The Afropolitan Edition 44

EDITION 44

BUSINESS

Shock advertising!

Does it work?

CULTURE

Bucket list legacy

What SA celebs will leave their kids ISSN 1993-9655 • RSA R30.00 incl VAT (Other Countries R26.50 excl VAT)

LUXURY

On Board ‘The World’ Live, work, play at sea CURRENT AFFAIRS

EDITION 44

CIRCUMCISION Mountains of Death!

SAVING TRADITION, SAVING OUR KIDS PLUS: GLAMPING - THE NEW CAMPING | TWITTER'S MORTAL POWER www.afropolitan.co.za

The Infiniti Q50

EDITION 44

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Photo by Save a child.

SaveDingeman a Nation! Rijken

Is anyone up for the challenge?

READER’S EXPERIENCE #IAmWho?

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BUSINESS

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BUSINESS

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LIFESTYLE

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BUSINESS

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ON THE COVER

EDITOR’S LETTER

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28 32

Does it work?

The Shock Factor

Performance Management Redefined

Seven of Africa’s Brightest Stars

Mountains of Death

LIFESTYLE When did you last?

CURRENT AFFAIRS Black Lives Matter

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CULTURE

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LIFESTYLE

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

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LUXURY

Tsotsi in the Boardroom Isaac Mophatlane

CURRENT AFFAIRS

CULTURE

Bucket list legacy

What SA celebs will leave their kids

EDITION 44

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BUSINESS

Shock advertising!

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

Contents

EDITION 44

52 58

LUXURY

On Board ‘The World’ Live, work, play at sea CURRENT AFFAIRS

CIRCUMCISION Mountains of Death!

SAVING TRADITION, SAVING OUR KIDS PLUS: GLAMPING - THE NEW CAMPING | TWITTER'S MORTAL POWER www.afropolitan.co.za

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LIFESTYLE

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LIFESTYLE

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CULTURE

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LIFESTYLE

Steyn City

From Steyn City to Rio in 2016

New Year’s Traditions

The Season for Giving!

Bucket List Legacy

Wills: The Grim Reaper of Financial Planning!

The Fading Rainbow

The World. Our Playground

LUXURY Most Expensive Properties

LUXURY Waterfall Estate: Home Redefined.

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CULTURE

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LUXURY

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LIFESTYLE

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LIFESTYLE

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Adoption

Glamping

Raw Power

AfroNights

COLUMN Collateral Damage

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EDITOR Brendah Nyakudya

Editors letter

CONTRIBUTORS Alyn Adams Belinda Lubbe Cath Jenkins Damian Murphy Hazel Booth Heather Clancy Michelle Randall Stacey Vee Zoë Hinis

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Here's to another year!

Can you believe we are heading towards another year-end? It seems the older one gets the faster the time slips away!

Well as you head into the holiday season and enjoy time off with family and friends take a copy of The Afropolitan and enjoy what we have compiled for you. We have put together a myriad of stories that will not only give you food for thought, but also food for the soul.

We have scoured the corners of the continent for some feel good stories celebrating Africa’s winners, from BCX’s chairman Isaac Mophatlane to South Africa’s first black Paralympian hopeful dressage rider Tamsin Mbatsha Bouwer! We hope this insight into the other, more positive, side of our continent will end your year off with a smile and rejuvenate you for the new year.

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On a lighter note we find out more from our favourite personalities about when they last engaged in the little things in life!

All this and more in the current edition of The Afropolitan!

@brendahnyakudya @AfropolitanMag Facebook: TheAfropolitanMagazine

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#IAmWho?

So what is Heritage day?

By Nonsikelelo Shara

In a rather failed attempt to appeal to the notion of a “rainbow Stellenbosch University” the #IamStellenbosch movement, launched on the eve of Heritage Day, involved students holding up pieces of paper with statements scribbled on them about their identities. These proclamations were aimed at disarming the stereotypes associated with these identities.

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The university of Stellenbosch is ranked highly among African Universities but is also notoriously known for segregation amongst its black and white students.

During the campaign, the pieces of paper featured statements such as “ I am Afrikaans but I listen to rap music” unconsciously meant to prove that cultural appreciation or assimilation automatically make one

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Is South Africa actually celebrating cultural diversity and adhering to the notion of a rainbow nation?

R E A D E R S

E X P E R I E N C E

Image to the left Stellenbosch student holding up placard for #IamStellenbosch campaign

immune to racism or to at least attain a “Not racist” badge on their sleeve. This caused much social media unrest amongst Black Twitter!

Amongst these were some black people who also held up placards, which read the following:

The challenge here is to fully transform into a rainbow nation

• I am Non-White And Prefer My Classes In Afrikaans.

• I Am A South African Before I Am Sesotho.

• I Am Non-White And I Am Afrikaans.

• I Am Coloured And Do Not Fully Understand Apartheid.

This campaign I found was especially worrisome during the time we were celebrating Heritage Day. It disturbed me because all the above statements, which were made by black people, felt like they were separating themselves from their culture and blackness. First by calling themselves “non-white”, and secondly by attempting to dilute who they were by aligning themselves to the majority.

This campaign also made me look at Heritage Day differently. As black people what then is your heritage if you dont see yourself as black or as MoSotho? If you dont fully understand apartheid then what history are you celebrating when it comes to Heritage Day. As black people we are for the most part made to “other” ourselves in order to fit into the bigger, whiter picture we were reluctantly assimilated into in the early nineties. And when we do this well enough we get one day a year where we can be our full African selves and take some pride in it. If Heritage Day is the one day that I get to be Xhosa, who the hell am I meant to be the other 364 days... non-white?

At this point we should be putting down our boerie rolls at the daunting realisation of the vagueness of what we are actually celebrating. So how does one celebrate a holiday that amplifies cultural diversity in a country that finds the different cultures an abrasion and an irritation? It comes as no surprise that the holiday has been re-branded as “National Braai day” as it was false to claim that the nation was celebrating diversity when the only thing that brings South Africans together is a braai.

To quote the psychologist Metacalfe from her presentation entitled ‘Pluralism in education’ in 1996: “They have not begun to fully engage the challenge of creating a new identity” The challenge here is to fully transform into a real rainbow nation. There are too many black and white lines that continue to taint our rainbow. Lines that were supposed to have been painted over in previous struggles were left incomplete. And so to the younger generation I say put down the boerie roll and beer and get the paintbrushes out, there is still a lot of work to be done on the rainbow.

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Image courtesy of FABRICA

F E AT U R E

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B U S I N E S S

The Shock Factor What is the bottom line?

What is the purpose of shock advertising, and does it actually increase sales?

By Michelle Randall

Image courtesy of James Mollison

It’s been a tough couple of months in terms of shocking imagery. The (now) iconic photograph of Aylan Kurdi’s small body washed ashore off the coast of Turkey has dominated our newsfeeds and put into stark perspective the world’s largest humanitarian crisis in recent history. No matter which side of the migrant-versus-refugee fence you stand on, it’s impossible to look at the emotionally charged image of the Syrian toddler and feel nothing. Which begs the question: do we, in the age of information, need to be shocked in order to feel?

The idea that we have become numbed by the cluttered frenzy of instant information is what forms the basis behind shock advertising.

‘Shockvertising’, as it’s colloquially called, is a type of advertising that deliberately startles and offends its audience by violating social norms and personal values through the use of graphic or emotive imagery and nopunches-pulled slogans. Designed to break through the clutter to capture attention, create brand awareness or spotlight social issues, this form of high-impact advertising is often controversial. In many cases, it can be explicit and ultimately disturbing.

Last year, the South African Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) pulled the plug on a controversial television commercial that depicted a black child being hand-fed treats (like a pet!) by a white woman. The Ogilvy and Mather commercial was commissioned by South African charity Feed a Child. The ad’s purpose, according to Feed a Child, was to highlight the plight of starving children using the slogan: ‘the average domestic dog eats better than millions of children’. Instead of effectively delivering the content of the message, the commercial was immediately billed as racist and caused a global outrage, even scoring coverage by CNN. While gaining an international mention would

Top image Benetton Food for stability campaign Image on opposite page Angela Merkel & Nicolas Sarkozy

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B U S I N E S S

this form of high-impact advertising is often controversial normally be considered a win, in this case, the Feed a Child commercial hit all the wrong notes – and is a bleak example of how shock advertising walks a very fine line between communicating with the market and offending people.

The challenge for marketers using shock advertising is that everything depends on consumer reaction. Based on this alone, shock advertising might be an absolute success, or a complete failure. According to Innovative Marketing (Volume 10, Issue 2, 2014), marketing literature identifies three main consumer reactions to advertising: target consumer response (in which the consumer behaves in the way prompted by the advert – they buy the product), incidental consumer response (in which the consumer reacts in a way that the advertiser did not anticipate – they choose to buy the same product from a competing company with a less shocking advert), and last, reverse consumer response (also known as the ‘boomerang effect’, in which the consumer, at best, does not show any interest in the product at all, or at worst, is put off the product entirely by the ad’s shock factor).

It’s important to remember that despite any of these reactions, consumers’ awareness of the advertisement does not necessarily mean they will buy the product being sold. So, why all the shouting to be heard over the noise?

Perhaps the most famous of the shockvertising fraternity, Italian fashion house Benetton, raised eyebrows (and admittedly, sales) between 1990 and 2000, when it gave photographer Oliviero Toscani carte blanche to create its United Colors of Benetton campaign. This featured symbolic, poignant and jarring images that the company ultimately became famous for: a priest kissing a nun, a white infant suckling a black woman’s breast, frightened refugees clawing for food at a ship’s cargo net, and the blood-spattered and bullet-riddled uniform of a Bosnian soldier. While Toscani’s ads didn’t feature the actual products being sold, Benetton still became a household name.

