SUMMER EDITION • 2013
LUXURY MOTORING INVESTMENT SPECIALISTS
A R T S & C U LT U R E PHOTO JOURNALIST KYLE LA MERE Ethiopia Unveiled
ISSN 1993-9655 • RSA R30.00 incl VAT (Other Countries R26.50 excl VAT)
LIFEST YLE GUILIN, CHINA Jewel of the Middle Kingdom
BUSINESS THE MAESTRO Kaya FM’s Greg Maloka
PLUS: SUMMER FASHION BY MAFI | AFRICA’S DESTINY IS IN ITS HANDS | THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT KENYA www.afropolitan.co.za
2
C O N T E N T S editor Brendah Nyakudya
In This Edition
contributors Alyn Adams Khaya Dlanga Eric Miyeni Damian Murphy Kyle la Mere Stacey Vee Dominique Wolf
publishing house
6 READER's experience
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
Despite its bark, the ANCWL is without bite!
CEO & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
8 COLUMN
managing director and publisher
4 Editor's LETTER Happy Holidays
What Economic Powerhouse?
Sean Press
Donna Verrydt
12 Q&A
finance and operations DIRECTOR
Greg Maloka Kaya FM's Master Maestro
Lesley Fox
18 FEATURE
Chioma Didi Okoro
The destiny of Africans is in their hands
22 BUSINESS PROFILE Meet the Africapitalist - Tony Elumelu
sales manager sales Damian Murphy Kathy Rahme Dominique Wolf Leandra Pinho
Design & Layout
28 FASHION
Janine Steyn
Summer Fashion by Mafi
Kyle La Mere
Cover Photography
36 Profile
subbing & proofing
S'manga Khumalo - Man behind the mane
PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR
39 Luxury
Stacey Vee Gwen Sebogodi
it and web manager
Black Betty is a Girl's new best friend
Dwain Margro
45 ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Kadimah Print
repro and printing
Crossley & Webb Motoring Investment Specialists
48 Photo Essay Behind the lens of Kyle La Mere
54 Feature Only in Kenya
57 Advertorial A luxurious expression of art and fashion
58 TRAVEL Club Med Guilin, China
65 Architecture
distribution Edward Macdonald & Distributed by:
Keep it contained
70 Feature
For any distribution queries contact: 011 401 5870
Seasonal little stocking fillers
72 Travel Just Cruising
76 AUTOMOTIVE The sports utility vehicle
80 COLUMN Playing with fire
Copyright Š 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.
4
E D I T O R ' S
L E T T E R
Happy A Holidays
s this issue goes to print, we are still reeling from certain horrific events that have shocked us to the core; from the terror attack at Westgate Mall in Kenya, which claimed at least 67 lives, to the rape and murder of 3 little girls in Diepsloot, South Africa, we are heartbroken. Our thoughts and hearts go out to all who have been affected by all this senseless violence and hatred. In this, our holiday issue of the Afropolitan, our columnist Eric Miyeni asks the pertinent question of whether South Africa can justify being called an economic powerhouse. Renowned blogger Khaya Dlanga takes a look at
whether Africans are ready to take their destiny into their own hands and in our business feature we profile Africapitalist Tony Elumelu. Our lifestyle section is full of surprises as we dish out amazing fashion, gorgeous jewellery, travel spots with a difference and an amazing photo essay courtesy of renowned photographer Kyle La Mere on his travels into Ethiopia. We also list all we love about Kenya – for in tragedy we must never lose focus of the good! As we head into the holiday season I wish you all “Happy holidays!” Remember to take care of yourselves and each other!
Congratulations to the following for winning a Hoogland 3 day professional Stress Management & Wellness Course • Thabo Rammekoa • Grizelda Graham • Mampe Kumalo
@brendahnyakudya @AfropolitanMag Facebook: TheAfropolitanMagazine
6
R E A D E R ' s
e x p erience
Despite its bark,
the ANCWL is without bite! writes reader Mary Seilei
I
t was with dismay that I read the ANC Women’s League had stated it would be a waste of time and energy fighting for a female president of the party, or a female deputy president, for that matter. According to the President of the Women’s League, Angie Motshekga, the time is not right, neither do they have the inclination to fight for it as they “understand the ANC, its processes and its traditions” and any move they could have made towards pushing for a female president would have been futile; a waste of time. Now, I am not a feminist, not by a long shot, but as an Afropolitan woman I do appreciate the need for women to be represented in all areas of leadership, be it in corporate or political circles. This need has slowly been realised here and there but most female appointees have been token, at best, and their duties relegated to ministries that are deemed not important to the administration of the day (Basic Education and Women, Children and People with Disabilities come to mind).
While they try to gloss over their statements with useless facts about female representation in the ANC having increased over the years, it is clear to see that despite its bark, the ANCWL
The one body that has the manpower and clout (albeit quickly fading) to fight this battle for women leadership is the Women’s League and so their utterances are shocking and disappointing. This is not the first time they have taken this stance as they failed to nominate the very capable Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as a potential female president candidate at the Mangaung conference in December 2012, before she took up the role of chairperson at the African Union.
The ANCWL has become redundant and is a far cry from the fierce party it was pre-1994
Angie Motshekga
is without bite. I can’t think of a time in the last five years where they have passionately pursued an agenda that propelled the cause of women further. It’s a toothless, beaten-down dog that will follow its male master (in this case, President Jacob Zuma) and do his will as and when he demands it, casting aside all it is meant to stand for as a defender and promoter of women’s rights. The ANCWL has become redundant and is a far cry from the fierce party it was pre-1994. It’s become another vehicle pushing the Jacob Zuma train forward and for that reason we should all be alarmed and find reason to challenge its very existence.
8
C O L U M N
Sandton City
What economic
Powerhouse? South Africa is reputably the richest country in Africa, says Eric Miyeni. So why does its economy not reflect its demography?
BY Eric Miyeni
S
outh Africa is reputably the economic powerhouse of Africa. There isn’t a single economy on this continent that comes even close in size and sophistication to holding a candle to the South African economy. I recently saw a television advertisement for Liberty, a leading South African financial services
company, which said that a square mile in Sandton, which, some would argue, is Johannesburg’s real central business district, is the richest square mile in the whole of Africa. All this is highly admirable on the surface, but it does not tell the whole story of the South African economy.
When I scratch a little deeper, I am reminded of an anecdote a friend of mine told me some time back. He had been on his first visit to Nigeria. On entering some rich Lagos suburb by taxi, he found himself exclaiming “Wow! I didn’t know you guys had houses as big as the ones we have in Sandton back home”. To which, the taxi driver
10
C O L U M N
answered: “Yes. But here, all the houses belong to black people”.
what the people want, how do we make it happen?
To understand the South African economy, you have to look a little further than Sandton, the poster suburb of South Africa’s economic might, and check out the more hidden indicators. Take Siba’s Table, a cooking television show hosted by Siba Mtongana, a typical, South African, Xhosa beauty who is vivacious and knowledgeable about food. Everything that you see on the show is black African; the commendable host herself, her family, the guests at her table and the places she goes to. That is, everything that the show does not pay for, with the exception of the host. Now watch the credit roll at the end of the show and there, you will find not a single African, not even an intern! This means almost every paycheque written to create Siba’s Table goes to white South Africans.
The end result is an economy that has more than 90% of its make-up in the hands of less than 10% of its population. To add insult to injury, that 10% is largely made up of white South Africans, the very people who benefited the most from the very apartheid that impoverished black South Africans to begin with. Now you have to wonder; is this not a house of cards? Is Marikana, an event where miners on strike were
Couple this with the fact that the country has a government that generally won’t give a contract to a black African firm unless the black owner is in partnership with a white person who generally has to have a majority shareholding in the entity in question (This is called Black Economic Empowerment when in reality it is White Economic Empowerment by a black government, nineteen years after the fall of apartheid). Now listen to Cyril Ramaphosa, the vice-President of the ruling party, the African National Congress, who says that there is something wrong with black South Africans who do not want to do menial jobs and would much rather have jobs with higher profiles. So now you have a black government blaming black people for not being employed, saying that they are too choosy. What you do not have is a government that says, okay, if that’s
What South Africa has is a façade of economic power because what the world sees of the country’s economic strength is actually not sustainable.
shot and killed by the South African police, an occurrence that many believe proves how far the black South African government is willing to go to protect white monetary interests, not a harbinger of trouble on the way? What South Africa has is a façade of economic power because what the world sees of the country’s economic strength is actually not sustainable. As most African countries will attest, territories that use their political power to prop up a minority at the expense of the majority, no matter what colour that minority is, inevitably end up in flames and coups and, in some cases, genocidal civil wars. South Africa has done an incredible job over the past nineteen years with regards to reconciliation and being the architects of the world’s first bloodless transition from an oppressive state to one that purports to want the best for all its citizens. To sustain this going forward however, the country needs its economy to reflect its demographics. And therein lies the lesson for any country on the continent that believes that South Africa has it all economically figured out. Simply put, the rest of the countries on the African continent need to know that they can do better. And maybe in doing so, they will teach South Africa something that could help the country transform into a largely middle class economy that benefits the majority of its people as opposed to a dual economy - one-tenths astronomically rich, nine-tenths terribly poor - that can easily teeter the country into the very civil war it avoided when apartheid finally fell, back in the early 90’s.
12
Q & A
Greg Maloka
Kaya FM's
Main Maestro On his upbringing…
As a youngster, my uncle ignited my love for radio. He was the one who exposed me to international radio stations and urged me to have an open mind. My father taught me about music and inspired me to collect music from an early age. When I was 13 he bought us headphones and microphones and I decided to start my own station, (Radio MLK). Using a 90 BASF Chrome tape I would do a link, play a song and insert ads that I would pick up from the tuner. That was my station and I did it for about a year before I had to get back into the real world and get a job.
