C O N T E N T S
in this issue
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8
32
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editor's note READER'S EXPERIENCE
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Dear Editor
Travel
34
Beauty Bizarre
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Personal Finance
Decor
Non-dull Investments
56
Fashion
Social Responsibility
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Column
Wine Club
The Afro wine collection: The Top 10 wines you should have
Entrepreneur
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50
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Montblanc/unicef
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Pop-Up Restaurants
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Advertorial
44 Signature for good:
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Lifestyle
64 Afro Wheels
The Maslow & Winston Hotels
Upcycling Ideas for your home
60 Movie Review Is South Africa playing its part in 61 CD Review Africa? 62 Book Review 42
The House of Deola Sagoe
Paradise for the privileged
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20 Jerry Mabena 24
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Business
tsotsi in the boardroom Hotel Review
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38
Beauty & Grooming 36
8 Africa's Rich and How They Made It 14 The Business of God 18 Kaya House: A Sensitive Building
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FEATURES
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64
The Blackanese Sushi & Wine Bar
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Tirhani Ezekiel Mabunda
Believe it or not, the white man does bear a burden
72 Socials
70
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E D ' S
N O T E
editor's note S
o much has happened in Africa since the last edition of Afropolitan went to print. Of much importance were signs of democracy being given a chance in two countries that have had a history of political violence. On 4 March 2013, Kenyans went to the polls to vote for their next President and on 16 March, Zimbabweans voted for the new referendum in the lead up to their Presidential elections. These incidents are positive steps and should be celebrated as we remember all too well the tragic events surrounding the last Kenyan elections, which resulted in the loss of many lives and the chaotic state of the Zimbabwean political landscape. In celebration of this, our Rich Issue, we focus on the business habits of the richest business people in Africa and how they made their fortunes on page X. Then on page x, we take a slightly controversial turn highlighting the issue of African pastors who have turned the gospel in multi-million Rand businesses, at the expense of their congregations!On page x, meet charismatic Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Services and Non-Executive Director of Kaya FM. Then, is South Africa playing its part in developing the continent? We get this conversation started on page X . And if all of that proves too much, then take a luxurious break with us on page x, as we escape to the idyllic Indigo Bay on Bazaruto Island. For more features visit our new-look website at www.afropolitan.co.za! Happy reading!
the teAm editor Brendah Nyakudya
Contributors Alyn Adams Craig Gradridge Damian Murphy Dominique Wolf Ntebo Rajuli Elka Schaimberg Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright Stacey Vee Tafara Mavingire Angus McEwan
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CONgRATULATIONS! It is with great delight that Contact Media & Communications and the entire Afropolitan Team welcomed our newest Afropolitan member — baby Sam Nykudya-Dandala. Our esteemed Editor, Brendah, gave birth to Sam on 1 March 2013. We wish Brendah, Hlomla and Taya the most blessed time with their new, little man!
@brendahnyakudya @AfropolitanMag Facebook: TheAfropolitanMagazine
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Copyright Š 2010 Contact Media & Communications. The Afropolitan is published by Contact Media & Communications. All material is strictly copyright with all rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in part or whole without the express written permission of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for unsolicited material. The publisher accepts no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give any warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its contents. The views and opinions expressed in The Afropolitan are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Kaya FM or contributors.
R E A D E R ' S
E X P E R I E N C E
In the last few years the media has become a force all its own, a machine driven by deadlines rushing to tell the stories they feel society has a right to know. With every scandal or crisis that has hit the country, sensational headlines have been thrown at us by media houses in a bid to sell copies under the guise of serving the people who have a “right to know”.
by nonsi shara
B
ut has the media somewhere along the way lost its sense of moral responsibility? When the murder of Brett Kebble was the main story in news bulletins and his alleged killers were in the dock, the newspapers weren’t decrying the world of organised crime, highlighting the heart-breaking consequences of these men’s activities or condemning their crimes. Due to the angle that the media took, it was all was reduced to a sensational media circus with the very thugs who admitted to committing the murder being given superstar status and having their stories told in much advertised books. Their crimes were secondary as they were treated like celebrities and we were told of their idiosyncrasies, as if in an attempt to endear us to them. More recently was the Oscar Pistorius tragedy where the Olympian shot his girlfriend in his Pretoria home. The local media shot to the front of the queue and were the first ones to tell the story of the darling of the world who had committed such a terrible act. Local 6
journalists found themselves inundated with requests for interviews from TV and radio channels worldwide. Social media was abuzz with reporters giving the world a blow-by-blow account of the goings on in what will no doubt be the story of the year. When the dust had somewhat settled what they gave themselves a pat on the back for was not the fact that they had told the story of a woman violently taken at such a young age; no. Instead, what trended on social media networks for days was the number of followers journalists managed to accumulate on Twitter during the trial. What was of importance and repeated constantly
Media is such a powerful tool and has the power to not only give hope but also give society a sense of what is right and what is wrong.
was who broke the news first. What got lost in the “five seconds of fame” madness were the serious issues of violence against women in South Africa. What the media forgot to keep up front and centre, was the issue of gun control, or the lack thereof, in our crime-ridden society. So caught up in being the ones that CNN wanted to speak to, when reporters stepped up to the microphone they forgot to tell the stories of the Anene Booysens in our society. Journalistic egos got in the way of alerting the world at large to the issues that really matter and attempting to find solutions to these issues. While we agree that media houses are businesses that need to keep an eye on the bottom line one can’t help but feel a sense of despair that somehow they have lost their sense of human nature. Media is such a powerful tool and has the power to not only give hope but also give society a sense of what is right and what is wrong. It has a responsibility to watch the country’s guardians and call to order those who have gone astray and when the “guards of the guardians” lose sight of what matters, it denies the country of a much-needed moral compass. If you have any comments please
share them on our Facebook page TheAfropolitan
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image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK
Dear editor,
by Ntebo Rajuili
M A I N
F E A T U R E
Africa's Rich and How They Made It Ugandan born entrepreneur, Ashish Thakkar, started his entrepreneurial adventures at the age of fifteen and before his 30 birthday had built a 100 million dollar business. He, among others, share an appetite for risk, strong networks and a fiery determination to succeed. Meet Africa’s super rich…
T
image courtesy of Shutterstock
hey grace the pages of Forbes magazine and are celebrated as a new generation of Africa’s entrepreneurs. Uganda’s Ashish Thakkar, South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe and Nigeria’s Jason Njoku and Ladi Delano are just some of the entrepreneurs that have joined the ranks of Africa’s richest. Their fortunes have been made in diverse industries from media to alcoholic beverages and are a testament to the shifting dynamics of Africa’s business landscape. Historically, Africa’s ultra rich made their fortunes by dipping into state resources, at the expense of the citizens. But, it is evident in the projections for the next few decades that there will be many more private millionaires on the African continent. This has increased a growing interest in the secrets of Africa’s rich and how they made it.
Adventurous Entrepreneurs Aliko Dangote
Retail 8
Mining
Six of the world’s fastest growing economies between 2001 and 2010 were Sub-Saharan African countries Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mozambique and Nigeria. In many countries, the expansion was off a low base, but growth
Cement
Sugar www.afropolitan.co.za
image courtesy of Getty images & Shutterstock
Although the world economic slowdown has dampened the growth prospects of many African nations, the possibilities to create wealth still present sexy opportunities for adventurous entrepreneurs.
Patrice Motsepe and development has enabled interesting investment opportunities. Although the world economic slowdown has dampened the growth prospects of many African nations, the possibilities to create wealth still present sexy opportunities for adventurous entrepreneurs. Veteran, renowned emerging markets investor Mark Mobius has been particularly vocal on the growth industries of the African continent. He is still placing his bets on telecoms, banking, and natural resources and
Cane www.afropolitan.co.za
the consumer market, driven by a young population. Many multinationals have made attempts to capitalize on Africa’s growing industries, but for local entrepreneurs their trump card has been a very good understanding of the intricacies of African markets and the unpredictable outcomes. Technical insights are one half of the puzzle, the other is to understand the grassroots requirements and build unique products and business according to each market. Rwanda has had a tumultuous
history but it has emerged from chaos and conflict into one of Africa’s star economic performers. The country gave birth to Africa’s first telecommunication entrepreneurs, long before Africa’s economies began rising. When the late Rwandan billionaire tycoon Miko Rwayitare entered the telecoms business, he took advantage of the lack of telecommunications on the African continent and founded Telecel International. By the mid 80’s he used his engineering skills and challenged state-owned telecommunication monopolies to launch a telecommunications company in the Congo. Throughout history, the shrewd ability to produce unique solutions to serve the pressing needs of African societies, has been the formula for success for many of Africa’s greatest entrepreneurs. No complex financial derivatives, speculative trading, or fashionable IT startups. Wealth creation has been built on long term strategies and unique insights into the African business context.
Banking Telecommunications
Oil 9
M A I N
F E A T U R E
Technical insights are one half of the puzzle, the other is to understand the grassroots requirements and build unique products and business according to each market. Singapore based research firm, Wealth X published some interesting research on Africa’s super-rich. Their 2012 report concludes that over the next five years, the number of super rich Africans will grow at an average of almost 7 percent, which is the highest global average. The world’s largest economy – the United States, is expected to grow at the slowest pace, with the list of the US’s super rich growing at just over 2 percent. Business Tycoons such as Nigerian born Aliko Dangote and South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe still rank amongst at the top of the continent’s billionaire list. Dangote and Motsepe share similar traits in their strategies to amass wealth, by focusing on creating value in the natural resources sector. Dangote’s investments are in the flour, sugar and cement industries. He aggressively acquired and built value in these three sectors and turned a family business into one of Africa’s greatest conglomerates. He has also developed a reputation for being a workaholic, rarely taking vacations and not settling into his success. Motsepe created value in the mining sector when he formed a mining services venture that cleaned
Mining 10
Folorunsho Alakija
Cement
image courtesy of Bennett Raglin / Getty Images/ Gallo Images
Africa’s Super Rich
Telecommunications www.afropolitan.co.za
M A I N
F E A T U R E
gold dust from inside mineshafts, in the mid 90’s. By 1997 he took advantage of the low gold price and bought marginal gold mines from Anglo-Gold at a good price and turned them into profitable ventures. Both Motsepe and Dangote were born into trading families, which gave them a solid knowledge base from which to build their empires. They also took advantage of Africa’s network economy and formed strategic alliances with powerful political players.
image courtesy of Shutterstock
The shrewd ability, to produce unique solutions, to serve the pressing needs of African societies, has been the formula for success for many of Africa’s greatest entrepreneurs.