In another example, the Toscani-Benetton partnership’s 1991 advert depicting a bloodied, unwashed, newborn baby, with umbilical cord still attached, sparked massive controversy and prompted more than 800 complaints to the British Advertising Standards Authority. It was even featured in the 2000 Guinness World Records as the most controversial campaign of all time.

But how does a bloodied baby sell clothes? Toscani’s defence to this, in a 2001 interview with AdAge Global, is that the level of discomfort shock advertising creates depends on who you talk to. “Personally, I think the rain is uncomfortable. But try making that argument to a fish,” Toscani is quoted as saying. “The one thing nobody can deny is that the ads worked.”

Image to the right Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Barack Obama kissing

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Image courtesy of FABRICA

B U S I N E S S a product or, in Benetton’s case, a world view.

Image courtesy of James Mollison

In a recent paper titled ‘Shock Advertising: Not So Shocking Anymore’, University of the Witwatersrand student Brandon Urwin investigates the effectiveness of shock advertising on Generation Y consumers (those born in the 1980s and early 2000s). The paper, published in the Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, explores how today’s marketers are going to extreme lengths to attract consumers’ attention, and using shockvertising to break through advertising clutter.

This is indisputable. When Toscani left Benetton in 2000, annual sales were more than 20 times greater than when he arrived. In the first year of his absence, Benetton sales declined. If you analyse why Toscani’s campaigns worked, it had little to do with the products he was selling and everything to do with tapping into an ideology that was wholly under-represented in mainstream media at the time. Benetton (and Toscani) made having an edgy social conscience a fashionable accessory, and they presented it as an art form.

“Not all advertising is art, but all art is advertising,” Toscani reportedly said, adding: “The Renaissance was just advertising for the Vatican.”

ruffled feathers across the board.

The advertisement was designed to promote a takeaway special for Freedom Day, and while it earned its fair share of complaints for being reckless and promoting violence, it was ruled as neither irresponsible nor offensive by the ASA.

Closer to home, Nando’s has made an art form out of shock advertising as comedy. South Africa’s melting pot landscape, with our sociopolitical diorama, is as susceptible to shockvertising as it is to parody. In 2005, a Nando’s television commercial took racial history and political debate by the scruff of the neck with its ‘one settler one bullet’ campaign, and

However, the most important question remains: did Cell C’s leg-humping dog, or the Nando’s Freedom Day advertisement (or any of the fast food chain’s other memorable campaigns, for that matter) serve to boost sales?

Because no matter what type of advertising is used, its base purpose remains the same. Advertising exists to sell something – be it a brand,

Similarly, a recent Cell C commercial prompted more than 100 complaints to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA). The ad, which features a small dog humping a man’s leg every time he has to pay out a sum of money, is angled towards the very obvious notion that if you’re not a Cell C customer, you are getting screwed.

Urwin’s research was undertaken by analysing three variables – level of shock, norm and memory recall – and these according to five different types of shock: impropriety, moral offensiveness, sexual references, disgusting images and religious taboos. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents for each type of shock did not remember anything about the brand or the product being sold, but simply recalled the imagery. Interestingly, the study also showed that sexual advertisements tended to be the most ineffective, compared to the other four types.

If shock advertising isn’t an effective sales tool anymore, what is? What is the golden horn that marketers need to be heard over the noise, if shouting doesn’t work? Perhaps Toscani said it best: “There are no shocking pictures, only shocking reality.” With Aylan Kurdi in mind, it’s obvious that reality is ugly enough.

I might be persuaded to buy some chicken if I’m cleverly manipulated into laughing at myself, but I’m sadly against supporting a charity that treats children (or even, in this case, a young actor) as a dog.

Nando's has made an art form out of shock advertising as comedy.

Top image Benetton Food for life campaign

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B U S I N E S S

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REDEFINED Out with the old and in with the new!

We look at the latest trend of fluid and consistent performance reviews per project, and why this shift is a move in the right direction.

By Michelle Randall

As of September this year, multinational management consulting firm Accenture scrapped its annual performance evaluation process as part of a massive revolution in internal operations. With some 330 000 employees across the globe, changing the way the company reviews employee performance is considered an epic move.

Accenture joins a growing list of major corporations in saying goodbye to the traditional performance review, or annual ratings process – a rite of corporate life that employees and managers all love to hate. Here’s why it – and others such as Adobe, Gap and General Electric – has made the shift towards more fluid performance evaluations.

When it comes to traditional performance reviews, there’s usually a long list of complaints from everyone involved. It’s a cumbersome process that wastes time and money, often tying up the human resources department in a nightmare of paper processing. Add on the fact that over the past decade the average manager or supervisor’s responsibilities have almost doubled, 14

leaving little (if not no) time available to spend on making the exercise meaningful and valuable for all concerned.

And if you take into account the likelihood that performance goals set at the beginning of the year are usually obsolete by the end of it, one begins to question whether a single (and often tense) conversation over an annual cycle serves to promote positive performance growth.

THE AGE OF INSTANT FEEDBACK If you consider the digital world we live in, we’ve become accustomed to instant feedback – whether it’s a friend liking a post on Instagram, or a comment shared on Facebook and other platforms. We want to know,

Interestingly, General Electric has joined the fray too. Its move in this direction is considered a global nod towards a more fluid style of assessing employee performance.

Given the company’s history, it’s also something of a corporate acknowledgement that the traditional forced ratings process – championed aggressively by then chief executive Jack Welch in the 1980s and 1990s – is offkey with the today’s plugged-in workforce.

Welch’s system required supervisors to assign a certain percentage of employees to high, medium and low rankings, and then brutally to cut the lowest ones.

Despite this process being mired in pitfalls such as bias, when General Electric initiated the forced rankings, at the time many companies rushed to follow Welch’s lead.

THE MAVERICK APPROACH Now, a new rush is in play, with nearly 10% of Fortune 500 companies doing away with annual ratings. As reported in the Washington Post, the Institute of Corporate Productivity – a research network that studies management practices – predicts that this number is likely to grow. Experts say that this shift is being driven by several factors. For one, the amount of data available to companies today that can chart and monitor employee performance in real-time, allows for more immediate feedback.

regularly and consistently, how we’re doing, how we’re progressing and if we’re on the right track. Nobody wants to wait a year to get that feedback.

It’s this conflict between the readily available feedback we are accustomed to in our daily lives and the tedious annual performance review cycle that places the traditional ratings process out of step with the modern workforce, especially among the younger generation.

MORE MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS By replacing the annual review process with more frequent and consistent conversations, Accenture, Gap and other companies undergoing this transition hope to create more valuable – and measurable – feedback

The concept is not a new one. In 1988, Ricardo Semler, chairman of Semco, one of Brazil’s largest conglomerates, published the bestseller Maverick. The book is essentially his autobiography, but it details his unusual management style and labour relations policies. Starting out as a manufacturing company, Semco allowed its workers to set their own production quotas. What Semler found was that employees would voluntarily work overtime to meet the goals they had set for themselves. Semler also introduced profitsharing right down to the factory floor level, in lieu of providing incentive bonuses for only employees in senior management positions.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY With technology driving the transition towards this new trend, performance management systems are being streamlined – but, at the same time, gathering even more information than before. Besides the obvious benefit of preventing the end-of-the-year paper tangle, this means that supervisors will no longer need to recall a full year’s worth of performance accomplishments or setbacks in preparation for an annual summary meeting.

It also means that employees, by receiving consistent feedback, will feel more in control of their careers, and be empowered to meet their potential.

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Images courtesy of Google Images

between managers and their teams, which will hopefully incentivise their workforce to achieve greater goals.

B U S I N E S S

General Electric's move in this direction is considered a global nod towards a more fluid style of assessing employee performance.

In addition, specially designed apps will allow companies such as Accenture to more easily track performancerelated conversations between employees and their reporting supervisors. Technology like this will even identify trouble areas, essentially removing the pitfall of human bias. This will not only give employers the chance to set up employee growth and development programmes effectively, but will provide them with a stronger legal leg to stand on when it comes to personnel decisions such as approving raises or firing staff, because all the relevant data is on record, and – more importantly – up to date.

EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE, IN REVIEW At the end of the day, having a productive workforce is what needs to take centre stage for any company.

While traditional performance evaluations might have been initiated with the goal in mind towards improving employee productivity, those in the know believe that these forced ratings are doing more harm than good in the current corporate climate.

Accenture’s move away from the annual review process was in the works for over a year, following the firm seeking feedback from its workforce about what changes 16

it could make to boost employee productivity. While General Electric has publicly stated that it will still include an annual summary meeting during the transition phase, the company’s new performance review programme has been designed to allow these yearly conversations to happen more fluidly.

It’s important to remember that your employees are human capital. Actively and consistently investing in your employees, using measurable and meaningful performance feedback, means that your company as a whole will start to see a return on its investment.

Relegated to maverick status almost three decades ago, Semler was surely onto something when he empowered his employees to set their own goals.

FACT BOX:

Despite what Jack Welch managed to achieve with the forced ratings process at General Electric in the 1990s, corporations that followed his lead haven’t necessarily saved time or money by consigning performance feedback to an annual cycle.

Given the increasing workload, the average manager spends 210 hours a year on performance reviewrelated activities, including filling out forms and giving evaluations. Deloitte, which has said it will be transforming its performance evaluation system soon, says the company was spending up to 2 million manhours per year on performance reviews.

L I F E S T Y L E

SEVEN OF AFRICA’S

BRIGHTEST STARS Frank Sinatra’s unmistakable voice blasts through the speakers at a trendy coffee shop in Braamfontein: “If I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere.”

Images courtesy of Google Images

Of course, Old Blue Eyes is singing about New York but it seems that the words ring true for Africa, too.

