Afriqan Times Magazine_April Issue

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

April 2011 • Issue 7

Unveiled Behind the Lenses South African born Australian: Capturing Africa with his Lenses

INSIDE

Activist come Entrepreneur

Dr Casta Tungaraza: committed to actively and tirelessly making strides for change

A non-stop start to your African adventure.

Making tracks to Africa? South African Airways offers direct non-stop flights out of Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg. We can get you to South Africa faster. Once you’re there we offer more African flight connections than any other airline so you can easily get to where you need to go. So visit www.flysaa.com or your local travel agent or call us on 1300 435 972 to get started on your adventure today.

IN THIS ISSUE

7

04 From the Editor 05 Moments

Events Afriqan Times could not pass by in March 08 Australia China Together

in Africa: Many Australian companies

are partnering with Chinese companies

to build mining projects in Africa – but

there are risks and complexities involved

with these opportunities.

10 Around Africa:

Planning your holiday to Africa? Plan

your itinerary with Around Africa 12 Look out for Uitkyk Wines

The boutique wines from the

state-of-the-art cellar have

established a strong identity for

themselves 14 Unveiled Behind the Lenses

Rimmer’s major contribution to the

photographic collective of Southern

Africa can be dated from this time.

17 Maximise your Tax Return

How to get more from your tax 18 Night Shift & Sleep Patterns

Effects of Sleep on your body

you didn’t know about 20 My AFRICA: Namibia 22 Letter from Premier

of South Australia 24 Activist come Entrepreneur

Dr Casta Tungaraza: committed to

actively and tirelessly making strides

for change 26 Afrillionaire

The conglomerate spans luxury goods,

finance, mining interests and more and

is now headed by Johan Rupert who

has built on the successes

of his late father.

31 Autumn / Winter Picks

Hot Autumn / Winter picks brought to

you from Australia’s fashion City Printing By (African Australian owned)

Priden Printing Services PMS 533

PMS 320

PMS 125

12

24

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: advertising@afriqantimes.com • len.fretwell@afriqantimes.com 0417 001 080 Editor : Emmanuel Solomon - Writers: Mukuka Mayuka, Samantha Ofole-Price, Rumbidzai Chekeche Teurai Chanakira - Guest Writers: G. Money, Van Der Mey, Hanli Van Staden, Rima Nachin, Dr Ayensu, David Aylmore, Catherine Kerr Graphics: nqa Creative & Kuda Mukondiwa Photography: Simbarashe Mashanyare, Emily Dimozantos, Henry Gomez Subscribers Visit: 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: SARAH FILIPINI -Yes I am AfroAussie, Photography by Emily Dimozantos APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 3

From the Editor

We Call Australia, HOME!

W

henever Australia is mentioned in a movie or series, Land Down Under by Men At Work is heard in the background. It’s a light, feel-good piece of music that beautifully describes Australian nature.

The man singing the song meets several Australians in different parts of the world, and they all receive him with smiles and welcome. An Australian lady gives him breakfast in the wilderness, a tall Australian man gives him a sandwich, and even when he’s drunk and vulnerable in Bombay, an Australian stranger gives him words and comfort.

The reason the song is taken to represent Australia I believe speaks clearly of who we are. We hold our arms out to people from all over the world, and we’re always ready with a firm handshake and a kind word. Although Australia had less than glamorous beginnings, she is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The first Australian settlers were strangers in an unknown land, they knew what it felt like to be far from home. For this reason, they were always kind to new people, and this ideal has passed down to Aus-

4 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

tralians today. We are always willing to extend a hand and home to travellers, whether they come from Asia, Antarctica, or Africa. Recent national policies make have led to the expansion of our large Australian family.

The landowners, the Aborigines add immensely to our culture. From them, we have such trademarks as the boomerang, and the digeridoo. And it’s not just the human inhabitants that make Australia beautiful. We are blessed with unusual, amazing animals like the koala, the dodo, the platypus, the Tasmanian devil, and the kangaroo.

Australia is a vast and magical place with the best of old and new. We have a culture that is found nowhere else, one that is melded from ancient English folklore mingled with bits from Asian travellers, brewed together with indigenous thoughts and recipes and iced with the bits we’ve picked up from recent migrants from Southern & Eastern Europe, Africa, guests and tourists. Many come for a few weeks and decided to make Australia home, and we’d be glad if you did too.

As an African, Australia is the ideal place, its tropical climate feels just like home. There’s sunshine all year round, out-

door lifestyle, magnificent beaches and cosmopolitan cities. As part of the Commonwealth, Australia shares tenets and ideas once developed in the British Empire, so as an African I feel at home in more ways than one. Just like Africans, and just like the song says, Australians are really, really friendly.

Emmanuel Solomon

NQACREATIVE

All donations can be made on the Queensland Government website:

www.qld.gov.au/floods

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 5

South African Trade & Investment Seminar Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney Wednesday, 16th March 2011

By Rima Nachin The Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney played host to the 4th Annual South African Trade and Investment Seminar on Wednesday, 16th March 2011. The first session highlighted opportunities for bilateral trade between South Africa and Australia, with the South African High Commissioner – Her Excellency Ms Koleka Mqulwana – opening the seminar. This was followed by addresses from key Government and Business representatives from South Africa and Australia. It outlined the bilateral investment history in both countries, and presented their similarities as potential strengths and a basis for stronger partnerships between the two countries.

The second session focused on South African-Australian business relations and partnerships, highlighting South Africa’s position as Australia’s largest African trade partner, its strong position within the African and global economy, and outlined Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd’s intentions to invest in Africa’s future by way of business and investment; drawing also on the similarities in both countries’ multicultural societies.

The final session saw a host of Australian business representatives across various sectors including Finance, Resources, Manufacturing, Transport and Tourism sharing their experiences of trade and investment relations with South Africa, and its benefits. The seminar ended on a positive note with an optimistic South African-Australian trade and investment future imminent.

6 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Moments

Mauritian Independence Day Party The Gambia marked the 45th anniversary of its nationhood with thousands of Gambians in Banjul, Kanifing Municipality and Western Region, converging in their respective regions to celebrate the day.