I really appreciate the complexity of the time I grew up in. As young kids living in Zone One, Diepkloof, a day would see us participating in “Release Mandela” campaigns, dodging bullets and running from cops. Soon after we would hang at street corners, stare at girls, and then go home to do homework, watch TV and get ready for school the next day with the hope that no cops came looking for us that night. Some of my fondest memories are of Sundays afternoons, the smell of bay leaf and peppercorns as my mom cooked lamb in the kitchen, and us playing putt-putt on a small patch When his life changed… of lawn as beautiful jazz, soul and blues played in the background. There was a point where I felt my life was starting to spiral out of control. I was studying Psychology via correspondence during a “gap” year so I spent a lot of time at home in the ’hood. After a while I could feel myself becoming someone I didn’t particularly like. All the things I knew were wrong didn’t faze me anymore and I no longer had the urge to right the wrongs. I was becoming jaded and I became obsessed with getting out of there. I couldn’t allow myself to become that person.
As a youngster, my uncle ignited my love for radio. He was the one who exposed me to international radio stations and urged me to have an open mind.
After I finished studying I got a job at Trinity Books, a supplier for outlets like Exclusive Books. While working there I managed to save some money to study at Technikon North Transvaal. Unfortunately I arrived there when registration was about to close and the Marketing course I wanted to enrol in was full. The only available
Q & A
13
Kaya FM Managing Director Greg Maloka
14
Q & A
options were Public Administration or Commercial Practice, of which one of my majors would be Typing! It wasn’t ideal but I decided to take Commercial Practice as I was determined not to go back to the ’hood.
On heading up Kaya FM…
The initial challenge was trying to figure out how to fit into a machine that is already running. For most, the safest strategy would be to motivate the Board to allow you to appoint your own Three weeks in I was pleasantly people in key positions like Finance, surprised to find out there was a radio Programming and Marketing. But I station on campus. I couldn’t be part of realised it was time for me to once again the schedule because they were already break convention. So I decided to sell full but needless to say I spent more time myself to the team. Once I had earned in the vicinity of the radio station and their trust I implemented a project that not so much in class, hence my typing required people to ask themselves if they speed isn’t that great! After some time, are: “the right person, in the right place I offered to start producing the station doing the right thing at the right time, manager Joey Nthlatleng’s show and one consistently?” This allowed us to refresh the engine and start working towards day when Joey had a test he asked me turning the business around together. to fill in for him. It was my one chance to impress and I brought my A-game. As they say: the rest is history!
His big break… A close school friend and associate Peter Mokgothu told me YFM was launching. I knew I wanted to be part of the project. However, when I got to the audition there were more than 600 people looking to fill 15 positions available. The numbers were not looking good so I knew I had to stand out. While waiting for my turn in the queue I wrote a proposal for the station which I handed over to the now-late Arabi Mocheke and asked him to give it a read. Four hours later he emerged (I was still waiting!) and he requested that I come through to their management meeting the next day. The meeting started at 11am but I was there by 7am. By the end of the meeting I had been assigned to assist Technical with the auditions based on the ideas I had presented. Over the next eight months I worked hard, but I worked as a volunteer. I was broke as hell but I was inspired. Eventually I got onto the payroll and over the years I moved from being the person who controls the trafficking of advertising to Station/ General Manager. My time at Y was amazing in so many ways; we were innovative and trend-setting and today it’s still a strong brand. When I was headhunted for the post at Kaya FM I left with fond memories. But before heading off to Kaya FM, I gave three years of my life to Instant Grass (IG), a trends and insights agency based in Cape Town with a semi-global footprint. I looked after the Jo’burg office and in those three years we pulled off some amazing work for clients ranging from Kimberly Clarke and SABC1, to SAB Miller, Puma and many others.
In my personal life I have found that a principle of love and respect is key and serves as a very good foundation for both my work and my family.
Another challenge I faced was bringing down the age demographic of the station as over the years Kaya FM had become a station for the over-45s market. So we re-engineered the music and the marketing. This move was met with some resistance but ultimately everyone got on board and our offering became personal to the band of listeners we had. It told their stories.
On Kaya FM as a lifestyle brand… Once we had the music angle sorted, we started asking ourselves how we as a brand can become relevant to the listeners we are targeting. It was then that we realised that most Afropolitans are still trying to navigate their way around the lifestyles they can now afford. The reality is that most of us moved from a piggy bank to private banking in five years, and while this has allowed us to have the means, we are still thirsty for
the knowledge to make the best of these means we now have. People are looking for information: what to buy, where to buy it and where to travel. We have been working to cater to that need. Family is also a big deal at Kaya FM, so we initiated events like Family Day to remind people to spend time with their families and programmes like “Home with Mapaseka” are vital as they discuss issues that trouble people on a daily basis.
Biggest success story so far… For me the all-encompassing thing would be being brave enough to cross that street and taking a tour of the other side. The decision to not be afraid and stop believing that “I don’t belong here and I should not be here” was the biggest thing for me. For it was in that one moment that I had my mind-shift and knew what I wanted and what I didn’t want for my life. I attribute all my future success to that one moment, because after that, in everything I did, I had that natural drive to break convention and push the envelope.
On what drives him… There is a lot that drives me but one major thing close to my heart is changing circumstances for young children. It’s important for us to participate meaningfully in efforts to inspire kids in their formative years and teach them to think differently. A lot of work we do from a CSI perspective is geared towards that. In my personal life I have found that a principle of love and respect is the key and serves as a very good foundation for both my work and my family.
One piece of advice… Find that one thing that you are about, that one thing you are good at and are passionate about and know that it’s possible! Whatever you are good at, just do it!
Why we love Afropolitans… Afropolitans are concerned about their society, their communities, environment and their country and economy. We care about social ills and we are committed to educating our children and ourselves. We like to spoil ourselves but we do not do it at the expense of our children’s
16
Q & A
education. We are committed to finding happiness, peace, comfort and stability. So many people go around like they’ve got the winning formula but many of us don’t. We are all still trying to get by day to day, figuring it out as we go along. We are concerned about getting these situations right.
The future for Kaya FM… We won’t be resting on our laurels. Our purpose – apart from being a successful venture for our shareholders – is to maintain and increase our relevance as being the ultimate Afropolitan guide, the one place where people can come to
and learn how to navigate this life they are living without judgement. We have an educational role to play: from buying property, to travelling, understanding stock markets and entrepreneurship. Kaya FM is the place they come to learn comfortably. It’s home for the Afropolitan.
Fast facts about Greg He underwent a psychometric test at Wits and failed it! His claim to fame is that he played the first song ever on YFM! He has always had a secret love affair with Kaya FM – he’s an old soul at heart.
Find that one thing that you are about, that one thing you are good at and are passionate about and know that it’s possible! Whatever you are good at, just do it!
Images courtesy of Gareth Jacobs
18
f eature
The destiny of Africans is
in their hands By Khaya Dlanga
Africa is often bullied. In fact, we have been since the West managed to navigate on ships and build advanced weaponry. There is, of course, something to be said about those Africans throughout history who fought the colonialists even though they knew that they would face certain death. There is also something to be said about the Africans who won some famous victories against guns even though they merely had spears.
F E A T U R E
W
e are bullied by powerful nations but that is mostly because we allow it to happen now. I say now because for most of history we didn’t have the voice, the power or the economic clout to counterbalance the powers of the West. The West did what it wanted and when it wanted, with impunity. A lot of African leaders were also implicit in selling out its people and the continent. There should never be a need to counter the West, nor should there have been one in the first place, had the world been a truly just place to live in. The West took what it could from Africa for centuries.
but Africans are too blind too see. There needs to be appearances of a symbiotic relationship between Africans and Chinese. For this to happen Africa has to unify and leverage its strength, because whatever minerals are under the ground will always be here and the other nations of the world will always need them. We are not the ones who should be dictated to, but rather the ones dictating the terms for our mineral resources.
Second Scramble for africa Guy Scott, a former agriculture minister and vice president of Zambia (who has also said some very unflattering things about South Africa) put forward: “If you go to the market, you find Chinese selling cabbages and beansprouts. What is the point in letting them in to do that? There’s a lot of Chinese here doing construction. Zambians can do that. The Chinese building firms are undercutting the local firms. Our textile factories can’t compete with cheap Chinese imports subsidised by a foreign government. People are saying: ‘We’ve had bad people before. The whites were bad, the Indians were worse, but the Chinese are worst of all.’” There is now the Chinese scramble for Africa. There is a lot to be said about the benefits that China is bringing to the continent, but there is also a lot of skepticism about the real intentions of the emerging Chinese superpower. China can’t be blamed for doing what it’s doing. Its loyalties are first unto itself. They have to look after over a billion people, and there are resources needed to ensure that the country keeps going in order to avoid unrest in the world’s most populous nation. And, unlike the West, the Chinese come to Africa not with guns, but with promises of economic development. Some wonder if that promise too isn’t a different kind of gun,
19
Change needed in Africa's mindset Not only did Western nations take Africa’s resources from the continent, they also tried their best to destroy and break our confidence. In some respects they succeeded in breaking down the selfbelief and confidence of the African. It is a tragedy that there is an ‘us’ and a ‘them’ in first place. Most reasonable and rational people know that we are not different but are one, despite the illusions of what physical differences we have. I say it is an illusion because we all want the same things. We want to do well. We want to love. We want to protect our children. We want future generations to stand on our shoulders so that they can surpass what we have achieved.
