www.afropolitan.co.za | 2018 | Edition 55
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Home of the Afropolitan
CONTENTS MANAGING EDITOR Donna Verrydt CONTRIBUTORS Cuan Du Chunne Gareth Jacobs Estate Living Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor Vus Ngxande Dorine Reinstein James Sey Angie Snyman Melissa van Achterberg Donna Verrydt Dominique Wolf Eugene Yiga PUBLISHING HOUSE Contact Media & Communications 388 Main Avenue, Randburg Block A Tel: +27(0) 11 789 6339 Fax: +27(0) 11 789 7097 email: pressman@contactmedia.co.za web: www.contactmedia.co.za CEO & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Sean Press MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Donna Verrydt FINANCE & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Lesley Fox SALES MANAGER Quincy Matonhodze SALES Kate Bowden Bruce Crowie Didi Okoro Melanie Scheepers Emma Strydom Dominique Wolf DESIGN & LAYOUT Quinten Tolken COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Keabetsoe S Dikgole @ 3V Communications SUB-EDITOR Margot Bertelsmann PROOFREADER Angie Snyman PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Gwen Sebogodi IT AND WEB MANAGER Carmen Petre REPRO & PRINTING Kadimah Print
22 CONTENTS
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
5 AMAFRIKAN
ART 6
THE POWER OF STREET ART
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FOR ANY DISTRIBUTION QUERIES CONTACT: 011 401 5870 Copyright © 2018 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.
12 THE GLAM PRECINCT 18 AFRICA UNCUT 22 THE WEARABLE CITY
BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY
52 THE ENTERTAINER'S DREAM HOME
TRAVEL
54 LIGHTS! CAMERA! TRAVEL! 58 AFRICAN EXCELLENCE DESTINATIONS 62 HEADACHE-FREE HOLIDAYS
CULTURE
64 THE NEW COLLECTORS
26 VICTORY BY ASSOCIATION 32 THE MAVEN OF MAVERICKS
BEAUTY & GROOMING
70 MADIBA’S LEGACY LIVES ON
OUT & ABOUT
AFRICAN WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE (AWE)
68 GETTING EVEN
38 MEET SA'S YOUNGEST CARDIOLOGIST — VIWE MTWESI
MOTORING 76 GREAT VELAR!
PROPERTY
43 ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY 49 SPRING FEVER
LAST WORD
80 ATANDWA KANI – AN AFROPOLITAN IN NEW YORK 3
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Tumisho Masha and Lerato Masha
The digistore’s name is of great importance because the brothers want it to emcompass the philosophy of the business: to uphold the values of Ubuntu, black consciousness and heritage restoration. AmAfrikan strongly represents this.
AMAFRIKAN
THE MASHA BROTHERS ARE FINDING, DEVELOPING AND AMPLIFYING AFRICAN EXCELLENCE. BY DONNA VERRYDT
S
outh African television star Tumisho Masha must have drawn great inspiration from his gig as a presenter of the exclusive magazine TV show Top Billing, because he is all about luxury these days. Tumisho, alongside his brother Lerato Masha, recently launched a new online retail store that they have proudly named AmAfrikan, and which they hope will embrace Africa’s largely unexplored luxury art and design market by offering artists and entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their talents, designs and products... globally! “We started AmAfrikan.com to find, develop and amplify African excellence and to make it accessible for the world to experience and appreciate,” says Tumisho.
FLY LIKE A GIRL SA – NDEBELE MAIDEN PHONE COVER R360
Ravele of Native Décor (chic hand-finished home accessories); FlyLikeAGirl, which are airline pilot Amanda Kandawire’s stylish phone accessories (all about representation, identity and affirmation); Theo Baloyi’s Bathu, which tells a South African township story with its street-credible designer sneakers; leading premium sock brand Skinny Sbu Socks and sophisticated African-inspired jewellery line LuOme by Lusanda Omela.
The virtual offering currently features art, fashion, accessories, furniture and homeware. Artists include internationally known Bianca Nguema; Olatunji Sanusi (who is engaging the local art community with his poignant paper collages); Lebohang Motaung (who brings a soulful connection to art and hair plaiting); and the self-made Thulani Nhlapo, whose images are the colour of life. Other brands included in the platform are Shark Tank SA investment winner Vusani
“We want to cultivate pride and ownership around local, quality brands,” explains Tumisho. “If we can help rid Africa of the inferiority complex that has allowed its treasures to be taken, repackaged and sold back to the continent by the international world, then we will be making a difference!” Although this business is currently a fledgling, it packs a lion of a punch when it comes to backing. “AmAfrikan has forged symbiotic relationships with ProudlySA and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” says Lerato. “This will help create a meaningful market access both locally and internationally for our partners.”
AmAfrikan is open for business.
Check out the online store at www.amafrikan.com or follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #AmAfrikan Facebook: AmAfrikan Instagram: @amafrikandotcom Twitter: @AmAfrikandotcom
LUOME KNOT EARRINGS R330
OLATUNJI SANUSI – EVERY STORY HAS SIDES II, SOLD FOR R45 000 5
ART
THE POWER OF STREET ART
Slave Labour – London, Banksy
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IMAGES Getty/Gallo images
FROM THE TIME OF THE EARLIEST HUMANS, WALLS WERE THE BLANK CANVASES OF COMMUNICATION, INTIMIDATION, COMPLAINT AND CELEBRATION. WALLS WERE THE ORIGINAL VEHICLES OF CHANGE. JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THIS PARTICULAR FORM OF SOCIAL COMMENTARY. BY DONNA VERRYDT
ART
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treet art was the first form of social media. Before Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, there were walls – accessible to all, and not restricted by the availability of technology such as smartphones and the internet. For centuries, “real” art was something only accessible to the privileged, only visible to those who ventured into art galleries and only available to those who could afford the hefty price tags. Graffiti, on the other hand, was not “exclusive” enough for the upper crust because it was available to all. But its value does not lie in the opportunity to own it, but in its power to achieve change. Graffiti became the voice of the oppressed, the disillusioned, the socially and economically challenged. And while the elite harshly condemned the art form as vandalism, street artists were using their talents to draw attention to social issues that plagued society. Rage, Flower Thrower – Jerusalem, Banksy
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CHANGE In 2010, a series of protests, demonstrations (and street art) gave rise to the historically famous Arab Spring revolution where Hosni Mubarak was toppled as the leader of Egypt. Years prior to the revolution there was very little street art in Egypt, but as discontent rose street artists loitered impatiently in alleyways, armed with spray cans and brushes, ready to “voice” their political and social opinions.
IMAGES Getty/Gallo images
In the 18-day demonstrations against Mubarak in 2011 (where 846 civilians were subsequently killed), some protesters threw bricks while others “threw paint”. They painted slogans and murals commenting on the violence that rocked their country. Egypt’s streets were under “art attack” and the people of Egypt took note of the messages. Today street art is an integral part of Egypt’s social commentary and a sign of the country’s continuous fight for freedom. The walls continue to remind the people that the revolution is not over yet! Another recent example is the powerful part street artists played in Kiev’s 2016 protests in Ukraine.
GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) Government Spies Telephone Box – Cheltenham, Banksy
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ART In fact, Banksy adds property value to any wall he has painted! Banksy’s street pieces (essentially illegally created public art) has made the wall on which it appears valuable. Owners of a building which carries a Banksy have the right to that artwork and can choose whether to keep it, to destroy the artwork or even to sell it. So how do you sell a Banksy on a building? Well, street art cut from buildings can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars! New York art dealer Stephan Keszler believes that he “salvages” the work by cutting it out of walls. “If I don’t salvage the art, then buildings get demolished or the art gets destroyed by idiots,” said Keszler, who has extracted and sold 15 of Banksy’s street pieces. But there's an ethical concern with tearing out whole walls from buildings. Banksy fans believe that the works are put out in the street for free, so that all people can enjoy and perhaps even benefit from them and that it's unfair that Banksy himself doesn't profit from his works being sold. But don’t feel too sorry for the artist because The Financial Times has estimated Banksy’s worth to be around $30 million, derived from other income revenues of course, including non-street exhibitions that are auctioned through reputable houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s.
Untitled (1981), Basquiat
While Banksy is by far one of the most well-known in this art genre, it was 80s expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat’s street painting “Untitled” that sold for a whopping $100 million at Sotheby’s in New York. CNNMoney reported that the 1982 painting beat an Andy Warhol piece to become the most expensive work by an American artist!
MONEY
Who hasn’t heard of the world famous Banksy, the anonymous graffiti satirist who is famous for his political, social, and moral commentary? He is known to ridicule government, corporations, and society as a whole and has stirred up many controversies, which has gained him a healthy 2.5 million Instagram followers – and probably as many political and corporate haters. He's considered one of the best and most influential graffiti artists in the world by academic art evaluators, examiners and collectors.
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Artwork by Vhils
IMAGES Getty/Gallo images
Because of the social and political change inspired by street art around the world, art connoisseurs now view the medium through somewhat more rose-tinted glasses. Street art is now a valuable art form.
ART
Van Riebeeck original wall, Maboneng
STREET ART SOUTH AFRICA The most relevant historical context in South Africa is of course that of racial segregation officially implemented in 1948 under the name apartheid. We still struggle to navigate this history today. The Freedom Charter, a document that was adopted at the Congress of the People in 1955, went on to inspire the first democratic Constitution of South Africa, which finally formally ensured the equal rights for all South African citizens. But change on the ground has been slow and
STREET ART JOHANNESBURG the people have taken to the walls in protest. In Cape Town, two sites are saturated in street art, reflecting the dark past of our country and the plight of black South Africans. The sites are Woodstock and the central business district. Both sites tell different stories of the post-apartheid period in South Africa. One side like here tells a story of the celebration of ending segregation, while other focuses on the ongoing struggle.
It is Johannesburg, however, that boasts the most thriving graffiti artist network and culture, specifically in the areas of Maboneng, Newtown and Jeppestown in the inner city. These areas boast street art pieces that offer sociocutural commentary on Jozi. Not only the sentiments of locals have been voiced: international street artists and tourists alike have had their interests sparked. In fact, Johannesburg is now firmly on the global art tourism map, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year in the quest to see iconic pieces such as ROA’s mural featuring six massive African animals (the giraffe, hippo, elephant, rhino, springbok and sable antelope) stacked on top of one another as a reminder of the beauty of nature within the concrete jungle. Another iconic piece that has attracted many art-seeking eyeballs is Ricky Lee Gordon’s (aka Freddy Sam) 40-metre-high mural of “The Shadow Boxer” depicting a young Nelson Mandela sparring on a Joburg rooftop. The piece is situated on the corner of Staib Street and Beacon Road in Maboneng and was completed shortly after Mandela’s death.
IMAGES Getty/Gallo images
Maboneng has grown to become a wellloved lifestyle neighbourhood with its live, work and play ethos. The precinct has encouraged artists to put their mark on the cityscape and developers have even offered artists residencies in exchange for public artworks. Orlando Towers street art, Soweto
One of the most recent street art pieces to be added to the Maboneng Precinct is the Yvonne Chaka Chaka tribute piece that was expertly crafted by famous Portuguese street artist Vhils.
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Vhils with his new Very Special Limited Edition Hennessy bottle art
COLLABORATION: VHILS AND HENNESSY
Born in Portugal in 1987, Vhils (also known as Alexandre Farto) grew up in the outskirts of Lisbon and was raised during a period that was deeply affected by the after effects of the 1974 Carnation Revolution. As a child he witnessed the effects of the war on the walls which inspired his artistic style and his need to express his opinion. Vhils gained prominence when he carved a portrait that was revealed alongside street artist Banksy at the Cans Street Art Festival in London in 2008. He has become world famous for his chiselling technique using chisels, hammers, drills, etching and bleaching. He believes that we're all composed of layers upon layers of social and historical fabric.
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Our social system is the product of similar layers and by eliminating some of the top layers, we may be able to accomplish a more pure form. This artist’s motto “Making the Invisible Visible” became the basis of his recent collaboration with Hennessy. Earlier this year, Vhils teamed up the world’s best-selling cognac to produce the Very Special Limited Edition Hennessy bottle, a custom-designed bottle, which launched a new instalment of Hennessy’s tradition of artistic partnerships.
The bottle is the eighth in the ongoing series of artistic collaborations between Hennessy VS and international street artists including Shepard Fairey and JonOne. The new bottle design by Vhils was launched alongside his five-metre Yvonne Chaka Chaka tribute street art piece situated beside the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Maboneng. The wall underwent a complete facelift and the former colonial settler Jan van Riebeeck’s image was replaced by the new Vhils portrait.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Vhils
IMAGES Keabetsoe S Dikgole @ 3V Communications & Hennessy
Vhils likes to call himself an “urban archaeologist” as he focuses on penetrating through layers of street posters, dirt and plaster to set free the art and history hidden beneath. He does this by chiselling away the negative space in the plaster to create his art pieces – which are more often than not portraits of living people.
ART While many street art pieces carry historical and political sentiment, the Yvonne Chaka Chaka piece is a celebration of legendary singer, humanitarian and activist Yvonne Chaka Chaka. “I did a lot of research into the person I wanted to feature in my portrait,” said Vhils. “Not only do I respect Yvonne Chaka Chaka as an artist, I honour her as a humanitarian and a leader. I’m honoured and very glad that I was able to do the wall,” Vhils said.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who attended the reveal of her portrait, was proud to have been chosen as the subject of Vhil’s talents. Hand in hand, Vhils and Yvonne expressed their hope that the portrait would not only captivate every person who gazed upon it, but that it would inspire a community, and uplift a city. “It is an amazing project and I’m grateful and humbled to be a part of it. I hope it inspires good change,” said Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka at Maboneng If you want to visit the new Yvonne Chaka Chaka portrait by Vhils in Maboneng, the wall can be found in Albrecht Street, beside the old Cosmopolitan Hotel and across the road from the Hazard Art Gallery. While you’re there, check out the surrounding street cafés that have popped up. We highly recommend Blackanese and Chalkboard café.