On the 18th February 1965, Gambia became the smallest - and 37th sovereign state in Africa and the last of Britain’s West African colonies to gain independence.

It was the first African nation conquered by the British and became the 21st member of the Commonwealth, as well as the 116th member of the United Nations.

Gambia has been one of the most stable countries in Africa. It has a liberal, market-based economy characterised by traditional subsistence agriculture, a historic reliance on groundnuts (peanuts) for export earnings, a re-export trade built up around its ocean port, low import duties, minimal administrative procedures, a fluctuating exchange rate with no exchange controls, and a significant tourism industry.

Australian Doctors in Africa AABC The Australia Africa Business Council hosted the organ Australian Doctors for Africa in Perth. Many attend to the cocktail event.

Australian Doctors for Africa is a licensed charity registered in Western Australia. It was founded in 2005 by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Graham Forward. The charity’s objective is to provide voluntary medical, surgical and nursing services to areas of need in Africa.

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 7

Open for Business

By Emmanuel Solomon

B

rief: Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, and the continent’s rich natural resources have led to an investment boom from countries like China and Australia. Many Australian companies are partnering with Chinese companies to build mining projects in Africa – but there are risks and complexities involved with these opportunities. We talked with Duncan Calder, an Australian expert on Chinese business development in Africa, to learn how these trends will affect Africa, China and Australia for years to come.

--------Africa is going through an economic boom. According to recent research from The Economist, African countries will represent 7 of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world from 2011-2015. While this news is exciting and promising for millions Africans hoping to move from poverty into the middle class, it also has implications for Australia.

Australian companies are making big investments in Africa, and they are increasingly looking to partner with companies from China to help their African projects succeed.

8 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Afriqan Times recently interviewed Duncan Calder, chairman of KPMG Australia’s China business practice, who is an expert on the latest trends related to Australian companies doing business in Africa. Duncan Calder offered his insights on how Australia, Africa and China fit together in the new economic boom on the African continent.

“One of the leading contributors to Africa’s recent growth, from a foreign direct investment standpoint, has been China,” said Duncan Calder.

Chinese companies are investing massively in Africa, particularly in the fields of natural resources and mining. Recent reports indicate that approximately 8,000 China-Africa cooperative projects are underway, including power generation, airports, roads, hospitals and other essential infrastructure.

The African resource boom has created opportunities for Australian companies as well, as Aussie firms, particularly from Western Australian, seek to capitalise on Africa’s potential by partnering with Chinese companies.

During 2010, 30 Australian companies started more than 100 new projects in Africa, particularly in the fields of mining and engineering.

“Many of the Australian companies doing business in Africa are relatively young and do not have deep pockets of capital,” said Duncan Calder. “As a result, they need to connect with larger partners – often Chinese companies – to make the billion-dollar investments that are needed in Africa.”

Why are Australian companies interested in doing business in Africa?

“Partly, the interest in Africa reflects that most of Australia has already been explored for mining,” said Duncan Calder.

“There have also been recent concerns in Australia about proposed mining tax increases. But the biggest attraction of Africa is that it offers the chance of superior returns on investment.”

Africa presents big opportunities, but there are challenges as well. One challenge of working in Africa is that often there is no infrastructure close to the site of the mining project – such as power, rail, and ports – so companies have to make big investments in infrastructure and supply chain logistics.

Another risk of doing business in Africa is political risk – the risk that the local country’s government might collapse, or might nationalise or appropriate the company’s assets. Partnering with a larger Chi-

nese company (with more experience and connections in Africa) can often help Australian companies reduce the political risk of operating in Africa.

Another advantage of working with Chinese companies in Africa is that these companies have massive, low-cost labour pools that can build cheaply in Africa. On one recent construction project in Africa, an Australian company was only able to bring a few hundred workers whilst the Chinese company they partnered with could bring thousands of workers for a similar cost.

Is Africa more receptive to doing business with China?

In some ways, China is well-positioned to do business in Africa when compared with Western countries. “Traditionally, Western investment in Africa has been more of a ‘master-servant’ relationship,” said Duncan Calder. “Many Western business contracts in Africa were overly reliant on cosy relationships with the local African

governments. The West has often placed conditions on their investments in Africa.

China does not take this approach – China does not think it is their role to interfere in other countries’ internal politics.”

Another reason why Africa is a good match for Chinese investment is that Africa is resource-rich with ample supplies of minerals, commodities and iron ore. China is resource-poor and needs to import most of its natural resources to help supply its industrial growth.

The future of China-Australia investment in Africa One criticism that has been made of foreign investment in Africa is that not enough of the benefits go to the local African people. Australian companies have learned that it is important to share the benefits of their African business with local people and local African governments.

Ultimately, the Australia-China investment boom in Africa is likely to lead to

more jobs for Africans.

“China will not be able to build projects in Africa solely with Chinese labour,” said Duncan Calder. “Africa will see more jobs going to local construction labourers. African countries will put increasing pressure for a greater local component of the workforce on these African projects – not only in construction but also in operations.”

Africa, Australia and China are likely to be an important part of each other’s future economic growth for years to come.

Calder is also President of the Australia China Business Council in W.A. and the opportunities for cooperation were highlighted at ACBC’s recent spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations themed “Australia and China - Together in Africa” The celebrations showcased African culture and featured key note addresses from George Jones of Sundance Resources and Greg Lilleyman of Rio Tinto; two companies at the forefront of this trilateral business relationship

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 9

Around Africa -

April Events & Festivals in Africa 1.Cape Town International Jazz Festival Southern Africa’s biggest jazz festival is held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. Jazz legends from all over the world perform for just two days at the convention centre. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown into a hugely successful international event since its inception in the year 2000. Attendance figures have increased from the initial 14 000 to 34 000 in the last 11 years.

Known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the festival which will be in its twelfth year when it takes place on Friday 25th and Saturday 26 April 2011 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Once again Cape Town International Jazz festival will thrill loyal & new fans with world class music.

