The Afropolitan Edition 31 by Contact Media

ISSN 1993-9655 • RSA R30.00 incl VAT (Other Countries R26.50 excl VAT)

ISSUE 31, 2012

www.afropolitan.co.za • ALTERNATE MONTHLY

C O N T E N T S

in this issue

editor's note READER'S EXPERIENCE

BEAUTY 36

Pucker Up It’s almost Mistletoe Time!

Personal Finance

10 The Treacherous Road

to Mangaung

Surviving January Managing Your Salary and Bonus

The African Cliché Convention

BUSINESS

tsotsi in the boardroom

Creative Genius

What Will They Leave Behind?

FEATURES

20 Xolisa Dyeshana

OLIVER “TUKU” MTUKUDZI

NEWS FEATURE 28

Economic Freedom in this Lifetime?

Q&A: Breaking Down Corporate Barriers

travel

Alek Wek for Melissa

News we Might Have Missed

Fashion 30

ENTREPRENEUR

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Dubai "Shopping capital of the middle east"

AFRO decor Fashion Conscious Carpeting

reviews 58 59 60 62 64

Movie Reviews CD Review Book Review Afro Wheels Restaurant Review Kievits Kroon The Winelands in Gauteng

66 Afro Food

Best Bubbles 10 Champagnes to Toast the New Year! Gauteng

TRIBUTE 68

Alf Kumalo

COLUMN 71

Bah, Humbug to your Winter Wonderland!

72 SOCIALS

www.afropolitan.co.za

e d ' s

note

EDITOR'S NOTE W

ith every year-end most people become retrospective, taking time to look back on the past years’ achievement and challenges. As a country South Africa has, over the past 12 months, faced many social, political and economic problems, the repercussions of which are still being felt. We can only look towards 2013 with hope and expectation for better times and more effective leadership having hopefully learnt the hard lessons of 2012. In this issue of The Afropolitan, on page 20 we chat to Xolisa Dyeshana, creative director at Joe Public, about all things creative. Sentletse Diakanyo looks back on the long and controversial road to Mangaung on page 10; highlighting the spoils and the thrills! A lighter look at African country clichés on page 14 with Hagen Engler is sure to make you smile, and if you are looking to celebrate in style, our Champagne feature on page 70 highlights our favourite bubbly to ring the New Year with. Whether you hit the road or choose to stay at home and spend well-deserved time with your loved ones, take a copy of The Afropolitan with you for some good reading! Happy, safe holidays to you all and I look forward to engaging you all in the New Year!

the team editor Brendah Nyakudya

contributors Alyn Adams Hagen Engler Damian Murphy Elka Schaimberg Donald Makhafola Ntebo Rajuili Sentletse Diakanyo Stacey Vee Tendai Maidza Dominique Wolf

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 and publisher Donna Verrydt

finance and operations DIRECTOR Lesley Fox

sales manager Bokang Seritsane

sales Chioma Didi Okoro Damian Murphy Zinhle Mtshali

art director & Cover Design Quinten Tolken

Design & Layout Janine Steyn

subbing & proofing Carrie Clemenson

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Gwen Sebogodi

it and web manager Tinique Morgado

repro and printing Kadimah Print

distribution Edward Macdonald & Distributed by:

For any distribution queries contact: 011 401 5870

P.S. Remember to Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ TheAfropolitan and follow us on Twitter @AfropolitanMag.

@brendahnyakudya @afropolitanmag

www.afropolitan.co.za

Copyright © 2010 Contact Media & Communications. The Afropolitan is published by Contact Media & Communications. All material is strictly copyright with all rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in part or whole without the express written permission of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for unsolicited material. The publisher accepts no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give any warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its contents. The views and opinions expressed in The Afropolitan are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Kaya FM or contributors.

T HERE ARE STORIES THAT DESERVE TO BE CAPTURED FOREVER.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a transatlantic crossing on a sailboat with friends, or the birth of a child, there are precious, life-changing moments that deserve to be recorded forever. What will be yours? Let our engraving, enamelling and gemsetting artists immortalise your legend. A Reverso just for you. GRANDE REVERSO ULTRA THIN. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822. Patent 111/398.

YOU DESERVE A REAL WATCH.

Jaeger-LeCoultre in partnership with UNESCO to raise awareness and protect marine World Heritage. A real commitment to a precious cause. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com 0800 600 035

E X P E R I E N C E

by DONALD MAKHAFOLA

R E A D E R ' S

What

Will They Leave Behind?

s an average citizen without any political affiliation whatsoever, I don’t care whether or not the ANC has moved from its founding values and principles enshrined in the historic Freedom Charter. What I am deeply concerned about is the state of affairs in the country; just like every sane person I know. Some ANC loyalists and denialists will be quick to label me an enemy of the national democratic revolution and a bitter journalist who serves the interests of white capitalists, but that doesn’t bother me. The state of affairs in this birth country of Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Robert Sobukwe, Govan Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, and many other heroes and heroines who tirelessly fought for the political and 8

economic emancipation of the native Africans, leave much to be desired. South Africa’s education system was recently ranked one of the worst in the world. The World Economic Forum 2011-2012 Report ranked South Africa 132nd out of 144 on quality of education. The Limpopo textbooks saga was just the tip of the iceberg, there is a bigger problem that needs a holistic approach and it must be attended to as a matter of urgency. The latest labour force survey also shows that the unemployment rate in the country has increased to 25.5%. It’s a well known fact that the disparity between the haves and the have-nots is widening – the only person unaware of this is President Jacob Zuma, who is of the illusion that the government’s meagre social grant has helped to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. With the current crop of leaders, economic transformation in South Africa will remain a dream differed. The recent Marikana Massacre and the unrest that preceded the event across the country in the mining sector, tells a very sad story of a lack of political will to redress the imbalances of the past. And above all, it showed how the law in a state ruled by power monger leaders can be politically manipulated to undermine or suppress the rights of civilians for personal and political goals. By virtue of its resources and influential position in the world, South Africa should be thriving on a functional economy. The problem is when politicians start having business interests and are allowed to do business with the state. It’s inevitable that they will use their political power and influence to collude with the state

in pursuit of their greedy business interests. We have also seen state machinery been used for partisan and narrow political gains. I know it’s wishful thinking to say instead of being a stage for the power struggle within the ruling party, Mangaung could be used as a platform for policy debate, renewal and an advocate for radical change in the direction taken by the current

South Africans deserve selfless women and men who have the interest to serve and not marginalise and suppress the masses. leadership. South Africans deserve selfless women and men who have the interest to serve and not marginalise and suppress the masses. The euphoria of 1994, when we were ushering in the much anticipated democratic dispensation, has now been overshadowed by corruption, maladministration, incompetency, laziness, greed, nepotism and selfenrichment through government tenderpreneurs. And all of these have resulted in unemployment, abject poverty and the degrading quality of education for the majority of black children. I am certain that this is not the legacy that ANC wants the future generation to attribute to them. www.afropolitan.co.za

image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK

The African National Congress is known and respected across the world as a liberation movement and custodian of all values and principles enshrined in our esteemed constitution. Among others it advocates human rights, equal opportunities, right to education and all persons, including the state, must uphold the rule of law without exception. However, the current state of affairs sadly paints a different picture.

M A I N

F E A T U R E

We are perhaps betrayed by the nature of our electoral system, which leaves us to the political mechanisations of a handful of delegates that elect the ANC leadership every five years.

The Treacherous Road President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe

by Sentletse Diakanyo

to Mangaung

he eighteenth century Irish philosopher, Edmund Burke, aptly observed that, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” His fellow countryman and poet, William Butler Yeats, in his memorable work, The Second Coming, captured a similar sentiment with the words: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.” The words of both Burke and Yeats would resonate with the majority of gatvol South Africans who find themselves at the mercy of questionable characters in government. We are overwhelmed by that nagging feeling of powerlessness. While we may feel betrayed by these morally destitute and unethical characters, we are perhaps betrayed to a larger extent by the nature of our electoral system which leaves us to the political mechanisations of a handful of delegates that elect the ANC

leadership every five years. The Economist magazine in its recent article painted a portrait of a country on a downward slope. The former President Mbeki also admitted to not knowing where the country will be tomorrow and went further to question the capacity of his comrades to lead us to a better future. We have allowed the mess in the country to continue unabated because we still suffer from the hangover of the struggle against apartheid. The ANC, which once was a beacon of hope for the poor and the oppressed, has been hijacked by selfserving men and women, some with a disturbing propensity for criminal indiscretions. Their arrogance of power continues to grow in the knowledge that no popular political alternative exists, which would challenge and upset their unpopular reign. The public appears to have become hostages to a much lauded democratic

system and historical sentiments. As the journey along the treacherous Road to Mangaung gains momentum, we again find ourselves in the crossfire of political mudslinging between two opposing factions within the ruling ANC. The leadership conference in Mangaung is meant to elect new leaders who, with renewed vigour, will lead us to the Promised Land. The factional battle lines have been drawn. Positions have been chosen and all are unwavering. The manoeuvring in the dark alleys of our political arena is in full swing. Primary consideration for the continuation of political patronage supersedes the need to uphold those sacred principles and values of the ANC that once were engraved in the conscience of the majority of South Africans. Consideration for the general welfare of the public and the state of the economy is secondary. The nauseating refrain among those www.afropolitan.co.za

www.afropolitan.co.za

expelled some. Luthuli House easily launch infantile attacks against those who dare question the leadership of the ANC and the direction it’s taking the country. Common sense would dictate that a leadership that’s committed to addressing the concerns of the people and endeavours to represent their voices would ordinarily subject itself to scrutiny and take appropriate measure to rectify that which has failed. Their commitment to be closer to the people appears to have been with the intention to rap them over the knuckles for expressing any dissatisfaction. One would perhaps unreasonably expect that the ANC at this moment, leading to the leadership conference, would pause and do some introspection on the journey travelled thus far; to self-assess progress made in fulfilling promises made during the 2009 elections and execution of the resolutions of Polokwane. That may be happening behind closed doors but

Primary consideration for the continuation of political patronage supersedes the need to uphold those sacred principles and values of the ANC.

Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande

the general public is not witnessing the outcome of any honest self-evaluation or admission to some mistakes that have been committed, or owning up for glaring failures of the last three years. In 2006, SACP Secretary General, Blade Nzimande, loudly bemoaned the failures of the Mbeki government. In his discussion document that was debated at the central committee meeting of the SACP he further accused Mbeki of failing to deal with a crisis of corruption, factionalism and personal enrichment. It appears nothing has changed since 2006. The very problems highlighted at the time persist with much greater intensity in the run-up to the Mangaung Conference. The crisis of corruption, maladministration, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, has exploded in the last few years. Factionalism has intensified. Even Zuma’s one time cheerleaders, like former ANCYL President Julius Malema, have become his most vocal critics. The issue of self-enrichment has exacerbated. The vast scope of the politics of patronage has become an incontestable reality since Polokwane. Political scavengers from all corners have descended upon state coffers. Some ministers benefited handsomely from multimillion contracts with government without any consequences, while others accepted luxury Mercedes Benzes from beneficiaries of multi-billion contracts with the blessing of the sitting president. Zuma himself has diverted state funds for personal indulgence in Nkandla. The message from government paints a picture of improving general levels of service delivery and containment of corruption, but the dramatic spike in the number of violent service delivery protests since Zuma came to power tells a depressing story. Rampant corruption in government and random incidents of incompetence have come to exemplify the nature of the government presided over by our Jacob of Nkandla. That the global financial crisis has had a negative impact on the economy is incontestable, but the lack of imagination from the ANC government to deal decisively with mounting challenges of unemployment, poverty, atrocious education and waste of state resources has aggravated the problem. While increased government spending is useful in stimulating the economy during these troubling upheavals, in the case of the Zuma government the ‘fruitless and wasteful expenditure’ has become deeply entrenched. Public debt between 1994 and 2008 had declined from 44% to 20%; and it immediately skyrocketed to about 11

image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK

backing Zuma’s second term as President of the ANC is “continuity and unity.” What is uncertain is, “Continuity of what exactly?” The Zuma presidency has been characterised by some spectacular blunders and a handful of moments of excellence. The funnelling of millions of state funds for the development of his personal residence has thus far become the highlight of the failure of his leadership and lack of sound judgment. Nothing that was promised by the so-called “man of the people” has materialised to any greater extent, nor has he made any obvious attempts to execute the burden of responsibility imposed on him by the people. The Mbeki presidency was not without its own sporadic moments of embarrassment. His government in the lead up to the Polokwane Conference in 2007 came under strong criticism and vile attacks for one thing or another. Among other things, he was accused of abusing state institutions to settle political scores with his opponents. In the process Zuma, who was fired as state deputy president for his own alleged criminal indiscretions, exploited the hostile climate and presented himself as the victim of political mechanisation, in spite of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. He was able to court a coalition of the disgruntled within the tripartite alliance through the sinister propagation of falsehoods about his sacking and rallied them towards victory in Polokwane. Emerging from a bruising Polokwane leadership contest, the ANC resolved to build “unity and cohesion” under the Zuma presidency. It was a sensible resolution given the devastating factional battles that threatened to tear the ANC apart. However, it soon became clear that good intentions and actual deeds are generally not easily reconcilable. The Zuma victory was immediately followed by systematic purges of those who didn’t support his campaign for leadership. That couldn’t have created a fertile environment for the unity and cohesion that was preached. The Gospel of Jacob which centred on the importance of party unity post Polokwane was only a populistic rhetoric that had no corresponding action. Three years later, nothing in the conduct of the ANC can be found that affirms their commitment to build the “unity and cohesion” they had resolved on. The same gang that bemoaned the lack of tolerance for criticism by the ANC leadership under Mbeki has been driving a systematic agenda to silence dissenting voices and have in the process