IMAGES Keabetsoe S Dikgole @ 3V Communications
Yvonne Chaka Chaka tribute street art piece
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FASHION
HIGH-RISE HEAVEN MEETS VIBRANT, BOLD, HIGHSPEED GLAMOUR AND SOPHISTICATION THIS SUMMER. PHOTOS: GARETH JACOBS STYLING: DOMINIQUE WOLF
THE GLAM
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PRECINCT
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IMAGES Shutterstock
A F R I CA U N C U T
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AFRICA, THE PROUD CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, HOSTS A CORNUCOPIA OF PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS METALS AND GEMSTONES DEEP WITHIN ITS RICH AND VALUABLE SOIL. IT'S A TREASURE TROVE OF MATERIAL TO FASHION THE MOST CREATIVE AND DESIRABLE JEWELLERY. BY DOMINIQUE WOLF
O
ne estimate has it that Africa has some 19 000 variations of gemstones, nearly 50% of the global gemstone turnover. Even though coloured gemstones are found mostly in Brazil, Burma and Sri Lanka, there are restrictions on the export of these. For example, although Burmese rubies are considered the best in the world, there is a trade embargo against them entering the USA. The mining of coloured gemstones extends across many small mines in several African countries, however, the main producing countries are in the southern and eastern regions of Africa, stretching from Namibia in the south-west, up to Ethiopia and across to Madagascar. They all lie on the same gemstone-rich region referred to as the Neoproterozoic Mozambique Belt. One of the most lucrative mining operations in Mozambique is the Gemfields Mozambique ruby mines. These rubies are mined and sold directly to the market via auction. In June 2018, Gemfields raised a whopping $72 million for 82 parcels of rubies. This is an average price of $122 per carat! There is a misconception that carat indicates size, but it is actually what the stone weighs. To put this into perspective, one carat is a tiny one-fifth of a gram in weight! Tanzania is a massive pot of jewels. Tanzania is particularly well-known for tanzanite. Other gemstones from there include the stunning rhodolite garnet, tsavorite garnet and Tanzanian spinels, which easily rival the most beautiful ruby. Mining there is principally on a small scale which tends to be labour intensive.
IMAGES Shutterstock
The Mozambique Belt should not detract from another African country, Nigeria – the largest supplier among West African nations. Nigeria is highly regarded for its blue sapphire as well as large quantities of fine tourmaline. Aquamarine and topaz is also mined extensively there. South Africa is recognised as probably the wealthiest mineral jurisdiction in the world. The value of the local jewellery market is estimated at around R2 billion. South Africa’s most valuable mineral market, including gold and diamonds, are currently estimated to be worth just under R30-trillion.
A quick reference guide to the most sought-after gemstones from Africa TOURMALINE This stone comes in every colour of the rainbow and can even be colourless. It is mined in Africa in Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and Namibia.
TANZANITE Natural tanzanite gemstones were first found in 1967 near Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Airport. The gem comes in shades of yellow, green, and violet-blue.
MOONSTONE Moonstone originated in Africa and has milky translucent to transparent properties. This stone is famous among gemstone lovers around the world as its properties change with shifting rays of light.
SAPPHIRE The stone of royalty! Sapphire is only second in hardness to the most loved and valued rock in the world: the diamond. Madagascar is a huge producer of this blue gem.
AFRICAN AMETHYST Today, the finest African amethyst gemstones come from Zambia. The natural colour of African amethyst varies from light purple to intense shades of violet and royal mauve. These gemstones are said to have healing properties.
AQUAMARINE Known as the gem of the sea, aquamarine is a blue to bluegreen gem. It is mined in Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar and Zambia. These gems are available in large sizes. Their value is often dependent on clarity, depth and purity of colour rather than carat size.
RUBY Natural ruby originates in Tanzania and is a pink to blood-red gemstone. It is highly durable and one of the few gem species whose colour reaches saturation levels. Fine quality rubies are some of the most expensive gems with prices reaching more than $100 000 per carat for especially fine specimens.
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HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR GEM
World-class gemstones are extracted from hundreds of mines across Africa and sent to laboratories for cutting, refining and colour enhancement procedures. There, the quality of the gemstone is established based on clarity and the physical attributes comparable with the benchmark items. The four Cs of gem grading are colour, clarity, cut and carat (weight). Gemologists grade gemstones based on these properties. Gemstones are also graded by the rarity of their features. Ultimately, though, you need to purchase a gemstone that suits you personally. What’s best for you, e.g. a big stone, may not necessarily be the top grade of the gem.
THE FOUR CS ARE INTERRELATED AND EACH FACTOR HAS A RANGE. COLOUR
This can account for 50% of a gemstone’s value. A stone should neither be too light nor too dark. It should be a vivid, rich colour. The three components hue, tone and saturation are used together to describe an individual gemstone and they all vary.
CLARITY
This seems to be the second most important factor in evaluating gemstones. Gemstones are categorised into clarity types based on the formation process. Gemologists simply grade most coloured stones either eye-clean (no inclusions visible to the naked eye), slightly, moderately or heavily included. Eye-visible inclusions always lower a gem’s value. Coloured gems are grouped into three clarity types: Type 1 – usually eye clean; Type 2 – usually included; Type 3 – almost always included. Generally, the highest values go to stones with pure hues and strong, rich colours. With high-value gems, subtle variations make a significant difference in price. Most people won’t see the difference but to an expert grader, it is clear and obvious.
CUT
This will affect the gemstone’s brilliance and sometimes the colour, hence the gemstone’s value. Gemstones become lighter as their size is reduced, which may be a good thing for darker stones, but it may make a light stone lose even more colour. A properly cut gemstone will reflect most of the light coming through the back of the stone in an even pattern, giving the stone its brilliance.
CARAT
The weight of the gemstone needs to be taken into consideration. Gems are measured by carat weight (1ct = onefifth of a gram). Price per carat varies among the gemstone groups. Gemstones in larger sizes are rarer and thus receive a higher price per carat.
IMAGES Shutterstock
For professional advice on gemstones, message Jozi-based gemologist Keith Lappeman on 071 401 9235 or email keith.lappeman@gmail.com. Husband and wife team, Labi and Wumba Kapo at Akapo Jewels are experts in the bespoke jewellery manufacturing sphere. Contact them on 011 038 3130 or 074 254 3139, email info@akapo.co.za, www.akapojewels.co.za
So in order to assess the value of any gemstone, a good understanding of these factors and their variations is needed. Enlist the help of a certified gemologist or wellestablished jeweller. Given the state of development in most of the producing countries, one can expect African gemstone production to increase in the coming years. But the supply from most of these mines is very limited, and one has to be an opportunistic buyer and exploit the opportunity when supply is plentiful.
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THE
WEARABLE CITY
Ilupeju, Lagos
HOW A SIEMENS DIGITISATION PROJECT HAS CREATED FASHION UNIQUE TO THREE AFRICAN CITIES. BY DONNA VERRYDT
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Central Bus Station, Nairobi
FASHION
“As urbanisation rapidly increases, cities need to start preparing for the effects it will have on infrastructure, energy, water and transportation systems,” said Siemens group communications head Keshin Govender. “All these things will have an impact on how we will live — and people need to understand this impact!” Data collection offers insight into what makes a city tick, and it helps governments make calculated decisions when improving town planning and service delivery to the people. Important information on urbanisation needs to be brought to the people, and what better way to do so than through the universal language of fashion and design?
Ilupeju, Lagos
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f the City of Johannesburg was a fashion item, what would it look like? What aspects of the Big Smoke would the garment depict? The colours? The architecture? The infrastructure? The energy? The urban information?
These were questions posed to three influential fashion designers hailing from South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, who were asked to take part in FABRIC, a design project initiated by electronics and automation company Siemens. The designers were challenged to create three unique outfits each, using carefully crafted fabrics that were woven with patterns that were inspired by important urban data that had been extracted from each city.
Bus Station, Nairobi
Siemens collected the vast amounts of data, most of it aerially, from Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg, and the information was digitised into patterns that were then woven into fabrics. These fabrics were used by each designer to create bespoke garments that tell an urban story – a truth, if you will – about the city from where each designer came. The unique patterns that were embedded in the fabrics were inspired by city-centric information such as power grids, shipping, transport structures, population densities, road infrastructure and railways.
Lagos Port, Lagos
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FASHION “Sectors such as the motor industry have already adopted smart technology, but the real opportunity for Africa lies in sectors where smart technology has not yet been explored, let alone implemented,” said Govender. These sectors include manufacturing, energy and transportation, for example. Digitisation is a remarkable opportunity for Africa, which will result in the establishment of new industries and new jobs while exponentially increasing skills development and contributing to GDP. This is the message that Siemens most wanted to share with the world and chose to do so in this unique way.
MEET THE DIGI-DESIGNERS
The intricate garments were created by John Kaveke (from Kenya), Zizi Cardow (from Nigeria) and Palesa Mokubung (from South Africa), who used the available data, and associated patterning, to create fabric designs which were used in their unique fashion pieces. South Africa’s Palesa Mokubung said that the project had transformed her way of thinking: “It opened so many new elements of inspiration for me, it’s like I am only truly experiencing Johannesburg now,” she said. “I see Johannesburg in a new light. It is much more dynamic now with many hidden opportunities underneath its highways, its pipes and its houses. I’m forever changed when it comes to what I do and how I see my city.”
Spotlight on
Palesa Mokubung (South Africa) The highly talented Palesa Mokubung used data from three significant Johannesburg areas that will be greatly impacted by future development. These areas were the Gillooly’s Interchange, Sandton and Newtown.
Nairobi-born John Kaveke said there was no better way to tell the story than through fashion. “Fashion and technology are a universal language and the two combined create a formidable team,” he said. Lagos-based Zizi Cardow said: “It’s time Africa equipped itself with information. Africa is often overlooked in terms of technology and science so pushing forward on these incredibly important aspects is the next step to propel the continent. Having more data about Africa means understanding our nations better and equipping ourselves to solve the problems we face.”
Gillooly's Interchange, Johannesburg
WHY GILLOOLY'S?
Industrial Area, Nairobi
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DATA AND DESIGN: Gillooly’s is the busiest interchange in the southern hemisphere and accommodates one of the world’s top 50 largest urban areas. More than 200 000 vehicles pass through it every day on 12 possible routes. Data shows that 65% of present-day traffic at Gillooly’s is made up of minibus taxis, and the pressure on the road’s infrastructure is considerable. With 20 million people expected in Johannesburg by 2030, and with data also showing that most new vehicles annually are purchased in Gauteng, Gillooly’s may not be able to accommodate the escalating number of vehicles in the future. The design aspects used included the curvature of the interchange and the parallel alignment of surrounding roads.
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WHY NEWTOWN?
DATA AND DESIGN: Newtown is home to the largest railway station in Africa, which began operating in 1888. Some of its biggest challenges include its old and dilapidated railway infrastructure, long queues, overcrowding and unreliable trains. Johannesburg will be a megacity by 2030, inhabited by around 20 million people, and so public transport will need to cater to this growing population. The "Newtown" fabric details Johannesburg’s Park Station, its 1 700 coaches in service and the 340 000 journeys it makes per day. Another interesting aspect of the design is the data on the city’s water supply. Johannesburg Water supplies 1 515 megalitres of potable drinking water per day, despite consumption being 1 610 megalitres of water per day. The slow rate of pipe replacement was further negatively affected by budget deferments, while theft and vandalism of water infrastructure resulted in frequent water interruptions. On the upside, the drinking water quality standard on E.coli was 99.9% against a target of 99%, which is amazing!
Newtown, Johannesburg
WHY SANDTON?
DATA AND DESIGN: Sandton's CBD is regarded as the economic and commercial hub of Johannesburg. Data on Sandton indicates that high traffic volumes coupled with the construction of new businesses will put substantial pressure on road infrastructure in the next few years. Sandton currently hosts more than 10 000 businesses and accounts for 50% of all commercial property construction in South Africa. More than 700 000 people travel into Sandton daily! In the next 10 years, this will increase considerably as data shows that 300 000 new private vehicles are sold annually in South Africa – with the majority purchased in Gauteng.
Sandton CBD, Johannesburg
Besides the business and traffic, the "Sandton" fabric outlines the magnificent tree canopy in Johannesburg. This is important because it contributes to lowering urban temperatures by blocking shortwave radiation and increasing water evaporation. Trees also mitigate air pollution caused by daily urban activities, and its root systems help avoid floods during severe rains. Cities around the world are realising the importance of trees and are developing strategies to increase their canopy cover. Johannesburg has a 23.6% tree canopy, which is considerably higher than London (12.7%), Los Angeles (15.2%) and Paris (8.8%). All of this information appears in a design interpretation of the fabrics.
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BUSINESS
BLACK EXCELLENCE CANNOT BE MADE INTO A LAW BUT IT IS IMPERATIVE IN THE SOCIOECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT OF BLACK PROFESSIONALS. VUS NGXANDE INTERROGATES THE WORK THAT CIVIL ASSOCIATIONS DO IN ORDER TO PROMOTE A CULTURE OF PROGRESSIVE HIGH PERFORMANCE AMONG BLACK BUSINESSES.
IMAGES Shutterstock
VICTORY BY ASSOCIATION
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BUSINESS
n 17 May 1954 in America, a bustling crowd, made up mostly of black people, had gathered outside the United States Supreme Court building. The tense crowd waited with bated breath to hear the outcome of what was seen as one of the most important court cases in the history of the racially divided country. The case was Brown vs. Board of Education. At stake was whether or not state-funded public schools should remain segregated along racial lines. Arguing for segregation was the former presidential candidate John W. Davis. Part of his argument included a long-held legal doctrine termed “separate but equal”. According to this principle, racial segregation did not violate the Constitution as long as each race had equal, though separate, access to government services and resources.
