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www.afropolitan.co.za • ISSUE 35 • 2013
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C O N T E N T S editor Brendah Nyakudya
In This Edition
contributors Alyn Adams Farai Diza Hagen Engler Eric Miyeni Damian Murphy Daniel Steyn Stacey Vee Dominique Wolf
publishing house
4 Editor's LETTER Change Is Good
6 READER's experience The Tainting Of A Legend
8 COLUMN
Contact Media & Communications 388 Main Avenue, Randburg Block A Tel: +27(0) 11 789 6339 Fax: +27(0) 11 789 7097 email: pressman@contactmedia.co.za web: www.contactmedia.co.za
CEO & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Sean Press
Bring On The Opposition
managing director and publisher
14 Q&A
Donna Verrydt
Is This South Africa’s First Female President?
21 FEATURE Top Inspirational Women In Africa
28 BUSINESS PROFILE
finance and operations DIRECTOR Lesley Fox
sales managerS Chioma Didi Okoro Bokang Seritsane
sales
32 FASHION
Damian Murphy Kathy Rahme Dominique Wolf Loni Nombaca
Culture With A Modern Twist
Design & Layout
41 COLUMN
Cover Photography
Billion Dollar Boy
Quinten Tolken
Africa’s Changing Luxury Economy
Kyle La Mere
42 LIFESTYLE
Stacey Vee
subbing & proofing
Shine Bright Like A Diamond
PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR
49 ENTREPRENEURSHIP
it and web manager
Ernst & Young Winning Women 2013
52 BEAUTY
Gwen Sebogodi Carmen Petre
repro and printing Kadimah Print
Sunshine In A Bottle
54 TIMEOUT Inner City Sanctuary
56 FEATURE Calm And Collected
62 TRAVEL On The Edge Of The Falls
69 ESTATE LIVING Country Estate Living
72 MUSIC REVIEW
distribution Edward Macdonald & Distributed by:
Taking Namibian Music To The World
73 MEET THE AUTHOR Creative Force
74 FEATURE The Elitist's Bucket List
78 AUTOMOTIVE A Unicorn On Wheels High Adventure
84 COLUMN Even Though It Makes Me Feel Dirty...
For any distribution queries contact: 011 401 5870 Copyright © 2010 Contact Media & Communications. The Afropolitan is published by Contact Media & Communications. All material is strictly copyright with all rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in part or whole without the express written permission of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for unsolicited material. The publisher accepts no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give any warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its contents. The views and opinions expressed in The Afropolitan are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Kaya FM or contributors.
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E D I T O R ' S
L E T T E R
Change L is good
ife and all in it is everchanging and those that resist change will ultimately become redundant. When the Afropolitan was launched it was aimed at the aspirational among us. Over the past eight years we have walked together with our readers and partners along a sometimes hard, but ultimately very rewarding road. And as our partners and readers have changed in their careers, lifestyles, wants and needs we too have had to change to accommodate their evolution. To this end we have made a few tweaks here and there in the magazine, to cater not so much to the aspirational but the inspirational. In celebrating the best of Africa we now look to showcase more of the luxury that is on offer, without
losing much of what we love about Afropolitan. In this issue we profile two of Africa’s shining beacons; Dr Mamphela Ramphele and Africa’s youngest billionaire Ashish Thakkar. We also take a look at the women we find most inspirational as a tribute to Women’s month in South Africa and Eric Miyeni gives his opinion on the SA political landscape. Look out for our article on collectibles if you are wondering what next to spend your money on and fall in love with Ethiopian designer Fikirte Addis and her glorious fashion. We hope you enjoy the new look and feel of the mag, and we look forward to another eight years and more together!
@brendahnyakudya @AfropolitanMag Facebook: TheAfropolitanMagazine
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R E A D E R ' S
E X p E R I E N C E
The tainting of a
LEGEnd BY BrEnDah nYaKuDYa
F
rom the day that South Africa was unchained from the tragic past of apartheid, the Mandela name has been held in high regard. Nelson Mandela, a struggle stalwart and father of a nation that could have easily descended into chaos and bloody warfare, had it not been for his tireless effort to push the agenda for peace and reconciliation, is a hero to billions of people worldwide. Because of his heart and genuine desire for peace South Africa is a nation that, today, has most of its citizens living side by side in goodwill and harmony. It is a great shame that this same spirit has seemingly failed to keep his family together. With the icon lying gravely ill in hospital at the time of going to press, the world’s attention was unfortunately shifted from his health to the messy implosion of his family nucleus. What started off as an eyebrowraising affair – when his children and grandchildren came together to pursue legal action against their ailing grandfather, in a bid to gain access to the money that has been raised for and by Nelson Mandela over his lifetime – culminated into what can only be described as a soap opera. The eldest grandson Mandla (son of Mandela’s eldest son Makgatho) and his aunt, Pumla Makaziwe (who is Mandela’s eldest daughter with his first wife Evelyn), had it out in a messy court battle over the issue of Mandla’s decision to exhume and re-bury the remains of Mandela’s deceased children from Qunu where Mandela grew up, to Mvezo where he was born. The location of the deceased children is key
THE FAMILY SHOULD HAVE PUT MORE EFFORT INTO ENSURING THAT THEY PROTECT THE SACROSANCTITY OF THE MANDELA NAME. NOT ONLY FROM PUBLIC DERISION BUT ALSO FROM THEIR OWN GREED AND SELFISH AMBITION. as it is with them the icon wishes to be buried. This court battle led to public media conferences where allegations of adultery and a family divided were brought to light.
While we are aware that all families have their fair share of drama, one can’t help but feel despondent at the way it has turned out for the Mandela name. Yes, it is true that it would be naïve to believe that Mandela’s children and grandchildren would share his character and personality traits, and live a life as inspirational as his. But for a family that comes from such heritage and acclaim, the Mandelas should have put more effort into ensuring that they protect the sacrosanctity of his name. Not only from public derision but also from their own greed and selfish ambition. It cost Mandela the better part of his life to build his legacy into something that would inspire and motivate the world, and his family should view themselves as guardians and custodians of that legacy. Their aim should be to preserve the name and reverence that it comes with and behave in a manner worthy of being a Mandela. Sadly, all they have shown to not only the people their father and grandfather served and the world at large is that being a Mandela is synonymous with greed, ruthless ambition and getting as much as they can. As a family, the Mandelas may over time be able to heal the gaping chasms that have come between them, but the reality is that the name has forever been tainted. When people remember Nelson Mandela in years to come, what will be fresh in their minds is not how he united a nation and brought a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, but that the apples fell so far from the tree that they brought disgrace to the house of Mandela. And for that they should all be ashamed.
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C O L U M N
Julius Malema
Bring on the
opposition
BY Eric Miyeni
E
ven though everything on the surface glistens like refined platinum under the African sun. Even though every world leader, from Obama in the US, to Li Keqiang in China, considers South Africa to be its darling friend. Even though there are visible improvements to the lives of ordinary South Africans, this country might be poised on a knife-edge. As it approaches its 20th anniversary of democratic rule, a point at which Zimbabwe unravelled (an apparently excellent example of black rule after colonial oppression) South Africa needs to take stock and ask what direction it needs to follow come 2014, the year of its fifth election cycle.
Up to this point, South Africa has had a president suited for the challenges of each election cycle, even though there were downsides to each rule. Nelson Mandela reconciled the country politically and left it dangerously divided economically. Thabo Mbeki enhanced our reputation on the world stage and gave us some of the best policies any country could wish for, but he botched up education and health.
took a shower to minimise the chances of contracting the disease, Zuma should not have been voted in as president.
We are now in a unique era – governed by a man who survived a damning rape accusation that revealed some dubious character traits. In any mature democracy, admitting to having unprotected sex while living in an HIV/ Aids-infested country and then saying you
Not so in South Africa, where individuals do not have to stand or fall on their personal reputations to succeed in politics. Given that we are forced to vote for their parties and not their persons, a political party can be used to cushion, or totally arrest, even a necessary fall.
In France, Dominique Strauss-Kahn was accused of rape at a time when he stood a chance of winning if he ran for president of France against the incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy. The charges were dropped before he even contested them in court. Yet still he lost his entire political cache and disappeared.
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C O L U M N
To be clear, Zuma has had some remarkable successes as President. He has had a real impact in the fight against HIV/ Aids. Health is now a serious government priority. He has somewhat managed to make Mbeki’s “silenced masses” feel strong enough to speak up and say what they think. In a sense, the Marikana miners’ strike against working conditions, as brutal as the response to it was, is proof of citizens’ new impetus to stand up against social injustice under Zuma’s administration. Even though moneyed South Africa might view the now infamous Marikana massacre as a loss of control, povertystricken South African might see empowerment in this same scenario. On the downside, South Africa has never had as many scandalous cases of corruption under any other President. Mandela’s retirement home took R28.2 million of taxpayer’s money to beef up security. Mbeki’s retirement home cost a measly R3.5 million in comparison. Zuma’s home, even as he campaigns for a second term, is reported to be costing taxpayers a staggering R270 million! To add to this, under his leadership, it is difficult to decide whether government decisions on key issues, such as the management of the country’s natural resources, have integrity. His immediate relatives, his deputy in the ANC, his deputy’s in-laws, the Secretary General’s wife and the National Secretary of his party are all in mining. Can we trust the government’s views on land reform when the Secretary General of the ANC is rumoured to be gathering farms through the State?
who should be voted into its National Executive Committee is decided upfront, for example, is a fallacy. A real political opposition party with less racist bias than the Democratic Alliance and more noble intentions than the Congress of the People is now urgently needed to help stop the rot before it is too late.
political party without integrity. Agang SA seems to have strong financial support.
It appears too that Julius Malema and his followers are gearing up to run under the name ‘Economic Freedom Fighters’ in 2014. Given their party name, they will most likely be pushing the same issues that Malema was passionate about Africa cannot afford to have another before he was relieved of his duties as Zimbabwe. A positively functional president of the ANC Youth League and South Africa is needed for continental expelled from the ANC. They will want democracy, peace and stability through to accelerate land reform. They will want an effective African Union, economic to push for the nationalisation of mines. advancement for all through unified They will look at the economy with a African economic blocks that speak in one strong view towards magnifying benefits voice and respect on the international for indigenous South Africans. In stage through a useful presence in the essence, they will claim to be passionate United Nations. about radicalising and speeding up the ANC’s current policies.
Of all of the Presidents South Africa has had so far, Mandela is the only one to have served for one term before retiring gracefully. Mbeki was humiliated while trying for an effective third term. Zuma apparently agreed to serve for one term and then, once settled into the presidency, Dr Mamphela Ramphele decided to go for a second, thus upsetting some, who, on voicing disapproval, were It is encouraging to see two new players hounded out of the ANC. entering South Africa’s political arena and making the right noises about fixing Given the fact that nothing ruins a what is wrong. country faster than institutionalised corruption, the ANC needs an external Agang SA was first to announced its kick in the proverbial behind. intention to contest the 2014 elections. Leader Dr Mamphela Ramphele was If it does not get serious opposition one of the founders of the Black based on real alternative programmes Consciousness Movement. She was very that are designed to better the country, close to Steve Biko, the movement’s the ANC is going to implode and take greatest ambassador, a man who was the country down with it, at the expense viciously murdered by apartheid police. of every South African. The idea that It is difficult to imagine Dr Ramphele the ANC, through its structures, is its own perfect opposition, when the list of defiling Biko’s legacy by starting a
But electioneering is not cheap. Malema has completely alienated moneyed South Africa. Where will his party get financial support? Kenny Kunene is an option. This is the true test of who was right in the power struggle between Malema and the ANC. Is Malema corrupt or did the ANC get rid of him for reasons not apparent to those outside of its ranks? If Malema is corrupt, he will need money to run. However, if he is committed to the cause whose clarion call is “Economic freedom in our lifetime”, he will need very little. Lumumba united the vast population in Zaire by literally crisscrossing the country and visiting every bar, in every little town, to share his ideas in person. It will take that level of commitment to prove that Malema truly believes in his cause and that he is worthy of a following. In the end, it’s not about political parties. It is about creating a prosperous South Africa in which not a single citizen wants to see a fellow South African in misery, and is willing to actively help those in need. It is about a South Africa with political leaders at the helm who are truly committed to elevating every poor citizen up to the middle class in a generation. The ANC can only stop institutionalising corruption and start speeding up economic change when it encounters an opposition party that is more serious and committed to getting rid of poverty. The sooner this happens, the better for all of us. The most opportune time for this opposition to emerge is in 2014. Win or lose, this opposition’s presence will sharpen our political tools, remind us why we fought apartheid and help us avoid Zimbabwe’s fate.
A D V E R T O R I A L
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Q & A
Is this South Africa’s
first female BY STACEY VEE
I
president?
n February this year, political activist and respected academic Dr Mamphela Ramphele announced her intention to launch a new SA political party, named Agang, the Sotho word for ‘Build’.