M A I N

F E A T U R E

33% after Zuma became president. No consideration to slice excess fat has been made but instead the Presidency elected to spend R18 million on food and entertainment. European governments embarked on a programme to trim wasteful expenditure, through unpopular austerity measures, in order to help stimulate growth and reduce public debt. The Zuma government has done the opposite. These blatant social and economic issues, as well as maladministration and corruption would under normal circumstances be key drivers in informing the decision to nominate capable and competent individuals for the leadership of the ANC in Mangaung. However, in South Africa we are dealing with politics of patronage which derail our progress as a nation. The Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, has been suggested by anti-Zuma supporters as the possible candidate to contest for leadership of the party. His nomination doesn’t come with motivation of what he would bring that is different from the incumbent. The campaign for his election appears to be primarily spurred by the need to wrest control of the patronage machinery rather than the pursuit of clean

governance. Motlanthe, himself, appears reluctant to openly declare himself available to contest the leadership of the party. It’s also unknown whether Motlanthe would bring anything new to the ANC. What’s more disturbing is that no one seems to know what he stands for. There is a tendency to hide behind ANC processes and structures, and not openly declare one’s own ambition, political philosophy and vision for the country; and Motlanthe has been distressingly skilled in doing so. The advocates of ‘continuity and unity’ are said to have proposed that Motlanthe retain his current position as deputy, with the aim of electing him as state president in 2014 while Zuma remains the president of the ANC. We may assume that Motlanthe possesses respectable virtues in comparison to

Former President Thabo Mbeki

his contender; but he may equally be condemned guilty by association. He is after-all part of the growing problem by virtue of his position in government. To agree to such backroom deal-making, Motlanthe would be reneging on the Polokwane consensus to oppose efforts to establish the so-called “two centres of power.” The Polokwane mob resolved that the ‘two centres of power’ would not assist in forging unity within the ANC. The problem we are facing as a country is that we are confronted

with two uninspiring alternatives for leadership. The choice between Zuma and Motlanthe would not necessarily advance the necessary change but would serve to entrench the same preoccupation with self-enrichment and non-delivery of services to the people. What the country needs is a new engine and a competent driver at the wheel. What we have in the ANC is the same problematic engine in which we keep pouring new oil. The outcome is predictable and potentially disastrous.

www.afropolitan.co.za

image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK

In South Africa we are dealing with politics of patronage which derail our progress as a nation.

FEATURE

ThE AfriCAn CLiChÉ

by HAgeN eNgLer

ConvEnTion

Please be seated, observe the protocol and put on your boxing gloves for the annual general meeting of our continent’s most consistent clichés!

“A

“I can get them to agree,” intimated a young man from the Mzansi team, “but I will need something to make it worth my while…” The Kenyans and the Tanzanians at least, were on good terms. They had been shaking hands for the past five minutes. Despite the shared dislike of colonialism, the pre-conference chat had quickly split along colonial lines, with the English, French, Portuguese and Arab speakers clustered together. Nary an African tongue was discernible. Only the Ethiopians remained aloof. They’d never been conquered, unless you count that thing with the Italians. And it wasn’t like they were going to speak Italian. I mean, who would you speak it to? The Somalis? They didn’t appear to have made it to this conference. Although there was talk of them taking possession of an American rubbish truck that had been dumping garbage outside their campsite. They were offering the Americans a bargain rate of $1 million to get it back. Eventually all delegates were in the hall. Protocol was finally observed. Gifts were exchanged. Coffee and cake was shared by the Egyptians, Libyan and Tunisians, who were all looking a little bruised and disoriented for some reason. “Is spring over yet?” one of them was heard to ask. Warm cocoa was more the style of the The South Africans were there on Cote d’Ivoire party, but they couldn’t seem time, for once. They appeared to believe to agree on who should be placing the they were in charge of the conference. order. An ugly disagreement developed. But there was some dispute over who This set off most of the West African was in charge of them. delegates, who all soon became The white guy seemed to think he embroiled in the dispute. was the boss, but a black gent had the Everybody else was too busy Head of Delegation badge on and there squabbling amongst themselves to was a coloured guy who was Head of Representation and an Indian lady called intervene, so Swaziland got things rolling. They seconded whatever South Head of Mission.

ll protocol observed!” bellowed the chairman, although none had actually been observed yet. The Chamber of African Continental Clichés was called to order. Or, it would have been, but there was some kind of a shoving match going on between Rwanda and DRC, so the opening was postponed. Anyway, the delegation from Ghana had yet to arrive. Neither had the Senegalese, the Congo-Congolese, or indeed the Gabonese.

eVerYbodY else WAs too busY squAbbling Amongst themselVes to interVene, so sWAZilAnd got things rolling. theY seConded WhAteVer south AFriCA WAs About to ProPose, lesotho And nAmibiA seConded thAt.

Africa was about to propose, Lesotho and Namibia seconded that. “Before we get to that,” suggested Nigeria, “we have a business opportunity we would like to present to South Africa. We propose that they come to Lagos to explore the opportunity.” At this suggestion, the South Africans looked like they might faint. Luckily, another member of the Nigerian delegation interjected, accusing one of his countrymen of accepting a bribe during the investigation of an allegation of accepting a bribe. South Africa cleared its throat, looked pompous for two seconds and then proudly fell on its face. It had tripped over its copy of the Mining Charter. The state and business reps got into a squabble about how to share the catered meal, while the workers’ representative dug around in his pockets for tea money. Sudan and South Sudan lodged a complaint about being seated next to each other. Then a representative of an oil multinational went and sat with them and they seemed to calm down. Kenya looked up from its laptop, then sidled over as well. During the build-up to the preliminaries, Kenya had set up free Wi-Fi, networked the entire conference and established a digital currency. This piqued the interested of Zimbabwe. “We don’t have a currency,” they remarked. “Do you mind if we use yours?” Mozambique struck up a conversation with the Angolan delegation, which had two members, one in an Armani suit, the other in a torn T-shirt. The Mozambicans were both in T-shirts. They had to leave, because they were on their way to the South African delegation to check if perhaps their cousin had left any money for airtime. South Africa was on the phone to www.afropolitan.co.za

FEATURE

observer status and were seated just to the right of the chairman. Two kilometres away, Madagascar, Somalia and Mauritania milled around in the lobby of a B&B, wondering when their invitations would arrive. Back at the convention, the American team had begun indignantly complaining about being relegated to the back of the hall. They maintained that the Chinese were drinking all of the tea. Namibia pointed out that it wasn’t so much the tea that was running out; there was a lack of water to put in the teapots. This drew immediate roars of agreement from Chad, Niger, Mali and all of Southern Africa. Mauritius professed to have no idea what they were talking about. “Water’s the least of our problems. And does anybody need any sugar?” There was an awkward moment as everybody reminded themselves that the Mauritians were in fact part of the convention, delegates to the glorious annual conference of the Chamber of African Continental Clichés! Then the lights went out. 16

www.afropolitan.co.za

image courtesy of shutterstock

Europe, but they quickly hung up when China arrived. In fact, everyone stopped what they were doing. Zambia appeared to twist its ankle while trying to decide whether to bow or shake hands. Europe was on voicemail. Their message said your call is important to us. We will attend to your business as soon as we work out who exactly we are and how to save our banks from their own stupidity. At this point everybody in the house began furiously bowing in the direction of the Chinese delegation. They had

TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS 211321

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your time. True wealth is having time to enjoy life, being the master of your own destiny. We at Bisquit understand the importance of savouring the finer things in life. With our longer distillation, enjoy a smoother and suppler tasting cognac.

Time is what you make it.

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.

BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA

tsotsi

the

b oar d room

Xolisa Dyeshana

CREATIVE GENIUS Xolisa Dyeshana is Creative Director at Joe Public where he has spent the better part of the last 12 years. Xolisa sits on the Creative Circle Exco and has recently been appointed Chairperson for the Loeries Committee. The Afropolitan spent time getting to know this creative maestro.

Time is what you make it. Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.

When I relate my childhood to the work I am doing now there are two things that stick out in terms of my first loves. I have always had a passion for art and drawing from the ritual my brothers and I had growing up. Every time it rained we would get excited as it meant we could bring out our books and draw. I still have a thing for rainy days today and the memories they invoke! My other childhood memory is related to my other passion, music. Even though no one studied music formally, it was a huge part of our lives. My parents had a record player in their room and I would steal moments in there to listen to Roberta Flack’s “Killing me Softly”. Years later the Fugees made it a huge hit I was like “I called it at the age of seven!”

What (or who) proved to be your greatest motivation to succeed during the formative years? My parents because of the sacrifices I was very aware they were making for me. I come from a large family of seven with me being the last-born child. As a result, I am the only one who got to enjoy certain opportunities. Knowing my parents (and siblings) were making these sacrifices was a huge motivator for me.

My passions for music, art and acting have all found a home in my advertising work. Why the ad game? When I completed Matric I was unsure of what I wanted to do. As much as I wanted to follow my passions, I didn’t want to be poor as I had only ever been poor in my life. It was around that time that I found out about advertising, which for me was the perfect solution. I could indulge in my passions, get paid for it and be able to see my work in lights!

For a young black man in South Africa, breaking into the advertising industry can be tough, how did you get your big break?

I am so honored by this appointment but at the same time I am well aware that one can only bask in it but for a moment – there is so much work to be done. My big break came when I was invited to interview for a job at what was then FCB Activ, the retail entity of the then biggest agency in South Africa, FCB. The MD interviewing me was surprised by my passion as I was applying for a copywriter position even though I had studied graphic design. I literally had to beg him to trust me with the position, as I had no experience! But he gave me a chance and as they say the rest his history!

In your opinion have South African businesses fully embraced the need for investing in advertising their brands? For the most part the majority of blue chip companies have embraced the need because every brand wants to be a household name - and companies are seeing the results of their outlay. What is always going to be a challenge is at which stage companies decide what portion of their profit goes into marketing. Because it’s an investment, which takes a lot of sacrifice in the short-term but the fruits thereafter, are amazing.

Another frustration stems from being asked to produce this miraculous piece of work but when it comes down to the actual experience that the consumer has with the brand it’s completely different and unsatisfactory. It doesn’t assist what we have been asked to portray and in some extreme cases goes against the message that we are preaching.

What does your recent appointment as Chairperson for Loeries mean to you personally? As an industry we are facing some of the biggest challenges we have ever faced. We are reeling from a recession, budgets are getting tighter and demands are getting more intense. Markets are saturated and technology has been both a challenge and a blessing. On top of all this we need to ensure we still keep on track with our transformation agenda while staying at the top of our game. So an appointment like this is an extreme

The Loerie Awards

were first held in 1978, as a mechanism to support and grow television advertising. Since then the awards have expanded to encompass every area of brand communication including radio and print, design, architecture, direct marketing, non-broadcast video, live events, and digital media. The awards set a benchmark for the best creative communication from the African and Middle Eastern region, with the core message that Creativity is Business.

vote of confidence in my abilities to move us forward during these tough times. It’s an extremely humbling accolade. I cannot say that enough. I am so honoured but at the same time I am well aware that one can only bask in it but for a moment – there is so much work to be done.

Other than budget restrictions, what are the major What achievements of the frustrations that creative Loeries Committee to date are agencies face on a you most proud of? regular basis? By its very nature creative work requires that you produce something new and different each and every time; but by our very own human nature, especially when we are looking after large amounts of money, we would rather stick to what is safe, tried and tested. So our biggest challenge is being asked to think out of the box, only to be put back in the box!

First would be the scholarship fund we have made available to underprivileged students and the results that has yielded. The Travelling Exhibition is another that has given so many more people more a glimpse into this industry – people that would otherwise have never had the opportunity. The third is all the steps that have been taken to ensure that the Loeries are not just a showcase for

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.

imageS courtesy of XOLISA DYESHANA

What memories mark your childhood years?

129093

tsotsi

I believe a lot of the work we produce is absolutely brilliant but we are yet to create a uniquely South African aesthetic.

It’s your time.

b oar d room

the Loeries and internships offered by agencies to the programme put in place by the Creative Circle Exco that assists in placing young talent at some of South Africa’s top agencies where they get experience and get paid for that experience to cover their living expenses…lives are being changed.

At the end of your tenure what legacy would you want to leave behind?

advertising agency people, but for marketers and media owners and the communications industry at large.