We, as Africans, are often not given that chance because we start ten steps behind the rest of the world. Mostly because the false view that was created by colonialists was that Africans were inferior and subhuman. This idea was so well executed by the colonialists that many Africans started to believe and stopped fighting the colonisers. These ideas of the inferiority of the African Zambian Vice President Guy Scott spread and were believed by many peoples of the world. Worse. Africans too started believing these false narratives about the continent. This was the greatest victory of the colonists, making Africans believe that they could not rule themselves and were dependent on the rules of Westerners for the continent to survive. So bad was this idea that years after Westerners had stop ruling African countries they would say it was better during the era of the colonists.
“…the Chinese come to Africa not with guns, but with promises of economic development. Some wonder if that promise too isn’t a different kind of gun, but Africans are too blind too see.”
Africa has never determined its own course. Throughout history we have been at the mercy of what others have decided. What is worse than that is making us believe that the imported ideas are our own when they have, in fact, been exported to us. There is nothing wrong with exported ideas when they not only have good intentions but have a positive result, which benefits Africans and the rest of the world. I believe that an idea isn’t great if it only benefits a specific group of people but not the rest of the world.
20
f eature
Africans are a generous people. Like most of the peoples of the world. If I were to wish for anything it would be for a unified world population, which doesn’t see others as inferior or superior. People with positive intent and action.
A continent unified This is why I support the unity with which the African Union (AU) has stood up to the Hague’s International Criminal Court (ICC). The AU has had one voice and called for the adjournment of cases against Kenya’s president and his deputy at the ICC. The continent has been unequivocal when it comes to this matter.
continent rise. When this happens, we will be taking control of the continent and we will no longer be pointing “Everyone who needs justice should get fingers at others for taking advantage it, it doesn’t matter where. You can’t have of Africa. The sooner African leaders an international system that is supposed start demanding the respect that the continent deserves, the better. We to dispense justice and it ends up doing will become the masters of our own it selectively or politically,” he went on. destinies and we will write our own future. For too long we have allowed “Instead of promoting justice and international law to judge others yet it does not apply to them.”
Kenyans elected their president and deputy this year on a platform of national reconciliation. The pair argue that the case is violating Kenyan sovereignty. The truth is Kenyans voted them into power knowing that there was this cloud hanging over them. The ICC now sees it fit to prosecute them. It makes no sense. In a press conference on 15 October, president Paul Kagame of Rwanda said the following, echoing a lot of African’s feelings: “This world is divided into categories; there are people who have the power to use international justice or
“...the false view that was created by colonialists was that Africans were inferior and sub-human. This idea was so well executed by the colonialists that many Africans started to believe and stopped fighting…”
Rwandan President Paul Kagame
peace, it has undermined efforts at reconciliation and served only to humiliate Africans and their leaders, as well as served the political interests of the powerful,” Kagame said, and a lot Africa nodded in agreement with him. The more united Africans are against biases, the greater will the
someone else write our past and make us see a bleak future. Africa’s future is bright and we, the young people of this continent, will leave it a much better place and it will be at peace. If we fail to do that, we will have no one to blame but ourselves for not being masters of our destinies.
22
B usiness
p ro f ile
Tony Elumelu
B usiness
p ro f ile
23
Meet the
Africapitalist Tony Elumelu is one of the most influential businessmen in Africa. An African economist, banker, investor and a noted philanthropist with a passion for building Africa ‘from the inside out’. he first stepped into the spotlight when he took the helm of Standard Bank Trust in the late Nineties, then in 2005 led the largest merger in the banking sector in Sub-Saharan Africa to acquire United Bank for Africa. He retired from banking in July 2010, and set up Heirs Holdings. By Stacey Vee
W
e are fortunate that Tony recently gave the Afropolitan his time at the BRICS Business Council meeting held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
You are known for turning around struggling corporations. What business practices can you say contribute to that success? First and foremost is your ability to manage resources. When you take on an ailing business, you need to understand the industry, the sector and the organisation itself. Simply ask yourself: is the sector doing well or not, or is this particular business the only one in the sector that is not doing well? It’s easier to fix the problem if it’s the actual business that’s not performing well, as opposed
For the private sector to do well, the public sector must create an enabling environment. And in Africa, as Africa’s private sector, we must demonstrate confidence by investing.
to the entire sector. You investigate why the business is lagging, then you address the issues. But one thing that is common to all businesses – both struggling and outperformers – is people. That’s why the ability to manage human resources is the key in turning around a business.
What motivated your decision to retire at the age of 47? [Laughs] I became a bank CEO at a relatively young age and so at 47 I had known 13-and-a-half years in banking and there was a national regulation that came in that people who had done 10 years as bank CEOs should not continue. So even though I was only planning to leave in about three years, when the regulation came into effect, I decided, “Well, it looks like I am leaving this year.” I just felt that after 13 years as a CEO, it was time to try something new.
24
B usiness
p ro f ile
Tony Elumelu shakes hands with Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo while Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala looks on
In your opinion what is an Africapitalist? Let’s start with: What is Africapitalism?’ It’s a call on the private sector, like we are doing here [at the BRICS Business Council meeting], to invest long-term in key sectors of the African economy. In the long run investment in those key sectors will have to address African development and local issues. For the private sector to do well, the public sector must create an enabling environment. And in Africa, as Africa’s private sector, we must demonstrate confidence by
I am Africa-born, African-bred and Africanschooled, and I have managed to acquire some wealth and comfort in Africa.
investing. If we do it others will follow. These are the key pillars that drive the concept of Africapitalism. So when you call someone an Africapitalist, it’s someone that practices all of these things: someone who invests long-term; someone who invests in a manner that ultimately creates a profit, and through this, someone who addresses Africa’s many social challenges. If you have a company that employs 5000-10000 people, then you are helping with unemployment issues, while you are making profit. If you have a power plant, and you are generating electricity, then you are making money, but at the same
B usiness
time you are helping Africa address its power infrastructure challenges.
What is the working relationship between Heirs Holding and the Tony Elumelu Foundation? I founded both. Heirs Holdings is for business and for profit, while the Tony Elumelu Foundation is not for profit. The foundation is based on my career path. I have realised that I am also consistent with the tenets of Africapitalism. I have realised that the private sector has a key role to play in African development. As African business leaders we need to deliberately cultivate, nurture, groom and create entrepreneurs – it can’t just happen by accident. [Laughs] Well it does sometimes happen by accident, but it’s better if we deliberately set out to do it. When I founded the Tony Elumelu Foundation I felt it was time to help Africa in my own little way, and it’s all about creating entrepreneurship across Africa.
What sectors is Heirs Holdings most active in? We invest in key sectors such as power, oil and gas, real estate and hospitality, healthcare, agri business, and financial services. These are sectors that play a significant role in helping an economy perform well.
One of the areas where you’re making a real difference is the plight of the African farmer… In agri-business we have set up Africa Exchange Holdings (Africa Commodity Exchange Limited or AFEX) which has started up in Rwanda, and the whole idea is to take this model to other African countries that can support it. By having a commodity exchange, you do make profits, but it’s the social impact that is huge. More so than the business impact. Because you prize discovery, you prize transparency, you encourage farmers to employ more, you’re moving farming from a subsistence business to a commercial business. At the end of the day it is a mechanism to enable them to get the best price, without your goods perishing.
Africa recieves a lot of aid, why has all this failed to make any tangible change in the lives of Africans? Look, it hasn’t been bad. If we look at statistics over the decades, a huge amount of aid has flowed into Africa and we have not made any significant progress. Let’s look at other growth models, at other growth approaches…. One of the speakers today [at the BRICS Business Council meeting] said that when the private sector moves into an area, it send out the signal that something must be right. If we must
That is why I feel like Africa is not about charity. It’s about creating change that is sustainable. It’s not about doling out money. It’s about using money in a manner that can truly change things. have aid, then let those funds be used to support business rather than be used for charity. Having said that, there are a few areas – such as natural disasters – where relying on charity is inevitable. But let us look at charity with the mindset of eradicating issues, and not perpetuating issues.
What frustrates you about doing business on our continent? Policies, policies, policies! Africa is improving, and good policies are coming in place, but we are still lacking in consistency, and we need to encourage
p ro f ile
25
African leaders to be more consistent in this area. The problem with inconsistent policies is that it helps to perpetuate misinformation about Africa.
Let’s talk about the concept of ‘Africa rising’. We keep reading in the press, about ‘Africa – the recipient’. The mindset is: ‘We need to help Africa.’ That was even the focus of the dinner event we attended before this event kicked off. As a continent we can do it for ourselves.
You have a very strong passion for philanthropy, why is that? I am Africa-born, African-bred and African-schooled, and I have managed to acquire some wealth and comfort in Africa. When you look around, you see poverty. And you think to yourself: “These people are likely not poor by choice.” I want to create an environment where people can be who they should be, become who they were meant to be. I feel that if one dedicated a portion of his wealth to playing a role in creating the kind of Africa that we could all be proud of, then things won’t be too bad. So that is my motivation; that is my driving force. That is why I feel like Africa is not about charity. It’s about creating change that is sustainable. It’s not about doling out money. It’s about using money in a manner that can truly change things. If you act to ensure that the right policies are implemented that create employment in a country that, to me, is more important and more powerful.
Fast Facts about Tony Elumelu • He is the originator of the term “Africapitalist” • He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School • He won the 2006 African Business Leader of the Year by Africa Investor magazine. • Forbes magazine named him one of Africa’s 20 Most Powerful People in 2012 • New African magazine featured him in their list of the 100 Most Influential Africans in Business • He holds the Nigerian national honour: the Commander of the Order of Nigeria • Tony recently committed $2.5 to Barack Obama’s Power Africa initiative • He has five daughters, and is one of five children himself • His middle name is Onyemaechi
26
A d v ertorial
WORLD CLASS DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS COMPANY PROFILE
Empowerdex BEE Rating
My name is Mike Chonco and I am the CEO of Pambili Document Solutions (Pty) Ltd. We are a 100% black-owned company that provide Xerox managed print services to our clients, with leading office automation technology, and state of the art software solutions.
