The Afropolitan Edition 39 by Contact Media

EDITION 39

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LIFEST YLE THE POLITICS OF NEGRO GALS’ HAIR

C U LT U R E POSTCARDS OF WAR A photo-journalists tale

BUSINESS 10 JOBS That didn’t exist 10 years ago

LUXURY R45 MILLION HOMES! How the other half lives

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C O N T E N T S

In This Edition 6 EDITOR'S LETTER The right to choose

8 READER'S EXPERIENCE

10 COLUMN 12 FEATURE Postcards of War

Brendah Nyakudya

CONTRIBUTORS Alyn Adams Heather Clancy Eric Miyeni Damian Murphy Stacey Vee Chika Oduah Nick van der Leek Cath Jenkins Stephen Pellerade

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The more things change, the more they stay the same! Managing change

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18 CULTURAL CORNER The politics of Negro gals' hair

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10 Jobs that didn't exist 10 Years ago

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E D I T O R ' S

L E T T E R

The F Right To Choose

or those who know me personally or have read some of my rants you will be well aware of my disdain for occasions such as Women’s Day and the ministries and fanfare that come with it. Its not that I am oblivious to the challenges that we face as women, I am well aware and have a full understanding of the burden that women across the world have to bear simply because they are women. But having said that, I refuse to subscribe to the notion that we are victims and therefore need to be treated differently or any better than the next human being. A girl child is no more important than a boy child – both are equal and deserve to be raised and treated well. Many are the injustices of the past that have reduced women’s standing in society and left them one step behind their male counterparts – we do not need a month to “celebrate” that or raise awareness to it for that is a waste

of time and money. If anything is to change we have to alter the mind-set of the society in which we live. We have to change the approaches of the men that we interact with on a professional and social level. We have re-configure our own mind-sets and stop seeing ourselves as weak victims. For as long as they see us victims – we will forever be treated as victims. For this women’s month I pray for a change in mentality. I pray for equality – not brought about by placards and dinners but by honest discourse and understanding. When that day comes then we will have something to celebrate, not as women, but as human beings. Enjoy the read!

@brendahnyakudya @AfropolitanMag Facebook: TheAfropolitanMagazine

R E A D E R ' S

E X P E R I E N C E

1976 – 2014

The more things change, the more they stay the same! writes reader Bheki Mtongwana

am not one of those moms that are constantly at their kid’s school harassing the teachers for explanations over this and that. I actually look down on those parents for I feel they disrupt the teaching process. I can handle it if my children don’t make it into the first team for rugby and aren’t the brightest in class. All I ask is that they try hard and do their utmost best in everything. I expect the same attitude from the school when it comes to teaching my children, so it was with much dismay that I learnt that some private schools did not offer indigenous languages as a second language alternative, which is part of the core curriculum to be taught during school hours. In this day and age, as a black parent, my children are still being forced to learn Afrikaans as a second language and the vernacular option is considered a co-curricula subject taught out of school hours for

those who chose to. It’s not compulsory nor is it regarded as necessary. To many this might not sound like a big deal but to me it hit me at my core and got my back up. When one looks at the history of the country when it comes to language, especially Afrikaans, I find rather upsetting that 20 years on not much as changed. The riots of June 1976 we recently commemorated, that claimed the lives of so many children, were as a result of students being forced to learn in Afrikaans and rebelling against it. It’s sad to note this is still in play today. To be fair, the blame doesn’t stop at the schools that are failing to implement this. When the democratic government came into power these are some of the issues they should have addressed right from the start. Each and every school in the country should offer the option of Afrikaans and an indigenous language as part of the core curriculum. Anything

less is shameful. I have no qualms with my children learning Afrikaans – the more languages they know the better - however I strongly object to it being compulsory and firmly believe that they have to be given the option to choose, and this has been taken away from them and us as parents. I mentioned in my opening paragraphs, I have the same expectations of my children as I have of the schools we send them to. As an institution the school has to try – try to rectify the ills of the past and try to have a fully inclusive curriculum that makes my children feel that their heritage and their culture is just as important as the next child. When a school fails to take this into consideration as they sit around and consider their curriculum, regardless of the demographic of the society that is indicated in the school, they fail each and every child that they have taken under their care.

C O L U M N

MANAGING

CHANGE By Eric Miyeni

SOMETIMES IF FEELS LIKE YOUR WORLD HAS TURNED UPSIDE-DOWN, AND INSIDEOUT, BUT STICKING YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND WON’T HELP ANYTHING

friend called me out of the blue. It had been years since we had spoken. She asked how I was and I answered. She said she was fine too. We hung up. Strange. A few days later she called again. This time she asked me what I thought of her boyfriend, who, she pointed out, was going out more and more without her, but not alone. He, she said, was going out with other women and was not hiding the fact. I asked if he was dating while they were together. She said he was not because he said so and was honest about where he went out and with whom. She trusted him.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

She just called me to ask if I could explain, as a man, why he would do this if he was still in love with her and committed to their union. Ah... er… I stumbled. “I don’t know,” I blurted out. Was there any recent change in their relationship, I asked, clutching at straws? Small matter, she said: I am pregnant.

And when did he start this going-outwithout-you business? Now that you mention it, she said, it started at about the time that I told him I was expecting. That’s when it occurred to me: her boyfriend was scared. So I told her so. Men feel obliged to act as though they are in control no matter what is going on, that they are not easily phased by life’s goings on, that they can handle anything no matter what the season or time of day. I am not sure that I know why men generally do this. Maybe it’s upbringing. Maybe it’s this cultural hierarchy that societies teach that puts men on top. It’s more likely to be a combination of things that include general socialisation. Whatever it is, I think that it’s sad because often it forces men to act in the opposite way to how they really feel.

“By whom?” I pressed on. By him, of course, she answered, a bit irritated. Oh! Well, how does he feel about the pregnancy?

A baby was coming and nothing between these two people would ever be the same again. Even though most people smile and act happy when they are told that a baby is on the way, deep down inside them, something shifts, especially when it’s their first child coming.

He says he’s fine.

Will it be a trouble-free pregnancy? Will

it result in a healthy baby? Some men will ask themselves: is it really my child that she’s carrying? This is scary stuff. These are anxious times. A baby is a huge responsibility. I told my friend not to take her boyfriend’s word at face value. I asked her to sit him down, talk to him and help him to open up more honestly about how he really feels about the pregnancy. I told her that what she needed to do was recognise that the two of them were going through a major change in their relationship and in their lives in general and that change always calls for delicate management, otherwise things fall apart. You don’t simply announce a pregnancy and expect everything to immediately fall in place. If you are going to have a shot at a long lasting relationship in this life, I said, if you are ever going to go through life happier than most people, you have to first realise that change is the constant in every upheaval and, secondly, that managing change properly is what will set you apart from the unhappy lot. I haven’t heard from my friend since that conversation. I pray that I was right in my analysis.

F E A T U R E

POSTCARDS

OF WAR WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A WAR REPORTER? AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THEM? NICK VAN DER LEEK, A PHOTOJOURNALIST HIMSELF, TRACKS DOWN SOME OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS TO FIND OUT

ype the word ‘war’ into the Google search frame, and click. Then click on ‘image’ search. Try to imagine what is like to be armed with a camera in some of those situations. Imagine what photographers went through on D-Day on Utah and Omaha Beaches. Those epic, but deadly allied landings were recently re-rendered, but with half the scene smeared back into the almost saccharine sweetness of the present. It’s a reminder that war actually happens. To real people, in real places. So who are these people, who go out and wade into wars as part of their job descriptions?

JULIAN RADEMEYER Julian Rademeyer is a well known and well regarded investigative reporter. He’s worked as a conflict reporter for the Sunday Times, and while apartheid was perhaps more a struggle than it was a war, Rademeyer’s experiences of this violent and toxic episode are nevertheless compelling. Which images

have stayed with him over the years? “I think the images that stand out for me are the photos that were taken at the dawn of democracy in SA, before 1994. I was starting out in journalism in 1993. Those images have stuck with me ever since, probably because they represent where we came from and what we escaped. There are so many. Ken Oosterbroek’s image of the two kids running across a road in Thokoza in front of an advancing Inkatha impi, Greg Marinovich’s pictures of Lindsaye Tshabalala being stabbed and burnt to death, Joao Silva’s image of a boy running past a sign reading “No peace” in Thokoza’s Khumalo Street and Cobus Bodenstein’s shot of the moment a Bophuthatswana soldier shot dead three AWB members during the right-wing invasion of the homeland. “On a lighter note, I also remember Oosterbroek’s shot of Nelson Mandela kicking a soccer ball and his shoe coming off to reveal a hole in his sock. There are other more personal images. Jon Hrusa’s photo of Eugene de Kock

arriving for court in Pretoria. It was the first image ever published of the man they called ‘Prime Evil’ and Jon had spent weeks trying to get the shot through thick bulletproof glass of a police van with a polarising filter. Every day he’d wait for the police van transporting De Kock to arrive and every day he tried to get the shot. Eventually he did. I was there most days as a reporter covering the trial and watched him do it. The De Kock trial was the first major story I ever covered. Sadly Jon is no longer with us.” Thus far Rademeyer has been modest about his own work. He writes that he “later went on to report on the Truth Commission hearings in Port Elizabeth.” Here he highlights another memorable picture. “I can’t remember who took the image. It’s one that I will never forget. Joyce Mthimkhulu, the mother of murdered activist Siphiwe Mthimkhulu, holding a fistful of her son’s hair that she had brought to the commission. She had kept it as evidence of his poisoning. I was there that day and while, for some reason, I can’t

F E A T U R E

"The Looter". Fabienne was shot dead by a policeman during the violent aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. Port-Au-Prince. Picture courtesy: JAMES OATWAY/ Sunday Times

cell in ee lies in a ral . This detain Cent April 4, 2013 wing the ousting of is Bozize. the days folloblic President Franco a thief. He African Repu ptors claimed he was ographer The phot His Seleka ca d bleeding. an untied, but his m was crying an e th to have urtesy: intervened unknown. Picture co ns ai m es Tim fate re AY/ Sunday JAMES OATW

A mother Darkoush walking her daughte from gift ohospital to get med r into the hit her ho f the givers team afical care Foto courtme while playing o ter a shell utside. esy of Felix Dlangaman dla

F E A T U R E

remember seeing the hair, but I can see that image.” Are words more powerful than photos? “People have short memories,” is Rademeyer’s answer. “Twenty years on, memories blur. We forget the details. But those images crystallised key moments. And they probably have a greater impact than all the words written and books published in the twenty since they occurred.” Rademeyer admits, “I’ve always been more a reporter than a photographer. Photography has been a bit of side thing for me. Some of the images I’ve shot can be found here:

JAMES OATWAY Does he see himself as a war reporter? “I don’t consider myself exclusively a ‘war photographer’. A lot of the work that I do,” Oatway adds, “is ‘conflict-free’. But my work often does take me to conflict zones.” Since Oatway and Colvin (and Rademeyer incidentally) work or worked for the Sunday Times (part of Times Media Group) let’s compare Oatway’s biography to Colvin’s, and then study his journey in more detail.

“I will be 36 soon. After completing my Journalism degree (B.Journ) at https://plus.google.com/ Rhodes I did an internship at The Star photos/+JulianRademeyer/albums?banner=pwa newspaper – the Pictures Editor at the time was Robin Comley. I then managed “[The archive] includes images from to get a staff photographer job at Die Lebanon, famine in Niger, Somalia and the xenophobic violence that swept SA in Burger in PE where I worked for more than 3 years. I was transferred to Cape 2008. I haven’t really been much in the Town for a short stint there before way of conflict since then.”

A boy runs through the smouldering ruins of a destroyed building in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. January 2010. Picture courtesy: JAMES OATWAY/ Sunday Times

moving to Johannesburg to work at the ill-fated This Day newspaper. When that closed down I managed to get a job at Rapport/City Press (they shared photographers then). In 2006 Greg Marinovich (the Sunday Times Picture Editor at the time) offered me a job. So I’ve been at the Sunday Times for 8 years now. This year I was placed second in the “Newspaper Photographer of the Year” category in the Pictures of the Year International Competition: http://poyi.org/71/37/index.php

“I was sent to CAR last year to cover the aftermath of the Coup which left 15 SA soldiers dead. I returned earlier this year to see how the situation had changed one year on. “I went to Afghanistan in 2011 to cover the ongoing conflict there. I spent time embedded with both the US Marines (in Helmand Province) and the US Army (in Nangarhar). I also spent a couple of

F E A T U R E weeks in Kabul – unembedded. “Why do I do it? I believe that I have a duty to record the realities of different people in different situations around the world – to shape opinion and for historical reasons. For me it is an ongoing study of human beings – the best and the worst that the human race has to offer. I like people to talk about my images – even if they don’t like them. The fact that they are debating the issue is important. I have learned that capitalism and the pursuit of wealth is an unnatural system that is at odds with most of humanity. It drives human conflict and environmental destruction. “I’m not sure that anyone can change this at the moment – it is a cycle that needs to reach it’s own end. The “Looter picture” is an image of a 15-year-old-girl called Fabienne. She was shot during the chaos that followed in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in 2010.

A type of “Alternate economy” sprung up in Port-Au-Prince. No one could work, food and money was even scarcer than it was before the earthquake. People began looting from damaged warehouses and shops and selling what they had looted. It was complete chaos. Looters were fighting other looters (I saw one guy die after being stabbed during a fight over a box of toothbrushes). Property owners were fighting looters (I took a boy to hospital who had been thrown from a three-storey building after being caught by building security). And the police were shooting indiscriminately all over the place. “I don’t think that Fabienne had actually stolen those pictures. I think that she had bought them from a looter. She still had some money on her. Until someone stole it out of her dead hand. I am haunted by that picture and indeed the whole experience. Certainly those were some of the most haunting events I have

witnessed. It was like being in a horror movie. The smell of death was constantly in the air and decomposing bodies littered the streets.” What message is being lost? “Many stories are being under reported. Especially African and other stories from the ‘Third World’. We are hooked on Western media. I think that there is a shortage of African photojournalists telling African stories. I think that we really need to assert ourselves more on the photojournalism and journalism scenes.” Is it challenging? “Working in conflict zones can be very challenging indeed. There is a lot of very tedious administration work that goes into it. Getting all the necessary visas, accreditations and various other bureaucratic permissions can take up a lot of time and patience. It is important to do your homework before you go. It is not wise to simply rock-up and start

TWENTY YEARS ON, MEMORIES BLUR. WE FORGET THE DETAILS. BUT THOSE IMAGES CRYSTALLISED KEY MOMENTS. AND THEY PROBABLY HAVE A GREATER IMPACT THAN ALL THE WORDS WRITTEN AND BOOKS PUBLISHED IN THE TWENTY SINCE THEY OCCURRED. Julian Rademeyer

F E A T U R E

shooting. Safety is paramount – no one will see your pictures if you get arrested or killed before you take them. I try not to take completely unnecessary risks (although calculated risks sometimes can’t be avoided). And you really have to depend on instinct a lot of the time. I usually take a sat-phone with me when going to conflict zones – you can never be sure of the communications situation and it’s good to have a sat-phone in case of emergency.” Have you been injured? “I have been very lucky in terms of injuries outside our borders. I escaped a high-speed car crash in Uganda last year unscathed. Drunk, drugged teenage militiamen are a constant threat in the CAR – last year a few dollars bought us enough time to escape a sticky fate. But I have had a couple of nicks and scratches here at home. I’ve had stitches after being shot by a police rubber bullet (I’ve been hit by about 6 in total) and I’ve been struck by a couple of rocks during service delivery protests etc.” Memorable moment? “There are lots – the freshest has got to be last year’s visit to a gold mine controlled by Mai Mai rebels in the Eastern DRC. Myself and colleague Stephan Hofstatter had to march deep into the rainforest – in mud (sometimes thigh deep) for a full day to reach the mine. Supper was tinned sardines and a luke-warm beer. That was memorable.” Role models? “There’s a guy called James Nachtwey. Also legendary British Photographer Don McCullin. Steve McCurry is amazing too. I was really influenced by the work of the late South African Ken Oosterbroek. Also W. Eugene Smith and Eugene Richards. And, Oatway quips, “Indiana Jones.” What’s next? “For now I have to find my own place in the changing Photojournalism landscape. I need to keep shooting what I feel is important and exposing as many people as possible to my work!”