If we have an advertising showcase in the form of the Loeries that takes place over a week and absolutely celebrates creativity and we have an industry where we have taken bold and brave steps to ensure it is reflective of the people who consume it, I would be very happy with the legacy I am leaving.

What is the one aspect you would want to change when it comes to the Loeries?

All who know you know about your passion for music, how big is your collection?

It’s not really about changing anything; it’s more about carrying on the amazing work that has been done by my predecessor Boniswa Pezisa and our Loeries CEO Mr Andrew Human and the Committee. It’s about pulling in all invested parties to see how best we can serve the work and create advertising that resonates.

One of your main drives is to ensure that talented, underprivileged minds find it easier to embark on a career in the industry. Why is this important to you? As someone who sits on various industry boards, I am very actively involved in ensuring that we increase access to the industry to all. I believe a lot of the work we produce is absolutely brilliant but we are yet to create a uniquely South African aesthetic. The only way that can be achieved is to have an advertising industry that is reflective of the market that it serves.

Time is what you make it.

the

Are advertising agencies, especially the more established ones, doing their bit when it comes to mentorship? I don’t think any of us, small medium or large, are doing as much as we could be doing. But having said that the efforts I have seen particularly in the last two to three years, have been encouraging. From the scholarships offered by

Wow. Enough to fill a lifetime! See I believe music is the soundtrack to life. If I look back on my life there is always a song that goes with every memorable thing that ever happened. I am always on that constant journey to discover new music.

What (non work-related issue) keeps you up at night? Well, unfortunately it is work related. Ideas keep me up! I love ideas and they excite me. If I am up at night, it’s probably because I am excited about an idea.

What do people not know about Xolisa that would surprise them if they knew? In high school I was always the lead in every musical and I actually got school colours for my performances in Drama. While I never pursued it as a career, I am one of the lucky ones for I can pour all these passions into my work. My passions for music, art and acting have all found a home in my advertising work! Xolisa was the second South African ever to be invited to judge John Caples in New York in 2007. Adding to this he has also judged the Loeries in 2006 through to 2011; Apex in 2011; Assegai in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and was a judge at Cannes in 2011.

The Travelling Exhibition showcases the best of all

aspects of brand communication - visiting major centres as well as schools and colleges. Marketers, agencies and consumers are afforded the opportunity to view all the winning work, while upand-coming creatives are given lots of inspiration to produce their own award-winning work.

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.

www.afropolitan.co.za

BY Hagen Engler

ADVERTORIAL

The Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre

Energy efficiency rewarded at the

Eskom eta Awards

apidly increasing energy prices and calls for energy efficiency have shifted people’s mindset about the role energy plays in our lives in recent times. To encourage and promote this energy efficiency approach Eskom launched the eta Awards in 1985. The Awards promote excellence in energy efficiency by rewarding bright ideas and innovations by individuals, students, companies and other institutions. This year one of the stand-out winners was the Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre designed by Grosskopff Lombart Huyberechts & Associate Architects in the eta Awards Innovation category. One of the best ways of addressing energy demands is in how we build and construct urban spaces. The Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre, situated at Vodacom’s head office in Midrand, is an example of how innovative building designs can cut down on energy bills, when it was named winner at the 2012 eta Awards in the Innovation category. In response to Vodafone’s brief to build an energy efficient office block, www.afropolitan.co.za

Grosskopff Lombart Huyberechts & Associate Architects came up with a 350 square metre building solution featuring new and sustainable technology. The building produces 270 kWh of electricity a day through solar panels but is able to feed two-thirds of the energy it produces to power the next door building. The office block, the first 6 Star Green Star accredited building in South Africa, is the first energy positive building in Africa. Other highlights of the office block include low carbon building materials, a double glazed façade with sun-tracking blinds, a slab cooling system and rain water harvesting helping them to save R4 465 a month. Dr Steve Lennon, Eskom Group Executive of Sustainability says: “Energy saving is not only the responsibility of energy suppliers – corporate South Africa must get involved. It is encouraging to see companies issuing briefs that require energy efficient solutions and seeing the response to such briefs. The building is a genuine example of South Africa’s commitment to sustainability, and Eskom’s eta Awards are proud to be associated with it.”

For more information visit www.eta-awards.co.za or contact Annamarie Murray on murraya@eskom.co.za

The Courtyard and Wetland View of The Vodafone Site Solution Innovation Centre

The team from Grosskopff Lombart Huyberechts and Associate Architects: Alison Groves from WSP Green by Design, Xavier Huyberechts and Naina Jivan

23 www.afropolitan.co.za

conversation

www.afropolitan.co.za

Heartfelt I

t’s Living Legend Day at Sheer Sound. Zimbabwean Chimurenga Master, Thomas Mapfumo, arrives in a funky pinstriped suit to discuss business, while his countryman and fellow national treasure Oliver Mtukudzi holds a series of media interviews. There’s a bizarre moment in the corridors of the record company as a label staffer asks Oliver, “Would you like to say hi to Thomas?” and Tuku is ushered towards a back office where the Lion of Zimbabwe is no doubt cloistered with his accountants haggling over royalties. So do the paths of Zimbabwe’s musical superstars cross sometimes these strange days, at a converted homeoffice in suburban Johannesburg. Their first musical meeting happened in 1977, when the 25-yearold Mtukudzi joined Mapfumo, seven years his senior, in the Wagon Wheels band, which released the gold-selling Dzandimomotera single. Their paths soon diverged, and what was in retrospect a Zimbabwean super-group broke up, with Mapfumo going on to form Blacks Unlimited, and Tuku launching The Black Spirits. Today’s encounter is like Lennon and McCartney bumping into each other in the Apple Records corridors, or Marley and Tosh giving each other a low five by the Island Records water cooler. Despite their achievements, though, Zimbabwe’s greatest living musicians each cut a slightly weary figure. Mapfumo, in his incongruous grey zoot suit, here to make sure he gets what he is due after near forty years as a prolific recording artist, and Tuku enduring the merry-go-round of press interviews to promote his latest album, Sarawoga. It’s a merry-go-round Mtukudzi has ridden before. At least 60 times, if his catalogue of album releases is anything to go by. That is an amazing 61 albums in

www.afropolitan.co.za

a 35-year recording career, plus several theatrical movies and music DVDs! Does it ever become a bit of a chore, this marketing aspect of his career, with the schmoozing, the meeting with execs, the interviewers asking the same questions, the posing for photographs? Surely Mtukudzi would rather be writing songs, recording or even better, performing on stage, where the energy of this whole industry really resides? “It’s all part of what we need to do as musicians,” he considers, engaging despite his obvious fatigue. “Our job is to touch people’s hearts with our music, and all of this,” he gestures around the record-company boardroom, “All of this helps us to do that.” How does he feel about the business side of music? “As musicians we are already business people. And the key to having a good business is to have a good product – something that touches people. But despite that, I don’t believe that musicians are about getting paid. We get appreciated.” And he smiles that broad, infectious, Tuku smile. Even at ease, Tuku is a powerful, intense presence. He is tall, his whip-thin body toned by swimming lengths in his guitar-shaped swimming pool back home.

has returned to his calling as musician, and channelled his grief into another magnificent album. The title, Sarawoga, means, “left alone” and it opens with a haunting lament, Tuku’s agonised voice conveying every grain of his heartbreak. “These were songs we played when we were touring before he died,” says Tuku. “This is the first recording after the loss,” he says in the liner notes. “God made it possible for me to have the time, talent and chance to offer you Sarawoga.” It’s music of sorrow, and of gratitude, from a man whose relationship with music runs so deep and long that it became his shoulder to cry on during these two years of grief.

The Art of Music

It’s hard to reconcile the humility of the man with his status as one of Africa’s musical greats, but you soon get the picture when Tuku begins sharing his personal philosophy. This isn’t a man with a complex series of insights on each of life’s mysteries. He has boiled his life lessons on his role in society down to a handful of aphorisms, all eloquent in their all-encompassing simplicity. Ask questions as deep and circuitous as you like, the elegant explanations remain the same. Like an African Zen master, Oliver Mtukudzi has He wears a miniature homburg hat, and meditated on the nature of music, but a powder-blue T-shirt advertising Rume at the same time he refuses to do so. He Rimwe, an album by his late son, Sam knows music. He is music. The roles of Mtukudzi, killed in a road accident two music and the musician are what they years ago, aged just 21. Sam was already are, and it’s pointless probing any deeper an established musician at the time of than their essential nature. “Music is a his death. He began accompanying his feeling. Our purpose as musicians is to father on world tours as a teenager. At give life and help people heal. To touch a show in Birmingham, where Sam’s their hearts. That is why we were ability, stage presence and youthful good given talent.” looks had the crowd in raptures, Oliver How does he approach his introduced him as “the future”. Now that compositions? Does a song like Todii future is lost, replaced by a gaping void start with the words or the music? in his father’s life. But – and this is the “Always the words first. That is the most measure of the man – Oliver Mtukudzi important. Then we find a tune for

The Loss of His Son

imageS courtesy of SHEER MUSIC

BY Hagen Engler

Two years after the death of his son Sam, music legend Oliver Mtukudzi has turned his pain into a powerful album of heartbreak and healing.

conversation

the song so people can hear we mean what we are saying. That way we can touch their hearts.” This “touching of hearts” is intrinsic to Tuku’s music, that genre of African music that he has created basically single-handedly. It’s as powerful, but subtler than the music of Thomas Mapfumo, with whom he is often compared.

On Being Socially Aware Where the outspoken Mapfumo has had to go into exile in the USA for spelling out too clearly his concerns about his country and its government, Tuku still lives in the small town of Norton 40 kilometres west of Harare that he moved to 1996. Indeed, Tuku has committed his personal fortune to developing the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in the town. The centre boasts music, dance, drama, poetry and martial arts facilities, shops, editing suites, stages, a restaurant and the Sam Mtukudzi conference centre But does Oliver ever feel he should have been more militant? Doesn’t he see a responsibility to call out the Zimbabwean government on their shortcomings? “No. As artists, we are above the politicians. When you make political statements, you become a politician. And whenever you say something political, you alienate people who disagree with you. A political message will divide people. We speak to every person. We try to heal their hearts.” Of those healing songs, which does he feel was his best? What is his favourite song of all his 61 albums? “Well that would be for the people to say. We make music for the people. I believe it’s a mistake to write a song in order to create a good composition. If a song is a good composition, but it fails to give life, that is not a good song.” It’s all about touching their hearts, right? “Exactly! It’s for the people to judge. And they always surprise you. Neria, for instance,” he says of the 1991 film he acted and composed for. “It took a year before they came to like those songs.” Mtukudzi agrees that the true essence, the spirit of song, lives in sharing them, live, with an audience. The songs on Sarawoga, for instance, had been played live for years already before being committed to record. Not for Tuku is the western pop model of an artist unveiling their latest album of fresh material and then embarking on a tour to familiarise audiences with the new songs. “These songs have been road tested,” he says, tapping the CD on the boardroom table, “and only the songs that the people 26

enjoy go on the album.” But what about when the shoe’s on the other foot? When he is listening to music, who does Oliver Mtukudzi listen to, for inspiration and for pleasure? “There is no competition in art,” he says, and you can almost sense the conversation returning to the same set of Zen principles that have served him so well. “If a song touches my heart, I enjoy it. It need not be a song by a famous artist. In fact, sometimes a wellknown musician will produce a good composition, but the simple song by an amateur musician will touch me more.” Was he always destined to be a musician? Can he remember a time before music? “Well, my mother would tell me that my first cry as a newborn was very melodic, so perhaps it was meant. I am self-taught. As a youngster I bought

myself a ‘teach-yourself-guitar’ book for 90 cents. It showed you how to tune a guitar, and how to play three chords. That book has served me very well.” And his influences? “Well, I grew up in the city, but my family is from the rural areas, so I came to know both styles, both cultures. Some say that I play the guitar in the mbira style.” So Tuku music is a kind of fusion of the contemporary and the traditional? “You could say it’s a kind of fusion. We just try to write songs that touch people’s universal humanness.” And with that, Oliver Mtukudzi politely takes his leave. After a quick cellphone photo or two, with the receptionist playing photographer. We couldn’t resist. The man touches people’s hearts. It is living legend day at the record company.

imageS courtesy of SHEER MUSIC

www.afropolitan.co.za

N E W S

feature

BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA

2012 has been a year filled with a lot of news! Every single morning one is bombarded by news of war, strikes, the United States presidential race, Mangaung and the economic downturn. One can be excused for tuning off every now and then to avoid a sharp descent into depression. We have picked a couple of stories that might have missed your roving eye – stories that made us laugh, made us hope and in some instances made us wonder…

News we Might have

Missed… From Poverty to Pirouettes Sierra Leone Child Number 27, that was the name Michaela DePrince, grew up with as an orphan in Sierra Leone. From a young age her young life was littered with untold tragedy that often features in the minds of children growing up in a war zone. Fate turned things around for Child Number 27 when an American woman, Elaine DePrince, adopted her and they relocated to the United States. By that stage Child Number 27 (soon to be named Michaela) had developed an obsession with ballet after spotting a ballerina in the pages of a discarded magazine.