Pambili’s BBBEE rating as a Level 1 AAA+ Contributor, allows our customers to claim 135% of their spend toward their preferential procurement measurement for their own BBBEE Status. Hurlingham Office Park, Block C, Corner Republic & Woodlands Road Hurlingham Sandton JHB Tel: (011) 787-8566 / 0100 600 764 www.pambili.co.za
We became an authorized Xerox partner in October 2000 as part of a Xerox black economic empowerment initiative. Since inception, Pambili Document Solutions (Pty) Ltd through its head office in Sandton, has shown sustainable annual growth with an annual turnover in excess a hundred million rand. We service and support blue chip clients which include the likes of ESKOM, SABC, WITS, various unions NUM, SAMWU, FAWU, SADTU NUMSA, SATAWU and various Government Departments such as Transport, Education, Health, DID and numerous local and metropolitan councils. We were also appointed as a preferred supplier to the City of Johannesburg, and were awarded a portion of the local government / GSSC tender. We know that that Documents are the DNA of knowledge – the indispensable building block for capturing information and sharing it with others. This is where we fit in, by providing document solutions that bring together our leading-edge technology, the widest array of digital hardware in the industry, sophisticated software, service, teams of industry-focused sales representatives and consultants, through a growing network of direct sales channels.
CEO Michael Thabede Chonco
Our Mission Statement Pambili is a dedicated and focused BEE company, that through world leading Xerox technology and software, supply our customers with a comprehensive and integrated managed Print and Document Service.
Our Pambili Core Values Our values are aligned with our principals and we live by these: • We succeed through satisfied customers. • We deliver quality and excellence in all we do. • We require premium return on assets. • We use technology to develop market leadership. • We value and empower our employees. • We behave responsibly as a corporate citizen.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES NEEDED • 3 – 5 Years Office Automation, PABX, and or ICT sector selling experience. • Must have a proven track record within the ICT industry • Must have own vehicle and mobile phone (this is a prerequisite) • Must exceed set monthly sales targets • Business, financial and presentation skill acumen • Must have experience in cold calling as well as dealing with Corporate Accounts • A deep understanding of Customers and Relationship Management • Must be able to work under pressure • Looking for professional people with excellent communication skills
Interested applicant to send a detailed CV with traceable references to: zanele@pambili.co.za
28
F A S H I O N
Mafi is a fashion designer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She started her career at 16 as a model and musician, while simultaneously studying nursing. After school, she quit modelling to follow her passion and become a professional fashion designer. She has since gained critical acclaim for her cutting-edge designs, winning the 2012 Origin Africa’s design award, showcasing her work at African Fashion Week New York 2012, and winning the 2010 Designer of the Year award from Alliance Ethio-Française at European Fashion Day in Addis.
F A S H I O N
29
30
F A S H I O N
Why we love Mafi Mafi works exclusively with hand-woven fabrics made by women. She creates clothing and accessories which are fresh and at the same time very wearable. Working with hand-woven fabrics is a way for Mafi to give back and to support women weavers who are often marginalised within the male-dominated weaving community.
F A S H I O N
31
Models: Imani Amos & Erica Candice, Jewelry by: Ashley Drapes
Images courtesy of Kyle La Mere, Make-up: Elizabeth Neish
32 F A S H I O N
34
F A S H I O N
The connection between hand-woven fabrics and Ethiopian culture and history is something Mafi explores in her work. Pushing herself creatively Mafi produces contemporary pieces with ancient fabrics, giving visibility to the diversity and depth of Ethiopian culture and tradition.
Montecasino
A d v ertorial
35
A 24-Hour World At Play It’s More Than Entertainment. It’s Exhilarating!
W
hether a local, national or international visitor, Montecasino is a 24 hour world at play where leisureseekers and business travellers will find every possible entertainment and hospitality option within the confines of this all-encompassing leisure precinct.
After enjoying the outdoors, it is now time to explore the indoors.
You will be spoilt for choice with the entertainment options, including the Nu Metro cinema complex, the enchanting Skoobs Theatre of Books – which is the first of its kind in South Africa, the Magic Company Family Entertainment Centre and a number of The Montecasino experience is bold, impactful and goes beyond entertainment retail and entertainment stores. - A glittering casino, retail shopping, three Make your way to the open-air Piazza, distinctly different hotels, three theatres with its magical musical fountain and including the award-winning Teatro and old-world bell tower that plays host outdoor piazza and entertainment area, restaurants, bars – all perfectly packaged to a wide variety of outdoor events and activations, including sporting to offer pleasure-seekers the very best in entertainment and screenings such stylish entertainment options. as Absa Boktown – voted Best Place to Watch the Big Game – draws rugby supporters from far and wide. Music YOUR 24 HOUR acts such as Micasa and Lloyd Cele have INVITATION.... also been staged on the Piazza. Start the day with a spot of breakfast or lunch, the dining options are endless from the six al fresco-style restaurants on the Montecasino Piazza ranging from Italian to Mediterranean, Eastern fusion and so much more to the urban hotspot concept restaurant, 3SIXTY ° Liquid Lounge in the casino.
You could be in luck and catch one of Montecasino’s famous events in the Outdoor Event Area, where Celine Dion made her South African debut, is also a diverse large-scale area utilised for magical events such as the SA Tattoo, Taste of Joburg and Madame Zingara – Theatre of Dreams.
Thereafter hop in the Hyundai Balloon and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Johannesburg, Sandton, Northcliff Hill and the Magaliesburg. Then take a leisurely stroll right next door in the Montecasino Bird Gardens that houses over 60 species of birds and has the largest and most diverse private collection of South African Cycads.
Theatre lovers can take pleasure in one of the many live shows of every genre in the Pieter Toerien Theatre, the Studio Theatre or in the pride of Montecasino, the Teatro at Montecasino – a state-of-theart lyric theatre. The 1 800-seat awardwinning Teatro at Montecasino opened with the spectacular, record-breaking Disney’s The Lion King, and has since
become home to world-class theatre productions and large-scale musicals such as Mamma Mia!, Phantom of the Opera and Dirty Dancing. The night will not be complete without making your way to the heart of the property – there lies the pulsating casino with extensive gaming options catering for big and small stakes. Feel alive and enjoy the heart pounding excitement as you court chance and lady luck and discover Gaming’s ultimate adventure. Montecasino has something for every taste and pocket, from American Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Poker and Black Jack to novelty progressive jackpot slot machines like the Wheel of Fortune and Life of Luxury and new slot machines such as the Multi Game Hub. End the night in one of our three distinctly different Tsogo Sun hotels, providing accommodation to suit every budget and market – the deluxe Palazzo; the Venetian-style Southern Sun Montecasino and the trendy SunSquare Montecasino. For more information details on accommodation or entertainment packages, or simply to keep abreast of what’s hot and happening at Montecasino, visit montecasino.co.za or join us on Facebook at facebook.com/montecasino. Tsogo Sun Gaming supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Winners know when to stop. Only persons over the age of 18 are permitted to gamble. National Problem Gambling counselling toll-free helpline: 0800 006 008.
p ro f ile
Image courtesy of Sacha Waldman
36
Azania Mosaka, Face of Sansui Summer Cup with 2012 winner S'manga Khumalo.
Pro f ile
37
The man
behind the mane S’manga Khumalo made history this year as the first black jockey to win the Vodacom Durban July. We find out more about his career on horseback Where did it all start for you? Well, I grew up in Durban, KZN and I attended Mzuvela High School right up till the moment that a gentleman came to our school and I was scouted to attend the horse-riding academy. I had no prior experience so I think he just assumed that because of my small body, I would be a good horseman.
Did you have any idea what you were getting yourself into? As a boy from KwaMashu, I didn’t know anything about horse-riding but I wanted to give it a shot. The first few months of training had me very nervous but soon I knew how to handle and treat a horse. I received a lot of training at the academy and that learning doesn’t stop – even today I’m still learning about horses and horse-riding.
You trained in Zimbabwe; what did you learn there? In South Africa horse-racing is very competitive and I knew that I had to up my game and that’s why I took an apprenticeship opportunity in Zimbabwe. My stint there increased my confidence as a horseman and taught me how to be a professional.
Do you love what you do? Every single moment! I love spending time around horses. I consider myself very lucky to have gotten this amazing opportunity. Most of my peers don’t know anything about horses and for me to be here is just incredible.
be professional and stand on your own as a horseman. By the end of my time at the academy I knew what I wanted to do, and that was to make a name for myself as a jockey!
You won the Sansui Summer Cup in November 2012 – how did this win change your life? That moment changed my life in a very personal way. When I won I finally knew that I had what it took to win any competition, but I also realised at that same time that it takes hard work, dedication and discipline.
Horse-riding has always been a sport for the white upper class. Has this changed at all since you have been part of the sport? In the past black people kept away from the sport so I hope my presence will make some changes. Before someone can be part of a sport they need to love the sport and be inspired by someone they can relate to.
What does being the first black jockey to win the Vodacom Durban July mean to you? When I was first introduced to the sport, I made a goal to win the July and to have accomplished that goal in my Durban July debut was an amazing and overwhelming feeling. Especially considering that in the past it took most people about 10 years to win the Durban July.
In 2006 you turned professional Why do you feel it has taken so long for black jockeys to be part – what brought about this of the 117-year-old Durban July? move? We were required to stay at the academy for six years as part of the training. During that time we were taught how to
I think one reason could be that in the past black people were not given the chance to be part of the sport. But when
I was at the academy, we were seven black people and we all had different goals. Ultimately we have to know that this is a competition and to be scouted you have to win more races. You have to be the best.