Despite the ANC’s stronghold, South Africa is entering an era when the first generation of ‘born-frees’ comes of voting age. 20 years into the country’s democracy, these leaders of tomorrow have been raised under a government that some feel is not living up to the ideals on which the Constitution are founded. Disgruntled with, and worse, disinterested in politics, South Africa’s youth are looking for a new kind of leader. And they’re not alone. Enter the thoughtful, outspoken and quietly dignified Dr Ramphele.
We are not fighting the ANC. We are fighting for change; we are fighting for a future that reflects the aspirations of South Africa’s citizens.
Her credentials are impeccable: wellknown as one of the founders of the Black Consciousness Movement together with the iconic Steve Biko (with whom she had two children), she’s a highly qualified medical doctor and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, the first South African to be appointed as a managing director of the World Bank, has been a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, has authored a number of books, and now she’s spearheading a new political party. Afropolitan had the opportunity to interview this dynamic woman.
You describe yourself as a former student activist and you were involved in politics during apartheid. What made you leave politics and join the corporate world? I never left; all that changed over the years was how I engaged with politics. Even though I never belonged to a political party, and had no ambition to become a politician. I still saw what
was happening; the dismal state of education. During my years as a doctor I was saddened by the high number of maternal deaths due to inadequate healthcare. The large number of deaths that happen in police custody [Biko was killed in custody]... Our country is on the road to ruin.
Considering how messy politics can be, was it an easy decision for you to leave the corporate world, re-join politics and form Agang? I’m 65 years old, I could do without this, but I cannot ignore that there are huge issues in South Africa that will eventually lead to crisis. Our country requires leadership, leadership that is currently not visible.
What were some of the things you had to consider before making this decision? I had to consider if, at my age, I had enough energy to launch a political party. And I had to ask myself: ‘Is South Africa ready for a new opposition party?’ There has been so much erosion of key institutions already, such rampant corruption – the time is right.
Were your children supportive of the move? Yes! My two sons are. As representatives of South Africa’s young people, as 30-somethings, they said: ‘Give us a choice.’ You know, 41% of our country’s young people did not vote in our last national elections, as there is no political party they feel represents them.
What values and principles were instilled in you, as a young woman, that you feel will hold you in good stead in the political game?
Q & A
15
Dr Mamphela Ramphele
winner 2013
Q & A I come from a big extended family. As a child I was taught respect, and as children we had to share with other needy schoolchildren. My father was successful, and he believed in excellence. In fact, both my parents [who were teachers] were perfectionists who believed in the value of a good education.
How is Agang different to other political parties that are failing to attract voters? I have a vision of hope for South Africa. Agang calls for change, and pledges to live by our founding democratic values: human dignity, equality and freedom. We stand for social justice and fundamental human rights, as well as freedom from poverty, crime and corruption. Our government must be held accountable for its actions, and as a nation, we need to leverage our diversity.
How far are you prepared to fight ANC in the coming elections? We are not fighting the ANC. We are fighting for change; we are fighting for a future that reflects the aspirations of South Africa’s citizens.
What are your views on the economy and the socio-political state of the country? We are underperforming today because we did not pay enough attention when restructuring the macro-economy after 1994. We failed to understand the macro economy as an umbrella. One such example is the Labour Relations Act. In the past, laws were in place that denied black people the right to earn – and now, decades later, we are applying the same concept to the minority in our country. Why? We also don’t focus enough on key industries like mining and agriculture. The mining sector’s business model relies on the migrant labour system and large numbers of low-cost, low-skilled labour is unsustainable. In the Eastern Cape, the very social fabric of the rural communities there is being undermined thanks to missing leadership, and yet, it’s the most fertile province in the country! We need more creative thinking when it comes to South Africa’s economy.
Who do you think should be held accountable for the scourge of poverty, unemployment and failing
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education system in the country?
You can’t resolve inequalities if you don’t fix the education system. Politicians send their own sons and daughters to private schools because they don’t believe in the The government needs to take ownership of its mistakes. It can’t take 20 public education system that they helped create. The difference between a child years to change these things. getting 3-out-of-10 (30% is the pass rate in South African schools] and getting an What do you think has gone A+ is vast. Not enough was done post-’94 wrong with the ANC leadership [South Africa’s first democratic elections] to narrow the gap. over the years considering
the fact that showed so much potential in 1994?
As a woman entering what has always been seen as a “man’s The political culture of a liberation game” do you feel any kind movement is not suited to governing a of pressure from your male democratic state. This style of leadership counterparts to be a certain way?
Politicians send their own sons and daughters to private schools because they don’t believe in the public education system that they helped create. is too authoritarian; it does not tolerate being questioned. It is time for South Africa to realise that the ANC is trapped in old thinking. We need a fresh start.
In your opinion why is there such a disconnect between the older generation and the youth? There is nothing wrong with South Africa’s young people. Simply put, the older generation has failed our children. We have failed to provide them with a good education, we have failed to set a good example when it comes to human rights.
I feel no pressure at all. As the eloquent Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said: women need to raise their levels of ambition – men don’t set the standard. I want to bring more feminine qualities to leadership. We are more humane; we bring empathy. There is less competition because, as nurturers, women are more future-orientated. We are more able to stay our course and think long-term, just as raising a child is a long- term responsibility.
Your love for science at a young age saw you beat the odds to become a doctor. Why do you think there is such a lack of interest in Science & Technology among the youth today? It’s not for lack of interest. Look at what the average learner has to endure in the name of getting an education: a lack of teachers, having to make use of pit toilets, no science and biology laboratories, no libraries and no sports centres. In 2001 66% of students dropped out before finishing secondary school, and of those that did Matric, only 10% received university acceptance. It’s a crime! I owe my career to one dedicated teacher who helped me bridge the gaps in Science and Maths.
When you bought a house in Mowbray you faced protesting white neighbours, how does it make you feel to know that kind of racism is still rife today in SA?
The economic chasm between Blacks and Whites is widening It makes me feel sad. By the end, our day by day, what are some of the children were even playing together [in Mowbray]. You need to understand ways this can be resolved?
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Q & A
that racism is all about fear; fear of something that is different. To release someone from that fear is to liberate them.
At the recent Women in the World Summit you spoke of the “inalienable right of dignity”. Can you share more about that statement? At the moment it is acceptable in our country, in some cultures, for a man to marry three women in one day. These poor women… This man is nothing more than a peacock. And this type of behaviour, which is not in the best interests of women like these, is condoned because traditionalism is promoted by our politicians, only to capture the votes of our rural people.
Is Agang going to be placing special focus on empowering women and changing their mind-sets? Absolutely! The violation of women’s rights robs South Africa of the highenergy leadership and skills of women.
We cannot be a human rights-based democracy if we are ignoring the rights of one half of the population.
themselves, be responsible citizens and uphold our constitution. (R170, Penguin Books South Africa)
You are very passionate about “social justice” – why do you think this seems to be a foreign concept with the current leadership?
What motivates you?
Social justice is a concept that is the very foundation of our constitutional democracy. It shouldn’t be a foreign idea: our President takes an oath to defend the values of the Constitution when taking up office.
How was your book “Conversations with my Sons and Daughters” received among the youth? It’s still very widely read, and is in its third or fourth print run now. It was written in response to a growing sense of despair among South Africa’s young people, and has been written in a conversational style. In it, I share what I’ve learned in my own journey and challenge our young people to think for
I’m motivated by my passion for South Africa. I want our children and grandchildren to grow up in a country that we can all be proud of.
We canNOT be a human rights-based democracy if we are ignoring the rights of one half of the population.
F E A T U R E
21
Top inspirational women
in Africa
In honour of womens day we would like to pay homage to a few of our favourite ladies on the continent, writes Brendah Nyakudya
Store U73, Sandton City Sandton Drive Tel +27 11 783 7316/7/8 www.dorefashion.co.za
F E A T U R E
D
espite cultural norms, traditions and policies through the ages, few women have been satisfied with being relegated to keeping the hearth warm. When legislation that entitled males and females to equal work, opportunities and remuneration was passed in the 1960s, women saw their chance to make major strides in the professional arena.
The Economist, Financial Times and Newsweek, “If competition follows normal process, Jim Yong Kim stands no chance [against Ngozi Okonjo Iweala]”. Though she faced heavy criticism for the fuel subsidy removal policy that led to the “Occupy Nigeria” riots, Iweala has always pushed for a reduction in government expenditure and the unemployment rate.
While each woman makes a valuable contribution to society – be it raising a family or feeding the hungry – there are those that are fighting the good fight in the boys’ club that is the corporate world and winning. We take a look at some of Afropolitan’s leading ladies.
At 21 Nigerian-born bestselling author Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi had published her first work, a collection of poems entitled “Decisions”. Soon after she was nominated for the Caine Award for her play “For Love of Biafra” and from that moment on the awards didn’t stop coming. Included in her accolades is the Best First Book Commonwealth Writers Prize for Purple Hibiscus in 2005 and the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction for her second novel “Half of a Yellow Sun”. Her books have caught the world’s attention and her passion for education and writing has not only highlighted the need for education but also drawn many a young person to the wonder and escape that is reading.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ngozi Okonjo Iweala
Mrs President Liberia
Master Financier Nigeria
“All girls know that they can be anything now. That transformation is to me one of the most satisfying things.”
“I’m standing here saying that those who miss the boat now will miss it forever. So if you want to be in Africa, think about investing.” Powerhouse is the word that best describes Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. For two terms she has served as Finance Minister in one of Africa’s largest and most complex economies, Nigeria, and served as Managing Director of the World Bank. Ngozi caught international attention when her name was one of three put forward to succeed the outgoing World Bank President Robert Zoellick. Though her bid was unsuccessful and the position was given to Jim Yong Kim of the United States, the honour was a step in the right direction for women the world over as according to
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Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi The Wordsmith Nigeria “Because of writers like Chinua Achebe and Camara Laye, I realised that people like me, girls with skin the colour of chocolate, whose kinky hair could not form ponytails, could also exist in literature.”
As the first elected female head of State in Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has shown many women, young and old, that it is possible for a female to occupy the highest office of a nation and do it well. Not content with her own success, she advocated for the advancement of the rights of those who followed. Her efforts were recognised when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 together with Tawakkul Karman of Yemen and Leymah Gbowee of Liberia. A mother of four sons and grandmother to eight, she has also found time to serve on the advisory boards of the Hong Kong Bank Group, International Crisis Group, Centre for Africa’s International Relations and Women Waging Peace.
F E A T U R E
Graça Machel Africa’s First Lady South Africa “Can we therefore claim in all earnestness to love our children – the children of the North and the South – if we do not give the most serious attention to preventing a world that has more than enough resources from dividing ever more deeply between rich and poor?” From the time she was married to former Mozambique President Samora Machel, Graça has been a force to be reckoned with. When she wasn’t taking part in the armed struggle she was pushing for the education, needs and rights of children in Mozambique and in 1994 she was named “expert” in charge of compiling a report on the previously ignored impact of armed conflict on children for the United Nations. This book highlights the devastating results of conflict on children from the physical impact to the emotional and psychological. Graça inspires us with her consistent passion to better the life of the African child; a cause she executes with much grace and aplomb.
Linah Mohohlo The Governor Botswana “Botswana’s key lesson has been that Africa’s natural resources belong to the people. In this way, diamonds became the country’s relative economic success.” No list of inspiring women would be complete without Governor of Botswana Linah Mohohlo. Heading one of the better-performing economies in Africa she has a plethora of accolades and responsibilities. Apart from working
at the Bank of Botswana, Mohohlo has been a Special Appointee at the International Monetary Fund, a member of the International Monetary and Financial Committee representing the Africa Group 1 Constituency, and an Eminent Person of the United Nations overseeing the evaluation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa. She is a member of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Committee on Financial Services for the Poor and in May 2011 she co-chaired the
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Presidents Mbeki, Kgalema and Zuma. Her dedication to a job well done was seen when she single-handedly overturned the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa from a chaotic entity to a well-oiled and efficient service provider during her tenure. She is the only female in the ANC whose name has been suggested to take over the presidency in South Africa. Her track record and humble spirit is refreshing in a continent where most politicians are known for being all talk and no action.
Fatou Bensouda Chief Prosecutor The Gambia “I think my track record speaks for itself. I have been endorsed by the African Union, but I am a prosecutor for 121 states parties and this is what I intend to be until the end of my mandate.”
meeting of the World Economic Forum for Africa in Cape Town.
Nkosazana DlaminiZuma Madame Chair South Africa “The future is in our hand; it’s bright. The opportunities are great for the continent to be prosperous.” Known as a politician with a nononsense attitude when it comes to getting the job done, there are few women in politics who can stand up to the now-chairperson of the maledominated African Union. Nkosazana is a doctor and activist, and she has led a number of ministries under
On 1 December 2011 the ICC Assembly of States Parties announced that lawyer and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Gambia, Fatou Bensouda, would succeed Luis Moreno-Ocampo as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. This announcement was huge as Bensouda is the second prosecutor in the court’s history and the very first African female to take up the position. A recipient of the International Commission of Jurists’ International Jurists Award and the 2011 World Peace through Law Award presented by the Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute at Washington University, Bensouda fights for the victims of crime and gives them a voice. The task at hand is huge as the ICC has suffered a blow to their reputation, having been accused of being selective in their investigations and only targeting Africans, but the lady named the fourth most Influential Personality in Africa in the Civil Society Category will no doubt tackle it head first.