O
On the opposite side of the courtroom, arguing against racial segregation in public schools, was Thurgood Marshall. He rubbished the contemptuous idea of “separate but equal” so convincingly that the court overturned it, with the judge stating, “Separate but equal has no place in the Constitution.” With that, racial segregation in American public schools was banned. Thurgood Marshall represented the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, popularly known as the NAACP. A few years before, in South Africa, Hendrik Verwoerd had ushered in the system of apartheid with a definition eerily similar to that of “separate but equal”, calling the brutally oppressive philosophy “a policy of good neighbourliness, accepting that there are differences between people”. What black people in both countries knew was that the idea of parallel systems of governance and economics were a farce and would always disadvantage those who were not represented in the structures of power. The liberation movement in South Africa dismantled the political authority of apartheid and the NAACP in America proved the power that civil associations could wield. In post-1994 South Africa, associations representing black interest are still knee-deep in fighting the remnants of the apartheid system that remain ingrained in our society. While some associations have struggled to find their footing in the new dispensation and have had to be retired like battle-scarred warhorses, many newer organisations have had to evolve. Organisations such as the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA) and the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP) understand that today’s struggle is one of economic
WHEN THERE IS POOR REPRESENTATION OF A GROUP OF PEOPLE, THOSE WHO ARE PRESENT SEEM TO CARRY A DISPROPORTIONAL DUTY THAT OFFERS LOW MARGINS FOR ERROR. empowerment and as such are focused on breaking down barriers that hinder people of colour from accessing the benefits of participating meaningfully in the economy. Yet the challenge that many organisations face is not merely prohibitive practices, especially in the private sector. The consequential requirement is that those black professionals who do ‘make it’ have to maintain a higher level of proficiency than is expected of their white counterparts, meaning the idea of excellence should inherently precede any black individual or organisation that seeks to make inroads in any industry. Established in 1985, ABASA was formed with the aim of uniting accountants and aspiring accountants to promote and facilitate the identification and creation of opportunities that provide advancement for black people in the accounting profession. Between 2002 and 2016 the number of black chartered accountants has increased by 615%, going from 1 352 to 9 674. According to ABASA’s current president, Mbusiswa Ngcobo, “the reason for the rise in numbers is a result of collaborative partnerships between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), ABASA, African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) and the government, primarily the Department of Education”. He also credits initiatives such as SAICA’s Thuthuka Fund as being a contributor, to some level, to South Africa being able to increase the number of black CAs. Mr. Ngcobo says that they also recognise “the very strong contribution made by black academics who are working in SAICA-accredited university programmes. They are also contributing a lot in terms of dealing with the biases that are prevalent in the education system as well as creating a welcoming
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stories around VBS and Nkonki, there was a different undertone. The fact that these two companies were black-owned companies seemed to echo loudly. When there is poor representation of a group of people, those who are present seem to carry a disproportional duty that offers low margins for error. However, ABSIP’s president is quick to caution against illusory connotations of the demise of the two companies as representative of either a failure of black business or the lack of black professionals’ capacity to run large companies. He points out that VBS’s failure was as a result of a handful of individuals and those individuals “do not represent us”.
Mbusiswa Ngcobo, president of the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA)
culture at universities... These academics,” he goes on to say, “also interpret content in a more culturally familiar way for the black students.” The rise in numbers of black CAs, though significant in and of itself, is paltry compared to the total number of CAs in the country, which stands at just over 40 000. Part of the reason for the slow progress has to do with the lack of an efficient skills development pipeline that can identify talent and grow it from as young age as possible. It is for this reason that ABSIP has, as part of its five key pillars, chosen to focus on youth development. According to the ABSIP president, Sibongiseni Mbatha, youth development includes offering bursary opportunities to grade 11 students and matriculants. The organisation also has grown its student chapter to encompass more than 10 universities around the country.
The importance and significance of associations that stand for a disenfranchised people come into play when they offer tangible support and leadership when those whom they represent need it the most. When the public contracts that Nkonki held were cancelled and the firm’s Sunninghill office had to close shop, ABASA stepped in to ensure that the training contracts of trainee chartered accountants were not put at risk. The organisation, through its relationship with the leadership of Nkonki, worked to help secure new opportunities for the prospective CAs who were working for the company at the time when it registered for liquidation. Addressing the historical disempowerment of women has become integral in the cause for socioeconomic transformation in our country. The Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP) has several initiatives that target black women professionals in the finance sector. ABSIP has birthed the Women Leadership Programme, which has more than 40 beneficiaries. The role of women in leadership positions of large companies has also been in the news in recent years. These developments, however, have been received with a mixture of excitement and
In recent years the financial sector has been hit hard by a number of scandals involving large as well as smaller companies. Corporates such as Steinhoff have seen their share prices crash as a result of apparent financial irregularities. African Bank Investments Limited (Abil) virtually collapsed in 2014 before making an arduous comeback. Auditing firm KPMG also suffered a devastating blow to its reputation. VBS Mutual Bank essentially came undone in spectacular fashion while another auditing firm, Nkonki Inc, saw its largest office undergo voluntary liquidation. While some of these cases rocked the finance industry to the core, it was the latter two companies that left a deeper sense of unease in the collective psyche of black professionals. When companies such as Steinhoff and KPMG made headlines, there was general resignation to the salacious realities of corporate greed. Yet, in the
Sibongiseni Mbatha, president of the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP)
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reserved apprehension. Nhlamu Dlomu and Basani Maluleke have both been appointed as CEOs of KPMG and African Bank respectively. Nhlamu Dlomu was appointed at a time when the audit firm was in the midst of one of its worst reputational crises to date. During this time several male senior executives resigned from their positions. Nhlamu Dlomu was essentially left to clean up the mess that they left behind. This creates a dichotomy where niggling questions arise as to why the company picked that very period, when things had already gone awry, to appoint a black female leader. Was it a PR move to quell the media flames that were lapping at the company’s feet? Such inferences would seemingly be disingenuous in that it would strip away the merits of black professionals based on factors that were essentially out of their control. ABASA’s Mbusiswa Ngcobo explains, “Where we get (black) female leadership within corporate South Africa, we should still celebrate because it gives us the opportunity to learn. From
ADDRESSING THE HISTORICAL DISEMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN HAS BECOME INTEGRAL IN THE CAUSE FOR SOCIOECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN OUR COUNTRY. a South African perspective, we do not have enough collective memory that we have created in order to make any call in terms of female leadership primarily because the industry has not yet opened up (to female leadership)”.
IMAGES Shutterstock
One of the most fundamental tenets of associations that represent the disempowered is an ability to authoritatively shape narratives. Media houses seeking to make sales and gain traffic are more than willing to focus on the more disparaging side of any story. Complex issues and the lesson that they carry can be often lost in the simplistic packaging of news to cater to a distracted and despondent audience.
Nhlamu Dlomu, CEO of KPMG
Basani Maluleke, CEO of African Bank
Stats SA has released dire unemployment numbers, more so among the youth population. Yet research shows that there are serious shortages in skilled labour. This means that there is an intrinsic disconnect. The state can only do so much while trying to balance everything on the knife edge of a struggling economy. This means that it is up to civil organisations to interrogate the gaps and to galvanise through strong thought leadership and brave vision as well as a tenacious desire to see tangible change.
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Abdullah Verachia
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THE MAVEN
OF MAVERICKS BEING A WORLD-RENOWNED THOUGHT LEADER IN DISRUPTION DOES COME WITH ITS SHARE OF DISRUPTIONS IN LIFE. VUS NGXANDE TALKS TO ABDULLAH VERACHIA ABOUT BUILDING A SOLID CAREER THAT'S WELL ADAPTED TO CHANGE.
H
ow do you become a 38-year-old entrepreneurial business maverick who holds numerous academic qualifications, gives over 70 keynote addresses per year worldwide, sits on a number of boards and advises numerous multinationals on strategy and disruptive innovation? Well, you start as a young student who half-wittedly tried to fund his own law degree by working full time while studying full time, being robbed of all your little start-up’s stock and owing a giant cellular service provider over R150 000, all the while hiding from your family the fact that you’ve been financially excluded from your studies. Abdullah Verachia’s ascent as one of the most sought-after business strategists and thought leaders in the country as well as globally is a story that bears testament to the fact your life experiences are your greatest asset, that a deep, dynamic understanding of yourself is the highest qualification one could hope to attain and that serendipity is the secret sauce in the taste of any major success. Born in Mpumalanga to a family that was active in the liberation movement during the height of political unrest, Abdullah reflects on his early childhood as being the fertile soil in which the seed that was to become his illustrious career was planted. “My life was centred around politics being a key factor in our home in terms of discussions,” he says. “I think that was helpful in me understanding the dynamics and context of what is happening from a country perspective in terms of social awareness, social justice and an awareness of race and identity. Both my paternal and maternal grandparents, my parents, uncles and aunts instilled in us a sense of always debating and discussing key issues.” These “frank discussions” that were freely held in his home would later become his internal compass when he came across a series of life-changing moments that shaped his career. One of these life-altering moments came in 1998 while on a leadership camp as a student when he was asked to participate in a debating competition. But he didn’t participate out of an ambitious desire to succeed. “I was sitting with a friend,” he slyly remembers, “and I said to him, ‘(The competition) gives us a day away from school, let’s do this thing’.” This decision would impact numerous paths that would open for him.
He won the competition and was selected to go to New York to participate in the UN’s Model United Nations programme, where he won an award for best speaker. This experience would instil in him an appreciation for the potential that being able to compete on international stages had in the development of one’s capacity for impactful ideas. Abdullah started his career in law. During his varsity days he was faced with having to pay for his own studies. To do this, he worked for a mobile phone company selling recharge vouchers. The business had small margins that came undone when he was robbed of all his stock. The loss left him unable to pay fees and he was excluded. “No one knew that I had been kicked out (of university),” he muses. “I was pretending to still be there. I was on the SRC and I was still attending meetings.” The Dean of Students recognised this and prompted Abdullah to apply for a National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) loan. He got the loan and was given a lifeline to complete his studies.
“NO ONE KNEW THAT I HAD BEEN KICKED OUT (OF UNIVERSITY),” HE MUSES. “I WAS PRETENDING TO STILL BE THERE...” Abdullah’s personal challenges didn’t overshadow his calling to make a difference. While in his early 20s he and Nwabisa Mayema founded The Collective Genius, a business that helped corporates with implementing and running flagship corporate social responsibility initiatives that targeted high school and tertiary students. He met Nwabisa on the Model UN trip to New York. The company would go on to affect the lives of more than 100 000 students through leadership and development programmes. “Our work was incredibly fulfilling. In the 18 years TCG impacted hundreds of thousands of young people, many of whom play an active role in politics, business, civil society and academia today.”
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Abdullah looks back on the completion of his articles and becoming a lawyer with mild selfreproach and enlightened sense of reflection. “The problem with society is that your framing of what you should be doing, as a career, is based a lot on what you read, hear and see,” he says, alluding to how career choices are often determined by external factors such as TV shows. “You watch (TV shows) and think, ‘I want to be that. I want to wear black suits and look the part and be the part and be a lawyer.’ Then you go and do your articles and you realise that it’s not what you want.” So, in 2007, after practicing for all of two years, a newly married Abdullah decided to quit being a lawyer. He ponders on how we tend to be overly attached to the qualification, the piece of paper. “There doesn’t need to be a predetermined future based on what you have studied,” he says. This reluctance to tow the lines of normality is one the tenets of the psyche of those he calls “alternates”. “The game doesn’t need to be defined by that piece of paper,” he proclaims. Your qualification “gives you a way of thinking, a way of understanding the world.” After leaving law, he teamed up with Dr. Martyn Davis and founded Frontier Advisory, a research, strategy and investment advisory firm that assists clients to improve their competitiveness in emerging markets. Davies was introduced to him by Sudeshan Reddy, a dear friend and mentor who was his Model UN tutor. Their first “office” was a table in an Exclusive Books store in Hyde Park. “We’d arrive there, switch on our computers and that was that,” he chuckles. Frontier Advisory would grow to be such a success that in 2015 Deloitte bought the firm. He credits the firm with fast-forwarding his career far beyond his age by throwing him in the deep end and forcing him to understand the intricacies of running a business and being able to travel the world to consult with large corporations. Davies also introduced him to Professor Nick Binedell, who led him back to the corridors of academia at the prestigious Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), where he teaches strategy and disruptive innovation. He also serves as the programme director for the Harvard senior executive programme for Africa. Nick continues to be a dear friend, colleague and mentor and Abdullah and Nick play an active role in leading a number of country issues. “GIBS is my happy place,” muses Abdullah. “I love my work in the classroom, in designing programmes, in educating and in having an impact. In fact, I don’t even consider it work. I have the privilege of having Professor Nicola Kleyn as my dean as she truly empowers me to be the alternative, to innovate and to be me. She has been an incredible pillar in growing my academic career and in creating the context where people like me can find their passion and enhance it. The school has also recently appointed a new head of faculty, Morris Mthombeni. I have really appreciated his empowering leadership, which mirrors that of Kleyn and Binedell." He highlights that Binedell, Kleyn,
Abdullah Verachia
...AFTER PRACTICING FOR ALL OF TWO YEARS, A NEWLY MARRIED ABDULLAH DECIDED TO QUIT BEING A LAWYER. Mthombeni and other colleagues at the school reflect the essence of empowerment, creating the context where colleagues can truly develop and grow. Abdullah’s reputation centres on his passion for being a provocative thought leader in the fields of strategy and disruptive innovation. To achieve this feat, he has had to consciously implement disruption in his own life, scoffing at the age-old adage that “those who can’t, teach”. His “dogmatic pursuit of defining an alternative career path” is deeply rooted in his identity as a person of colour with a complex and evolved history yet fuelled by a desire to use those life experiences as a tool to shape the impact the change that he wants to see in the world.
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ADVERTORIAL
M A K IN G C UT T I N G -E DG E CARE
ACCESSIBLE T
hey’ve already made a strong name for themselves through rapid growth, opening four new hospitals over five years and acquiring three more, with three of its hospitals already rated in the country’s Top 20 by Discovery Health members. But these are still only the early days of Busamed’s journey to become the very best healthcare provider in South Africa. “Busamed is a young, emerging and proudly South African healthcare group with a vision to provide quality, cost-effective services to its patients in partnership with its specialist health
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BUSAMED IS A RELATIVELY YOUNG COMPANY, BUT ONE WITH A STRONG VISION AND THE INTENT TO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN HEALTHCARE SECTOR.
professionals using a combination of high clinical standards and innovative technology,” explains Dr. Diliza Mji, the health group’s CEO. “We manage and operate all our facilities with the backing of the Busamed Management Company.”