also awarded second place in the “News Picture Story” category of the Pictures of the Year International competition this year: http://poyi.org/71/09/index.php

FELIX DLANGAMANDLA Felix is a man of few words. He lets his camera do the talking. There are only a handful of South African photographer brave enough to go where he has gone. But who is he? “I’m 38 years old. I work for Media24 Afrikaans titles. I’ve been to Kenya covering the post election violence in 2008. I went to Zimbabwe to cover the elections in 2009 and was chased out of the country. I was told I had to leave within 24 hours.” After that? “I covered the earthquake disaster in Haiti in 2010, which was very traumatic. Dead bodies were lying on the streets, some being burnt. I covered the Japanese tsunami aftermath in 2011. I covered the recent Marikana massacre in 2012. In April 2013 I went to Syria to cover the victims of the war which were being brought to a hospital in a town called Darkoush. I guess I’m covering these conflict and disaster assignments because I feel it’s th e best way to communicate the plight of the people. I do this through my work. It’s also a way to say to the world: please assist.” He mentions colleagues who have inspired him. “I’ve worked with a lot of journalists that have inspired me( Lucas Ledwaba, Julian Rademeyer, Adriaan Basson, Peit Rampedi,Pooko Tau,photographers like Chris Kotze,

Themba Hadebe, Alexander Joe, Siphiwe Sibeko, Leon Sadiki,Veli Nhlapo and many more).” What equipment do you take with you into these conflict zones? “I have a satellite phone that I use to transmit images but in Syria I used wifi because of security reasons. I don’t have a moment that stands out, but Syria was different because the war was ongoing and still is.” You’ve had many experiences, all over the world. Does a particular image stand out in your mind? “A photograph that stands out is of the miners shot dead by police in Marikana.” Dlangamandla does not elaborate. How was Syria different to other wars? “Syria was different, Dlangamandla explains, “in the way that the war is ongoing. Bombs were going off every day. [We were] protected by the rebels and everywhere we went, there were rebel controlled checkpoints and so on. The language was another factor. We had to have fixers to translate between us and the rebels. Everywhere we went we were surrounded by AK 47’s, kids not going to school but carrying guns instead, every working together, around the clock to defeat the current regime.” What comes across in all four of these reporters is clear, isn’t it? Courage under fire. These are people putting their lives on the line, to help us, make a better world. The next time you see a postcard from a war zone, give it an extra moment to sink in. Because each of these images come to us at great cost.

Favourite photo? “I don’t have one specific but I’m really happy with the series “Three Antenna Hill” which I shot in DRC last year. It was

Syrian kids holding an assault rifle and a hand grenade while standing on top of a tanker which was seized by the free syrian army a year ago at a village outside Darkoush in Syria foto Felix Dlangamandla (FOTO24/GAUTENG)

F E A T U R E

The politics of

Negro gals’ hair

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE WAS RIGHT. LAST YEAR, DISCUSSING HER MOST RECENT NOVEL, AMERICANAH, IN AN INTERVIEW WITH CHANNEL 4 NEWS, THE NATURALHAIRED NIGERIAN AUTHOR SAID, ‘BLACK WOMEN’S HAIR IS POLITICAL.’ By Chika Oduah

he continued and said, ‘By walking in with my hair like this people make assumptions…if my hair isn’t straight people can assume that you’re either, you know, they might think you’re an angry black woman or they might think you’re very soulful or they might think you’re an artist or they might think you’re a vegetarian.’ Socioeconomic conditions, historical realities and cultural misconceptions jostle back and forth in a dynamic and often cruel game of power that has become the politics of negro gals’ hair. It’s a game where children point to white Barbie dolls in preference over a cocoacoloured one, where spending thousands of dollars for a strip of weave to stitch on a forehead becomes the norm.

REACTIONS TO SISTERLOCKS IN NIGERIA  This brings me to Nigeria, where I was warned that people will ‘be a little afraid’ of me and my “woolly” tresses. My new life in Nigeria has exposed me to the various superstitions surrounding locked hair (dreadlocks or ‘dada’, as they are also called here). I have come across lively stories of children who go to sleep at night and wake the next morning to find their hair matted or tied in rope-like threads. Some say the spirits of ancestors are at work, twisting the hair of the sleeping child. Others say nocturnal demons mark children as their own, with the hair as a signifier. I have heard that children with locked hair may undergo an exorcism during which the

hair is cut in a spiritual ceremony. I see curious gazes when I walk on the streets and or fruit at marketplaces. Often in those gazes, a hint of admiration seeps through. Then, there’s the initial exclamation. ‘Is this your hair? Chineke!’ The question that usually follows hints at a surprise that ladies are paying money [it costs me a hefty $500 to lock my hair, but guess what - it’s my hair] to “manufacture” a hairstyle often perceived to develop on its own, simply by not washing or combing the hair for several months. ‘So you made your hair this way?’ The question typically goes. They want to touch it, tug and yank the strands to see if it’s a super-glued weave. Better yet, they want to get it on their own heads. I’ve become a spokesperson for sisterlocks, the trademarked hairstyle designed by San Diego State University associate professor of Africana Studies and French Dr. Joanne Cornwell. Cornwell created sisterlocks to give women with natural hair an alternative way to maintain a healthy head of long, easy-to-style hair. Her revolution is a growing one, and more and more women in America are discovering sisterlocks, adoring it and making the often life-changing decision to go natural. I tell the Nigerian girls standing around me with fascinated expressions, that yes, black women can have long hair without the use of weaves and potentiallyharmful chemicals. The longest strands

of my layered hair reach to the middle of the arch in my back. Each caress of my hair on my cheeks, shoulders, neck, forehead reminds me that I am that negro gal with wiry tufts of hair that bend in a never-ending twirl. A "cocky nigger", they would have branded me at a slave auction. But more than a “cocky nigger” I am a living, breathing homage of the wonder of the bended hair, the Negro gals’ hair. And if that is a political statement, so be it.

HAIR AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT  Politics never scared the woman we know as Angela Davis. The Alabama-born activist made the afro cooler than cold, and her iconic style continues to inspire ladies around the world who want their kinky hair to stand up, to go ‘round and ‘round and ‘round like hers did. The scholar/feminist still rocks the natural. Women of African descent often struggle with the complicated relationship they have with their hair. The relationship may begin in childhood when many, especially in the Western world, are likely to get what’s colloquially known among African-Americans as a perm, technically, a relaxer, a chemical process that permanently “relaxes” the tension in curled hair. The ritual continues throughout most of her life, regardless of the chemical damage done to her hair and scalp. But another standard of beauty emerged when the Civil Rights Movement

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

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kicked off in America. A beauty of thick coils, threaded tresses and braided adornments came into the public space. The sultry Pam Grier, the musical genius Nina Simone, songstress Roberta Flack, Judith Jamison, the sister who could twist her limbs with an ethereal grace and jump as high as any prima ballerina in the Russian National Ballet and other high profile American women of African descent gave natural hair an identity, a public platform that had never existed before in the Western world. When Miriam Makeba burst onto the international scene, her hair – the braids, the headscarves, the afros – defined her as the African woman that Westerners seldom saw. Miriam Makeba became a symbol of the contemporary natural African woman in the minds of many Westerners. She was charming in her simple elegance. Not only that, she was alluring. And she was super fly.

BUT EVEN AS THE DEGREE OF ACCEPTANCE OF NON-RELAXED HAIR CONTINUES TO GROW, MANY WOMEN OF AFRICAN DESCENT STILL SUCCUMB TO THE PRESSURE TO GO STRAIGHT. The trend toward natural hair in America over the years has given rise to an appreciable “degree of acceptance” of non-relaxed hair, especially within the African-American population where the likes of Solange Knowles, Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu rock the cutest kinks. Nonetheless, natural hair for women of African descent is still a mystery, to say the most and challenging to say the least. What do I do with it, how do I keep it moisturized, why does it keep getting tangled? The dismal number of black woman who know how to manage their natural hair keeps a large majority rolling in the cycle of touch-ups and sew-ins. Jacaranda Trees The case of Rhonda Lee who was fired

a couple of years ago for defending her natural hair sparked a social-media frenzy. African-Americans rebuked 2012 Olympic gold-medal-winner Gabby Douglas for her “unkempt nappy” hair. Right-wingers did the same to Malia Obama for her twists, and got their knickers in a twist over First Lady Michelle Obama’s hair when Barack Obama first got elected. Anyone still think a negro gals’ hair isn’t political? But even as the degree of acceptance of non-relaxed hair continues to grow, many women of African descent still succumb to the pressure to go straight. Gabby eventually caved under the pressure and women flock to Dominican stylists to have their hair straightened on the cheap. We shun the legacy of oppression that manifests in women of African descent.

NO ESCAPE IN LATIN AMERICA  In Latin America, coarse-textured natural hair is a no-no, and there too, the Dominican blowout and perm are the recommended go-to methods for obtaining the straightest hair possible. In Brazil, the myth of racial democracy is nothing more than nationalised propaganda, a distortion of the reality experienced by a significant proportion of the population. Black people often get passed over for employment, few climb to the top levels of corporate management or hold government positions, and, most notably, black women are particularly disadvantaged. According to one study, ‘black women earned 70 percent less than white men, 35 percent less than black men and almost 18 percent less, on average, than white women.’ The South American country has the highest population of black people outside Africa, however, the enduring stigma of dark skin and coarse hair in Brazil has shaped the reality of millions of Afro-Brazilians. The absurd and dehumanised notions of blackness in Brazil’s history objectified the black woman, characterising her as a highly sexual being. A move to “unblacken” one’s hair, then and now, may be understood in this context. Brazilians tend to see their multi-ethnic population as a melting pot where enslaved Africans, Europeans and the indigenous American Indians left their mark in the country’s ethnic demographics (see Brazil’s Racial Identity Challenge).

Some anthropologists suggest that because many in Brazil have a multiethnic heritage, ethnic identities are not as straightforward as they are in the United States, where a man with black Kenyan and a white American mother is labeled black. Thus, in Brazil, the hair says it all. Kinky, straight, wavy, fine, African, European, Indian? Look at the hair. (See Black in Brazil: Race, Hair, and Privilege.)

HAIR IN THE MOTHERLAND  Taking the conversation back to the motherland, the natural hair culture varies across the continent. In southern Africa, it’s not uncommon to see women wearing natural hair. Dreadlocks are the rage in some parts, so much so, that folks, as we reported last year, are literally stealing locks right off peoples’ heads. But in Africa’s most populous nation, weave-ons, extensions and wigs dominate the hair scene. Most salons charge extra to wash and style un-relaxed hair. ‘Aunty, relax your hair,’ is what hair stylists advice when a “nappy-headed” customer approaches. Buying the ultimate weave has driven some women to have sex for money. The appeal of my own locks to Nigerian women is no surprise. My long, skinny sisterlocks can be mistaken for micro-braids. I doubt that sisterlocks is the end of my hair journey. I imagine that in time, I will cut them off and grow an afro as big as I can grow it, not only for me, but for the Nigerian girls and women I see everyday paying thousands to hide their hair under the hair that was scraped off the head of an Indian woman. For millions of women who go natural, India.Arie represents natural beauty; her song I Am Not My Hair is still our anthem. We, naturalhaired sisters are an evangelical bunch and sometimes we can become downright dogmatic in our condemnation the “perm.” We like when Beyonce stands before a crowd with an afro, though we wish it were not a wig. We want more African women to honour traditional hairstyles and ditch the weave. We like it when men want a natural sistah. We see hair relaxer as akin to crack cocaine. No, we do not like the "creamycrack". We shun the legacy of oppression that manifests in women of African descent desperately trying to make their hair look “less black.” Because last we checked, black is still beautiful and the negro gal really ought to be comfortable with what grows out of their head.

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Vusi Thembekwayo

MOTIVATIONAL ROCKSTAR! You are known as the “rock star of public speaking”; did you always know that this was your calling?

For entrepreneurs, the challenges of doing business and being successful in Africa are wide and varied. From raising working capital finance at favourable terms to creating a robust offering that is as responsive to your customers as it is affordable. The added issues of lack of infrastructure make reaching your “choice consumers” difficult whilst the highly rigid financial products (most of which are in no way innovative or tailored to the African entrepreneurs’ environment) continue to keep the small entrepreneur in Africa financially excluded. The extent to which we are able to unlock this challenge is directly proportional to the extent, which we can create a better Africa for all.

No. I wanted to pursue a corporate career. However, there weren’t many commercially successful role models when I was younger, from which one could realize the potential of being a successful businessman through speaking.

What led you to become a motivational speaker? I am more a classically trained public speaker that stumbled upon motivational speaking. The truth is that I was a well-trained public speaker that wanted simply to make an impact in the lives of others. It just happened that “motivational speaking” was the way to do that.

Your work as a motivational speaker focuses on businesses and entrepreneurs. What in your Mike Turner Photography opinion are the biggest challenges facing businesses and entrepreneurs in Africa? Businesses and business leaders, face challenges in leading in the modern world. We live in highly volatile times, where the decisions we make

Your testimonials reveal that you have motivated countless individuals, how do you motivate yourself?

are clouded by the complexities of competing interests from the communities we operate in and shareholders whose interest we serve. The task of the modern-day business leader is navigating these challenges with character and integrity.

For me, motivation is not a static concept. Vusi Thembekwayo It’s rather more fluid. So I have different things that motivate me at different times. It may be creating a legacy for my family or simply the ability to make someone else’s life better and more meaningful. Sometimes its how much commercial success we can have as a business, or the tenacity of my team and the people I lead. I draw motivation at

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motivation for that goal and the impact your achieving it will have; Be ready to fail: I should have been a director of a listed at 25years old. But the business I was in chose a different path and I chose to move on. My view is that setbacks are a set-up for a comeback. So I ask the question, if not this path then which? I don’t argue whether or not I can achieve my goals. Achieving them is a given for me. I really want to know the best path to reaching them; Smart work is a lie created by lazy people: the truth is that the harder I worked at being smarter, the harder I worked period. You have to be willing to put in the hours, do the time, walk the miles and earn the stripes to your success. So this idea that you can work hard is nonsense. You work smart by being more organised but you still have to do the work. There is no effortless path to any place worth going; Build and protect your reputation: it is really important to know and never forget that your most important asset is not money, it is your reputation. Building and maintain a strong reputation is actually really simple. Do what you say. Say what you do. Be honest. Bring your best self to the room everyday.

What words of advice would you offer would-be entrepreneurs who are afraid to take the leap and pursue their dream?

Mike Turner Photography

different times from different sources.

Simple, hard work, building a strong reputation of delivery and an ability to A singular truth remains; I am motivated manage pressure, having fun and have by my ability to make an impact. If I a clear vision of the future. There is no part of real success that is “by chance” or cannot make an impact in the spaces I exist then I withdraw myself and refocus. luck. I have a simple rule for achieving your goals:

Fear is good. You should embrace the fear. The truth is that many of the business leaders I have come to meet and admire are equally fearful. The trick is not whether or not one feels fear, but rather having the discipline to move past the fear. Fear is like bad winter, you cannot conquer it, circumvent it, avoid it or wish it away but you can certainly outlast it through being focused, being diligent and being deliberate.

In the explanation for your Millionaires 101 project you state: “we are unashamedly for You are the youngest director of a the development of African Clarity: you cannot be propelled towards JSE-listed company, how did you a goal that you are uncertain of. You entrepreneurs and their accumulation of real wealth.” must be crystal clear on the goal, the achieve this impressive feat?