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Underneath the suspended glass and stainless steel staircase of the Glass House is a heated water feature. This body of water serves as a heat store heating the central part of the house in winter while cooling the house during the summer thus moderating the internal temperature.
ARCHITECTURE TRENDS 2013
A
s we look forward to the World Architecture Festival 2013, Nico van der Meulen Architects shared their thoughts on the trends in South Africa and the world.
designing a home. A well designed energy efficient home not only takes the environment into account but also ensures that the overall running costs of the home are significantly reduced.
Have you seen a downturn in business on the continent as a result of the recession?
Principles to consider include:
As a result of a challenging global economy, the industry has become highly competitive, however we have been fortunate enough to have the ongoing support of our clients internationally.
If so, in what ways have consumers adjusted their building tastes to suit their pockets? We design custom houses for each of our clients and therefore while each project brief varies vastly, there are several cost effective principles to consider when
of windows and doors you can create a draft through the house by cross ventilation which will cool the house during the summer months.
If it’s too costly, create an illusion
A house does not necessarily have to be huge for it to be spacious. Frameless folding doors and sliding doors leading Selecting maintenance- out onto covered patios create the free materials illusion of larger spaces while open Using materials that are easy to maintain plan living allows for all the rooms to effortlessly flow and merge into each plays a large part in the homeowner other creating a sense of openness. saving a substantial amount of money long after the house has been completed.
What in your opinion are the trends for 2013 when it comes The inclusion of an atrium is a great way to home and office architecture? Atriums
to naturally light and ventilate a home.
Correct placement of Windows and Doors Windows and doors are the best way to ensure a home is naturally lit and ventilated. With the correct placement
Responsible and sustainable design! It is now not only trendy but also legislation to design buildings that are energy efficient with a lower impact on the environment whilst still maintaining their aesthetical appeal.
A D V E R T O R I A L
What usually determines trends Has the concept of multigenerational living in architecture? arrangements gotten a big It has been said that trends arise from audience in South Africa? recent past events but we have also seen how global or economic changes can start new trends. With an ever increasing awareness of the latest building technologies and architectural software available, trends are often started by incorporating newer building techniques, materials or design programmes.
In certain cultures we have found that this concept is always a priority however for the rest it is not a huge factor when designing their dream homes. Most often clients do make provision for their kid’s to live with them for longer periods than what used to be expected in the past.
When it comes to luxury homes, is there still a demand for individual-function rooms such as gyms, cinemas etc?
With the natural disasters occurring in the world have South African audiences started building with Mother Nature in mind?
Yes, very much so, we have even had requests for ten-pin bowling alleys, squash courts, indoor pools, discotheques, trophy rooms and a family history museum.
What would you describe as a cost-effective design when it comes to home design? A cost effective design would be one which takes the long term running costs of the home into account rather than just initial construction costs. A well designed energy efficient home not only takes the environment into account but also ensures that the maintenance of the home is significantly reduced.
A heated indoor pool in the Glass House.
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Have South African audiences bought into the whole aspect of “green living”? The impact of global warming and peak oil production has had a dramatic impact on people’s perception of our environment. People globally and locally are more aware of their carbon footprint and impact on the earth and therefore are making concerted efforts to live sustainably.
What advice would you give a homeowner looking to start building their dream mansion?
Before choosing an architect, decide if you like the architect’s work by studying their website and reviewing their The major current influences in South portfolio. If at all possible, try get in African architecture are the new energy touch with someone who lives in one regulations that require restricted energy of their houses so you can personally usage of buildings. The new legislation review their work. now demands that architects design north facing buildings, thus architects Secondly; start drawing up a brief with who previously ignored this factor are the following information: Budget, style, now forced to adhere to this. what rooms you require and the size of Recycling of waste water and the the required rooms. collection and reuse of rainwater is becoming more prevalent, so architects When meeting with the architect, take are having to make provision for water a site plan along showing dimensions, tanks on site. north arrow and if possible, contours. If it is positioned within an estate take A combination of solar water heating the estate’s architectural guidelines as well as heat-pump technology is widely used in new buildings and we are with as this assists the architect in gradually seeing the reduction in cost of understanding the site and context of photo voltaic panels. the project.
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BillionDollar
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Ashish Thakkar - CEO & Founder Mara Group
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Acclaimed as Africa’s youngest billionaire, Ashish J. Thakkar, founder of the Mara Group and Mara Foundation is a man who embodies all the qualities that make a man great and make us proud to be fellow Africans. He chatted to Brendah Nyakudya about his life, beliefs and work.
I learnt to never take anything for granted and how little wealth matters.
has a bright future ahead. I’m a fourth generation African and a proud one too.
What are the trials, in your opinion, of conducting business in Africa?
You started your first company at 15, buying and selling I really believe in truthfulness, computers – what prompted you transparency and integrity in business. All business we do is legitimate and to start this business? I was simply passionate about business. I knew at a very early age that I wanted to become an entrepreneur, rather than finishing school and getting a “real job”. At that time my family needed it too.
nothing is done under the table. So it can be done in Africa. Corruption needs to be tackled not only from the top down, but also from the bottom up. Corruption is a two-way street; governments shouldn’t take, but people should stop giving too.
You are a prime example of what it means to be a “citizen of Having gone into business at such an early age, would you say And the positives? the world”; can you share your being an entrepreneur is a case Africa is the single most exciting background with us? continent right now in terms of of nature or nurture?
I suppose I am. I was born in the UK. I currently live in Dubai. I am of Indian origin. But our family history spans over 120 years in Africa. So I am truly an African at heart.
Both. You need great ideas, drive and passion. But you also need guidance and mentoring to actually be able to transform your idea into a profitable and thriving business.
Your family had to leave Uganda and Rwanda; both times under In 15 years you have built an empire (the Mara Group) horrific circumstances… that is hugely successful by Before I was born, my family had to any standards; what practices leave Uganda when then-president worked in your favour to get to Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of the country’s Asian minority. My parents this point? lost everything and started over in the UK. In the early 90s, my parents wanted to move back home, to Africa. So we sold everything and moved to Rwanda. Then during the genocide, we were forced to flee and were refugees for a few weeks before returning to a more stable Uganda. We lost everything once again and had to start all over. The Rwanda experience has definitely shaped the way I am today. I was 13 back then and remember everything very well. I learnt to never take anything for granted and how little wealth matters. In Rwanda, no matter how much money I would have had, I would still have been a refugee.
After all that trauma and upheaval why did your family choose to stay in Africa? Because Africa is our home – we belong here. I really believe that our continent
Hard work, honesty and perseverance. And of course dreaming, which I always do.
Have you made any bad investments during this journey? My 16-year journey as an entrepreneur has not been picture perfect. I have made many mistakes, but I have never given up. You just have to dust yourself off and try again.
What lessons, if any, did you get out of those challenging moments? That hard and honest work always pay off. And that it’s never going to be an easy ride; if it was – you should worry.
opportunities and for doing business. There are simply endless resources available for economic growth and transformation. We are the next big thing!
What the core principles of the Mara Group? We have four core principles - whatever we do must be Pan-African, gamechanging, “Mara” branded and have a positive social impact.
The Mara Group operates in more than 20 African countries, in various disciplines. How do you keep tabs on it all?
Africa is the single most exciting continent right now in terms of opportunities and for doing business.
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Ashish Thakkar - CEO & Founder Mara Group
The key is to have truly motivated teams to make sure the day-to-day business runs smoothly. Empower people and ensure they understand and value your values.
As a Pan-African businessman, what do you think is the reason there is so little inter-trade between African countries?
In a continent that thrives on corruption and a culture of tenders, how have you managed to succeed in building a business that promotes a culture of transparency and integrity?
Inadequate infrastructure is one of the key obstacles to intra-African trade, but also differences in the regulatory
When you do things with a clean intention and a clean heart, it always works out. I am a firm believer in that. It’s tough, don’t get me wrong, but you must keep at it. No pain - no gain!
Your vision, principles and drive are what Africa needs to succeed. How can we get more young people buying into this way of business and life? There are so many young Africans out there with amazing business ideas. But we need to inspire and empower them, and create an enabling environment for these young people to be able to start up their own businesses. The smalland medium-size enterprises founded by these entrepreneurs will create employment and make a real difference within their communities.
I have made many mistakes, but I have never given up. You just have to dust yourself off and try again. framework between the different markets. However, this trend is slowly changing, and particularly because tariff barriers to intra-African trade have been reduced. But also, I suppose, that’s what makes us [Africa] such a huge opportunity.
With the knowledge that a lot of Africa’s solutions, when it comes to unemployment and economic growth, can be found in SMEs, why is Africa
falling behind when it comes to building up entrepreneurs? In the past, too much attention has been granted to foreign direct investment. But to create sustainable growth and combat youth unemployment, African governments need to create a nurturing environment for young entrepreneurs and SMEs. They need to provide them with the tools to succeed, including granting tax incentives and creating more of an enabling environment. There are many things to be done. But we as the private sector also have a huge role to play; we can’t expect government to do everything.
Being based in the UAE and your business taking you all over the world, do you still have anything to do with Uganda? Of course, we are still vey active in Uganda. We’re building an Intercontinental hotel, convention center, shopping mall and office park and have another six companies there. But I don’t spend much time there as home is now in Dubai where the group head office is.
Does being the youngest billionaire in Africa come with any sort of pressure from society or business?
B usiness I don’t see myself as Africa’s youngest billionaire. Wealth should never be a measurement. However, I want to be a good role model, especially to African young and women entrepreneurs, and give them the same opportunities that I had. Hopefully by me doing so it will inspire other privileged individuals to also give back in a meaningful manner.
You launched the Mara Foundation, a non-profit part of Mara Group. What are the primary objectives of the foundation? The Mara Foundation is our social enterprise that focuses on emerging African entrepreneurs. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support services including mentorship, funding, incubation centre workspace and business training to African entrepreneurs. We believe that these support services will transform entrepreneurs’ business ideas into profitable and thriving business entities that will employ other Africans and contribute to the local and national economies.
In 2012 you launched the Mara Launch Uganda Fund to assist entrepreneurs. How has this been received? With a lot of enthusiasm! The Mara Launch Fund programme is a venture capital fund investing in innovative and high-growth enterprises. Since the leading cause of business failure is lack of operating capital and encumbered access to capital, we are providing essential funding to entrepreneurs to help bridge start-up businesses to the sustainable growth stage in the business lifecycle. Uganda was just the pilot; we are now taking this pan-African.
At the Afropolitan we often hear from young entrepreneurs that it is difficult to find mentorship programmes and mentors. Do you agree with this sentiment?
easy. Knowing this, we have created Mara Mentor, our foundation’s flagship mentorship programme. The programme is free of charge and universally applicable to all business categories and companies. We tap some of the most influential business mentors to participate at no cost to the mentees. Within a few months, the mentoring platform will also be available as a mobile app. It’s easy to sign up at https://mentor.mara.com.
You are committed to philanthropic initiatives in Africa; why do you believe it is important to give back to the community? I believe that if you’ve been given the tools to help others, then you must do so. It is all about creating impact, not about how much money you make. At the end
I really believe in truthfulness, transparency and integrity in business. All business we do is legitimate and nothing is done under the table. of the day we are all trustees for the Almighty and must make a difference before leaving.
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I was extremely flattered to be recognised as a Young Global Leader. Because of that, I have had the opportunity to meet some truly amazing people. The YGL has been like a family. I love it!
You will be the first African to head out on Virgin Galactic’s quest into space – what excites you about this mission? It’s something that started off for fun, but it gives me a lot of pride to represent Africa during this trip. I think it’s going to be quite an amazing experience! It’s a way we as a continent can also tell the West that even we have the vision and ability.
We hear you are collecting flags from countries in East Africa to take on the trip; is this true? Yes it is. In a way it is sending a strong message to the world that we, as Africa, are ready to play an important role on the global scene. But I’m representing the continent and not only East Africa.
What life lessons do you hold dear that you have learnt from your spiritual leader and guru Morari Bapu? Morari Bapu has three core teachings, which are truth, love and compassion. He is an amazing inspiration and an important part of my life. He teaches you truth, how to be honest, how to be a better person. Love, how to love everyone around you, regardless of religion, colour and race. He teaches compassion, like how to give back, with no hidden agenda and no particular intention.
You do not seem like a man motivated by money. What keeps you going and keeps you excited?
You have the honour of being a World Economic Forum Young Impact, not wealth, is what drives and Global Leader (YGL) – what does inspires me. But smiling while doing it is It’s important for young entrepreneurs the most important part! to find good mentors, but not necessarily this mean to you?