More than 30,000 people have attended past festivals, so advance ticket purchase is absolutely necessary.

Where: Cape Town, South Africa When: 25 April to 26 April 2011

2.South Africa Freedom Day Freedom Day is an annual celebration of South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections of 1994. Peace, unity, the preservation and the restoration of human

dignity hallmark Freedom Day celebrations on the 27th of April of each year. Freedom Day commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994.

When: 27 April 2011 Where: South Africa

3. Harare International Festival of the Arts The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) is one of Africa’s largest international arts festivals.

Established in 1999 by Manuel Bagorro, the festival takes place each year in late April or early May in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The weeklong festival encompasses five principal disciplines: theatre, music, dance, fine art, and poetry.

Since its inception in 1999, the Festival has received recognition for its support of arts and culture in Zimbabwe and is seen as a major contributor to development in this area. HIFA is now the largest cultural event in Zimbabwe and among the eight major festivals in Africa. HIFA has gained local and international media praise on many fronts, for example, Robert Grieg writing in the South Africa Sunday Independent - “The Harare International Festival of the Arts is probably the best organized festival in the sub-continent and one of the most manageably diverse.” More importantly in the current socio-economic situation HIFA has come to be seen as an important symbol of something positive about Zimbabwe.

HIFA is a 6 day annual festival that showcases the very best of local, regional and international arts and culture in a comprehensive festival programme of theatre, dance,

10 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

music, circus, street performance, spoken word, visual arts and workshops.

When: 25 April to 01 May, 2011 Where: Harare, Zimbabwe

Anglican Church. The indoor programme is ticketed and in the past has featured many prominent acts from around Africa.

When: April 2011 Where: Gaborone, Botswana

4. Indoors Around 200 manufacturers and retailers exhibit at INDOORS, the annual furniture and interior fair held at Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Thousands of products on display, from kitchen and bathroom accessories to landscaping, impress & inspire a design-conscious public.

When: April 2011 Where: Cairo, Egypt

5. Maitisong Festival The annual Maitisong Festival is the largest performing arts festival in Botswana, a great showcase for both established and up and coming local talent and the region’s biggest party to boot.

For nine days each April, the Maitisong Festival takes place in many venues around Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. There’s theatre, traditional music and dance, marimba bands, choirs and a range of more western-influenced styles of dance and music.

Street sellers provide the food and drink and the whole city takes on a carnival atmosphere.

The festival features two main programmes. There’s a free outdoor programme, which is staged at four centres around the capital - two of which are high-density, low-income areas and two at local shopping malls - and there’s an indoor programme, which takes place at various venues around Gaborone - including the Little Theatre at the National Museum and the

6. Marathon Des Sables Sand Marathon The Marathon des Sables (MDS) (Marathon of the Sands) is a six-day, 254 km (156 mile) ultra marathon, which is the equivalent to six regular marathons. It is considered the toughest foot race on Earth. The first event of the Marathon started in 1986.

When: 1 April to 11 April 2011 Where: Ouarzazate, Morocco

On November 26th, 2010 Ansa Global Celebrated 25 years in busi-

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•

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tailored to meet our client’s needs based on World’s Best Practice”.

Technology International (DTI).

A contract with Volgren Aus-

Lou Magro Managing Director

DTI digital recording systems

Ansa Global attracts many of Australia’s largest corporate and

have been fitted to busses, trains, ferries and other transport re-

government organisations as clients. In 1987, Ansa Global was

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awarded its first major contract with Coles Myer in Innaloo. This

recognized as the world leader of this technology.

was the first of many major contracts.

Perth based Ansa Global has emerged as a major participant in the world’s security industry by embracing the philosophy “To-

• • •

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lished as a world leader in Mobile Digital Recording Systems. With

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The system is not difficult to install however one of our consultants would be happy to provide you with an obligation free installation quote.

MELBOURNE: 62 - 72 York Street, South Melbourne, PERTH: 9 Loftus Street, Leederville APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 11 24 HOURS - SALES 1800 055 055

Look out for Uitkyk Wines

By Hanli van Staden | VIC

S

ituated just outside Stellenbosch, Uitkyk (pronounced atecake) means “lookout”, for dotted all over the 600 hectare farm are magnificent viewsites offering incomparable vistas of the Cape Peninsula, False Bay and Table Bay. Uitkyk’s Winemaker, Estelle Lourens reflects; “Sometimes when I drive up into the vineyards, they’re so beautiful I forget I’m actually working.”

Established in 1712, the Uitkyk estate is steeped in the traditions of the Cape.

Uitkyk has one of only three extant doublestoreyed flat-roofed 18th century town houses at the Cape. The manor house, a classical masterpiece in the Georgian style, was completed in 1788 and the design is attributed to the famous French architect, Louis Michel Thibault. Celebrated sculptor Anton Anreith crafted the extraordinary front door that follows the outline of Table Mountain; the same design being repeated on all the inner doors of the homestead.

An interesting variety of cultivars are planted; Chardonnay, Sémillon, Chenin

12 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Sangiovese, Mourvédre, Petit Verdot and Pinot noir.

Today, the boutique wines from the state-of-the-art cellar have established a strong identity for themselves. Although Uitkyk’s individualistic style is reminiscent of the New World, the wines offer the fascination of a captivating Old World heritage.

“I love being part of this place and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved” says Estelle. “There are so many different aspects to my job: the adrenalin rush of harvest time, the planning and preparation in the vineyards and the chemistry and logistics in the cellar. When it all comes together in a great wine, it’s so rewarding.”

As winemaker at Uitkyk Estelle’s aim maximize the potential of the vineyards.

By applying progressive viticultural methods, she hopes her state-of-the-art cellar will do justice to grapes of exceptional quality and flavour. “Nothing less will do,” she says emphatically.

Marketed throughout the world, Uitkyk is another South African wine indus-

try success story. Here in Australia you will find four of Estelle’s wines; the award-winning Uitkyk Carlonet and from the Flat Roof Manor range, the Merlot, Pinot Grigio and Pinotage Pinot Grigio Rosé.