There is also a large pool of Africa’s richest who have cashed in on the banking sector. In Nigeria Tony Elumelo became the youngest CEO of a commercial bank at the age of 34. In 1997 his strategy was to acquire a struggling medium sized bank in Lagos and turn it around by growing its retail network and developing a wide range of financial services. By 2005 Standard Trust Bank became one of the five biggest commercial banks in Nigeria. Africa’s richest list is still dominated by men, but there are a handful of women who are forging ahead and making things happen. Folorunsho Alakija, is one of Nigeria’s oil Tycoons. Like her counterparts, she accumulated her wealth by applying for an allocation of an oil-prospecting license. She bucked the trend by not selling her license to international firms and chose to partner with Star Deep Water Petroleum as her technical advisor. When the company discovered reserves of more than 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, she found herself battling with the Nigerian
Government Company for ownership. Her wealth quest was defined by tenaciously holding onto her assets, forging ahead with no fear and making sure that ownership translated into wealth. Of course, with every investment opportunity, Africa’s richest have had some good fortune and a bit of luck in their favour, but astute business acumen, instinct, single-minded focus, stamina and an appetite for risk are qualities shared by all of Africa’s richest. Working with no rulebook is the guideline for striking it rich on the African continent. Mature markets have some safety nets for entrepreneurs but Africa’s super rich have had to be highly competitive and adaptable to crack the market. Emerging economies also have very limited data and information available for making investment decisions. So every ambitious entrepreneur has to network tirelessly to get ahead. With all this in mind, it is clear that the opportunities are there for more millionaires-in-the-making.
Retail Magnate Christo Wiese also focused on scalability to build his empire. As the man in charge of Shoprite Checkers, Wiese grew eight supermarkets in Cape Town into a pan-African supermarket chain. He focused on the basics - supplying mass products to a wide base. The consumer market is still one of the fastest growing industries which and is still throwing up lucrative opportunities for local and international investors. It’s hardly surprising that retail giant WalMart has geared itself up to expand into the continent. Like Wiese the strategy is to provide reasonably priced products to a mass market and turn a profit.
Retail 12
Sugar Cane
Banking www.afropolitan.co.za
M A I N
F E A T U R E
PATRIcE TAKES THE PlEDGE A historic press event held in Johannesburg earlier this year, saw South Africa’s richest man Patrice Motsepe announce that he and his wife, Precious Malope, are committed to donating half of their family fortune to benefit the lives of others. The Mining magnate is now the first person outside of the US to take the Giving Pledge, which was originally started by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway Inc CEO Warren Buffett. It’s a pledge that encourages wealthy families worldwide to give at least half of their fortune to charity. By joining the initiative, South Africa’s billionaire has become an instant philanthropic trailblazer for Africa. But for Motsepe, the Giving Pledge is an extension of that which comes naturally to him. “It has always been part of our [African] culture and tradition to assist and care for less fortunate and marginalised members of our communities – a culture embodied in the spirit and tradition of ubuntu,” said Motsepe.
Motsepe and his wife recognised the huge responsibility and duty that the Motsepe family has to poor, unemployed, disabled, women, youth, workers and marginalised South Africans. “We also have an ongoing obligation of nation building, uniting black and white South Africans, and contributing towards making South Africa, Africa and the world a better place,” he said. “We will continue to work with and encourage governments on the African continent to implement fiscal, legislative, anti-corruption and other measures to ensure that their economies are globally competitive and attractive to private sector and other business investments,” Motsepe added. “Economies that are growing and have ethical and accountable political, business and other leaders are better positioned and substantially more effective in dealing with poverty, joblessness, illiteracy and disease.” Forbes Magazine estimated Patrice Motsepe (Founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals) to be worth about US2.65-billion (R24 billion). Most of their donations have up till now been private. “We hope that our Giving Pledge will encourage others in South Africa, Africa and other emerging economies to give.”
oTHER AfRIcAN BIllIoNAIRES WHo ARE AlSo AcTIvE PHIlANTHRoPISTS:
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•
Johann Rupert: 3rd richest African and CEO of Luxury goods group, Richemont, gave his R3.6 million annual salary to charity.
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The Oppenheimers: 2nd richest family in Africa donated R1 billion to support education in South Africa.
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Aliko Dangote: Nigeria’s richest man gave away $35 million to the Nigerian Flood Relief.
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Jim Ovia: Nigerian banker and founder of Zenith Bank gave away an estimated $6.6 million to the Nigerian government for the rehabilitation of victims of the various flood disasters across Nigeria in 2012.
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Strive Masiyiwa: Zimbabwe’s richest man gave away an estimated $6.4 million to sponsor 40 African undergraduates to Morehouse College, for a four-year period.
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by eli nyaKudya
FEATURE
the buSineSS
Of gOd
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When one looks back in history and religious studies, a Pastoral life was a calling that many were not keen to follow as it meant elected poverty and required one to “die to self” — an existence far removed from luxury and opulence. And yet today, there are Pastors who have not given up wealth in the name of God, but rather use the name of God to gain more wealth. Eli Nyakudya takes a look. communities they had chosen to serve. Living and working amongst the people. Over the years, however, there has emerged a new crop of religious leaders that have turned religion into a business. Some flaunt iconic white suits, slicked back hair and flashy entourages appearing more like movie stars than men of God. These men have built churches and turned them into multi-million dollar industries. While this phenomenon occurs worldwide, it has, over the past decade, become more prevalent in Africa. On a continent where the majority of people are struggling to survive and put food on the table for their children, these “prosperity religions” are becoming more popular by the day. While these Church Leaders preach the “prosperity gospel” —a doctrine that financial blessing will be bestowed upon those who offer donations to the Church — they procure themselves a position amongst Africa’s richest men, while their vulnerable and naïve congregation members are left with nothing but false hope to put on their tables. These so called “Men of God” have established an influence so powerful and far-reaching that churches are being formulated in their names, in countries they have never even visited. Similar to the nature of Multi-national Corporations (MNCs) these churches have turned into franchises that generate millions in revenue. Biblical stories of prophets travelling on donkeys and surviving off the aid of the community are long gone and now new age prophets own four private jets and mansions around the globe. From this, it would seem that the “prosperity gospel” they preach to their passive audiences is forwarding their business agendas. A look at the top five richest religious leaders in Africa confirms the disparity between their financial situation and the plight of their followers. Of the five richest, self-proclaimed “Men of God”, mostly starting from average beginnings, Nigerian, Bishop David Oyedepo tops the list. www.afropolitan.co.za
1. BISHoP DAvID oyEDEPo AKA THE PASToRPRENEUR As the founder of the Winners Chapel, part of a worldwide empire of evangelical ministries, the Bishop is estimated to be worth $150 million. From holding services, at what is said to be Africa’s largest church, the Bishop is able to own a fleet of private jets, properties in Europe and the United states and a Rolls Royce Phantom. In addition, the Bishop is also an author of prosperity books that are published at a very successful ‘Dominion’ Publishing House that is also conveniently owned by the Bishop. It does not end there, as the Bishop also has other streams of revenue from his very own elite private university and a very affluent private high school. Recently the Bishop has been accused of ‘cynical exploitation’ after receiving millions of Pounds at his UK branches after promising followers riches in return for their donations.
over the yeArs there hAs emerGed A neW CroP oF reliGious leAders thAt hAve turned reliGion into A business. 2. cHRIS oyAKHIloME The renowned Tele-Evangelist Chris Oyakhilome is affectionately known by his followers as Pastor Chris and is the founder of Christ Embassy, which boasts a membership of more than 40 000 delegates. The Pastor’s estimated net worth is a little under $50 million and his 15
images courtesy of sHutterstocK
M
other Teresa, William Carey and other personalities who made their mark in preaching the word of God and serving their fellow men were well known for their sacrifices when it came to worldly possessions and quality of life. Working from a belief that one is sent to this earth to serve, they did not seek to acquire but instead chose to give of what they had to those less fortunate. They would leave the comfort of their homes and fully immerse themselves in the
FEATURE religious wealth includes investments in real estate, media and even hotels. One of the Pastors largest investments is his Evangelistic TV programme which airs 24-hours a day, and is called The LoveWorld TV network. Recently, the magnetic preacher was at the centre of a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of tapping funds from his church to foreign bank accounts. The case was later dismissed and the Pastor was redeemed of all his ‘sins’.
It would seem that the “prosperity gospel” they preach to their passive audiences is to forward their agendas as businessmen. 3. Temitope Joshua With an estimated net worth of $15 million, third place goes to the founder of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (Scoan), Temitope Joshua (commonly known as TB Joshua). The man claims to be able to cure HIV and Aids, among other deadly diseases, and can even predict sport match results! His congregation, filled with miracle craving members, are willing to give up everything for his miracles. Mr Joshua also owns Emmanuel TV; a network that broadcasts all his sermons and miracles across the world. As the third richest Pastor TB Joshua is the most controversial on the list but he counters that with his charitable work which extends from healthcare through to education all across Nigeria. TB is also very well connected, calling Ghanaian President Atta Mills a close friend and entertains several African heads of state at his Church.
Winning Ways which is set to instruct its readers how to acquire a “portion of the wealth the earth has to offer.”
5. Pastor Chris Okotie In fifth place, stands the man (of God) whose first calling was to be a popular pop musician in the 80s. Now known as Pastor Chris Okotie, the Pastor is avidly followed by Nollywood celebrities, musicians, and society people! He himself lives by the glitz and glamour and being an avid lover of cars, owns among others, a Mercedes S600, a Hummer and a Porsche. He has on three counts campaigned to be Nigeria’s president and has lost all three times. His claims that God instructed him to be President and has seen him to start his own political party known as the Fresh Party. All these men have taken the gospel of Christ, and the faith of the people, and turned both into lucrative businesses. Looking at their organisations, dealings and contacts, it is difficult to distinguish which of their activities are as religious leaders and which are of capitalist entrepreneurs — both benefitting from the exploitation of other people.
For the unfortunate and desperate followers of these religions that preach the “prosperity gospel” their hope resembles that of a gambler. Consider the people who pledge money every week to buy a lottery ticket with the belief that one-day they shall win big. Every week this dream is offered to them as being within their reach, ensuring their money is sacrificed. Sure, maybe a selected few may benefit, but only to fuel the marketing fires that keep the poor spending their hard-earned cash on hope. The bottom line however is that the only true winner of the lottery is the lottery company itself, not unlike the Prosperity Pastors. Most of Africa’s population is underprivileged andssurviving off nothing more than hope. The churches advertise themselves as offering miracles and financial success, messages that would lure any desperate person. These vulnerable individuals are willing to sacrifice the little they have for the hope of a better life. Whether it is their faith in government or religion, no person should ever exploit this vulnerability. Religion as we know it expresses salvation to b free, but it would seem from the culture of the churches described above, it definitely comes at a cost.
image courtesy of shutterstock
4. Matthew Ashimolowo United Kingdom based Pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo, who is said to own the largest Pentecostal Church in the Kingdom, is not a miracle worker like the above mentioned but is still estimated to be worth between $6 and $10 million. The Pastor, who broke away from the Foursquare Gospel Church to start his own Kingsway International Christian Centre (Kicc), has a book series entitled 16
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FEATURE
images courtesy of Kaya fm
KAYA HOUSE A SenSitive building
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arktown North has a new resident, Johannesburg’s most popular Afropolitan radio station, Kaya FM. Located on the border of trendy Parktown North and the vibrant commercial district of Rosebank, this sought after address demanded an architectural response that would boldly establish the successful and sophisticated Kaya FM brand in building form. A challenge? Yes. But not for Marco Fanucchi and his team from AMA Architects who created a building that is not only iconic in its structure, but one that is also environmentally responsible and functional. The move from Newtown was inspired by the company’s growth over the last five years. “A number of buildings were looked at, including Newtown, but the best option, for us, was to build a new structure that would cater to our specifications,” said Greg Maloka, Managing Director of Kaya FM. ,“We needed to respond to the challenges we were facing in terms of space and centrality, and we wanted a building that we would be proud of, in terms of environmental responsibility and structural appeal.” The vertical and horizontal aero foils, protrusions and overhangs are passive building mechanisms which are the simplest and most effective ‘green’ components as they reduce the heat loads to the north, east and west. The extensive use of passive shading also allowed for the larger than normal window openings. The idea behind the
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extra large windows was to maximize the magnificent views over Parktown, and from a functional point of view, dramatically increase the amount of natural daylight, thus reducing the dependence on artificial light. The studio, the very heart of Kaya FM, overlooks Jan Smuts Avenue, giving the presenters a bird’s eye view of the comings and goings of Johannesburg’s Afropolitans. Water is conserved through the optimization of toilet cisterns to ensure the minimum amount of water is used.