What advice did you get early on that you could give to those wanting to get in the sport? This is a very hard sport, one that needs a lot of hard work and discipline. I’d advise anyone considering it to not give up. I would also encourage youngsters to get involved in a number of sporting disciplines and if you feel one is not for you that’s when you can move on and try other things because sometimes its not a matter of talent or skills but more passion and dedication.
How did the nickname “Bling” come about? I think it’s because of my earrings. In the past horsemen were not allowed to wear earrings. This is my style; I just like to stand out.
What do you do to relax? The moments are few and far between to be honest because I’m always horseracing, seven days a week! But when I have a break I spend time with my family.
Who has been your biggest motivation to date? I get inspiration from many experienced jockeys who came before me and won many races. Get ready for Colour to Conquer at this year's SANSUI Summer Cup at Turffontein on 30 November 2013. For more info log onto www.sansuisummercup.co.za
lu x ur y
39
a girl's new
best friend
Stylist: Retha Erichsen
Images courtesy of Lar Leslie (www.larleslie.com | blog | http://larleslie.blogspot.com/)
Brendah Nyakudya discovers a new collection of raw diamonds from the depths of India
40
B
L u x ur y
lack Betty designer Kristin Weixelbaumer has launched the Polki Diamond Collection for lovers of diamonds imbued with powerful energy.
’Betty’ is a generic name for a girl, and ‘black’ represents a female’s dark and sexy side.” A polki diamond is a naturally earthmined diamond that maintains the same value worldwide, making it a shrewd investment. The stones became popular in ancient India where brides required an affordable alternative to expensive diamonds. When she returned to South Africa with a personal polki collection, Weixelbaumer was inundated with interest and within six months, she added the Polki Diamond Collection to her Black Betty range. Produced in India, where stones are handpicked and cut, all of the pieces in the Polki Diamond Collection have a natural aesthetic and the stones are simply set in 14-carat gold. The collection includes rings, bangles, earrings, a necklace and a bracelet, with no two pieces alike.
lu x ur y
43
Just as the polkis are retrieved from deep within the earth, the range embraces the darkness within by bringing its secrets and shadows out into the light, breaking free of all inhibitions and allowing its true self to emerge in its rawest form. Herself a modest accessoriser, Weixelbaumer’s delicate range is a true reflection of her take on jewellery highlighting the femininity within a woman rather than overpowering it. The range is ideal for women who don’t usually wear jewelled pieces or for those who prefer just a hint of gold and diamonds. Weixelbaumer has always wanted to feed her creative side while exploring her spiritual journey, and working with gems and jewels is where she has truly
found herself. “I’m working with the stars of the earth which has healing benefits at all layers,” she says. “Working with ancient stones keeps me grounded.” She is currently based in Cape Town and has distributors in Johannesburg and London selling her two signature ranges produced in Jaipur and Colombo, Sri Lanka. Originally a creative outlet for her and her sister, the ladies came up with the name Black Betty together. “Betty” is a generic name for a girl, and “black” represents a female’s dark and sexy side. The Polki Diamond Collection ranges in price from R2200 to R12 000 and can be viewed online at www.blackbettydesign.com.
E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P
Motoring
45
Investment Specialists
Brendah Nyakudya speaks to Gareth Crossley on the launch of South Africa's first ever Motoring Investment Specialist offering Crossley & Webb are luxury motor specialists, what inspired your business idea? Crossley & Webb are actually ‘motoring investment specialists’. The idea evolved after analysing the needs of high-end motor enthusiasts over many years. There are many collector car specialists in Europe and we noticed a gap in the South African market for a high-end specialist, as well as to create awareness of the investment motoring trend. Our aim is to make entry into this market easier for potential motoring investment enthusiasts.
What services do you offer? At our core we are an independent advisory firm that provides our clients with advice on creating the most financially intelligent mix of motoring assets. We use our four business units to achieve this goal. Firstly, our sales division buys and sells investment-grade classic cars and modern classics. Secondly, our Classic Car Clinic is the technical division and services classic and sports cars as well as out-of-warranty supercars. Full restorations of classic cars as well as upgrades give these classics modern braking systems, power steering and air-conditioning. The Ecurie 25 Supercar club provides its members with the most financially intelligent means of enjoying great events and driving the latest fleet of supercars internationally. The fourth division is Crossley & Webb luxury vehicle storage. We are constructing glass storage vaults at
our motoring lifestyle venue in Solan Street, Gardens. We manage the care and storage of high-end vehicles, ensuring that their batteries are trickle-charged. The vaults are climate-controlled and de-humidified, provide 24-hour security, plus complimentary delivery services and airport shuttles.
Is there enough of a luxury motor following in South Africa to warrant such a service? South Africa has a mature market for luxury cars and sports cars and our enthusiasts are well-educated in contrast to the luxury car buyers in the Middle East and China. We plan to build on their knowledge and want to give them advice for them to indulge in their passion in the most financially intelligent manner.
There are many collector car specialists in Europe and we noticed a gap in the South African market for a highend specialist, as well as to create awareness of the investment motoring trend.
46
E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P
by E25 and earn credits and income You will soon be launching the towards membership fees that can be Ecurie 25 Supercar Club; can redeemed internationally. you tell us a bit more about that? As specialists, what is the one Ecurie 25 is an exclusive club that gives piece of advice you would offer its member’s access to amazing events to someone wanting to purchase and the latest supercars in the world. Ecurie 25 South Africa is launching in a supercar? Cape Town initially and we have a fleet of supercars, ranging from the Ferrari 458 Spider and McLaren MP412c to our Maserati GranCabrio Sport and Bentley Continental GT. We plan to include a few of our classic cars from Crossley & Webb.
of self-expression. Due to the poor performance of traditional investments, high net-worth individuals are looking for alternative investments of passion that can satisfy the needs of both the head and the heart. Over the last ten years collector cars grew in value almost 400%, and nearly outperformed investing in gold, at 423%
Take your time to learn about the car you wish to buy in detail and study the market for second-hand derivatives.
In your opinion is there merit in buying supercars as What is your ideal drive and why? investments?
What benefits does this club offer the luxury car owner?
A classic early-70s Porsche 911. It is a motoring icon, can be driven daily and is growing steadily in value.
Ecurie 25 gives the luxury car owner the flexibility to attend international events and enjoy driving supercars in New York, London, Dubai and Australia through their membership of the Cape Town club. In addition, supercars that are not being used can placed under our management, will be insured and stored
What do you think are the reasons why, despite the recession, people still purchase luxury vehicles? People will buy luxury vehicles for as long as they can afford them as a means
No, supercars in general are not investments. But limited edition supercars and classic cars in more cases now are, and in many cases, at least hold their value.
What would you say is the most underrated supercar at the moment? Probably the Lexus LFA.
48
Photo
essa y
Photo
essa y
49
behind the
lens
‘My name is Kyle La Mere and I am a designer, photographer and overall, a creative’
Kyle on Kyle “As much as I would like to tell you some epic story about how I was born with a camera in my hand or that I come from a family of creatives where my path was set from the moment I came in this world, I can’t, because none of that would be true. “What is true is that from the earliest time I can remember I have always been considerate and put other people in front of me first. I have always daydreamed of the possibility of more and envisioned these images in my head. It wasn’t until high school that I discovered graphic design and that I could finally express myself creatively. After receiving my BFA at the Illinois Institute of ArtSchaumburg in Visual Communications, I went into the work world to pursue my career in design. “After a year into my career I started to feel like there was something more creative I should be doing. I loved design but it wasn’t giving me the true outlet to express myself fully. I began to photograph in my free time as a creative outlet and soon after realised I not only had a passion for photography, but a new creative medium to give back all while expressing myself personally.”
50
Photo
essa y
Queen Nothing was a collaboration concept between Kyle and his friend Imani. Imani is a West African tribal dancer based in Chicago who tours around the country putting on performances. The image is meant to show the strength and movement of the modern African woman while paying tribute to her motherland.
Photo
Kyle on travelling “My camera has allowed me to work with some of my favourite artists and local charities in Chicago (Grant4Good and Reason To Give). It has taken me to Italy, Jamaica and Ethiopia. My life changed in 2011 when I started traveling to Ethiopia where I photographed for the Awassa Children’s Centre, a centre that houses more than 100 children orphaned by HIV/Aids. “Since then I have made five trips to Ethiopia where my travels led me to an undiscovered fashion scene in Addis Ababa. I have worked with and shot for two of the current top designers in Ethiopia: Fikirte Addis and Mafi. “Photography has given me access into the lives and terrain I couldn’t be afforded with any other creative medium. It has helped me understand myself and to keep pursuing projects no matter where they are on this planet.”
“From the moment I got to Ethiopia I could feel an energy like no other. I could almost see the spirituality and history of mankind rising like mist from the ground.”
essa y
51
52
Photo
essa y
Photo
essa y
53
Kyle on Ethiopia “I have never felt the presence of God. I am not a religious person even though I have strong faith in the universe and have always believed we are here for a reason. All of that changed two-and-ahalf years ago when I first planted my feet in Ethiopia. “I started travelling to Ethiopia in 2011 to photograph and volunteer at an orphanage in Awassa. From the moment I got to Ethiopia I could feel an energy like no other. I could almost see the spirituality and history of mankind rising like mist from the ground. I immediately knew I was where I needed to be in the world. “Since then I have made five trips to Ethiopia. I got more involved in the culture and set out to see as much of this historic land as possible. I felt almost as if I’d been lied to my whole life as to what Ethiopia really is. It is everything other than what I saw or was told. I set out to return to this special place in hopes of utilising my skills through photography to at least change people’s minds and perspective about what Ethiopia is like and more so, what it will be. These photos are just a small glimpse of my experience traveling throughout the country, the way I felt and viewed Ethiopia. For inquiries and bookings please email Kyle at klamere@gmail.com.