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What does “real wealth” mean to you? Real wealth is not wealth that is encumbered. It is about creating a class of African entrepreneurs who are building real businesses and through this creating real wealth and empowering their communities. What we have seen as the display of wealth in Africa has been rather the accumulation of spending power rather than real wealth. Demonizing wealth accumulation tends to discourage entrepreneurship and enterprise. Ours is to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and its ability to generate wealth and uplift the lives of communities.

Do you believe the old adage that “good things come to those who wait” or are you of the opinion that “fortune favors the bold”? I don’t see these as antitheses of each other. I think diligent application to a skill and the assiduous practice of an ability will bring you good fortune. But it goes without saying that you have to be bold to make an impact and a difference.

On your website you mention our ability as humans to not only ask questions, but also, importantly, our ability to pursue the answers. What do you believe is the most important question in your life? Simple, what will be my impact in the world and my legacy for my family? This journey I am walking is my attempt at answering that question.

With such a demanding schedule, how do you unwind and relax? I have had to learn to make time for family and for self. I have more recently learnt how to treat this time as nonnegotiable. Regardless of how lucrative an opportunity appears or important a meeting is, if it clashes with my “downtime” I will not accept it. What has been interesting to note is that the world listens when you set a set of rules and then implement them.

What has been your proudest achievement to date? My son and my daughter.

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On your website you have spoken out against B.E.E., what would you suggest as an alternative solution? I don’t think BEE as a system is perfect and it is the imperfections of the system against which I have commented. However, the achievements of BEE (more specifically BBBEE) far outstrip its inefficiencies. Its really important that we learn as South Africans that one can comment and criticize elements of

YOU CANNOT BE PROPELLED TOWARDS A GOAL THAT YOU ARE UNCERTAIN OF. YOU MUST BE CRYSTAL CLEAR ON THE GOAL

embark on a programme of action that will make the working environment stimulate, dynamic and engaging so that it can attract top talent; Answer the corruption question: the president should show that corruption regardless of the guise or the extent to which it benefits any party or connected individual will not be tolerated. I am afraid this has hardly been the case.

In your 12 years of experience as a motivational speaker, what is most significant lesson that you have learned? Humility is critical in your success. There is always someone more talented than you, more educated and better trained. Be humble as you achieve success. Win and fail with the same emotion: it’s easy to embrace success and despise failure. However, when you learn to take the good and the bad with the same humility, you truly move toward greatness.

On your website you mention how humans emulate other humans, who has been the biggest influence in your life?

a system whilst in support of the spirit of what it intends to achieve. These are mutually exclusive.

My father. He died when I was thirteen years old but his advice, his coaching and his mentorship still drive me today.

As Jacob Zuma embarks on his second term, what words of encouragement would you offer our president and his cabinet?

What is the best advice you ever received?

I would have three: Surround yourself with the people that are technically sound in a portfolio: it’s a misnomer that the DGs have all the technical competence a department needs. Having a technically sound minister can make the political leadership of a department better and its management more accountable. Ultimately this will build a more performance focused work culture in the public service. Create conducive environment for talent in public sector: I don’t have an empirical evidence to support this but my view is that top talent does not explicitly look for opportunities in the public service. So the part of our country that needs the talents does not attract it, which makes it less efficient, which makes it more unattractive. My view is that the president and his cabinet should

Read a book a month. My teacher and public speaking trainer Mrs. Buchanan told me this. I still haven’t quite achieved that but I am an avid reader and love the knowledge acquisition process.

What is your future vision for yourself and your business? The next few years our business is focused on building more annuity income opportunities and investing quite heavily in the rest of the continent. We made an acquisition into a research business so that we can bolster the knowledge input into our advisory business. The bets are yet to pay off but we are on our way.

What is the first thing you do in the morning? Brush my teeth and make my bed. I find making your bed adds a certain structure and discipline to the rest of your day.

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BINETA

SANOR THE BRAND When creating her brand, designer BINETA SANOR wanted to explore the close-knit world of ready-to-wear chains. Her idea was very simple: to offer an alternative to what is generally found in stores, with a golden rule to promote wax prints. Yet, as a sign of recognition, BINETA SANOR combines the word “wax” at all seasons to provide inspired and unique pieces.

THE DESIGNER Young designer BINETA SANOR’s passion for design started at an early age. By launching her brand, BINETA SANOR wants to promote creative and purposeful fashion. Long torn between her love for fashion and her humanitarian sensibility, she has found through her creations a way to combine her two passions. With printed cotton at the basis of all her collections, designer BINETA SANOR also mixes materials such as denim, silk, linen, embroidery and lace. Aside from offering singular prints and adjusted cuts highlighting any outfit, she also values rarity, because all women are precious and unique, they must not all wear the same thing! Therefore, BINETA SANOR pieces are limited editions.

THEIR VALUES More essential is the message BINETA SANOR wishes to pass in launching her brand: that of a dynamic Africa that develops, invests in research and commits to the future of women. BINETA SANOR creates and militates. Her idea of fashion dictates a simple message, “Fashion should be useful.” And to meet this principle, she opted for a fair method: • she buys all fabrics in Africa (mainly Senegal) to help develop small local businesses; • she collaborates with mindful suppliers.

For each coupon purchased her main supplier of wax fabric reverses 100 FCFA for the children with AIDS.

LONG TORN BETWEEN HER LOVE FOR FASHION AND HER HUMANITARIAN SENSIBILITY, SHE HAS FOUND THROUGH HER CREATIONS A WAY TO COMBINE HER TWO PASSIONS.

Images courtesy of Bineta Sanor

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Fiercely

female

AS WE CELEBRATE WOMEN’S MONTH, LET US PAY TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT, WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED THEIR UNIQUE GIFTS TO THE WORLD AND IN DOING SO HAVE PAVED THE WAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN, WHO WILL NOT ONLY KNOW THAT THE WORLD IS THEIRS BUT BELIEVE IT TOO. By Heather Clancy

THE WRITERS: ZORA AND ZADIE Zadie Smith is a celebrated novelist and short story writer. However, she is best known for her first novel, White Teeth, which she penned in her final year at Cambridge when she was only 21 years old. The novel sold over a million copies, won numerous awards and has been translated into over 20 languages. Despite this overwhelming success, Zadie has repeatedly said that she was somewhat embarrassed by her debut novel and admitted that her latest novel, N.W., is her first book that she feels proud to call her own.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

Born to a Jamaican mother and a British father, the acclaimed novelist was actually born ‘Sadie’ and decided to change her name at the age of 14 after her mother had introduced her the work of Zora Neale Hurston. Much like Zora in this regard, Zadie never let a clumsy letter like ‘S’ determine her self-esteem, as she felt ‘Zadie’ sounded more exotic. Zadie, who lists Hurston as a literary heroine, is also a brilliant essayist and spends her time between New York where she lectures at NYU and her hometown in London where her mother and brothers still live. Zora Neale Hurston was a celebrated novelist, anthropologist and folklorist, most well-known for her 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. Growing up in Eatonville, the first all-black town to be incorporated in the USA, Zora described her introduction to literature as a kind of birth.

Zadie Smith

Fiercely resilient, Zora’s mother passed away when she was only 13 years old. Her father remarried shortly after her mother’s death and stopped paying her school fees, causing her to be expelled. As a result, she was forced to work as a maid before entering high school for the second time at the

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THE ARTISTS: EARTHA AND ZOE

Zora Neale Hurston

MUCH LIKE ZORA IN THIS REGARD, ZADIE NEVER LET A CLUMSY LETTER LIKE ‘S’ DETERMINE HER SELF-ESTEEM, AS SHE FELT ‘ZADIE’ SOUNDED MORE EXOTIC.

of the adventure and sci-fi genre do not typically include minorities in starring roles. With no plans for slowing down, Eartha Kitt was an actress, singer, dancer she is also set to star as Nina Simone in the highly-anticipated biopic about and according the Orson Welles, “the the iconic jazz musician and civil rights most exciting woman in the world”. activist. The casting of the light-skinned She played the role of Catwoman and Zoe as Nina Simone has sparked much Helen of Troy and was a successful controversy, with public figures such as singer during the 1980s. Eartha never India.Arie calling for the role to be recast conformed to the status quo and she is best remembered as a bold social activist with someone “who looks like Nina Simone”. Not one to court criticism, in who didn’t dilute her strong views even a recent interview, when asked about when her opinions posed a threat to her the objections to her casting, Zoe simply career. One of the earliest public figures stated, “I’m here to be an artist first”. to protest apartheid in South Africa, Her dedication to her craft is evident she also spoke out against the war in as she is rumoured to have recently Vietnam and defended LGBT rights and secured the role of Eartha Kitt in the the motion to legalise same-sex marriage. biopic about the star. Much like Eartha, Ahead of her time, when asked by a Zoe is a pioneer in her industry and is journalist if she would compromise for likely to excel in the role with so much in a man, she responded indignantly “for common with the avant-garde Miss Kitt. what?” A firecracker of a human being, she danced, sang and performed her whole life. However, her greatest gift to the world was her unabashed and undeniable passion for living her own life according to her own rules.

Zoe Saldana spent her childhood between New York and the Dominican Republic, where she studied ballet, jazz and Latin dancing. Her dance training was serendipitous as her dancing talent helped her to secure her breakthrough role as an aspiring ballet dancer in the teen favourite, Center Stage. Not your typical Hollywood sweetheart, Zoe has starred in Pirates of the Caribbean, the Star Trek franchise and the recordbreaking Avatar. Her performance in these films has been praised by the age of 26. Not content to let her age dictate African-American community, as films her opportunities, Zora lied about her age in order to qualify for free education and from that moment on, relinquished her true date of birth, choosing instead to ‘birth’ herself once again in her new life of learning. At the age of 37, Zora graduated with a degree in Anthropology and went on to write as if she was making up for lost time. Her mother urged her and her siblings to “jump at de sun” and she certainly did, with her masterpiece, Their Eyes Were Watching God, still being celebrated over 70 years later. However, her determination and curiosity is best expressed by the ease with which she abandoned her date of birth, something which most consider set in stone. Zora modelled her life according to her own desires, whether traveling to the Caribbean for anthropological study or starting the literary journal, Fire!!. She didn’t just “jump to de sun”, she was the sun.

Zoe Saldana

Eartha Kitt

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THE FOODIES: JULIA AND SIBA The dynamic woman who is credited with introducing French cuisine to the American public, Julia Child, described her first meal in France as “an opening of the soul and spirit”. In 1948, Julia and her husband moved to Paris. It was there that Julia discovered her passion for French cooking, a passion that would make her famous among food lovers the world over. While in Paris, she attended the highly praised Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and trained privately with famous French chefs. Her enthusiasm for cooking led her to meet fellow gastronomes Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, and together the three women wrote the seminal cooking bible “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”. In her lifetime, Julia would go on to publish several other highly praised books. Following the success of her first book, Julia landed her own cooking show, The French Chef. With her ineffable charm and bubbly enthusiasm, Julia, with her distinct voice, was a pleasure to watch and an inspiration to many wannabe chefs with a love for fine dining and the joy of a buttery croissant.

Cooking with Siba on Mzansi Magic. The wildly successful show piqued the interest of the bigwigs at The Food Network and Siba’s Table was born. Currently beamed to 60 million households in the US, Siba’s Table is not your average cooking show as it also gives viewers a sneak peek into Siba’s life as a wife and mom living and loving in Cape Town. Siba’s charm lies in her non-fussy approach to cooking. Instead she’s winning audiences over with her sugary-sweetness and South African inspired fare. With recipes including “pappizza”, a take on the worldwide favourite made with a pap base, Siba would make Julia Child proud.

Julia Child

A Food and Consumer Sciences graduate and former hair model, the vivacious Siba Mtongana has been cooking her whole life. Her passion for cooking started quite innocently, with her sister preferring to clean, young Siba took charge of cooking her family dinner, thereby laying the foundation for her unique take on South African cooking. Following university in Cape Town, Siba worked as a tutor and food editor, with her experience, charm and passion helping her land her own show,

Siba Mtongana

SIBA’S CHARM LIES IN HER NON-FUSSY APPROACH TO COOKING. INSTEAD SHE’S WINNING AUDIENCES OVER WITH HER SUGARY-SWEETNESS AND SOUTH AFRICAN INSPIRED FARE. WITH RECIPES INCLUDING “PAPPIZZA”, A TAKE ON THE WORLDWIDE FAVOURITE MADE WITH A PAP BASE, SIBA WOULD MAKE JULIA CHILD PROUD.

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THE LEADERS: EVA AND WINNIE Known as “The Woman with the Whip”, Eva Perón, known affectionately as “Evita”, died before her 34th birthday, yet her brief time on earth was filled with passion, politics and love. Born in 1919 in a rural village in Argentina, young Eva moved to Buenos Aires to become a star. However, little did she know, she was destined to be a star of a different kind. After meeting Colonel Juan Perón in 1944, the pair married the following year. Shortly after their marriage, Eva’s husband was elected President of Argentina and so began the rise of Eva Perón, the feminist firebrand with the common touch. Her popularity in Argentina was often compared to a personality cult, with Eva boldly championing women’s suffrage and the rights of the working class. However, Eva’s ill health stunted her political ambitions, eventually forcing her to withdraw her candidacy for the office of Vice President of Argentina. Her declining health, coupled with opposition from the military and the country’s bourgeoisie, prevented her from reaching her full potential as a politician. However, her dedication and passion for her country earned her the title of “Spiritual Leader of the Nation”. Despite her premature death, her spirit lives on and she is remembered as a tirelessly passionate feminist icon who fought bravely for her beliefs. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is the “Mother of the Nation”, stoic wife to Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment and fearless political activist. Her Xhosa name is Nomzamo, which means “she who tries”, a rather prophetic name as her life is perhaps best characterised by her steely determination to try and free South Africa from the shackles of apartheid. Often controversial, never apologetic; Winnie never stopped trying to achieve the vision that she had for her beloved country. Originally a trained social worker, Winnie always had the people of South Africa close to her heart. However, it was her whirlwind marriage to Nelson

Mandela that forced her into a life of politics, a responsibility that she never abandoned or resented, often suffering unjust imprisonment and torture at the hands of the apartheid government. While her then-husband, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, Winnie became an active symbol of the ANC’s struggle against apartheid. Much loved among supporters of the ANC, Winnie was loyal to Nelson Mandela despite the breakdown of their marriage, with Winnie devotedly visiting Nelson Mandela during his lengthy illness. Loyal, determined and brave; Winnie is the Mother of the Nation that we never earned.

Eva Perón

Winnie MadikizelaMandela

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THE PIONEERS: HELEN AND THULI Originally trained as an economist and statistician, Helen Suzman was impelled by the insufferable injustice of apartheid to abandon her teaching career and pursue politics. In 1953 she was elected to the House of Assembly where she served for 36 years. For over a decade of her term, Helen was the only Progressive MP in Parliament and for six years she was the only female parliamentarian in an environment dominated by Calvinist Afrikaans men. An outsider not only because of her political views and gender, Helen was also ostracised as she was English-speaking and Jewish. Despite intimidation, Helen never shied away from expressing her vehement opposition to the apartheid regime. Criticised by an MP for asking questions that “embarrass the country”, Helen simply replied that “it is not my questions that embarrass South Africa; it is your answers”. That’s how it always was with Helen, forever gracious yet blatant in her disregard for injustice in all forms. Even following the fall of apartheid, Helen continued to challenge those in power, tireless in

Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela

Helen Suzman

her belief that justice for all individuals should always trump the interests of the state and party. The current Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, is well known and respected in South Africa and abroad. However, few know of her efforts in drafting the final Constitution of South Africa at the dawn of democracy. Not interested

OFTEN THREATENED AND CRITICISED BY VARIOUS FACTIONS, THULI REMAINS STEADFAST IN HER DESIRE TO FULFILL HER MANDATE. IN HER QUIET VOICE AND POISED MANNER, SHE ASKS THE QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ASKED WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR. in flaunting her achievements, Thuli, a former human rights lawyer, fearlessly pursues the ends of justice in the interests of the people of South Africa in her role as Public Protector. Born in Soweto in 1962, Thuli has been listed as one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People in the World. Despite occupying several high power positions, Thuli has drawn most praise and much criticism

in her role as Public Protector, with her office bravely investigating the likes of Bheki Cele and Julius Malema. Often threatened and criticised by various factions, Thuli remains steadfast in her desire to fulfill her mandate. In her quiet voice and poised manner, she asks the questions that need to be asked without fear or favour.