Electronic sensor taps in the bathrooms ensure taps aren’t left running all day and in keeping with current green office trends, no hot water is supplied to the taps in the toilet cores. Traditionally these taps would have been supplied with heated water from an electric geyser running 24-hours a day. The result is a saving on electricity bills and our natural resources. Despite its good looks and bold presence, Kaya House is actually quite a ‘sensitive’ building once you get to know it.
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BY Kate Ferreira
tsotsi
in
the
b oardroom
The specialist Generalist
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Jerry Mabena
www.afropolitan.co.za
Jerry Mabena is the CEO of the newly formed Thebe Services Division that brings together the Thebe Tourism Group and Thebe Enterprise. With an extensive business background ranging from advertising and events to property, Jerry has learned many lessons and here he shares his views on managing and planning for change. Tell us a bit about your background and personal life — you’re a Jo’burg boy, yes? Let’s be more specific, I’m an Alex boy! I was born in Alexandra, and I studied there, until I got my bursary to Sacred Heart College. From there I got another bursary to do a post-matric at St Stithians, before heading to Rhodes University. I am now married with two children — two boys. Njabulo turns 13 soon and Lwazi will be 9.
Where did your career start? At Rhodes I did a BComm, majoring in industrial psychology and management. In the last quarter of my final year I was recruited by Unilever. So in the first week of January, I was on a plane to Durban, and I spent a very exciting three years there. Unilever is one of those places where they say “forget what you learned at university we’re going to teach you what you need to know”, and you just lap it up. It was a wonderful to meet people too. I look at the network of people I made in those days, a lot of whom have done very well, and it’s exciting to see where they are now.
Unilever is one of those places where they say “forget what you learned at university we’re going to teach you what you need to know”, and you just lap it up. What brought you back to Johannesburg? After a few years I grew tired of corporate. I joined an NGO up here in Jo’burg. I worked in the reconstruction and development programme called The Culture of Learning. It was focused largely on restoring education in schools, post 1994. It was just after Nelson Mandela became president and it was www.afropolitan.co.za
If you make mistakes today, you have a chance to remedy them within 12 months. You don’t have that long recovery process like property. one of his Presidential Lead projects that he launched. It was exciting to be part of that, to feel part of something bigger than yourself. We went to rural schools that didn’t have anything, and worked with the community. It had a lot of meaning to it.
You also worked at JW Thompson, and ran your own advertising business. What are the lessons you took from those experiences?
Your support system needs to be good, in terms of morale and psychology. For me, my family was there. When you go home, the last thing you need is someone nagging you about when the pay cheque is going to arrive. If they have an understanding from the outset that, for example, we’re not going to have our usual three holidays this year, it helps. In terms of planning, you do need to plan where the money is going to come from. And as much as possible, you need to have something lined up that will give you some income, no matter how little — if nothing else, that will keep you going psychologically. Even if it’s R200 a month, just for delivering someone’s post. Then you can say, “Ok, my budget is R200, now I need to up it”. But to have zero lined up … that can kill you psychologically.
After advertising, you joined Kagiso as CEO of Kagiso Exhibitions, and later of Kagiso Property Holdings. What are the highlights of your time there?
At the beginning advertising was fine, but I think there are two types of people in the industry: those that grow into advertising and those that grow out of it. I was one of the latter. I still love it as a profession, but as an outsider. I think the world has changed and advertising in the classical sense needs to redefine itself. In the good old days you spoke about brand building and that’s how you made money. Well, clients don’t have the time anymore. If you build something good today, it’s sold out in stores tomorrow, and that’s without advertising. We need to recognise that consumers are very different from the days where we were speaking to them. We now speak with them. They want to be able to respond, to interrogate, to touch, to experience, to try. While we think we live in a very high tech time, people still value touch. So from that point of view, I just found that advertising was very uni-directional in its approach.
It was an exciting time. It came just after I tried to run my own business, which I had run up and then down again. Around that time Kagiso came along. It was a job that I really, really enjoyed. I think that was because it’s a very dynamic environment. If you make mistakes today, you have a chance to remedy them within 12 months. You don’t have that long recovery process like property. I enjoyed that, although it was helluva stressful. I was there about three years, within the Kagiso group, moving from there into property within the group. At some point after I moved into the property side of Kagiso, there was a change in leadership and a change in strategy, and we almost became irrelevant from the Kagiso point of view. So I left, and I was jobless for a little more than a year. I was speaking to a number of people, looking for a kind of big brother who could take us in – me and a colleague. I joined Thebe as CEO of Thebe Property Asset Management in 2011, before Thebe Services was created.
What advice do you have for those people looking to start their own venture?
What necessitated the merger between Thebe Tourism and Thebe Enterprises, and how 21
imageS courtesy of Jerry Mabena and Thebe Group
tsotsi in t h e b oardroom
There are two levels to our objective. The objectives for 2013 are still very much business stuff – the hard issues like profitability and getting systems working, ensuring these entities are sustainable. has the transition from two companies to one been? I think sometimes we make it a bigger issue than it is. It’s a lot of work, make no mistake. Suddenly you have so many small groups to deal with. When you look at the number, it can be overwhelming, especially when each one is active and each one has its own issues, you find that what you learn from one just doesn’t apply to the other, so somewhere along the way you just have to deal with the non-continuity. But where the merger begins to make a lot of sense, is when you take all these entities and you ask: “How do we corporatize this and make it work like a single unit?” and “How do we do that but still recognise that it is not a single unit?” It is a conglomeration of singular units.
very different from how it speak to its clientele. And similarly in our healthcare business, when we speak to clients who are on the medical aid administration side, it’s different from how we speak to the unions who might be custodians of those funds. For them, we need to give them peace of mind. For the customer, we need to perform.
What is your primary push or main objective for 2013? There are two levels to our objective. The objectives for 2013 are still very much business stuff – the hard issues like profitability and getting systems working, ensuring these entities are sustainable. But that sustainability is only possible if you have good service. If you don’t, then you get cut out of the market place, so it’s a cascading system. As some people say, the profit objective is a consequence of good service.
You are involved with the Columba Leadership Academy; can you share with us why you got involved with the Academy? I’m just a trustee there, and my role is really a governance one, to make sure they run the initiatives well. But broadly speaking, the Columba Leadership Academy is an opportunity for me to do the stuff that I am passionate about – which is youth development.
You are a non-executive chairman of our naming partner Kaya FM, can you talk about those responsibilities, the importance of the new building and the future of the station?
I don’t operate from there on a day to day basis, so I can’t quite speak about teething issues, but the one thing I know, What’s been your biggest is that for the team there, the move has challenge to date? made them feel big now. They feel like You have leaders of those organisations they have grown up, they are not in the who have their own views, own opinions Mvela League anymore, but the Premier and own ways of doing things. So how League. It has really enhanced their do you begin to ready them towards a image, and put them in the league where particular goal or cause? It almost turns they have always belonged, and now the you into a very sophisticated salesman. clients are making the necessary mental You are selling ideas, dreams and visions adjustment too. to a group of people who may or may not How do you relax in your spare see them from day one.
What constitutes “all customer facing service businesses”? The idea of “customer facing” is a very difficult one. Your customer is your stakeholder, and your stakeholders vary. When you speak to different stakeholders, you need to speak in languages they understand. When Kaya FM speaks to its audience, it’s
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time?
I run in the mornings, just to make sure the work stress doesn’t kill me. And whenever I get a chance I like to do some kind of adventure sports, whether it be a bit of river rafting, hiking, or anything that puts me on the edge. I want to jump out of aeroplanes, but I don’t think I’ll be allowed to. My wife, and the company, won’t like that.
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BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA
F A S H I O N
T
he House of Deola Sagoe was established in 1989 by Deola Sagoe, a fashion visionary with a unique approach that has endeared her to her many fashionista fans including: actor Will Smith; model Alek Wek and International journalist Susan Taylor. Deola, who focusses on gorgeous African hand-woven materials, magically transforms traditional style with sleek modern trends. Like Deola herself, her garments are not only charismatic and contemporary, they are also serene and traditional — a wonderful contrast. So popular is Segoe that she has shown at New York Fashion Week, Alta Roma in Rome, Alta Moda in Milan, Cape Town Fashion Week, Caribbean Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week in South Africa. The House of Deola Sagoe is currently headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria and is undeniably the heart and soul of sophisticated and timeless women, all over the world. Website: http://www.deolasagoe.net
The house of
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Images courtesy of house of Deola sagoe
F A S h I O N
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F A S H I O N
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L I F E S T Y L E
THE AfRo
Wine COlleCtiOn THE TOP 10 WINES YOU SHOULD HAVE There is wine and then there is excellent wine! And, as everybody knows, an excellent wine delivers palate luxury and unadulterated pleasure. our friend, cape Wine Master and Editor of WineStyle magazine, Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright, presents her Top 10 premium Afropolitan wine list, which is available in South Africa now. So, whether you are stocking a quality cellar or simply enjoying the good life, you aren’t living until you’re sipping one (or all) of the following … vIlAfoNTÉ SERIES c R475
Series C takes its name from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc which predominantly defines the style of this wine. The Cabernet comes from the most potent blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc and displays hints of violet flowers, while the Merlot component gives this wine a velvety texture. The Series C style is a firm, powerful and concentrated wine, rich in fruits and blended for a long ageing. Simply a delicious wine that will put a smile on your face.
BoEKENHoUTSKloof SyRAH R420
This is a fresh and concentrated spicy fruit wine with texture, complexity and purity. It has white pepper on the nose, with arguably the most intense floral and mineral notes in the history of this wine. This opaque ruby wine shows luscious aromas of spicy black cherry, chocolate, blueberry and vanilla on the nose. It is full-bodied on the palate, with low-to-medium acidity, big sweet tannins and well-integrated alcohol. It is solid and silky on the middle palate leading to a long and smooth finish.
by jenny ratcliffe-wrigHt
Wine Society
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MvEMvE RAATS DE coMPoSTEllA R750
This wine is an exquisite blend of five Bordeaux grapes; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot harmoniously composed, with not one dominant. Together these grapes have produced a rich wine with a deep, and intense ruby colour, showing a consistent and linear flavour profile. This wine is muscular and rich in minerals, black berry fruit, dark chocolate on the finish and a hint of cinnamon on the nose. This wine was among the most memorable wines tasted by The Wine advocate in 2012.
cAPE cHAMoNIX RESERvE PINoT R240
This is a sumptuous Pinot Noir and the one which represents exceptional value for money when compared with other Pinots from around the world. The wine is richly textured, brimming with red and black fruits, but at the same time it is silky and elegant. Its spicy red fruit bouquet is instantly beguiling but the real pleasure comes from the palate. To emphasise the quality of its fruity and the velvety texture, it is best served a little cooler than most red blends.