We explore a few stars of the continent, whose achievements in their field of passion shine like guiding lights in the night sky, illuminating the path for all Africans.

MAXHOSA BY LADUMA SOUTH AFRICA Although it was officially launched in 2011, this fashion brand was born as a solution to a much older conundrum steeped in Xhosa tradition. Put simply: “What could amakrwala (Xhosa initiates) wear for their traditionally prescribed six months of formal clothing?”

For anyone who has seen the MaXhosa by Laduma range, the solution is startling. Distilling the aesthetics of a culture, while remaining modern and fresh, MaXhosa by Laduma is a triumph for African design.

Designer and namesake Laduma Ngxokolo recently won the 2015 Vogue Italia Scouting for Africa prize to present his collections at the Palazzo Morando Show in Milan, Italy.

A Port Elizabeth native, Ngxokolo was also awarded the 2014 WeTransfer Scholarship to study masters in material futures at the prestigious Central St Martins until 2016.

On this page MaXhosa by Laduma

Also on our radar: Ubuntuism streetwear apparel and Urban Mosadi.

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L I F E S T Y L E

AMEENAH GURIB-FAKIM – MAURITIUS

PETITE NOIR – SOUTH AFRICA

But, all things considered, the easy journey was never meant for Ilunga. Born in Brussels to an Angolan mother and Congolese father, his family moved to South Africa when he was a young boy. In South Africa, it was only in his teenage years that he began to engage with the inherent racism of his schooling.

A biodiversity scientist and managing director of CIDP Research and Innovation, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is the current president of Mauritius. The first woman elected as president of this small island nation, Gurib-Fakim is only the third female president on the continent.

When asked about her historic victory, President GuribFakim said: “Oh yes, it’s very big – for Mauritius and for the continent.”

Uniquely lacking any prior political ambitions, the selfdescribed “photographer and writer of books on the flora of the tropics and medicinal plants”, Gurib-Fakim said in an interview: “I did not choose politics, politics chose me.”

Bet you didn’t know this: Gurib-Fakim has written and coedited 26 books, as well as many articles in the field of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Also on our radar: Muhammadu Buhari and January Maka.

His miseducation and subsequent re-examination of his upbringing provided a catalyst for his self-created genre. “I went in every other direction, then came back to traditional sounds,” he explained. Such a movement of belief, creatively and culturally, has piqued the attention of the likes of Solange Knowles, who featured Petite Noir on her Saint Heron compilation of experimental R&B, and Yasiin Bey, the rapper formerly known as Mos Def, who collaborated with Ilunga.

With his highly anticipated debut album, La Vie Est Belle/Life Is Beautiful, recently released and earning critical praise, Petite Noir’s journey has just begun.

Bet you didn’t know this: Noirwave even has its own flag – with the colours representing unity, blood, Africa and life.

Also on our radar: Okmalumkoolkat, Moonchild Sanelly and Riky Rick.

ATHI-PATRA RUGA – SOUTH AFRICA One can imagine that when you’re included in a Phaidon directory of more than 500 of the world’s best artists under the age of 33 – titled ‘Younger Than Jesus’ – it must create certain expectations. However, when your work expresses “the eroticism of knowledge and reconciles the dream with experience”, those expectations are swiftly suspended in favour of pure awe.

Using an eclectic blend of performance, textiles, video and printmaking to explore the border between fashion, contemporary art and performance, Ruga creates work that sears itself into your memory. Those who have been lucky enough to witness his work usually recall it as a part-dream-part-promise of an alternative world where the divide between mind and body, sensuality and intelligence, pop culture, craft and fine art is revealed to be an illusion.

Also on our radar: Bogosi Sekhukhuni, Nolan Oswald Dennis and Haroon Gunn-Salie.

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Images courtesy of Google Images

“If I were a country, I’d be right on the equator.”

That’s how Yannick Ilunga – also known as Petite Noir – describes his music, plainly unaware that most musicians don’t consider their craft on such a grand scale. However, most musicians also don’t coin their own genre (‘noirwave’) and most musicians certainly don’t experience a cosmic journey of faith, tradition and identity all before their 25th birthday.

L I F E S T Y L E

BINYAVANGA WAINAINA KENYA

Declining his Young Global Leader award from the World Economic Forum, lamenting that “it would be an act of great fraudulence for me to accept the trite idea that I am ‘going to significantly impact world affairs’”. Binyavanga Wainaina is undeniably his own man: talented, accomplished, brave and, of course, modest.

A simple biography of Wainaina might read: “Kenyan journalist, author and winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing.” However, such a biography, although impressive, neglects the nuance of Wainaina’s achievements. His glittering debut, his memoir One Day I will Write about this Place, is perhaps only overshadowed by the book’s ‘lost chapter’ – ‘I am a homosexual, mum’.

Published during the wave of anti-gay laws passed in Africa, the significance and defiance of the chapter is not lost. The founding editor of Kwani? – an East African literary magazine, which has been a springboard for several African writers – Wainaina is also a self-described “sometime satirist”, penning the essay-gone-viral ‘How to Write about Africa’.

Bet you didn’t know this: Wainaina has collected over 13 000 recipes from the continent and is an expert on traditional and modern African cuisine.

Also on our radar: Panashe Chigumadzi, Lebohang ‘Nova’ Masango and Masande Ntshanga.

VERENGAI MABIKA ZIMBABWE

KOPANO MATLWA MABASO SOUTH AFRICA

“Anton Chekhov said it best: ‘Medicine is his wife and writing his mistress.’ I don’t think I’ll ever choose between the two.” That’s how Dr Kopano Matlwa Mabaso reasons her cerebral divide. The author of two books and a medical doctor currently undertaking a DPhil (PhD) in population health at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Matlwa Mabaso’s enduring affair with her passions remarkably has not taken up all her time.

The co-founder of WREMS (Waiting Room Education by Medical Students), an organisation educating patients and their families on common health conditions in the waiting rooms of mobile clinics, Matlwa Mabaso is also the founder of Transitions Foundation, an organisation providing tutoring and mentorship to high school learners. And recently, Matlwa Mabaso co-founded an antenatal project, Ona Mtoto Wako, which won the Aspen Ideas Award 2015.

Bet you didn’t know this: Kopano cites “Oh the places you’ll go!” by Dr Seuss as one of the books that allowed her to be herself.

Word to the wise: don’t casually ask Verengai Mabika “So, what do you do?” An Ashoka Global Fellow, a Mandela Washington Fellow, Future Forward Fellow and a member of the BMW Foundation Young Leaders Forum, unbelievably, Mabika’s numerous achievements don’t end there.

Mabika who also holds several leadership positions, including leading the Internet Society (ISOC) Zimbabwe Chapter and the Zimbabwe Institute of Regional and Urban Planners (ZIRUP), sits on the technical advisory board of the Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV and AIDS, and is a member of the Zimbabwe National Manpower Advisory Council.

Founder of the Development Reality Institute (DRI), which aims to mitigate the effects of climate change in Africa, at only 35 years old Mabika is already preparing himself – and his continent – for an uncertain future. Revelling in new challenges and unknown frontiers, Mabika is also a bitcoin believer, co-founding BitFinance with the intention of providing an exchange to buy and sell bitcoins.

Also on our radar: Jason Njoku, Oluseun Onigbinde and Njeri Rionge.

Tweet us @AfropolitanMag and let us know who you think deserves the title of #AfricasBrightestStar 22

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B U S I N E S S

Tsotsi in the Boardroom

Isaac Mophatlane Inspiring. Mentoring. Succeeding!

Isaac Mophatlane is not the typical A-type character that comes to mind when one imagines the leader of a large organisation.

By Caitlin Hogg Group we have always remained active in the business.

The co-founder of Business Connexion, a company he started with his late twin brother Benjamin at age 23, Isaac is soft spoken and humble natured.

What made you decide to get into IT?

The Afropolitan spent some time with him as he shared how it all began, his opinion on BEE and what he believes is the key to success as a young entrepreneur in today’s South Africa.

To begin with, tell us your story, how did Business Connexion begin?

Business Connexion was launched in 1996. Until then my brother Ben worked for KPMG, and I was with Connect Group. I guess it was just one of those progressions that occurred after 1994 when vast opportunities in black business opened up. We were fortunate enough to secure R4million from Connect Group to start the business, a loan we subsequently repaid. The business has evolved over the past few years - it’s been quite a journey of mergers and acquisitions! While we are now part of the Telkom

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When Ben and I were at Christian Brothers’ College in Kimberley, they had BBC computers available for us to use. We caught on early; I think it was our first love. Being part of that computer club at school was the start of us loving IT. It must have been quite difficult to step up as CEO after Ben passed away - what was the process that brought that about?

When I returned to the office, the board held their own discussions about the way forward and thereafter the chairman approached me about taking over as CEO. The consideration lay with whether I was emotionally able to take on the role especially after having gone through such a trauma. But it felt like the right thing for the business. The last year of my life has been rather intense, with Ben passing on during the Telkom deal, becoming CEO and everything in between. But having

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said that, despite the challenges I’m having fun and I am getting used to no longer having a confidante or business partner.

I believe that the company has not yet reached its true potential.

Business Connexion offers a sense of hope in a context where people need role models and our presence has relevance in building a new South Africa - a concept we continue to speak about 20 years later, but it is what it is.

Undoubtedly in 1996 it must have been difficult to start your own company, particularly in the IT sector. Did you have mentors?

We received a combination of mentorship and people who gave us a chance. To get to this stage there are so many individuals to whom we owe so much for the opportunities they provided us, the leadership they showed, the advise they gave us and the leeway in allowing us to make mistakes. In any business it is difficult to have staying power. There were times when we C

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Images courtesy of Business Connexion

couldn’t pay salaries but the key was to keep moving forward. A fundamental necessity is having the right governance in place, as it is this that keeps the company together and morale high during the tough times. The fact is you cannot run a picture-perfect business. Mistakes are inevitable; but the key is to learn from them.