P R O F I L E

queen

Broadcast

WE SPEAK TO THE NEW CEO OF M-NET SOUTH AFRICA, YOLISA PHAHLE, ON HER NEW ROLE, HER AFFINITY FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS, AND GROWING UP IN LONDON

By Brendah Nyakudya

er career reads like a chart-topper: Yolisa Phahle first joined M-Net in 2005 as the general manager of Channel O; fast forward to nine years later and this dynamic woman is now the CEO of M-Net South Africa.

parallels in terms of the women’s agenda and our continuing need to work for gender equality. The deunionisation of the workforce and big privatisation that was happening at the time is also a common theme in South Africa today.. For instance, “How do we deal with Phahle has something of a magic touch. the rights of workers in a fair and an After propelling Channel O to the most equitable way?” We have a fantastic watched music channel , she went on to constitution and now we need to execute play a role in MK, kykNET and Vuzu, and that constitution. Although there are also launched Mzansi Magic. In 2012 she breakthroughs and women are getting managed the launch of Mzansi Magic opportunities that they didn’t have Music, and just last year also introduced before there is still some way to go to Mzansi Wethu and Mzansi Bioskop. address that imbalance. Afropolitan met up with her to find out more about what drives her personally and professionally.

Where does your story begin? I was born in London to South African parents. I suppose I was born in quite interesting times because it was the end of the 1960s, and I grew up in the 1970s, in what they call the “winter of discontent”. There were power failures in the 70s and plenty of union action. My teenage years were under Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady’s rule. I think coming from SA where obviously people’s rights were very important to my parents, I grew up with a lot of sympathy towards the workers in England. While the Cold War was raging in the 1980s I was a member of the CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) and I felt very strongly about that the threat of nuclear war. There was also lot’s of action at a place called Greeham Common, a women’s peac The sentiment was: “we need to take charge of the world because these men are going to blow everything up”. There are a lot of

You grew up in exile, tell us about that? What did you know about South Africa and what were your feelings towards it? I was very much aware because I grew up in a small family; I had no extended family with me. In South Africa, community is everything. You can’t survive without your extended family; brothers, uncles, sisters and cousins. People often have very difficult lives here and if it wasn’t for the community that supports each other and pays for each other’s education, you wouldn’t survive. I grew up without that. My parents found themselves in a country where that just didn’t exist. I was very conscious of that absence as a child and you would always hear kids at school saying “I’m going to my auntie’s”

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and I didn’t have that, but I still realized that I had a whole lot more in other ways. Family is very, very important but if you can’t have that family, l thought it was best to look at the world and say “here I am in a place where I do have equal opportunities, where I do have access to fantastic education, and my ability to go into the world and pursue what I want to do is not restricted by the laws of apartheid”. So for me that was a big, empowering and very valuable opportunity. So I decided then that was what I wanted to do and I was just going to work hard and take advantage of the opportunity that obviously many South African children didn’t have at the time. That being said, many other people from my generation born in South Africa, still, despite that, have managed to do incredibly well. Family, roots and culture is pretty important, which I didn’t have, but there were many people travelling in and out of South Africa and there were always people in our home from South Africa. My parents made sure that I knew why I wasn’t in South Africa and understood my responsibility to myself, to my country and to my family.

Did that inform your decision to study music? My parents just thought that they needed to give me as many opportunities as possible; I was taken to ballet and gymnastics, but I was terrible. Then I was taken to music and I was actually quite good. It was something that I was prepared to work at and I enjoyed the rewards. I didn’t think that I was going to land up being a musician. My parents would play music by the Mahotella Queen, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Hugh Masekela and you heard it and realised that music has this amazing power to to tell a country’s story, in a way that no politician or historian is able to. Music has that emotional connection, so when you hear Hugh Masekela’s songs and you listen to the words, there’s nothing more powerful than that for me. Music gave me a connection to South Africa.

Was that part of the goal, to express that political side through music? It wasn’t necessarily but I saw at the time that there were musicians doing an amazing job of raising awareness, like Miriam Makeba, and they travelled the world and they told the story that needed to be told in a different way to the news broadcasters and traditional print journalism. My most exciting

moment in terms of SA music was actually 1997 when I came here and YFM had just been launched; there was this whole kwaito explosion with the likes of Oskido, who managed to pack out wherever he performed. I really liked that because even though I felt strongly about human rights issues and apartheid, it was fantastic that in South Africa in 1997 you could have this underground musical movement that actually wasn’t overtly political. It was just great commercial music that people all over the world appreciated regardless of whether they related to the story of the Struggle. I think music is a really good way of taking the temperature of a society. Music was always a bit anthropological for me and so it was kind of intriguing to see why people go crazy for Soul II Soul, Oskido or Black Coffee. I loved music and over and above that I just love the human insight that entertainment gives and how it reflects people’s realities and their aspirations.

Why did you decide to move from music to broadcasting? I just couldn’t see a long-term career in music. While you’re young, kind of look half-decent and are still in fashion, it is viable, but you wonder if in 20 years time they would still pay me to dance on stage playing my violin? You look at Busi Mhlongo who couldn’t afford her medical bills and that’s wrong and that’s really sad. Also I was thinking that I want to have kids and I want to have a family. I want to be able to give them the opportunities that my parents gave me. It is hard to have children while you’re out playing gigs until 3 in the morning.

Your first job in broadcasting? My first job was at the BBC World Service. It wasn’t really a job; I applied for an internship for six weeks and it ended and then I joined part of the recycling service. We were in the basement where we had to clean the studios and recycle all the tapes. I managed to wrangle myself a bit of part-time job where we were paid about five Pounds an hour and through that I networked my way up from the bottom.

Did you have an inkling that broadcasting was something you would like to pursue? Definitely. During the internship we got the opportunity to do a mock-up radio show and the red light would go on and I realised that it is very similar to being a performer, because it is a kind

of performance and there are people listening and they want to be entertained and informed. Also, it is a performance for you because it is live. It was the BBC World Service; you had to get it right and you couldn’t play the wrong music. You worked as part of the team and there was a lot of creativity involved in crafting a great show. I felt very comfortable in that environment and I loved it from day one. It was another way of engaging with an audience, although you couldn’t see them, you imagine that they were there and you get feedback with audience research. Today it is different, today they tell you straight away.

What made you come back to SA? I have two children, who were quite small, and I just wanted them to meet their family. My parents had come back here so we said, “Okay, let’s go for a year” and the BBC said they would keep my job for a year, like a sabbatical. When I got here I was transfixed and I didn’t want to go back.

Did you find the transition difficult? It was the first time in my life that people could pronounce my name and it was nice; it felt like this is probably where I should have been all along. I mean obviously, I can’t speak the languages and I didn’t grow up here. I have always felt kind of English but not 100% English. I have always felt kind of South African but not 100% South African, because I don’t have the history in terms of being born here. But I felt very at home and it was good to be with family and to bring my children up with their grandparents and extended family. On the work front, being at M-Net and Channel O was like a home from home. From a broadcaster that basically set world standards; the BBC is how we benchmark ourselves to many degrees, I then found myself in this incredible company that was doing incredible things and that had 100% commitment to transformation, excellence and innovation. I couldn’t believe my luck.

You also worked your way up with M-Net, what was that like? Was it a similar experience to that at the BBC? I got this great job – I was running a music channel, an African music channel! I loved music and I got the chance to learn more about television because I had been more in music radio and news. It was a learning curve and

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it is always great to be on the edge and be given the chance to learn something new. Bit by bit we had new ideas. We launched Vuzu, an entertainment channel that had local content but not 100% local content. And then we talked about where the opportunities are, so we said, “Why don’t we do a more local channel?” and we pitched the idea. One thing kind of lead to another and our company’s black market strategy has just grown over the last ten years; I have just been lucky enough to be here at the right time. It was almost like my job grew organically with the company’s strategy.

What are the biggest challenges facing your role? Ultimately it is about taking responsibility. So even though I have had to take responsibility for areas of the business, I now take responsibility for the South African business which is It is much talked about, your a real honour. I have team around me that I know are 100% the best people to position as the first black do that job and need to empower and female CEO of M-Net. How does allow allowing them to be as good as that feel? they can be. So for me it is about not taking my eye off the detail and being I have always felt under pressure but it involved operationally, but also building just makes you realise how inequitable a team of people who are empowered to the world was and how fortunate I am do their best. to be here at this point in time. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice And in terms of transformation? people to make this possible so that people like me do have the opportunity to get an It is important to me that we do education and rise through the ranks of continue to make progress and create corporate. You feel the responsibility and opportunities for those who have you feel grateful for the people that have previously not had access to such gone before you. There are many who opportunities. Also that we do play our have gone before me and done amazing part in job creation and the creation of small businesses and that we make those things as black women in South Africa businesses sustainable. At the same time and maybe have not had the recognition that they should have. You feel happy we need to deliver performance and because you hope that it sends out a it is possible. For example, production companies on Vuzu and Mzansi Magic signal to people that it is possible and started with small productions and they you feel a responsibility to make sure have done very well. So they get slightly that it continues. Hopefully I can be seen bigger productions and they continue to as someone who wants to mentor or deliver and continue to perform, so it is share whatever experiences I have. It is a possible. responsibility and a reminder of how far we have come as a country.

Does transformation form part of the legacy that you would like How do you negotiate the roles of being a mother and a CEO? to impart should you leave the organisation? For me, my role is to elevate the importance of South African storytelling and to leverage the amazing stories and the amazing artists and performers that we have in the country to create 21st century South African television. You can’t do that without transformation, which is a good thing.

I have my family here; my mother, my father and my husband, so I am lucky. I wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that I have had without my parents because they have helped me by looking after my children when needed. It is a balancing act but I’m not the first person to do it.

M-Net’s strategy going forward – is focus on east, west and South Africa? Nigeria is a huge market not just in terms of its population but also in terms of its economy, so it is an obvious place to want to consolidate and grow further. The Africa Magic channels have been around for about ten years and Big Brother Nigeria started about 7 or 8 years ago; it is a consolidation of a long-term strategy. We are an African company and we want to work where we have the biggest understanding of the market. We also want to work where we can deliver benefits to the market. You build a business and hopefully that business creates jobs and opportunities for the populations of those countries. We want to be a responsible participant in our economies and our society – and we are African – so this is the place to do it.

What has the feedback been on local content? We have seen a lot of growth and Mzansi Magic is doing extremely well. In West Africa we have launched local language channels so Africa Magic Yoruba and Africa Magic Hausa and those channels are performing well.

Do you still delve into music? My children are very good at music. My son is on his grade six piano and grade five saxophone and my other son plays drum and is very active in the drama society at school. My husband is a composer so there is always music in our home. I don’t perform publicly but I perform with my family.

Email: sales@recliners.co.za

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10 Jobs

that didn't exist

10 Years ago IN THE PAST DECADE, THE JOB MARKET HAS BECOME A WHOLE LOT MORE EXCITING… DANCE YOUR WAY TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM OR BLOG ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK. WE LIST TEN JOBS THAT ARE SURE TO GET YOUR GRANDPARENTS ASKING: “WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?” By Heather Clancy

he workplace has changed dramatically in the past decade with a flurry of web experts, bloggers and interns gathering around the proverbial water-cooler. In 2004 you probably thought the term ‘app’ was a typo, while you would be forgiven for thinking that ‘Zumba’ was a swear word in a foreign language. Let’s not even get started on the stress that you’d experience if you knew that in the year 2014 ‘trolls’ would no longer be mythical creatures living under bridges. With the advent of the Internet and its now ubiquitous presence, our interactions with the world have changed and with it, the job market. The term ‘nerd’ is no longer a nasty four-letter word and tweeting might get you paid.

1. ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR  Zumba is the Latin dance-inspired fitness craze that started in the early 2000s. However, it took a full decade to capture the world’s attention and ever since then the world has been making up for lost time with an estimated 14 million people attending weekly Zumba classes. Described as a ‘fitness party’ by its creators, anyone can train to be an instructor. So if you’re keen to ‘party’ your way to financial freedom then perhaps consider a career as Zumba instructor.

2. APP DEVELOPER   In February 2014 Facebook acquired the instant-messaging app WhatsApp for $19 billion, and with that a whole generation of wannabe app developers was born. Part of the appeal is the rags-to-riches potential for would-be developers. Jan Koum, CEO of WhatsApp, was a former Yahoo! employee from a family that was dependent on food stamps, and now he is a dollar billionaire. Before you delve into the world of coding, a word of warning: app development is a highly competitive industry with millions of apps available daily, and consumers becoming more selective in their acquisition of new apps. In fact, the release of new apps towers over any other form of media, with an estimated 15,000 new apps available each week.

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Images courtesy of Shutterstock

to take any steps necessary in order to bolster their CV and ensure a well-paid job in the future. This coupled with an often-volatile economy means that companies attempt to squeeze as much from their interns as possible. Globally the law is changing in favour of the rights of interns with big corporations such as Condé Nast being challenged over non-payment. However, we are yet to see whether this will impact interns in South Africa, as many companies continue to advertise unpaid internships.

4. SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

3. INTERN Yes, the dreaded internship. The limbo between unemployment and employment. Anyone who has been an intern is likely to have their own collection of horror stories to recount as soon as they hear the equally dreaded word ‘stipend’. Sure, interns have existed in many guises in decades past, however, in recent years there has been a surge in the number of interns and internship positions. As more people complete tertiary education, competition for professional jobs increases and so too does the number of graduates willing

There’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Then there’s also Pinterest and maybe even Foursquare… Welcome to the world of a social media manager, one of the only jobs where your boss can’t complain if you spend too much time on Facebook. Sounds fun, right? Well don’t resign just yet. At best, this job is misunderstood and at worst it is looked down upon as not a ‘real job’, as corporations acknowledge that the role is vital but lack much understanding of the demands of the role. With companies such as FNB’s @RBJacob’s boasting over 207,000 followers on Twitter alone, handling queries and complaints is no easy task. The 24/7 nature of the Internet means that the consumer never sleeps and so the social media manager is expected to be knowledgeable, courteous and even witty at all hours of the day. This might come naturally to some, but

for the rest of us Facebook will forever remain a guilty pleasure to be enjoyed when the boss isn’t looking.

5. BLOGGER  Blogging seems to be the all-embracing hobby that can transform moms, fashionistas and even foodies into fully-fledged media moguls if their blog stats are impressive enough to win over advertisers and sponsors. Blogging is a democratic career choice in the sense that anyone with Internet access can start a blog. The appeal of the job is obvious, with the perks of being a paid blogger ranging from making a career out of your passion, to the all-important working from the comfort of your bed. With these bonuses, it is easy to see why so many have tried their luck. However, blogging as a career is akin to singing as a career: many dream about it, few manage it.

6. LIFE COACH Sigmund Freud can keep his stuffy psychoanalysis. 2014 is all about achieving your goals and often that can be an overwhelming task. So instead of collapsing on the couch of a psychologist, perhaps you need a life coach. Or better yet, perhaps you need to become one. The task of being a life coach is a combination of teaching, consulting, training and developing your clients. Basically Oprah Winfrey meets Tony Robbins. Sceptics might scoff at the profession but many coaches and clients envision a time when life coaches are as common as personal trainers. The logic being: you care enough about your glutes to get a trainer, so why not get a

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life coach to help achieve your dormant personal and career goals?

