Social Affairs Coordinator for the Queensland African Communities Council; President of the Queensland African Communities Council Logan; Secretary of Global United Ethnics Incorporated; Member of the African Assembly of Leaders; Member of the Queensland Police Advisory Group; and Community Development Officer for Access Community Services Limited.

John Okello-Okanya (QLD): President of African Seniors Club Australia; Board Member of African Savings Community Foundation; Member of the Queensland African Communities Council; Member of the Assembly of African Community Leaders; Member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland; and Patron of the African Australian Artists Alliance Queensland.

Juliana Nkrumah (NSW): African Women Australia; Australian National Committee on Refugee Women; Consultant to African community groups; Coordinator of Multicultural Community Liaison Officers for New South Wales Police; Member of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia’s Women’s Subcommittee; and former Vice-President of the Ghana Association of New South Wales.

Haileluel Gebre-selassie (VIC): Executive Director of African Think Tank; Chairperson of the African Australian Leadership Program; President of the African Australian Association; Board Member of the Footscray Community Arts Centre; and Member of Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria.

Dr Joseph Masika (SA): Chairperson of the African Communities Council of South Australia; Executive Committee Member of the African Heritage Association of South Australia; Vice-President of the Australian-Tanzanian Services Foundation; Commissioner for South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission; Member of Migrant Resource Centre; and former Director of the African Festival of South Australia.

Edward D. Solo (NT): Program Manager of African Settlement and Integration Services; President of the African Community Council of the Northern Territory; Member of the Refugee Support Network; Executive Committee Member of the Northern Territory Refugee Association Darwin; Executive Member of the Federation of African Communities Council; Member of the Northern Territory Council of Social Services; Member of the Northern Territory Settlement Planning Committee; Member of the Settlement Council of Australia; and Member of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia.

Dr Ms Casta Tungaraza (WA): President of the African Women’s Council of Australia; Executive Member of the Federation of African Communities Council; Member of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia’s New and Emerging Communities Advisory Committee; Member of the Multicultural Advisory Group of Western Australia; Patron of the Tanzania-Australia Business Council; and Director of Australian Academy of Race Relations at Murdoch University.

The committee will meet regularly with the co-chairs and at least twice a year with Ministers Bowen and Lundy. The Government will also hold an annual forum for the committee to facilitate access to the Prime Minister and other senior Government ministers.

Media Contacts: Bill Kyriakopoulos 0400 510 802 / Laura Stevens 0432 833 769 (Bowen)

Jessica Hill 0407 926 077 (Lundy) Enver Yasar (02) 9689 1455 (Owens) SEPTEMBER Christine Stubbs (07) 3881 3710 (Furner) 27 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE

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Entertainment

Obsessions

APPLE MACBOOK PRO WITH RETINA

MOPHIE JUICE PACK PRO

FERRARI GOLF COLLECTION

Just like the latest iPhone and iPad, the all-new MacBook Pro sports a bee-you-tee-full-clark Retina display, making it the world’s highest resolution notebook display. But contrary to what you’d think, the new MacBook Pro actually sheds inches and pounds, and is now 25% thinner than the previous generation, sitting at a mere 0.71-inches. The MacBook Pro packs in a quadcore CPU up to 2.7 GHz, up to 16GB of RAM, a crazy graphics card, and up 768GB of SSD storage. Plus, it’s got a 7-hour battery, FaceTime HD camera, SD slot, HDMI, USB 3, Thunderbolt, and a new Magsafe power connector for the clumsy among us.

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The new Mophie Juice Pack Pro assumes a couple of things about you. One, that you’re in need of extra juice for your iPhone, and two, that you’re either involved in a profession that puts your phone in constant peril, or a complete klutz. If any or all of the above describe you, the Pro has got your back with a Mil-Spec ruggedized case that protects your iPhone 4 or 4S from water, sand, and impacts and a massive 2500 mAh battery that can completely recharge your phone — and then some.

The Ferrari Golf Collection is the result of a collaboration between the legendary Italian automaker and Cobra/Puma golf, and includes the signature Cobra Ferrari Driver, which is based on the Cobra ZL Encore, but has undergone some changes at the hands of Ferrari’s engineers to improve aerodynamics, increase club head speed, and generally make it look more badass. Other pieces of the collection include an accessory range with premium visors, belts, gloves, umbrellas and bags, an apparel range with polos, knits, jackets and pants, and a signature Ferrari Golf Shoe.

2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG GT

FITBIT ARIA WI-FI SMART SCALE

STAKE 3-IN-1 BBQ TOOL

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT bests its predecessor by 20 hp thanks to additional tuning of the 6.2L V8, making it a tenth quicker in the sprint from 0-60 mph — it now takes just 3.6 seconds — and also features new AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension, new, optional designo style interior packages featuring the highest-end leather upholstery with contrast stitching and diamond quilt details, and the same, rock-solid AMG Speedshift sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission.

Using a Fitbit to get in shape? Then odds are you’re also watching your weight — so why not combine the two with the Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale ($130)? This high-tech bathroom floordweller tracks your weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, automatically uploads your stats to Fitbit.com, where they’ll enhance the data from your Tracker, and automatically recognizes up to eight users so it won’t be getting you confused with other members of your household.

Most grilling tool sets include three basic tools: a spatula, tongs, and fork. The Stake 3-in-1 BBQ Tool ($30) combines all three into a single, grilldominating tool that features leaf spring tongs, a slide-out fork that hides away when not in use so you’re not stabbing your food — or guests — accidentally, and a locking mechanism for the wooden handles to convert the entire mess into a spatula.

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28 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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