What are your thoughts on mentorship in the black business community, how does it differ to when you started?

I don’t differentiate according to race - I believe that a lot of successful entrepreneurs are gratuitous with their time, resources and expertise. At Business Connexion we take coaching and mentorship very seriously. We assign coaches and mentors to people in order to help them achieve the best they can. Countrywide, it seems to be happening more now than ever before. Having said that, there are those who succeed in their pursuits without mentorship, but I believe having it would have helped them make fewer mistakes in less time and achieve more.

BEE’s initial intention to ensure participation in the community by black people - do you believe it has been successful?

As a country I believe we will always have this debate - it is who we are!

There has been a level of success, however passive shareholding does not equate to meaningful participation. At Business Connexion, we have endeavoured to travel the long and hard road - you don’t become rich overnight. Team leadership and participation in really driving one’s business is required in order for BEE to be considered a more successful model.

When people don’t see meaningful change, they presume nothing is changing and that policies are failing so it is vital that the

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Isaac Mophatlane Co-founder of Business Connection

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policies implemented ensure active participation in the economy.

When more and more businesses get involved in inciting active participation we will see the demographics change.

Do you think that BEE benefits young people entering the workplace today?

Certainly, and a business like ours is a prime example. We have created opportunities for many young people to be able to participate in the economy. On reflection, I would certainly like to expand the company and be able to allow 14 000 employees to participate in this economy. A great positive for Business Connexion is being able to create employment opportunities, as well as to change the perception of how young people view the IT industry.

What would you say is the recipe for success as an entrepreneur today?

Any entrepreneur will tell you that the main ingredients are hard work, perseverance and focusing your efforts. But over and above that, we as a company believe in maintaining the highest level of ethics and surrounding ourselves with those with experience because they are the ones who will offer guidance. Keep doing what you’re doing!

What most inspires you?

Witnessing those around me succeed. Seeing people rise above their circumstances. Watching the 26

development of their self-belief. I am so inspired by a man who grasps the opportunity he has been given and acknowledges that it is not a right, but a privilege. It’s something I don’t take for granted. Where I am, someone else could be.

What to you is your greatest achievement in life thus far?

I have had so many! In my personal life it would be getting married and starting a family. In terms of work, the satisfaction of looking back on what we created and the road we have walked in making it something better. That has certainly been satisfying, however, the hard work is the achievement.

To be honest when I look at it, it has been beyond my wildest dreams!

But we have stuck to that which we know, invested in our business and our people, forged strong relationships with our customers and our technology vendors. As a business we have never lost money and the key to that is we have continued and not faltered through the good and the tough times, and hopefully it continues in the same vein for the next while. I have the same energy going into the office now as when we first started.

If you could give one piece of advice to young entrepreneurs who are trying to start their own story, what would it be?

Forget the noise around you and believe in your cause. That’s the

Failure is not the end of the world, it is a just a catalyst for future success. most important part - stick to your knitting! Whatever the business idea is, never quit trying. Failure is not the end of the world, it is a just a catalyst for future success.

I see entrepreneurs every day who share the same struggle. Those who stick to and have self-belief are the ones who succeed.

our beloved country

Mango Airlines offers affordable flights between major cities including Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban, George and Cape Town.

Durban The Zulu Kingdom offers everything from sun-swept beaches to exhilarating cultural and natural experiences. Explore the famous battlefields or visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. You could also take a rickshaw ride along the beach, browse for African beadwork or try a local bunny chow – you’re sure to leave inspired.

Port Elizabeth Much of this coastal city’s charm lies in its smaller size, but PE is anything but a sleepy town. It has beautiful beaches, enthralling game-viewing and wonderfully-preserved historic buildings in the older city. And a trip to the buzzing Boardwalk complex near the beach is an opportunity to experience life off the beaten track – a road that leads closer to you.

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Cape Town Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city, worldrenowned for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, edgy design and art. Then there’s the widely-popular Table Mountain which dominates the city, overlooking some of the world’s finest stretches of beach. From mountain-bike riding, parasailing, hiking or running, this city is a year-long thrill.

Johannesburg This is one of the most fascinating urban destinations in the world. Hop on a Red Bus Tour of the city and you’ll experience famous landmarks such as Gold Reef City, The Apartheid Museum and Newtown in a whole new way. Additionally, the rise of the inner city has made it a canvas for compelling street art, design and architecture. The Maboneng District is yet another inspiring showcase of a city reborn. Whether you find yourself deep within the Sterkfontein Caves or Johannesburg’s pulsating nightlife, you’ll find yourself.

George George is the largest town along the breathtaking Garden Route. The picturesque countryside and thriving crafts community will give you a new perspective on life. Surrounded by forests and lakes, it’s a compelling mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities, including world-class golf.

Choose your adventure with Mango Mzansi has it all. And Mango has become the airline chosen by millions to get them there and back. Affordable flights, friendly and efficient service, quick and easy check-in options and innovative seat design ensure you’ll arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to explore.

Also, Mango Travel Packages offer a one-stop travel solution including flights, accommodation and car rental.

Getting to your chosen city is a breeze with Mango’s range of booking and payment options – from partners including SAA Voyager, Edgars, Jet, Momentum, Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper to the free mobi-app.

C U R R E N T

A F FA I R S

Since 1995, 945 boys have died during the unmonitored and often illegal initiation camps that accompany every Eastern Cape winter.

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MOUNTAINS

OF DEATH The true cost of male circumcision Every year, in the name of ritual and manhood, thousands of young boys go into the mountains of the Eastern Cape. Dozens come back dead or deformed.

How can we let this happen?

By Zoë Hinis

The year 2014 saw the world’s first successful penis transplant. Once the jokes died down, the most important question to ask was “why would anyone need that?” The sad answer is that the recipient lost his penis in a circumcision ritual.

It was an entirely preventable incident. His is one of 250 penile amputations that are estimated to occur every year during traditional circumcisions.

Image top right Initiates are given white blankets with red stripes to protect them from the sun This image Initiates in the Eastern Cape mountains braving the weather

Since 1995, 945 boys have died during the unmonitored and often illegal initiation camps that accompany every Eastern Cape winter. These are just the recorded deaths. Every season, between 20 and 40 boys die under the mismanagement of the rituals by traditional leaders – and it is estimated that for every death, there are two penile amputations.

The problems begin with the secrecy that surrounds the ritual. Non-initiated males and women may not be told about what happens in the mountains, and many of the schools are located in almost inaccessible nooks. By removing the schools (both legal and illegal) from supervision and scrutiny, they operate with impunity and shocking standards of care.

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The initiation should return to its original roots: the education and improvement of young men for the future good of the community.

The living conditions of the initiates also play an important role in the rising number of deaths. The huts used to be made from clean, fresh grass – made new for each batch of initiates. Now the huts are often made of plastic with very small entrances and exits. Each one has a constantly smouldering fire and there is no air circulation. This leads to dehydration, which is hugely risky for initiates who are trying to heal from their circumcision. When these huts catch fire, the entrance is often too small to allow for quick evacuation. On top of these living conditions, the boys often have a restricted diet and fluid intake as an endurance test. The reason for the restricted fluid intake is to do with the mistaken belief that the clear watery discharge that accompanies a circumcision (which is how the body brings nutrients to a wound to aid its healing) is an injury itself, and must be prevented through dehydration. Traditional attendants call this discharge umlambo, which means ‘a wound like a river’.

In addition to these difficult physical conditions, the initiates are also sleep-deprived, because of the belief that witches will attack in the night unless the boys sing to keep them away. Pre-existing medical conditions are disregarded, and medication is often left at home for fear of being seen as weak. Some of the schools are run by drunkards, who beat the initiates relentlessly. Penile bandages are often tightened as punishment, 30

and the physical endurance testing may be taken to extremes.

The list of problems goes on to include severe cultural prejudice against Western medical circumcision and the lack of responsibility on the part of traditional leaders to hold the schools accountable.

This image Initiates with faces painted with Ingceke mixture after the operation

But there are solutions that can be implemented. Centralising the schools into a larger, more easily monitored and accessible school will ensure the ritual is not being compromised by greed or illegality.

FACT BOX Ulwaluko is not only the name of the ritual, but also of a nonprofit organisation dedicated to making this important rite of passage safe for the boys who undergo it, so that they may become men without physical, mental and emotional damage.

The organisation’s website is a fantastic resource, and it is informed by the experiences of a doctor who has worked with survivors of penile amputation.

Throughout, Ulwaluko is committed to making the ritual safer, not eradicating it. www.ulwaluko.co.za

Caption opposite page Gatsby 1920’s

C U R R E N T After the circumcisions are done, medical professionals can check for complications and ensure minimal disruption to the actual ritual. By keeping the schools accessible, it is easier to catch abusive treatment and remove the abusers quickly. It will also go a long way towards starving out the unethical operators, who rely on their sites being inaccessible.

The largest cause of morbidity and complications is inexpert circumcisions, which are done by untrained attendants. Not only is the actual cutting botched, but the wound care is also inadequate. By allowing trained medical professionals to do the circumcisions, the resultant small, easily monitored wound allows the ritual to take place, and enables

the students to spend time being educated rather than being in extreme pain.

Perhaps the most complicated change – but also the most crucial one – is the implementation of a more cohesive initiation programme.

By engaging traditional leaders, parents, schools, church leaders and medical professionals, a new programme could be implemented to make the most of this important period in a young boy’s life. Rather than focusing on pain and hazing (like some kind of awful frat house), the initiation can return to its original roots: the education and improvement of young men for the future good of the community.