7. POP-UP STORE OWNER   With shoppers becoming bored of traditional forms of retail, pop-up stores are becoming increasingly popular by offering a holistic shopping experience that gets the shopper bang for their buck. The pop-up store hopes to be everything that a mall isn’t – unique and personal. Pop-up stores usually operate in collaboration with food stalls or other sellers and can be found in unique locations for a limited time. For would-be entrepreneurs the opportunity is unique too. You no longer need to win the Lotto to launch your own clothing label, as pop-up stores offer the entrepreneurs the opportunity to start small while building a personal relationship with customers. They say that Rome wasn’t built in a day but they forget to add that neither was Louis Vuitton. So start small and ‘popup’, you never know where it might lead.

Pop-up store

8. TREND FORECASTER

10. REALITY SHOW STAR

Do you know what the Pantone colour of the year is for 2014? Any takers? Well, if you are a trend forecaster then you would know that it is Radiant Orchid. In fact, you might have even predicted that in 2012 if you are really good at your job. Trend forecasters predict trends in fashion, decor and even food, and package their knowledge in such a way so that companies can capitalise on future trends. Being a good trend forecaster is a bit like being a good detective, you have to absorb information from a myriad of seemingly unrelated sources and then spot the links that will translate into the next big thing. So if you’re always muttering, “But I was wearing that trend years ago”, then maybe this is the job for you.

We laugh at them and dismiss their usually over-abundant stupidity, but these ‘stars’ are laughing all the way to the bank. Locally it is no different, with Mzansi celebs getting in on the action

9. THE SLASHIE   You might think that you don’t know the term, but you do. They come in many guises with the most popular combination of late reading something like this: model/actress/blogger. No longer satisfied with just one job, the slashie negotiates a variety of fields all before their evening yoga class. Partly born out of necessity stemming from a challenging job market, slashies are the modern interpretation of overachievers. However, some might argue that slashies merely represent the modern malaise known succinctly as “the inability to commit to anything”.

The Kardashians

with reality shows such as Forever Young and Dineo’s Diary. It is difficult to call it a 9-to-5 job but that’s exactly the appeal. If your life is scandalous enough to win over the hearts of viewers you can establish a brand akin to the Kardashian empire of all things ‘K’.

L U X U R Y

Sailing the

African Seas

recent study on the growth of South Africa’s luxury market by Property 24 revealed Durban is a key growth point, with foreigners snapping up SA property. Further luxury market studies reveal that the luxury homes market in Durban rebounded the strongest in value in 2013. It is also well-known for it’s manufacturing of luxury goods, boasting one of the world’s most expensive yachts, the Indian Empress.

MD of Boating World, a leader in the luxury motor yacht sector in SubSaharan Africa for some 11 years now.

“We have seen a trend of young individuals who’ve studied offshore, returning to secure a local career with an earning capacity higher than previous generations enabling them to spend on luxury goods for both lifestyle and status reasons,” says Derrick Levy,

“In this time of global economic crisis, emerging countries are driving growth in the luxury sector, and Africa is suddenly being noticed as a strong contender, which makes us as Africans feel like we’re finally becoming part of the global luxury industry,” Levy shares.

This fourth generation boating and marine business has been keeping an eye on the African market particularly around luxury spending trends. “This can only mean we will see more and more luxury brands flooding our shores,” says Levy, renowned powerhouse and visionary in the marine industry.

Though not the most expensive yacht to be sold into Africa, a recent sale of the R25million 65 Fairline squadron yacht by Boating World, as exclusive agents for the prestigious British-based Fairline luxury yacht brand, is testimony to this. This very interesting new trend has also highlighted Cape Town as the new hub of luxury purchases of hobbies and toys for the rich and famous in Africa (many of them ‘energy’ billionaires) from countries like Nigeria, Angola and the DRC. Yachts are not the only purchases on the rise, it is a well-known fact that most of the high-end property sales in Camps Bay and Clifton were to Nigerian buyers during 2013, and now this trend is expanding into other asset classes like luxury boats and jets.

L U X U R Y This historical purchase is not only great for our economy, but also brings us in closer contact with some of our ‘wealthy neighbouring countries’, assisting in the African ‘Renaissance’ that is on everyone’s lips at the moment! The first of its kind sold through South Africa into Angola, the S65 yacht is fitted with 5 cabins (bedrooms), and twin Caterpillar C18’s ensuring she performed extremely well, cutting through the slight chop and reaching up to 35-knots. Squadron flybridge yachts offer customers security of well-proven design features and sophisticated advances in

marine engineering. Every part of the and moonlighting, underwater lights, skylight to saloon and convertible sofa yacht has to be carefully considered. Every luxury accounted for. To this end, bed to master cabin. each Squadron offers opulent comfort and timeless grace, where generous About Boating World living spaces flow freely from one area to • Boating World, is a family-owned the next to create an exquisite ambience business with a 4-generation history that offers both after-care in which to relax, explore and entertain. maintenance and marine insurance.

The most recent to join the Boating World pool of luxury is the 2015 Fairline Targa 48 (sleeping 4-7), due on South African shores from September. IPS drives make skippering her a cinch even for beginners. She comes with stunning interior colours with leather seating, teak-laid cockpit floor and side-decks, powered hydraulic swim platform

Images courtesy of Vivid Luxury

WE HAVE SEEN A TREND OF YOUNG INDIVIDUALS WHO’VE STUDIED OFFSHORE, RETURNING TO SECURE A LOCAL CAREER WITH AN EARNING CAPACITY HIGHER THAN PREVIOUS GENERATIONS ENABLING THEM TO SPEND ON LUXURY GOODS FOR BOTH LIFESTYLE AND STATUS REASONS

• Boating World is the exclusive South African agent for the prestigious Fairline and Riviera brands and is a leading boating brokers, exporters and importers specializing in the medium to large luxury motor-yacht market in Sub-Shaharan Africa. Boating World is synonymous with top-drawer luxury and meticulous attention to detail concerning even the most basic necessity.

T R A V E L

Sacred

Places

Mecca at night

T R A V E L

THE ‘SACRED’ EXISTS IN MANY FORMS AND TRAVELLING TO SACRED DESTINATIONS AROUND THE GLOBE CAN REVIVE AND INSPIRE THE SPIRIT. FROM THE MALUTI MOUNTAINS TO MECCA, THE SACRED IS BOTH NEAR AND FAR. HOWEVER, NO MATTER WHERE WE VISIT IN SEARCH OF THE SACRED, ALL PLACES INSPIRE THE SAME JOURNEY OF THE SOUL AS WE ATTEMPT TO DISCOVER THE SACRED WITHIN. By Heather Clancy

By definition, the term ‘sacred’ means ‘revered’ because of the association with holiness. Interestingly, the term is derived from the Latin term ‘sanctum’ meaning ‘set apart’. Travelling to sacred places is then a journey to seek out the holy, that which is set apart from the world as we know it. This usually means taking a break from your to-do list and journeying somewhere away from friends and family, if only for a little while. The paradox of travelling to sacred places is this: in seeking that which is set apart we can rediscover the thread that binds us all, rendering all of us connecting in the shared quest for happiness and fulfillment. Not necessarily religious, the “scared” is something that most of us will seek as we question the meaning of our lives. While many seek out tropical holidays, keen to relax while soaking in the sun, holidays to sacred places are often not really holidays in the traditional sense. Rather than relaxing and focusing solely on negotiating happy hour while fitting in a five-hour nap, holidays to sacred places usually demand quiet reflection. The rewards however, stretch beyond great Instagram photos, and can leave the soul enriched and energised for many years after you’ve returned home. The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, known as the Hajj, is

a journey to be undertaken by all able Muslim during the period of Dhu alHijjah. Both physically and emotionally taxing, this pilgrimage lasts five days and involves performing rituals based on those conducted by the Prophet Muhammad during his last visit to the city. For 14 centuries, Muslims from around the world have descended upon Mecca for the Hajj, the highest manifestation of Islamic faith and unity.

RATHER THAN RELAXING AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON NEGOTIATING HAPPY HOUR WHILE FITTING IN A FIVE-HOUR NAP, HOLIDAYS TO SACRED PLACES USUALLY DEMAND QUIET REFLECTION. A 2008 study by Harvard University indicated that the Hajj promotes cohesion and a community spirit of harmony. Furthermore, the study found that individuals who have completed the pilgrimage often experience a heightened belief in peace and equality with those who practice different religions. Despite millions of visitors to Mecca, Japan is home to both of the most visited sacred sites in the world; the Meiji Shrine and the Sensoji Temple, which both receive approximately 30 million visitors annually. Both sites are situated in Tokyo, with the Meiji Shrine

Images courtesy of The Royal Portfolio

f given the chance, many of us would gladly pack our bags and spend the rest of our days traveling the world. The human desire for new experiences, coupled with our natural affection for adventure and discovery, makes travelling the globe so appealing. Wanderlust, itchy feet, call it what you will; the desire to travel is the desire to experience the world (and ourselves) anew, whether that means traveling to the urban jungle of New York City or the real jungles of Brazil.

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dedicated to the deified spirit of the first emperor of modern Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shiken. The Emperor is credited with connecting Japan to the West and aiding the industrialisation of the state. However, it is his wife, the diminutive Empress, who captures the imagination of many visitors. Described as somewhat of a child prodigy, the Empress was reading and writing poetry all before her sixth birthday and was able to read Classical Chinese text at the age of seven. The shrine, which was a former iris garden, can be found in the trendy district of Harajuku and it is surrounded by an evergreen forest boasting more than 100,000 trees. For those interested in indigenous religions practiced around the world, the shrine is a Shinto shrine, the indigenous religion of Japan. The religion is unique in that it has no founder or holy book; rather it is described as an ‘action-centred religion’ that values harmony with nature and with others. Regardless of your religious beliefs, this is a beautiful and engaging landmark that perfectly encapsulates the Shinto emphasis on harmony. To illustrate, millions of tourists visit the site every year yet there is still a perceptible sense of peace and harmony with nature, with the evergreen forest being deemed a gift to be enjoyed and appreciated by all those who visit. The Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple and it’s the oldest temple in Tokyo, dating back to 628 A.D. After being destroyed during World War II, the colourful temple was rebuilt as a symbol of rebirth and peace. It was originally built in honour of the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness, Bodhisattva Kannon. The temple houses a small gold statue of the goddess, however, the statue is not shown to the public. Instead visitors can walk the impressive grounds, enjoying photo opportunities at the Thunder Gate or browsing Nakamise-dori, one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets filled with Godzilla toys, traditional sweets and trinkets. The short shopping street leads to Hozomon, known as ‘Treasure Gate’. It is here that you will find a large pot of burning incense; the smoke from the incense is said to cleanse the spirit (but be sure to rub some on your head as locals believe it gives the gift of wisdom). Although appreciating our inescapable relationship with nature and the inherent value of different cultures certainly does not require a ticket to Japan, the city of Tokyo offers many

Sensoji Temple

Meiji Shrine Inner Garden

Meiji Shrine

T R A V E L opportunities for self-discovery and reflection as Japanese culture offers much food for thought. From the fashion fiends of Harajuku expressing their bold and unique style that gives the middle finger to the conventional, to the quiet dedication of the countless ‘itamae’ of sushi (sushi chefs) who often spend decades perfecting their humble craft. Tokyo begs visitors to reconsider the rules of life. Those travelling in search of acceptance and peace should consider “wabi-sabi”, the Japanese perspective that emphasises and accepts as beautiful the imperfection and impermanence of this world.

and reflection as it does not receive as many tourists as other more impressive Italian churches. While visiting the church, be sure to enjoy the sights (and tastes) of Naples, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the birthplace of pizza. Feast on a slice from Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, the oldest pizzeria in Naples that’s been serving the good stuff for over a century. If reviews are to be believed then this might qualify as a spiritual experience for the tastebuds.

For a slice of the soulful a bit closer to home, look no further than the Maluti (Maloti) Mountains. Known as the Maloti If the Mediterranean speaks to your soul Mountains only to those living outside and your spirit resembles the Colosseum of Lesotho, for those fortunate enough to claim these ancient mountains as (broken but proud), then head to Italy their backyard, “Maloti” simply means for a soul escape. After all, Italy is not only about pizza, pasta and gelato; in the “mountains”. The Maloti Mountains city of Naples you can find Santa Chiara, (also spelled “Maluti” and “Moloti”), form part of the Drakensberg range and one of the largest and most significant spread from Lesotho to the Free State of churches in Naples. It was founded by South Africa. This beautiful mountain the then-King of Naples, Robert the Wise in 1310. The church forms part of a range is protected as a World Heritage Site as it harbours endangered species Franciscan complex that also includes a such as the bearded vulture and boasts museum, bell tower and fountain. Like the Sensoji Temple, the complex was also one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in Africa. destroyed during World War II but was later restored to its original condition The mesmerising natural beauty of and houses the tombs of royalty, as well as Salvo d’Acquisto, a military policeman this site is reason alone to visit this indigenous treasure. However, the who bravely sacrificed his own life in Maloti Mountains are also celebrated order to save the lives of 22 civilian as an important sacred site as several hostages during Nazi occupation. caves include the largest and most concentrated group of rock paintings in Described as a ‘spiritual gem’, this church is a special place for quiet prayer Africa, south of the Sahara, with over 600

Maloti Mountains

rock art sites and over 35,000 individual images. These rock painting uniquely embody the rich spiritual life of the San people who called this area home for a time spanning 4000 years, with the rock art allowing visitors a fascinating insight into the traditions and beliefs of the San people. The exceptional natural beauty combined with the spiritual significance of the rock art, makes the Maloti Mountains a popular site for initiations and traditional healing ceremonies. The mountains are said to be energy centres and so the mountains are often known as the ‘Sangoma University’, as many sangomas choose to complete their training there. In fact, even those sceptical of alternative beliefs have noted the almost tangible energy that is present when visiting the site. The Maloti Mountains are an awe-inspiring escape only a few hours away from Johannesburg. The close proximity to the city of gold is a keen reminder that the sacred is never far from our lives, if only we care to notice. The opportunity to travel to a sacred destination is a journey that not all of us have the resources to complete. However, travelling to a sacred destination in far-flung regions is not essential for the journey of meeting one’s own soul. In fact, such extravagant travels might be superfluous when considering the simple requirements for finding the sacred within: an open heart, a willing mind and a moment of solitude to recognise the divinity inside.

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Living the good life from the

LET’S MAKE A TOAST TO JOBURG AND REMEMBER THAT ALL THE BEST MEMORIES ARE MADE EVEN BETTER BY A BREATH-TAKING VIEW AND A MOJITO IN HAND

o truly appreciate the gritty beauty of the Johannesburg CBD, it is best to head skywards to one of these sensational rooftop cocktail bars. From an urban beach to an eco-jungle, Jozi is home to some of the most exciting rooftop venues in the country. So leave the ‘burbs and visit the city for some weekend excitement that will make you forget all about your dream vacation to New York City.

THE BEACH What’s better than chilling at the beach? Yes, that’s right, chilling at The Beach overlooking the city of Joburg on a Saturday afternoon. Braamfontein is alive with activity on Saturdays, with all the cool kids competing for the title of ‘best dressed’ while tucking into the

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delicious delights of the Neighbourgoods Market. But if a bit of sand between your feet is more your thing, look upwards and find The Beach on Juta Street. Complete with a DJ, deck chairs and umbrellas, The Beach is a fun escape in the city. For R50 per person you can enjoy the rooftop bar overlooking the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge from midday until 7pm. The Facebook page often posts specials, so check it out to stay in the know and remember to pack your sunscreen.

Where?

The Beach

68 Juta Street, Braamfontein

NEIGHBOURGOODS MARKET If you like being in the thick of things then this is the rooftop venue for you. Every Saturday, from 9am until 3pm, join what feels like the entire population of Johannesburg and claim your place in the sun with a cocktail or a beer in hand. Choose your poison from the selection of vendors selling everything from freshly baked treats, yummy cocktails to fresh coconuts spiked with rum. There’s also a selection of craft beers and wine if that’s more your fancy. Just remember to head to the rooftop of the market and marvel at the streets below. Or better yet, enjoy some prime people-watching with the hot young things of Jozi doing their best to enjoy their moment in the sun at the hottest rooftop venue in the city. Wear your weekend best because you’re sure to run into someone that you know at this Saturday institution. This is also a great weekend spot since you can browse the streets below once you’ve had your fill of the market treats.