Elaine, noticing her new daughters love for ballet, enrolled Michaela at the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia and they have never looked back. In her path to fulfilling her dream, Michaela has defied all racial boundaries in the world of ballet. At the age of 14 she was featured in the film “First Position”, a documentary that followed the lives of six dancers on their journey to the Youth America Grand Prix, the largest competition that awards full scholarships to top ballet schools. In April 2012 she appeared on Dancing with the Stars, dancing to Natasha Bedingfield’s live performance of Wild Horses and has just recently completed a tour with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Not bad for a Child Number 27 from an orphanage in Sierra Leone.

www.afropolitan.co.za

Love Found in a Shackled Place Swaziland

What’s Yours Is Mine… Finally Botswana In a groundbreaking (long overdue) move, the Botswana High Court has overturned an age-old and very archaic law which denied women the right to inherit the family home. In the past, women in Botswana were awarded no rights on the passing of their husbands or fathers until the bravery of an elderly woman, Edith Mmusi, who with her sisters, fought a five year battle with the courts to overturn a rule which would have seen the youngest son (their nephew) inherit the home they worked too hard to maintain. Land ownership is a thorny and often heart-breaking issue in Africa where patriarchal customs and cultures are enforced often leaving wives and daughters homeless or in some cases treated as commodities and inherited by their late husband’s brothers or uncles. We can only hope this landmark ruling will spread in other countries and allow women to finally be treated as equals to men, as is their constitutional right. www.afropolitan.co.za

Economic Girl Power! Africa According to forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, due to the recession that has hit developed countries, Africa will have the fastest growth economy of any continent in the next five years. This growth is due to the burgeoning entrepreneur industry which studies have shown is dominated by women. In Swaziland alone, women account for about 70% of micro, small and medium enterprises. From the informal cross border traders buying and selling second-hand goods to small business owners in each and every industry including hairdressing, tailoring, catering, these women are pushing up economic growth on the continent.

Stranger Than Fiction Mauritania Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was accidently shot by his army. In the most bizarre story of the quarter (it’s been a long year); President Aziz was on his way from a weekend getaway when his convoy was shot at by a unit of his own army who claim they didn’t recognize his convoy. 29 www.afropolitan.co.za

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

In what some have seen as a controversial move, Swaziland is set to introduce conjugal visits for its married prisoners in an attempt to address sexual violence, maintain family bonds and avoid marriages from breaking down. Not only will Swaziland be the first country in Africa to allow this right to prisoners, it will only be the 16th country in the world to follow this path. As from 2013 Swaziland correctional services, utilising prison officers and inmates as labourers, will construct two-bedroom houses on prison grounds where inmates will be able to meet their loved ones for some quality time. But while this move has obviously been greeted with enthusiasm by some quarters, it has been criticised by others who feel it will discriminate and prejudice against unmarried inmates who only get 10 minutes with their visitors. Gay couples will also not share in this right as Swaziland does not recognise same sex relationships. Another concern is the notion that Correctional Services has its priorities wrong; initiatives should be to prevent people from going to jail, not give them treats while they are there. Time will tell if this will have the desired effect.

BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA

F A S H I O N

We love international model Alek Wek! Her rise to fame has been inspirational, not only to young models worldwide, but to the millions of African models whose unconventional beauty had been sidelined for years. This year Alek Wek has been selected to represent melissa shoes in their latest campaign. The South Sudanese supermodel is the face of the melissa “Rainbow” collection, the images from the campaign are bright and colourful with Alek styled like an African princess, in a techni-coloured melissa rainbow, she stands statuesque. The melissa “Rainbow” collection is now available at retail stores until March 2013.

Alek Wek

for Melissa

For More information: Shop online: www.melissaza.co.za Twitter: @Melissashoes_sa Facebook: Melissa South Africa

www.afropolitan.co.za

F A S H I O N

www.afropolitan.co.za

F A S H I O N

www.afropolitan.co.za

by DOMiNiQue WOLF

b E A U T Y & G R O O M I N G CLARINS GLOSS PRODIGE IN CANDY: R190

This new generation gloss combines incredible shine, intense colour and lasting hold. Its highly smoothing, non-sticky, gel-like texture shapes lips and coats them in a veil of comfort.

DERMALOGICA CLEANSTART SMART MOUTH LIP SHINE: R200

A super smoothing lip shield with Vitamin E, Cocoa Seed Butter and Shea Butter to moisturize and condition, with Avocado and Rice Bran to protect and lock in moisture.

CLINIQUE CHUBBY STICK MOISTURISING LIP COLOUR BALM: R205

This little delight is packed with Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and antioxidants to help protect and pamper lips with immediate and lasting moisturisation. Whilst keeping lips luscious and irresistibly soft, it provides a sheer hint of colour and a natural sheen.

GOSH LONG LASTING LIP MARKER: R110

This lip marker pen makes precise application of lip colour a breeze. Lips stay hydrated and refreshed and the colour lasts for hours.

TOM FORD LIP COLOUR IN CHERRY LUSH:

GOSH LIGHT ‘N SHINE LIP GLAZE: R140

Thanks to the genius builtin mirror and light, this revolutionary lip-gloss is easy to apply everywhere, even in the dark! This dreamy lip-gloss has a glam high-shine finish for seductively sensual lips.

R495

LABELLO REPAIR AND BEAUTY:

Get designer lips with this amazing new lip colour collection by Tom Ford. Rare and exotic ingredients and specially treated colour pigments are blended to deliver pure colour with just the right balance of luminosity for a polished finish.

This little gem instantly and effectively repairs and smoothes out dry lips, leaving them soft, smooth and very kissable. It also adds a subtle rosy shade so lips look naturally healthy. Best of all, it delivers an instantly refreshing, cooling sensation.

R26.99

PUCkEr UP – iT’s ALmosT misTLEToE TimE! Tis the season to be jolly, playful and a little naughty. Don't let chapped, dry lips rob you of all the fun! Get your pout soft, smooth and irresistibly kissable for the perfect moment under the mistletoe. 36

www.afropolitan.co.za

ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR LIP PROTECTANT STICK:

REVLON COLORBURST LIPGLOSS: R110

This weightless gloss make lips glow with five times more shine than patent leather! Moisturisers and anti-oxidants condition and improve lip texture.

R135

For the ultimate protection against the sun this SPF 15 treatment stick will keep your lips supple and kissable.

CRABTREE & EVELYN MULBERRY LIP TINT: R100

Providing a perfect shine, this subtly flavoured lip tint has aloe barbadensis to soothe lips and shea butter to moisturize and condition, giving chapped lips a perfect look and feel.

REVLON JUST BITTEN KISSABLE BALM STAIN: THE NAME SAYS IT ALL! R105

This pampering balm fused with a lightweight lip stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of colour that lasts for hours.

DERMALOGICA CLIMATE CONTROL LIP TREATMENT: R180

This therapeutic balm is formulated with exclusive Anti-Ozonate Complex which helps heal damaged lips and provides a barrier against future climatic assaults.

LABELLO FOR MEN ACTIVE CARE: R16.99

Effectively protecting lips in all weather conditions, this is an essential product for your travel bag. It contains an SPF 6 for protection against the sun and because it is specifically formulated for men, it is fragrance, shine and colour free.

www.afropolitan.co.za

DERMALOGICA RENEWAL LIP COMPLEX: R360

This daily lip treatment restores delicate lip tissue, minimizes contour lines and helps prevent the signs of ageing. A fabulous product for both men and women.

CLARINS MOISTURE REPLENISHING LIP BALM: R155

This is a lip care must-have for immediate comfort. It soothes away roughness and chapped lips with its intensive repair action. It hydrates and protects lips with its Maxi Lip complexÂ®. Especially convenient for men with its specifically designed application tip for quick and easy use.

Prices MAy VAry. iMAges Are cOurtesy OF sHutterstOcK, MANuFActurers AND DistributOrs.

FOR MEN

F I N A N C E

Craig Gradidge gives a few tips on managing your cashflow during the December holidays and surviving the January blues.

image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK

BY Craig Gradidge

P E R S O N A L

Surviving January

Managing Your Salary and Bonus

he festive season is usually a wonderful time of the year for many. We get to relax after a long hard year, spend time with loved ones and catch up with people that we have seen little of during the year. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a time when we generally have a few more pennies in our pockets because of bonus payments, and in the spirit of the season we tend to be a bit loose with our spending habits. Unfortunately January tends to be a bit of a wakeup call for many. Normal expenses persist, and new ones tend to appear, like back to school expenses. Some expenses such as petrol, airtime, food and

entertainment also tend to increase over the festive period. We have extra time on our hands, and the need to entertain the kids is ever present. Salaries often get paid early in December and then again towards the end of January which means that there is a much longer gap between incomes. This puts strain on the December income to fund expenses until the January salary is received, putting people under pressure to take on new, expensive debt. How does one beat the January blues and prevent festive cheer from becoming a financial hangover? We propose the following plan of action:

To improve the effectiveness of the budget, it should be revisited on a frequent basis to ensure that all is on track.

www.afropolitan.co.za

1. Budget They say that money is an evil master, but a good servant. The best way to reduce money to the title of servant is to run an effective budget. Sit down with your spouse/partner before the middle of November and discuss the plans for the festive season. You want to get a plan in place for December and January, so have separate budgets for December and January, allocate relevant expenses and income to the two budgets. It’s important though that both budgets are drawn up at the same time for increased effectiveness. List your usual monthly expenses, and then incorporate a section for expenses arising out of the plans for the festive season. As far as possible, estimate and list all expenses that you expect will be incurred. Then write down all expected income such as salaries and bonuses, stokvel payouts, etc. It’s also important to include some provisions for unexpected expenses that can arise. Throughout this exercise it’s also important to be realistic about expenses and incomes. If one has a regular savings or investment contribution it’s important to stick to these as far as possible. Once all expenses and incomes have been listed, compare them to see what

picture emerges. Is there a shortfall? How big is the shortfall? Is there scope to cut back on some expenses? The trick to an effect budget is honesty. If you are going to knowingly underestimate expenses just so the budget can balance then this will be a worthless exercise.

2. Communicate Once the budget has been finalised it’s a good idea to discuss these with the family, including the children. Often the hardest thing to do is implement cut backs that affect the children. However, financial distress can be more detrimental to the kids than a cheaper gift or fewer visits to the movies. Some argue that one should not burden children with financial affairs. Our position is that the sooner children understand that money is not in endless supply, the better. The important thing is to be open and honest about what is possible and what isn’t.

3. Revisit the budget It’s important that a budget is seen as a working document and not a once off exercise. To improve the effectiveness of the budget it should be revisited on a frequent basis to ensure that all is on track. I normally run my budget on an

excel spreadsheet and delete expenses as they are paid. I can then quickly reconcile the amount of outstanding expenses with what is in the bank. It’s useful to revisit the budget before spending on big ticket items such as gifts, or where there

They say that money is an evil master, but a good servant. The best way to reduce money to the title of servant is to run an effective budget. is scope for variability such as grocery shopping. This helps in maintaining control over expenses. The beauty of a budget lies within its simplicity. However, it requires discipline and honesty in order to be effective. Budgeting remains the cornerstone and foundation of good money management. It shows its value during times such as the festive season when income and expense patterns are significantly disrupted.

CHANNEL 410

Bronwyn Nielsen BUSINESS TONIGHT 7pm Daily @businesstonight Brought to you by

HEAD OFFICE +27 11 384 0300 Scan the QR code to watch the latest Business Tonight Interviews on your Smartphone.

by NtebO rAJuiLi

b U S I N E S S

robert Lane & evans Musodza

in this Lifetime?