Background Mara started out as a small IT shop almost two decades ago, but since then the Group has evolved into an international multisector business with operations in 26
countries. The Group is headquartered in Dubai, but its main focus is on Africa. Mara’s current businesses operate in a broad range of sectors including
information technology ser vices, business process outsourcing, agriculture, real estate, hospitality, packaging and asset management….
Images courtesy of Mara Group
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Culture with a Brendah Nyakudya reports from the catwalk, where young EthIOpian fashion designer Fikirte Addis is causing a stir
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This impressive emerging designer from Addis Ababa creates everyday wear with a cultural flair. Fikirte Addis started creating clothes in high school, enjoying the freedom of creating and experimenting with different designs and fabrics. This passion slowly developed, and Fikirte launching her label Yefikir Design in 2009. Since then, she has taken part in different fashion events in Addis Ababa, including hub of Africa Fashion Week.
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As a psychologist who works with children – her other passion – she has integrated her two professions, and reaches out to disadvantaged kids in Ethiopia. As a designer Fikirte creates awareness around various sensitive issues regarding children, such as child labour, by participating in fund-raising and fashion shows, which allows her to give back to the community.
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Ethiopian fabrics are well known for their sophistication and colour. Yefikr Design is known for turning these fabrics into tailor-made and fashionable designs without losing its cultural edge. Fikirte says, “It is important for me not to lose the connection I have to my culture; I just give it a modern twist and bringing it to the international fashion arena.�
F A S H I O N
The main fabric used in all her designs is handmade cotton, and the designs give it comfort with style. Fikirte gets her inspiration from Ethiopian culture and its vibrant environment that reflects the daily life of her people. She designs outfits that range from the casual to wedding dresses, and mainly for women.
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Contact
Credits
Address
Timeless Girl Modern World Credits
Robel Plaza, 1st Floor, 104. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone 251.11.860.1052
Web www.yefikrdesign.com
Email info@yefikirdesign.com
Photographer Kyle La Mere
Make-up Make-up by Elizabeth Neish
Hair Teddy Micethwe
Models Lula Tekle Haimanot & Yetem Nurbeza
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C O L U M N
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Africa’s changing luxury economy The country’s economic landscape is shifting and with this change many opportunities are availing themselves, explains Anina Malherbe, CEO of Vivid Luxury
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s I get more and more entrenched into the industry I am frequently surprised by how the luxury industry in Africa is evolving, and how it has changed over the last five years. I can’t say I didn’t predict some of it but it is still gratifying to witness. When I started my luxury brand public relations and marketing agency, exactly fiveand-a-half years ago, I saw a real need in the market to offer proper luxury brand expertise in South Africa and on the continent. And as a luxury brand consumer, I also had a somewhat selfish interest to see more luxury brands coming to our shores, so that we as consumers could finally have more choice when shopping. We have been starved of luxury brands for the last 20 years.
expected to increase by 117%. This is the second-fastest growth in the world after Asia in this category (119%), and can only mean that we will see more and more luxury brands coming to our shores. For decades, the African continent has been perceived in a negative light, be it due to war, starvation or corruption. But for the first time in a long while, Africa is receiving the attention of global luxury powerhouses. It’s official: Africa is open for business and able to compete effectively in the global luxury goods market.
For South Africa and Africa to start developing our own luxury industry, is of vital importance.
We live on an exciting, vibrant continent, with many different luxury brand consumers at various levels of maturity. Some have been consuming luxury brands for years while travelling to Europe; others have only recently entered the market. For some, status is It has also become more obvious than still very important. For others, quality ever just how significant a country’s and heritage is the draw card. luxury industry is to its national identity (not to mention its economy). In this time of global economic crisis, So for South Africa and Africa to start emerging countries are driving growth developing our own luxury industry is of in the luxury sector, and Africa is vital importance. Having our own luxury suddenly being noticed as a strong industry and not just being a market for contender, which makes us as Africans international luxury brands to enter, feel like we’re finally becoming part of allows us to showcase the best we has to the global luxury industry. offer. And with so many rich resources, Seven of the ten fastest-growing it shouldn’t be that difficult for Africans. economies in the world are in Africa I think it’s more the confidence that is after all, with a forecast for growth of sometimes lacking. 5.5% for sub-Saharan Africa in 2013. As Africans we sometimes feel that Africa has had the fastest-growing international brands are better than our HNWIs (high net worth individuals) own. This, although sometimes true, is in the world between 2009 and 2010 – actually a misconception. It’s true that 11.1%, against the world average of 8.3%, which is pretty exciting. Over the next 10 we might still lack the know-how and years, Africa’s number of billionaires is skill as we don’t have the long history in
manufacturing, for example, that Europe has. But as far as creativity goes, we are up there with the best. Perhaps now, as the world starts taking notice of us as a luxury market with great potential, we will finally see more confident African ideas and brands coming to the fore as well. Another interesting trend is the return of skilled young Africans to their roots, leaving behind their high-flying Fortune 500 positions in Europe to start giving back to Africa. Leading business schools in the West are joining the game. The London Business School even held an “Africa Day”, appropriately named, “Africa: Taking Ownership”. INSEAD, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious graduate business schools, based in France, has an Africa Club listing former management consultants and investment bankers wanting to move back to the continent because, says one, they see an “opportunity to work at a senior level with relatively little experience”. For them, Africa is like India and China ten years ago. These young Africans have the appetite and means to be part of the luxury industry from a consumer and a manufacturing point of view. For me, and many others, these developements in the luxury industry give us a great sense of pride. For those of us that never left, we suddenly feel empowered and important. Who knows where the luxury industry in Africa will evolve to next? All I can say is that there are exciting times ahead for us. EDITOR’S NOTE: Anina Malherbe is the Founder and CEO of VIVID LUXURY, a South African PR and marketing agency, specialising in the luxury and premium brand industry, with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and soon Nigeria. Visit www.vividluxury.co.za
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Shine bright like A
Diamond
We talk diamonds and design with Kagiso Fredericks, acting head of the Diamond Trading Company’s Southern Africa Shining Light Awards
Botswana - Blue Star (Banyana Mbete)
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How did the Shining Lights Awards begin? The awards began in 1996 in South Africa; the aim being to provide the country’s diamond design talent a platform to showcase their ability. In 2008 the awards were expanded to include Botswana and Namibia as part of a broader beneficiation strategy.
What is the reason behind the showcase? The vision of the Shining Light Awards is to show the world the wealth of design talent that exists in Southern Africa by creating a platform that showcases creative artistry using nature’s most remarkable and finest creation: the diamond. The awards unite this heritage to create an internationally appealing and unique design collection of diamond jewellery.
Botswana - Stein metz (Thusonyana Caiphas Othomile)
How has it grown over the years? The awards have grown exponentially over the years as indicated by the number of entrants. In South Africa we have seen a growth of 55% between 2010 and 2012 – we had 363 entrants in 2010, which grew to an astounding 563 entrants in 2012. Furthermore, the design workshops were expanded to include towns like Kimberley and Rustenburg, where the previous focus has been in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The growth in entries for Botswana is also phenomenal; from 51 in 2008 to 208 in 2012. Namibia has also seen a growth in public interest with entries growing from 82 in 2010 to 103 in 2012. Namibia - Julius Klein Diamonds (Erkki Hifindwako)
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How long are the designers given to work on their pieces? The designers, together with the sponsor Sightholder manufacturer, have over five months to create the jewellery. However, the creative phase of sketching the jewellery takes over four months. This is a lengthy process in comparison to other industries as it recognises the precious nature of the product we are handling, a gift from nature: the diamond.
Can you tell us a bit more about the model search that complemented this year’s awards? The introduction of the model search was to expand the awards to involve the broader community by giving the local models the opportunity to take part. The finalists from the model search were flown in to Johannesburg for the catalogue photo shoot, where they had the privilege to work with well-known photographer Gareth Jacobs and makeup artist Natasha Kruger from MAC cosmetics.
Botswana - Eurostar Back (David Alto Moatisi)
One of your business imperatives is “diamond beneficiation�; what does that mean? Beneficiation by definition is the process where the industry strives to transform the extracted ore from mining into processed material suitable for consumption. Diamond beneficiation, by this definition, entails the process of taking rough diamonds liberated from the kimberlite pipe (diamond bearing
Botswana - Teemane Manufacturing (Catherine Rainey Markides)
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Finishing Options Multiple finishing options let you add the capabilities that are right for individual workgroups. Choose basic features like staple and hole punch, or advanced capabilities to produce paginated, saddle-stitched and folded booklets and Z and C-folded brochures.
XEROX WORKCENTRE 7800 1. High Capacity Feeder holds 2,000 sheets of paper. 2. Choose our 2,180-sheet capacity (3 Tray option) or our 3,140-sheet capacity (High-Capacity Tandem Tray option) model, then add our High Capacity Feeder to bring maximum capacity to 5,140 sheets
3. Exceptional media flexibility. The WorkCentre 7800 series handles a wider range of media types and weight from more trays than most devices in its class. It supports up to 300 gsm and media sizes up to 12.6 x 19 in. 4. Print envelopes easily using our optional envelope Office Finisher LX* (not shown) gives you advanced tray (replaces Tray 1). finishing functions at a great value. 5. Large work surface (included with Convenience Stapler) gives you plenty of room to sort documents.
• Induction heating. The newly developed, heat- efficient IH fuser does not require preheating, which helps reduce power consumption in standby mode by 44% compared to a resistance heating device. Plus, the device recovers from sleep mode in less than 10 seconds. • Integrated Office Finisher* (not shown) provides 500-sheet stacking and 50-sheet, singleposition stapling. • Professional Finisher* adds 50-sheet multi-position stapling, hole punch, V-fold and saddlestitch booklet making. * Optional • LED scanner. The power consumption of the scanner using LED lighting is 1/3 of traditional scanners using fluorescent lamps. Contact Details 0100 600 764 011 787 8566 Cheryl@pambili.co.za
L I F E S T Y L E
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ore) and making it available for local cutting and polishing processes with the end product being ready for jewellery. The Shining Lights Awards takes this a step further by introducing diamond jewellery design.
With every award ceremony, an education grant is given – which are some of the institutions that have benefitted from this? Most recently (2013) grants have been awarded to the Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education in Botswana. In South Africa an educational grant was awarded to Tshwane University of Technology and Gugulethu Design School. In Namibia the grant will be channelled towards establishing a jewellery centre to enhance and promote jewellery manufacturing.
Photography : Gareth Jacobs Makeup : Natasha Kruger (MAC)
Botswana - Shrenuj (Catherine Rainey Markides)
E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P
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Ernst & Young Winning Women 2013 It’s not often that one comes across a large, international corporation that makes all the right noises when it comes to the empowerment of women and then follows it up with action. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when we came across the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women (EWW) Programme.
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aunched with an aim to empower female entrepreneurs, Ernst & Young is using this programme as a vehicle to channel its resources and convening power to help women entrepreneurs achieve the full potential they envision for their companies. While other foundations tend to look for those with ideas and assist them to start their businesses, Ernst & Young is focusing on women who have businesses that are already operational and providing employment, and upscaling them to become solid market leaders. Karen Doyer, EWW Programme Manager, says: “The programme identifies and celebrates highpotential female entrepreneurs and provides them with personalised one-on-one business insights and advice as well as insider access to strategic networks of established entrepreneurs, executives, advisors and investors.” The EWW Programme was launched in April 2013 with an Exceptional Enterprise workshop presented by Cheryl-Jane Kujenga, Africa Partner head of Strategic Growth Markets. The follow-up to that was in June where the class of women shared an audience with entrepreneur guru Pavlo Phatides from Aurik who spoke on the “purpose of an entrepreneur to build and the asset of value” and Sylvester Taku from Ernst & Young, who presented the E&Y Africa Business Centre. In the month of August a networking event will be held, and this has been coordinated to create an opportunity for the class of 2013 to network with the EY World Entrepreneur Award (WEA) Female Alumni. At this event one of Africa’s wealthiest women and philanthropists, Wendy Appelbaum, will be guest speaker and share about her entrepreneurial life and
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philanthropic work. The final leg of the programme offers the women the privilege to attend the WEA 2013 finalist retreat and participate in the workshops and debates at the retreat.
service focused on delivering to exact specifications, at a competitive price, while adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act no. 85 of 1993 (OHS Act).
With all this support being given to these female entrepreneurs there is no doubt that they will emerge from this programme more confident and fully equipped with the necessary skills and contacts to become market leaders, playing a significant part in building the economy and providing employment. They will be added to the ever-growing collection of women that those who follow can aspire to emulate. And for that we salute Ernst & Young.
Cynthia Mkhombo Masana Hygiene Masana Hygiene Services was started in 2004 with seven cleaners. The company has since grown to 720 cleaners in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Masana has, over the past five years, acquired contracts from both the private and government sectors, and has just been recently awarded the contract to clean the new Gautrain stations.
Meet the Entrepreneurial Winning Women (EWW) Johanna McDowell Class of 2013 HMC Seswa/Mazole Holdings
Suzanne Stevens Brightrock Brightrock (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider underwritten by Lombard Life Ltd. Brightrock works hard to shift the industry for the better with its product that meets both consumers’ and financial advisers’ needs.