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change. Female genital mutilation has dropped according to UNICEF by as much as half among adolescent girls in Benin, the Central African Republic, Iraq, Liberia and Nigeria. A great deal of this change is due to open discussion in population groups.

As more mothers and girl children speak out against the practice, its prevalence begins to decline.

All this leads us to believe that this is a problem that can be solved in our lifetimes, but only if it is brought into the light to be solved, rather than cloaking itself in mysticism and tradition.

The situation may seem dire but with time and effort things can

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L I F E S T Y L E

When Did You Last?

In a world of Photoshopped perfection, celebrities seem to be far above the bungling, frustrating world the rest of us inhabit.

By Hazel Booth

As four celebrities spill the beans on when they last had to change their own tyres, endure awkward encounters or make sandwiches, it seems the human condition is common to all.

COMEDIAN With his unruly Afro and funny-guy one-liners, it’s hard to miss comedian Joey Rasdien. With an impressive set of local movie roles under his belt, Joey also wrote, co-produced and acted in Rasdien, his own sitcom.

When did you last have to explain your way out of a situation?

This morning. My three-year-old daughter wanted to know why YouTube isn’t working. Ilive, my service provider, is atrocious. Let’s just say I am no longer a customer.

When did you last do a random act of kindness?

Does giving leftover food to the guy at the robot on my way to drop my son at school count? If it does, then this morning when I dropped my son at school.

When did you last send the wrong message to the wrong person?

When did you last change a car tyre?

I got stopped by a cop recently, and I guess either the message was wrong or the person was wrong, or both the message and the person were wrong when I told him it’s only a BB gun and it’s not real.

The other day, I took my car to get new tyres as I had done 20 000 km.

So, about a month ago I changed all four tyres.

Follow Joey on Twitter @joeyrasdien, on Instagram @rasdien or visit www.joeyrasdien.co.z

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Image courtesy of Joey Rasdien

JOEY RASDIEN

Image courtesy of Siya Beyile

Last night, I ate a tub of ice cream and a whole pizza alone... forgive me.

SIYA BEYILE DESIGNER He’s the king of style, the guru of fashion and the founder and creative director of menswear fashion portal The Threaded Man. Siya Beyile, at 21 years old, has cracked the nod as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 to Watch for 2015.

When did you last let your heart decide?

I recently found the woman of my dreams and I kinda went with my heart. It’s been an interesting adventure so far.

When did you last feel embarrassed?

At Fashion Week last year, the crotch on my pants split so I had to walk around covering it, and while I was sitting, the photographer caught me.

When did you last conquer a fear?

Very recently, I was enslaved by the thought of things going wrong, so every day I woke up with extreme anxiety. I started seeing a lifestyle coach and now I have overcome it and I feel free!

When did you last do something you regretted?

Last night, I ate a tub of ice cream and a whole pizza alone… forgive me.

Find Siya on Facebook: www.facebook. com/TheThreadedMan. He is also on Twitter @TheThreadedMan and Instagram @thethreadedman or visit www.threadedman.co.za.

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DAVID KAU

LOYISO BALA

COMEDIAN

MUSICIAN

Funny man David Kau broke onto the South African comedy scene in 1998 at that year’s Smirnoff Comedy Festival in Cape Town, and went on to create his own shows. He is a firm favourite both locally and internationally and conceptualised the Blacks Only comedy show. He directed and produced Taxi Ride in 2012.

This local musician has seen his career soar as a solo artist since he left multi-platinum kwaito group TKZee in 1999. Loyiso has bagged five SAMAs, three Metro FM awards and best R&B album of 2007, and has even received an MTV nomination.

With several albums behind his name as well as successful singles, Loyiso is hot property.

When did you last make your kids/your own lunch?

I give my kids bread every now and then – they seem fine. I make myself a peanut butter and jam sandwich occasionally. That’s it.

When did you last make a bad decision?

In the film business, I’m making a bad decision every day by staying in it.

When did you last feel embarrassed?

I’m the one people worry about embarrassing them.

When did you last do something you regretted?

There’s not a lot I regret in my life. Most are business-related, so I don’t regret them – but I will do them differently next time.

Follow David on Twitter @davidkau1, find him on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/ David-Kau or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ MrDavidKau.

When did you last do a random act of kindness?

About two weeks ago, I surprised a fan on her birthday with a call and sang her favourite song over the phone.

When did you last have an awkward encounter?

About two weeks ago, I thought I’d seen someone who I hadn’t seen in a long time, at a nearby restaurant. I went over and gave them a huge hug. Halfway through the conversation, I started to notice that it wasn’t the person who I initially thought it was. Out of embarrassment, we both pretended like we knew each other.

When did you last make your bed?

I’m embarrassed to say that I can’t remember.

Probably on my wife’s birthday a few months ago.

When did you last get lost?

I was travelling with Swing City from Cape Town to Hermanus about four months ago. What was supposed to be an hour-and-a-half trip took us three hours. The blame goes to Graeme Watkins, who was the driver that day. Sorry, Graeme.

Image courtesy of David Kau

Follow Loyiso on Twitter @loyisomusic, Facebook at www.facebook.com/ loyisomusic, Instagram @loyisobala or visit www.loyisomusic.com.

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Image courtesy of Loyiso Bala

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Image courtesy of Blair Ryan photography

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A F FA I R S

BLACK LIVES

MATTER People aren’t hashtags These days, it seems that we live and express our lives and emotions through hashtags, and that is a terrible way for any conversation about anything to start and end.

By Zoë Hinis With some 361 million active users, 62% of whom are American, and only 5% of users generating 75% of its activity, Twitter is not exactly a fair representation of the world’s opinion. Regardless of its lopsided user base, Twitter unfairly dominates global conversation, but it hardly seems like an adequate platform to handle difficult, complex historical issues.

Twitter has the power of life and death over whether an issue gets attention at all. It was only when Twitter deigned to notice Kony (#Kony2012) that suddenly Americans knew who that monster is, even though African organisations had been doing important work to undo the damage he’s done for years. When Twitter’s little blue bird alighted on the issue of the mass kidnapping of girls by Boko Haram (#BringBackOurGirls), suddenly the world found out about this collective of sadists, even though they had been terrorising Nigeria for months before.

Somehow, it’s like Africa doesn’t matter until Twitter notices.

Alright, perhaps that’s unfair – but it does seem that Twitter only pays attention when terrible things happen in Africa. The Ebola crisis of 2015 gave Twitter ample fodder, for example. Even though only three countries (Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia) suffered from the Ebola outbreak, the American public, taking its cues from Twitter, assumed that all 30.22 million km2 of Africa was ravaged from coast to coast.

This image Americans protesting after a spate of deaths as a result of police brutality

It conjured up assumptions that from Egypt to South Africa, from Ghana to Ethiopia, there were Ebola sufferers lying six deep in the streets, waiting for CNN to mercifully capture their best side before they expired, waiting for the so-called First World to help. If anyone used Twitter as a lens, that was the dominant story. Never mind that the outbreaks were well-contained, and that 37

Twitter has the power of life and death over whether an issue gets attention at all. these countries – who rank at the bottom when it comes to education, healthcare and literacy – still came out of the Ebola crisis somewhat intact. Americans freaked out when they had two quick cases. The doctors who toiled, the families who helped – the African narrative doesn’t even feature, except on maybe Black African Twitter.

It is horrific that police brutality is so unchecked in the US that even when cops are caught outright on camera killing unarmed black men (especially Eric Garner, who inspired #ICantBreathe because he was suffocated by several cops), they still don’t get prison time. The frustration and anger behind the Black Lives Matter movement is not new, but it is finally coming to a head. These young men are the visible faces of the thousands of black men in America who face undue persecution.

The fact that the American prison population is 39.4% black men, when they only make up 13% of the total population, points to a legal system

Image courtesy of Wikimedia

Of course, the nameless millions in Africa still don’t hold the weight of the famous dead of Twitter.

The #BlackLivesMatter movement started in July 2013 with the jury acquittal of George Zimmerman after his shooting of unarmed African-American teen Trayvon Martin. Trayvon was not the first, and he will not be the last, but he was an important spark. It really is abysmal that someone has to die for these things to matter, but while Zimmerman might not have thought that Trayvon’s life mattered, it turns out that it truly did.

The movement gained momentum with the killing of several more unarmed black Americans: Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Eric Harris, Walter Scott and Freddie Gray. It is now being considered a new civil rights movement, with an organisation and website to boot: Blacklivesmatter.com.

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C U R R E N T that regularly and apparently without any checks incarcerates black men at a ridiculously disproportionate rate. But the white cops who kill these men are acquitted every time.

The discrepancy should make people angry. A hashtag isn’t the best start for that anger – but if it helps, then use it.

But here’s the uncomfortable question we need to ask: do black lives only matter when they make it to Twitter? Especially only American lives?

We circle back to the very American nature of Twitter. It is dominated

by American celebrity and media powerhouses, and disseminated

by American news. Even on South African news, hashtags on Twitter are reported as though they’re actual news, rather than the shorthand they are. Considering the very valid reasons that the Black Lives Matter campaign started, why didn’t the same thing happen in South Africa? Sure, some South Africans mentioned it and retweeted, but there didn’t seem to be the same interest. It was something that happened in America. In South Africa, it just didn’t seem as important. Perhaps because, here, police brutality is somewhat different. Not all hashtags and ideas translate elsewhere. Or maybe it’s because America’s issues are nothing new to black South Africans.

One can’t help but wonder if the death of Hector Pieterson would have sparked something like #BlackLivesMatter, if Twitter had been around then. Steve Biko’s philosophy of Black Consciousness already emphasised the importance of black lives, long before Trayvon Martin. In his essay titled ‘We Blacks’, Biko wrote: “The logic behind white domination is to prepare the black man for the subservient role in this country.