Four years ago, two local entrepreneurs began an intrepid journey and launched a payment technology company, Veneka, based in South Africa. Managing director, Evans Musodza, and Director, Robert Lane, shared their experience of doing business in the South African economy and some of the hurdles that they have navigated.

iMAge cOurtesy OF sHutterstOcK

EConomiC frEEDom

b U S I N E S S experiences reflect a broader macro issue. One of the economic debates is about broadening the economy through entrepreneurship with vocal calls for a more conducive regulatory environment, with much less red tape! South African commentator and economic scenario planner Clem Sunter, has often spoken about the hurdles facing local businesses and has outlined some of the key risks to South Africa’s fledgling democracy. One of these is a lack of an entrepreneurial culture that could fundamentally transform the country’s growth prospects. In assessing the local economy he pointed out that there are about nine million small businesses in this country and many of them fear the rigid labour laws, are shy, and even afraid to hire people. South Africa’s labour market needs a new model that will employ more people, encourage skills development and built capacity. It’s against this framework that Clem Sunter has proposed the idea of a desperate need for an ‘economic CODESA’* so that the economic challenges can be treated with n the last few years the management that, “It’s highly frustrating to have to the same sense of urgency as the political team has gained insights into deal with red tape when making straight crises of the late 1980s and early 1990s. the intricacies and challenges of forward operational payments that aren’t South Africa’s economic honeymoon launching a new venture. Like large sums of money by the general is over. Business, Government, Labour industry standard.” Such frustrating many businesses they battle to find the and Civil Society are experiencing the experiences of doing business in South right skills for the specialist industry sobering reality of a nation that has Africa are one of the reasons that some that they operate in, Getting visas for failed to transform and build an exclusive international companies prefer to base international skilled professionals is a economy, where the gap between rich their business in Mauritius, touted nightmare that can drag on for more and poor is turning into violent social than a year. It’s common knowledge that as one of Africa’s friendliest business unrest and traditional labour unions have destinations. Musodza and Lane’s South Africa’s poor education system lost the confidence of their members. challenges may be unique to their is a noose around our competitive Problems in the Western World, business and circumstance, but their advantage and skills capacity, but the particularly the Eurozone, have resulted solution for fixing it is stuck knee deep in a toxic cocktail of economic headaches. in political wrangling and confusion. In the last 18 years, the ANC has Lane’s suggestion for a robust national successfully gained political power but programme that effectively provides has failed to create an inclusive economy, support to small businesses that are that isn’t still tightly controlled by a developing new skills would be valuable minority group. The impact of this to a new player like Veneka as graduate development has been detrimental to training is a costly investment, but often socioeconomic transformation. The the only way to up skill and employ political elite have paid little attention students without the correct training. to implementing long term economic As the continent’s biggest economy transformation plans. Most actions are South Africa is proudly positioned as tied up in rhetoric while the political the gateway into Africa. So, it was a elite build their success on easy access steep learning curve for the business to State revenues. South Africa has slid when they could not easily get banking in the Transparency International gauge facilities such as overdrafts on foreign of perceived public sector corruption earnings and contracts. They also came from 38th in the World in 2001 to 64th across many hurdles trying to pay in 2011 out of 183 countries and regions. As South Africans we can’t afford to foreign suppliers. Musodza commented

“south AFriCA’s Poor eduCAtion sYstem is A noose Around our ComPetitiVe AdVAntAge And skills CAPACitY, but the solution For FiXing it is stuCk knee deeP in PolitiCAl WrAngling And ConFusion.”

iMAge cOurtesy OF sHutterstOcK

b U S I N E S S

take a general, accommodating view of emerging market corruption. Only a tough stance on social and economic development and transformation will propel the country forward. The task is too big to be treated with complacency and there are strong foundations and opportunities that can be harnessed. The split between the groups that control the economy versus the state has also created a level of animosity and distrust. Without strong economic resources, the ANC’s efforts have been

“iF A nAtion is A ColleCtiVe oF its PeoPle, then indiViduAls in All sPheres oF soCietY hAVe A resPonsibilitY to shAPing the Future.” hampered, since 1994. The reality facing South Africa is that distrust between Business Labour and Government is not sustainable for either of the parties long term growth objectives. Most recently, the deadly chaotic strikes in the mining industry are indicative of the deep flaws in South Africa’s teenage democracy, and a lack of clear leadership and accountability. The desperate call for leadership is getting louder, with bold voices such as Nedbank’s Chairman, Reuel Khoza, openly criticizing the ANC government and raising warnings about the possibility of a rogue state. His sentiments have been echoed by other leading business figures such as Bonang Mohale, the new head of the Black Management Forum (BMF) and Chairman of Shell South Africa. It’s an encouraging sign that Mohale has stated that one of his goals is to educate his members to think differently, make informed decisions and challenge the country’s leadership. Unfortunately the majority of black South African’s don’t belong to professional organizations. They form part of the working class

population, some reliant on social grants, the ANC’s ‘gift’ to stay in power. The ANC faced a rough task to transform the deep structural flaws of the South African economy. In Oliver Tambo’s biography, "Beyond the Engeli Mountains", Luli Callinicos provides interesting insights into how South Africa’s mining industry was built on the destruction of peasant agriculture and turning farmers into migrant workers. The impacts of this strategy are still a thorn in the side of our current society. In his February 2012 State of the Nation address, President Jacob Zuma focused on the mining industry as one of the job drivers in the New Growth Path and its critical role in the socio-economic development of the country. Nothing was said about the social ills in the industry. Six months later, the Marikana mining massacre was a telling account that South Africa needs to work much, much harder to steer the economy and society in a different direction. Forget the Mining Charter, Scorecards and Conventions. The mining industry, like other sectors, needs deep introspection into labour and employment practices. South Africa has been brilliant at formulating policies and plans. Internationally, we have been hailed for building strong institutions, with a strong Constitution. In response to the socioeconomic difficulties, the ANC established the National Planning Commission in 2009 and then the New Growth Path framework in 2010. In the current context, Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, is correct in saying we are not in a terminal crisis, but if Government departments don’t co-ordinate their efforts and social groups can’t implement the plans, we will certainly keep moving backwards and the destination will be a crisis. Pravin Gordhan has also criticized international ratings agencies for downgrading South Africa’s debt, but without strong household savings and a growing tax base, the country’s growth is reliant on foreign perceptions for foreign direct investment. On the one hand, Government Business and Labour have a sobering job to tackle economic transformation, create a more inclusive and equal society

“there Are About nine million smAll businesses in this CountrY And mAnY oF them FeAr the rigid lAbour lAWs, Are shY, And eVen AFrAid to hire PeoPle.” Clem sunter and steer the country onto a growth path and wide social prosperity. If a nation is a collective of its people, then individuals in all spheres of society have a responsibility to shaping the future. In South Africa’s current context the key building blocks, need to be built on individual excellence, skills training, volunteerism to create opportunities, even for just one person and for more South Africans to join the debate and dialogue. Globally many countries that have succeeded have entrenched excellence and a strong work ethic in the social psyche. Alternatively they have implemented a tightly centralized framework. South Africans are far too dynamic, diverse and innovative to expect the solutions to come from the centre, but we need the right agenda to get it right. *the convention for a Democratic south Africa (cODesA) was a tough negotiation to end the apartheid system in south Africa. it took place between 1990 and 1993 and brought together the National Party, the African National congress and numerous other political organizations.

SNAP SHOT OF SA ECONOMY • 2012 GDP Growth 2.5% (SA National Treasury) • 2013 GDP Growth 3.0% (SA National Treasury) • Budget deficit - Projected at 4.8% of GDP for the fiscal year to March 2013 • Inflation to average 5.7% in 2012 • Gini Co-efficient 0.7 (World Bank 2008 measure of income inequality) • Only 1 in 8 working age adults under 25 years of age have a job compared with 40% in most emerging economies (SA National Treasury) emerging economies.

Ayanda Mbanga Communications is a fully integrated, Level 1 contributing recruitment marketing, response management, credential verification, and employer branding agency. With 13 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience gained in advertising and communications, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re changing the way you view your attraction and retention strategies.

Visit www.ayandambanga.co.za and let us give your message a voice and your brand a face.

F E A T U R E

by Donald Makhafola

E N T R E P R E N E U R

Breaking Down Corporate Barriers

hese two firms indentified the need to create a single entity with the resources, capacity and expertise to provide good governance through specialised internal audit services, external audits, forensic services and business consulting to the private, public and institutional sectors. The Afropolitan spoke to the Chief Executive Officer of SekelaXabiso, Lindani Dhlamini, the founding member and former Chief Executive Officer of Xabiso

The merger of the two highly successful auditing firms, Sekela Consulting and Xabiso Chartered Accountants to form SekelaXabiso has brought into being the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest black-owned accounting and auditing firm.

Chartered Accountants about the merger and companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision.

Can you please give us some background to your careers? I obtained my Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and got a job thereafter. During that time I was inspired by my, now former, boss to become a chartered accountant so I went back to UCT and completed a

conversion course to acquire a Bachelor of Commerce. After completion of my studies I joined Deloitte as an articles clerk and then worked at Deloitte Corporate Finance for three years, gaining valuable experience in transaction support services. My business partner Abel (Abel Dlamini, former Executive Chairman of Sekela Consulting and now Chairman of SekelaXabiso) is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered

www.afropolitan.co.za

images courtesy of Seleka xabiso

Q&A

Lindani Dhlamini and Aber Dlamini (SelekaXabiso Accounting)

Accountants, The Institute of Internal Auditors as well as the Public Accountants and Auditors Board. He’s a founding member of Sekela Consulting and has since grown his entity to a staff compliment of more than 180 professionals over the past nine years.

firm in the country, what does this achievement mean to you?

So our objective in deciding to merge was to expand and to enable us to focus strongly on one area which is our strength, and that is internal auditing.

As black professionals and entrepreneurs in a whitedominated sector, what challenges have you experienced?

What events led to the merger? We identified a gap in the market and wanted to close it. As can be expected, and as history shows, South African corporations want the assurances that bigger firms can provide. So our objective in deciding to merge was to expand and enable us to focus strongly on the one area in which we excel in which that is - internal auditing.

How did you develop a love for accounting and entrepreneurship? I wanted to do something different with my life and at the time I noticed there were very few black Chartered Accountants in the country; as I also mentioned I was inspired by my first boss who was a Chartered Accountant. He encouraged me to follow this path.

I believe it sends a strong message out to the corporate world to say we need to be taken seriously as black professionals and entrepreneurs. We have the right skills and expertise to respond to what the market is demanding.

To be quite honest our challenges have not been any different to other entrepreneurs out there. But a major problem we are still facing in this sector is a legacy issue. Corporate South Africa is still reluctant to appoint black companies like ours due to lack of trust. The sector is also dominated by international companies who have the majority of the business.

What were the biggest assignments or contracts that you have worked on? In the public sector our client list includes Transnet, Eskom, SABC, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, various government departments and Royal Bafokeng. The new firm’s aim is to extend its reach in the public sector as well as to enter into the private sector as a significant and trusted provider.

How is SekelaXabiso different to other auditing firms in terms of services offered? We pride ourselves on our main strength which is internal auditing. However, we also do forensic services and business consulting, Information Technology audits and external audits.

How well did you and Abel know What business values and each other before your merger? principles does your new organisation embody? Since the inception of our companies,

mine in 2003 and Abel’s in 2004, we have We are people of integrity, highly professional and we offer excellence worked together on various projects. service to our clients. This merger comes as a response to the markets’ need for consolidation and According to the South capacity. I guess after nine years there is African Institute of Chartered no way that you cannot have a personal Accountants there is an relationship with someone whom you insufficient number of black have known for so long.

accountants in the country, with SekelaXabiso is now the second less than 2 000 black Africans largest black-owned accounting out of a total 34 000 chartered

www.afropolitan.co.za

accountants. Why is the financial and accounting sector still dominated by white people? It’s a legacy issue. We know black people were previously denied an opportunity to participate in the mainstream economy by the apartheid government, which is why we see this gap. It will take some time and a concerted effort to close it and that is exactly what we are doing. Remember it takes a full seven years to be a qualified chartered accountant if you’re an excellent performing student. This means it can take more than that for average students and this comes with a high cost which prejudices many black students who may not be able to afford it.

How can this sector reach racial transformation? The main problem starts early. In school there is a need for proper career guidance which must be focused with efforts to improve maths literacy. The profiling of chartered accounting professionals also helps to expose and attract learners to this career opportunity. We are also doing our bit by sponsoring previously disadvantaged black African learners through the Thuthuka Bursary Fund where the company identifies a number of learners, enrols them in universities and contributes 50% of their tuition fees until completion.

The new firm’s aim is to extend its reach in the public sector as well as to enter into the private sector as a significant and trusted provider. What is your vision and goal for SekelaXabiso? We want to be a profitable company that attracts the right staff and retains them. Our vision for 2020 is to achieve a R1 billion turnover. SekelaXabiso also intends to redefine the role that internal audit has to play in securing good governance in South Africa and beyond.

BY Brendah Nyakudya

travel

Dubai imageS COURTESY OF DUBAI TOURISM

"Shopping capital of the middle east"

www.afropolitan.co.za

The end of the year is here and many South Africans are busy planning, or have planned a well-deserved time away. Now here’s an interesting way for you to save electricity so you could have extra money in your pocket. It’s simple just adopt a few simple energy-saving habits this summer and the New Year.

Did you know Every kilowatt hour of electricity you use costs R1, 22*. So, if you were to save even as little as R100 per month that would make it a total of R1, 200 a year. That’s true, a little saving does go a long way. (*Based on current Eskom tarrifs).

Think smart Make being energy-efﬁcient a lifestyle and save electricity in your home while you’re on holiday. So, as you prepare for your holiday... • Replace conventional outdoor lights with motion-sensor lamps for security, they use less electricity because they are only activated when the sensor is triggered. • Switch to solar powered garden lights. • Fix leaking taps, allowing water, especially hot water, to drip wastes both water and electricity. • Unplug any appliances you’re not using such as your computer and coffee machine. • Make sure the back-up batteries on your electric fencing and intruder detection system are at optimal working order, replace them if necessary.

Switch off when going on holiday... • Empty your fridge and freezer, switch them off and defrost.

• Switch off your oven at the wall.

• Switch off your geyser.