WE WIll SooN BE lAUNcHING oUR EXclUSIvE AfRoPolITAN WINE SocIETy! DoN'T MISS oUR NEXT ISSUE foR DETAIlS.
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KANoNKoP BlAcK lABEl PINoTAGE
SADIE fAMIly colUMEllA
This is a very complex wine with hints of red fruit flavours which reflects some Pinot Noir style. The wine also has a big, bold and ripe tannin structure. It has sweet, pure, ripe, elegant blackberry and blackcurrant fruits on the nose. The palate is fine, ripe, smooth and well defined with elegant cherry and berry fruits. The wine is supple and stylish with good structure, great concentration and fine but firm tannins.
This is a balanced wine with clear sweet fruity taste upfront and soft tannins, but it is low in acidity. The nose has blackberries, cassis, chocolate, coffee, oak and some herbs. The oak in this wine performs well even on the palate and on the nose. Unlike other local wines, this Columella is free from dirt, burnt rubber and volcanic ash. This wine was made by one of South Africa’s most respect and high profile winegrower, Eben Sadie.
R1200
SHANNoN MoUNT BUllET MERloT R298
The textured richness of the tannins and beautiful balance between acid and fruit in this wine makes it more international in style. When tasting for the first time most people are amazed to find that it is 100% Merlot. The wine is juicy with good concentration, and it has black fruits, firm amount of good oak, some pleasant spices, a little sweetness, good acidity and soft tannins. Bullet Merlot expresses elegance, complexity as well as power.
WATERfoRD ESTATE THE JEM R725
cHATEAU NAUDE lE vIN DE fRANcoIS PRIcE?
This wine is a superb example of power and elegance with great maturation ability. It has a dark and intense ruby colour with a touch of purple on the rim and ripe juicy flavours. On the nose it has dark and red berries, black cherry and sweet spices, all intertwined with subtle cigar box notes. The palate is rich and concentrated with flavours of ripe plums, blackcurrant and stewed fruit, supported by firm ripe tannins that carry the wine into a long and lingering aftertaste.
RUST EN vREDE 1694 clASSIfIcATIoN R1200
Granted on the 12th of May 1694, this wine honours the birth of Rust en Vrede. As I have a great affection for Syrah, this is the only blended wine we produce that is Syrah dominant. Both the Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are from Single Vineyard selections – Jean Engelbrecht
images courtesy of sHutterstocK
This is an intensively structured wine, expressing the depth and classic power of Cabernet Sauvignon. The high level of Shiraz and Malbec in this wine adds density and softens the taste, making its finish dry and refreshing on the palate due to Cabernet franc and Sangiovese. The Jem is an expression of the Helderberg - Stellenbosch terroir. The wine has been grown and crafted to show a combination of fruit and spices on aroma, with elegantly layered tannins to enhance the flavour and finish.
R730
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lifestyle
Pop-up restaurants imageS courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK & chef Arnold tanzer
Supper clubs and secret dinner parties – the pop-up restaurant is dishing out plenty of excitement for SA’s food aficionados.
Chef Arnold Tanzer
I
magine you’re seated at a dinner table set for eight in a 1920s power station. You’re savouring the umami flavours of a wild mushroom terrine, alongside industrial refurbished turbines. An unusual setting for a dinner party! So, you must be one of the lucky few who managed to acquire a seat an Underground Dinner, hosted by The Forum in the old Turbine Hall in Newtown. While pop-up restaurants have been popular overseas since 2000, it’s taken almost a decade for the concept to capture the imagination of South Africa’s foodies. Predictably, the pop-up hotspots are the Mother City and Johannesburg, in places like secret gardens usually closed to the public or dilapidated warehouses where nobody would dare to venture, let alone eat! Pop-up restaurants only have two things in common; they’re usually a once-off affair, and the menu is the star of the show. At the end of the evening, the circus of food dismantles in the blink of an eye, with only the tantalising scents of a delicious meal left lingering in the air.
BY Stacey Vee
Celebrity chefs and undiscovered talents
United Kingdom-based ‘molecular gastronomist’ Heston Blumenthal, who is probably best known locally from his television cooking series In Search of Perfection that aired on Dstv’s Food Network, created a series of themed pop-up feasts (Heston’s Feasts) where a guest list of handpicked celebrities were 32
invited to enjoy a one-of-a-kind menu in a setting designed to complement the food. At his Alice in Wonderland-inspired dinner the diners enjoyed a paté shaped like a dormouse in a room that looked like it had been sketched straight out of the pages of a Lewis Carroll novel. Although not as over-the-top, some of South Africa’s well-known chefs also host these magical supper evenings. Chef Arnold Tanzer and his Eat360 concept ‘pop up’ all over the inner city of Johannesburg. His fan club of food devotees are only sent an email and text message on the day, letting them know at which venue he’ll be serving up his fantastical dishes. Then there are the established popups, like Cape Town’s travelling dim sum bar, the Beijing Opera created by Yang Zhao. The bar was most recently spotted at the annual Design Indaba at the ICC, but rumour has it that the Beijing Opera will soon be making its way cross-country to Johannesburg from April onwards. Many of these pop-up restaurants have a BYOB (bring your own booze) policy. This means that you can enjoy a glass of your favourite red or white alongside an out-of-this-world meal. Seek out a supper club or a pop-up restaurant in your city, and get ready to have your taste-buds seduced.
How do I find a pop-up restaurant in my city?
Word-of-mouth is the currency that finances a pop-up restaurant’s success.
With no fixed address, you won’t find them listed in the Yellow Pages or a city guide. Not surprisingly, it’s social media that’s driving the hype. Fans follow the restaurant’s twitter, Facebook, even Pinterest accounts to find out when and where the next event is taking place, and many of these young, talented chefs are foodies themselves maintaining blogs laden with delicious images documenting their pop-up project. @TheSecretEats (Cape Town) on twitter is a great place to start, as well as @eatpopup (Johannesburg) which is Arnold Tanzer’s project. Underground Dinners, Turbine Hall, Johannesburg Book your seat for a heavenly three-course meal hosted at Johannesburg’s oldest power station. Tickets are R330 per person. Dinners start at 19h00 for 19h30. The available dates are 31 May, 28 June, 25 July, 30 August, 27 September and 25 October. Contact Hazel Ndebele on 087 310 3888 or email turbinebookings@theforum.co.za.
Secret EATS, Cape Town Newly launched, this invitation-only underground dining experience is unusual in that you can apply (via the website) to cook, host or eat at one of the events that are held at a different location each time. To get onto the invitation list, you can email eat@thesecreteats.com.
The Supper Lounge, Johannesburg and Cape Town This mix-and match dining concept created by Katrin Starzmann and Ellie Gorgievska, sees like-minded people getting around the dinner table for good food and great conversation. You can find out more at www.supperlounge.com.
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by dominiQue wolf
b E A U T Y & g R O O M I N g
WAITING To EXH-AlE If you are travelling to countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic or Austria, you can visit one of the increasingly popular beer spas. The idea here is to sit around for half an hour or so in a beer tub after a stressful day at work to help you relax. It helps make your skin and hair more shiny and beautiful and if you really feel the urge, you can drink the beer, too. The beer must be really cold - which could be a bit of a logistical nighmare.
RATHER BUllISH For most of us, a good-smelling shampoo or conditioner and the promise of soft hair is something that we enjoy. Now, you don’t really get more organic than this - bull semen hair treatment. In case this sounds disgusting, your hair will not be slathered with semen straight from the source. It is mixed with other ingredients to make the treatment more fragrant and perhaps less offensive. It is said to make hair moisturized, shiny, and noticeably healthy.
THE PlAcENTA EffEcT
beAuty
bizArre
On live television, Jennifer Lopez proclaimed herself a fan of anti-aging placenta face masks. Madonna also credits her timeless looks to this. Placenta facials use freeze-dried, sterilized powder made from placentas taken after live human births or from other mammals, such as pigs, sheep, or goats. The process of making the creams is not as gory as it sounds, but admittedly putting placenta cream on your face has a distinct element of gross and a bit creepy. Even though these creams apparently smell heavenly and are beautifully packaged, you cannot help thinking that what you’re doing is a little bit out of the ordinary. A Placenta cream facial will also set you back more than R9000.
No doubt, there is a price to pay for being beautiful, but the rich and famous take this to a whole new level with some fascinating and absurd beauty regimes. 34
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SNAIl TRAIl Promising to be wonderful for healing dry skin, acne, stretch marks, and just about any other skin problem you can think of, SNAIL SLIME SERUMS AND CREAMS have been used for centuries. In modern times, snail slime is apparently an ingredient for some high-end cosmetics. These are often exceptionally expensive, so if you are not happy to pay exorbitant prices, you might experiment with the snails right in your garden. South American women have been doing it for generations.
SUcKERED
SNAKE SKIN The word Botox is as common in our daily vocabulary as bread and milk these days. But according to some experts, there is another product that is said to be more effective than Botox. Endorsed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kylie Minogue, this product is a cream made of SNAKE VENOM. A cream made of snake venom (mixed with other ‘good for your skin’ ingredients) can help fight wrinkles and make you look younger than your years. A bit extreme and very expensive, a bit of snake’s sting will cost around R3560.
BEE-AUTIfUl Gaining much popularity in the skin-care treatment arena is the Bee Venom Facial — with rumoured fans including Kate Middleton,
Another ‘beauty’ procedure that is definitely not for the faint hearted is LEECH TREATMENT. Demi Moore previously made headlines by confessing her penchant for this somewhat sado-masochistic practice. The leeches are placed onto the body and you experience some minor pain and bleeding while the leeches release an enzyme called hirudin into your blood, which helps to detoxify it. Leeches are also said to be a viable tool in healing skin grafts and reattachment surgery. Demi Moore received her treatment in Austria, but the leech treatment is also available in many other countries.
WARNING: If any of these beauty routines appeal to you and you are tempted by the bizarre preferences of your favourite star - consult a physician first!
floRENcE’S SEcRET The NIGHTINGALE DROPPING FACIAL is a favourite of Victoria Beckhams and is believed to improve the complexion and translucency of the skin. All you have to do is take a dollop of nightingale faeces and spread it over your face like a mask. Even though the droppings are sterilized and deodorised through a UV light process, its not a huge surprise that this is not a commonly used skin solution. Naturally this is mostly offered in high-end spas around the world and can cost approximately R1400.