Not so long ago this used to be freely said in parliament, even about the educational system of the black people. It is still said even today, although in a much more sophisticated language. To a large extent the evil-doers have succeeded in producing at the output end of

A F FA I R S

their machine a kind of black man who is man only in form. This is the extent to which the process of dehumanization has advanced.”

Not long after this was written, Biko was arrested, tortured, thrown naked and manacled into the back of a police van for a 1 100 km drive, and died shortly after arrival at Pretoria Prison. To South Africans, the story of white police brutality is not a new one.

Perhaps Twitter has some uses, though. The ALS Bucket Challenge raised more than US$103 million for ALS research in a single month (and US$220 million overall), and it turns out that a breakthrough may be on the horizon. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are crediting the huge donations for a major breakthrough in ALS research because they were able to pursue high-risk, high-reward experiments.

And perhaps it is unkind to blame Twitter for humanity’s incredibly short attention span. People only have so much time, and having a hashtag to sum things up and collate the conversation can perhaps capture some small amount of attention for a cause.

Twitter is, and isn’t, the problem.

Twitter is not killing young black men, but it does have a disproportionate amount of power to say which lives matter. Twitter is a tool, and isn’t evil, but it can be used to smother or control conversations, and perhaps that is all we really need to bear in mind when it comes to the important conversations we need to have when it comes to life and death.

After all, a hashtag is a search query, not an answer.

SA TWITTER STATS • 6.6 million users (total population 53 million, so one in eight people) • 53% of users are aged 25–44 years • Blackberry the most widely used device

OTHER TWITTER STATS Sysomos Inc., one of the world’s leading social media analytics companies, conducted an extensive study to document Twitter’s growth and how people are using it. After analysing information disclosed on 11.5 million Twitter accounts, it discovered that: • 85.3% of all Twitter users post less than one update/day • 21% of users have never posted a tweet • 93.6% of users have less than 100 followers, while 92.4% follow less than 100 people • 5% of Twitter users account for 75% of all activity • New York has the most Twitter users, followed by Los Angeles, Toronto, San Francisco and Boston • There are more women (53%) on Twitter than men (47%)

TWITTER ACCORDING TO TWITTER • 316 million monthly active users • 500 million tweets sent per day • 80% active users on mobile • 4 100 employees around the world • 35+ offices around the world • 77% accounts outside the US • 35+ languages supported • 50% employees are engineers • (According to about.twitter.com, June 2015) 39

C U LT U R E

Bucket List Legacy Leaving a legacy on how to truly live Recently, a US millionaire left his daughters a milliondollar inheritance, on condition that they fulfil a bucket list legacy he left behind, including graduating from university and being a caregiver to their mother.

By Hazel Booth The Afropolitan contacted several local movers and shakers and posed this question: what bucket list legacy would you leave for your children?

What life lessons would you want them to learn?

HLOMLA DANDALA

ACTOR, TELEVISION PRESENTER AND DIRECTOR My children must finish at least one undergraduate course, which includes business management and entrepreneurial skills. The education will act as a means to fulfilling their dreams. I wanted to be an actor, but my father made sure I got a degree in acting before I could pursue the dream.

My kids are not allowed to get married before 30! No one truly 40

knows themselves before they are 30. In our 20s, we are merely representations of who we think we should be and what other people want us to be, but we are not ourselves. When we get into our 30s, we realise who we aren’t, while our 40s is when we find out who we are and, in my opinion, that is the best time to settle down – but I don’t want my kids to hate me, so I will give them 30!

Before my five children inherit any of my money, they must show to have truly kept the bond that we have fostered between them as a blended family. While I would love for them to be best friends forever, I realise that may not be possible, so I will settle for them having a meal together at least once a week.

Non-negotiable!

Hlomla Dandala with his kids

Their passports must show that they have travelled to more than 20 countries in Africa and gotten to know about those cultures first-hand.

In a world that is obsessed with all things Western, we lose so much by not engaging a Pan-African mindset.

Whichever Higher Power they believe in, they must get to know them personally. Don’t live on a faith that is based on someone else’s experience, because it won’t sustain you. If you say God is a provider, it should be because he has provided for you or for someone you know.

CHERYL-JANE KUJENGA

PARTNER AT ERNST & YOUNG My children must understand they are privileged to participate in life. They

cannot have a sense of entitlement, as there are no guarantees that what you have today you will have tomorrow. I want them to engage and participate, as you only get out of life what you put in. Don’t be afraid of hard work – life doesn’t come handed to you on a platter. I want to bring up someone who is humble and comfortable in their own skin.

As teenagers, they must take on a job of some sort, even if it’s running errands. As adults, I would want them to start a small business. Another requirement would be that they join a team to learn to participate and serve with others – preferably something that serves a cause and makes the world a better place.

Family matters – there are certain things you just do for family, so be willing to give. Learn to engage with your family, especially in times of need, as it is a balance of give and take. I would want my kids to spend time with family in Zimbabwe once a year and get to know them.

I want my kids to travel, to be exposed to life. I want them to go out there and learn, read books, be curious about life. Travel to unusual places, not just the standard tourist destinations, and find out what life is like in Nigeria.

With regard to their spirituality, I am a big believer in God and would request that they continue going to church, together with the rest of the family.

Cheryl-Jane Kujenga

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C U LT U R E Form honest and genuine relationships. Give what you want to receive. Walk away from negative people; in fact, run. Let your word be honourable. You will form many relationships in your life – make them count.

FACT BOX Some final wishes range from the bizarre to the macabre. Here are several noteworthy last requests.

WHO: Angel Pantoja Medina

Brenda Sisane

BRENDA SISANE

KAYA FM MUSIC PRESENTER, DIRECTOR AT SP!N PRODUCTIONS Volunteer at an old-age home, a children’s home, a home for the disabled or a hospice, and play your part in the struggle of a human being who has limitations. This should include taking your personal time in order to be there for somebody voluntarily. The evidence of having served someone else should be provided as testimonials by the beneficiaries.

Be part of an exchange programme and be part of a strange family. This can be in a home or in a commune, where you will learn how similar we are as human beings in our differences and how we are all affected by the same longings for validation. Learn how every society has a class system.

Evidence of having done this must be documented in a video interview, where you relate your lessons to a neutral person.

Find yourself through an extramural activity of your choice, be it art or sport-related. Share with others how it taught you self-mastery.

Spend time alone for a week without the trappings of modern life. Share how you learnt to listen to nature and how this excursion contributed to your perceptions about life.

Travel to an unknown destination by yourself and learn to make relationships on your own through trusting your own judgement. Write a journal about your trip to share with your own children one day.

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Lesego Matabane & Rori

LESEGO MATABANE

MARKETING MANAGER AT CLUB MED SOUTH AFRICA It’s only through education that you will unearth your abilities. You need to be both street-smart and booksmart. Street-smart means being aware and making clever, informed decisions, so spend time with street-smart people. Then there’s the formal side, the book-smart education. Learn from those that are qualified. Start saving for your own children’s education.

Create your own family values, family motto and family traditions.

Don’t take people for granted. I want you to have a family tree, to help you understand who your family members were, how you fit in and the legacies that they left behind.

Map out your own family tree – who will be next in your future and what legacy you want to leave behind.

Travel at least once a year overseas, but discover your own continent as well. Leave your footprint in every continent, and take something that is ‘proudly South African’ with you and give it to someone in whichever country you will be visiting. Make friends when travelling… you never know when you might need them.

Spirituality is a reformation process.

Take time to be by yourself and spend 10–15 minutes a day, alone.

Take note of your feelings, your thoughts and write them down.

Always be in pursuit of finding your true purpose.

WHAT: Angel requested to be embalmed, so he could stand up at his own funeral.

FULFILLED: Yes. Angel was embalmed and propped up in his mother’s San Juan home, wearing a New York Yankees cap and sunglasses.

WHO: Gene Rodenberry WHAT: Best known for masterminding the original Star Trek TV series, Gene requested his body be cremated and sent into the heavens.

FULFILLED: Yes. In 1997, his ashes were scattered in space by a Spanish satellite as it orbited Earth. And 10 years later, his wife’s ashes were also shot out into space.

WHO: Samuel Bratt WHAT: Mr Bratt clearly held a grudge against his wife, who refused to allow him to smoke his beloved cigars in the house. He left her his fortune with the stipulation that she smoke five cigars a day for the rest of her life.

FULFILLED: Reports are unconfirmed… but it was a sizeable estate, so we are guessing she sacrificed her dignity to gain the funds.

WHO: Jeremy Bentham WHAT: On his death in 1832, Jeremy, a British philosopher and social reformer, left his estate to the London Hospital and requested his preserved remains be allowed to preside over board meetings.

FULFILLED: Yes. Jeremy’s skeleton was reassembled, dressed and put in a wooden cabinet with a glass front. Jeremy presided over College Committee meetings and in minutes it was recorded: “Jeremiah Bentham, present but not voting.”

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L I F E S T Y L E

Wills: The grim reaper of financial planning!

What you need to know about wills

By Sandile Xaso

T

he story is as predictable as it is tragic. Whether in a small, rural village just to the north of Vryburg or in the posh suburbs of Killarney, the plot stays the same. A loved one passes away and, once the initial shock and pain of the loss subsides, what’s left is the unfortunate sight of family members fighting over the deceased’s estate or struggling to deal with bills. Although these disputes are usually handled by the family until an agreement is found, they can also spill over into long-lasting feuds, court cases and even into the pages of the tabloids. These situations always leave observers and even exasperated family members asking of the departed – “Why didn’t you just leave behind a will?”