Kurisani Maswanganyi Kulani Engineering Consultancy Kulani Engineering Consultancy (Kulani EC) is an emerging young black company with 100% HDI ownership. It is headed by Kurisani Maswanganyi (Pr Techni. Eng, Member of the South African Institute of Engineering) who has worked on several engineering projects in South Africa. Prior to opening Kulani EC in 2007, Maswanganyi also spent time in the UK working on the Extension of Heathrow Terminal 5 project.
Mellanie van der Byl Let’s Share Trading Let’s Share Trading creates a onestop solution for all types of personal protective wear and equipment. It provides clients with a superior level of
Mazole Holdings is a black-empowered marketing services group and HMC Seswa Corporate Communications (Pty) Ltd has a 30-year track record of consistency and excellence in the public relations and marketing communications industry. HMC Seswa is known for delivering high quality media relations/communications results in the business-to-business, professional services, technology, and mining, manufacturing and engineering spaces.
Nthabiseng and Bhekiwe PUO Educational Products PUO creates content that educates, entertains and empowers children through Africa’s heritage. Its aim is to inspire children while developing a culture of reading. PUO’s flagship Lula & Lebo series includes storybooks, first words flashcards, ‘learn to count’ puzzles, ‘my body’ posters and “I love Africa” T-shirts in African languages with English translations. Targeted at children from four- to six-year-olds, kids learn in a fun way through everyday stories featuring Lula, her brother Lebo and his pet chameleon Lem. The Lula and Lebo series has also gone digital with the Apple iPad Schools Project.
Divine Ndhlukula Securico
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DDNS Security Operations (Pty) Ltd is the holding company for Securico Security Services, Canine Dog Services and Multi-Link. Starting off with four employees this company now employs over 3700 people. Through sheer grit and hard work, Divine has built the company to become the most respected and sought after player not only in her industry, but globally. Her company has won many business accolades and is the first Zimbabwean-manned security company to be certified in the internationally acclaimed ISO9001:2008 Quality Management System.
Nkhensani Nkosi Stoned Cherrie Launched in 2000, Stoned Cherrie (Pty) Ltd manages and promotes the Stoned Cherrie trademarked brand in the form of a variety of premium lifestyle products distributed across multiple channels. The design studio and business operations are headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Pria Hassan Woman of Africa/WOA Fuels and Oils The South African government has asked the women of South Africa to “step up to the plate”, to take their rightful place in the South African economy and has assured government support. Women of Africa Investments (Pty) Ltd (WOA) are a women-owned, women-managed Black Economic Empowerment investment holding company focused on meeting this challenge.
Hlamalani Ndlovu Fikile Construction Fikile Construction is a well-established building and civil construction company in South Africa. It provides building and civil construction services with clients ranging from those in the private sector to others in national, provincial and local government. Fikile has formed longlasting partnerships with many leading construction companies and together they have achieved much success on a number of projects.
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B E A U T Y
Florals, citrus, vanilla… this summer’s scents are a celebration of sweet notes
Flora by Gucci
Perfect for the classy, refined woman Gucci Flora exudes power and sensuality with its citrus, peony, rose and pink pepper notes. With links to Princess Grace of Monaco, Gucci Flora is sophisticated, yet subtle.
Where to wear it: When making a keynote address at the African Union.
Ralph Lauren Romance Summer Blossom One of the latest from the Ralph Lauren fragrance collection, Summer Blossom is a fresh, fruity, floral fragrance that embodies a playful air of sunshine and romance. Bask in the notes of mandarin, guava, jasmine, coconut water and vanilla and celebrate summer days with flair!
Where to wear it: A romantic picnic at Lake Tanganyika.
Jimmy Choo Flash Flash by Jimmy Choo is an exciting fragrance that combines strawberry, tangerine, pink pepper, jasmine and white lily. Designed to be an accessory that will be as desirable as the brand’s shoes, Flash is presented in a gorgeous must-have bottle.
Where to wear it: To afternoon lunch with the in-laws in Llandudno, Cape Town.
Something Blue by Oscar de la Renta Something Blue has smooth, sultry notes of white musk and vanilla and has enough staying power to last “from the first dance to the bouquet toss”. Inspired by the beauty and chic of weddings, the vintage-looking bottle has a removable engraved ring as part of the design.
Where to wear it: To your best friend’s wedding in Stellenbosch.
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in a Bottle Tom Ford Noir The Tom Ford man is refined, sophisticated and sensuous. With oriental-inspired notes this fragrance captures the mystery of a man who plays hard and works hard.
Where to wear it: At day in the office at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme D&G’s Pour Homme is a fragrance that tells two sides of a man’s story. Erotic yet spontaneous, fresh yet multifaceted, it’s a combination of bergamot, natural lavender, sandalwood and tobacco.
Where to wear it: To a brandy and cigar evening at Van Ryn’s Distillery and Brandy Cellar, Stellenbosch.
Versace Eros Eros, a brand new fragrance from Versace, is a flamboyant scent with scents of mint, apple, lemon and cedar wood. Much like the Greek god of love, this fragrance exudes sensuality and sexuality.
Where to wear it: To a dinner date at the Mount Nelson, where you are about to propose.
Prada Candy L’eau In 2011 Prada launched its scent named Candy. Prada Candy L’Eau is an updated version of this fragrance by perfumer Daniela Andrier. Warm yet fresh and sweet, Candy L’Eau is playfully seductive with notes of citrus and flowers.
Where to wear it: The South African Inter-Provincial Polo Tournament at Bergville Polo Club.
Floris Limes Did you know that the first Floris Limes was created in the 18th century, for urban folk living with the less than desirable aromas of inner-city living? The latest version with refreshing notes of lime and a bit of musk to add longevity will stand you out as a man among men.
Where to wear it: To the next Top Gear Festival.
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T I M E - O U T
Inner city sanctuary
BY Stacey Vee The new Africology Spa at The Maslow brings together one of South Africa’s most luxurious beauty brands with sumptuous Sandton chic
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s the elevator door opens on the first floor of The Maslow, one of Sandton’s most upmarket hotels, you only have to follow your nose to find the Africology Spa. The heady scents of essential oils drift into the corridor as the frosted glass door to the spa slides open with a gentle swoosh to welcome you.
I might have, as well as what I feel my problem areas are. Then I’m ushered into the changing rooms by my therapist, where I received my own locker to store my handbag and garments while being pampered. I changed into the softest white robe I have ever felt against my skin, and slipped my feet into the black Havaianas provided. That’s right – Havaianas.
From the moment you wander in, everything about Africology’s newest establishment whispers luxury. Launched in May, no detail has gone un-noticed in creating the perfect experience for spa-goers. Expect chic black and mirrored finishes, fresh-cut roses and beautiful displays of the Africology range in its striking packing.
At the suggestion of the salon, I’m booked in for the Maslow Journey, a 90-minute stress-relieving bespoke treatment that is designed just for you. My therapist introduced herself, and sweetly asked me to disrobe before the treatment started.
The Africology treatment menu at The Maslow includes facials, therapeutic massages, body wraps, hydrotherapy, manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting and day packages. With tempting names like the African Goddess Facial, the Coffee and Mint Body Wrap, and the Copy and Hot Stone Treatment, you get the feeling that you’re in for something special. My visit begins with me filling in a client card where I list any health conditions
The iPod in its docking station in the corner of the treatment room softly plays uplifting African-inspired beats – no panpipes or whale songs for the Africology Spa, thank goodness. It turns out that my specially designed treatment is an hour-and-a-half in heaven, being gently massaged with detoxifying and relaxing blends of essential oils. After the treatment, which began and ended with the soft chime of a gong to centre my spirit, I checked out which of the divine-smelling Africology products had been used on me. They were the
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Cellulite & Detox Oil (Available for R238 for 100ml on the online shop, and inside the salons) which prevents the buildup of fatty deposits, and the Muscle Relaxant (R238 for 100ml). But the product that had been tickling my senses for the entire treatment was the Relaxing Massage Oil (also R238 for 100ml) which is used in times of stress and anxiety. You can apparently also add a capful of this to a hot bath after a long day. Notes of lavender, chamomile, geranium and lemon clung to my skin for the rest of the day after I left The Maslow. Having experienced a number of spa packages and the like in Johannesburg and the surrounding areas, I can confidently say that the Africology Spa at The Maslow tops the list as an inner city jewel. The professionalism of the staff, the atmosphere, the treatments and the products come together in the ultimate body worship experience for those seeking relief from the stresses of urban living. To book a treatment, call 010 226 4688 or email themaslow@africology-sa.com. You can also find out more and shop online for Africology products at www.africology-sa.com.
Everything comes together in the ultimate body worship experience for those seeking relief from the stresses of urban living
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F E A T U R E
Calm and Collected For the genuinely affluent, establishing a collection of rare and exclusive items is the true affirmation of success, says Hagen Engler
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he problem with earning a significant amount of money is that you have to spend it on something. The temptation is to invest it in further business ventures, but that only ends up earning you even more money. And then what do you do with that? You can only sleep in one bed at a time, and you only require one vehicle to ferry yourself around town. So only catering to your practical needs isn’t even going to make a dent in your liquid assets. You could dedicate yourself to philanthropy. But if you’re a high-net-worth individual, you can build a school and still have a whack of money left over.
It’s a problem. So the very rich have come up with a novel pastime to dispose of their wealth effectively: they become collectors. When you’ve bought a mansion, a car, a yacht, some wine and some beautiful art without even making a dent in your fortune, it’s a sign from the gods that you need to become a collector. There is no greater sign of refinement, than becoming a connoisseur of the rarest, most exclusive, most coveted items on the face of the earth. Of course, when you begin dealing in large numbers of top-end items, you’re back to investing again. You find the value of your collection appreciates. But
There is no greater sign of refinement, than becoming a connoisseur of the rarest, most exclusive, most coveted items on the face of the earth
F E A T U R E
that is the burden of the wealthy to bear. Money attracts money, and nobody said being rich would be easy.
Wheels of fortune The quintessential rich man’s purchase must be the sports car. So if you can make a name for yourself as the most noted car collector on earth, you’ve achieved something. For some, a car collection is a status symbol, but for others, like comedian and host of The Tonight Show Jay Leno, a healthy salary is simply a means to indulging an honest love of automobiles. The 63-year-old American
has a legendary collection comprising around 90 motorcycles and 100 cars of historical significance as well as spinetingling power. His collection is diverse, including vintage cars, classics, racecars and sports cars. He owns a steampowered 1906 Stanley, as well as first Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar in America. Noble and authentic as Jay’s love for cars is, his collection pales compared to that of Texas lawyer John O’Quinn. O’Quinn made his money in civil lawsuits, winning $1 billion against Wyeth Laboratories for the effects of its diet drugs and $17,3 billion in a tobacco lawsuit for the State of Texas.
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In the course of his 68 years, O’Quinn amassed a collection of 800 cars, including John F Kennedy’s 1962 Lincoln Continental, a Ford Escort that once belonged to Pope John Paul II and the Batmobile from Batman Forever. He also owned what was said to be the oldest car in existence, an 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trapardoux Dos a Dos steam car. After his death in 2009, it was sold at auction for $4,6 million. O’Quinn would sometimes buy 14 cars at a time at auctions. By 2004 he had clean lost track of how many cars he had, and it was months before he noticed his Ferrari 575M and a Ford Mustang had gone missing. It turned out employee, Zev Isgur, had been ripping
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F E A T U R E
him off. That is, of course, the eternal problem with collections of heinously valuable items: you need to keep them somewhere, and if there are a lot of them, someone’s going to be tempted to steal them.
Watchmen Someone unfazed by such risks is Russian President Vladimir Putin. Who would dare steal a watch from him? Russian opposition group Solidarity says he has a watch collection worth $700 000 despite earning only $112 000 a year. “Putin apparently did not eat or drink for six years to acquire this collection,” said solidarity member Boris Nemtshov in a blog post. Watch collections are having a bit of an image problem, then, if you consider that disgraced financier Bernie Madoff also had one. Redeeming the pastime somewhat is Milan banker Alfredo Paramico, who has a collection of Patek Philippes worth an estimated $25 million. So passionate and so knowledgeable is the 44-year-old
Paramico that he has established an investment fund based solely on vintage watches. The fund, with Luxembourg-based Elite Advisors SA, last year consisted of 512 luxury watches – mainly Patek and Rolex – housed in an underground bank vault. It was worth more than $20 million. Elite Advisors offers an investment product called Passion Investments, where the firm collects fine, classic objects on behalf of clients. “Investments in tangible, easily understood assets emerge as an obvious, real alternative to traditional financial investments,” says the firm. In 2009 the Passion Investments portfolio was 30 per cent in luxury collectibles like cars, boats and jets, 22 per cent in art, 23 per cent in jewellery, 14 per cent in coins, antiques and wine and the remainder in investments like sports teams, horses and musical instruments. The firm notes that wines are a good starting point for new collectors, as entry prices are still relatively low.