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PhILIPS CARE TOUCh luvo Mxoli, 36, Advertising Account Executive: “I always try to steer clear of wet shavers that have often led me to skin break outs, itchy and irritated skin and the discomfort of ingrown facial hairs. So it was a great opportunity to test the Philips care Touch Electric Shaver for a week. What a nifty little shaver! Weighing a little over 4 grams, it’s the perfect gadget for frequent travelers and those pressed for time. The ergonomic shape also fits perfectly into my hand. As for its functionality, it gives a very close shave without the proverbial shaving rash you would expect from a similar shaver. It’s safe to use both wet and dry which means you can use it in the shower or to quickly remove that 4 o’clock shadow. The blades follow the curvature of your face closely and glide effortlessly for a really smooth and comfortable shave. Those who want to trim beards and keep sideburns manicured can with the pop-up trimmer. It uses lithium-Ion battery which means you can use it for up to 40 minutes before recharging. Overall, the Philips Care Touch Electric Shaver is a great little shaver and for less than R1000 its really good value for money.”
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images are courtesy of sHutterstocK, manufacturers and distributors.
foR HIM Dannii Minogue and Michelle Pfeiffer. The venom is said to tighten your skin by plumping up collagen, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is an exceptionally expensive treatment and could cost you up to R1250 for a tiny pot. Be sure to check that you are not allergic to bees before trying it!
F I N A N C E
You’ve invested in all the “traditional” investment options like: unit trusts; endowments; retirement annuities and life funds! And don’t get us wrong, those are not only good, they’re extremely important. But they’re also a little dull. Are you an investor who is looking for other options? Now, no investment is a sure thing, but here are some more creative options available. image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK
BY Craig Gradidge
P E R S O N A L
Non-dull Investments Property Property still remains an attractive investment option for many investors. The property boom of 2004 to 2008 saw a massive increase in the number of buy-to-let properties in the market. However, the subsequent financial crisis brought about a certain moderation of expectations in terms of this asset 36
class. Investors no longer saw it as a guaranteed road to riches. The reality is depending on a tenant to pay their dues can turn any aspiring property mogul back on his/her investment.. You see, in South Africa, defaulting tenants are afforded significant protection and it can be many months and an expensive process before a landlord is able to get rid of a non-paying tenant.
Property returns are often overstated as many investors tend to overlook the massive costs associated with property. You hear comments like, “I paid R1 million for the house and sold it for R1.5 million two years later. That is 50% in two years”. The reality is that once you take costs into account, returns are a lot more muted. These costs include bond registration fees, transfer www.afropolitan.co.za
fees, estate agent commissions, bank charges, municipality fees, and general maintenance costs. There are a number of important factors to consider when investing in a rental property: • Yield: this is calculated as the monthly rental (x12) divided by the purchase price. So a R1 million house that earns R5 000 rental per month has a yield of 6% ((5 000x12)/1 000 000). This yield should be compared to yields that can be earned on listed property, bank deposits and government bonds. Always bear in mind though that property yields tend to increase over time as rental escalations kick in. • Location: where is the property situated? Proximity to universities, CBDs and suburban nodes often tend to attract tenants. This is important as it means that the property is unlikely to stand empty for long periods of time. What profile of tenant will it be able to attract?
Physical Assets Items such as wine, diamonds, art and rugs tend to be marketed as investment assets. A feature of these assets is that they have the potential to increase
in value over time, sometimes quite spectacularly so. A well-purchased bottle of wine can easily treble in value over a 5 to 10 year period. Art pieces, by the right artist can experience increases in value of a hundred fold over the long term. The challenge with these assets, however, is determining their value. There is a huge element of subjectivity involved to this. Unlike a listed company which shows a certain level of profits per share as well as dividends per share, these assets produce neither profits nor income. There is also a significant holding cost that comes with investing in these assets. These include insurance, storage and preservation costs. Wine needs to kept at a constant and controlled temperature, art and diamonds have certain high level security requirements, while rugs need to be packaged and stored in a certain way. All these requirements entail a level of cost. Another major challenge with all these assets tends to arise when it comes to disposing of them to realise value. A key shortcoming with many of these assets is the non-existence of a well developed market for secondary trading. As a result price discovery becomes quite difficult and therefore, highly subjective. There
often are concerns of authenticity, or proving authenticity, when selling which limits the ability of the seller to get their price, and often the intermediation cost can be quite high. It is important to conduct thorough research when considering making an investment into non-traditional investment options. They are nontraditional because of the lack of liquidity, the high levels of subjectivity and the associated costs that go with investing in them. However, a fine piece of art can be experienced, enjoyed and admired with the hope of making money more than a unit trust statement, for example.
Property returns are often overstated as many investors tend to overlook the massive costs associated with property.
BY TAFARA MAVINGIRE & Brendah Nyakudya
B U S I N E S S
Step up SA! your continent needs you Since South Africa’s momentous crossing of the Jordan into its promised land of freedom and democracy for all, the continent has had its eye fixed on this nation to spearhead the deliverance of prosperity for all African states. Unfortunately however, there's been little development and South Africa has been urged to step up to the plate!
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Lack of Action In recent years South Africa has been criticised for its lack of alignment with the African continent. Often harshly criticised for not “realising they are part of Africa”, the most successful country has at times not played the expected part of leading or supporting countries who find themselves in dire need of assistance or rescue. Without delving into the horrors of the xenophobic attacks, or when Somalia found itself in yet another famine, it was international aid that first came to the fore to assist. The government of South Africa was embarrassingly slow in its response. The on-going crisis in Zimbabwe has often been blamed on lack of action on the part of South Africa as they are accused of not taking firm enough action against a perceived dictator in their role as mediators. It would seem to the man on the ground that this leadership has turned its back on Africa and forgotten the role this nation should be playing on the global village scale as a leading authority. With its own problems, including unemployment and poverty, many have justified South Africa’s standoffish stance as “realistic”, considering problems at home are more pressing than problems abroad. But a hard truth is many of the country’s issues are as a result of migrants and so in taking time to address and aid efforts to rectify problems in the rest of the continent, many of South Africa’s own problems will be rectified in the process.
Making a Difference There are hundreds of South Africans serving Africa with the sweat of their brow, doing all they can to bring stability to the continent. They are keeping the flickering flame of hope in www.afropolitan.co.za
South Africa ablaze beyond our borders. These South Africans are not void of flaws and failures, but one cannot deny nor underestimate the materiality of their effort, along with scores of other South Africans who are out on the continent doing their bit in an effort to bring stability, hope and indeed prosperity to Africa.
It seems that this leadership has turned its back on Africa and forgotten the role this nation should be playing on the global village scale. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is at the helm of the African Union Commission, a difficult position where she has a title with little authority backing her position. As a woman she has the unenviable task of pulling together resources and support from what has been seen as a corrupt patriarchal organisation with no strong desire to further the causes of the continent. Despite her obvious challenges she began the year determined to stamp out conflict in Mali, lest it be said that the African Union (AU) failed to serve an African state in need, as is being said of the Sudan. Her challenges are many but her determination is well known and respected. It will be a difficult road ahead for her but she is investing her sweat in the continent. Former President Thabo Mbeki has been instrumental in his role as chief mediator in the arduous and lengthy negotiations for a peaceful transition period between Sudan and South Sudan. At the beginning of March, it was reported that troops from both sides would be withdrawn from the heated borders. Furthermore, the former president led the mediation of the resumption of oil exports by the two nations. Last year he was nominated by
the Daily Trust as African of the Year for “his outstanding leadership of the panel, for his persistent and consistent involvement in the peace process, and for the success of the panel in bringing Sudan and South Sudan back from the brink of war...” This was a commendable feat indeed. Besides high-ranking officials as the abovementioned, since 2000 South Africa has been instrumental in deploying military troops to countries such as Burundi, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Darfur and even Nepal. These soldiers have not only been ‘peacekeeping’, but also been hands on in training troops and in infrastructural reconstruction and development, especially in the DRC. All these efforts have made a difference, but are not nearly sufficient.
Future Opportunities One cannot elaborate in such a short space but Africa is a field full of all kinds of ‘treasure’, which the whole world is after and as one of the leading economies, boasting almost 25% of Africa’s GDP, South Africa should be playing a strong role to ensure Africa prospers through the use of its natural wealth, as it should. Looking domestically, and reflecting on the recent budget speech, financial clout will not do it but the sweat of the brow, rolled up sleeves and determined folk will contribute significantly. South Africa’s much needed contribution to the continent lies not in financial generosity but rather in its greatest asset, its people; people who have a passion for the continent and are willing to invest time and effort into building it up. South Africa’s role in Africa is to lead, guide, bring hope and shine the light for a way forward, even in the darkest of times, before Africa and the world at large loses all confidence in South Africa. Dambisa Moyo, Africa’s leading economist and thinker stated that Africa does not need “state aid which allows governments to abdicate their responsibilities…” For as long as history books tell the story, the continent has always been looking for hand-outs that have neither benefitted the masses or furthered the cause of the respective 39
image courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK
T
he headache for South Africa is not simply the vastness of the motherland nor the wide ranging types of needs facing African states, but also how it can justify expanding its foreign aid when internal “toyi toying” is escalating to the same heights it reached in the 70s and the turbulent 80s.
b U S I N E S S image courtesy of sHutterstocK
countries. Natural wealth, of which Africa has plenty, has been plundered till countries declared poverty at which point aid has been given, keeping the country in debt, be it moral or financial. As the powerhouse South Africa should invest in ensuring a stable and confident Africa, which in the long run will attract foreign investment that benefits all involved. An Africa that is self-sufficient, in no need of aid. This is the future of the continent.
As the PoWerhouse, south AFriCA should invest the sWeAt oF its broW in ensurinG A stAble AFriCA, WhiCh in the lonG run Will AttrACt ForeiGn investment. President Jacob Zuma, spoke at the 10th anniversary of South African peace keeping in Africa and stated that, “… (South Africa) cannot survive in isolation, as its economic development and security is linked to the continent’s stability…” It does the country no good to look at fellow Africans with disdain and pity. Our current leadership has to be focused on building and serving a groaning continent instead of building and serving personal empires. For it is this attitude that will not only promote growth but foster a sense of togetherness on this, our motherland.
thabo mbeki
BY Angus Mcewan
F E A T U R E
For The Businessman
Who Knows What He Wants R250 million! That's the amount Sun International recently spent to refurbish the former Grayston property that is now known as The Maslow - Johannesburg's premiere business hotel. 42
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ituated a mere stone’s throw from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, this new business offering boasts the most sought after address in Sandton on the corner of Sandton’s familiar Grayston Drive and Rivonia Road. On the outside, The Maslow boasts a brand new pool and terrace and on the inside, refurbished luxurious rooms and modernisation of suites, state-of-theart conferencing facilities with “multi divisible” ballroom and auditorium for 650 people! But, it’s the classy Lacuna Bar (complete with DJ) and glass-walled Wayfarer Lounge which both lead out
to the magnificent gardens and pool area that really steal the show. Both are extremely popular and very busy, and have been since the moment The Maslow opened its doors. Being a business hotel however a driving force behind the refurbishment was to provide a modern facility in function and design. Every part of the hotel offers complimentary WiFi and in the rooms various tech ports, including USB, are available for all your laptop, tablet, and smart phone needs. Another nice touch is the specialty pod-style coffee makers in the rooms. Breakfast is not only a delight on the www.afropolitan.co.za
Other venues catering for the busy businessman include: The Winston Hotel Nestled in Melrose Estate, The Winston Hotel is a few minutes walk from Rosebank and the Gautrain station, and provides an assortment of highly-styled rooms from French Boudoir, or English Country all the way to Royal Safari , The Winston Hotel is a great option for business people too as each room provides complimentary high-speed
palate, but also on the senses. The setting re-iterates that this business hotel in the heart of the City is an oasis, close enough in geography to be convenient and yet so departed in design to make you feel at ease. And for those who have closed shop for the day, its nice to know that the Africology Spa, provides essential postbusiness day pampering.
connectivity and conference facilities. Within the Hotel, the Commissioner restaurant opens onto the terrace, as does the hotel bar. Equally, the hotel is equipped with a business centre, meeting rooms, a library and private dining. Patrons also enjoy secure, offstreet parking.