Where?

Neighbourgoods Market

73 Juta St, Braamfontein

ELEVATE There’s more to Johannesburg’s revival than the trendy markets of Braamfontein and Maboneng. The narrow streets of Marshalltown, filled with banks and big business, is now home to Elevate, the Reef Hotel’s 16th floor cocktail bar and club. Featuring a beautiful 360-degree view of the city of gold, Elevate is also home to the Scorpion, a dizzying cocktail so potent that it carries a warning. From the owners of Taboo, Elevate is the perfect venue for those who want the glitz of Sandton in an urban environment, so remember to dress to impress! Open every Friday for sundowners and special events, Elevate promises to be the sexiest rooftop in the city.

Where? 58 Anderson Street, Marshalltown

Elevate

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THE LIVING ROOM ‘Maboneng’ is a Sotho word for ‘place of light’ and The Living Room on Kruger Street is the perfect eco-friendly perch to appreciate the light of an exciting transformation. Maboneng is the creation of entrepreneur Jonathan Liebmann, featuring unique stores, restaurants, a hotel and Joburg’s favourite Sunday market, Arts on Main. A tropical oasis floating above the streets of Maboneng, The Living Room is open from midday until 9pm from Thursday until Sunday. However, it is best on a Sunday afternoon when the market is in full swing and there’s a DJ or live music. With unique cocktails like Hello, Aloe and the delicious Pineapple Express, you’re sure to cure any signs of the dreaded Sunday Blues. Described as an ‘eco rooftop jungle’, The Living Room is sure to grow on you with its beautiful blooms and botanical delights from designers and plant artists, Tiakaya. The rooftop venue is not only great for cocktails, it also serves healthy breakfasts, lunch and coffee for those who prefer to enjoy the view without beer goggles. Remember to check out the Facebook page for updates as the venue is often closed for private functions.

The Living Room

Where? 20 Kruger Street, Maboneng

SKYLINE GARDENS The beauty of the city is best appreciated from above, and relaxing in a lounge pod with a cocktail in hand certainly helps to enjoy the finer points of the Joburg skyline. Found on Biccard Street in the heart of Braamfontein, Skyline Gardens is a rooftop sanctuary offering moreish cocktails, alfresco dining and ‘intimate lounge pods’. In other words, this is the best place to snap a selfie and celebrate the city. With views of Hillbrow’s Ponte and the Nelson Mandela Bridge, Skyline Gardens might just be the Jozi’s best-kept secret.

Where? Biccard Street Corner Wolmarans Street, Braamfontein

Skyline Gardens

SPECIAL EVENTS ROOFTOP VENUES: PRIVATE PRACTICE Medical buildings are not usually associated with a good time, but then again, this Jozi venue is anything but typical. Found on the 19th floor of the Lister Medical Building in Jeppe Street, Private Practice is a special events

venue that boasts one of the most startling views of the city. For those unacquainted with the CBD, finding this experimental venue might prove a bit tricky, but once you arrive, it’s guaranteed to be just what the doctor ordered! The venue is not always open but recent events have included an “Afro-Brazilian celebration of pure life” and a Skate Expo. To stay in the loop,

visit their website (www.intermission. co.za) for more details and get ready for a night partying with the cool kids of Jozi.

Where? 195 Jeppe Street, Braamfontein

For the best cocktails in Jozi you need only look up…

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CAPE TOWN • SOUTH AFRICA

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Colossus of the continent STEP ASIDE, SOUTH AFRICA! NIGERIA IS NOW AFRICA’S NEW ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE – BUT WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN?

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

By Stacey Vee

t’s been coming for a while – South Africa being booted as Africa’s biggest economy. In fact, many economists will say they’ve known for longer than a decade that Nigeria was pumping out the most gross domestic product (GDP) on the continent – it just wasn’t reflecting on paper, until now. In April this year, Nigeria announced that its nominal GDP for 2013 was sitting at $510 billion; not just showing up former No. 1 South Africa’s own nominal GDP of $350 billion, measured annually by Statistics South Africa, but almost eclipsing it entirely. So what happened? Did Nigerians wake up with heavier pockets one morning? How did Africa’s new economic kingpin add 89% to its GDP overnight?

NUMBERS GAME The leap is due to Nigeria ‘rebasing’ its GDP data. What this means is that the country’s National Bureau of Statistics relooked how it compiled its gross domestic product figure, and (finally) included the income being generated by the telecommunications, information technology, movie production and online commerce industries. Why is Nigeria only now including these industries in its GDP data? After all – the country is famously home to ‘Nollywood’, is saturated with mobile phones (over 100 million cellphones!), and is seeing some thrilling action on the tech start-up scene.

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It is common practice for countries to rebase their GDP every three years, to take into account changes in their economy, like emerging industries. Nigeria just hadn’t done it for 20 years.

Vital statistics Nigeria

South Africa

Gross domestic product (GDP)

$510 billion (2013)

$370 billion (2013)

Population

168.8 million (2012)

51.19 million (2012)

GDP per capita

$1,555.36 (2012)

$7,351.76 (2012)

Life expectancy

52.11 years (2012)

56.10 years (2012)

World ranking (economy size)

23rd

33rd

* Figures in US dollars

million people living in the West African country, while there are only just over 51 million in South Africa, at the last census. More people equals more GDP. This is why – to get a true snapshot of the prosperity of a country – a better measurement to use is GDP per capita, which means the amount of money that the country produces per citizen. South Africa’s GDP per capita is almost five times higher than Nigeria’s, meaning the average South Africa earns almost five times more. (The Economist reports that the majority of Nigerians live on less than $1.25 a day.) Life expectancy is also a good indicator of quality of life: the average South African is looking at 56 years, and the average Nigerian is looking at 52 years. Taking GDP per capita and life expectancy into account, it would seem that South Africa is still coming out tops, despite losing out to her West African counterpart this year in the race to be the continent’s biggest economy. But these aren’t the only numbers that matter.

NO MORE SITTING PRETTY

NIGERIA IS RANKED THE 23RD LARGEST ECONOMY IN THE WORLD (OUT OF 214 ECONOMIES), WHILE SOUTH AFRICA IS RANKED 33RD. THE UNITED STATES, CHINA AND JAPAN HOLD FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY. Source: World Bank

What really matters to an economy is consistent growth – at least enough growth to cater for the growing needs of its citizens, but ideally, over and above that, the kind of growth that makes it attract global investment. After Nigeria posted those spectacular numbers in April, it put its nominal GDP growth rate for 2013 at 7.41%. However in July, this was revised down to an actual growth rate of 5.49% for 2013, and a 2012 growth rate at 4.21%. For South Africans suffering under the weight of inflation, and increasing fuel and food costs, Nigeria’s economic growth rates taunt us with their incredible gains. South Africa’s GDP growth rate for 2013: a mere 1.9%. Every year our Rands are buying us less, while the future for our Nigerian counterparts looks brighter by the minute, even if improved access to basic services and upgrades to infrastructure are not happening fast enough for Africa’s new kingpins.

FINAL THOUGHTS BREAKING IT DOWN There are two things that you need to understand about Nigeria’s new economic status: 1) it doesn’t mean that the average guy on the streets of Lagos earns more and has a better quality of life than his South African counterpart, and 2) that being said, Mzansi has become far too complacent; her year-on-year GDP growth figures are dismal. Let’s start with WHY Nigeria’s citizens are still poorer, despite her enormous economy. It’s simple: there are almost 170

Despite factoring money generated by new sectors into Nigeria’s booming economy, oil remains its biggest industry, and this is unstable. South Africa has a far more mature, balanced and less volatile economy, but it is stagnating. Statistics and percentages aside, the big picture is this: with such a massive population, it is to be expected that Nigeria’s GDP is the biggest on the continent – what is truly amazing is the rate at which Nigeria’s economy is growing. South Africa needs to pull up her economy’s socks if she wants to remain relevant and competitive on the global arena.

Playing the stock market 62

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WE DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF STOCK TRADING, AND SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS HEADY PASTIME OF THE WEALTHY ELITE By Catherine Jenkin

hanks to movies like â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wolf of Wall Streetâ&#x20AC;?, playing the stock market is most often portrayed as a mysterious undertaking, peppered with tough negotiations, crazy mathematical algorithms and, of course, crowds of rowdy people shouting on a stock exchange floor. The popularity of online trading technologies and a burgeoning industry populated by financial service providers eager to help people invest their money in shares, has laid the foundation for a solid trend, where more and more young, career-driven people are discovering the benefits of playing the

stock markets. More importantly, South African government programmes and communications, particularly from the National Treasury and Minister of Finance, have consistently thrown the spotlight on the importance of saving and investments as an essential mechanism for creating individual wealth. Stock market trading is not, despite the media portrayals and mystical appearance, just for the rich and famous. Stock market trading can be undertaken by anyone keen enough to learn, and

who has the disposable income to devote towards it. As with most investments, people who delve look into stock market trading as an investment opportunity, most often do so with the aim of creating a comfortable retirement for themselves in the future. But, for people who are keen to try their hand at stock market trading, it can seem difficult to get to grips with the definitions of exchange rates, indices and dividends, and strip away the mystery that seems to surround this realm. It can, however, be stripped away, when people take the time to understand how

W E A L T H understand stock market trading, and enabling people to do it themselves, if they choose to, highlights again how the process of stock market trading has become less mysterious and more Before you start venturing into the world inviting to so many people. of stocks and shares, however, the most It is perhaps most important to note important thing to understand is that that, no matter what investment vehicle investments are an important personal you choose, whether it’s long term choice that enable you to create a future savings; shares on the stock market or for yourself, or perhaps even generate a retirement annuities, investment is a passive income stream. very personal venture. The amount you “Whatever the choice you make, it’s choose to devote to investments each important to save, invest and participate month and the manner, in which you in this type of investment, with a firm choose to, is ultimately up to you. goal in mind”, says Christopher Mills. As Director of a digital marketing agency in Of equal importance, when you look Cape Town, Christopher began exploring towards buying shares to participate in stock market trading, you will stock market trading as an investment possibility during 2012, and has gone on eventually go through a broker account or brokerage firm. Making use of these to become quite a pundit on the stock services does mean that you will be market, regularly writing useful blog charged a range of fees and it’s vital that posts that highlight interesting moves you keep this in mind when making and technologies in that realm. your investment contributions, or are Christopher found that, as his looking to sell or cash in your shares. understanding of the stock market Make sure you fully understand the and the various technologies one can range of fees you’ll need to pay when use to trade increased, he began to playing the stock market and remember feel more confident about making the to include them in your calculations. move to stock market trading. He says: So, how do you start? Here are our tips: “Personally, before I began trading, I set out to learn as much as I could Assess your financial standing and add through traders on Twitter, online your investment contributions (i.e. the resources and so forth. Once I had a amount of money you’d like to set aside basic understanding and had taken the to buy shares with) to your monthly first steps I then looked at chatting to expenses). professionals. What this allowed me to do was understand what they were Do your research! Check out online saying but also ask valuable questions”. resources (we’ve put together a short list below!), read books and, if you like, As a young person looking to invest, ask for assistance from your financial Christopher also says “ the biggest portfolio firm or banking institution. hurdle is that of understanding that If you’d prefer to not handle the the investment should be seen as a trading of your shares long term endeavour, perhaps even personally, your an opportunity to create retirement investment income for yourself. It’s very difficult portfolio to look at the long term when you’re manager in your early twenties, because buying will be a flashy car or making other statusrelated big purchases can seem far more able to help you, attractive. There is, however, one very or your simple reason to invest when you’re banking young: compound interest. Whether institution. you’re looking at a unit trust, an Most of the exchange traded fund or a stock broker major banks can account, as your money grows so does it grow more due to compound interest. provide you with easy to use share The earlier you start, the sooner the purchase packages, investment grows. There are many which often entail a more reasons to invest from a young minimum investment age, but the most important premise amount or deposit behind all of it is to make life easier required. when it comes to retirement”. exchange rates works, how company shares can fluctuate and what kinds of investment opportunities exist within the stock markets.

A brief glance at the expanse of online resources devoted to helping people

Spend some time exploring the range of online trading

platforms that are out there. Many of them don’t just provide online trading services, but also regular online training and support services, to help you conduct your share transactions and gain a better understanding of your share portfolio. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange also provides useful updates and online resources via their website. Websites like Moneyweb, Sharenet and Finance24 will also help you keep tabs on stock market news. Online platforms like PSGOnline will enable you to conduct your stock market trading through their software and also provide support to you along the way. Get started and get excited, as you enter the wonderful world of stock markets and shares. Get ready to enjoy this opportunity of creating a golden future for you and your family!

Useful Resources: 1. http://www.citypress.co.za/business/howto-start-trading-on-the-jse/ 2. https://www.jse.co.za/investor-type/ individual 3. http://www.imod.co.za/category/investingmoney/ 4. http://www.psgonline.co.za/ 5. http://www.iol.co.za/business/personalfinance/financial-planning/investments/ which-online-trading-platform-1.1620276#. U7xWtGR0pTM 6. www.moneyweb.co.za 7. http://www.sharenet.co.za

G A D G E T S

Premium Gadgets NOKIA LUMIA 930 The Nokia Lumia 930 comes equipped with Windows Phone 8.1, the latest version of the software, with a range of great features - improved imaging, word flow keyboard and Cortana voice control, to name a few. The Lumia 930 is available in a variety of colours and is designed to easily fit into your hand and pocket. With a 20MP PureView camera, surround sound recording, a powerful processor and built-in wireless charging, you won’t want your hands on any other phone.

Price: to be announced Stockist: available through Vodacom, MTN & Cell C from August

GARMIN FORERUNNER 15 The Garmin Forerunner 15 is an affordable GPS running watch, equipped with a heart rate monitor. The watch tracks distance, pace, heart rate and calories you burn all day, encouraging users to wear it at all times. The Forerunner keeps you motivated by alerting you when you’ve completed a kilometre and even when you have been at rest for too long. The watch is available in a variety of fun colours, and we are loving the violet/white for the ladies.

Price: R2299 Stockist: www.garminonline.co.za

KNOMO HENDERSON 15 INCH LAPTOP BAG This soft padded laptop bag is designed to hold laptops up to 15 inch and has easily accessible internal and external zip pockets for smartphones and other personal items. The Knomo Henderson bag can be carried by its leather grab handles or a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. What’s great about this bag is that you can register your unique Myknomo ID number found on the ID tag inside your bag so that if it gets lost, the finder can easily contact Knomo with your unique code.

Price: R1999 Stockist: www.istoreonline.co.za

THE SHY LAMP Made from solid beech wood and a white lamp shade, the Shy Lamp is the latest in the Graeme Bettles Design character lamp series. Graeme Bettles, an award winning art director, created this lamp series to provide an emotional connection between the consumer and their furniture by bringing the pieces to life. If you’re looking for a great way to redecorate your home office or study, this desk lamp will surely bring some character into your space.

Price: R1200 Stockist: http://www. graemebettlesdesign.com/shop/

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BLACKBERRY Z3 The BlackBerry Z3 features a 5 inch touch display with a unique messaging and typing experience. The device is equipped with BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.2.1. and is also Android app compatible, but only a few apps are currently available. Some key features include: BBM; the BlackBerry hub, where you can access your email, BBM, messages, social media updates and notifications all in one place; and time shift and story maker, which allows you to bring a collection of photos and videos together, with music and effects to produce an HD movie.