Uitkyk Carlonet Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Dark ruby red, the nose exhibits cherries, blackcurrant and prunes with tobacco, dark chocolate and oak spices in the background. On the palate this wine offers a mixture of dried fruit, spices and dark chocolate with a smooth and slightly tannic palate. It has a long finish with a hint of spice at the end. The wine is already accessible, but will definitely gain character with further cellaring. A perfect partner for steaks, rich oxtail casseroles, pizzas and pastas.

Flat Roof Manor Merlot 2009

Dark ruby red in colour, the bouquet exhibits a combination of raspberry, prunes and spices with delicate undertones of vanilla oak. The taste is of berries, dried fruits with spices, light tannins and pleasant lingering

Life

aftertaste. The wine will improve in complexity and character with a few years cellaring. Savour on its own or enjoy with red meat, pizza or pasta.

Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio 2010

Pale yellow in colour with a hint of green, dried peach and apricot dominate the bouquet with a hint of litchi. The bouquet follows through on the palate with the emphasis on fruit; peaches, apricots and a touch of litchi. Enjoy this wine now or for up to a year or so after vintage. Pair with light salads, cold meats and seafood.

Flat Roof Manor Pinotage Pinot Grigio Rosé 2010

A blend of Pinotage Rosé (70%) and Pinot Grigio (30%), this lively, zesty wine is reddish-pink in colour with a bouquet of fruit, strawberries and candy floss that follows through on the palate. Enjoy now or up to a year or so after vintage. Pair with light salads, cold meats and seafood.

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 13

African & Distinguished

Christopher Rimmer

PHOTO: Christopher Rimmer

Unveiled Behind The Lense T

By Catherine Kerr

he African Australian photographer, Christopher Rimmer is quite succinct when expressing his initial impression of Australia, ‘I hated it,’ he exclaims rather firmly.

Rimmer grew up on the Highveld of South Africa and attended Graeme College as a boarder in the Eastern Cape.

‘We used to return home to Johannesburg from Grahamstown every three months,’ he recalls, ‘South Africa was one of the last countries in the world to still use steam trains. I have very vivid memories of the cheering in the carriages as we crossed the Vaal River and the mine dumps would start to appear – home at last!’

Rimmer says he grew up blissfully unaware of any political problems or knowledge that his country was regarded as a pariah by the international community.

‘Certainly we were isolated from much of it’, says Rimmer, ‘Everything was strictly controlled and there was no television until around 1976, I was just dumbfounded when I first travelled overseas and experienced a negative reaction whenever anyone heard my accent.’

His early experiences struggling to secure a foothold in his new adopted country, have given Rimmer a deep empathy with new immigrants.

‘The fact is that it’s not easy and it’s often years before you feel any real sense of belonging,’ adding, ‘ It’s not that Australians aren’t, for the most part, friendly and welcoming, it’s the nagging feeling of dislocation from everything you have known that can make life very hard, particularly psychologically speaking.’

Rimmer had already achieved modest success as a photographer prior to leaving South Africa, regularly selling images to magazines from the age of fifteen he recalls, ‘My mother bought me a plastic Hanimex 120 film camera for Christmas and I have distinct memories of unwrapping it whilst on holiday in KwaZulu Natal. I was obsessed with imagery from a very young age and I soon got the hang of what made a good photograph and what didn’t.’

A few years after his arrival in Australia, Rimmer formally studied photography to achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree after which he spent several years simply documenting his travels around the world selling images when he could to Australian and British publications.

‘When I was in my late thirties, for reasons that are still obscure, I became artistically obsessed with Africa, particularly the south, says Rimmer, ‘I literally ached to return home.’

Rimmer’s major contribution to the photographic collective of Southern Africa can be dated from this time, ‘I have now given

14 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

over my entire artistic life to Africa, he explains, ‘from now until my ashes are scattered across the waters of the Limpopo River, I will be putting all of my creative energies into articulating a visual essay on how I see the continent.’

How does Rimmer see Africa these days?

‘I love Africa and her people with all my heart, he says,’ but I’m afraid to say, that foreign aid has done more harm than good.’ How can you mobilize a popular insurrection against tin pot dictators like Mugabe and others when most of the population is anesthetized by foreign aid? Westerners can’t even think about Africa currently without the preoccupation of what they can give. Giving aid to Africa has become a cultural phenomenon thanks to people like Bono and Bob Geldof and how ever well meaning, it has beggerized the continent.’

Rimmer claims although Sub Saharan Africa has received a trillion US dollars in foreign aid, he believes the average man on the street is still worse off.

‘I have first hand experience of how incredibly industrious African people can be if only given the opportunity. Africans are no different to anyone else in this regard; they just need a hand up not a hand out.”

In Zambia Rimmer was introduced to a group of women operating a small credit union for the benefit of the people in their rural village. ‘The union provided small low interest start up loans to any member with a sound business idea,’ he explains, ‘it was an amazing little scheme and I imagined what could be achieved if the model was spread all over Africa.’

Christopher Rimmer’s latest Australian exhibition is evocatively entitled, In Africa - A Journey in Photography. It features over forty large sepia toned prints which depict the people, the landscape and the wildlife of Southern Africa in breathtaking detail. It is expected to be a sell out with a book soon to follow.

Rimmer says, ‘ In Africa has been a journey in more ways than just photography, I was diagnosed with cancer half way through the project and so it has been a journey in suffering and pain, chemotherapy and surgery but also a journey in incredible personal transformation as well.’

Rimmer, who was recently pronounced cancer free, returns to Africa to continue his work later this year.

Christopher Rimmer - A Journey in Photography is on at Galleria Rocco Interiors, level 1 407 Hampton Street, Hampton, Melbourne, until 8 May. Ph (03) 9533 4090.

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 15

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Why you should get more on your 2011 Tax Returns continued...

By: David Aylmore | WA

W

ith the 31st of March 2011 fast approaching you need to be prepared to complete your annual Fringe Benefits Tax return.

Here is our guide to Fringe Benefits Tax and its impact on employers and employees.