As highlighted by the recent case of a slain national soccer player, estate planning – which includes drawing up a will – is one of the most neglected parts of financial planning in South Africa. The reasons for this are numerous, but the implication of not considering what happens to your estate when you die is always the same – it is the ones left behind who suffer.

The importance of estate planning, which is “the act of preparing for the transfer of a person’s wealth and assets after his or her death”, cannot be underestimated. Falling within this complex and necessary aspect of a healthy, financial plan is the dreaded last will and testament.

What is a will?

Discovery Financial Adviser Onalenna Dipisi CFP® provides a comprehensive answer, stating, “A will is a very important legal document which specifies a client’s ‘wishes’ upon their demise. It’s prepared by the client during his/her life. In other words, there cannot be effective financial planning, without the existence of a valid will. A will concludes 44

the financial planning process. The testator (the person the will belongs to) will give instructions as to what should happen to his assets upon his passing and as a result it needs to be updated every time the client’s financial position changes.”

According to the Wills Act of 1953, a person aged 16 years or older, who is of sound mind and capable of “appreciating the nature and effect” of their actions can draw up a will.

Surely a will should be a relatively simple process that everyone can do if a teenager can draw a legally valid one up if all legal conditions are met. Then why is it so glaringly absent in our communities? It is obviously an important requirement, so is it a lack of knowledge that prevents people from doing so?

Or perhaps a fear of “tempting” fate?

Why didn’t you just leave behind a Will?

“I don’t think that people aren’t aware of

wills, my clients certainly are. However, it’s still considered taboo to talk about and draw up a will.”

Many of Onalenna’s clients seem to understand the importance of planning for after death, as the prevalence of life policies shows. Yet few people draw up a will. This double standard is caused by a few issues: • There are misperceptions that their assets are not valuable enough • The immediate perceived value of a life plan over a will • The fear of causing rifts in the family • Many people delay drawing up a will as they feel that there’s enough time and that they are still too young to die.

There plenty more reasons as it is such a complex issue. This complexity means that it is advisable to approach a professional to assist in drawing up a will that it is valid and legally sound. The best option is to approach a personal financial adviser, an attorney or a bank (banks usually have an executors and trustees division which handles this).

What to consider?

The two most important factors are cost and what to consider before seeing a professional.

The typical price of drawing up a will is around R500 to R1 500 but Onalenna adds, “Most attorneys and banks have realised the importance of offering a free will to their clients – provided they are nominated executors of the estate – with the exception of charging a custody fee once a year for as long as the will is kept with them.”

Onalenna also has a handy checklist that you should ask your financial adviser or attorney when drawing up your will: 1. Will the will cover both my domestic and foreign assets? Will there be no conflict in terms of the laws of all countries involved?

2. Who will the executors of my will be?

Remember a client can nominate their own executors to their estate, however if those executors have no experience in administering an estate, then the high court will advise them to seek an attorney to assist. Selecting the right executor is ideal as it enables the client to negotiate fees if at all possible.

3. How much are the executor fees? How can we make provisions through financial planning?

4. Can I nominate anyone as a guardian to my children? Make sure that the nominated guardian is left with enough funds to take care of the children, for example by taking out life cover. Some people will refuse to take on that responsibility of fending for the client’s children if enough financial provision has not been made.

5. Can my spouse and I have a joint will?

6. What happens if I die before my spouse or they die before me as well as upon simultaneous death?

7. Since my assets will be frozen immediately upon death, how will I ensure my financial dependants are able to maintain their lifestyle until a time that the estate has been wound up (administered)?

8. How do I ensure all debts are paid so that my dependents are not left destitute?

9. How do I ensure my children are taken care off without worrying that the guardians will squander all assets?

Once comfortable with the answers provided for these questions, it is easier to draw up a will.

A will concludes the financial planning process.

What happens when you don’t have a will?

Even if it doesn’t end in acrimony and the Sunday tabloids, passing away without a will can be a headache for your dependents. Your estate will be distributed under the Intestate Succession Act of 1987. A hierarchical model of distribution is applied, which could see your preferred beneficiaries excluded from your estate, while some family members you would have wished not to benefit become beneficiaries. The Master of the High Court will be in charge of this will and appoint an executor of the estate. This is also why it is important to regularly update your will when any significant changes happen in your life, whether a marriage or divorce, birth or death of a child, adoption or retirement.

As Onalenna reflects, “Having a will does not only state what your wishes are regarding the distribution of your assets when you have passed away, but also, in a case where there are children or persons that cannot manage their own finances due to ill health – a will ensures that their financial affairs are managed correctly by a testamentary trust or a nominated guardian. Having a will also enables you to choose the executors and trustees (for the testamentary trust) and possibly negotiate executor fees while you still have the chance to do so.”

It is time to flip the script on wills and change the tale from a Homeric tragedy to one of security, peace of mind and astute financial planning. Wills may seem scary, but the alternative may be worse for your loved ones.

Onalenna Dipisi CFP® Discovery Financial Adviser

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C U R R E N T

A F FA I R S

THE FADING

RAINBOW

Mandela’s execution was so complete in its “success” that no one dared to ask: why would we want to be a rainbow?

By Heather Clancy

With his unmatched way with words and his tempo that is so well-loved it is akin to a national lullaby, Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela delivered his inaugural speech as president of South Africa: “Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.”

There he painted a dream so beautiful that we didn’t notice the broad strokes of soporific language were, in fact, a well-meaning initial attempt to paper over the monstrous cracks of an entirely broken country.

In between him saying: “Each time one of us touches the soil of this land, we feel a sense of personal renewal.

The national mood changes as the seasons change,” and mentions of blooming flowers and green grass, our Tata offered us a promise that he couldn’t keep.

This was a most seductive promise, offered by all great leaders: a promise of a new dream. Given the capitalist nature of the world, and indeed South Africa, an individual’s dreams are not enough to often (quite literally) move forward. The structures of capitalist society intentionally infringe on an individual’s movement, and so we – all of us – require a collective dream that floats above the stark reality of unemployment, debt, access to education and basic services, violence, our future and our children’s future. This new dream – this collective dream – was the rainbow nation.

Mandela’s execution was so complete in its oval success that no one dared to ask: why would we want to be a rainbow?

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WHOSE RAINBOW IS IT ANYWAY? If South Africa was a vilified celebrity prior to 1994, then the dawn of the ‘rainbow nation’ represented her heroic transformation – and there’s nothing the world loves more than a Kumbaya redemptive tale. With the top-down endorsement and dissemination of the rainbow mythology, Brand South Africa had a go-to term that fitted perfectly into its objectives. This was the new South Africa, with a fresh coat of paint and a dose of state-administered truth and reconciliation.

The rainbow imagery represented the bright potential of the future if South Africans lived up to the national motto: ‘Unity in Diversity’, but there was no mention of unity in transformation.

The rainbow nation was, and still is, a title used interchangeably with ‘the new South Africa’ or, more significantly, ‘post-apartheid South Africa’ – and therein lies the danger. In delineating the collective dream as one of ‘post-apartheid’, the so-called rainbow nation and its most ardent supporters ignore the harsh reality that for the majority of South Africans, post-apartheid is as much of a myth as the rainbow nation, in that both are yet to be manifested. For the majority of South Africans, apartheid might have ended constitutionally in 1994, however, the base legacy lives on structurally, economically, socially, culturally and in countless other glaringly obvious and insidious ways.

However, what is obvious to some is not even perceptible to others. Du Bois spoke of a “doubleconsciousness” of being black and of being non-white in a white world, and again it exists for South African black

people living in so-called post-apartheid South Africa, with many white people who refuse to acknowledge the lived experience of the majority of South Africans.

Often, it’s the same white people who complain: “But apartheid is over, let’s stop blaming the past.”

Mandela, over the course of his life and his career as president of South Africa, and especially following his death, became beatified to the point that to criticise his actions – and, by extension, the rainbow nation – became tantamount to treason. Insert the phrase ‘Proudly South African’, rainbow nation and a Nelson Mandela quote and you have an unquestionable trifecta.

This is entrenched by the fact that the rainbow nation conveniently requires no analysis of privilege or transformation – instead, it is absolution without qualification, and national pride without first achieving a tangible equality to be proud of.

But was Mandela’s story of the rainbow nation intended to be a gatekeeper to national identity? Can we not debate the value of our ‘new dream’ more than 20 years later without weepy demands for a nationwide harmony that has never existed?

In between him saying: “I have no hesitation in saying that each one of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld,” and mentions of blooming flowers and green grass, our Tata cautiously challenged white South Africans to rise to the occasion.

Stating plainly: “The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us.”

Mandela offered the rainbow nation as a reality to be earned, not a gag to be used to silence the lived

experience of black people while maintaining the status quo. The chasm that divides us remains today; the majority of black people are subject to what Panashe Chigumadzi calls the “add blacks and stir” model. The structures of the chasm are defended by white privilege under the thin veil of terms such as ‘meritocracy’ and ‘reverse racism’.

At this year’s Franschhoek Literary Festival, Thando Mgqolozana passionately expressed his frustration at the maintenance of the chasm when radical action was required: One of the things could have happened, which many of the people who got into the negotiations thought was going to happen, was that the white people in South Africa would realise “this was horrible, and we benefited from this”. And once they realised and made this admission, would say: “Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have this house. Maybe my father or my husband or me should be the last person, the last generation, to own this farm. Because I don’t really own this farm, it was theft.” And you can donate it to the next random black person that you meet. So that’s one of the things white people in South Africa could have done, and they didn’t.

The rainbow nation, with its cheerful optimism, has no space for things left undone – and therein lies the danger.