In the course of his 68 years, O’Quinn amassed a collection of 800 cars, including John F Kennedy’s 1962 Lincoln Continental
‘Sold to the man with the platinum cufflinks!” Top-end collecting is big business. Behold some of the auction prices achieved for rare items
Wine
Letters
In 2011 a bottle of Chateu d’Yquem 1811 white wine was sold at auction for $118 000 to private collector and restaurateur Christian Vanneque.
In 1953 Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the DNA molecule, wrote a letter to his 12-year-old son Michael explaining the discovery, which would win a Nobel Prize. The letter was sold for $6 million at auction, making it the most expensive letter on record.
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Grape investment With some investors becoming disillusioned with intangible financial products and unpredictable markets, alternative investments like collectibles have become viable. Some of them even have their own financial indexes. The Liv-Ex Fine Wine 100, for instance, has risen 5,6 per cent since the start of 2013. Wine collections can be managed by brokers much like traditional investments. However, the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK classifies wine as a “complex and risky investment” and mandates the use of specialist brokers. Ironically, wines are an illiquid investment, since little of it will have willing buyers. The only wines generally worthy of investment purchase are reds from particular French estates – Chateau Lafite Rothschild for instance, or Chateau Latour and Chateau Haut-Brion. The largest private wine collection in the world is in fact held by Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida. The place was established by Bern Laxer in 1956 and is still owned and run by his family.
The restaurant has been rated the best in America and its wine cellar is legendary. Bern’s stocks 500 000 wine bottles and 6 800 labels. Their wine list runs to a telephone book-size 212 pages and they host their own annual wine festival. The cellars are so vast that from time to time they unearth forgotten bottles of enormous value. In 2010 they stumbled upon a bottle of the legendary firstgrowth Bordeux, Chateau Latour 1947, worth $30 000. It was added to the wine list, and, unsurprisingly, diners wanting to order it will first have to make a cash deposit with their booking. Again, this collection is for enjoying, not simply gathering dust. Another such collection was that of legendary British wine writer Hugh Johnson. When he moved house, he sold off the contents of his five-room wine cellar for more than $150 000. His collection included an amphora dredged from a shipwreck at the bottom of the Mediterranean and dating back to 100AD.
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Needful things Any discussion of passionate collectors of means would be incomplete without mentioning Russian tycoon and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Baranovichi. The man bestrides the luxury collectibles scene like Mike Tyson did boxing in the Eighties. He’s like the Tiger Woods circa 2007 of the premium objects and exclusive portfolio items game. He’s the main owner of investment firm Millhouse LLC and his $14,6 billion fortune sees him ranked the 50th richest man in the world by Forbes. But it’s what he does with his fortune that really distinguishes him. Besides being a player in many established collections fields, Abramovich collects things that nobody else does. For instance, he has a collection of luxury yachts that has numbered up to eight at times. He currently owns five yachts, which have been called “Abramovich’s Navy”. The flotilla includes what was at the time the world’s largest privately owned yacht, the 533ft Eclipse, worth more than $400 million and coming with its own mini submarine.
Coins
Paintings
Watches
The highest selling price for any coin in history is $10 million. The price was paid in a private treaty sale earlier this year for a “Flowing Hair Dollar” from 1794. The coin was the first dollar coin minted by the US federal government.
The Card Players, painted by Paul Cezanne in 1893, is currently the most expensive painting on earth. It was sold for $268,1 million in a private sale in 2011.
A Zenith pocket watch given as a gift by India Nehru to her famously ascetic friend, Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, later became the most expensive watch in history. It was auctioned in a lot with his spectacles, sandals and a bowl
and saucer for $2 million. It was bought by Indian industrialist Vijay Malaya, chairman of the UB group and owner of the Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL cricket team.
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F E A T U R E The Abramovich air force includes a Boeing 767-33A/ER with a 30-seat dining room and an Airbus A340, reputedly worth $200 million. The latter is the largest personal plane ever built, with a Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, gym, conference room, bar and restaurant. He also owns three Euro copter helicopters, which ferry him to and from his yachts and numerous palatial residences.
Abramovich and his partner Dasha Zhukova are serious players in the contemporary art market, and have assembled a vast collection, including famous works by Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon and Russian artist Kabakov. Abramovich paid the highest price yet for a post-war work of art: $86 million for Bacon’s triptych.
The latter constitute a collection of flabbergasting note. He has bought five neighbouring properties in the Lowndes Square area of Knightsbridge, London, and connected them, creating a 2 700 square metre mansion. The properties cost him $20 million to purchase, but the combined value today could be ten times that! Besides this, he has an estate in St Barts, West Indies, a mansion in Aspen, Colorado, a chateau in the south of France, an estate in Sussex and another mansion in Kensington, West London.
In 2010, Abramovich spent $200 million on New Holland, a crumbling former army base surrounded by canals in the heart of St Petersburg, Russia. The plan is to convert it into an art museum – perfect for housing his burgeoning art collection.
But perhaps most indicative of the plight of the man who has everything is his recent purchase of New Holland island in St Petersburg.
Thus do the interests of talented businessmen coalesce. His passenger plane, art and property portfolios can now supplement each other as he flies himself to St Petersburg to live aboard his yacht while viewing his art collection in the latest addition to his vast property holdings. It’s good to be king, and no one loves things like a king.
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THE ABRAMOVICH AIR FORCE INCLUDES A BOEING 767-33A/ ER WITH A 30-SEAT DINING ROOM AND AN AIRBUS A340, REPUTEDLY WORTH $200 MILLION
drawings
Books
cars
the most expensive drawing ever sold was “Head of an Apostle” drawn by raphael in the early 1500s as a study for his later painting The Transfiguration, which hangs in the Vatican. the drawing fetched $47,9 million at an auction in 2012.
the codex Leicester, one of the original scientific journals of Leonardo da Vinci dating from the 1500s, was sold for $30,8 million in 1994.
A 1957 Ferrari testarossa was sold at auction in pebble Beach in 2011 for $16,4 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold.
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T R A V E L
T R A V E L
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On the edge of the falls Brendah Nyakudya promises a magical time at the legendary Stanley & Livingstone, perched near Victoria Falls HISTORY For those that have always wondered about the link between Stanley and Livingstone, history has it that when Dr David Livingstone returned to Africa in 1864 with the intent to discover the source of the Nile, years went by without anyone back home in England having heard from him. With fears of his death mounting, a New York reporter
A grand ol’ dame in stature and offering, it has only 16 rooms in total all elegantly decorated and furnished in a classy fusion of Victorian and African bush. by the name of Henry Stanley was commissioned by his publisher George Bennet to go to Africa to locate Livingstone.
With a 200-strong army of explorers Stanley headed to Africa in March 1871 and after nearly eight months of searching, he found Dr Livingstone in a small village called Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
THE RESORT The Stanley & Livingstone pays tribute to the adventures and pioneering spirits of these two men. Located in the Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve (formerly the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve) the resort is an elegant tribute to tradition and timeless luxury.
REASONS TO VISIT The Stanley & Livingstone is located a mere 10 minutes away from the majestic wonder that is Victoria Falls. Named a World Heritage Site and a World Wonder the falls are the largest body of falling water in the world and will enthral you with their intimidating yet majestic spray that hovers like a thick cloud of smoke. The roar of the water crashing down has earned it the name “the smoke that thunders”, and will take your breath away as it falls into the deep abyss into the Zambezi gorge that lies below. Nestled in an unspoilt location, the S&L offers guests sheer luxury, elegance and pampering. A grand ol’ dame in stature and offering, it has only 16 rooms in total, all elegantly decorated and furnished in a classy fusion of Victorian and African.
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Each suite overlooks the African bush and guests have the option of sitting on raised patios overlooking tropical gardens and a watering hole where wild animals come and languish for some game viewing with a difference, from the comfort of your suite. The lush garden and greenery covers the resort in shade, which proves a welcome relief in the hot Victoria Falls climate. The Stanley & Livingstone is famous for its fine dining experience under the experienced hand of Chef Jabulani Tshuma. With a cellar stocked that has a wide selection of connoisseur’s favourites, with wines from France and South Africa, every meal is an unforgettable experience.
WhY WE lovE it The Stanley & Livingstone is an award-winning hotel that surpasses expectation. From 2009 to 2012 it has won the World Travel Awards as Zimbabwe’s leading hotel. The S&L is the only hotel in Victoria Falls where you can go on a game drive on the property and be certain to see at least three of the big five: elephant, black rhino and buffalo. images courtesy of nicky Arthur pR & shutterstock
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Because of the limited number of suites at the resort, privacy is guaranteed and you can enjoy a holiday away from the crowd. The small number of guests ensures that personal attention. Businessmen are catered for with the inclusion of a boardroom that seats 12 people. Award-winning wine list, need we say more?
GOOD TO KNOW When travelling, note that Zimbabwe now accepts the following currencies: US Dollars, Euros and South African Rands. South African travellers do not require visas, but other nationalities will need to apply for a visa to enter the country. Victoria Falls is in a malaria risk area and while the hotel undertakes
WIN!
periodical mosquito fumigation exercises, guests are advised to take anti-malaria prophylactics prior to travelling.
The lush garden and greenery cover the resort in shade, which proves a welcome relief in the hot Victoria Falls climate.
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Activities • Game drives (on the reserve) • Lion walking safari (on the reserve) • Elephant-back safaris (on the reserve) • Tour of Victoria Falls • Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi • Extreme sports such as abseiling, bungee-jumping and white water rafting
2 x nights in a Superior Suite on a Bed & Breakfast Basis for 2 people sharing. 2 x dinners in the Kurland Restaurant (excluding drinks and gratuity). 1 x horse ride for 2 people. To enter, email your name to competitions@afropolitan.co.za
Terms and conditions: 1. This prize is only valid in low season 1 May - 31 May 2014 and 1 July - 30 September 2014 and is subject to availability. 2. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Air and ground transfers are not included. 3. Drinks and any extras are for guests’ own account. 4. Go to www.kurland.co.za or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Country
Estate Living Bringing together lifestyle, convenience, status and the best that nature has to offer, country estates are all the rage when it comes to housing for young professionals and their families says Brendah Nyakudya
F
or those with deep pockets, when it comes to finding that dream home there seem to be only two preferences. These are suburban splendour in
areas like Saxonwold, Houghton and Bryanston, or sprawling smallholdings in areas like Chartwell and Lanseria – close to nature and away from the bustle of inner city living.
Both these lifestyles come with a price. For suburbia dwellers, traffic is a constant gripe, and you’ll have to settle for buildings as the best view to gaze upon after a long day. On smallholdings,
Hoogland Health Hydro True Wellness Retreat.
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security is a major issue, and living on the outskirts also means not having facilities oft taken for granted, such as shopping centres, hospitals and more. Recently, a new approach to living has been catching the market’s interest. Bringing together the best of worlds, country and equestrian estates are offering people used to living on smallholdings the security and convenience they haven’t been able to enjoy and those who have had the security in suburbia can now enjoy a “village lifestyle” without compromising on their family’s safety. These luxury high-end estates are more than just about land and space. They are rural suburbs offering luxury living, convenience and lifestyle. Often found off the beaten track and nestled in areas that are yet to be tainted by development, country estates boast lots of character, calm and country living.
H
ealth means more than the absence of disease and few places in the world understand this better than Hoogland Health Hydro.
Nestled in the Schurveberg Mountains in the heart of a private game reserve only a few km away from Johannesburg, Hoogland integrates health and wellness seamlessly with wilderness. For over 35 years, people from all over the world have consulted their diversely qualified experts. The combination of wellness support, advice, training and renewed inspiration in an exceptionally caring, comfortable though homely atmosphere, is well, just what the doctor ordered. Over the last year an exciting development at Hoogland has seen the export of wellgrounded South African wellness as an increasing number of visitors from all over Africa are finding their way to Hoogland. On any given day you will find people from at least 3 different African countries staying at this unique retreat. Countries from as far afield as Cameroon, Burundi, Zambia, Uganda, but also all our neighbouring countries. Hoogland prides itself in individualising each guest, and provides a large variety of packages. Even so, each package can be further tailor-made to accommodate the unique complexities of the wonderful people who seek to improve themselves and their environment.