Facts: Number of Rooms: 30 Facilities: Lounges; restaurant; bar; library; terrace; pool; off-street parking Address: 6 Tottenham Avenue, Melrose Estate, Johannesburg.
Winston Hotel
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Images are courtesy of The Maslow & The winston Hotels
Every part of the hotel offers complimentary WiFi and in the rooms various tech ports, including USB, are available for all your laptop, tablet, and smart phone needs.
by Brendah Nyakudya
S O C I A L
R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
Signature for good montblanc/unicef
“E
ducation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela These wise words from South African icon, Nelson Mandela, resonate with the belief behind the philosophy that luxury brand Montblanc has committed to over the years. Since 2004 Montblanc has supported, and been in partnership with, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) through a number of initiatives that have benefitted communities all over the world. The international promotion of education and culture is one of the main objectives that Montblanc advocates, so with the core of their objectives closely linked it was not a difficult task to amalgamate the two organisations, so as to work towards achieving their common goals. With education being a primary 44
concern for the company, Montblanc, in conjunction with Unicef, has played an integral role in ensuring the development and maintenance of their goals through charity initiatives that were unveiled a few days before the internationally renowned Oscar Awards. In 2009 Montblanc revealed Unicef as their partner for the third year, in a bid to raise funds for the organisation’s education programmes across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The initiative entitled ‘Signature for Good’ was part of a series of fund-raising proposals launched with Unicef in 2004, under the heading ‘Sign up for the right to write’. They ran again in 2007, under the title ‘The power to write’. To date these initiatives have managed to raise more than $5 million dollars for the cause. These commendable commitments have ensured that children from
Hillary Swank
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With education being a primary concern for the company, Montblanc, in conjunction with Unicef, has played an integral role in ensuring the development and maintenance of their goals through charity initiatives that were unveiled a few days before the internationally renowned Oscar Awards.
images courtesy of montblanc
underprivileged and vulnerable communities have been offered the chance to discover their potential through education. The 2009 ‘Signature for Good‘ initiative developed an exquisite, unique range of writing instruments, jewellery and accessories to raise funds and attract awareness. For every item sold from the collection, Montblanc donated part of the proceeds to Unicef with a minimum guarantee of $1.5 million. In total $4 356 000 was raised, and this success prompted Montblanc to launch
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the ‘Signature for Good’ initiative again on 23 February, 2013. Endorsed by famous actress Hilary Swank, who has played a pivotal role in the development of Montblanc’s recent enterprise, Montblanc will now be looking to again raise $1.5 million in 2013. As part of her commitment to the cause, at the end of 2012 Hilary travelled to Ethiopia with the Montblanc’s CEO, to consider both the work already done and the areas that still require assistance. The two embarked on a three day tour and were accompanied by members of the United States Fund for Unicef and Unicef Germany.
On the journey to discover the challenges facing Ethiopia, and on a wider scale, Africa as a whole, the group evaluated matters such as health and education issues, and the empowerment of teachers. Their main realisation was that any child could be empowered if equipped with welltrained teachers and adequate learning tools. Whether this process is achieved in a mud hut or a big classroom is not the main cause of concern. At the 2013 ‘Signature for Good’ launch, guests were asked to pledge
their support by signing bricks which were used to build a school specially recreated outside the launch venue, the Bel Air Hotel. The writing instruments, jewellery and leather accessories that are sold for the duration of the initiative will also feature a special brick emblem, representing the commitment to building a better future for the disadvantaged through the building of schools. With Unicef reaching more than 190 countries and with the support of Montblanc, this partnership is set to impact on the lives of many Africans, Asians and Latin Americans.
In total $4 356 000 was raised, and this success prompted Montblanc to launch the ‘Signature for Good’ initiative again on 23 February, 2013. Endorsed by famous actress Hilary Swank, who has played a pivotal role in the development of Montblanc’s recent enterprise, Montblanc will now be looking to again raise $1.5 million in 2013. 45
by brendaH nyaKudya
E N T R E P R E N E U R
THE BlAcKANESE SUSHI & WINE BAR for sushi lovers in Johannesburg, The Blackanese Sushi and Wine Bar owner, vusi Kunene, is bringing a tasty dose of African flavour to the Japanese art. from humble beginnings in rural limpopo, vusi has defied the odds, embraced his love for sushi and hospitality and opened a beautiful restaurant situated in the Maboneng Precinct at Arts on Main. The Afropolitan caught up with vusi for a chat. What is your background? I am a 28-year-old, Mpumalanga born, Johannesburg raised, father of one and a proud South African. I was raised by a single mother, who sadly passed on when I was teenager.
What circumstances led to you not completing your studies? When my mother passed away, I was left in the custody of my grandmother. As she was the only breadwinner in our family, there was not a lot of money coming in,which made it difficult for me to carry on with school. I was forced to abandon my studies and look for employment.
You first worked as a security guard. Tell us about your experience. I actually did my fair share of jobs as a security guard! These were very interesting times for me because I gathered so much experience and a sense of responsibility. I have to admit it though, it was one of the hardest jobs I ever had to do but I gave it my all and did the job well. But deep down I knew it was just a stepping-stone to better things – all I had to do was be patient.
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Vusi Kunene, owner of blackanese
www.afropolitan.co.za
When did you discover your love for sushi? After my time as a security guard I looked for employment as a waiter and worked at various sushi restaurants in Cape Town. It was then that I discovered my passion for sushi after being in the industry for almost five years.
What excites you about the art of sushi making? The passion and art behind sushi making is what makes me tick! There is an intense culture behind the product and a certain lifestyle linked to it too.
When you decided to open The blackanese, what was the reaction of your family and friends? When I established The Blackanese there was a lot of mixed feelings from friends and family as it’s not the norm when it comes to eateries. But all that changed when the brand was well received in the market.
the PAssion And Art behind sushi mAkinG is WhAt mAkes me tiCk! there is An intense Culture behind the ProduCt And A CertAin liFestyle linked to it too. how did you manage to finance your business venture? The business venture was funded through the events and functions we did at the time. Some weekends my partner and I held fish-braais and saved the money we made. I never actually raised enough money to fully finance the venture but we raised the money as we went along to see it through.
What lessons did you learn during the time you were saving for your restaurant? I have learnt that it’s not easy to go into business without financial backing, but while it’s hard, it’s not impossible. It only takes a great man with a great idea, then comes the financial part of things.
What drives your passion and determination? Fear! I say fear because I am always www.afropolitan.co.za
afraid of not making it, so I always keep my eye on the finish line.
Tell us about your partnership with The Awethu Project. The Awethu Project is an organisation that is dedicated to producing one thousand entrepreneurs from underresourced communities with the talent, skills, and resources to lead South Africa to prosperity. The Blackanese and Awethu have been in partnership for a few months now and the most amazing thing is we easily found our common ground, as we are both very passionate about entrepreneurship. Awethu has introduced some exciting ways of running a business and exposed us a different world of business.
From opening your restaurant to now, describe your journey. While it hasn’t been easy, it has been an amazing journey in so many ways. Our love and passion for the business is the one thing that has kept us going through the challenges and with big brother on board (Awethu) things should get better with their guidance.
What do you like to do in your spare time – if you have any? I would love to know what it feels like to have spare time! When I do get time off, (because I believe it’s crucial to strike a balance), I love cooking different foods, playing good music and going to food markets.
What’s your next goal? My next goal is to see this branch growing and then we will think of up scaling The Blackanese concept.
Any words of wisdom for young chefs looking to make it in the industry? As an employee, if you don’t respect your job or work as if it’s your own, the day you get your own business you will never respect it. You have to do what you need to do, not for money and money alone, but for the love and passion of it. The restaurant is open every day except Monday and also offers well-priced home catering as well as sushi classes for groups of friends, families and corporate teams. call: 078 210 9671 http://www.theblackanese.co.za info@theblackanese.co.za Physical address: 20 Kruger Street, Main Change, Maboneng Precinct
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tra v el
Paradise BY Elka Schaimberg
For The Privileged
Many devoted travellers rave about Mauritius, Thailand, Bali and the Maldives but tucked a mere 30 kilometres off the coast of neighbouring Mozambique, is a paradise that beats them all in distance, beauty and pure luxury! Bazaruto Island has to be seen, to be believed. 50
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usy Afropolitans know time is money and they stick to the golden rule that your travel time should never exceed 10% of your total time away. That’s why the two-hour flight from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, followed by a short 15 minute ‘hop’ over the Indian Ocean, is the perfect start to a short yet luxuriously sweet holiday away. And it all begins on the private landing strip of Indigo Bay, nestled in the massive sand dunes of Bazaruto Island. We can safely say your first impression of Indigo Bay will soar beyond any expectation you may have. The beautiful beaches, which feel like a private beach at any given time of the day, borders private beach chalets, camouflaged by soft-
fringed thatch roof and wooden verandas. Inside, understated luxury comes in the form of a king sized bed, a decadent en-suite bathroom complete with both in and outdoor showers, a bathtub big enough for two, complete with white wooden shutters should you wish to invite the outside beauty in, a large living area, a dressing room, a minibar, satellite TV (as if you will need it), a safe for your valuables, and, most importantly, your very own hammock! The soft white beach sand is raked every morning and every evening and the beach pagoda and two sun loungers await your arrival for the most breathtaking sunsets. The resort’s two separate rim flow pools are immaculately kept and shaded www.afropolitan.co.za
tra v el by palm trees, should you need a break from the harsh African rays. The wet bar (bar stools in the pool) is a cocktail oasis where a dedicated barman serves a signature mix dedicated to each day of the week. And just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any better, the ultra-luxurious Sanctuary Spa located on the highest point of the resort will lure you in with a sublime choice of pampering options. Please note: It is very important that you follow up your massage, pedicure or facial with a bottle of champagne in the Jacuzzi, where you can really lap up the views.
Should you be an explorer at heart, one of the Island’s best features is its spectacular sand dunes. What a thrill to capture both the sun set and the moon rise from the top of a dune, before speeding down the golden banks on a sand board. Below the dunes lie fresh water lakes, which thrive with birdlife and Nile crocs … perhaps it’s best then that you reserve your swims for the magnificent hotel pools. Exploring the Archipelago by boat is also a wonderful experience. The private charter to the nearby deserted Santa Carolina or Paradise Island is indeed a highlight. It’s difficult to believe that about 100-years-ago Santa Carolina was Mozambique’s Alcatraz – a penal colony. More romantically however, the island was also the centre of a love affair between the Portuguese trader Lourenço Marques and a beautiful Moor (Muslim Inhabitant of Morocco) named Mariame. More recently, in the 50s and 60s, it was a hot spot for honeymooners. Take a walk through the derelict building that that is now a mere hollow shell of a once very grand hotel. And when you have had your fill of history, mosey to the beach where a seafood braai will await you and your www.afropolitan.co.za
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imageS COURTESY COURTESY OF OF Rani ???? resorts imageS
The beautiful beaches, which feel like a private beach at any given time of the day, borders private beach chalets, camouflaged by soft-fringed thatch roof and wooden verandas.