A PORTFOLIO OF EXCELLENCE
To understand the group, it’s important to look at their efforts from the ground up, starting with the hospitals themselves. Busamed’s newest hospitals are the Busamed Lowveld Private Hospital in Nelspruit and Busamed Bram Fischer International Airport Hospital in
Bloemfontein. They join an established stable of excellent healthcare venues that includes the Busamed Gateway Private Hospital which is situated in Umhlanga, a centre of rapid growth in KwaZulu-Natal. Their position puts them in the ideal spot to help with the growing demand for surgical services across the province. This hospital boasts 168 beds, six theatres and two cath labs, and is the hospital of choice for cardiac and orthopaedic treatments across South Africa. Busamed also runs the Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital, a 120bed acute hospital at the foot of the
ADVERTORIAL
Platberg mountain. This is a modern facility conveniently placed along the N3 highway connecting KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. As well as 24-hour emergency services they offer a tertiary medical care through a staff of experienced specialists. Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital, meanwhile, is also set in KwaZulu-Natal, but this time in the leafy suburb of Hillcrest, where it offers quality healthcare with an extremely strong focus on the customer in a 200-bed hospital with extensive, top of the range medical facilities chosen to meet its community’s needs such as joint replacements, vascular surgery, neurosurgery and oncology. The Busamed Modderfontein Private Hospital Orthopaedic and Oncology Centre is an acute hospital in Linbro Park, Johannesburg in the developing Modderfontein City. This hospital, with 170 beds, features a team of orthopaedic surgeons who are all experts in their fields. It’s also notable for offering the first Robotic Assisted Surgery technology in South Africa, and indeed, on the African continent as a whole. It also boasts a state of the art Oncology facility with a Linear Accelerator. Finally, there is Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital, in the historical Paardevlei district of Somerset West. This hospital offers 100
beds and a comprehensive list of medical specialities including cardiology and electrophysiology. Busamed Paardevlei’s local community is able to access specialist sub specialities simply not available elsewhere. The most recent example of this is possibly the purchase of a NAVIO Robotic Surgical System for orthopaedic joint replacements. This was the site of the first NAVIO Total Knee Replacement in South Africa, and since then 27 more NAVIO Robot-assisted procedures have been performed there. It’s a shining example not only of the state-of-the-art technology, techniques and expertise that Busamed’s facilities boast, but also of the extra mile that the group is willing to go to provide the best care for their patients.
GROWING PAINS
With new hospitals and a growing talent pool, this has been an exciting and fascinating period of growth for the Busamed Group. “In the last year and a half, we have made three acquisitions of mature hospitals, namely Gateway, Hillcrest and Lowveld, which brings to seven the number of hospitals in our group topping up the original new builds, i.e. Paardevlei, Modderfontein, Harrismith and Bram Fischer,” explains Dr Mji. “Our focus is
INDUSTRY ISSUES HAVE MAINLY BEEN THE NEED TO BECOME MORE EFFICIENT IN THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES IN AN ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE COSTS OF HEALTHCARE UNDER CONTROL. still to ramp up occupancies in the new hospitals. Industry issues have mainly been the need to become more efficient in the delivery of services in an attempt to keep the costs of healthcare under control.”
A RESERVOIR OF EXPERTISE
One thing that all of Busamed’s facilities have in common, however, is a dedicated, well trained and experienced core of staff, whether they be general practitioners or specialists. The group’s ability to find, attract and invest in these people is the keystone of Busamed’s achievements and growth. “Attracting and retaining leading medical professionals highly specialised in key or rare medical disciplines requires both assembling the technology, building the systems and putting up attractive and comfortable environments that allow medical professionals to innovate and flourish,” explains Dr. Mji. “This in turn is made possible by having a lean and effective management structure that makes quick decisions and is entrepreneurial in its approach.”
WEB www.busamed.co.za FACEBOOK /busamed TWITTER @busamed LINKEDIN /company/busamed
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AFRICAN WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE (AWE)
NAME: DR VIWE MTWESI AGE: 32 YEARS OLD SECTOR: MEDICAL POSITION: CARDIOLOGIST
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AFRICAN WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE (AWE)
MEET SA'S YOUNGEST CARDIOLOGIST
DR. VIWE MTWESI What does it feel like to hold the life of another in your hands? It doesn’t matter how many patients you’ve seen, you never quite feel good enough to hold another person’s life in your hands. You quickly realise that you can’t ever be mediocre because a person cannot be 50% alive. The bottom line is that you either helped or you didn’t; you either saved the life or you couldn’t; you tried or you failed! You can never become arrogant at the expense of potentially losing a life.
What was your differentiator growing up? I understood from a young age that I needed an extra push to get to 75% and above, so I attended every lesson offered outside the normal class times. I pushed my way into every extra tutorial or class organised for the top students. I would beg the teachers to let me in because I knew I had it in me to be good. As you would imagine, teachers conceded more out of pity than a belief that I had it in me… but I knew! Thankfully even the doubt from the teachers became a great motivator for me. At home, my family knew where to find me: either in the university library or in my bedroom, studying.
Apparently, you wanted to study engineering at first, but didn’t make it in. And now you’re one of the first women cardiologists in Africa! You know, at the time I was heartbroken about the engineering but now it all makes sense. I really love what I do, it challenges me to be a better person and to interact with different people from different backgrounds every day. For me that's priceless. More than 20 years after democracy, we should not still be celebrating the “first this” or the “first that!” So for me, being a “first” female, black cardiologist is not groundbreaking, it’s heartbreaking! I know for a fact
that there are people who had more potential than me but were never given the opportunity. I was fortunate! Having said that, my fortune has put a sense of responsibility on my shoulders to look out for that special girl child.
such a busy hospital you tend to lose out on facilitated teaching because patient services come first. So, unlike other hospitals, where people have time to review a case or analyse a patient over a longer period of time, Bara is quite different.
It’s clear you want to see other young women inspired to enter the medical field. What are your top five pieces of advice they should really think about?
You are currently training in Canada. How do we compare to their medical offering?
1. You are more than capable to became whatever you dream and imagine yourself to be. 2. Being female does not make you inferior to men! 3. Helping others is the greatest gift that money can never buy. As a doctor, you get this satisfaction every single day. 4. Our conditioned minds tell us that it is not possible, but natural desire is what drives our passion. So if you desire to be something, know that it is within your reach. Go for it. 5. You'll be frustrated if you think medicine is for those who want easy money. As a doctor, you need to have the desire to help and to serve with no expectation of a return. I tell you the truth when I say that I sleep peacefully every night knowing that I did my bit, and I don’t have billions in the bank.
In South Africa, we get to see it all but never to treat it all. In Canada, we don’t see it all but whatever we see we get to treat. Resources are a big issue in South Africa, especially in the public setting; we are way behind and we need to catch up. Patients in Canada know their rights and they're more interested in knowing about their condition. As a result, doctors need to keep abreast of what's going on, so we're always in the know when it comes to new therapies and results. In South Africa, patients feel that doctors are doing them a huge favour by seeing them and patients give doctors a high level of respect. Not much personal research is done (this could be because of education levels) but South Africans sometimes don’t realise that healthcare is a basic right.
Besides being a medical doctor, you’re also an entrepreneur! How do you manage to be a doctor and manage a business at the same time?
Baragwanath is said to be one of the top “experience” hospitals in the world, because of the sheer number of people and diversity of ailments that are dealt with on a daily basis. Is this true?
Yes, I own Reeega Medical Tourism – it is my firstborn. While sleep is very important, for me building a legacy is even more important, so time is made! Every person can do 48 hours worth of work in 24 hours… it’s all about focus. I had to get rid of distractions in my life to achieve this.
I take pride in saying I’m a “product of Bara”. It’s both amazing and harrowing the things you deal with everyday, but from a practical and learning perspective it’s an amazing place to learn. The only shortfall is that in the midst of being in
Tell us about Reeega Medical Tourism. We basically make the ill-health period easy for the patient and their family by arranging all medical services. We arrange this for people who come to South Africa
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AFRICAN WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE (AWE)
MORE THAN 20 YEARS AFTER DEMOCRACY, WE SHOULD NOT STILL BE CELEBRATING THE “FIRST THIS” OR THE “FIRST THAT!” SO FOR ME, BEING A “FIRST” FEMALE, BLACK CARDIOLOGIST IS NOT GROUNDBREAKING, IT’S HEARTBREAKING! They're two separate entities and I see them as such. But both make me jump out of bed in the morning so I can’t imagine giving one up.
Did you take the issue further? South African medical training is very militant and unfortunately, some of the powerful people are protected, so you can never complain otherwise you’ll never qualify. All I can say is: I went through a lot as a woman and no other female should have to go through that type of abuse.
The medical profession has to find a balance between saving a life versus making money. Where do you see yourself on this scale? You also had your young age against you... Saving a life is always my
primary goal and no amount of money is worth me not Dr. Viwe Mtwesi attending to any patient. I try not to involve myself in money issues and my assistant knows for medical treatment from all over the that she can never turn away a patient world and we arrange this for South because they have no money to pay me. Africans who require treatment not offered in our beautiful country. We also arrange You’re considered a barrier-breaker care for people in rural areas of in regards to your upbringing, your South Africa.
What would a patient get from Reeega? You would get arranged appointments with renowned specialists that we have relationships with, at earlier appointment dates. We organise easy hospital admissions at negotiated rates for cash-paying patients and we have rehabilitation and recovery lodges where patients can recover while enjoying the beauty of our country! We also do VIP services for businesspeople, celebrities, directors and CEOs, where we arrange elite private and high-security medical care and rejuvenation therapy in private wards and private destinations.
That’s great! Is your ultimate goal to be a doctor or a businesswoman? Medicine is my calling, my purpose. Being a businesswoman is my passion and a job.
sex and your age. Is this an accurate description in your mind?
I’m not the barrier-breaker, my mother is. She broke all barriers for me and every day I look at what she had to go through to give us a better life. It’s a constant reminder that I can’t let myself, or her legacy, down.
What are some of the challenges you faced in the male-dominated medical sector? I had to constantly remind myself that trying to be a man won’t make me one, and screaming won’t make them listen to me more. I constantly had to prove myself. Once, one of my seniors said (with no shame), “Teaching cardiology procedures is like teaching a boy and a girl how to drive. You just know the girl will struggle so you tend not to want to waste your time teaching them.”
Yes, but in my mind life is not a race. We must all take time to discover our destinies. For some, it will be a shorter period and for some longer, but what matters is what you pick up along the way.
When did you perform your first real surgery? It was during my internship at an East London hospital and it was the most beautiful day ever! I did my first ablation case and I tell you what, that moment has stayed with me forever.
What do you do to relax? I love travelling and dining out so I make it a point to go to a new place at least every four months to experience the people, the food and the culture. Luckily we travel a lot in my field. I also go to the gym and I do yoga to relax. And I love to attend church and do mission work too.
What makes you an Afropolitan? Fighting patriarchal systems, redefining the power of the girl child, and knowing that change is imminent… regardless of background. Africa is in me and that spirit makes me want to do better! That makes me an Afropolitan.
REEEGA MEDICAL TOURISM: WEBSITE: www.reeega.co.za, EMAIL ADDRESS: drviwe@reeega.co.za
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O N E B I G H A P P Y FA M I LY
Steyn City, golf course homes
THREE OR EVEN FOUR GENERATIONS LIVING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY HAS BEEN A RETURNING TREND IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR A WHILE, FOR BOTH ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REASONS, AND SIMPLY BECAUSE FAMILIES LIKE TO BE TOGETHER. WE INVESTIGATE SOME OPTIONS FOR MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING. BY ESTATE LIVING
L
ifestyle estates are increasingly embracing the young, the old and everyone in between, in sectional title homes as well as in rental apartments, providing facilities that cater for children, working adults, and those in their golden years. “Top lifestyle estates such as Steyn City in Gauteng, Sibaya in KwaZulu-Natal and Val de Vie in the Western Cape have all gone this route, offering an enviable lifestyle replete with nearby schools, shops, medical
care facilities, and every manner of sport or leisure activity for everybody from toddlers to dodderers and pre-teens to pensioners,” says Louise Martin, COO of Estate Living. Giuseppi Plumari, Steyn City’s CEO, explains the concept well: “It’s about creating a multigenerational, city-like environment that harks back to an era when young and old lived together, and there was a strong social fabric within communities.”
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GAUTENG
Steyn City is arguably the most striking example of a multigenerational estate, with its huge diversity of owners and tenants, and a wide range of properties priced anywhere from around R2.2 million to more than R25 million. Its City Centre, which is scheduled for launch in 2020, will include approximately 350 apartments and a central park that will open up onto the northern piazza retail space. “The apartments and shops will be wheelchair-friendly, and children have the option to be schooled at Steyn City School, which opened this year. And there are several play and recreational nodes on the estate, including a skate park for teens. A small medical suite (of doctors’ rooms) will also come on line,” says Marie Yossava, who manages media relations for Steyn City. Another trend is to have a separate retirement village within the estate. This is the idea behind Waterfall Hills and Waterfall Valley Mature Lifestyle Estates, which are adjacent to the Waterfall Country Estate, between Kyalami and Sandton in Midrand.
Steyn City, ergonomically designed play equipment
It offers a mix of freestanding houses ranging from one to three bedrooms, and one- and two-bedroom apartments with all the usual facilities expected of a top lifestyle estate – golfing, sports, walking trails, gym with full-size lap pool, coffee shop, restaurant, movie theatre, hairdresser and health spa. Residents have permanent on-site nursing staff who provide services in their homes, or – if necessary – refer them to the fully equipped frail care facility at Waterfall Hills.
Steyn City, cluster home
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Prices for a two-bed apartment in Waterfall Hills start at around R2.2 million, and a two-bed house around R3.2 million, while a three-bed, two-bathroom house sells for around R4.8 million. In Waterfall Valley, prices start at R3.2 million for a one-bed unit, and around R5 million for a three-bed unit. “These two estates are for over-50s, but quite a few of their younger families are living in Waterfall Estate, so the extended family is within the wider Waterfall Estate,” says Corlea Reuter, a sales agent for Jawitz.
PROPERTY North on the East Rand, an elegant estate with 78 apartments and 20 two-bed townhouses, priced from R800 000 to R1.9 million. “Carisbrooke is a very good investment, as this estate has everything – a wellness centre, restaurant, pub, hair salon, billiard room, tennis and squash courts, gym, heated swimming pool, and a doctor’s consulting room,” says sales agent Chic Berkhout.
Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Community
The units are spacious and offer goodquality workmanship and finishes. Developers are acutely aware of the needs of the retirement market, and design functional homes with this in mind. “These developments have created an incredible space for the ageing community, where they can remain in environments that are familiar to them, while reducing their responsibility and commitment to managing a large family home,” says Megan Schumann, the PR manager for Interslab.
Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Community
“You might settle for a smaller home, but these homes offer the kind of finishes you have grown accustomed to, so that you can spend your time doing things that you love and not worrying about mundane tasks like cleaning or repairing damaged household items,” she adds. Some estates are more of a hybrid of retirees, where investor-owned units could be rented out to people over 50. A good example is Carisbrooke Estate in Benoni
Similarly, the Riversands Retirement Village/Lifestyle Estate in Heidelberg, which has a frail care facility on site, is attracting investment buyers and retirees. “The entry level for a sectional title unit is R1.2 million, so it is very accessible to investment buyers and retirees, and you have all the amenities you need – schools, shops, hospitals and medical centres – very close by,” says sales manager Nellie van Staden.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Situated within the Kindlewood Estate in Umhlanga, Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village offers active retirees an unsurpassed lifestyle with 24/7 security and beautifully designed, spacious singlelevel homes, as well as access to convenient and comprehensive healthcare. Prices here range between R2.5 million and R4.5 million. Alongside all the amenities in Kindlewood Estate is a variety of healthcare services
Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Community
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PROPERTY
Val de Vie Evergreen estate
including assisted living, a frail care centre, and a dedicated dementia facility. Nurses are on call 24/7 to provide either emergency first aid or routine care either at the healthcare facility or in the residents’ own homes. All homes are equipped with state-of-the-art emergency calling systems.
WESTERN CAPE
In the Cape Winelands, close to Paarl, the prestigious Val de Vie estate has embraced retirees more fully with the launch of its newest chapter, Val de Vie Evergreen, aimed at over-60s. Val de Vie Evergreen is situated in the heart of Val de Vie, making it a fundamental part of the greater community, and consists of 400 exclusive homes, 208 apartments/assisted living suites, a healthcare centre and an 80-bed frail care centre. Other unique features include a private clubhouse, contemporary library, multi-purpose function centre, landscaped gardens, a hair salon, gym, occupational therapy room, games room, cinema room, lounge, dining area and bistro. Prices start from R3.1 million. Val de Vie Evergreen residents will have access to the many facilities of Val de Vie – two championship golf courses, an equestrian centre, jogging, cycling and walking trails, fishing and paddling on the Berg River, and exceptional restaurants. While the Evergreen development is contained, it is very much a part of the greater Val de Vie estate, and it’s likely that different generations of the same family will live in different parts of the estate.
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Val de Vie Evergreen estate
Ryk Neethling, group marketing director for Val de Vie, says the resident demographics at Val de Vie are evenly split between working-aged people, who work from home or commute within the greater Cape Town area or even to Gauteng, and retired people, some of whom are “swallows” – intercontinental migrants who spend the summer months in South Africa.
dream home, and rounding off the offering is the expansive gentlemen’s estates – small farms measuring up to 3.5 hectares where you can keep horses and some other livestock. Homeowners can choose from customisable house designs from established architects such as iCON Architects, who have an appreciation for the estate’s architectural guidelines.
Offerings range from lock-up-and-go premium apartments with superior finishes, to good-sized residential plots and plans for young families or downsizers. The freestanding plots appeal to those wanting to create their
This consistency of style contributes to Val de Vie’s aesthetic appeal and property values, and the quality of design makes the homes attractive to a range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to empty-nest retirees.
Val de Vie Evergreen estate
PROPERTY
SPRING FEVER SPRING IS SPRUNG, THE GRASS IS RIZ. WONDERING WHAT THE LATEST OUTDOORS TREND IS? LOOK NO FURTHER. BY NIA MAGOULIANITI-MCGREGOR, ESTATE LIVING
POOL PARTY
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pring is a season of blushing blossoms and warm breezes. It’s lazy Sunday afternoons around a colourful lunch table sipping a glass of sauv blanc. What could be better? Only these 10 top outdoor design and decor ideas!
Making a splash with a new swimming pool is a great way to have fun and add value to your home. A classic, rectangular shape with a rim-flow is the crème de la crème. If you’re into trends, remember that black pools are out, and sparkling blue water is in. “The average increase in your property value when you put in a pool is
around 15%,” says Rhys Dyer, CEO of bond originator Ooba. He adds, “Included in our idea of home ownership is a picture of braaiing by the pool on hot summer days, with giggling children leaping onto lilos.” Choose a reputable pool company that’s registered with the National Pool and Spa Institute (www.nspi.co.za).
IMAGES Shutterstock
SHUTTER UP
Nothing says “spring” like throwing your home open to your garden or patio, and shutters are the ideal way of doing just that. Compatible with a wide range of architectural and decor styles, shutters are low maintenance and stack effortlessly to one or two sides of an opening. Herman Victor from Precision Blinds, highly recommends the latest trend of aluminium shutters: “Not only are shutters savvy and sophisticated, but also a great security solution for windows and doors – without compromising the aesthetics of your home or office.” Adjustable louvred shutters allow fresh air and fragrant spring smells in, while controlling light – and prying eyes, noise and temperature of your room. Durable, cordless (peace-of-mind is a bonus if you have toddlers racing around) and easy to clean, they’ll also keep direct sunlight off your furniture. (www.facebook.com/PrecisionBlindsSA)
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PROPERTY
BACKYARD BRAAI
Is it even spring in South Africa if you can’t throw something yummy on the braai? Some enthusiasts are installing a whole outside kitchen with built-in gas cookers, charcoal or wood-burning kettle braais, outside sinks and bars. Charcoal braaimasters swear by the smoky smell and flavour of charcoal, but gas braais have their place. They’re quick – just push the button to ignite – and easy to clean. Some models come with side cooktops, rotisserie kits, multiple burners, and Weber’s iGrill Mini even comes with Wi-Fi capabilities for its smart thermometer. If you have space constraints, basic kettle braais are as popular as ever. The Lotus Grill, newly launched in South Africa, is a portable smokeless braai, available in funky colours and perfect for small spaces. Weber Mastertouch Charcoal Braai, Builders Warehouse, R3 990
One Touch Umbrella for “petite persons”
POP UNDER A PARASOL
Add a huge, colourful parasol for some spring shade. Mobelli Furniture + Living stocks a One Touch Umbrella that opens and closes with a push and is easily operated by a so-called “petite person”. It’s also cantilevered, with no centre pole getting in your way. Of course, gardenvariety umbrellas will do the job, but if you live in a windy area, it’s best to buy one that is strong and durable and has a warranty on the canvas.
COLOUR CODED
Spring is the perfect season for painting your patio walls or upstyling your coffee tables or wooden chairs. Struggling to select a colour, or suffering the aftereffects of a favourite colour choice malfunction? Chillax! Various paint manufacturers pronounce different colours of the year as capturing the mood of the moment. Plascon has chosen Amadeus, which is described as “earthy, yellow-tinted with grounding energy”.
WALL JOL
The Wonderland range from WCI Wallpapers
Party like it’s 1960 – wallpaper is back in a big way! And styles and quality have greatly improved since then. WCI Wallpapers says 2018 is all about oversized patterns and flowers in bold colours or pastel shades. Used on a patio feature wall, wallpaper adds texture, depth and variety. It’s even being used on ceilings. Vibrant or soft florals, zen-like forests – the sky’s the limit for your walls.
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Dulux has selected a warm, “calming” pink for curl-up comfort, called Pictured Rocks. The Pantone Colour Institute doesn’t manufacture paints, but you could try matching its choice of colour for the year – Ultra Violet. It’s described as “a thoughtful shade of purple that adds energy and depth to any room”. Mia Delport of Patio Warehouse says, “If you’re adding a new colour to your furniture, look at dark teal. It’s really popular right now.”
PROPERTY
SITTING PRETTY
“Investing in new patio furniture will give your outside area a lift,” says Asanda Nkomo from Builders Warehouse. “Choose a lovely contemporary look combining modern black chairs with a wooden table and bench with industrial-style iron legs. You don’t want to go too formal outside – keep your beautiful wooden top exposed with a table runner covering only half of it.”
The Reading eight-seater from Patio Warehouse with colourful chairs, R13 850
LOUNGING AROUND
From pool chairs, loungers and deckchairs to luxurious hammocks, outdoor furniture is not merely functional – it’s an extension of our indoor areas, and comfort and style are key. Mix wicker-style furniture with wooden pieces, and arrange bright scatter cushions with neutrals. “Wicker and woven accessories remain popular this season and faux wicker is a great weatherproof
Casserole dish, Le Creuset, from R3 070
BUFFET BABE
Berry, violet, cobalt blue – these are the fabulous Le Creuset colours for casserole dishes or skillets perfect for dining al fresco. The company has also just launched Provence, inspired, says Le Creuset’s Jamie Paine, by the “fragrant, sun-drenched lavender fields that blanket southern France. Remember that the colours you choose to surround yourself with every day set the mood for your whole home.”
choice that’s hardy and good-looking,” says Builders Warehouse’s Asanda Nkomo. Alon Sachs, co-founder of Mobelli Furniture + Living, says natural materials, retroinspired style and cool, soothing colours are floating his boat this season. “Sun loungers add extra value to any outdoor space by increasing the ways in which you can relax,” he says.
Add a rug under the table. Outside rugs are in! It’s a clever way of adding colour. “Thanks to a variety of new-generation materials, some rugs don’t even need to be brought in when the weather is bad,” says Nkomo. “Be sure to leave space for side tables and ottomans.” Patio Warehouse marketing manager Mia Delport says these days, customers are interested in investing in the bestquality patio furniture, but at affordable prices. “People love entertaining and love to spend time on their patio.” She says right now patio furniture is focused on low maintenance. “Pretty much anything goes,” she adds. “Your patio is another room in the house, and your outdoor area is as important as any room in the house.” Want to be on trend this season? “Choose charcoal grey,” she advises.
Bello Sun Lounger from Mobelli Furniture + Living, R16 999
KIDS’ STUFF
Sunny car slide, ToysRUs, R400
Keep the kids off their iPads and in view at the end of the garden. Outdoor swings, fun slides, and plastic outdoor chairs and tables add a touch of playfulness to your garden. “Create a fun area for kids to play hopscotch on paving blocks in a chequerboard pattern interspersed with herbs,” suggests Builders Warehouse’s Asanda Nkomo. “Actually, adults could find they enjoy this too!” Create a fairy garden for extra whimsy.
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TECHNOLOGY
THE ENTERTAINER'S
DREAM HOME
WITH SUMMER ON THE WAY, GET READY TO ENJOY THE SUNSHINE AND SHARE IN THE GOOD TIMES! BY CUAN DU CHENNE
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here’s no better way to prepare for summer than by inviting family and friends over, whether it’s to share in a few cocktails, a little shisa nyama and more than likely the weekend’s big game. As the chief entertainer, you have a few things to consider when planning the rollout of your perfect event. You want to offer good food, great drinks, and exceptional ambience. Sparking a little bit of envy of all the features of your dream home can’t hurt either... Music is a touch that’s often left to the last minute, and that’s a rookie mistake. Entertainment, in the form of exceptional surround sound and the perfect UHD picture quality, plays a pivotal role in setting the mood for your event. It’s the kind of thing your guests may not know you’ve worked hard at, but they’ll certainly notice if it’s poor quality! An all-encompassing home automation product like Control 4 integrates your home theatre system, music player, video player, lighting, security alarm, CCTV cameras and the creature comforts like underfloor heating and air-conditioning so that you control everything conveniently from your remote. Picture the following scenarios in a home that would be considered an entertainer’s dream home and decide for yourself:
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SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL
It’s 3pm and the guests are due to arrive. It’s been a busy morning getting the catering ready, the house on point and the kids bathed and ready. You’ve just put the last beers on ice when a video call comes through on your smartphone. Since you have your intercom system installed, you can see that the Skosanas have arrived, and you can greet them at the gate and grant them access from your phone.
TECHNOLOGY
BACKGROUND MUSIC You realise that it’s extremely quiet, as you can hear every footstep echoing down the passage. That’s just awkward. As you make your way to open the front door, quickly open your app and select your favourite chilled house session playlist, press play and immediately your home is more inviting and festive.
IRRIGATION CONTROL
All the guests have arrived and prepared snacks have been served. Everyone is settled in, drinks in hand and the kids are out on the lawn fiercely competing in a game of backyard football. Suddenly the sprinklers come on, to the horror of the parents and the delight of the kids. Fortunately, the sprinklers are automated, so you don’t need to run through the mud in your favourite white shoes to switch them off. Quick on the draw with the smartphone and with a flip of a switch, the crisis is averted and the sprinkler is deferred until tomorrow.
HOME THEATRE SYSTEM It’s 5pm and the big game is about to start. The ladies are in the kitchen drinking bubbly while prepping the salad, and the men dash to the couch to grab a seat. Instead of having to walk the gauntlet and trying desperately to search and navigate the five remotes to get rid of that annoying singing purple dinosaur on the TV, you reach for the conveniently located automation remote in its cradle. With the push of a single button, switch the wide-screen TV to the sports channel and adjust the volume to your preferred level. All you have to do is sing the anthem with pride and get your game face on.
THE CURTAIN CALL
LIGHTING AUTOMATION The game’s done, the meat is on the fire, everyone is in a party mood and the ambience is awesome. The sun is setting and a little light is needed on the subject. Never fear when the automation app is near. With the press of one button, all the lights in the house can be set to predefined levels. This eliminates the unnecessary walk to numerous light switches where you try to figure out which switch turns on which light, and when you eventually do, it’s completely blinding as the dimmer is not set correctly.
The party was a raging success and the neighbours are probably not very impressed at the moment but you’ve made it up to bed safely, even though the world seemed to be spinning a little faster than normal. Using voice control, ask Alexa to activate the goodnight scene. This will dim the bedroom light slowly, switch off all the necessary lights that you accidentally left on, turn on the security lights, activate the alarm system, close the bedroom curtains and set the air-conditioning to the perfect temperature. All in preparation for a well-deserved rest.