According to Mark Corbett, CEO of Century Property Developments, the developers behind Waterfall Equestrian Estate and Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate, people are looking for a specific way of life. “People who are buying on the estate are mostly business owners and professionals – often two working parents who recognise that time spent driving their children to school and social activities eat into their own scarce family time. So everything parents could want in a wholesome environment to raise a family is on site.” And this is no exaggeration. At Waterfall there are private schools and shopping centres located in the estate. This means children can walk or cycle to school without leaving the safety of this selfcontained village. Residents of Waterfall will enjoy the amenities included in Waterfall City, which include a private hospital, hotel, conference centres and office and retail parks. With a strong emphasis on outdoor living, there are several kilometres of walking trails winding through indigenous parkland with a fishing dam along the way. Picnic areas and playgrounds with park benches are incorporated into the urban design elements. A mountain bike track cuts through the scenic marshlands with plenty of rest areas and bird hides along the way. For the health buffs, fitness centres, several cricket nets and tennis courts provide a platform for healthy lifestyle activities. At Blue Hills, being an equestrian estate, there are several dressage arenas
with paddocks for warm-ups and other horse-riding activities. For the securityconscious all estates come with top of the range security features, which include guard patrols, state of the art CCTV and thermal imaging cameras. All this is designed to keep intruders out yet remains unobtrusive to residents. This affords the homeowner the luxury of having simple paddock fencing or nothing at all. Because business - owners and professionals have a need to make their money work for them, many have realised the investment opportunities that these properties hold. According to Century Property Developments sales executive, Nick Crow, their properties on the estate have bucked the national trend with an average 21% return. In some cases, figures as high as 45% have been recorded, making this a worthwhile investment option indeed. In Waterfall Hills stands that were purchased three years ago for R650 000 are selling for around R1 million and a unit that was bought three years ago for R3 million recently sold for R5.75 million. The appeal of this kind of lifestyle is plain. You can raise your family to enjoy a luxury lifestyle within a secure environment but without the feeling that you’re living in a fortress. With most properties being un-walled you are free to enjoy the views as far as the eye can see. As you walk down the paths around the estate, acknowledging your neighbours as they canter past on their Kaapse Boerperd, you cannot help but appreciate all the nature as to offer.
With a strong emphasis on outdoor living, there are several kilometres of walking trails winding through indigenous parkland with a fishing dam along the way.
“Luxury Summed up in Three Words”
FOR RESERVATIONS, RATES, SCHEDULES AND SPECIAL PACKAGES, PLEASE CONTACT US: PRETORIA: TEL: +27 (0) 12 334-8459/60, FAX: +27 (0) 12 334-8464/8081 CAPE TOWN: +27 (0) 21 449-2672, FAX: +27 (0) 21 449-2067 E-MAIL: INFO@BLUETRAIN.CO.ZA
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Taking Namibian music to the world “Making music is one thing. Earning a living with your music is another. It costs a lot of time and energy and you often end up losing money instead of earning it.” writes Farai Diza
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hese are the words of Namibian musician Shishani, who has enchanted her fans with her sultry voice. Born in Windhoek 25 years ago to a Belgian father and her native Namibian Oshiwambo-speaking mom, the songstress moved to the Netherlands at the age of five were the bright European lights encouraged her to dream big. Inspired by her father, who is a music fanatic, and her brother, a jazz pianist, Shishani found her calling in music and took it upon herself to develop her raw talent into an art. Her musical training began at the age of four with violin, drums and vocal training. At 17 she started writing her own songs. “Music has been the best way of expressing myself; it just felt that it was a path I had to walk,” she says, smiling. Despite facing several challenges in her journey Shishani has learned to stand her ground in the industry. As a result of her tenacity, she’s independently released two albums and put on live performances across Europe. When she’s not making music, Shishani is pursuing her Masters’ degree in Cultural Musicology. As a musician who has travelled the world over, what does she think needs to be done to improve the quality of Namibian music? “I think there is enough talent in Namibia. The only thing that needs to be worked on seriously is professionalism. If we want to compete globally, we must become more professional,” she advises. Shishani has shows coming up in Amsterdam, France, Poland and Luxembourg.
M eet
the
author
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Creative FORCE Brendah Nyakudya interviews South African poet and writer Wally Serote
Does the current disconnect that youth have with their tradition and their desire to be more Westernised worry you?
When did you realise you had a passion for, and a gift with words? I began to write when I was in primary school, perhaps at the age of 14 or so. This engagement was most enhanced when I got to secondary school, because our teacher, Mr Phefadu, insisted that we be readers of literature and his teaching of literature was most inspiring as he made the characters, places, history and culture come to life when he taught.
I am worried by some of the American and Western nonsense and rubbish which is thrown at us through the TV and other forms of communication. We cannot accept that mono-knowledge, monoculture and mono-language are the domain of the world. Surely many Americans and people in the West would agree with me that as human beings we thrive in the context of diversity. That is how the world was created and that is how it is.
Would you say your time in prison and in exile had any bearing on the writer you are today? Not really. I am a writer because I wanted to be one and because my grandmother believed, against all the odds laid out by my family, that I am a writer. When everyone was asleep, she and I would sit sipping tea and talking about what I wrote. I read to her. She asked questions. Disagreed. She commented, she recommended. I recall that when I read the poem What’s In This Black Shit she was very shocked that I could write that type of poem. She had taught me to be polite, to respect, to refrain from swearing, but there I was, ready to swear in public. She was very gentle when she gave me advice. “You have only one heart and one liver,” she said, “Don’t get them burst by hatred and bitterness, for hatred and bitterness are poison. Don’t allow them into your body.” I remember her saying this. She wanted me to tone it down. I refused and published it as it was. However, I was very alert to what she had said.
What inspired the story Rumours? Rumours is inspired by the lives of fine young men and women, members of
MK, with whom I worked, and the elders who mentored us as young fighters. There were some among them whom I emulated, like the late Magaca and Mshoshovi.
What was the motivation behind the national monument Freedom Park?
What would you like your readers to get out of this book?
Freedom Park is a commitment to peace and freedom, for which so many people fought for in South Africa and throughout the world. We hope that it is one of the contributions to a forward movement by human beings in the world.
I hope that African readers commit to emancipating the African voice, and that non-African readers enter into dialogue with us through this voice so we can engage about humanity.
In your opinion, do you think there is still a place for activism using the literary arts in this current day and political space?
How have you managed to merge the work you do (writing, Freedom Park) with your calling as a traditional healer?
Literary arts, together with other art forms on the African continent which emancipate the African voice, will contribute, as with other art forms from all over the world, to the human experience. Both the art and culture expressions, have since time immemorial and will forever, for as long as we walk the earth, immortalise us and also contribute to the immortalisation of other human beings.
Politics, bongaka (so-called traditional healing), literature, painting, sculpture, dance, music, cinema, photography… all of these are an integral part of my creativity. By them, and through them, I stand as a citizen of the world.
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The Elitist’s Bucket List If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Stand out from the crowd with the ultimate bucket list for the fabulously rich… BY DOMINIQUE WOLF WINE
with over 2000 diamonds. It has a diamond strap, which, if removed from the bag, can be used as a bracelet or necklace.
The Penfolds Ampoule Penfolds winemakers in the Barossa Valley of South Australia released a rare Cabernet Sauvignon in a truly distinctive format – a glass, hand-made ampoule. Four of the regions’ finest craftsmen were commissioned to work with Penfold’s winemaking team, and together they created a beautiful and unique work of art designed to store wine in an ideal environment. There are only 12 Penfolds Ampoules in existence and each is accompanied by a certificate of ownership and authenticity, signed by the chief winemaker and all the contributing artists. Not only is the Penfolds Ampoule a compelling piece of artwork, it is also a sensory and experiential purchase. When a decision is made to open the Ampoule, a senior member of Penfolds will personally travel from Australia to a destination of your choice, where the bottle will be ceremoniously removed from its glass plumb-bob casing and opened. The Penfolds Ampoule is only available upon application and costs approximately R1.5 million.
The Chanel “Diamond Forever” Classic handbag There are only 13 of this limited edition handbag and the USA hosts five of them. This classic Chanel staple contains 334 diamonds with a total of 3.56 carats, secured in 18-carat pure white gold. The shoulder straps are also made from white gold. This gorgeously decadent accessory is valued at approximately R2 554 000.
GOLF COURSE Legends Golf and Safari Resort
HANDBAGS The Hermes Birkin Bag This handbag was created by Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka and was sold in 2008 for a mind-blowing R18 593 000. It is made from platinum and is encrusted
For avid lovers of the game, this golfing experience is nothing short of exceptional. This very unique golf resort, situated in Entabeni in the Limpopo province, is home to the longest and highest Par 3 in the world – the Extreme 19th. Only accessible by helicopter, the tee-off is from the top of Hangklip Mountain where the ball soars over a lush forest onto a green shaped like Africa, some 400m below. It costs about R3800 to play the Extreme 19th, but the real cherry on the top is the promise that if you hit a hole-in-one (however remote the chances are) you will receive a prize of $1 million.
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car the rolls royce phantom This luxury sedan has opulence, prestige and grandiosity dialled up to the maximum. Its imposing exterior imparts elegance and aggression in equal measure with an oversized grille highlighting the front of the vehicle. Inside, the Phantom is just as decadently over-the-top. It is made up of 450 pieces of leather which are cut by a computer-guided knife and the wood for the veneers is always of the highest quality. The navigation system boasts an 8.8inch display screen with 3D maps, landscape topography, guided tours and composite route planning. Front, rear and top-view camera systems are standard to facilitate parking this very large luxury vehicle. There are pop-up umbrellas hidden in the doors and hydraulic motors to close the rear doors. In keeping with Rolls Royce tradition, the Phantom houses an enormous naturallyaspirated 12-cylinder engine. Despite the sedan’s massive weight, the Phantom goes from zero to 96km/h in under six seconds. The Rolls Royce Phantom is a true über-premium sedan. The 2013 edition retails for between R3 904 000 and R4 602 165, depending on the model and optional extras.
MontBlanc patron of art EDition 2013: Ludovico sforza, duke of Milan. celebrating the Magnificence of the renaissance’s Great patron
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coin issued in honour of Ludovico Sforza during the Milanese Renaissance. The blue lacquered cap and barrel of the Limited Edition 888 are embellished with Da Vinci’s pattern in dark translucent blue. The fountain pen’s solid gold fittings contrast with majestic blue lacquer, reflecting the vibrant
The latest Patron of Art Edition, with its Solid Gold Limited Edition 888, brings to life the splendour of the late Renaissance. Ludovico Sforza (1452 – 1508), a shrewd ruler and ambitious diplomat, had an insatiable passion for the arts and thus transformed Milan into one of the most magnificent courts in Europe. Under the Duke’s patronage, Leonardo Da Vinci created his most famous works, including the ‘Last Supper’.
The monumental Castello Sforzesco in Milan, home to the prestigious ducal dynasty is the inspiration for the edition’s cap and clip design. The writing instrument’s fittings replicate the pattern which Da Vinci used in his fresco in the “Sala delle Asse” or “Chamber of Boards”, as well as in the Mona Lisa’s robes and ornaments. The initials engraved on the cap’s ring originate from the “Testone”, a silver
colour of the ceiling fresco. Crowned with the distinctive Montblanc emblem in fine mother-of-pearl and with its cone adorned with the Duke’s coat of arms, it is a fitting representation of the magnificence of Sforza’s court. price on request. Available at Montblanc boutiques in sandton City 011 666 2804, Gateway 031 566 3014, and the V&A Waterfront 021 421 5015
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HOTEL ACCOMMODATION The Palm Grand Atlantis Suite in Dubai
an on-demand in-room movie service. In fact, the list of complimentary services seems almost endless and for the price of R133 657 per night, they should be.
expensive electric bike. The new edition, which launched in February 2013, is limited to 667 pieces worldwide.
The entire suite is decorated in elegant gold tones which exude indulgence. The lavish living space includes a master bedroom complete with his and hers bathrooms, an en-suite guest bedroom, a living room with a dining table for 10 and a separate office.
The Blacktrail 2 is the fastest, highestquality bike in the world. Its top speed is in excess of 100 kilometres per hour, acceleration from 0 to 100 is in less than five seconds at a weight of 46km, and its power is similar to that of a sports car. If that’s still not enough, for the first time ever, the entire driving system is digitally connected to your own smartphone and the Internet via W-LAN, App and GPS. Nearly all functions of the bike can be individually adjusted via an iPhone app that turns the bicycle into an interface between the virtual and the actual world.
BICYCLES This super suite also comes with a 24/7 private butler service, a spectacular sun The PG Blacktrail terrace which spans three sides of the suite, all-day complimentary snacks, and pre-dinner cocktails and canapes. Booking The Blacktrail 2, which is a hybrid this suite also comes with complimentary battery-operated bicycle made by PG massages, personal training sessions and Bikes in Germany, is the world’s most
So, if you are concerned about the environment and want to really impress your biking friends, the Blacktrail 2 can be yours for only R784 000. Luckily, for that investment, you can customise your bike to suit your own style and colour preferences.
The very grand Palm Hotel in Dubai is one of Sol Kerzner’s architectural jewels. The choice of accommodation is exceptional, but if you are looking for luxury and opulence, there is one suite that you really want to stay in – the Grand Atlantis Suite.
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A unicorN
on wheels The Bugatti Veyron is that rare thing: a combination of beauty and power so potent it might set the tar on fire!