54
T ra v el
Only in Kenya Brendah Nyakudya uncovers the best this African gem has to offer
Tilapia
A favourite Kenyan dish Pan-fried tilapia is a family favorite in Western Kenya. For those that don’t know, tilapia are freshwater fish found in Lake Victoria, located in the middle of East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda). This recipe requires very few ingredients but it’s super delicious! A must-try when you touch down on Kenyan shores.
Poshest restaurant in Kenya Seven We all appreciate a bit of posh every now and again and according to the locals Seven Seafood & Grill is Kenya’s premier seafood destination and is “redefining the flavors of local produce with every dish”. Stop by for some of the finest Indian Ocean seafood in one of Nairobi’s most distinctive and innovatively designed restaurants.
For those that do not have a fancy for fish, Seven offers exclusive, handselected cuts of Kenya’s finest beef, carefully aged and butchered in-house.
Local sounds Eric Wainaina For award-winning Eric Wainaina music is a craft that has to be done excellently and this ethos has served him well in his journey to becoming one of Kenya’s most loved recording artists. Eric was recently commissioned to write the music for a United Nations MDG campaign entitled “Eight Goals for Africa” which featured African greats such as Angelique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, Oliver Mtukudzi and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. He also wrote and starred in the musical theatre production, Mo Faya!, which was performed to sold-out houses in at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.
Eric Wainaina
tra v el
55
Fashion designer:
Best Kenyan cuisine
Best spa
Katungulu Mwendwa
Amaica
Kaya at the Tribe Hotel
Katungulu Mwendwa is an enthusiastic, up-and-coming fashion designer born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. She grew up entertaining a vivid imagination and as the years passed, her eclectic personality stayed intact but reality became more distinct. The design approach she adopts is an extension of her eclectic personality as inspired by what she experiences on a dayto-day basis. Ultimately her deepseated imagination comes from those traditional cultures, both in Kenya as well as the rest of Africa, that are barely touched by modernity.
When visiting a new place, one of the first things you’ll want to do is experience the local cuisine. Pamela Muyeshi saw this gap in the market and opened up Amaica. The menu initially offered only western Kenyan meals but has over the years expanded their cuisine to incorporate food from all Kenyan communities.
Kaya, the exclusive spa at Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, combines traditional and new world treatments from around the globe. The five treatment rooms and hair studio infuse a sense of tranquility through inspiring design – taming the body, mind and soul.
Where to find Amaica: Ralph Bunche & Peponi Roads, Westlands, Nairobi Area, Kenya.
Local jewellery Kazuri beads Kazuri are beautiful, one-ofa-kind clay beads that are hand-made by women in Kenya. These gorgeous beads are used to make the most amazing bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The women who make these gems are paid fair wages and enjoy good working conditions. Kazuri, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting with making ceramic beads made by hand.
Kaya Spa
Popular local drink Dawa Dawa means “medicine” or “magic potion” in Swahili. In other words, a dawa is said to be so potent that it will cure whatever ails you. The recipe is based on a famous Brazilian drink that was introduced to Kenya. It is now one of the most widely consumed cocktails in the country.
Kazuri Beads
Make your own dawa • 1 tbsp sugar • 60ml vodka • Crushed ice cubes • 1 whole lime quarter, with skin on • 1 dawa stick (looks like a pestle or honey stick) • Creamed honey 1. Put lime and sugar into a whisky tumbler. Dawa
2. Crush limes slightly, add ice and pour in the vodka. 3. At this point you twist a dawa stick into some honey and add the stick to the drink. A wooden honey stick or other type of stick twisted in honey will work. 4. Muddle limes with dawa or honey stick. The more you crush the limes into the mixture and stir, the sweeter the taste.
F E A T U R E
57
A Luxurious Expression of Vanessa Gounden takes into account the subtle similarities in the disciplines of Art and Fashion to create a unique fashion experience. By Brendah Nyakudya
A
formidable entrepreneur, with business interests spanning across Africa, Europe and the Asian subcontinent, Vanessa Gounden is without a doubt one of the most successful businesswoman in the mining, healthcare, financial services and lifestyle sectors on the African continent. Vanessa Gounden recently received recognition locally for her contribution to the fashion industry when she was awarded the 2013 Mbokodo Award for Fashion Design & Innovation.
upwardly mobile women, whilst at the same time capturing the untold stories of unsung artists.
When her family left India for Africa in the 1800’s, they arrived to work as indentured labourers on the sugarcane plantations in South Africa. For Vanessa her life was simple yet pleasant and saw her helping her family on their smallholding, cutting and preparing roses for sale to the florists in the district.
The beauty of her work is that every garment by “Vanessa G London” endeavours to look like a piece of art, an ultimate statement of luxury that is not only aesthetically unique but also creates a unique, wearable, character-defining fashion statement. Her range includes exquisite, unique clothing pieces and bespoke accessories, that are perfect for the Afropolitan women of today who may have “satiated their appetite for traditional luxury brands, and are longing for a new bespoke experience with this unique offering of style, quality and intense design”. Vanessa’s fashion is for those that know that there needs to be something more to set them apart, whilst at the same time retaining a sense of bespoke individuality.
The 1960’s, however, presented tremendous challenges for the family as the apartheid regime came into effect along with segregation and inhuman living conditions. The young Vanessa and her family were forcibly moved to a dormitory township and cut off from their previous livelihood. This experience made an indelible impression on Vanessa and resulted in the awakening of her political consciousness. From that moment on she played an active role in the trade union movement in South Africa in the years preceding South Africa’s first democratic elections and held senior management positions in government during the Mandela and Mbeki eras; and thereafter became Vice President Customer Services for SAA.
Business While she is now part of a multi-million Dollar company, it wasn’t always smooth
She expanded her interests when she bought and re-vamped the exclusive fashion store, D’Oré Sandton City into a culmination of art, couture and selfexpression.
Why We Love Vanessa G London!
sailing. From humble beginnings at her desk in her bedroom, Vanessa and her husband experienced the extreme highs and lows that every entrepreneur faces, but remained determined to succeed. After an investment in platinum gave them the break they were looking for, Vanessa ventured into what was always her passion and launched her fashion label, Vanessa G London! Built on a strong belief that a woman’s dress sense should reflect her inner beauty and confidence, “Vanessa G London” is aimed at the contemporary women of today, who have an appreciation of the arts and who desire their clothes to reflect their own sensibility. Through her brand Vanessa communicates the emotions of
Giving Back Well aware that in order for society to progress, those who have much, need to give back and so Vanessa remains constantly conscious of her own roots. Her development trust currently funds at least 60 needy students, including many who are pursuing the Arts, through tertiary education. Her strong desire to uplift those equally deserving but less fortunate, is reflective of her own life.
58
T R A V E L
club med
Guilin
River Li
T R A V E L
59
China like you have never seen her before! Located in an area renowned for its magnificent scenery, rich culture and heritage Club Med Guilin is the place to go for a holiday with a difference, writes Brendah Nyakudya
ABOUT GUILIN CHINA
ACCOMMODATION
• The region of Guilin is named after an Club Med Guilin is the first premium, all-inclusive holiday resort that features evergreen shrub found in the region nature and discovery in China. With called “Sweet Osmanthus”. 329 rooms laid out in a majestic and beautifully preserved site, in two • It is home to the one of the most contemporary style hotels that help beautiful landscapes in the world, the River Li, a beautiful, majestic and bring about that relaxing holiday well-preserved site. History has it that feeling, Club Med Guilin caters for all wants and needs. the great poet Han Yu of the Tang Dynasty once described the river and For those with children, The Courtyard its surrounds as: “the river winds like has been renovated and has 284 spacious a green silk ribbon, while the hills are and comfortable rooms. The Château like jade hairpins”. Hotel, with its 45 uniquely designed rooms, is more suited for those looking • Guilin also features the mysterious for a little intimacy under a Chinese sky. Karst Mountains, which are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Nothing is left to chance as Club Med Site. Karst mountains are formed by Guilin goes the extra mile to offer Club the dissolution of layers of soluble rooms for those with reduced mobility to ensure everyone has an amazing, nonbedrock, usually carbonate rock such restrictive experience at the resort. as limestone or dolomite.
“In South-East China, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes listed by UNESCO as part of the World heritage, a new 4T Resort is born: a unique invitation to live an experience of culture and nature, between tradition and modernity.”
60
T R A V E L
Deck overlooking the River Li
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The main restaurant at Club Med Guilin has regional cuisine on offer every day of the week, including scrumptious regional Sichuanese, Cantonese and Hainan dishes. We loved: • The Noodle Bar, a quirky restaurant that encourages you to try out the different kinds of noodles from all the regions of China. • The baby corner, where parents can prepare meals for their kids away from the hustle and bustle of other guests. For those looking to party, there are three bars at Club Med Guilin:
Images courtesy of Fleishman Hillard
• The Lake Bar is located near the sporting activities with a magnificent view of the lake and mountains. • The Moon Bar is the main bar and is in the Chateau building with an outdoor terrace for a quieter, loungelike feel. • The Atelier is a great place to meet up with other holiday-goers for a game of snooker or Mah-jong with the family.
Room at Club Med Guilin Spa
T R A V E L
ACTIVITIES
and the first of its kind for Club Med. Guilin and Yangshuo. • Indoor pool that is inside the • Impression Sanjie Liu: Impressive Fitness Centre, but also equipped sound and light show on a 2km stage with deckchairs and parasols. on the Li River. • Quiet pool that is a freshwater pool • Longji Rice Terrace: 70km² of rice for adults with a view of the lake. terraces.