What is a Fringe Benefit?

A fringe benefit is a benefit provided to an employee, in respect to their employment that is not in the form of salary or wages.

Benefits include rights, privileges or services. Common fringe benefits provided by employers include, the use of a work car for private purposes, gym memberships, entertainment, reimbursement of private expenses and certain benefits received under salary sacrifice arrangements.

There are 13 Fringe Benefit categories provided by the ATO, listed below, which enable each benefit to be distinguished. Each category has its own rules and taxing requirements.

1. Car Fringe Benefit 2. Debt Waiver Fringe Benefit 3. Loan Fringe Benefit 4. Expense Payment Fringe Benefit 5. Housing Fringe Benefit 6. Living Away From Home Allowance Fringe Benefit 7. Airline Transport Fringe Benefit 8. Board Fringe Benefit 9. Entertainment Related Fringe Benefit 10. Tax-exempt Body Entertainment Fringe Benefit 11. Car Parking Fringe Benefit 12. Property Fringe Benefit 13. Residual Fringe Benefit

What Are Exempt Fringe Benefits?

An employer can provide a number of benefits to an employee which is specifically exempt from fringe benefits tax.

A number of common FBT exemptions are as follows: • Minor benefits – provides an exemption to items with a GST inclusive value of less than $300 per employee • Taxi travel – Provided to an employee which begins or ends at the employees main place of work • Property benefit – this provides an exemption for property (i.e. food or drink) which is provided to a current employee on a working day at the employers business premises.

Additional superannuation which is salary sacrificed by an employee into their nominated superannuation fund is also exempt from fringe benefits tax. Please note however that concessional contributions cap limits will be applicable.

How does a Reportable Fringe Benefit Affect Employees Income Tax Returns?

Employers are required to include any reportable fringe benefits the annual PAYG Payment Summary provided to employees. This amount is not taxable but is taken into account when applying some income test such as; - HELP Repayments - Child support/Centrelink Payments or benefits - Medicare levy surcharge

Car Fringe Benefits

Recent statistics published by the ATO indicate that cars are by far the most common benefit provided by employers, with around 47% of all FBT payers providing a car fringe benefit.

A car fringe benefit arises where a car owned by an employer is made available for the private use of any employee at any time during a day in the FBT financial year. As a general rule, travel to and from work is considered private use of a motor vehicle.

Fringe Benefits do not apply to vehicles designed to carry a load of 1 tonne or more.

The taxable value of a car fringe benefit is determined by using either the statutory formula method or the operating cost method. Unless an election is made to use the operating cost method the statutory formula method applies. Once the taxable value of the car fringe benefit is calculated fringe benefits tax of 46.5% is payable by the employer.

Fringe benefits tax is a broad topic and is complex in nature.

We recommend you seek our professional advice before completing your fringe benefits tax obligations.

For further information on any of the above or to arrange an appointment contact us at www.aylmore.com or (08) 9382 3355

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 17

Night Shift & Sleep Patterns

by Dr. Ayensu | WA

B

etween the ages of 25 and 45, it is not unusual for people to do night work with staggered or irregular hours. Working in this way means that your sleep pattern has to be adapted. So here’s some useful advice for making the most of your daily rest.

When you get back from work, regardless of the time of day, have a cool shower. This will bring your body temperature down slightly, which will help you get to sleep. Then try to get at least 7 hours sleep in any 24-hour period.

During the day, however, it can be difficult to sleep for more than 5 or 6 hours at a time, so try to incorporate a one or twohour nap later on. It’s also very important to block out noise: close the bedroom door, unplug the phone and leave a note on the front door.

If you have any problems, go and see your GP or your occupational health physician. A few weeks before you go to see the doctor, start keeping a “sleep diary”. This will give him an insight into your sleeping habits and give him a better understanding of what might be causing your problems.

18 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Television – A real health hazard

British doctors have recently ruled on the effects of watching television. Television addiction, which is separated from factors like smoking and high blood pressure, can spell dire health consequences.

How much time, on average, do you spend watching television each day? According to British doctors, watching more than 2 hours of television a day dangerously increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Spending at least two hours a day watching television is harmful to the health of our heart. In fact, spending 120 minutes a day in front of the TV significantly increases the risk of premature cardiovascular disease.

And this is doubled for TV “addicts” who spend more than 4 hours a day in front of the screen. This is an aggravating factor and separate from the traditional risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.

The authors of this report explain this increased risk by pointing the finger at certain metabolic and inflammatory factors. They have observed that the time spend in front of the television appears to have a negative effect on several cardiovascular markers.

So people who watch a lot of television need to rethink their behaviour. A large percentage of the population already spends several hours a day at work in front of a computer. In the evening, it is very often almost a reflex to switch on the television and settle down on the sofa to watch. It’s easy and it’s comfortable … but not for our heart.

And there’s nothing new about the solution the researchers suggest: “It is essential to replace this sedentary time, or at least part of it, with physical activity”.

These recommendations also apply to children and adolescents. In fact, health professionals regularly express concern about the impact of television and computer games on sleep quality

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My Africa: NAMIBIA

PHOTO Copyright: Michael Poliza

Sossusvlei 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.

20 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

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 Cayon, Kalahari Independence Day: Day: 21 March 1990

Namibia

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 21

Message from Hon Mike Rann CNZN MP Premier of South Australia

A message from Mike Rann I extend my congratulations and best wishes to Afriqan Times Australia as it enters the fold of Australia’s multicultural media.

It is a welcome and timely addition to the cultural and information network in Australia, and beyond.

On behalf of the people and Government of South Australia, I also commend the outstanding contribution being made by people and communities that hail from so many African nations.

They have brought to our State their diverse traditions, strong family values, and valuable skills and experience, and these qualities continue to enrich South Australia both culturally and economically.

I was delighted, in 2009, to be the first Premier of South Australia to host a formal reception for our vibrant and varied African communities. It was a memorable afternoon that showcased the culture, the colour and the contribution of African South Australians.

Multiculturalism remains one of our State’s greatest social accomplishments, and it is certainly one of our most valuable assets.