• Switch off all unnecessary lights.

• Switch off all power buttons.

• Switch off the water and power supply to water features and fountains in your garden.

• Unplug all appliances.

• Switch off air-conditioners and fans.

• Set your pool pump to operate for four hours per day, this is enough to keep the pool clean while it is not being used. • Make sure the pool pump is set to run outside the 5pm to 9pm period of peak demand in South Africa.

Remember ’t cost you a cent! Energy efﬁciency in the home

What you don’t use won – requires two simple steps: – irrespective of the time of year not using Switch off … whatever you’re e. t technologies throughout your hom cien fﬁ gy-e Switch to … new ener

For more information on energy saving tips and funding programmes visit www.eskom.co.za/idm

Issued by Eskom Integrated Demand Management November 2012

MOHLALENG_1068_E1

Say ‘bon voyage’ to unnecessary high energy bills this summer

travel

Background

With its focus on tourism as a revenue generating avenue, Dubai has firmly established itself as a worldwide luxury holiday resort worth visiting. Dubai’s formula for development was becoming evident to everyone – visionary leadership, high-quality infrastructure, an expatriate-friendly environment, zero tax on personal and corporate income and low import duties. The result was that Dubai quickly became a business and tourism hub for a region that stretches from Egypt to the Indian sub-continent and from South Africa to what are now called the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Since 1833 the reigning Al Maktoum family have ruled Dubai and under their wise and progressive leadership Dubai has prospered. With its focus on tourism as a revenue generating avenue, Dubai has firmly established itself as a worldwide luxury holiday resort worth visiting. It offers everything a holidaymaker could ever want or need; year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts, beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and 50

shopping malls, fascinating heritage attractions and a thriving business community ensures Dubai receives millions of leisure and business visitors each year from around the world.

out as the floors are dedicated to certain shopping elements. Fashion Avenue carries all the high-end designers while the ground floor has all the high-street fashion on sale. The sporty amongst us can find their wares next to the ice-rink. It’s this architectural and retail marvel that is one of the major partners of the One of the main attractions for all who Dubai government’s Department of travel to its shores is the shopping Economic Development as they proudly experience that Dubai offers; it really is bring to you, for the 18th year in a row, the perfect venue to jet to for a taste of the month long shopping extravaganza, high-class retail therapy. The country the Dubai Shopping Festival! Started boasts more than 70 shopping malls and in 1996 by the Dubai government as the largest mall in the entire world based a way to promote tourism and trade on land area, The Dubai Mall. With a in their country, the Dubai Shopping total of 1 200 retail outlets, two anchor Festival (DSF) is set to take place from department stores and more than 160 the 3 January until 3 February 2013. food and beverage outlets, it’s easy to see A full month of nothing but the best how one can get lost in the thrill retail offers in a place renowned for its of spending. shopping excellence! This amazing structure is more than Not only will The Dubai Mall be a mall; it’s a little city unto itself. Aside participating and offering you great deals, from the retail stores, The Dubai Mall the entire city is on standby to give you boasts an aquarium, ice-rink, fashion shopping thrills. From local markets, catwalk and an indoor theme park! The souks to smaller malls; expect excellent layout of the mall is very well thought prices on a varied range of goods such

Dubai on Sale

imageS COURTESY COURTESY OF OF DUBAI ???? imageS TOURISM

Well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, Dubai is an oil rich country located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the southwest corner of the Arabian Gulf. Formerly a natural harbour, when it was occupied by 800 members of the Bani Yas led by the Maktoum Family, Dubai soon became a centre for fishing, pearling and sea trade. By the turn of the 20th Century it was a successful port with a population of nearly 20 000, a quarter of whom were expatriates. When oil was discovered in 1966, the late Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum utilized the oil revenue to spur infrastructure development in Dubai. A new port and terminal building were built at Dubai International Airport. A runway extension that could accommodate any type of aircraft was implemented. The largest man-made harbour in the world was constructed at Jebel Ali, and a free zone was created around the port.

www.afropolitan.co.za

T R A V E L

as electronic goods, jewellery, spices, textiles, clothing and carpets to draw the avid shopper in. Street performers, fashion shows and musicians will add to the vibe and daily car raffles and extravagant fireworks displays every night of the festival will add to the thrill. Without a doubt, the whole city comes together to showcase Dubai at its best with a festive mood that incorporates shopping, winning and entertainment.

the dubAi shoPPing FestiVAl tAkes PlACe From 3 jAnuArY 3 FebruArY 2013. A Full month oF nothing but the best retAil oFFers in A PlACe renoWned For its shoPPing eXCellenCe! FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Under the slogan of “One Family, One World, One Festival”, fun is bound to be had by the whole family. For quality time as a family, mall focused 52

entertainment and early evening shows have been organized. Over and above that, Dubai’s white sandy beaches, year round sunshine and turquoise waters create the perfect scene for taking a break from pounding the mall aisles. Away from the beach the kids will have plenty to keep them occupied at SEGA Republic, Dubai Aquarium, Magic Planet, Underwater Zoo and Kidzania. Ski Dubai, adrenalin raising water slides at Aquaventure and Wild Wadi, not to mention swimming with dolphins, will get the approval of little ones not caught up in swiping their credit cards! To complete the ultimate getaway, Dad will not have to walk around carrying Moms purse as she revels in the shopping delights. Dubai offers the pinnacle of entertainment… golf! With some of the most famous courses in the world, golfers will be in their element as everything from 18-hole courses, golf lessons and specialized video analysis swing rooms will cater for the serious golfer and the novice. As you face the December holidays, don’t lose yourself or your hard-earned cash in the local malls. Reign in your spending and keep that credit card on ice for the New Year, from the 3 January until the 3 February, is the ultimate shopping experience! The Dubai Shopping Festival, get yourselves there! For more information, contact: DTCM on (011) 702-9600. dtcmsa @dtcmsa or visit www.definitelydubai.com

www.afropolitan.co.za

D E C O R

Fashion Conscious

Carpeting

Carpeting is an industry that is continually keeping up with current styles, colours and textures to be more vibrant, fashion-conscious and available in a wider selection than ever before. The discerning homeowner can find carpets for all areas of the home, with different specifications for active areas, bedrooms, lounges and studies. Today, local carpet manufacturers are producing softer, more stain-resistant, and harder-wearing carpets that retain their good looks for much longer.

Images courtesy of ShutterstocK

BY ELKA SCHAIMBERG

...so much more than just good looks!

www.afropolitan.co.za

D E C O R

Cut and Uncut Patterned Carpet: A construction of intermixed loops and cut pile create a patterned design. The loops are shorter than the cut pile, creating a carved appearance – and they are usually constructed in multi-colour designs. The loop construction helps to hide footprints and traffic patterns, making this style an excellent choice for a variety of different room settings.

o matter what the application – formal, casual, residential or commercial – a well-chosen carpet makes for a more comfortable room. There’s no doubt that carpets offer a personal welcome, inspiring a friendly, tactile ambience. There are carpets that blend with the furnishings and décor, and even form the basis of a room design. Historically carpets have been made from natural fibres and this trend has come back into fashion. The value of organic fibres, natural products and sustainability has come to the fore. So although synthetic fibres have become more popular over the past few decades, even these are inspired by natural colours, textures and patterns. Cut pile carpets and shaggies are making a huge statement this year with emphasis on colour. As always, quality is key for the South African market, so rather than slavishly following overseas trends, local manufacturers from Nouwens Carpets highlight some options to appeal to our local consumers.

Pile Construction There are two types of pile – loop or cut, and a patterned pile carpet is a combination of the two, or a variation of loops set to different pile heights. In addition, tufted carpet – rather than woven – seem to rule the roost currently, although the longevity of the carpet in its selected use is generally determined by the type and blend of fibres used.

THE POWER OF SILVER Belgotex Floorcoverings have harnessed the disinfectant power of silver to bring you the healthiest carpets in the world! New SilverCare anti-microbial treatment is a safe and natural protective shield of silver ions scientifically proven to eliminate dust mites, bacteria and unpleasant odours from carpets. See page (Belgotex Ad pg TBC) for more details on SilverCare or visit www.silvercare.co.za (033) 897-7500 or (021) 763-6900 or (011) 380-9300 or (031) 313-9600

Multi-level Loop Carpet: Offer several different heights of loops, generally multi-coloured to provide a very durable, casual appearance. This style also helps to hide traffic patterns, making them suitable for family rooms and suchlike.

Level Loop Carpets: Largely multi-coloured with loops at the same height and are regularly made using polypropylene carpet fibres. They find considerable favour in commercial applications where they can provide both a casual appearance and extreme durability.

Berber Carpets: A huge following in South Africa and, although they are generally used in the more casual areas with more traffic, such as a family room, some cut-pile Berber carpets are more stylish and may be used in more formal areas.

Cut Pile Saxony Carpets: Generally made in solid colours with a smooth surface appearance. Also, they are usually made with nylon, wool or polyester fibres, providing good performance and appearance. They work well with traditional or formal room settings.

Textured Cut Pile Saxony Here the surface appearance is textured, providing a stylish casual appearance. This style will not show vacuum cleaner marks or footprints, making it a very good choice for active areas of the home. www.afropolitan.co.za

Hennic KITCHEN AD

R E V I E W S

FOR ThE COUCh POTATOES... the mAgiC oF belle isle DIRECTOR: ROB REINER STARRING: MORGAN FREEMAN, VIRGINIA MADSEN AND MADELINE CARROLL

Morgan Freeman plays Monte Wildhorn, a wheelchair bound bitter recluse with an alcohol problem who was once a successful novelist. After losing all inspiration and his will to write, he decides to get away from city life and spend the summer getting drunk.

All that changes when he befriends a single mom (Virginia Madsen) and her three young daughters in Belle Isle. Nine-year-old Finnegan is an aspiring writer who quickly looks to him as a mentor. As Monte becomes entangled in the lives of his neighbours, they begin to warm his bitter heart and help him find his inspiration again. It's a sweet borderline soppy movie but Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen's performances give you great reason to watch it.

liFe oF Pi

DIRECTOR: ANG LEE STARRING: SURAJ SHARMA, IRRFAN KHAN AND ADIL HUSSAIN

This gorgeous adaptation of the bestselling novel tells the story of young Pi (Suraj Sharma) whose family are forced to move out of India, along with the zoo they own. A disaster at sea leaves the teenager stranded on a lifeboat. Soon, he discovers he has a starving companion along for the ride... a fearsome Bengal tiger. The two castaways form an amazing and unexpected connection and together embark on an epic journey of adventure and discovery. Shot on location in India as well as in a giant

tank in Taiwan, where the open-water effects scenes were made, Life of Pi is one of the finest examples of 3D and tells an intimate story with real heart, rather than throwing out a manufactured product. A powerful drama of suffering and hope teaches us all a little more about faith - an absolute must-see!

A sePArAtion DIRECTOR: ASGHAR FARHADI STARRING: PAYMAN MAADI, LEILA HATAMI & SAREH BAYAT

Based in Iran, the story begins with a woman, Simin, (Leila Hatami) trying to convince a magistrate to let her divorce her husband, Nader (Peyman Moadi). Her main motivation is to leave Iran with her teenage daughter in search of a better life but Nader refuses to emigrate, insisting on staying to care for his aging, senile father. Simin manages to move out and in the absence of his wife, the upper-middleclass Nader hires a devout workingclass woman to look after his father.

But she hasn't asked her hot tempered traditionalist husband for permission to take the job and soon a series of clever plot twists begin to reveal everyone in a new light. The thrilling domestic drama is not just the story of one couple's collapsing marriage, but a window to an entire society. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautifully acted and gripping from the get go, offering viewers incredible insight into human motivations and behaviour.

www.afropolitan.co.za

iMAges cOurtesy OF ster-KiNeKOr & NuMetrO

by eLKA scHAiMberg

M O V I E

C D

R E V I E W S

BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA

BEAT BOX

ZAKES BANTWINI

DEBUT LIVE RECORDING ON DVD & CD

MICASA

PLATINUM EDITION

time award winning and much loved house act MICASA has gone platinum and broken the 40 000 unit mark on their debut self-titled album! This edition of their acclaimed album features the full original album with three additional bonus tracks which include acoustic versions of popular tracks “Heavenly Sent” and “I’ll Be There For You” and a brand new bonus track “Can’t Get Enough”. Fresh talent features on the album including Charles Webster, Atjazz, Gregor Salto and Chymamusique. For those who don’t have a copy of this album as yet, it’s a definite must have for any house music fan across the age spectrum. Go out and get a copy for that holiday road-trip!

www.afropolitan.co.za

imageS courtesy of Bletchleu park pr and redflag pr

n an intimate concert experience, Zakes Bantwini shows more of who he is in his debut live concert recording released on the 22 November 2012. Featuring a 14-camera team, 13-piece band, dancers, string section, styled VJing and critically acclaimed guest artists, this offering is more than just a live performance. Zakes draws from his love for music and dance, his passion for education, culture, having a vision and doing whatever it takes to realise your dream. With South African history in mind Zakes chose Youth Day (16 June) to record his live concert. Featured in the line-up are his most successful tracks to date off the current album “Love, Light, and Music”. Also in the mix is his latest single “Karolina”. Added to Zakes thrilling performances are the personal narrations, emotional memories and theatrics learnt during his time in the theatre, not to mention the stylish outfits that have become synonymous with his name! Get upfront and personal with Zakes and get a copy of this DVD now!