Don’t miss: • Lijiang Folk Customs Garden: to discover the miao and yao guangxi minorities. • Guilin Yaoshan Mountain Scenic Resort: the highest mountain in Guilin city. • Reed Flute Cave: the “art gallery of nature”. • Li River: a 400km-long river between
• Guilin Discovery: Visit the city founded under the Qin dynasty.
Be sure to look out for: • Elephant Trunk Hill • Nine Horse Nine Fresco Hill • A scenery on the 20 RMB Chinese bank note • Fubo Hill • Crown Cave
Images courtesy of Fleishman Hillard
Club Med has positioned its resorts as one-stop family holiday destinations and this is what you’ll find at Club Med Guilin. Besides excursions to explore Chinese sights and culture, other activities include: • Golf, which is run at an academy six days a week with group classes for all levels. • Tennis is also available for budding Roger Federers. • There are four swimming pools: • Children’s pool, located in the Mini Club Med area. • Main outdoor swimming pool, which is a natural swimming pool
63
ABOUT CLUBMED Club Med offers premium all-inclusive holidays to more than 80 resorts all around the world. With Club Med’s all-inclusive packages you can expect stunning locations, superb accommodation, gourmet food, unlimited bar drinks and snacks, fantastic children’s clubs and a multitude of sports and activities. All Club Med resorts have a Trident rating to ensure the same level of high quality everywhere in the world. Contact Details: Offices 212 – 214 Second Floor, Design Quarter Cnr William Nicol and Leslie Ave, Fourways 0860 258 293 www.clubmed.co.za
A rchitecture
65
Keep it
contained Brendah Nyakudya investigates a new phenomenon in home-building…
I
f you’re an urban-dweller, you’ve probably felt like design options for a city abode are becoming rather staid. So it was with intrigue that we stumbled upon a phenomenon that has taken Europe by storm – container homes!
Over the past few years many European countries have started to appreciate the benefits of old shipping containers to be used as an alternative type of housing, ranging from single family homes to dormitory complexes.
Take a drive out of the city – especially port cities – and you’ll see them. Stacked up high and lined up side by side. Shipping containers are a common sight, as they’re used by the majority of logistic companies to transport goods across the country. While they are an obvious choice when it comes to storage, shipment and handling due to their strength, it seems far-fetched to use a shipping container as… a house.
How they are built A container home is usually constructed from any number of recycled shipping containers, which means the size of the house can range from being a single container to a large dwelling made of several joined together. As these are ready-made, they just need to be transported to the building site. Each
container is then fitted together according to the blueprints, and this can include cutting out panels to create larger interior spaces and openings for doors and windows. The walls of the units are sprayfoam insulated and finished with drywall, countering the over-heating in summer or lowered temperatures in winter that metals are prone to. These units are then aligned, attached to the steel reinforcements and welded onto a foundation. Once the frame is in place, depending on the owner’s preference, the exterior can be clad and the interior kitted out with everything from floors to rooftops.
66
A rchitecture
Benefits of container living It goes without saying that container homes are incredibly strong and sustainable as they are built from steels made to weather storms and the harshest of elements. Shipping containers are designed to be “stackable”, making them ideal for building high-rise apartments that are safe and durable. A house built from recycled shipping containers is kinder on your bank balance as it costs significantly less than building a conventional house of the same size, but is made of bricks, cement and wooden beams. Building a container home also saves time and cuts down on labour. Container homes are kind to the environment as you’re essentially recycling.
Not only are they cheaper than to build a home from the foundations up, they are also environmentally friendly as they are ‘up-cycled’ instead of being left to rust.
68
A rchitecture
Some of the disadvantages Rust can be an issue over time, so it is wise to prevent this before it becomes a costly nuisance by ensuring that your shipping container home is adequately sealed. Some containers are treated with paint and solvents to meet stipulations of quarantine laws in certain countries, while other containers may have carried toxic cargo. These are health hazards that must be neutralized before a container is fit for habitation. Another complication is that many residential areas do not allow the use of steel, so a potential developer or homeowner might find it challenging to obtain a building permit. Only time will tell if the container living fad will take off here in Africa, and in what form it will be adopted. It’s a viable housing option, if not for highend living then surely for lower-end housing, a solution for which we have struggled to find.
70
Feature
Sensational little
stocking fillers We have taken the liberty of sourcing a few pearls, which we think would be amazing stocking-fillers this festive season.
The Radiomir Panerai 1940 collection, which has just been launched, is a reproduction of the original model from 1940. It represents a transition from the very first watch created by Panerai for the Royal Italian Navy in 1936 to the famous Luminor case of 1950, with its characteristic protective crown device. The Radiomir Panerai 1940 combines solidity, reliability and functionality with absolute modernity.
Presented in a sensational package, Chivas Regal 12 is the perfect gift to ring in the holiday season for the discerning gentleman. With hazelnut, honey notes and a long smooth finish, this gorgeous blend is more than a whisky, it’s a statement of all things that have style, luxury and heritage.
Every girl needs a gob-smacking pair of shades for the summer and the ChloĂŠ 2013 Eyewear Collection gives you an astonishing choice of colours and textures. Each style plays with shapes and volumes ranging from retro to aviation and oversized to timeless. ChloĂŠ is for the playful, young-at-heart lady who values quality, is fashion-conscious, educated and sophisticated and considers purchases as investments.
Feature
71
Hennessy Cognac, SA’s leading cognac brand, has launched a very special gift box – ideal for an esteemed gentleman, friend or colleague this festive season. The elegant gold gift box is designed by leading Italian Design House, Pininfarina, who are renowned for their work with Ferrari, Alfa Romea and Maserati. Hennessy V.S clearly illustrates the consistency of the Hennessy style and for more than a century, its fine balance between power and elegance has made it popular with millions of connoisseurs.
Dior is one of the world’s luxury powerhouses and it’s never been more apparent in the new Mini Lady D de Dior watches which combine bright gems with impeccable design. You can choose from tsavorite garnets, pink sapphires and tourmalines with diamond set crowns and bright neon lizzard straps and to top it off, the white gold prong buckles are also gem-set to match the dial. The playfulness and indulgence of this timepiece makes it a must on your Christmas wish list.
The awe-inspiring choices from Cartier’s Paris Nouvelle Vague Collection celebrate the spirit, glamour and creativity of both the brand and the city. The collection itself is made up of seven different personalities or characters celebrating the Cartier Parisian woman - Mischievous, Voluptuous, Impish, Emancipated, Sparking, Glamour and Delicate. From spectacular rings of unfolding petals of black lacquer and diamonds and piled golden balls to colourful stone-embedded earrings and bracelets, there is a magnificent piece for all palettes. There is no reason why everyone should not own at least one of these exquisite jewels.
This is just what you need for capturing special memories this festive season! The Canon Mark III is a true all-in-one camera, with amazing capability for both still and video shooting. It suits the needs of well-heeled amateurs and working professionals equally well. It is powerful, fast, rugged and dust-proof with a weather-sealed body for all terrains. It is light and easy to hold and manage, making it an essential item in your travel kit.
72
T ra v el
Just
cruising
Go with the flow and book your next holiday on a hotel that floats! BY Dominique Wolf
F
orget the stereotype of a cruise ship the size of a shopping mall with a hull full of pensioners. Cruising has been taken to a new level, with exciting excursions and destinations tailor-made to deliver experiences beyond the ordinary. These days, luxury cruises are designed to take you on the journey of your dreams aboard the most glamorous ships at sea. Cruising has become the travel choice for holidaymakers looking for something unique. We’re showcasing three magnificent, totally different types of cruises to show you what you’re missing out on.
Antarctic Adventure Picture yourself stepping ashore to explore the most beautiful and interesting sites on the Antarctic continent and islands. Seabourn, one of Cruises International’s most luxurious options, offers her guests a range of experiences available to Antarctic visitors, including opportunities to view different species of penguins, seals and whales; visit sites of historical and geological interest; gain first-hand insights into regional scientific research; see a variety of ice features and enjoy scenic cruising of spectacular waterways and passages. Cruising on the magnificent Seabourn is unlike any form of travel. The experience is luxurious and sumptuous, yet relaxed and understated. This cruise lands in a different location each day over five days in Antarctica. The schedule on each cruise varies, and is dependent on weather and ice conditions. Book your cabin at www.seabourn.com.
Pit Stop at the Monte Carlo Grand Prix If fast cars, mingling with F1 enthusiasts, dinner in Italy and a cruise along the western French Riviera to Cannes and onto Monte Carlo sounds appealing – this is definitely for you. This cruise is combined with the glamour and excitement of the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix, offering guests a VIP experience during this famous Formula One event. This is yachting life at its pinnacle! This Grand Prix of Monaco themed cruise on the Star Pride, a power yacht, will give its guests the opportunity to experience the world’s most legendary racing event in May 2014. With only 212 guests, you’ll feel like it’s your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard. Each spacious, newly refurbished suite gives you an expansive ocean view — making it a welcome retreat from the excitement of the racetrack. This voyage is hosted by former ESPN Formula 1 pit reporter John Bisignano and includes a special Grand Prixthemed cocktail reception and dinner; grandstand seats for the qualifying race and the final; private cocktail reception and dinner at Hotel de Paris; and a commemorative Grand Prix gift package. You will experience the fantastic cuisine, incredible sightseeing and endless delights of Rome, shop in exclusive boutiques and enjoy the sun-soaked sidewalk cafes in Cannes. You will mingle with and enjoy the race with worldrenowned Grand Prix aficionados in Monte Carlo, Monaco and after that, wind
tra v el
73
74
tra v el
down while enjoying the exceptional island and sea views of Portofino. This seven-day Grand Prix of Monaco voyage sails round-trip from Rome/ Civitavecchia, Italy on 21 May 2014, and visits Portoferraio, Portofino and Portovenere, Italy; Cannes, France; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. This is without a doubt a once in a lifetime opportunity! Find out more at www.windstarcruises.com.