To turn your entertainment dreams into reality with a tailor-made quotation for all budgets, visit Sounds International at https://soundsint.co.za
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TRAVEL
Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa in Black Panther
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IMAGE Black Panther image courtesy of Marvel Studios
LIGHTS! CAMERA! TRAVEL!
TRAVEL
FILM TOURISM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS AND IMAGE OF CITIES, REGIONS AND COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD. BY EUGENE YIGA ow does a film or television series impact the image of the location in which it’s set or shot? This is a question Hannes Engelbrecht, an academic completing his Master’s degree in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies at the University of Pretoria, is answering in his work.
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was a major motivator for their travel to the UK. They went on to identify films with destination-specific content – think quintessentially British titles like Notting Hill – that had a sense of culture and place. For Engelbrecht, this links back to the idea that film becomes a catalyst for showcasing who and what we are as people of the world.
“...FICTIONAL FILM PRODUCTIONS TELL UNIVERSAL STORIES WHICH ARE HIGHLY EMOTIONAL AND HAVE A WIDE REACH.”
“[Film tourism expert] Stefan Roesch says that fictional film productions tell universal stories which are highly emotional and have a wide reach,” Engelbrecht says. “But destination marketing via film and television is not perceived as promotion or as an ad to come visit. It’s more credible and more ‘autonomous’ if your place is in a film. You can back it up with other ads and campaigns but it has to be linked to that destination. It can be just a stand-in location.”
“One of the fathers of ‘place branding’ is [independent policy advisor] Simon Anholt and he said that place branding is about making a place famous,” Engelbrecht says. “And if you think about it, we don’t know about Central Park or Fifth Avenue because we did extensive research on New York. We know them because we’ve seen them in multiple films.” Indeed, one of the earliest mentions of boosting a destination’s image with film tourism comes from Nigel Morgan, Annette Pritchard and Roger Pride (authors of the book Destination Branding), who argue that one of the best forms of tourism product placement is to place your destination in a film. This worked well for New Zealand, which, according to a Forbes study in 2012, had a 50% increase in tourism numbers after The Lord of the Rings. “Whether that’s all because of Hobbits, I wouldn’t venture to guess,” Engelbrecht says. “But it’s got to do with the integrated marketing methods. The movies spotlighted the country and the destination marketing organisation jumped on the opportunity. And then you have something that comes out like ‘Home of Middle Earth’, which is their current slogan. It’s not to say that everyone should go that extreme and make everything fictional into film tourism, but it’s a way of enhancing what you’ve already got in any country.” Another interesting example of a study done in this regard was by Chieko Iwashita, who sampled Japanese tourists and found that 70% of them indicated that film
FUELLING THE LOCAL FILM INDUSTRY’S GROWTH
Things can get more complicated than the Marvel Cinematic Universe when film tourism is to a place where a film is set but not made, like the Twilight saga set in Washington State but filmed in Vancouver or Braveheart, which was filmed in Ireland despite being Scottish to its core. It’s the same in South Africa, even as government incentives and rebates fuel the local film industry’s growth. While movies like the Nigerian title Ten Days in Sun City have a clear link to location, Cape Town is often a stand-in for other places, from Pakistan (Homeland) and Ghana (The Crown) to those that don’t exist, at least not yet (Black Mirror). Similarly, not many people realise that Avengers: Age of Ultron filmed a big fight scene in Johannesburg because the city wasn’t ‘featured’ as itself. “What we have in South Africa is a complicated history and it always comes into play,” he admits. “But in many ways, we’ve done film tourism in South Africa for years; we’re just not linking it and spotlighting it and focusing on it. To a certain extent, I’m referring back to The Gods Must Be Crazy and to what it did for travel to the Kalahari and wanting to see that community. It’s positive and negative on how we depict people in film and so forth but, as always with tourism, we need to negate that negative effect on communities.” Another aspect to be aware of is the potentially negative image that tourists
might associate with the country after gritty films like Tsotsi, District 9, and Chappie. “If there’s a negative image being portrayed, maybe don’t shine the light on that as a destination marketing tool,” Engelbrecht advises. “But you can make some products out of that, like the [dark tourism] Jack the Ripper tours in London, which are well attended. For example, you could do a Halloween tour inspired by Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, where the breakout of the zombie plague happens on the Cape Town cable car.”
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GUIDES AND STUDIOS
Tours to locations or sets are an easy option, especially given how popular South Africa is becoming as a destination that has every landscape a production company could wish for and how fascinating many fans would find the process of making a movie or TV show. Other ideas include creating maps for specific films (like the Afrikaans comedy Pad Na Jou Hart), specific regions, or even to areas where celebrities like Trevor Noah or Charlize Theron grew up. All these are opportunities for guides and studios to earn extra income. “It’s great to see the shift from niche Afrikaans films to those with wider appeal, like Love is a Four Letter Word, but there’s a bit of disjointedness in how we do things,” Engelbrecht says. “Film doesn’t know about tourism and tourism doesn’t know about film; often it’s difficult for us to talk to each other. The advice is to go out and engage with your local film commissions and start developing film tourism products. If you see a film being shot, you need to know which film it is. Locate the spots where each scene was shot so you can start recreating those images.
THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW IS FOR PRODUCTS RELATED TO BLACK PANTHER... If somebody famous is in town, tweet about it. If there’s a set being built, ask them what’s going to happen afterwards. For example, the Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village in KwaZulu-Natal was bought [from the Shaka Zulu television series] and turned into a tourist attraction.”
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TRAVEL
Scene from Black Panther
How To: Film tourism in practice Consider the broader creative industries In recent years, the economic importance of the creative industries has been recognised, with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development coining the term ‘the creative economy’. Broadly defined, this includes fine arts, music, publishing, games, festivals, design, architecture, television, and film. “The creative industry has been recognised in terms of its economic importance for innovation and trade, social inclusion, cultural diversity and environmental sustainability,” says Charlene Herselman, an academic in the University of Pretoria’s Department of Historical and Heritage Studies. “The importance refers to the interface between creativity, culture, economics and technology in the contemporary world.”
FIND THE LINKS For the creative industry to play a role in all these sectors, one must find the links as exemplified in the relationship between film and tourism. By showcasing and promoting other creative industries through increased awareness, film tourism also benefits itself in the process. “Film tourism has been one of the earliest and most prominent examples of these two working together,” Herselman says. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship with creative industries and tourism each having decided benefits for the other. In terms of tourism, we have the development of tourism potential of destinations. And oftentimes it’s an intangible product. Tour guides take people to a location where filming happened but there’s nothing left so visitors take photos to say they were there and use their imagination to fill in the blanks.”
IMAGE Black Panther image courtesy of Marvel Studios
SPREAD THE BENEFIT It’s not just that tourism reaps all the benefits. For the creative industries, these partnerships expand the audience for creative products, support innovation, revitalise the creative industry, open up export markets and it promotes professional networks and knowledge development. “All these benefits of the creative industry can enhance and diversify tourism: from adding new products to using creative technology to develop and enhance the tourism experience,” Herselman says. “A lot of the innovation comes from the creative industry that we can later apply in tourism. It improves the image of countries and regions in the specific context of destination development.”
BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER Once a film project is approved, all the relevant organisations should connect with their counterparts in the tourism industry, which is how it works in the UK. “When Creative England and Creative Scotland have film productions coming through, they give a ‘heads-up’ to the tourism organisations to tell them about productions that align with the destination image and ask if they want buy-in,” Herselman explains. “They are sent the script, the tourism organisation decides if they want to be part of it, and then they work together with the creative industry and film industry to create products. The reason it works well is because they are mutually beneficial. The film can promote the destination and the destination can promote the film.”
COLLABORATE AND COMMUNICATE Unfortunately, the film industry in South Africa is often described as being unapproachable. Herselman believes the problem is because those in tourism don’t necessarily understand how the film industry works and vice versa. And even though it’s not a surprise to her (or anyone) that government departments don’t always work well together, there are still solutions. “There are certain ways in which we can do things – there are ways that you can get beyond things like copyright and trademark laws – and develop products but we need to go higher up,” she says. “We need to lobby the other decision-makers.”
BE PATIENT Because the film industry also needs tourist facilities – accommodation, transport, guides – helping them find what they need is one way to get them to return the favour and allow the tourism industry to use their intellectual property for film tourism. “The Department of Arts and Culture and South African Tourism are going to talk to those production companies and arrange with them that we keep the sets to have some form of tourism associated with it, that we can have usage rights for images to say that a certain film was produced in South Africa, and that we can create the products we want to create for film tourism,” Herselman says. “So things are happening. They’re just happening slowly.”
NEW CULTURAL PRODUCTS
The biggest opportunity right now is for products related to Black Panther, the first film to reach over R100m at the South African box office and the reason Hotelscan.com and Hotels.com are both reporting spikes in searches for the fictional nation of Wakanda. “Black Panther is breaking records all over the show and for specific reasons,” Engelbrecht says. “The world is being shown cultural products they haven’t seen before – tradition, fashion and things linked to numerous countries – on a mass scale and in a positive light.” A challenge relates to copyright and trademark, which is why Engelbrecht suggests that discussions about the usage of specific terms be negotiated upfront. “Nigeria is claiming it with the Nollywood movie Wakanda Forever – I’m not sure if they’re going to get into trouble for that – so all the film tourists from Black Panther will go there first,” he says. “But we can also claim it, perhaps marketing the Eastern Cape as the home of the Wakanda language, advertising tours to the region in between movie trailers at the cinema, or having a competition to win a holiday that links the film to the place.” Other suggestions from Engelbrecht include talking to the studios about creating a documentary or extra content for DVDs about the area portrayed in the film but with more factual information. There’s also the chance to produce other experiences, like Johannesburg Ballet staging a Black Panther-inspired performance at the Cradle of Humankind, drawing attention to the attraction. The bottom line is simple: “If it’s your cultural product, own it.” Read The Afropolitan’s interview with Atandwa “The Prince” Kani who plays the younger version of his father, John Kani, in the role of young King T’Chaka in the Marvel superhero franchise movie Black Panther, on page 80. Source: Acumen magazine
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AFRICAN EXCELLENCE DESTINATIONS WITH EXPANSIVE LANDSCAPES, CRYSTAL BLUE COASTLINES AND ABUNDANT WILDLIFE, AFRICA IS ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING AND INSPIRED TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD. BY DORINE REINSTEIN, BIG AMBITIONS TRAVEL MARKETING AGENCY
Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
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ravellers from the US and Europe are most known to visit Africa, but intra-African travel is slowly on the rise. More and more, African travellers are setting out to explore their own backyard and attractions and holiday options on their continent. Here are three top destinations showcasing African excellence:
A PIECE OF MOZ PARADISE ON EARTH…
“There is no need to imagine paradise. Hop on a plane, head to northern Mozambique and you will find it at Ibo Island in Mozambique,” says Natalie Tenzer-Silva, director of Dana Tours. Located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, the remote Ibo Island is not only a cultural and heritage hotspot, it is also a place lost in time. This little-explored African wonder offers a level of exclusivity which can often be hard to find on those more popular
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Sea side of Ibo Island
IMAGES Shutterstock
TRAVEL
TRAVEL Visitors to Ibo Island Lodge are treated like royalty while they dine on a sandbank or enjoy breakfast in the lush palm tree garden. Friendly Mozambican locals share their stories with the resort’s guests.
BAREFOOT LUXURY IN BOTSWANA
A limousine, crystal glasses and caviar… For our grandparents, this was the ultimate luxury experience. Today, our concept of luxury has changed, explains Henk Graaff, the managing director of SW Africa. “It’s not that we don’t want nice things anymore. Of course we do. But we also want unforgettable experiences. We want to enjoy the best in life, from viewing the most exclusive sunsets to sleeping under the stars. No destination that has grasped and embraced these new concepts of luxury better than Botswana in Africa,” says Graaff. From the biodiverse Okavango Delta to the hard clay beds of the Makgadikgadi
Indian Ocean superpowers Mauritius and Seychelles. It is pretty much untouched by modern tourism, while the hotels, lodges and guesthouses are nevertheless beautiful and quaint.
AFRICAN TRAVELLERS ARE SETTING OUT TO EXPLORE THEIR OWN BACKYARD. Pans, Botswana’s pristine natural beauty and vast wilderness never fail to impress. The lodges in Botswana are spread out and exclusive, so your game viewing is private and spectacular. Who needs crystal chandeliers and golden bathroom taps if you have the luxury of exclusivity in the African savannah in Botswana? Graaff explains that clients are craving a “back to basics” experience without actually wanting to rough it. They want to experience the thrill of sleeping under the stars in the Kalahari and walk to ancient baobabs with the San Bushmen, while still enjoying all the luxuries that make their stay comfortable and special.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
IMAGES Shutterstock
Tenzer-Silva explains that this remote little island offers the modern luxury traveller who craves silence and quiet time over anything else much-needed calm and serenity. “In a world where everyone is overscheduled, people are willing to pay for silence and serenity. That has become incredibly valuable,” she says. There is no signal underwater in the Quirimbas National Park and Mozambique offers the ultimate tranquil environment for a lovely snorkelling experience. The more active and adventurous traveller can embark upon a kayak safari to explore the most remote beaches in the area and enjoy nights on other deserted islands, seeing rare mangroves, river mouths, coral reefs and bird species.
Mountain gorillas in the rainforest, Rwanda
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TRAVEL
Makgadikgadi salt pans, Botswana
CLIENTS ARE CRAVING A “BACK TO BASICS” EXPERIENCE WITHOUT ACTUALLY WANTING TO ROUGH IT. to 10 per cent, which is an excellent income for the communities.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
RWANDA IS THE NEXT LUXURY BLEISURE HOTSPOT
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Rwanda has become a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events and Exhibitions (MICE) market. In 2014, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) introduced a new MICE strategy with a view of diversifying the current tourism product offered in the country while complementing existing gorilla tourism, eco-tourism and cultural and community-based tourism. “For South African corporate travellers, the country is an ideal bleisure (business/
leisure) destination as they have the opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Rwanda is a very organised country; travel distances are relatively small and the roads, in general, are good, making it possible to view the gorillas on a one- or two-day trip after your conference,” says Ryan Potgieter, Flight Centre’s business travel general manager. Gorilla trekking is also a sustainable operation in Rwanda that benefits local communities tremendously. Potgieter explains, with gorilla permit prices going up, the communal revenue sharing rate has gone up from the previous five per cent
The country has seen the opening of a high number of new and luxury lodges, including Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, One & Only’s Nyungwe Lodge and the soon-to-open Gorilla’s Nest, as well as Singita Kwitonda, scheduled to open late in 2019 – all of these great options for bleisure travellers. It can be overwhelming to find the right accommodation option or the right excursions for bleisure travellers. By working with a reputable travel management company such as Flight Centre Business Travel, corporate travellers can save a lot of time and hassles as their travel consultant will help them work around their specific budget and requirements. Says Potgieter: “They will help you cut your research and planning time in half and give you peace of mind if you need to make unforeseen changes throughout your journey.”