B O O K

R E V I E W

BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA & Tendai Maidza

WORD ON WORDS Conversations with My Sons and Daughters Dr Ramphele

r Ramphele was once described by the Daily Mail and Guardian as “fearless and hyper-confident, intellectually razor sharp, and refreshingly independent-minded in a world full of hacks”. In Conversations with My Sons and Daughters, she shows just why she is so admired and respected. As a former antiapartheid activist, Dr Ramphele seeks to encourage young South Africans to see themselves not as subjects in the democracy her generation fought so bravely for, but as citizens actively participating in taking South Africa to the next level. The book opens with the quotation, “Mabu a u tswitswe!” a Sepedi idiom, which literally means, “the soil has been stolen”.

These words were traditionally a call to defend the land against an invading army and they are the catalyst for the conversations Dr Ramphele has with her sons and daughters. She addresses issues of governance and politics, leadership, language, culture, gender and speaks with wisdom and great insight into the issues. Drawing on lessons offered by the experiences of other countries, both positive and negative, she challenges and exhorts young people to not only recognize their rights, but also to realize that they have a responsibility to be active citizens who will shape the next stage of South Africa’s history. This book is a must read for all young South Africans who feel a sense of discontent, but are uncertain as to how to heed the call and do their part.

This Book Betrays My Brother

Kagiso Lesego Molope sibling loyalty? This book is an easy read, filled with light suspense, which will keep you entertained.

imageS courtesy of NB PUBLISHERS & PENGUIN

agiso Molope is a young South African author whose work has gained recognition locally and internationally. Her debut novel Dancing in the Dust was picked to represent South African English in the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Her next offering, The Mending Season, is part of the curriculum in South African schools. This Book Betrays My Brother is the third novel from this promising author. The story revolves around the life of a young girl, Naledi, who has nothing but admiration for her charming and loving older brother, Basimane. But a dreadful incident threatens all she has ever known to be true begging the question; what are the boundaries when it comes to

Kagiso Molope

www.afropolitan.co.za

EMPOWERED Meet the New Owners Sport For All, South Africa’s only registered social franchise, makes dreams a reality for entrepreneurs who want to make a diﬀerence.

What is Social Franchising ? •

Uses the structures and management approaches of commercial franchising to achieve social goals

•

Makes profit through monthly membership fees to plough back into the business to ‘make a diﬀerence’ in the community

•

Focuses on sustainability through entrepreneur development, business incubation and youth employment

•

Turnkey Operation includes smartcard technology, storage container, coaching curriculum, kits and sports equipment

•

Classroom and on-field training for franchisee and coaches

100% Success Rate! Every entrepreneur trained in the NICDAM/SFA Programme now owns a Sport For All franchise! SAQA Accredited Skills Development Course: • ILO Introduction to Social Enterprise • First Aid Level 1 • Developing a Community Profile • Networking, Social Marketing & Branding • Personal Development & HR Principles • Communication with Children

SFA035/12

• Computer Literacy

Franchisees (clockwise from bottom left): Malibongwe Vazi | SFA-Khayelitsha; Elizabeth Molomo | SFA-Palmridge; Lumkile Stevens | SFA-Kensington; Palesa Nkosi-Stevens | SFA-Kensington

0861 - NICDAM (642326) | 082 774 6679 www.nicdam.co.za

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE

Contact the SFA Team: 087 820 4030 info@sportforall.co.za | www.sportforall.co.za

A F R O

W H E E L S

Landrover Discovery

The Land Rover

BY @carandgameguru

Discovery

aced with a near vertical mountain in front of us, we couldn’t imagine a way to get around the obstacle, let alone over it, but as we were assured by our trusty Land Rover driving expert, this gorgeous looking executive 4x4 was fully capable of scaling the wall of dirt laid out before us with comfortable ease. Unlike most vehicle tests, Land Rover invited us to test the new Discovery at their Land Rover Experience in Lonehill, Fourways, as well as to drive it for a week to get the full on and offroad experience. As we quickly found out, the Discovery is designed for the discerning driver, with an interior that oozes sophistication and class. The great finishings are complimented by a superb selection of gadgetry to take care of your every need behind the wheel. This is the perfect car to take the family on a bush bashing holiday as it’s spacious enough for five adults with plenty of luggage, and it’s tough enough to drive to hell and back. On the road the Discovery is quiet, smooth and extremely comfortable. Although the diesel was slightly sluggish off the line, the overall speed and power is fabulous. It’s a comfortable cruiser around the streets of town, and the smooth changing automatic gearbox delivers changes

when they are needed and makes sitting in bumper to bumper traffic a bearable hassle. Everything in the Discovery is at your fingertips and this 4x4 is a prime example of an executive’s family car. But with all that said, we found out very quickly that buying a Land Rover Discovery to sit in your garage and take you to work is like buying an iPad to play games. Yes it’s fun and yes it’s good at playing games, but unless you really use the Land Rover, you are completely wasting its potential and not getting value for the money you spend. At the Land Rover Experience we were able to put this engineering masterpiece through every challenge you may face inside and outside of South Africa and we were given a chance to appreciate the world around us in a whole new way. The Discovery

drove along a wall of dirt nearly on its side without making us feel out of control, it drove through door-high water without a drop entering the cabin or engine and it scaled a near vertical wall of dirt without slipping, sliding or slowing on its way to the top. Switching between different driving modes and surfaces requires nothing more than the turn of a dial and the 4x4 does all the rest of the thinking for you. It can help you brake down a hill, shift down a rock or creep across beach sand. The Land Rover Discovery really is the best car for the adventurous family to take on holiday, and if you have any doubts about its ability, visit the Land Rover Experience and check it out. The Discovery costs between R680 000 and R810 000 depending on model.

Landrover rear view

www.afropolitan.co.za

The VW Combi California

o when we think camping holiday, we think caravan or big 4x4. But when we put the challenge to Volkswagen South Africa to give us one of the best cars to take on holiday, they suggested we try the new California Beach. Not only is this a cool car to take on holiday, as we found out, this is a cool car that can make a holiday. The California is very new to South Africa and offers the city slicker a smart alternative to the regular holiday car. Perfect for those people with a bigger than normal family, the Kombi is a six seater with loads of space and masses of convenient gadgetry to make your life simple and hassle free. The two litre TDi engine delivered great power for a car in that class, but also a very respectable fuel consumption of around eight litres per 100 kilometres driven. However, it’s not what the California offers the driver that made this a cool car, but what it offered the adventurer. The California converted from mom’s taxi to modern camper in no time at all. The roof pops up giving the cabin masses of space, a multipurpose table adds to the interior features of the California. The table, which has two extremely

VW Combi California

comfortable folding chairs can be neatly stored in the sliding door lining, while the chairs can be stored in a bag on the tailgate overnight or during the journey. The California is also equipped with numerous storage spaces in the cabin, with three drawers and two storage trays. Although not really necessary for the summer camping we did, the California had a nifty feature we thought we would

really enjoy on a cold winter night’s camping as it has a timer function that allows you to keep the cabin heated for three hours after you go to sleep. All in all we found the VW California Beach to be not only a bargain, but a real competition beater. It looks stylish enough to cruise the streets of town in and it will certainly be the envy of others on all the campsites across South Africa.

holiday, make sure the pressure is right. Under inflated tyres effect fuel consumption and performance and over inflated tyres can affect tread wear. Also, don’t forget to check the spare. It can mean the difference between a quick change and a long wait on the side of the road. • The sun wears your windscreen wipers out over time so have them checked before you hit the road, especially in the South African rainy season. • Have the oil, battery and engine fluids checked by a professional at regular intervals, but especially before a long he best part about the end of a Speedy a few days before you leave. We road trip and make sure all your lights the year is getting the chance to called Tiger Wheel and Tyre to get the are working, not just so you can see go away. Driving is a real treat run down and these were the extremely what lies in front of you, but also so as South Africa has some of the important things to look out for: you can be seen by those around you. best national road networks anywhere in • Everybody thinks the only important Africa and if you are planning to use one • Check your brakes, they are the thing to worry about on a long journey of those routes, we have put together a most used part of the car and are is the condition of your vehicle, but we few tips to look out for before responsible for stopping you come rain cannot stress the importance of taking heading out. or shine. care of yourself as the driver first. • Make sure you have the right tyre for Please remember to stop regularly, Most tyre and wheel shops offer a full the journey you are taking. You may swap drivers if you can and stay check up before you head out on the need special tyres to go off road or to hydrated, as your mental condition is road for a long journey, so if you get a carry passengers. paramount to a safe journey. Enjoy the chance, visit a Tiger Wheel and Tyre or • Once you have the right tyres for your holidays and enjoy the drive.

www.afropolitan.co.za

imageS courtesy of Manufacturers

Car Preparation for a road trip

BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA

R estaurant

r E V I E W

Kievits Kroon N

“The Winelands in Gauteng”

estled in the unassuming Kameeldrift-East area of Pretoria is Kievits Kroon; a Cape Dutch style country estate. Awarded Best Luxury Country Hotel in Africa by the 2012 World Luxury Hotel Awards it’s the perfect venue for a quick weekend break or holiday getaway. With its rambling lawns and jacaranda-lined paths, Kievits Kroon is ideal for couples or families looking for pause from what can be gruelling day-to-day demands. A one-stop shop for all things relaxation, Kievits Kroon has, situated on its grounds, a conference centre with all the amenities businesses require for strategy sessions, a luxurious award winning spa for those looking to be pampered in style and various dining options that cater to all tastes. From the Kingsley Carvery, which offers buffet breakfast, lunch and supper, to the signature restaurant Granita presenting gourmet dishes, everyone’s palate will find something to enjoy. For those not wanting to be holed up indoors and looking for an opportunity to languish in the magnificent spring outdoors with a loved one, gourmet

picnic baskets can be ordered for a day out in the sun surrounded by exquisite rose gardens in select spots by the crystal blue pool.

Dining Under the leadership of Chef Sammy Mashile, Granita is a cosy restaurant with no more than eight guest tables

Gourmet picnic baskets can be ordered for a day out in the sun surrounded by exquisite rose gardens. set spaciously apart, giving an air of intimacy to the dining experience. Our evening was kicked off with our friendly host Jan offering us delicious cocktails on the patio overlooking the pristine gardens before leading us into

the restaurant. Weather permitting; it’s the perfect relaxing start to the evening. We were treated to the “Granita Spring Gourmet Menu” which had us enjoying delectable dishes paired with select handpicked wines. The line up of starters opened up with a Carpaccio “Amuse Bouche”, a single bite-sized hors d’oeuvre, which was followed by Goats milk cheese crusted with peppercorns and served with preserved pears, apple jellies and red wine reduction, followed by potato soup. These three dishes were served with a delightfully light Iona Sophie T’Blanch Sauvignon Blanc 2011. Next was prawn on baked spinach with vanilla and corn broth accompanied by a sharper and drier 2009 Hartenberg Weisser Riesling. Definitely one for the seasoned palate. All dishes were enough to tantalise but not too much to over fill the stomach, which allowed one to comfortably enjoy the main course. The beef fillet mignon on a potato rosti topped with foie gras, braised oxtail, baby vegetables, and béarnaise and espagnole sauces was cooked to perfection and the Mullineux Kloof Street Rouge 2009 served alongside was www.afropolitan.co.za

smooth bringing out each and every flavour! Dessert, a classic sachertorte served with delicious homemade pistachio and Amarula ice-cream with a star fruit compote and washed down with a glass of Bizoe Tiny 2010 was the perfect ending to the evening and our waiter Paulus was every bit as friendly and attentive as you would expect at a fine dining setting.

Kievits Kroon has been given the nickname “The Winelands in Gauteng” due to its numerous wine awards and the Cape Dutch style look and feel it has maintained. After much deliberation and preparation they took the next step in establishing themselves and in 2011 they launched their own wines namely; Grand Rouge and Sauvignon Blanc. One can order and sample these wines, as they are included on the estate’s awardwinning wine list.

Social Responsibility There is more to Kievits Kroon than quality accommodation, extensive conference facilities and fine wine and dining. As an organization they are heavily involved and proudly committed to giving back to the community in which they are located. www.afropolitan.co.za

One of their notable initiatives is the “Ithuta Art Project – For our children’s future”. This venture focuses on children of school going age from the surrounding communities of the Nokeng Tsa Taemane Municipality. The Leeuwfontein Primary School that caters for the impoverished children of farm workers who live in informal settlements in and around the area has been a primary focus of this initiative. With the help of esteemed local artist Zelda Susan, the pupils at Leeuwfontein in Grade six and seven are taught creative art skills and their artwork is then displayed in the VIP, Executive and Spa rooms at Kievits Kroon.