Our many African communities can feel justifiably proud of the role they are playing to further promote multiculturalism, and to welcoming families and individuals who have recently arrived in South Australia.

That process is helped by Australia’s vibrant and diverse ethnic and multicultural media that remains a feature of our multicultural and multilingual society.

These media outlets help ensure that all Australians, regardless of their cultural, linguistic and ethnic origins, are kept informed about their communities in Australia and in their homelands, as well as other world and local issues.

I look forward to Afriqan Times Australia’s input to not only inform and entertain, but also to improve understanding and build even greater community harmony.

Once again, I extend best wishes to everyone involved with this new venture, and all members of Australia’s African communities for a healthy and successful 2011.

Mike Rann: CNZM MP

22 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

LIMOUSINE EXCURSIONS www.limousineexcursions.com.au | e info@limousineexcursions.com.au | www.hummerwa.com For more information please call 08 6260 9800 APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 23

Activist come

By Rumbidzai Chekeche | WA

E

veryday going through our minds are the questions to do or not to do, to speak or not to speak, to stand or not to stand.

Though some of us are still trying to figure out what to do, whether we are bold, able or strong enough, others like Dr Casta Tungaraza are committed to actively and tirelessly making strides for change. Full of color and full of life Dr Casta the activist come entrepreneur has many facets to her persona, including being one of WA’s women’s weight lifting champions.

Photography: Emily Dimozantos

24 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Phenomenal Woman : Dr Casta Tungaraza

S

he is currently the Equal Opportunity and Social Justice Manager and the Director of the Australian Academy of Race Relations at Murdoch University. She is also the President of the Africans Women’s Council of Australia, a member of the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council (AMAC) and an entrepreneur.

Let’s take you back to where her story began in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania .Life was not ordinary as Casta’s father was the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare. She went to the University of Dar es Salaam, where she fell in love with Dr Tungaraza. When Casta completed her degree at twenty five, the university offered her a masters scholarship and a position as a lecturer.

On her first day of work she arrived prepped and ready but was confronted with a reality as the men in her class said, “this university is joking with us, this young girl coming to teach us, we are waiting for the real teacher to arrive.” Undeterred she went on with the lecture but realized that women needed a voice, so womens rights became her passion.

Casta started working at Murdoch University as a lecturer in 1999 and in November 1999 she was offered her current managerial and directorial position.

Her role is to nationally mobilize women, advocate for women’s human rights, embed social justice into curricular, develop strategies, promote human and social rights, and ensure that the organization adheres to them. Some equal opportunity issues include employing minority groups, women being in leadership, equal pay and meaningful employment.

In 2001 Dr Cast made contributions internationally through the United Nations Prepatory Committee-World Conference against Racism held in Durban, South Africa. 2005 saw Dr Casta invited by the United Nations to participate in the Regional Experts Seminar on a recurring role of, education in combating racism, as well as to examine the development of a Racial Equality Index.

Funded by the UN she helped convene the African Womens Voices in Dakar, Senegal and Dhlamini Zuma the foreign minister of South Africa attended.

We also speak our language at home and cook African food. We often take our children to Tanzania and once we took our sons on a “Liberation Tour”, where we went through different places in Africa, where there was a liberation struggle. They even talked to some liberation fighters.

AT: What is the most rewarding moment in your career?

Dr Casta: When Murdoch University won the Prime Ministers Employer of the Year Award for two consecutive years, and the Telstra Employer of the Year Award.

AT: What else are you involved in?

Dr Casta: Strengthening the African Womens Council of Australia and helping with the Australian Institute of Kiswahili Language and Culture, which I have just established with the support of the Tanzania government.

In order to inspire and promote African culture I have introduced Kanga material (Tanzanian) at St Hilda High School, Perth to use for their fashion and design TEE. There is going to be a fashion show year end with the students designs.

I have a fashion label called Casta Marietta where all proceeds go to a charity-African Education Society. I am actually wearing my design right now.

“Learn how to juggle and work tirelessly for your passion…Don’t wait for someone else, be that change and that voice.”

This is what she also had to say: AT: How did you come to be in Australia?

Dr Casta: Through my masters degree I was in contact with Australia which peeked my interest, so I decided to study my PhD in International Politics-Disarmament and Arms Race, at Flinders University in Adelaide. The University employed me as a lecturer and funny enough employed my husband as well, so we had the same workplace. Months later my husband got a job at Murdoch University in Perth and as I was visiting him the university employed me too. So in 1999 we relocated to Perth. Once again my husband and I had the same workplace.

AT: How do you teach your culture and heritage to your children?

Dr Casta: My sons where born in Australia, but I learnt that the key is to put your heritage on a pedestal and build a monument around it.

When my sons where young I used to tell them folk stories in Swahili.

AT: What words of advice and encouragement do you have for the Afro-Aussie woman?

Dr Casta: Have a goal and network widely. Education and more education is the key. Learn how to juggle and work tirelessly for your passion.

Have the can do attitude, be confident and committed to making a difference. Know your area very well, be prepared so you can compete equally. Lastly don’t wait for someone else, be that change and that voice.

AT: Tell us something we may not know about you

Dr Casta: I am the current champion for WAs women’s weight lifting.

I can lift almost 80kg. I also speak five languages, Swahili, Kerewe, French, English and Lingala. tch up on my Creole and French. We then came to permanently live in Australia in 1997.

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 25

“Afrillionaires”

From Dry Cleaning to A family Empire

By Van Der Mey | QLD

J

ohann Rupert (b. June 1,1950), is a South African businessman and chairman of the Luxury -Goods Company “Richemont” and he is also Non-Executive Chair of “VenFin” and “Remgro “which are two companies based in South africa. He ranked second in South Africa with a fortune estimated at 3.8 billion dollars ,just after the Oppenheimer family.

He is married to Gaynor and have three children. Johann Rupert is the eldest son of the late South African tycoon Anton Rupert. The elder Rupert built the industrial Conglomerate into a billion dollar conglomerate from a business he started with £10 in his garage. The conglomerate spans luxury goods, finance, mining interests and more and is now headed by Johan Rupert who has built on the successes of his late father.