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TRAVEL
HEADACHE-FREE HO LIDAYS YOUR HOLIDAY IS A BIG-TICKET ITEM IN YOUR BUDGET, SO DO IT RIGHT! BY DORINE REINSTEIN, CONTENT EDITOR AT BIG AMBITIONS TRAVEL MARKETING AGENCY
“South African travellers increasingly want to explore the lesser-known destinations where they’ll feel they’ll be able to immerse themselves in a new culture and a new way of life, coming home enriched and transformed,” says Otto De Vries, the CEO of the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA). At the same time, solo travel has seen unprecedented growth with a noticeable increase in women-only trips and retreats. Recent research from Trekksoft shows that the average monthly search volume for “solo female travel” grew by 52% between 2016 and 2017, averaging 2 900 searches between October 2016 and September 2017.
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Although these trends are exciting and indicate that we are at the dawn of a new and more conscious travel culture in South Africa, it also means travellers have become more exposed to fraud and scams, warns De Vries. “When exploring uncharted destinations, especially when on your own, the advice of a reliable travel professional can make or break a trip.” Cybercrime syndicates are well aware of new travel trends and have identified the weaknesses where they can scam unsuspecting travellers. It’s easy to fall for attractive websites, offering great value-formoney deals to a destination you’ve always wanted to explore. Says De Vries: “The golden rule – if it sounds too good to be true, it normally is – is something that should always remain top of mind. If the price of the holiday is much lower than anywhere else, alarm bells should go off. Travel fraudsters tend to hook unsuspecting customers by offering too-good-to-be-true airfares and package holiday prices.”
...SOLO TRAVEL HAS SEEN UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH WITH A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN WOMEN-ONLY RETREATS AND TRIPS. Travellers should always check the reputability of a travel agent, especially if they are advertising ridiculous travel deals, before committing their money. But this is easier said than done: how can travellers know the travel agent they have selected is reputable? A quick search for reviews is normally a good indication of people’s experiences with travel agents. In South Africa,
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V
eering off the beaten track in an attempt to find the ultimate authentic experience is one of the main global travel trends today. This trend has also found its way to the hearts and travel habits of South Africans.
TRAVEL
”TRAVEL FRAUDSTERS TEND TO HOOK UNSUSPECTING CUSTOMERS BY OFFERING TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE AIRFARES AND PACKAGE HOLIDAY PRICES.“
travellers can also check with ASATA to see if the travel agent is registered. Check the website, advertisement and travel documentation for the ASATA stamp of credibility. “ASATA members comply with a code of conduct and constitution that requires of them to abide by the laws of the land and prove that they are legitimate travel businesses that protect the interests of their customers,” says De Vries.
IMAGES Shutterstock
It’s also important to keep a keen eye out for fuzzy logos or low-resolution images on printed marketing pamphlets or travel documentation, or just an unprofessionallooking website. Travel fraudsters will sometimes copy and paste extracts from genuine travel companies to make it seem as if their offer is legitimate. Still not sure? Ensure that the travel company has a landline in place and that there is a physical address. A quick Google of that business will help you to assess whether or not the company has physical premises. Also check that if area dialling code matches the physical address.
De Vries adds that the modus operandi of the travel agency is also a good indicator to know you are booking your once-in-alifetime holiday with the right provider. Travel fraudsters will put pressure on you to pay by EFT, which effectively means you’re paying by cash. Safeguard yourself by paying on credit card so your purchase is protected. If you pay by EFT, you will struggle to get your funds reimbursed if the supplier is found to have committed travel fraud.
no good. If you’re not getting your vouchers and air tickets timeously and queries are continuously answered with excuses, alarm bells should certainly be raised.
When making online payments, if credit card payments are allowed on the website, it means they are Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant (and thus the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has found them compliant), but if the website redirects you to a third-party site (such as PayPal) to make payment it means it’s not PCI compliant and thus not IATA accredited.
Before you work with a travel brand with which you’re unfamiliar, try Googling it to see if there are any reviews or warnings about the company. If they’ve been involved in fraud before, you may find that other customers have posted their experiences online.
If your travel supplier keeps making excuses, there’s a good chance they’re up to
“The reality is that travel is a high-ticket item,” says De Vries. “If you were spending thousands on a new TV, it’s likely you would do your research to make sure you have the right model and are buying it from a bona fide company. The same should be true for travel.”
As a final piece of advice, De Vries advises: “Always go with your gut. If something seems amiss to you, don’t be afraid to question it and don’t allow yourself to be hurried into a decision you can’t get out of.”
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CULTURE
Feni, Children Under Apartheid
TH E N EW CO L L E CTO RS INVESTING IN ART AND HERITAGE IS A GOOD FINANCIAL INVESTMENT, IT HELPS EMPOWER YOUNG AS WELL AS ESTABLISHED BLACK ARTISTS – AND IT LOOKS GOOD IN YOUR HOME! BY JAMES SEY, ASPIRE ART AUCTIONS 64
CULTURE
S
o you’ve made it. You’ve hustled, and worked, and networked, and worked some more, and now you’re thinking: “I haven’t made it to the very top yet, but I can take some time out to enjoy where I am. I can spend some money, and start living the life I want.” So what do you spend on? Where do you invest your hard-earned cash? How about buying some art? Cars, clothes and bling are out there, but everyone has those. Art is the lifeblood of South Africa’s culture – it’s our way of looking at ourselves as a society. But art, especially now, is also a pretty savvy investment for someone like you with some cash to spend, who’s looking for some returns. For a collector starting out, buying art can be intimidating. But like any other business, investing in art can work for you if you study the industry, gain some knowledge, and buy what you feel that you like. Savvy art collectors around the
world think this way – and they are proven right when the global art trade has been outperforming many more conventional asset classes. But investment in art is also about heritage and cultural value – if we understand that our national artistic or cultural identity is a crucial national resource. With the global art sector currently worth around $50 billion, and earning well over one billion rand per annum in South Africa alone, there are real financial stakes in understanding what to invest in and how to collect art that will appreciate in value over time. Since 2000, the global art market has grown by 36%, calculated on the basis of sales and returns, or volume and values – that is, the same method by which conventional asset classes are calculated on stock exchanges. In comparison, the S&P500 has gained 86% over the same period, the FTSE100 is up 2% and France’s CAC40 is down 19%. The art market is therefore a competitive asset class like any other – and offers good returns for people making the right investment choices, informed by a good knowledge of both the art they wish to collect and the market structure as a whole. One of the areas that attracts many people to the art world is the spectacular prices achieved for individual works or individual artists. Last year saw plenty of examples of exceptional capital gains on the international stage. Near the top of the pile is US artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose prices have risen exponentially. In 2017, a work called Jim Crow from 1986 sold for $17 680 936, having first sold in 1992 for $136 367 – a 130-time multiplication in value!
ART IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF SOUTH AFRICA’S CULTURE – IT’S OUR WAY OF LOOKING AT OURSELVES AS A SOCIETY. The same principle holds true for much art in the South African market. Investing in and collecting art serves a double purpose: it can offer substantial financial returns, but an art collection reflects aspirational and higher social goals. This is especially the case given South Africa’s contested political history. Many black artists were denied the opportunities given to white artists throughout the 20th century, especially with regard to formal arts education and access to galleries, social and cultural networks – and even materials. One of South Africa’s greatest artists from this time, albeit in exile, Gerard Sekoto, had to be gifted oil paints by a white benefactor in the 1930s to start his career. Sekoto’s top works now sell internationally for multimillion-rand prices. This picture is now slowly changing as a new generation of collectors begins to understand the market, the possible returns, and begins to express a wish to redress the skewed political history of art collecting in the country. A whole generation of artists who were shunned and ignored by the South African art establishment in the latter half of the last century are now being reassessed and are
Kumalo, Mythological Rider
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CULTURE becoming more attractive to collectors who are investing in their work. As a result, artists such as Dumile Feni, Julian Motau, Sydney Kumalo, Durant Sihlali and Sekoto are gaining new audiences and markets. Motau, for example, was one of the preeminent chroniclers of life under apartheid, sketching fanatically from life on night sojourns in Alexandra in the late 1960s. His early death, aged only 20, robbed South Africa of one of its potentially greatest artists. This reappraisal goes along with the strong identities already established in the contemporary market by artists such as Mary Sibande, Athi-Patra Ruga and artistactivist Zanele Muholi. Young professionals and new art collectors should therefore treat investing in art as a long-term business prospect. As more new collectors enter the market for underrepresented black artists in South Africa, the value systems begin to change, and the way in which South African art presents itself internationally also changes. These changes are in the hands of the new collectors.
Ruga, The Night of the Long Knives
THE GLOBAL ART TRADE HAS BEEN OUTPERFORMING MANY MORE CONVENTIONAL ASSET CLASSES.
SEEING A BIGGER PICTURE are adequately exposed to such events they feel estranged and thus discouraged to attend. They prefer to attend such events in the company of people they are familiar and comfortable with, so that they are free to ask questions without embarrassment.”1
Sekoto, Bustling street scene The Black Collector’s Forum (BCF) started in 2014 as a collective dedicated to the growth of new, younger black investors in local and other African art. Founded by Tshepiso Mohala and Andile Magengelele, it has gone from strength to strength as an information and investment resource for a new generation of black collectors to pool information, learn about art and artists, and make collecting decisions. We spoke to cofounder Andile Magengelele.
HOW DID THE BCF START? Dr Oupa Morare, an art collector, said, “Attendance of exhibition openings by black professionals is often lacking, although they 1
BCF was started in 2014 because there was this rapid growth in both the primary and the secondary art market. The healthy development was a testimony to the growing appreciation for art. However, in spite of this growth of local and international interest in South African art, access to art galleries remains exclusionary with less attendance by black art buyers. The black art collecting market was and still is neglected and underdeveloped – and continues to be reserved and controlled by the white establishment. To address this imbalance, the BCF was started with an intention to expand the scope of visual arts appreciation to new audiences, most of whom are black South Africans. The launch of BCF can also be attributed to the continued absence of art exhibitions and discourses in black communities, which leads to a dearth in art appreciation. We started by creating a platform for “informal” yet informed discussion among artists, art buyers, collectors and art lovers together in an “intimate” setting outside of a “white cube”, which can be intimidating for new audiences. From the beginning, our focus has been completely on an area that has been neglected for a long time: the black high-end art-
buying market. Our aim is to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that will foster discussions. We invite a series of experts and art collectors to come and share their ideas and expertise with an active audience to provide better insights on how to navigate the precarious and often opaque world of both the primary and secondary art markets. One of the keynote speakers during the BCF launch was Ruarc Peffers who is a director and senior art specialist at Aspire Art Auctions.
WHAT ARE THE ORGANISATION’S BIGGEST SUCCESSES? Because knowledge and a trained eye are paramount for future collectors, we offer “boutique education” to would-be buyers, starting at entry level by introducing general art history and current developments in contemporary art. We have seen a number of people begin to acquire art either for their homes or their offices, as we encourage “living with art”, and we are also seeing them attending more galleries and auctions and starting their own art collections. So our biggest success is seeing more black people getting more involved in this exciting world of art collecting.
WHY SHOULD BLACK PROFESSIONALS GET INTO ART COLLECTING? Besides the joy of surrounding oneself with beautiful art pieces in your home, their patronage of local artists is important for the development of the domestic art market, besides the cultural capital that one gains – supporting young and emerging artists and helping to develop their careers. Acquiring art as an asset class also helps them to diversify their portfolios.
Dr Oupa Morare quoted in an interview with Thembinkosi Goniwe, Art Africa, Volume 13, Issue 02, December, 2014
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BEAUTY & GROOMING
GETTING EVEN IN A PERFECT, INSTAGRAM-READY WORLD, OUR FLAWLESS COMPLEXIONS GIVE NOTHING AWAY. BUT LET'S STRIP AWAY THE FILTERS AND GOOD LIGHTING AND DEAL WITH THE UNMADE-UP FACE THAT STARES AT YOU IN THE MIRROR BEFORE BEDTIME. AS AN AFRICAN WOMAN, AN EVEN SKIN TONE IS THE HOLY GRAIL. HERE'S HOW TO ACHIEVE IT. BY DOMINIQUE WOLF
T
hanks to natural pigmentation in brown skin, which slows signs of ageing and protects against the sun, “black don’t crack” is not just a throwaway phrase. On the flip side, skin discolouration or pigmentation on dark and lovely skin can be a distressing reality. Black skin is far more prone to pigmentation because of the high levels of melanin in the cells. If the cells that contain melanin are damaged or overstimulated, pigmentation, dark spots or white patches can appear. It is that simple. On top of that, women have to deal with hormonal fluctuations, adult acne, bruises, inflammation, and unintentional sun damage. Many conditions can cause skin
discolouration, but the most common are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melisma. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when the cells that normally produce brown pigment evenly across your skin go into overdrive and produce too much melanin. This causes spots or patches on the skin. PIH can be caused by injury to the skin such as scratches, bruises and cuts, or by inflammation caused by eczema, psoriasis, acne or even sunburn and cosmetic procedures. Treating a PIH skin disorder requires that you first diagnose the cause. For instance, acne or eczema would need to be treated first, and then the effects such as dark spots can be treated. PIH can fade over time, however, there are
treatments that can speed up the process. The traditional way to treat PIH has been by bleaching the skin with hydroquinonebased products that are only available with a doctor’s prescription in South Africa. Genetic and hormonal changes have an impact on our complexions. Oestrogen and progesterone can overstimulate melanin – especially when skin is exposed unprotected to the sun and during pregnancy. This causes pigmentation problems called melisma or chloasma. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating skin conditions, and with darker skins, in particular, it is essential that treatments are prescribed and administered by experienced professionals.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
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PIGMENTATION SERUMS Recent advances in cosmetic formulation mean topical treatments are now much more effective and make use of proven pigmentationinhibiting ingredients such as bioactive peptides.