Proceeds from any artwork purchased by guests at Kievits Kroon are ploughed back into the school in a bid to improve their infrastructure. A drive down to Kievits Kroon (55-minutes from Johannesburg and 10-minutes from Pretoria) is worth one’s while for a much-needed excursion to recharge ones battery in a setting that will relax and inspire you!

Competition

Three lucky readers stand a chance to win a bottle of Kievits Kroon Grand Rouge and Kievits Kroon Sauvignon Blanc each. Log onto to www.afropolitan.co.za for details!

Images are courtesy of kieviets kroon

Wine Offering

BY STACEY VEE

A F R O

F O O D

Best Bubblies 10 Champagnes to Toast the New Year! It’s not a celebration without the clink of a champagne glass! We round up 10 of the best sparkling wines for you to stock the refrigerator with this festive season

Graham Beck Brut NV

A South African favourite, Graham Beck’s non-vintage Brut is an all-round crowd pleaser that’s scooped many awards, both local and international. It has the honour of being the bubbly used to toast the Inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa's first democratically elected President, and was selected by Michelle Obama for the occasion of Barack Obama's acceptance speech of the US Presidency. It’s made from a combination of classic MCC varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Average retail price: R105

Krone Rosé Cuveé Brut MCC from House of Krone

Average retail price: R379 66

Pink bubbles are something special. The Krone Rosé tastes of red berries and is sassy and refreshing. It’s a mixture of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir – the latter is what gives it the salmon pink hue. Also try the Krone Cuveé Brut MCC, which tastes as heavenly, with its fine star-like bubbles, as its celestial name suggests.

Bottega Black Diamond

Distilleria Bottega is an Italian distillery with a distinctive twist to producing wines. Their bottles are exquisite, the perfect end-of-the-year gifts for someone you’d like to impress. Made using the Charmat method from Pinot Noir grapes from Lombardia in Italy, Bottega Black Diamond with its diamond-encrusted bottle is the ultimate special occasion champagne. It pairs well with rich meaty stews, peri-peri flavours, curries and cheeses.

Average retail price: R142.50 (Rosé), R107.50 (Borealis)

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel

Kaapse Vonkel is an iconic bubbly which has been gracing our tables for decades. It’s as Mzansi as it gets; and was South African Airway’s selected champagne served inflight for 2012. The swirl of tiny bubbles is accompanied with citrus notes and followed up by full berry flavours. It’s delicious with oysters, light soup starters, sushi and desserts. Also great as a palate cleanser between courses.

Average retail price: R105 www.afropolitan.co.za

PONGRACZ dESIdERIUS

bOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVEE

Few South African restaurants don’t have Pongracz on the wine list. A mix of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this dry sparkling wine has a rich complexity that lingers on the tongue long after the last sip. Pongracz Desiderius ages rather well, with the favours becoming more creamy and nutty as it matures. For something a little lighter, try the Pongracz Rosé NV.

This is the real deal: French champagne from the Champagne region, from a familyrun establishment. The Special Cuvee is their non-vintage bubbly and is best enjoyed sipped on its own or complimenting white meat or seafood dishes. It has hints of vanilla and is made up of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. Affectionately called ‘Bolly’ by the Brits.

Average retail price: R290 (Desiderius), R120 (Rosé)

Average retail price: R760

COLMANT bRUT RESERVE NV

DID YOU KNOW? Only sparkling wines made from the grape varieties grown in the Champagne region of France are called champagne. That’s why in South Africa, bottles of champagne usually have ‘methode cap classique’ or MCC on the label, which means they were made in the Champagne style.

STEENbERG 1682 ChARdONNAY bRUT

Average retail price: R120

VILLIERA TRAdITION bRUT NV

This full-bodied cap classique is a beautifully balanced blend of white and red grapes. It’s fast becoming a zesty favourite at South African tables, and the strawberry-kissed Tradition Brut Rosé NV is also delicious. But for the ultimate spoil get your hands on a bottle of the 2007 vintage of the Villiera Monro Brut which is one of the few MCCs to scoop five stars in the 2013 Platters South African Wine Guide.

Average retail price R99 (Tradition Brut NV), R99 (Tradition Brut Rosé NV), R173 (Monro Brut 2007) www.afropolitan.co.za

This pale gold beauty has a clean and elegant nose, with hints of lemon that develop into a spicy toastiness. Colmant’s Brut Reserve is made up of 10% of the blend from the previous vintage and is aged for a minimum of 28 months. It pairs well with delicate seafood and sushi dishes, and is perfect for starters and light lunches.

This is a fruity, refreshing bubbly to kick-off an evening of New Year celebrations. The 1682 Brut from Steenberg smells of biscuits straight from the oven and ripe Granny Smith apples, and is a 100% Chardonnay base made in the traditional French method. If you’re ever in Constantia Valley then a stop at the vineyard’s daytime Bistro Sixteen82 for a wine-tasting is a must.

Average retail price R159

VEUVE CLICQUOT YELLOW N/V

iMAges Are cOurtesy OF suPPLiers & MANuFActurers

With its distinctive yellow label, this is a king among champagnes. Veuve Clicquot Yellow, which is of the Brut family, makes a forceful first impression with strong fruit flavours that are mellowed by a nose of raisins, vanilla and brioche. Also a good gift for any celebration.

Average retail price: R599 NOT SURE IF THAT BUBBLY YOU’VE PICKED OUT IS ANY GOOD? Browse Real Time Wine for an honest opinion from your peers. Real Time Wine is a free app that allows South African wine and champagne lovers to share their favourite tipples, review what the bottle they’ve just uncorked and make recommendations to their friends online. It’s available for iPhone, Android and online at realtimewine.com.

T R I B U T E

Alf Kumalo BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA

5 September 1930 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21 October 2012

Alf Kumalo, an outstanding individual and a great South African - President Jacob Zuma

www.afropolitan.co.za

“Alf Kumalo was more than a documentary photo-journalist; he was, above all, one of South Africa’s eminent historians.” Former President Thabo Mbeki

he pages of The Afropolitan have been the proud hosts of many of Alf Kumalo’s iconic works. A man who allowed local and international audiences to share in the history of the country through the breath-taking pictures he developed; Alf’s passing is a huge loss. Not only to the photography fraternity, but the world at large. In a tribute, Former President Thabo Mbeki summed it up by stating that “Alf Kumalo was more than a documentary photo-journalist; he was, above all, one of South Africa’s eminent historians.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. As a self-taught photographer, Natal born, Alexandra-raised Alfred Kumalo (affectionately known as Alf) completed his Matric education in Evaton, north of Sebokeng in the Vaal area. In 1950 Alf joined a publication called Bantu World as a photographer; thereafter he joined The Golden City Post. It was his

long-term position as a photographer for Drum Magazine that saw Alf really come into his own and get maximum exposure. Through his career, which spanned more than 50 years, Alf would have the opportunity to cover many events that appear strongly in the timeline of the country’s history. Events that shaped the course of the history and the path that the country would take. These include the iconic Rivonia Trial which saw ANC leaders sentenced to imprisonment; the devastating Soweto Uprising of 1976 that took the lives of so many of our children, the frightening times during the state of emergency in the 1980’s; and the uplifting moment when South Africa’s first democratic government was inaugurated. As a photographer, Alf was not only a creative genius, he was also dedicated to the point of risking his life to tell a story in pictures. Throughout the

apartheid era many of the pictures he took made him a target for the police but he continued to follow his dream and tell the stories that needed to be told. In 2002 he realised his long held dream and converted his Diepkloof, Soweto residence and in it established the Alfred Kumalo Photographic Museum; a perfect venue to show all his extraordinary achievements. As a way of giving back to the community, the Museum is also a school of photography and has already started churning out multi-award winning photographers such as Paballo Thekiso, freelance photographer and owner of company “5point6media”. Though Alf is gone, his work will remain, not only in the archives of image banks, the corridors of his museum, but also be etched in our memories and will continue to tell the story of a country that has travelled a long road to freedom!

A 1970's Apartheid uprising photograph (left) and Singer Miriam Makeba being helped in New York by a white assistant (which was unheard of during the apartheid era) (right)

www.afropolitan.co.za

Images are courtesy of the Afropolitan archive

Some iconic Alf Kumalo images including Mankunku Ngozi the Cape Town Sax player (far right)

BY ALYN ADAMS

C O L U M N

Bah, Humbug to your Winter Wonderland!

nce upon a time, not too long ago, a bunch of famous Poms and Yanks with no knowledge of geography or meteorology warbled, “And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time...” And proud Africans like me yelled back, “It’s called Kilimanjaro, dumbasses! Snow all year, including Christmas!” The charitable celebrities were undeterred. “And do they know it’s Christmas time at all?” Of course we do, you patronising rich tossers! The plastic Santa Clauses have been up in Checkers since October and Woolies is awash with Halaal mince pies. The malls have the Boney M CD on repeat – yes, we’re fully aware that it’s Christmas time, because that little drummer boy is pum-pum-pummelling his way into our skulls again. And, as usual, we’ll celebrate that most holy time of year – the season of buying – here on the balmy subtropical tip of Africa, with fake snow sprayed on the display windows and giant polystyrene snowflakes twisting gently in the air conditioning. Christmas trees native to the dark, frozen north – although oddly enough, not that common in First-Century Palestine – will pop up in our houses, bedecked with more fake snow and glittery, icy baubles. Sad black Santas wearing fake fur and cotton-wool beards will swelter through the midsummer heat, dolefully and futilely attempting to bring some “festive cheer” to the cheerless business of mindless consumption. Embarrassing pissed uncles at whites-

www.afropolitan.co.za

only family gatherings will croon “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” and think they’re being hysterically funny. Instead of feasting on something light, summery and sensible, we’ll stuff ourselves with turkey and chicken and duck – in one bird, thanks to the magic of Nataniël and

the date, but do away with the fur suits and the Yule logs and the reindeer and adapt the myths to more African themes. After all, it’s not like the “traditional” Christmas trappings have much to do with the Nativity – most of them were crow barred into Jewish monotheism discreetly, to make Christianity attractive to pagans. This year, I think we’ll replace the Scandinavian evergreen with an African Tree of Life, sculpted in wire and beads. If I must have Santas and reindeer, they too will be made in wire and beads by local craftsmen, who scratch a living while the corporate big boys rake in our peace and goodwill hand over fist. I’ll even get a locally rendered nativity scene, with African faces. And perhaps all my gifts will be sourced from struggling artists directly, rather than overworked, underpaid Chinese kids at the other end of a long supply chain. If Christmas shopping is inevitable, I’m at least going to try and splash out money where it’ll do the most direct good. Otherwise, it’ll only be the Checkers! – plus stuffing and gammon and giants of commerce who understand the gravy, followed by heavy pudding and rich true meaning of Christmas. You know trifle. And don’t forget too much sweet, the ones I mean – the owners of the big fizzy wine. Then we’ll lie around for hours, retail chains. Every year, on Christmas immobilized by the heat, begging pitifully Eve, even if they’re not Christian, they for a stomach powder. I’m totally ready gather their families around them in for a southern-hemisphere Christmas their flagship store. They walk around tradition. Either we move the date – looking at all the empty shelves, then savvy upmarket restaurants already do they gather at the overflowing tills. Christmas in July, and these days Joburg is Where they all sing, “What a friend we even obliging with real snow – or we keep have in Jesus....”

If Christmas shopping is inevitable, I’m at least going to try and splash out money where it’ll do the most direct good.

S O C I A L S

FEMININITY FAIR

tendai Maidza, Lucretia chopera, cheryl-Jane Kujenga, brendah Nyakudya and tsitsi Dhlamini

Phil Mashingaidze and rutendo Nxumalo

Masego Diale and Lesego Phiri

Fran Hills - elizabeth Arden (far left) sean Press - contact Media (far right) and the winners of the night!

iMAges Are cOurtesy OF giNA ArAuJO

emale readers of the Afropolitan had their share of fun in October when The Afropolitan Magazine and prevage by Elizabeth Arden treated 15 readers and their closest friends to an elegant “women’s only” evening of networking, laughter and champagne at Fairlawns Boutique in Joburg. Beauty secrets were shared, fun was had and amazing prizes were won. All in all a perfect Girls Night Out!

“TIME FOR AFICIONADO’S”

yomi banjoko, Lee-Ann sherperd, bokang seritsane

Frans and boipelo Lekubo

craig gradidge - Winner of a Mont blanc star 4810 chronograph

iMAges Are cOurtesy OF gAretH JAcObs

uxury brands Mont Blanc, Maserati, Remy Martin and Amano Cigars got together to treat Afropolitans and their partners to an evening of style, grace and all things fine. On the 11th of October 2012 at the Rosebank Hotel, under a bedouin marquee, Afropolitan guests were treated to the finest cognac, an assortment of premium cigars and a decadent floating dinner. Highlights of the evening included guests interacting with the newly launched Maserati Gran Turismo Sport and learning about master crafted Mont Blanc timepieces guided by Head Watch maker Ernest Ramagoshi.

www.afropolitan.co.za

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.