Price: R2999 Stockist: available through Vodacom on contract

HTC ONE M8 The HTC One M8 is stylishly crafted out of a smooth aluminium and is supported by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor making it one of the fastest smartphones out there. The 5 inch full HD screen displays exceptional colour accuracy, which is equipped with gorilla glass, ensuring its durability. One of the most unique features of the device is the UltraPixel camera with excellent picture quality, capturing images with great clarity and detail in all conditions.

Price: R6999 Stockist: contracts available from all service providers

SMEG500 REFRIGERATOR CELLAR Fiat and Smeg have joined forces to bring you the creative, limited edition Smeg500 refrigerator cellar, with a design concept representing both brands. The bar fridge is designed to look like the bonnet of a car - available in a white, red or green finish. This extraordinary fridge boasts an adjustable thermostat, automatic defrosting, three removable bottle holders and a removable shelf for canned drinks. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into drinks and collectables, then this fridge was definitely designed to impress you.

Price: R115 000 Stockist: www.smeg.co.za

CANON POWERSHOT G16 With excellent control and performance, the Canon Powershot G16 will definitely meet any experts demands. The advanced compact, point-and-shoot camera features a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, optical zoom viewfinder and a DIGIC 6 image processor producing high quality still imagery - just a few among many other functions. The Powershot G16 has a large LCD monitor for live view monitoring,playback and simple menu navigation. What really makes this compact stand out, is its high speed AF system that helps to maintain sharpness in all shooting conditions.

Price: R5966 Stockist: http://www.kalahari.com/

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Sandhurst:

How the other half lives

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH ONE OF THE MOST AFFLUENT SUBURBS IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH STEPHEN PELLERADE AS YOUR GUIDE, THE CEO OF THE PELLERADE DESIGN GROUP

R 38 million, Marketed by Pam Golding Properties, agent Louis Green

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orbes recently reported on the listing of New York’s most expensive house for sale, at an eyepopping $130 million. Typically the most expensive NYC properties are situated on the Upper East River, north of 60th to 69th streets, but this trophy home is located in midtown Manhattan. “The Residence”, as it is called, covers some 5 800m2 sprawled over five floors. It is essentially the largest single family home in the city, and also the fourth most expensive home for sale in the United States. This makes for interesting parallels to high-end properties in South Africa. Nettleton Road in Clifton, Cape Town, is often cited as the address of the most expensive homes in the country. Yet Sandhurst, in Sandton Johannesburg, ranks as the wealthiest suburb with the costliest real estate. It is featured regularly in the media for staggering sale prices over the R60 million mark.

EVERYONE WHO IS ANYONE Named after the town of Sandhurst in Berkshire, England, its salubrious streets bear testament to thoroughly English names such as Eton, Harrow and Oxford. Undoubtedly one of the main factors for the suburb’s allure is the low density of the area. Another is its close proximity to Sandton’s “golden triangle” encompassing Sandton City, the Michelangelo and the rapidly expanding Sandton CBD. Top private schools such as St Davids, St Stithians and Kingsmead are also within easy travelling distance. Quite simply, the residents of Sandhurst read as a veritable “who’s who” of moguls and movers-and-shakers. Foreign business tycoons, both European and from the African continent, are also attracted to the suburb. It has the highest multi-millionaire population density in the country according to research from WealthInsight. Coronation Road and Oxford Avenue are the most exclusive streets in Sandhurst. There are few cluster developments, with sell from R14 million up to R100 million. most homes set on large properties. Clusters range from R10 million to in excess of R35 million. Estate agents specialising in Sandhurst will tell you that there is a shortage of Quite interestingly there are viewsite stock. Buyers are in two categories: those properties in Sandhurst. Obviously wanting new mansions, usually on larger attracting higher prices, these northgrounds; and then the buyers looking sloping ervens provide superb views for luxury clusters. Finding brand new to the north and west towards the homes for sale on an acre or two is Magaliesberg. First prize are the southalmost impossible. With the high cost of entry stands which allow homes to be land in Sandhurst, one needs developers placed advantageously to take in these with deep pockets and strong financial views, and letting in the sunshine into constitutions. Generally, existing homes entertainment areas and bedrooms.

Nestled within Sandhurst is the worldrenowned Saxon Hotel and Spa. Covering six hectares of hugely valuable land; it was witness to history within its cosseted walls as it became home to Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison. It was during this time that South Africa’s former President used the serene setting of this hotel to edit his autobiography: Long Walk to Freedom. Today, at any given time, one could easily bump into the likes of Shakira and Bill Clinton enjoying the home-fromhome pampering that the Saxon is well known for.

Solid timber flooring and decks installed with workmanship guarantees â&#x20AC;˘ French oak ďŹ&#x201A;ooring sealed with Rubio Monocoat Oil available in 53 colours

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IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS What separates the homes of the rich and famous from the norm are the “extravagant necessities” that come with these trophy properties. It’s these musthaves that affluent home owners come to expect that result in high price tags. For example, one newly constructed home in Sandhurst, which is architecturally inspired by the Aaron Spelling mansion in California, has its own private bowling alley. Often referred to as “superhomes”, these fantastic new residences are not unlike private boutique hotels for their well-heeled and well-travelled owners. And Sandhurst is their Grand Central! Private cinemas, spas, hair-salons, and gymnasiums are a few of the luxe amenities that can be found within these homes. There are a few architectural designers that specialise in these trophy homes, which can take up to three years to finish, usually with a highly skilled team of architects, interior architects, interior designers, landscapers, electrical and structural engineers to assist. Creating the ultimate lifestyle for affluent owners may also require a modicum of psychology and fashion sense. One architect who recently completed a new Sandhurst home, explained that the owners need to have an additional dressing room off their hair salon. Also a lift had to be placed close by with direct access to the basement parking for 22 cars. Apparently the wife and three daughters, having had their hair and make-up completed; would get dressed in ball-gowns, and then required immediate access to the limousine that would ferry them to the Sandton Convention Centre. Many Sandhurst homes have both

R 45 million, Marketed by Sothebys Lew Geffen, agent Daniella Apteker

indoor and outdoor pools, which of course are heated. Squash courts are popular, as are fully equipped gymnasiums with steam rooms, and saunas. Spas feature massage rooms, oxygen therapy tanks and flotation pools. Very often these private family sanctuaries are modelled on those found on the owners’ travels; such as at the Bulgari and Armani hotels. Home cinemas are to be expected; and are usually found with individual seating or arranged more casually with sofas and chaises. One home actually has a “movies foyer” with café-type seating, as well as popcorn and slushy machines. Kitchens are often split between “show” and “working” sections, almost duplicating the appliances and work surfaces. Formal dining rooms just seem to be getting larger (or longer) with one Sandhurst home boasting a 7m-long walnut dining table.

All New Fabri FABRI DESIGN STUDIO IS NOW FABRI! To coincide with the 30-year celebration of the FABRI group, Fabri Design Studio, the Portuguese interior design brand based in South Africa, is changing its name.

Beirut Project

Started in 2011 and belonging to FABRI group, which is one of the most renowned Portuguese brands in kitchen design, the former Fabri Design Studio will now be FABRI. With the new name comes a new logo and global signature statement, “Design & Attitude “ but valued customers can still expect the same quality service and products that have become synonymous with FABRI.

Leading ladies definitely require expansive dressing rooms. Apart from separate dressing areas, it is not unusual to find the fairer sex enjoying spaces in excess of 80m2. Cabinetry designers need to be up-to-speed with specific compartments for Birkins (separating floppy from the stand-alone handbags), as well as scarves, jewellery, belts and sunglasses. The latest smart home technology is paramount with these superhomes. Not simply content with controlled lighting and music; these larger properties often feature the latest energy-saving and efficiency devices. Pools that are filled up automatically, “home” and “party” moods, electric curtains and blinds to name a few. It is little wonder that Sandhurst is a magnate for those fortunate enough to have made it big. With that comes the trappings and luxuries associated with the homes and lifestyles within this wealthy enclave.

About FABRI FABRI was founded in Portugal in 1984 and since then its products have become a symbol of quality. FABRI furniture pieces combine design, functionality and innovation – values that are a result of an intense and constant research activity.

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A D V E R T O R I A L

Montblanc and the luxury of leather When it comes to leather goods, Montblanc is synonymous with quality, and this year’s launch of the Extreme Collection is certain to bring the brand even more followers.

There’s something about leather that makes men walk taller, and women the envy of their friends. It’s one of those luxury items that turns heads – and luxury is something the Montblanc brand does extremely well. The brand’s exquisite July launch of its new Extreme Collection would have you nodding in agreement. Montblanc is widely recognised for its exquisitely crafted pens and timepieces, but since 1926 its artisans have been crafting leather goods too. In 1935 the company opened a leather workshop in Offenbach, Germany, to create a collection of writing-related items, from penholders to notebooks – items that are as timeless as their pens and watches. The leather range now includes briefcases, handbags, iPad covers, cellphone holders and bespoke men’s jewellery. Recognising the importance of blending the experience it had achieved over 80 years with the knowledge and skills of Europe’s best leather craftsmen, in 2006 Montblanc established a leather-crafting facility in the historical centre of the Italian leather trade. The Montblanc Pelletteria centre for excellence in leather craftsmanship is located in Scandicci, on the outskirts of Florence, and combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology and timeless design to deliver top-quality leather items. Reinforcing itself as a brand of choice for luxury leather goods, Montblanc’s July launch of the Extreme Leather Collection was a stunning affair at the historic Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, attended by Montblanc brand ambassador Hugh Jackman. The popular actor was looking very suave and sporting a beard and moustache for his new acting role as Blackbeard in the upcoming movie, Pan. Jackman admits to being a huge fan of the new Extreme Collection.

Montblanc brand ambassador, Hugh Jackman

Montblanc International CEO Jérôme Lambert and Hugh Jackman

A D V E R T O R I A L

For the modern businessman who has self-confidence and style

This year Montblanc celebrates the 90th anniversary of its iconic Meisterstück pen, and a new line of leather goods has been created to match the timeless beauty of the writing instruments. The Meisterstück Soft Grain range is available in black and beige. The products comprise soft grain leather with a sensual natural touch and are available in a series of briefcases, messenger and tote bags, and accessories such as wallets, business card and passport holders. Contemporary in its design, the Meisterstück Soft Grain line offers additional technical functions like cases for smartphones and tablets for Apple and Samsung, which marry extra-slim design and fine finishing with protective mouldings. True to the brand’s attention to detail, metallic buckles come in shiny palladium while snowcap emblems are cast in precious resin. Launched at the end of 2013, the Meisterstück Tuscany Collection has been crafted from buffalo leather. In addition to its strength and robustness – symbolising the animal – buffalo leather adds extraordinary suppleness and sensuality, making it a rare pleasure to touch and to hold. Furthermore, every skin is unique, revealing an entirely individual pattern of natural marks and creases. The collection includes 11 products. Among the highlights are a slim hand-held document case and a cross-body envelope bag designed for the modern businessman who has the self-confidence and style to team the rugged, natural look of buffalo leather with a formal business suit during the week and laid-back chinos at the weekend. The deceptively spacious document case boasts two inner compartments with several pockets, as well as a large zippered pocket on the outside, while the neat envelope bag, which comes on an adjustable canvas shoulder strap, has a zippered outside pocket and an array of smaller inside pockets. Complementing these designs is the classic Montblanc double gusset briefcase – its elegant fusion of form and function makes it a perennial best-seller. An array of small leather goods, notably wallets, a business card holder and a passport holder, completes this collection. All the pieces are lined in jacquard fabric with the emblematic ‘M’ motif, which is engraved on the nib of the iconic Meisterstück fountain pen.

A D V E R T O R I A L

Keeping pace with technology Renowned for its timeless pieces, Montblanc also offers luxury accessories for cellphones – Meisterstück covers are suitable for both iPhones and iPads. The protective covers, made from the famous Meisterstück leather, are highly coveted accessories among business people, technology enthusiasts and those on the move. With the emergence of tablets, Montblanc has developed a case to hold these masterpieces of technology with style and effortless elegance. The slim case comes in Meisterstück black leather and is compatible with the iPad. Each piece features the Montblanc star, the brand΄s emblem inspired by the snow-capped peak of Europe΄s highest summit – Mont Blanc. The star-shaped symbol has become synonymous with timeless excellence and pioneering perfection.

Men’s fine jewellery In tune with the modern man who enjoys wearing statement pieces to enhance an elegant look, Montblanc continues to add to its Men’s Fine Jewellery Collection. Highlighting the success of new precious metals combined with leather, woven bracelets offer masculine sophistication, refinement and a contemporary feel with their unconventional details. A truly versatile piece to be worn with a formal or a casual look, the woven bracelet has become one of Montblanc΄s most iconic and coveted items in the men΄s range. It offers a combination of navy blue calf leather enhanced with a motif interpreting Montblanc΄s iconic three rings in an unusual combination of sterling silver and red gold. A second version comes in black leather and red gold with a black ruthenium finish for a contrasting effect.

The artistry of the Pelletteria craftsmen is challenged with the development of every new collection, requiring the delicate balance of traditional craftsmanship and creative innovation. No doubt Montblanc’s distinguished followers are looking forward to September’s launch of the Extreme Collection.

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A U T O M O T I V E

Seoul power OUR MOTORING JOURNALIST WALKS US THROUGH THE EVOLUTION OF KIA AND HYUNDAI By Damian Murphy

Kia Sportage

o one can deny the massive revolution that Kia and Hyundai have gone through over the last few years. Their models have evolved from shoeboxes with wheels, to elegant motor vehicles that catch the eye of fellow road users. The truth behind their fantastic turnaround was a simple bit of recruiting genius: they took the chief designer from a famous German brand, offered him an opportunity he couldn’t refuse, and the rest is history. Kia and Hyundai are intrinsically linked, and although they are separate companies, they do their part to drive Korean motor manufacturing to the next level. If you look at the back of a Kia key, it says ‘Hyundai Motor Company’, and underneath the shell of the cars, they share many similar components. We were lucky enough to test both Kia’s Sportage and Hyundai’s iX35. The 2014 versions of the two Korean SUVs, although strikingly similar, are vastly different.

KIA SPORTAGE The Kia is a good-looking car, and when the iX35 and the Sportage initially relaunched a few years ago with their new slick designs, the Kia was quite rightly the more popular choice. Had it not launched so long after the first new-age iX35, we can’t help but imagine that the Kia would be the only Seoul SUV that we would see on the road. The old Sportage was fantastic, and the new Sportage is no different. In fact, the new Sportage doesn’t seem any different from the previous version. It still drives smoothly and offers plenty of space and comfort for the whole family. The Sportage is practical and the diesel version that we tested was very economical. The nippy engine is handy around town and offers certainty when squeezing in and out of traffic. The

gearbox has seamless shifting, so you really can just turn the key, put the radio on and drive off into the sunset happy as the day you bought your car. The diesel engine is fabulous! It has grunt as diesel engines normally do, but put head to head with a German counterpart, the Kia wouldn’t win a drag race. The Kia offers the driver plenty of internal comforts too: climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse-camera and a really good sound system. Kia has invested plenty of effort in creating something that puts the driver at the forefront, and when you buy a Sportage at the very attractive price of R321,995, could you really want anything else? Who cares what the Germans can do, when you compare the bang for your buck you get from this Korean bombshell? The Sportage is a pound for pound champion.