TRANSDERMAL MESOTHERAPY This treatment involves using electrical pulses and vibrations to transfer beneficial ingredients into the skin via its microscopic water channels. It can be useful for treating pigmentation as prescription brightening products can be administered straight after the peels, when the skin is at its most receptive, improving the final result.
IMAGES Shutterstock
LASERS It used to be difficult to find lasers that were effective on darker skin but “colourblind” options such as Laser Genesis and Fraxel Dual are now available. Both can be effective but are still dangerous in the wrong hands. Some laser machines are medically graded, meaning that they may only be used in medical clinics, such as Skin Renewal. These machines are more powerful and can reach much deeper levels of the skin, but must be operated by qualified users. Laser Genesis by Cutera (an Nd: YAG laser used at Skin Renewal) gently heats the dermis, causing cavitation bubbles that disrupt the pigment, breaking it into smaller particles that migrate towards the top of the skin where they’re removed with exfoliation.
BEAUTY & GROOMING
PRODUCTS FOR PIGMENTATION Look for the following ingredients when choosing products to help your pigmentation and create a clearer, brighter complexion: hydroquinone, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, azelaic acid and glycolic acid.
REN BIO RETINOID ANTIAGEING CONCENTRATE A complex of 100% nature-derived vitamin A, pro-vitamin A and retinoid analogue that combats the appearance of wrinkles, imperfections and age spots, without the irritating effects of synthetic retinol. Reduces pigmentation by 32% in 28 days.
REN GLYCOL LACTIC RADIANCE RENEWAL MASK This boosts radiance in only 10 minutes and smoothes the skin’s surface, which then reflects more light, thanks to the natural fruit acid extracts. Equivalent to a “peel in a bottle”, minus the harshness.
R620 for 50ml
R905 for 30ml
JUSTINE TISSUE OIL GOLD SPF 25
ANEW CLINICAL ABSOLUTE EVEN MULTI-TONE SKIN CORRECTOR
Formulated especially for the face and body, this four-in-one skincare product helps with 24-hour moisturisation, evening the skin tone and reducing unsightly pigmentation in 28 days. It also helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, combats ageing, scarring and stretch marks.
Formulated with DSX-7, which contains two different forms of vitamin C, it targets discolouration, reducing common problems such as dark spots, uneven skin tone, post-acne marks, brown patches and sallowness. Clinically tested, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
R490 for 50ml
R349 for 30ml
ANEW CLINICAL EVEN TEXTURE & TONE MULTI-TONE CORRECTING CREAM
CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER CLINICAL DARK SPOT CORRECTOR & OPTIMIZER
A lightly fragranced cream with DSX-7 formulated to help stimulate collagen production as it inhibits melanin creation. After four weeks, it helps discolourations appear lighter and skin more even. Dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin tones.
Proven to smoothe out discolouration starting at four weeks, this serum helps reverse the appearance of dark spots and blemish marks while the opitimizer brightens skin. The two serums are dispensed from a dualchamber bottle preserving the purity of the ingredients until application.
R289 for 50ml
R835 for 50ml
Contact Skin Renewal on 0861 7546 72 for more information or to locate your closest branch, go to www.skinrenewal.co.za
IMAGES Shutterstock
CHEMICAL PEELS These are a more intensive treatment used in cases of more persistent PIH or to hasten the lightening effects of the topical prescription products. Peels work by exfoliating the uppermost layer of your skin and the dark area with it. There are many different types of peels and they are usually solutions that the dermatologist applies to the skin. The peels that are used most often to treat PIH in brown skin are the alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic acid) or beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) peels.
MICRODERMABRASION Fine crystals are sprayed onto the skin’s surface in a dermatologist’s office to gently sand away the uppermost layers of the ski, and, as with chemical peels, the dark area with it. This procedure is particularly well suited for individuals who have sensitive skin (many individuals with brown skin) or those who have had a previous reaction to a chemical peeling agent. A machine sprays tiny crystals onto the skin and uses gentle suction to remove the dead superficial skin.
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OUT AND ABOUT
MADIBA’S LEGACY LIVES ON
A MEMORABLE TEE-OFF AT THE PRESIDENT'S AFROPOLITAN INVITATIONAL GOLF DAY… BY MELISSA VAN ACHTERBERGH Judge Jerry Shongwe
The Afropolitan magazine, together with Kaya FM, also devoted time to celebrating Tata Madiba’s legacy in true gentleman’s style. The President’s Afropolitan Invitational Golf Day in conjunction with Kaya FM and the Nelson Mandela Foundation began early on Thursday the 19th of July at Steyn City, The Afopolitan magazine’s venue partner for the day.
Beverages South Africa
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IMAGES Tyrone Winfield, Steyn City
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he country came alive over the week of the 18th of July, the week that South Africa and the rest of the world – black and white, young and old, rich and poor – celebrated what would have been the 100th birthday of the extraordinary Nelson Mandela.
OUT AND ABOUT
In attendance were some of South Africa’s most influential executives, dignitaries and sports stars,including the likes of Bantu Holomisa, Judge Willie Seriti, Winston Skosana and Brian Baloyi, to name but a few – all present with the aim of making a tremendous social impact through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, in honour of Nelson Mandela.
IMAGES Tyrone Winfield, Steyn City
Steyn City’s icy morning landscape welcomed the warmth of the sun as players waited in anticipation of the starting siren. Tee-off time!
Joey Rasdien, Matthew Booth, Brian Baloyi and Stanton Fredericks
Beverages South Africa
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OUT AND ABOUT
IMAGES Tyrone Winfield, Steyn City
Israel Skosana and Winston Skosana with guest
Guest with Akona Ndungane and Sandile van Heerden. Front: Jimmy Tau
Khunji Ngumbela, Zeth Malele, Thabiso Lesala and Mongezi India
Together with the event sponsors: The Pro Shop, NescafĂŠ, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Environ, Standard Bank, Tsogo Sun and Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) Coca-Cola, the day played out as a muchneeded break from busy schedules for the esteemed guests, giving them a chance to reflect on the significance of the previous day and to simply enjoy themselves. A worldclass cocktail-style dinner awaited players as they conquered the 18th hole. Set against a fiery Joburg winter sunset, guests made their way into the Steyn City Clubhouse to enjoy dinner and relax to the sounds of jazz artist, Nomfundo Xaluva. Standing in, and speaking on behalf of
Beverages South Africa
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OUT AND ABOUT
President Cyril Ramaphosa, was member of parliament and United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa, who closed off The President’s Afropolitan Invitational Golf Day prize-giving and speeches with a heartfelt delivery of Ramaphosa’s address to a receptive and inspired crowd of golfers. The celebrations continued into the night in the spirit of goodwill, networking and dialogue, with The Afropolitan magazine successfully bringing together those who can help fulfil Nelson Mandela’s mandate – working to meet the needs of local communities through our own available means. Each and every day that we devote our time and efforts to uphold people’s rights to freedom and dignity, Madiba’s legacy can be perpetuated indefinitely.
IMAGES Tyrone Winfield, Steyn City
Guest with Jabu Mahlangu
Percy Pefile, guest, Njabulo Ngubane and Elijah Maseko
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, Zukile Nomvete, Judge Jerry Shongwe and Judge Willie Seriti
Beverages South Africa
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MOTORING
GREAT VELAR! THE FOURTH MEMBER OF THE RANGE ROVER FAMILY HAS ARRIVED. BY DONNA VERRYDT
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MOTORING
hat fills the space between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport? The new Range Rover Velar, that’s what. The new addition to the Range Rover family offers levels of luxury and all-terrain capability that is unique to any mid-size SUV and represents the next chapter of the Range Rover success story as Britain’s biggest luxury export.
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ON THE OUTSIDE
“Velar is now the compelling, standout design in the class, showcasing perfectly optimised volume, powerful, taut surfaces and a stunning silhouette,” gushes Gerry McGovern, the chief design officer at Land Rover. Created with Jaguar Land Rover’s lightweight aluminium architecture, the Velar has a continuous waistline and a tapered rear. But it’s the large alloy wheels – in particular the range of 22-inch designs – that optimise the vehicle’s dramatic presence and silhouette. It should get heads turning at intersections. The Velar’s design is supported by its technology: the full-LED headlights are the most slender ever. The flush deployable door handles emphasise Velar’s sculptured form, and contribute to the low drag coefficient of only 0.32 – the most aerodynamically efficient Land Rover ever produced.
ON THE INSIDE
The generous wheelbase contributes to a sense of elegance and helps provide a spacious interior. The Velar’s interior is elegant simplicity, sophistication and refinement. The creators’ belief in reductionism means switches have been kept to an absolute minimum to help create a calm sanctuary. The new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is the centrepiece of Velar’s interior. It features two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens behind hidden-untillit surfaces. These slim, intuitive displays work in harmony with the cabin architecture. The Velar offers a sustainably produced, premium textile seat material as an alternative to leather. The dapple grey material was developed together with Kvadrat, a European manufacturer of design textiles, and is complemented with suedecloth inserts in ebony or light oyster. The Velar is also practical: the luggage compartment volume is class-leading at 673 litres.
UNDER THE BONNET
The Velar – like all Range Rovers – comes with all-terrain capability. It boasts a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, four-corner air suspension, a class-leading ground clearance of 251mm (213mm when equipped with coil springs), a class-leading wading depth of 650mm (600mm when equipped with coil springs) and Land Rover’s suite of traction technologies including Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control.
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MOTORING
The Velar’s performance and efficiency comes from the range of six petrol and diesel powertrains, all matched to smooth-shifting ZF eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive with intelligent driveline dynamics. Clean, refined four-cylinder Ingenium diesels are offered in 132kW and 177kW variants, noted for their low 142g/km CO2 emissions and high 500Nm torque output, respectively. These engines are joined by two new highly advanced four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engines delivering 184kW and 365Nm, for 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds, and a more powerful variant with outputs of 221kW and 400Nm, to achieve the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.0 seconds.
SAFETY
The light, stiff, aluminium-intensive body, together with doublewishbone front and integral link rear suspension provides the basis for agile handling, superior ride comfort and refinement. The Velar has been developed to meet the most demanding crash test regulations worldwide. The comprehensive restraints system includes six airbags and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with queue assist.
The V6 diesel combines an 700Nm of torque for effortless acceleration and offroad capability with CO2 emissions of only 167g/km. The 280kW supercharged V6 petrol engine combines exhilarating performance with a unique soundtrack and enables the Velar to reach 100km/h in only 5.7 seconds, before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
FINAL DETAILS The Velar and Velar R-Dynamic range comprise Standard, S, SE and HSE specifications.
Customers can specify black and premium exterior packs for an even more distinguished appearance.
Customers can build their own Velar using the Land Rover Configurator.
All new Land Rover vehicles come with the Land Rover five-year care plan: a five-year/100 000km service plan, a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan and a five-year/100 000km warranty, as standard.
Range Rover Velar pricing starts at R947 700.
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LAST WORD
ATANDWA “THE PRINCE” KANI
A N A F R O P O L I TA N I N N E W YO R K WITH MANY A SUCCESSFUL ROLE TO HIS NAME THIS PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN ACTOR IS MOST AT HOME IN THE COMPANY OF HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY. BY ANGIE SNYMAN Not to take anything away from Chadwick Boseman’s performance as T’Challa/Black Panther, if you were cast would you have done anything differently?
A
tandwa Kani features in the Marvel superhero franchise movie Black Panther playing the younger version of his father and famous South African actor John Kani, in the role of young King T’Chaka.
Of course! I am an African. I would have spoken more Xhosa.
Atandwa was born in Port Elizabeth and, inspired by his father, graduated from Wits University in 2008 with an Honours degree in theatrical performance. Since then he’s played numerous local and international roles on stage, TV and film to much acclaim.
Shot from an outsider’s impression of Africa, albeit it with a large element of fantasy, did anything about the film not sit well with you? I was the cultural consultant in the film, so anything that did feel off, Ryan Coogler was gracious enough to listen to me and amend.
The Afropolitan caught up with Atandwa in New York, where he lives with his wife Fikile. He says that they’re eager to have “a few kids, and Fiks WANTS a pug or 4”...
What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen to you in a stage production?
If not an actor, what would you be?
In the stage play, The Tempest, at The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) [in the UK], I noted one night we had teleprompters for the deaf and hard of hearing. As soon as I saw the words being displayed as I said them, I thought “oh that’s so cool”, then forgot the rest of my monologue as Ariel.
I have NO clue, but I know I’d be brilliant at it.
You’ve worked extensively on stage, in TV and movies in SA, the UK and USA. Which form of acting is the most challenging?
What’s the most challenging thing about following in your father’s footsteps?
Do you memorise lines easily and how do you go about getting into character? I do memorise lines fairly easily, it runs in the family, clearly. I dedicate a portion of my day to being in the world of the character, physically and mentally.
Is there a particular character you dream of playing one day? I would love to write a film about Dr. John Kani’s life and play him in it... perhaps have him direct it.
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Atandwa Kani at the LA world premiere of Black Panther
What were the highlights of being in Black Panther? I LOVED putting on that Black Panther suit, being The King of Wakanda and winning a fight against Sterling K. Brown. Also, being able to spend time with my dad on set and seeing him getting the adoration and respect he deserves. Keeping in touch quite regularly with all the cast members is pretty cool too!
Trying to figure out how he has done – and continues to do – all he has done! He is an unstoppable force!
Any advice for aspiring actors? Train, study, expand your knowledge. This is a humanitarian science, the study of human behaviour, so go study it!
What’s the best part about living in the USA and what do you miss most about SA? The best part: being with my wife. I miss my friends and family the most.
IMAGE Jesse Grant © 2018 Marvel Studios
Theatre, because after gruelling rehearsals, you’re on every night, live, with no “Cut! Take 2!”