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imageS COURTESY OF rani resorts
Honeymoon suite
The Best of Indigo Bay Accommodation:
Please note: It is very important that you follow up your massage, pedicure or facial with a bottle of champagne in the Jacuzzi, where you can really lap up the views. 52
hunger. Foodies the world over would be in seventh heaven at Indigo Bay. One could literally write a book on the quality, variety and absolute joy of the food on offer. Every morning a basket of freshly baked rolls, pastries, croissants and muffins is the opening act to your day. Every meal is a roll out of inspired entrées, starters, mains and desserts. And when each plate is a work of art and each mouthful a sheer delight, it’s difficult to highlight just one. It’s both a blessing and a curse to have experienced the idyllic island resort of Indigo Bay, as you will most likely never encounter anything quite like it... ever again!
Depending on your personal requirements, the top 3 accommodation offers at Indigo Bay are: 1. The Presidential Villa offers the ultimate in 5-star luxury with its own spa bath and swimming pool. It comprises 1 King room and 1 twin room, each with en-suite bathroom, in addition to a lounge and bar. 2. The Beach Honeymoon Chalet offers en-suite bathroom, dressing room, lounge area and very own splash pool. 3. The Executive Suite (or Matemo Suite) with luxury en-suite bathroom, lounge, verandah and private plunge pool. www.afropolitan.co.za
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D E C O R
Upcycling ideas Find a new purpose for your unwanted items before you throw them away and you’re upcycling. The concept is gaining great popularity and can even be considered a greener way of recycling. Not only do you save money, but it allows you to be creative and make something that is completely original and one-of-a-kind. Yes, you may have to think outside the box a bit, but anything goes in the wacky world of eco-friendliness! Eco Decor will enrich your home and allow you to feel good about going green. It’s both fun and inspiring to transform cast-off materials into stylish new decorative items. Here are a few fun, crafty DIY projects for you to start with...
Old Rake Jewellery Rack Finally the problem of tangled necklaces that you avoid wearing, because you must first unknot them from each other, has been solved! Just add a fresh coat of paint to the old garden rake and you have what is now known as Upcycled Organization Inspiration. The reclaimed rake can also be used in the kitchen to hang mugs or in the bar area for wine glasses. Whatever you choose to use it for, it’s a great character piece and conversation starter.
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Upcycling is the most fun you can have saving the planet!
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Images courtesy of shutterstock & Google images
BY ELKA SCHAIMBERG
for your home
D E C O R
Ladder Shelf Transforming an old ladder into a wall shelf is really simple and looks great. You can either lean it up against a wall, or nail it lengthways along the wall. The rungs quickly become shelves to hold picture frames, books, pot plants, and other items. Go on, haul out that old ladder from the back of the garage – you’ll be surprised how pretty you can make a once discarded and forgotten item.
Trophy Coat Rack What happens to trophies years after the excitement of getting them fades away? They either gather dust on a mantle in your parents’ home, end up discarded in a charity shop or they get thrown out altogether. Dust off those old memories and give them new life by dismantling them from their stands and attaching them to a piece of sturdy wood. Your new coat rack is a great way to welcome guests to your home and can be used to hang scarves and hats too. What a great feeling to have your long forgotten achievements admired once again.
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R E v I E W S
FOR ThE COUCh POTATOES... djAnGo unChAined DIREcToR: qUENTIN TARANTINo STARRING: JAMIE foXX, cHRISToPH WAlTZ, lEoNARDo DIcAPRIo
There’s nothing that compares to Tarantino’s combination of blood, guts, gore and great dialogue! This is his seventh film as both writer and director and it’s a brutal revenge western with violence so over the top it’s comedic. We follow Django (Jamie Foxx), a slave turned bounty hunter, under the guidance of dr King Schultz (Christoph Waltz of Inglorious Basterds fame). The Dr’s new
accomplice gets a taste of freedom for the first time but soon learns that until he finds and frees his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) he will never be truly unchained. So they set out to find and rescue her, a slave at the Candie Land plantation in Mississippi, owned by the racist, skin-crawling sadist Calvin Candie (unforgettably played by Leonardo DiCaprio). Tarantino has fun with this dark period of US history, exploring strong and complex characters and showcasing nerve wracking scenes of brutality. It’s a good movie!
silver lininGs PlAy book DIREcToR: DAvID o. RUSSEll STARRING: BRADlEy cooPER, JENNIfER lAWRENcE, RoBERT DE NIRo
Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper), a former teacher with bipolar disorder, has lost everything — his house, his job, and his wife. We meet him living back at home with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert De Niro) where he is driven by the conviction that his ex is waiting for him to get better (in spite of a restraining order) before she returns to him. Pat strikes up an odd friendship with Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow and recovering sex addict
living in her parents’ backyard. Both are battling their personal losses and neuroses. Their love-hate relationship is without boundaries and they speak their messed up minds freely. It’s funny, quirky and heartfelt but admittedly quite forgettable too, although some may disagree.
FliGht DIREcToR: RoBERT ZEMEcKIS STARRING: DENZEl WASHINGToN, NADINE vElAZqUEZ, DoN cHEADlE
This absorbing human drama stars the handsome and charming Captain ‘Whip’ Whitaker (Denzel Washington) who is both an experienced airline pilot and a functioning alcoholic. After a bender, he wakes up to a line of cocaine, a sip of stale beer and embarks on a routine flight from Florida to Atlanta. Whip’s passenger jet hits a storm and starts to tumble out of the sky. In a spectaculay action sequence Whip wrestles the aircraft to
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images courtesy of ster-KineKor & numetro
by elKa scHaimberg
M O v I E
an emergency landing, saving all but six souls on board. Whip’s crash-landing makes him a national hero until his blood results prove he was under the influence. Should he still be regarded as a hero or should he lose his licence and face a long jail sentence? It’s a meaty character role and Washington plays it brilliantly! Good to watch, preferably not in-flight.
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R E V I E W S
BEAT BOX
Hugh Masekela
Playing @ Work
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or more than six decades flugelhorn, cornet player and vocal legend Hugh Ramopolo Masekela has been producing music that feeds the soul. From his humble beginnings in Witbank, South Africa, Hugh Masekela has not just made music for entertainment; he has been an agent of social and political change as he used his art to tell stories of pain and suffering during the dark days of apartheid. From his early career days with the Jazz Epistles to 2013 he has become a world-renowned artist, a vocal social commentator and an international icon. Hugh, affectionately known as Bra Hugh, is one of the few African artists to get mention at the Grammy Awards, when he was nominated in 1968 for the Best Contemporary Pop Performance for his album ‘Grazin’ in the Grass’. His latest album, good-humouredly titled ‘Playing @ Work’, is a double CD offering, and Masekela’s 43rd album — and is just as fresh as his earlier work! The first disc is upbeat and opens with the track ‘Africa Hold Hands’ which is a clear and much needed call for PanAfrican unity. The next track takes you on a different journey bringing in a total remake of the Bob Dylan 1965 classic, ‘It’s all over now, Baby Blues’, presenting it in his own Hugh Masekela African style. Soul Rebel is a passionate ode to a “fighter of human rights”, Bob Nester Marley and shows innovation as it fuses Afro-funk with a reggae twist. The second disc brings in the Hugh Masekela of old; the jazz maestro who won his way into audiences’ heart with his trumpet. Featuring local artist Pu2ma on a track that was Miriam Makeba’s 70s hit ‘Soweto Blues’ was genius as she transforms it into a powerfully melodic beat. The rest of the album continues in the classical jazz tones with a bit of funk, soul and gospel thrown in for good measure. Any fan of Bra Hugh will be pleased with this album as it shows that the musical master still has a few tricks up his sleeve and continues to make music to please.
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Did You Know? • Hugh Masekela serves as director on the board of The Lunchbox Fund, an establishment that works to ensure that school-going children in Soweto are provided a meal every day. • Hugh Masekela and Bob Dylan shared a producer (Tom Wilson) in the 1960s. • British priest, Trevor Huddleston, allegedly financed Masekela’s first trumpet.
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imageS courtesy of SHEER MUSIC
BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA
C D
B O O K
R E V I E W
WORD ON WORDS
Black man's medicine Muzi Kuzwayo
BY BRENDAH NYAKUDYA
About Muzi Kuzwayo • • • •
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Muzi Kuzwayo was born in Paynville near Springs He graduated from Rhodes University with a BSc degree in biochemistry and microbiology He has written two previous books “Marketing through Mud and Dust” and “There is a Tsotsi in the Boardroom” Muzi currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Spur Corporation Limited
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imageS courtesy of distributor
I
n Africa there is an unfortunate maxim that says, “The black man’s medicine is the white man”. This saying is derived from a belief that the black man is nothing without the guidance or tutelage of the white man. That anything the black man sets out to do will only succeed if the white man is part of the equation. Drawing from this proverb, renowned author of the amazing book “There is a Tsotsi in my Boardroom”, Musi Kuzwayo, gives us his latest book “Black Man’s Medicine” after a six-year break. This book sets out to teach the black populace to not only move from the clutches of apartheid but to also realise that the success and economic freedom they seek is to be found in what he calls SEE (SelfEconomic Empowerment). True economic freedom will not be achieved by focusing on the hurts of the past but by realising ones own strength and working hard to achieve ones personal goals. Over and above this, each chapter attempts to assist people to “see familiar truths differently, to question the rightness of our rituals and to test the accuracy of our adages”. Black Man’s Medicine should not only inspire people to take control of their own destiny but to be their own medicine and continue to forge forward and create a new and prosperous Africa that we can all be proud of for “A new Africa is waiting!”
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W H E E L S
The Audi Q5
Audi Q5
German Engineering at its best
BY @carandgameguru
W
hen reviewing vehicles, the usual “Review time” is approximately one week to put a car through its paces. But sometimes you get a car that is so good on all accounts that finding fault in just a week, proves a near impossible task. The Audi Q5 is one of those! It is almost certainly one of the better cars on the market, yet very expensive at a cool R705 900! But nowadays, which car in this market segment isn’t? We could argue the debate on overpriced cars endlessly, but that would require more pages, of which I have not. So, what do you get for your money? A complete and utterly perfect driving package. As an SUV, the Q5 is a big car. And when you mention ‘big car’ one naturally assumes sacrifices in fuel consumption, handling and speed. However, on all of these, Audi would prove your wrong. With a combined consumption of around 6.4 litres per 100km driven, the 3.0 litre turbo-diesel drove more than 500km in a week and only took the 75 litre tank down to half way. 64
The Q5 has a top speed of 225km/h and reaches 100km/h from a standing position in 6.5 seconds. Put into perspective, that is quicker than a Golf GTi! Not bad considering the Q5 weighs a ton … literally! The carbon emissions are 169g/km on a combined cycle, and that is roughly the same as a small, petrol engine family car. The suspension is balanced to give you a smooth, yet sporty ride and you confidence as a driver never waivers,
whether on a tar or dirt road. The Quattro drive system means you are always in control of the car and the car is always in control of the elements. The Audi has beautiful interior finishes and the hefty price tag includes a panoramic glass sunroof, an off-road optic package, the navigation system and the lovely 20” five spoke off-road wheels. Yeah, yeah we know nothing in life is this perfect, but if you don’t believe us, take it for a spin.