The family empire was started in 1941 by Anton Rupert, who then operated a dry cleaning business. In the late 1940s, however, Anton Rupert decided to enter the tobacco industry, taking out a loan to launch his own tobacco company. The company’s first cigarette brand was named Rembrandt, and it became popular among South African smokers. By the 1950s Rupert found himself at the head of one of the continent’s leading tobacco firms. Before joining the Rembrandt empire, Johann Rupert worked for Chase Manhattan and Lazard Freres in New York for two and three years respectively. Using the experience he gained in America, he returned to South Africa to head up the international arm of Rand Merchant Bank.

Since joining the family business, he has diversified the Rembrandt empire from its base in tobacco and alcohol products into expanding foreign markets. As a result of this expansion he has formed Compagnie Financière Richemont of which he is Managing Director in 1988. He was elected “Businessman of the Year” by the Sunday Times in the same year. In 1989 Rupert was appointed Vice Chairman of the Rembrandt Group. 1990 saw his election by “Die Burger” newspaper and the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce as the business

26 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

leader of the year. He also formed the Vendôme Luxury Group SA. In 1991 Rupert was appointed Chairman of Rembrandt Group Limited and in 1992 he was elected one of 200 “Global Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland. 2000: Restructured Rembrandt Group Limited and formed Remgro Limited and VenFin Limited.

Appointed Chairman and Chief Executive of Compagnie Financière Richemont SA. Voted “Most influential Business Leader” in South Africa by CEO’s of top 100 Listed Companies Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Economics by the University of Stellenbosch. Rupert played a key role in the establishment of Vodacom, the leading cellular communication specialist group in Africa, as well as in Tracker Network (Pty) Ltd, which specialised in stolen vehicle recovery systems.

He sold Vodacom to Vodafone for R21bn via the restructuring of VenFin Limited. Although he continued as Executive Chairman, he resigned as the CEO of Richemont in September 2004 after 15-month period of leading the company’s turnaround. He also has other centres of interests such as rugby and cricket and he adores golf. He is overseeing two of the best known vineyards in South Afric, “The Rupert & Rothschild and the Ormarins, which he took over on the death of his brother. he owns one of the most exclusive golf club in the country.

Billionaire and ‘Eco-Baron’, Johann Rupert’s Father Anton developed an environmentally aware conscience early on; co-founder of the WWF and South African President of the association, he worked alongside Nelson Mandela to protect nature.

Animal reserves without barriers or limits, the family offered a 20 000 hectare reserve as a gift to their country, providing a school to train future ‘ecotourism’ guides.

Johann Rupert said “the protection of nature was natural for my father,” and, talking about the future Johann says, “We are doing this so that the children of our children’s children can continue to benefit from what nature has to offer.”

Message from Hon Mpumelelo J. N. Hlophe High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Swaziland to Australia

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 27

Fashion Pics

Autmn/Winter

By Teurai Chankira | VIC

A

s we slowly wave goodbye to summer and welcome back the cooler days of autumn, we have picked 2011’s hottest fashion items to keep you cosy and stylish. We are loving the neutral shades such as camel and greys which are big news this Autumn/Winter 2011. AT loves how they will never go out of fashion, are investment buys and look great with all skin tones.

Fashion stockist: White Peacock, 204 Church Street, Richmond, Melbourne VIC 3121; (03) 9429 6952; www. whitepeacock.com.au; enquiry@whitepeacock.com.au Photographer: Juan Carlos Calixto; www.jczcphotography.com Model: Marguerite Walcott-Taylor Stylist: Teurai Chanakira

Faux fur is a hot fashion trend to follow this year. Most fashion designers, from Chanel to Marc Jacobs, had fur featured on their Autumn/Winter 2011 runways. AT loves how you can wear this faux fur vest (pictured) with anything: a pair of jeans or shorts. You can bring forth a delicate and feminine look by teaming it with a cute print dress.

Alicia Fur Vest: $39.95 Anna Lace Print Dress: $39.95

28 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

In 2010, lace became one of the hottest fashion trends. It is still a firm favourite for 2011. It is particularly so as you can combine it with a wide variety of other clothing...even a peek of lace in your outfit produces a stylish result.

Whitney Lace Blouse: $39.95 Cassidy Capri: $55.00

If you want to get a warm but stylish coat this winter, invest in one such as the coat pictured. We love the contrast of the pale camel and dark colours, combined with a tailored cut to accentuate the waist.

Liza Shearers Jacket: $89.95 Jeans: Model’s own

Oversized knits and bold leopard prints are a must-have this Autumn/Winter. Oversized knits are not only fashionable, but keep the chilly weather out. Add eye-catching leopard print to give a sophisticated and edgy look.

Animal Print Oversize Knit: $39.95 Beetle Juice Legging: $45.00 Jewellery: Stylist’s own

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 29

name: Sarah Filippi | meaning of name: Princess | country of origin: South Africa ethnicity: Caucasian | state of residence: Western Australia | profession: Ballerina/Actress 3 words to describe Africa: Vast Awesome Beautiful 3 words to describe Australia: Friendly Striking Peaceful PHOTO: Mmuluki Moyo (Cadet) PHOTOGRAPHEY: Ange Dellarosa

30 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Submit Your “I AM AFRICAN” profile picture at info@afriqantimes.com to be featured.