I
n South Africa you have a better chance of seeing a mythical unicorn than you have of seeing the world’s quickest and most desirable supercars. What makes the Bugatti Veyron so desirable, so expensive and so fast? It has a history as complex as they come and it delivers performance second to none on the planet. The development of the Veyron has been described as one of the key milestones in modern automotive engineering. It
was the brainchild of Volkswagen CEO Ferdinand Piëch, and when he decided to create a car that could set the roads on fire he gave his engineers a set of unfathomable demands. The designers were to ring to life the heritage of Ettore Bugatti in this new super sports car, and create something the world had never seen before. Part of that challenge was to put together a serial production vehicle with a top speed above 400km/h and 736kW of power – previously unachieved. Yet
the Veyron 16.4 did all of that and also managed to unite elegant form with high-tech function, grace with power, and aesthetics with safety in perfect harmony. The Veyron’s exterior styling is classic Bugatti, yet has enough of its very own modern style to give it that futuristic look and appeal. Innovations for top performance, high acceleration capacity, and an extensive security system are signature elements of this super sports car. In the past Ettore
A U T O M O T I V E Bugatti occasionally made technical compromises for the sake of aesthetic integrity, but in the new Veyron this was the only tradition that was broken in the development of the 16.4. The Veyron is a 16-cylinder four-wheel drive car that boasts a maximum speed of more than 400km/h, making it nearly unmatched in the super sports category. It offers a total of 736kW of power and it has ample power reserves even at high speeds. For you to maintain a constant speed of 250km/h, the Veyron only needs around one quarter of its available power. The Veyron has ceramic brakes that can slow it down faster than it can accelerate. While it takes this exceptional car only 2.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100km/h, it needs even less time – a mere 2.3 seconds – to come to a standstill from 100km/h. The brakes can withstand heat of up to 1800°C. To reduce the risk of injuries in accidents, Bugatti had a Formula 1 safety concept adapted for the Veyron. All
these technical details combine to make the Veyron a truly exceptional super sports car. The Veyron even uses special Michelin PAX tyres found on no other car. The rear wheels are 36cm wide, twice as wide as a normal car, and if you require replacements the Veyron needs to be shipped to France, a process that can cost more than R630 000! The Veyron has a seven-speed DSG gearbox that provides a smooth transmission and performance all the way through the gears to the very top end. It works with a torque amount of 1,250Nm. The fuel consumption is not even worth mentioning as the owners of this multi-million dollar car can afford the petrol, but for the sake of pure interest, Bugatti’s website says that on a combined cycle the Veyron 16.4 will use about 24.9l/100km driven. In town that number rockets to 41.9l/100km and you may be able to get it down to 15.6l/100km on the open road. A scary fact about the fuel in a Veyron is that if you run the car flat out at top speed, the 98-litre fuel tank will be bone-dry in 12 minutes. That comes from a special
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fuel pump system that can pump fuel eight times faster than a normal car. The CO2 emissions are as high as nearly any other car on the market, with a combined amount of 596g/km, but the Veyron isn’t a car for every-day driving, so don’t worry too much about destroying the environment. Interestingly, the Veyron produces enough ‘wasted’ energy from running the 16.4-litre engine at full speed that you could use the same amount of energy to heat ten family homes in the winter. It takes 15 hours to build one radiator for the Veyron and each car has 10 of them. The Veyron is split into three parts and only held together with 14 bolts, and it takes eight days to weld together its fuel tank. Ferdinand Piëch was described as a mad man when he envisioned the Veyron, but VW and Bugatti have done what very few have ever been able to in any field of engineering: create something none thought was possible and open the world’s eyes to the power of human ingenuity.
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HigH Looking for a party on the tar and the dirt? Look no further than the KTM 1190 Adventure R, writes Daniel Steyn
W
e’re fortunate to be living in the 21st Century – we’ve seen the internal combustion engine exploited to its full potential. Whether boats, cars, planes or bikes, we have the ultimate selection of high performance machines to choose from. We’re also living in what’s known as the Information Age: practically anything and everything can be found on Google. But what about those who wish to discover things for themselves? What if you want to go where no four-wheeled vehicle has gone before? You can’t Google that – you have to experience it. And what you need to experience it is an adventure bike. A bike that allows you to effortlessly eat up kilometres of tar as well as go poking around Mother Nature’s backyard. There are many adventure bikes on the market, but there is only one worth mentioning: the KTM 1190 Adventure R. With an 1198cc V-twin motor, producing 150hp, it is the most powerful adventure bike ever made. All out the speedo will see around 275kph, which for this type of bike is near light-speed! An upgrade from its sister, the 1190 Adventure, the ‘R’ version has larger wheels and a more aggressive power delivery. The styling department has certainly gone to town with an aggressive blackand-white colour scheme with a hint of
orange, just a touch of KTM. The accessory catalogue for the 1190 R would put Barbie to shame, and has everything from storing luggage to ‘tricking’ out your brake fluid reservoir. To describe what the 1190 R is like to ride, imagine riding a bull that’s wearing a hospital gown. Inspecting the bike makes you believe it was assembled in an operating theatre, which is how KTM likes it. Everything is where it should be. But unleash this beast on the road with the multi-option traction control set to ‘OFF’ and you’ll be looking for your bowels in your back pocket. Electronics include ABS, Traction Control and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. The electronic suspension package (ESP) is available on the 1190 Adventure standard and not on the R model, simply because it is an unnecessary and complicated system that is of no value in this rugged off-road machine. So whether you’re a weekend adventure warrior, or a blatant road rebel looking for the ultimate in dual-purpose twowheeled action, we believe we have found the bike for you! For more info on the bike, log onto www.ktm.com.
BRANDSMITH/OM RANGE 001
34°08`27.72``S 19°01`14.97``E Discovery is everything.
The longer the journey, the more rewarding the discovery. This one’s been a century in the making. The Oude Molen range of limited edition, hand-crafted brandies is a tribute to pioneer and innovator René Santhagens, the father of South African brandy and the founder of Oude Molen in 1908 - true to his traditions, loyal to his standards and faithful to his philosophy of striving for perfection.
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A D V E R T O R I A L
Jewel of
Located in the west of GAUTENG, Mogale City is flourishing as an economic and retail hub
M
ogale City has been the recipient of nearly R5 billion worth of investment in the past year. The municipality has embarked on Public-Private Partnerships in order to upgrade infrastructure in some of its industrial parks as well as in commercial development projects. Further planned economic projects include the development of the Mogale City-
Entrance to Maropeng
Gauteng
Rustenburg Development Corridor, which will incorporate redirecting freight from the Platinum Belt away from the N4: Rustenburg-Tshwane route through Mogale City, as well as the development of the West Rand Freight and Logistics Hub.
Natural treasures Under a leadership that cares about the environment, the municipality has
constructed a ground-breaking, state-ofthe-art water reservoir that blends into the wild scenery and nesting site of the endangered Black Eagles found in the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. With a hard-working entrepreneurial and highly motivated community, Mogale City has infused a sense of self-reliance, which is demonstrated by the municipality’s ability to use its own resources to build the requisite
A D V E R T O R I A L
The stadium precinct in the Paardekraal area, which includes the Bob van Reenen Stadium, will be converted into a highly specialised sports development facility, the Gauteng Sports Village. This will mark the city as the citadel and nucleus for sports excellence in Gauteng – the home of champions. Building on the historic feats of heroes and heroines who showed their mettle during the days of segregated sport (the likes of tennis great Jane Muso, international soccer star Kenneth “The Horse” Mokgojoa and many others) the people of Mogale City prime themselves to take full advantage of the grand opportunity that is the Gauteng Sports Village. Coronation Park will also undergo a major makeover Verreaux Black Eagle which will turn into a modern and vibey arts, culture and recreation facility with an amphitheatre, a museum infrastructure to support its residents and fine eateries. In the not- too(including corporates) and their distant future local summits on sports livelihood. The difference between development as well as arts, culture Mogale City and other municipalities, and heritage promotion will be held to is other municipalities rely heavily on facilitate further investment in these external funds and grants to sustain areas by government and its partners. themselves. The message is thus unequivocal that, as it is in life, the city does not outsource its prosperity. This implies the phrase that everyone is “the architect of his destiny”. Together with the people of Mogale City, the city is creating a bright future for all!
A centre for sporting excellence The municipality has invested substantial amounts in the refurbishment and construction of facilities for sports and recreation around the city. Among these projects have been the revamp of the Jonathan Botha Stadium, construction of the Munsieville Sports Complex and the Azaadville Regional Park as well as the Kagiso Regional Park. Currently the Kagiso Sports Complex, Lewsham Tennis Court and Bob van Reenen Stadium are receiving attention.
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sites around the Cradle of Humankind, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
Economic hotspot The city is also home to the biggest brands in the country, including one of SABMiller plc’s seven breweries, the AECI chemical plant, Bull Brand Foods, Pratley, and Cobra-Watertech among others. With vast tracts of land to be exploited for residential, commercial and industrial purposes, Mogale City is strategically connected to major economic centres. The city more than just attracts and benefits from investment spill-over from the saturated metropolitan cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg, but is an ideal location for business, with very competitive tariffs and programmes for long-term investments. A place marked by the friendliness of its people and surrounds so tranquil, everyone who passes through Mogale City feels welcome. The beautiful landscapes in and around Mogale City gives residents that rustic country feeling, but also the security of knowing they have the best of business, retail and facilities nearby.
Tourism friendly Mogale City has a lively tourism community that engages constantly with tourists in order to improve the services of its highly acclaimed offerings. From 2001 to 2011, tourism spend increased from R1,08 billion to R3,58 billion per annum in an area where the captivating Big Five African animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) can be found in close proximity to relaxing leisure resorts. Township tourism will be boosted by provincial government investment in a multimillion multi-purpose Memorial Park in Kagiso which traces the Struggle contribution of our people as well as presents opportunities for leisure-withentrepreneurship. Not forgetting the 3,3 million-year-old hominid fossils found in the 15 fossil
Tel: 011 668 0500/0525 Email: nkosana.zali@mogalecity.gov.za Media Liaison Unit: Office of the Executive Mayor www.mogalecity.gov.za
The R5 billion upgrades in Mogale City include: • R2 billion Leratong Intersection Development • R1,5 billion Cradlestone Mall • R1billion Rangeview Ext.4 development • R300 million upgrade of Key West Shopping Centre • R130 million redevelopment of Kagiso Mall (with further expansion to start soon) • R30 million for the new Action Ford Showroom
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Even though it makes me feel dirty... BY alYn aDaMs
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exploit men, disgracing their sex by behaving like, well, um... men. Do not go reading Wilbur to find an honest, multi-level exploration of complex human motivations, of character growth and personal maturation – character arcs get in the way of the plot, so forget it. The closest he comes to identifiable human experience is the constant yearning of his heroes for their fathers’ approval – you can almost hear the tenyear-old sobbing in the boarding-school dormitory after lights-out.
few columns back, I mentioned that I’d read a Wilbur Smith novel as a youngster. I was being slightly economical with the truth – in fact, I’ve read a lot of Wilbur Smith novels. Yes, I know – you’re judging me. Hell, I’m judging me. I remember the high-school English teacher who took a look at the list of texts I’d chosen to write book reviews on, snorted contemptuously, and asked, “Adams, why do you read junk?” Of course, he was also a religious fundamentalist who believed that planet Earth had actually stopped revolving for six hours once upon a time, so that the Israelites could continue a particularly bloody genocide, and nobody had fallen over or been slammed so hard into a wall that they had to be buried in an envelope, so I didn’t find his judgment especially trustworthy. It was only years later, upon sober, mature reflection, that I realised he was right (about my reading tastes, not the planet stopping suddenly on its axis). Wilbur is junk. But like fruit-flavoured Mentos and heroin*, it’s incredibly more-ish junk. (I once bought a threepack of Mentos so that, you know, I could have two or three per day for a week. Ha! Guess how that ended?) I claim the defence that everyone else uses when revealing a Wilbur habit – he writes a rattling good plot. He knows how to set up a story with huge stakes, then mix in the action set-pieces, the
comic relief, the sex and the glorious vistas of “unspoilt Africa” in just the right proportions to keep you turning the pages. I want to know how it ends; so sue me.
I also blame the boarding school for the adolescent prurience of the sex scenes, but they don’t irritate me nearly as much as the fast-and-loose treatment of astronomy – a full moon rises at sunset? It’s basic geometry, man!
You’ll be happy to know my reading tastes have broadened since high school – I’ve added lots of “serious” fiction and non-fiction. I can see what’s wrong with Wilbur now; the lack of character arcs being one thing. People complain that he has a “racist” habit of creating only two types of black people: noble savages and treacherous quislings. But read the books, folks – it’s not just black people: Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and even the master race, Englishmen, only come in those two categories, too. Except European and Arabic heroes aren’t “savages”, of course – they’re just “noble”.
But I shall no doubt continue to read them for those page-turning plots, while fuming sporadically about all of the above – until someone starts writing stories that combine Wilbur’s un-putdownability with an African view of Africans, capable of being actors rather than reactors in their own lives, who don’t need rescuing by the paternalistic guidance of the great white hunter. I’d love a bold new writer to pen some rip-snorting historical yarns in which Africans have more to teach Europeans than the names of animals or medicinal plants. I await them eagerly.
Women are either pure-hearted hero support, or duplicitous sluts who
*Judging by what I’ve read. I have no personal experience of heroin.