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The Mazda CX5
Potentially brilliant?
Mazda CX5
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t’s rather surprising, the new Mazda CX5 … exactly how good its overall package is! Sure there are one or two keys elements that could add to the ‘Zoom, Zoom, Zoom’, but only one or two. Essentially the CX5 is a great looking SUV, not as large as the traditional SUVs we see on the roads these days, but it does have plenty of space and practicality for a young urban family. It has good height and great balance, with the sporty zip that one gets from having a little city hatch. The ride is extremely comfortable and the interior components are as good as we have seen in most vehicles double its price. Touch screen display, Bose Sound system and power adjustable seats are not standard in a car that costs less than R400,000, but its is clear that a lot of effort was put into this design —exterior and interior! Where the CX5 falls short however is the delivery of its drive. The automatic gearbox is horrible! The timings were well off and sadly it defines all that is bad about automatics. But, the saddest thing about that is the CX5 actually drives so nicely. In the version we tested, you can switch from full automatic, to manual automatic, which at least allows you to decide on the timing of gear change. And, just like a child with ADD, when you take control and give it guidance,
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there is a star underneath. The engine delivers good power, it nips in and out of traffic with the greatest of ease and the sheer exhilaration you get makes your driving experience pleasant at every turn of the steering wheel and shift of the gears. The 2.0 litre engine delivers 114kW of power and up to 200Nm of torque and doesn’t even guzzle too much fuel either. Like a model on the runways of South African fashion week, the Mazda CX5
looks great, has curves in all the right places, flaunts fantastic accessories but unfortunately lacks that something specia — that something that would catapult it to super model status. Bottom line: get the manual version and it will be money well spent. The CX5 comes in three variants, all with 2.0 litre engines. The manual costs R314,700 and the two automatics costing R342,800 and R396,100 respectively.
Mazda CX5 Interior
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A F R O
W H E E L S
The Parrot Asteroid
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controls on your steering wheel and allows you to connect USB devices, iPods and iPads, an assortment of mobile phones and so much more. You can connect the rear seat entertainment system for the kids to this system and even integrate a rear view camera onto your Parrot screen. The Asteroid Smart also allows you access to an android market where you can download apps that enable your device to do a whole
manner of things. What we found most exciting about this innovation was the fact that you can take your beloved car from three years old to brand new with a simple technological upgrade. Like adding a swimming pool to a house, the financial investment is worth the reward you get out of it at the end of the day. The prices range from R3,200 to R8,800 depending on the model you choose.
imageS courtesy of Manufacturers
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ike most things in the 21st century, there is a newer and better models of everything every six months. Phones, golf clubs, computers, televisions and even cars upgrade quicker than you can make your first credit payment on them. And the scary thing is they are not bringing out completely new models. They are simply face-lifting existing models and adding on a fat chunk of money to the price. After having attended a launch for the Parrot Asteroid range of in-car multimedia systems, we found a brilliant and more affordable way to upgrade your car, without downgrading your bank balance. The Asteroid range of products from Parrot is basically a complex and exciting in-car multimedia, multifunction system that allows you access to Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, a complete touch screen music and sound system and even satellite navigation. They integrate the systems into your car’s existing spaces and functions allowing you a seamless transition from nothing, to connected in a matter of seconds. With the Asteroid Smart model, they integrate it into your dashboard so that it looks and fits like it belongs in your car. It works with the system
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Narrative Curriculum Vitae:
Tirhani Ezekiel Mabunda (49)
Administration and Teaching Career Tirhani has had an illustrative career as an administrator, educator and businessman. Tirhani started his career as a clerk in the civil service in 1981 at the former homeland of Gazankulu, South Africa. By 1985, Tirhani had moved to the position of Assistant Personnel Officer dealing with HR tasks of recruitment, placement, training and counseling. Tirhani branched to teaching in 1988. He became acting Headmaster of Hanyani Thomo High School between January and July 1990, responsible for 26 teachers and 719 students. Tirhani was Registrar of the Giyani College of Education between July 1990 and December 1993, responsible for the management of the college, including financial administration, academic & student affairs.
Business Career Tirhani started his business career on a part-time basis when he ventured into the taxi business in 1988. Tirhani sold his taxi fleet of four (4) minibuses in December 1993 and launched his formal business career by becoming the first black person to buy a Nandos Chickenland franchise in SA. By December 1995, Tirhani had opened a second Nandos store in Thohoyandou in the former Venda homeland. During this time, Tirhani’s business interests expanded to construction and catering. During 1996 and the early part of 1997, Tirhani did part-time consulting for Statomet; a research division of the University of Pretoria. This development launched Tirhani’s consulting career. He moved to Johannesburg and joined Africa Now Consulting as MD in 1997. 68
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Tirhani has since developed into an international business person and highlights of his illustrious business career include: • (1998) Founder and director of Plus 94 Research, South Africa’s biggest blackowned research company. • (2000) Founder and Group CEO of Tirhani Group, a holdings company incorporating five (5) companies with interests in asset disposals, auctioneering and valuations. Tirhani Group's subsidiary companies include Tirhani Auctioneers, South Africa's biggest black-owned and black managed auctioneering company and The African Training Academy and School of Auctioneering (ATASA), a training academy specializing in the training of real estate agents & auctioneers. • (2006) Bought a Caltex Service Station in Giyani, Limpopo. • (2006) Founder and Group CEO of Corporation du Developpement Centrafricaine (CDC), a Central African Republic based company with interests in mining and resources. • (2007) Founder and Group CEO of Rixaka Group, a holdings company with interests in funeral insurance and funeral services. • (2008) Founder and director S Group, a holdings company with interests in railways and energy. S Group is the Southern African partner of Duetche Bann (DB), Europe’s leading German railways and logistics company.
than 5000 practicing auctioneers. • (2009 - 2010) Chairperson of RealNet Holdings, a national South African real estate franchise group. • (2009 - Date) Chairperson of the South African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA).
Tirhani holds the following educational qualifications: • Diploma in Public Admin from the University of the North (1984) • BA from the University of the North (1987) • Higher Ed. Diploma from Unisa (1989) • Honours in Business Administration from the University of Stellenbosch
(1993) • Diploma in Auctioneering from the SA College of Auctioneering (2003) • Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate from the National Auctioneers Association, US (2008) • Benefit Auction Specialist from the National Auctioneers Association, US (2008) • Chartered Institute Auctioneer (CAI) from the National Auctioneers Association, US (2010). A three year program equivalent to a Masters in Auctioneering offered by the University of Indiana.
Current Studies • PhD (MOTI): Management of Technology and Innovation with Da Vinci Institute
Past and present positions/ designations and professional memberships Tirhani holds the following past and present positions, designations and directorships: • (1989 – 1993) Founder and Chairperson of the Giyani Town Taxi Operators (GITTO). • (1994 – 1996) Founder and Chairperson of the Giyani Business Forum. • (1995 – 1999) Served as Director of the Limpopo Development Corporation (LIMDEV). • (2003 - Date) Qualified as an Auctioneer and has since conducted hundreds of auctions selling thousands of vehicles, real estate, livestock, game and fundraising/charity items. • (2007 - Date) Lifetime member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), an American based professional association with more www.afropolitan.co.za
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BY ALYN ADAMS
C O L U M N
Believe it or not,
T
he white man’s burden, they called it. With good reason, I think. The phrase carries just the right blend of arrogant confidence and poor-me self-pity needed to pull off the role of the sad, persecuted white man – condemned by fate and his innate worthiness to the task of raising everyone else to the white man’s level of civilisation. “Oh, you might say the black man is persecuted, that he has a heavy burden*, but he’ll never know true suffering – the white man’s burden,” it seems to imply. “The dread responsibility of being chosen by God himself to educate and discipline the lesser races like a loving but strict father weighs on us heavily.” Okay, I bet that’s the paragraph that gets printed out of context in my obituary, but I bring it up as a reminder that some of my ancestors actually thought like that. It’s all very well for me to lay on the satire with a trowel, but guys like Kipling and Rhodes, and countless others really did talk that way. They mistook their superiority in technology, infrastructure and political centralisation for proof that their entire culture was morally superior to all others, even in the face of rampant child exploitation, Irish ethnic cleansing and Kitchener’s concentration camps as evidence to the contrary. And having decided that the white man – and specifically, the white Englishman – was the paragon of the human race, they spread out around the globe to share their virtues with the natives. That was barely 100 years ago, and young white men have been raised to think they’re God’s gift to the
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planet ever since. Which can be handy – whenever I’m called conceited, I blame my great-grandparents. Nowadays, the white man’s burden means something else. At least, it does in my head. Any white South African with half a brain can appreciate and
The new white man’s burden is much simpler: it’s simply an acknowledgement of just how fortunate he is, with a moral duty to repay the universe for that good fortune somehow. admit his own privilege. If he has the smallest shred of self-awareness, he should know just how lucky he is, and realise what built-in extras he’s enjoyed from birth. The new white man’s burden isn’t guilt or shame for the actions of his forebears – how would guilt or shame be of any practical use, and who takes
responsibility for stuff they had no hand in, anyway? No, the new white man’s burden is much simpler: it’s simply an acknowledgement of just how fortunate he is, with a moral duty to repay the universe for that good fortune somehow. Is that just a lazy restatement of the plot of Pay It Forward? If it is, add “lacks originality” to my sins, but I still think it’s true. That’s the philosophy, the niggling remnant of my Catholic education (all other trappings of which have been long since thrown off), that sees me fostering kids and paying others’ school fees. I’m not trying to score brownie points in the hereafter; nor am I particularly drawn to the do-gooder lifestyle. It’s simply a case of children in need on the one hand, and me with the means to help them out on the other: we were made for each other. You do the job you find in front of you. What I like about my version of the white man’s burden is that it doesn’t apply only to the white man. It’s really the “fortunate people’s” burden, isn’t it? Anyone who gets off to a good start in life should realise that they do so with the help and support of others; help and support that’s given for its own sake, without prospect of repayment. Hopefully, more of us will learn that material and spiritual wealth is like manure – it does the most good when you spread it around. * Namely, the white man...
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the white man does bear a burden
S O C I A L S
buhle, maria, shereen, ipeleng
on 27 April, Katzy's in Rosebank was pumping full of happy Afropolitans who attended the Easter Afro Nights themed Top 'n Tails. The night offered class, style and fivestar entertainment by Afrotraction, who simply brought the house down.
naledi Koopeng & nwabisa maqungo
jennifer sono & millicent Keswa - oudemolen
lesego maboya & mapwle matele
mary lee joshua, marty joshua, mary Harris, julian leukis, llewellyn oliver
andile mzilikazi & unathi mbovana
thandi mkhabela & ntshedi mondries
sabbi tsatsimpe & mammikele tsatsimpe
octavious phokobye & Kgomotso ntlheng
Afro Nights was held in association with our valued partners:
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