Magic on the Black Sea The Black Sea is one of cruising’s best kept secrets and is a perfect contrast to the increasingly overcrowded and commercial Mediterranean. It offers every bit as much history and culture, alongside fabulous beaches and sophisticated cities, many of which are rich with stunning baroque buildings. You can look forward to a wide variety of experiences on a Black Sea cruise – one day soaking up the sun on the honeysanded beaches of Varna in Bulgaria,
the next exploring the cobbled medieval streets of nearby Nessebur. There are beaches in most ports, but the majority of visitors are more concerned with the fascinating culture.
Cruising on the magnificent Seabourn is unlike any form of travel. The experience is luxurious and sumptuous, yet relaxed and understated.
The Black Sea is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia and Romania. Its geographic high points include the Caucasus Mountains to the East and the generally sunny Crimean coast. A definite highlight of the Black Sea Odyssey cruise includes a visit to Istanbul, where Europe and Asia meet and mingle. A seven-day culturally enriching cruise to the Black Sea will open your eyes to a totally different way of exploring the world.
Why we love cruises Apart from the extraordinary experiences on offer, a luxury cruise offers the benefits of onboard and onshore activities, no worry about directions or constant unpacking and repacking and best of all, most days you wake up in an amazing new place refreshed and ready to explore and experience new things. For more information, reservations or cruise options, contact your travel professional, or visit www.cruises.co.za
76
A U T O M O T I V E
growing trend in the luxury vehicle market
C
hoosing which SUV tops the list could be one of the hardest jobs in the world, especially when you look at what there is to choose from. We profiled four of the best, and we’re letting you pick your favourite from the crowd of sporty super cars. Germany is the mostrepresented on this list, with Porsche, Audi and Mercedes Benz, but the lonely Brit included here, Range Rover, holds its ground with the best of them.
The Porsche Cayenne When you think Porsche, you think pure sports car, or you would have until a few years ago. But as the world has evolved, so has Porsche as a brand. Now if you asked most people on the street to describe a Porsche, they’d describe the Porsche Cayenne. This is not a bad thing, because the Cayenne has allowed Porsche to enter an altogether new market, generating massive earnings from those wealthy enough to afford what could be considered one of the very best SUVs on the road today. The Cayenne comes in several variations, from the tame to the wild, and you can even get a diesel or hybrid version if your heart so desires. Our favourite version of the Cayenne is quite obviously the Cayenne Turbo S. This Porsche could be described as a mommy grizzly bear during cub season. It may seem like a big, bulky car, but if you push the right buttons all hell will break loose. It produces a terrifying 405kW of power and can reach a breakneck top-speed of 283km/h. With a zero to 100km/h acceleration of just 4.5 seconds, the only thing that may take a while with this SUV is choosing a colour. Prepare to cough up just shy of two million rand for the Cayenne Turbo S, but if you are really just looking to get your hands on a slightly more reserved version, the regular Cayenne will only set you back a little short of R800 000 – which still buys you 230km/h.
Porche Cayenne
The Audi Q7 Audi could be one of the best brands on the planet if we were to just go by the makes and models we have tested over the years, and the Q7 is just another example of German engineering excellence. The entire Audi SUV range, including the Q3 and the Q5, all provide for exceptional motoring pleasure, but when it comes to selecting the best of the bunch, the 4.2 litre TDI version comes out on top. You wouldn’t expect a diesel engine to blow our socks off, but we didn’t think twice when choosing between the two. The diesel provides the
power and pull that is needed to rocket this monster off the line, while at the same time providing a mix of refined ruggedness and good looks. The 4.2 litre TDI engine delivers a whopping 250kW with over 800Nm of torque. And those 800Nms propel you back into your seat with enough thrust to make you believe you could fly your Q7 to the moon. That powerful engine can get you to a top speed of 242km/h and take you from standing to 100km/h in a shade over six seconds. It will set you back R897 500 plus a few optional extras. Audis are serious cars for serious drivers, and once you own one, you can’t help but love them all. Audi Q7
automoti v e
77
The Range Rover Sport No SUV round-up would be complete without Range Rover, a truly royal addition. Range Rover is the only nonGerman brand here, but that doesn’t mean it is any less perfect. Of all the brands mentioned in this elite list, Range Rover is the most likely to survive a real adventure into the unknown. SUVs are built to handle any obstacle thrown in front of them, but as the world has become more and more developed, the SUVs have become less and less capable of taking it off-road. Range Rover has no such problems! Actually, you are encouraged to push this marvel of British engineering to every limit you can think of. Although the Range Rover looks good in the parking lot, it looks equally as striking in the wild bush. This car can scale sandy hills, through snow and water that is door-deep, and even drive on the beach, all while providing the driver and passengers with firstclass comforts. The Range Rover comes in many variations, from the trendy Evoque to the super luxurious Vogue, but our favourite is the Range Rover Sport. It has just enough of the Evoque’s trendy looks, coupled with all of the Vogue’s interior styling, to make it the best of both worlds. Add to that mix a three-litre Advanced Sequential Turbo Diesel engine that gives you 180kW of power and you have a really fast, supremely sexy SUV that can actually be a sports utility vehicle. It will cost you R850 000, but the Range Rover will earn you more than you pay in appreciation from those in the know. This is not an SUV just for the city-slicker; it’s an SUV for the aficionado.
Mercedes Benz ML
The Mercedes Benz ML The ML has always been a staple in the luxury SUV market and over time Mercedes has been able to develop and redevelop a formula that has set them apart for decades. Mercedes is sometimes mistakenly considered an “old man’s” car. But what Mercedes Benz has done over the last few years is keep all the elegance that makes it a connoisseur’s vehicle, but throw in a bit of mischief to make it a petrol head’s dream. AMG is the sports modification arm of Mercedes Benz and is the reason the king of business SUVs has a wild side. The ML 63 AMG has a 5.5 litre V8 petrol engine that pumps out a mind-blowing 386kW of power, and,
coupled with the 700Nm of torque you have a fire-breathing dragon under your right foot. Mercedes Benz limits the ML 63 AMG to 250km/h, but they can’t do anything to stop you getting from zero to the magic 100km/h in under five seconds. For a car that weights more than two tonnes that is more than impressive – it’s amazing! An ML 250 BlueTEC will set you back no more than R700 000 and it’s a very good car for that money. But if you’re like us and want to feel your whole world explode as you push that accelerator down, be prepared to pay just over R1.4m for that pleasure. @carandgameguru Range Rover
78
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.
79
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
80
C O L U M N
Playing with fire BY ALYN ADAMS
I
should probably have written this column in time for Heritage Day, but that would have involved planning months ahead. Planning months ahead is not part of the traditions of my people, a subspecies who go by the name of homo disorganisensia... Every year, during Heritage Month, I’m faced with the same dilemma – which bits of my heritage do I celebrate? Or rather, which bits of my heritage can I celebrate, without giving offence to everyone else’s? The tendency to march into other countries telling the locals, “Look, you’ll all be much better off with us in charge, just wait and see”? The compulsion to trace “civilisation” through just one of its branches, ignoring all the others? The habit of teaching foreigners our language by speaking it loudly and slowly, yet refusing to learn any other? It really is a quandary for a white guy trying to overcome the arrogance of his ancestry. I do understand why calling Heritage Day “Braai Day” is just not on, of course. I’m not entirely insulated in my little bubble of privilege; I pride myself in at least being able to walk a mile in the other fellow’s shoes (yeah, my ancestors have been stealing other fellows’ shoes for ages...) Commercial interests shouldn’t be allowed to hijack a national holiday and rebrand it within just one cultural tradition – it’s a day devoted to celebrating our diversity, after all; it’s disrespectful to reduce it to “National Outdoor Cooking Day”.
I reckon what we really need, though, is a common heritage we can all share together – one that goes beyond grilled meat. It’s all very well everyone celebrating their own heritage in separate groups, but that does encourage balkanisation and leads all too easily to tribal thinking. We need a hundred years or so of vigorous intercultural marrying, during which the mothers-in-law can do battle to decide which aspects of whose heritage survive into the new age. No doubt, it won’t be pretty. It never is, when mothers-in-law square up. Quite On the other hand, our national motto probably, it will take years of infighting is “Unity in Diversity” – so I don’t see and bickering and innumerable incidents the harm in celebrating every Heritage of People Not Talking To Other People Day with a braai, or a shish’ nyama, or Except To Remind Them That They’re whatever your culture calls the process Not Being Spoken To, but that’s pretty of cooking meat over coals. While I standard, even when everyone is from agree that a unilateral renaming of the same culture. In this scenario, we’ll the day is offensive, I can’t agree with simply have more languages in which we those opponents who call the concept a “foreign intrusion”. Please don’t expect can Not Speak To Each Other, during the me to believe that Africans ate their meat decades it takes us to build a common raw until the arrival of the Europeans heritage. – that’s just as offensive as insisting everyone call it “Braai Day.” And while all that is going on, the men can gather round the braai and Cooking over a fire is a human universal, discuss soccer. And perhaps celebrate after all – a tradition born here in Africa that other great universal that binds and exported all over the world with our us all, whatever our race or culture – migrating ancestors. There are worse emphatically talking utter nonsense ways to get to know one’s neighbours when we’re drunk. than a friendly rivalry over the perfect technique for cooking wors. Just don’t go @alyndenzel appropriating the name, and we can all www.alynadams.com get along.