A U T O M O T I V E

Hyundai iX35

HYUNDAI IX35 Unlike the Sportage, the iX35 is almost a brand new car. The Kia needed very little refinement from the previous to the current version, but there were just too many teething issues with the first generation of the face-lifted iX35. Some that spring to mind the fact that the lights didn’t switch off when you got out of the car; actually they don’t even let you know they are still on, with a simple beep. The old engine was sluggish and struggled to deliver enough power to move the mammoth SUV with any vigour. The design of the old version, although a vast improvement on anything Hyundai has ever produced before, lacked that spark to make people fall instantly in love with it. This is where we are very happy to sing the praises of the brand new iX35. Hyundai took everything we found wrong with the first version and perfected it. The iX35 drives beautifully and the petrol engine delivered great vooma. The instant gratification you get from the Hyundai’s petrol engine is riveting and while the thrust of petrol isn’t quite that of the diesel, the ride is swift and smooth. Although the iX35 is a big and bulky SUV, it does drive like a small town

car. Inside the Hyundai, the driver and passengers are cocooned in an environment that is five-star luxurious, matched with big family practicality. Everything in the iX35 seems to have a place and a purpose within arm’s reach of the driver. The steering wheel controls can operate most of the Hyundai’s everyday systems like the Bluetooth, radio and cruise control, and what you can’t operate from the steering wheel is controllable through the impressive interactive media control system. Like the Kia, the iX35 is attractively priced at R319,900. Again, when you weigh it up to what you get for the

money you pay, you cannot deny the fact that the value-for-spend is beyond impressive. Trying to decide which one of these two Korean superstars is better, is like trying to pick your favourite child when you have twins. They are both incredibly good value, they are both incredibly attractive and they are both better than you would imagine when you compare Korean cars to European cars. All we can suggest to those interested in buying an iX35 or a Sportage is go with the one you think looks better. And with all things beauty related, it’s in the eye of the beholder – you.

E D I T O R I A L

Kaya FM celebrates TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S MONTH IN AUGUST, AS WELL AS THE 17TH ANNIVERSARY OF KAYA FM, THE BRAND HAS EMBARKED ON AN EXCITING SOCIAL CAMPAIGN THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE EVOLUTION OF A WOMAN IN OUR SOCIETY. WITH A CLEAR FOCUS ON THE PRESENCE OF WOMEN ON RADIO, THE STATION HAS OPENED ITS AIR WAVES WITH MORE COMMERCIAL TIME SLOTS DEDICATED TO FEMALES IN ITS LINE-UP.

oday, women have adapted into roles that encourage their growth, strength and insight.

Development into a number of different media spaces has not always been possible for women, when early technology in communication were delivered, the only option for women to be involved in communication was through wireless telegraphy between travelling ships and their ground stations. As time went on, as radio expanded to using voice and sound, so did the role of the women in the industry.

balance being a mother, news presenter; wife and business woman, all while sharing insights into topics such as relationships, health, sexuality and home life. Her relationship with her listeners is important to her and encourages her audience to call in with any home related issues that they need to discuss.

perseverance and dedication it takes to sustain her role, not only as a powerful business woman, but as a role model to her colleagues and women in the community. “My wish for women in the world is to be able to be free without fear of criticism or prejudice; this will allow them to be the best they can be in any field they wish to embark on. The world is ever changing in terms of how we communicate and women are at the very core of this change.”

Like in the days of Radio Bop, the first commercial black station in then Bophuthatswana women were seen as equals within the broadcast sphere and were given the opportunity to have their voices heard. When other stations were not allowed to play banned songs by artists like Miriam Makeba and Stevie Wonder innovative Radio Bop staffed by talented female presenters such as Thuli Moagi and our own Brenda Sisane gave these artists airplay and prominence. Today, in South Africa we are given an improved variety of strong male and female presence on the radio. Even though the medium of radio is a male dominated space, the content they talk about on a daily basis appeals to women. Kaya FM is aware of the importance of woman in broadcasting and is sharing their dynamism and energy this Woman’s month to remind women about the internal strength they inhabit to overcome any difficulty. Mapaseka Mokwele presents Home with Mapaseka between 7pm and 8pm from Monday to Thursday. She manages to

Mapaseka Mokwele

Kuli Roberts is the co-host with Bob Mabena on 180 with Bob. The show broadcasts every morning from Monday to Friday between 6am and 9am. Kuli who may have positioned herself as a flamboyant media persona offers a strong female presence to the show expressing opinions that many women dread to articulate in an outspoken style inspiring woman to always speak up. Linda Reddy, the chief operating officer, has become an approachable figure in the internal and external areas of Kaya FM. She identifies with being a woman in media and welcomes the

Kuli Roberts

The World Show with Nicky Blumenfeld brings the globe to her on air platform in The World Show. Her 16h00-22h00 show is one of the flagship music shows at Kaya which is a gateway for many young Afropolitan listeners’ seeking a global music experience, key to the new trajectory for the Station and its new

E D I T O R I A L

wave of listener. Nicky B’s involvement and commitment to arts and culture in South Africa helps with the cultural developmental aspect of her music show. She has pioneered the public art movement in South Africa and abroad, using the street and public spaces as her canvas. With over 70 public art works to her name, Nicky is a firm believer in promoting substance and awareness in her works.

kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. I love this quote because it just reminds us that as woman we are at the core; to be a mean girl is not within us as its very unnatural,” she expresses.

a new time slot, but to grow in numbers. Toko as she is affectionately called by her listeners believes in celebrating Woman’s Day as it inspires women to want to change the world. “Grandmothers and mothers tend to put people before them all the time,” she says. “We need to take a moment for ourselves as we often do not get the chance every day,” adds Toko. “She enjoys radio as a platform to share her voice, especially in a male driven industry.”

Nonn Botha Nicky Blumenfeld

Brenda Sisane heads up the Art of Sunday and enjoys the culture, arts and heritage presented on the show. Matching her soothing voice with her seductive tunes, she has become a companion to her listeners. She brings radio alive with her dynamic insight into the creative arts. She is able to find freedom in the music she plays and the interviews she conducts. She has an insightful understanding of how the creative industry works and ensures her listeners receive material that is sincere, honest and unique. Nonn Botha heads up weekly features that span the various music niches enjoyed by our audiences such as Motown Monday and Live Thursday. Late night radio has been single handily changed by this radio gem that enjoys engaging with her audience in an authentic and charming way. She brought the live and unplugged element to show, Nonn states that there are too few opportunities for young talented musicians and she hopes that Live Thursday (which happens once a month) will catapult many budding unsigned artists to stardom. When asked what being a woman means to her in modern times, she best relates with the words by Audrey Hepburn - “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips; speak only words of

Nonn will be sharing part of her time this Woman’s Month spending time at the Rahima Moosa Women & Children’s hospital with pregnant ladies talking about the benefits of healthy eating. “I will also be spending time with young radio girls I mentor,” says Nonn. On the 1st of August, the radio station will refresh the on-air line-up. The presenters will stay the same, but the time slots will shift around.

Linda Nzuzo

Linda Nzuzo will take over from George Manyosi the show promises to be fun and something different and fresh to the Kaya Life. The other shows will air normal and will not be affected by the takeovers or different time slots. To celebrate the Stations 17th anniversary, Kaya FM has taken on several initiatives to promote the growth, respect and love for the brand. At the beginning of August, the stations plans to toast with their colleagues and listeners to another year of authentic content and engagement with their audience, as The Home of the Afropolitan.

The introduction last year of The Home Straight, a sport speciality show coanchored by Mmabasotho Meyer is a round-up of all Sporting Codes matches and results. South Africans are a sport loving nation and it is an imperative to have sport in the line-up, with a dedicated hour to focus on all elements Tokoloho Ramapepe of sporting life. Sotho explained that her love for football was her entry Tokoloho Ramapepe, who usually hosts point to the world of sport. She says the The Early Morning Shake up show, is now landscape may still be male dominated taking over the time slot for Epic Rhythm but she embraces the challenge to be from Shane Ngwenya. Her diverse a female voice within the sporting audience will not only experience her in fraternity and on Kaya FM.

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R E V I E W

SpringTipples! WITH THE SMELL OF SPRING IN THE AIR, IT’S ONLY NATURAL FOR ONE TO HAVE DELIGHTFUL VISIONS OF LUNCHES IN THE GARDEN AND PICNICS IN THE SWEET SUNSHINE. OTHER THAN GOOD WEATHER AND GOOD FRIENDS, IT’S REQUIRED READING TO HAVE A BOTTLE OR TWO OF SOMETHING PLEASURABLE TO DRINK. WE LIST A COUPLE OF OUR FAVOURITE SPRING DRINKS…

GRAHAM BECK BLISS DEMI SEC

OUR CHOIC

GRAHAM BECK BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS   E

Top marks for this delightful sparkle! While some love it dry, there are some who don’t and this is the drink for to try! Graham Beck Bliss Demi-Sec is slightly sweet and infused with hints of butterscotch, honey and praline. It’s a perfect excuse for selfindulgence and frivolity.

BELLINGHAM THE BERNARD SERIES OLD VINE CHENIN BLANC (DGB)

FLEUR DU CAP UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY (BERGKELDER)

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

This light straw-coloured wine with green edges is made from grapes sourced from Stellenbosch and Robertson. Full bodied with hints of apricot and citrus aroma and a delectably fruity palate, it’s a must have for any light lunch.

On the palate you can expect a delicious and versatile bubbly that is made from 100% Chardonnay and combines rich creamy aromas with hints of fresh lime on the nose. Most recently the Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2008 was served as part of the lavish wedding banquet of Princess Madeleine of Sweden, proving yet again that this is indeed the fizz with five-star flair.

VERGELEGEN GVB WHITE The Vergelegen is a pale green tipple, rich and complex with a long aftertaste. With a lime blossom, grapefruit, ginger and white pepper nose, and a distinctly refined, smooth texture, the G.V.B. which stands for “grown, vinted and bottled” is best enjoyed with oysters, poultry and fish.

“The gnarled bark and weathered stems of these old bush vines are a testament to the age old saying “good things come to those who wait”. This is the apt line penned on the label of this matured Chenin Blanc which has intriguing layers of tropical fruit, peaches and cream perfectly completed by seamlessly integrated vanilla oak spice.

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S O C I A L

P A G E S

Proudly brought to you by ON THE 4TH JUNE 2014, AT KATZY’S IN ROSEBANK, IT WAS THE TURN OF AFRO-POP ARTIST NTANDO TO HEAT UP THE STAGE WITH SOME SOULFUL WINTER WARMERS. BROUGHT TO YOU BY BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY IT WAS ANOTHER EPIC EVENING FULL OF GOOD MUSIC AND AWESOME PRIZES COURTESY OF OUR VALUED SPONSORS.

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NOT FOR SALE TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

A D V E R T O R I A L

Professional women, PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN CORPORATE SA, HAVE ACCESS TO SOME POWER AND MUST REFLECT ON THE USE OF SUCH POWER. ARE WE CHANGING OUR WORKING WORLD OR MERELY INTERPRETING IT? DO WE REFLECT ON THE CHALLENGES PLACED UPON US AT THIS TIME BECAUSE OF THE GIFT BY PREVIOUS GENERATIONS WHO FOUGHT FOR WHERE WE ARE TODAY?

f we do not realize the challenges we are facing – being seduced by “exceptionalism” and women used to “other” their own; male chauvinism where women emancipation is a faint chorus sung only by a few women and a handful of men; believing that we cannot change the status quo without the express permission of those in power; believing that the corporate language is sacrosanct and we have no power to change it - we run the risk of complacency and thus failing to bring our experiences and heritage as women to bear on the evolution of the corporates. We must understand that power and positions cannot become an end in themselves. We have a duty to deepen the transformation in our corporates such that we improve on that which we will pass on to the next generations.

HERITAGE, PRIVILEGE AND THE BIRTH OF RESPONSIBILITY I salute the many women who pioneered this journey. Because of their sacrifices, many of us dare to declare the corporate world as our space and home as much as it is for males. Their heroic life is our heritage. This heritage comes with some privileges for me and other women: being educated in a country where many a young girl, especially in rural areas barely finish high school with some dropping out at first year tertiary level. Others have graduated and yet are treated as excess to the needs of our economy. We are also privileged because there is a force of history populated by the lives of women in the triumphant struggle for our sake that propels us into the future. We have a gift from our heritage that we must treasure, for us, our current generation and also for posterity. I do sincerely hope that my generation’s contribution will advance this gift. Tantaswa Fubu This heritage, privilege and responsibility means therefore that ours is not to simply admire power and be overawed by it. We must use our power to transform our places of work. We cannot afford to transform only when it is possible, when it is politically correct to do so, when we are accommodated and allowed. We cannot continue as a society to co-opt a few into the boards for the sake of scorecards. We, as women, cannot allow ourselves to continue being guests in the corporates. The current situation is not divinely ordained and thus must change.

Let us find new language and metaphors that reflect our presence in every sphere of the corporate world. Let us rebel against the notion that to be accepted as a woman you must deny the fact and experience of being woman. Let us realize that we are not ‘supporting actors” but rather “starrings” and “co-starrings” just like everybody. Let us redefine success to include a woman – let us have an image of a pregnant CEO of a listed company giving true credence to the fact that we do in fact birth the nations!

C O L U M N

Taking back

the rainbow BY ALYN ADAMS

the homophobic colonial laws in the statute books. Now there’s an even more Draconian law to replace the last one, and with President Museveni looking to distract his electorate from several real problems, “the homosexual menace” has been built into a scare-tactic that rivals die swart gevaar. The result, predictably, has been a rapid increase in the demonisation, abuse, assault and murder of gay Ugandans.

n my last column, I wondered if advertising put the rainbow into the rainbow nation. It seemed to tip me into a rainbow groove, because along came Gay Pride Month – commemorating 45 years since that seminal moment of resistance on 27 June 1969: the Revolutionary Hurling of a Parking Meter through the Front Window of the Blessed Stonewall Bar, and the Great Stamping of Police Insteps with Stilettos that Followed (as it’s described in the gay history books). And bang on time for the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, along came Pastor Scott Lively of the USA, endorsing a song called The Rainbow Belongs To God – it’s on Youtube, if you’d like a giggle. Pastor Scott has a curious bug – or perhaps a bi-curious bug – up his... ahem, nose about homosexuality. However, he’s not doing well shilling his particular brand of pay-for-pray around his native land. It appears that the majority of Americans have stumbled upon the Enlightenment (pretty good going, after only 300 years), so they’re not buying the Bronze-Age theocracy Pastor Scott is peddling. So Pastor Scott skipped off to someone else’s native land – namely, Uganda – where his ministry won many converts with lurid tales of cunning lesbians and homosexuals trying to recruit their children. I think he’s confusing gay rights activists with evangelists and armies – they’re the ones who recruit children willy-nilly.

The LGBTI community is a leetle more exclusive – you do have to apply. Only after a rigorous selection and examination programme, do you get your licence to practise. That’s where we get the term “practising homosexual” from – and you know what Gary Player says about practice: “The more I practise, the luckier I get.” Indeed. Anyway, the upshot of Pastor Scott’s unAfrican meddling has been increased hysteria in a country that once had a fairly tolerant, laissez-faire attitude to

THE RAINBOW BELONGS TO GOD – IT’S ON YOUTUBE, IF YOU’D LIKE A GIGGLE. PASTOR SCOTT HAS A CURIOUS BUG – OR PERHAPS A BI-CURIOUS BUG – UP HIS... AHEM, NOSE ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY.

Mind you, this is the same Uganda whose UN representative, Africa has decided, will be the next secretary general of that organisation, so it’s not like any of us Africans can point fingers. The tendency to give made-up moral issues precedence over the human rights of actual, flesh-and-blood humans is hardly exclusive to Uganda. We may not be raping and murdering lesbians ourselves, but with every dyke joke, with every, “Yes, but religious beliefs have to be respected,” with every, “You don’t see anyone throwing a Straight Pride parade,” we make ourselves complicit. So, happy Women’s Month to us all. Perhaps men can celebrate it by being civil to women –all women, whether or not there’s a chance of leg-over. Especially when there’s no chance of legover, actually – I’m sure straight women will appreciate it, too. And BTW, Pastor Scott, the rainbow is an optical illusion caused by the interaction of different wavelengths of light with the refractive index of water droplets. For a rainbow not to have existed before Noah’s flood, and then be “created” after it, would require an alteration of the fundamental physics of the universe at that point. I’m not saying it’s impossible; I’m just saying that as miracles go, I’d give it more press that parting seas or changing water into wine. Perhaps the rainbow belongs to science, which shows it proper respect.

@alyndenzel www.alynadams.com

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