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 31 07.05.11

07.05.11

Reveling in Zest for Life

By G Money | QLD

O

ne of the most impressive musicians to emerge in Australia…with a dazzling technique dispensing hair raising tempos...his writing displays a real depth of emotion…reveling in a zest for life and celebration” – The Australian Joseph never ceases to amaze and at 27 has established himself as one of the world’s leading oud performers and composers. A virtuoso of amazing diversity and sensitivity, Joseph continues to appear in concert halls worldwide dazzling audiences with his brilliant technique, his passionate musicianship and his joyous style of performance. Always willing to push the boundaries and challenge traditional musical forms and rhythms, his efforts have led him to many unique collaborations, and he has recorded 7 albums to date: Storyteller, Rouhani, Visions, Epiphany, Angel, The Prophet: Music Inspired by the Poetry of Kahlil Gibran and his latest offering, The Hour of Separation. A resident of Australia since 1986, Joseph has 32 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

been responsible for expanding the Oud’s notoriety in mainstream western culture and has also been recognized in the Arab world; recently being invited to appear on the judging panel of the Damascus International Oud competition in 2009 and took part in Istanbul’s first Oud festival in 2010. Joseph has toured extensively in Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East and has performed with artists such as tabla master Zakir Hussain, sarangi master Sultan Khan, John Abercrombie, John Patitucci, Jack DeJohnette, James Tawadros, Camerata Salzburg, Richard Tognetti and The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Mali band Tinariwen, Slava and Leonard Grigoryan, Adel Salameh, Christian Lindberg, Neil Finn, Lior and Katie Noonan, amongst many others.

For more info. www.josephtawadros.com

The Screen Actors Guild Celebrates Black History Month in the USA Director Wins Pan African Festival Prize

By Samantha Ofole-Price | USA

I

n commemoration of Black History Month in the United States, the Screen Actors Guild held an event to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans in film and television.

Billed as “The Black Hollywood Experience,” the event featured a lineup of black actors, which included Don Cheadle, Taraji P. Henson, Marla Gibbs and director John Singleton, who all shared their humble beginnings in the movie industry.

Moderated by Emmy Award winner Wayne Brady, the event was held at the Screen Actors Guild National Headquarters in Los Angeles.

Grammy winner Dawnn Lewis (“Dreamgirls”, “A Different World”) kicked off the proceedings with a performance of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (often referred to as “The Black National Anthem”).

The group of panelists, which also included casting director Chemin Sylvia Bernard, who cast actor Jamie Foxx on “In Living Color,” encouraged black actors to persevere in Hollywood.

“You have to do it all. Act, write, direct and get in workshops, so people can see what you do,” stressed actress Marla Gibbs,

who is best remembered for her role as Florence Johnston on the television sitcom “The Jeffersons.”

Actor Don Cheadle, who garnered both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for “Hotel Rwanda” and is currently working on a Miles Davis biopic, also encouraged the actors in attendance to write and be multifaceted. “Do you want to be an actor? Or do you want to be famous?” asked Cheadle, “because there is a difference.”

“You will have highs and you will have lows, no matter what level you are. Be clear on what you want from this industry,” stated Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, who shared her own career-building stories and strategies with audience members. “This is a business where you constantly have to prove yourself.”

An event which celebrated the history and accomplishments of African Americans in film and television, its purpose was not only to celebrate Black History Month, but to leave all actors in attendance inspired.

“I think it was great and encouraging to see all those black entertainers in one place soaking in motivation and strength-

ening the support network,” said actor and model “Kojo Asiedu, one of the many actors in attendance. “I absolutely loved the program.”

“It has been a long and often difficult journey for African-American performers throughout the history of this industry,” said SAG National Executive Director David White. “Black History Month is a time to reflect on the achievements of the trailblazers of yesterday, honor the efforts of today’s African-American actors and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.”

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors. With 20 Branches nationwide, SAG represents more than 125,000 actors, who work in film, digital motion pictures, television, internet and all new media formats.

Black History Month is a remembrance of the events in the history of the African diaspora. It has been annually celebrated in February since 1976 in America and Canada.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is an entertainment journalist based in Los Angeles. She can be reached on sofole@gmail.com

APRIL 2011 • AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 33

I Sing of A Well - Director Wins Pan African Festival Prize

By Samantha Ofole-Price | USA

G

hanaian director Leila Djansi received top honors at the Pan African Film Festival for her latest flick “I Sing of A Well.”

A prolific filmmaker, her directorial credit includes Chandler Hospital’s documentary, “Heath Matters,” “Hands Across Africa,” Sci-Fi Channel’s “Most Haunted Places on Earth,” and the award-winning film “Grass Between My Lips.”

At the 19th Annual Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) held in Los Angeles, Djansi was presented with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts 2011 Pan African Festival Choice Prize for her movie “I Sing of A Well.”

The prize, which is 100 DVD’s of the film was presented to Djansi by BAFTA Los Angeles board members Katy Haber and David L. Simon.

Djansi, a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, who has an academic background in Film & Television, and cultural anthropology, has chosen to tell stories about life, survival, and the delicate intricacies of culture. It’s her strong passion for groundbreaking filmmaking that led her to establish the Turning Point Film Fund, a Ghanaian program set-up to fund productions primarily about women, children, and issues affecting African society as a whole.

“I am very honored to receive this prize, which I accept not only for me, but for producer Akofa Ejeani Asiedu, cast, and crew,” said Djansi. “I am so appreciative to BAFTA Los Angeles and PAFF, because this was a way for me to tell the history of Ghana through art,” Djansi continues, “I feel it is only fitting for me to donate some of the prize DVDs to schools and universities libraries. Hopefully, it will be used to educate students about our history as told by a Ghanaian.”

Echoing Djansi’s sentiment Haber adds, “The British Acad-

emy Los Angeles is also delighted to learn that she will be distributing some of the DVD’s to schools, universities and libraries in Ghana as a means of sharing Ghana’s history with the younger generation of her country.”

BAFTA/LA is the only Anglo-American professional organization founded to promote and advance original work in film, television and interactive media, while serving as the bridge between the Hollywood and British production and entertainment business communities.

“I am very honored to receive this prize, which I accept not only for me, but for producer Akofa Ejeani Asiedu, cast, and crew,” - Djansi

34 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) was founded in 1992 as a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art and creative expression.

The goal of PAFF is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the Black experience.

Past PAFF features have included box office and award-winning hits: “Ray,” “Lackawanna Blues,” “Redemption” and Academy Award® winner for Best Foreign Film, “Tsotsi.”

Samantha Ofole-Prince is an entertainment journalist based in Los Angeles. She can be reached on sofole@gmail.com

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