Without collective acceptance and radical action driven by the missed opportunity of genuine transformation in the short years following apartheid, white South Africans – echoing the words of Mgqolozana – are effectively asking black people to be “integrated into a fire”. The hard truth is that we need new myths: the diversity and freedom of the rainbow nation are not inherently transformative. This is evident in the socio-economic landscape of our nowbroken rainbow nation – and yet, this crisis presents an opportunity for a new dream and, more importantly, a new reality. Let us say: no more rainbows.

Allowing ourselves to sink into a smug ‘rainbowism’ will prove to be a terrible betrayal of the possibilities for real transformation...

47

L U X U R Y

THE WORLD. OUR PLAYGROUND It’s time to set sail on The World!

Enjoy the privilege of discovering new horizons, with tailor-made, one-in-a-lifetime experiences bringing each new destination to life.

By Hazel Booth

The World is the epitome of opulence, a private residence on board an exclusive vessel that is home to 130 families. It is a world where extraordinary is the standard and exclusive experiences bring each destination to life.

Being able to drift through these unforgettable experiences does not mean, however, that business must be neglected. Every amenity has 48

been made available to ensure that residents enjoy a luxurious base from which to operate their affairs.

It’s not Hollywood. Nor is it Monaco.

The playground of the rich and famous is actually the seven seas.

Bulgarian sommelier Marinela Ivanova, who works aboard luxury vessel The World, sums it up perfectly: “Our playground is the whole planet.”

Hungry for the following adventures?

“Roam Jersey’s pastoral byways by bicycle. Hike Grenada’s Grand Etang rainforest. Dive in St Barts.

Golf at Scotland’s Kingsbarns.” Then consider a lifestyle of travel aboard a private residential luxury vessel.

The World afford its passengers the opportunity to revel in custom destination experiences and oneof-a-kind cultural events, while enjoying the privilege of working

Images top left to right Luxury suite interior.

View of Hong Kong from The World.

Residence dining room.

from a permanent residence on board. These vary from studios to three-bedroom apartments, while top-of-the-range is the six-bedroom penthouse suite. The World is home to only 130 families from across the globe who own private residences on board. At any time, there are a maximum of 200 people on board, which lends to the exclusivity of the experience. It’s not as simple as booking your cabin for a cruise: life aboard The World is for a select few.

2015: EXPEDITIONS AND EXPERIENCES The ship’s itinerary is determined two to three years in advance by The World’s captains and residents, accommodating the best sea routes and the residents’ personal interests. The World will stay in port for three days, on average, to allow residents adequate time to explore each destination.

The itinerary for 2015 includes three expeditions capturing unforgettable experiences, from the cultural

and social aspects of each new destination to the natural history and wildlife.

The Namibia and Mid-Atlantic expedition covered about 5 000 nautical miles (9 258 km) from Cape Town to the Canary Islands from March until mid-April. Residents crossed the Tropic of Capricorn, the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer.

The Greenland Expedition will take residents of The World to the birdwatchers’ paradise of the Faroe Islands. En route to Greenland, residents will discover the cacophony of bird calls from puffins, storm petrels, gannets and guillemots. The World will then embark on the third expedition, travelling via the Panama Canal down the west coast of South America, allowing residents the chance to discover Latino culture in all its vivid glory – from Peru and Ecuador to Argentina and Chile. Best of all: The World will take two weeks to travel to the Antarctic Peninsula to chase the thrill of journeying through glaciers and icebergs, while discovering the islands via kayaks.

WHAT DOES THE WORLD OFFER ON BOARD? Beyond the thrill of globetrotting,

The World offers the following amenities to residents: an art gallery, florist, gourmet deli, library, medical centre, chapel, the Quantum Nightclub, a tea room and lounge, laundry, sports centre, The World Boutique & Showroom, The World Concierge, The World Spa & Wellness Center, billiards, a theatre and a youth programme.

There are also six restaurants – including the renowned Portraits – which range in style from Asian to Mediterranean, and a varied selection of cocktail lounges and bars. Besides the varied dining options on board, residents can choose between the Call-a-Chef™ programme, which offers a personalised chef service in a residence, or the option of inresidence dining.

There are private lessons for golfers, with a putting green, driving range and a simulator, while reservations can be made at signature courses across the globe. The World offers the only full-size tennis court at sea as well as cricket, two swimming pools, a jogging track and a fitness centre, complete with qualified personal trainers, physiotherapists and state-of-the-art equipment as well as spinning, yoga, Zumba and Pilates classes. Plus, a variety 49

Arctic The World is visible through icy shards as it makes its way through the Arctic.

been made available to ensure that residents enjoy a luxurious base from which to operate their affairs.

Residents have access to internet, telephone and broadcast services, and every residence is equipped with internet and has its own public IP address, with a variety of bandwidth options from which to choose. The World also has two onboard conference rooms, equipped with high-tech audiovisual equipment, for residents to be able to meet with international business contacts in style.

BALANCING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE At 7 000 ft2, The World Spa & Wellness Centre provides a haven of tranquillity and indulgence for residents. Offering a full menu of exotic treatments, the spa contains a private manicure room, private pedicure room, physiotherapy room, four single treatment rooms, hair salon, an Aqua Spa whirlpool, steam room and sauna. As The World travels around the globe, the spa menu is adapted to each new port of call.

A GASTRONOMICAL ADVENTURE

Our playground is the whole planet of off-ship fitness experiences can be arranged, including cycling and hiking trails. The World also has a retractable marina, so that residents can enjoy diving and snorkelling, kayaking, water-skiing and even a polar plunge in Antarctica.

Residents can savour an afternoon in the cigar room or visit the Cove, a private gaming room, to indulge in a few games of Roulette. Try your hand at chess, poker or bridge or learn a new skill such as painting, 50

writing or cooking. Take in a play or musical performance in the Colosseo – the onboard theatre – or star in a production with the drama society.

Should your teenager be an avid gamer, The Zone offers Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Being able to drift through these unforgettable experiences does not mean, however, that business must be neglected. Every amenity has

With a team of accomplished chefs and sommeliers, residents will enjoy a veritable feast of the senses. Not only will residents be treated to gastronomical delights on board, but each port of call offers the opportunity to explore local cuisine and produce – including tours of Hong Kong’s wet markets and tastings with the winemakers of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild in Bordeaux. When The World docked in Cape Town in March this year, residents were able to enjoy a private dinner with head winemaker at De Toren vineyard, Albie Koch.

Says executive chef, Geoffrey Murray: “We have available a continuous stream of markets from which to choose, in the most unique and wonderful locations on the planet.

Every few days, as the ship sails the globe, our choices are renewed.”

The World also plays hosts to top

L U X U R Y chefs and winemakers, who are invited to host tastings or share their expertise. And to bring each destination to life, crew from The World arrange exclusive private events ashore.

KEEPING IT GREEN Setting an environmentally friendly standard, The World is the only vessel of its size that burns only clean marine diesel, rather than heavy bunker fuel. It also features the Scanship wastewater cleaning system, as well as maintaining a ‘zero discharge to sea’ policy, ensuring that no solid waste of any kind is released to sea. An environmental engineer is tasked with ensuring the prevention of any environmental incidents and adherence to the ship’s environmental management.

Visit www.aboardtheworld.com for more information, or call +1 (954) 538 8449.

Images top right to bottom Portraits Restaurant.

Pool deck.

Residence bedroom.

FACT BOX • In 13 years, since 2002, The World has visited more than 900 ports in more than 140 countries.

• The World weighs 43 524 gross tons and is 196.35 m in length.

• The ship’s maximum speed is 18.5 knots.

• The World is privately owned by its residents – 130 families from across the globe: North America (49%), European countries (36%) and Asia, Australia and South Africa (15%).

• Residents spend an average of three to six months on board The World annually.

• The World boasts an international complement of approximately 270 staff members.

• The World’s maiden voyage departed from Lisbon, Portugal on 2 May 2002.

• There is capacity for more than 12 000 bottles of wine on board.

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L U X U R Y

MOST EXPENSIVE

PROPERTIES The addresses that matter!

Sometimes, where we end up is more important than where we came from.

Paris, France

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There are some crazy numbers around global property prices. A million dollars can buy 17 m2 in Monaco, or 204 m2 in Cape Town. They’re both beautiful seaside cities, so what’s the deal? How can one country’s property cost more than US$5 800 a single metre?

Obviously, supply and demand have the biggest influences on a property’s value. If everyone wants to live in New York (and 8.4 million people can’t be wrong), then an apartment will easily cost US$1 million for just 34 m2. If an area ticks all the boxes – centrality, access to services, opportunity and perceived desirability – up go the prices.

So, where are the 10 most expensive places to live and work? After all, it isn’t only personal addresses that are so important – there are business addresses that are

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Where we live says a great deal about our lives as an address is shorthand for status, choices and ambition.

Whether that place may be a Stepford-style leafy suburb, a thriving city or on the beachfront, where we choose to live and do business says as much about who we are as a surname and a pair of shoes.

shorthand for astronomical success: Silicon Valley, West End, 5th Avenue… With East Asian cities roaring up the ranks, business is truly global and, in property, business is booming.

The Knight Frank report, a comprehensive guide to wealth on earth, has listed the top 10 most expensive cities in the world by property prices:

10. LOS ANGELES, USA US$1M/57 M2 Ah, city of the stars and home to most of Hollywood.

Notable suburbs include Venice Beach and Beverly Hills.

How about a European-style villa in Bel Air, going for just $18.5 million?

9. PARIS, FRANCE US$1M/50 M2 We’ll always have Paris, won’t we? A city that needs no introduction, there are apartments that start at €18 700 000 – a cool R272 million for just 1 214 m2.

An address is a statement: where we live says a great deal about our lives.

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L U X U R Y

8. SHANGHAI, CHINA US$1M/48 M

2

US$1M/39 M2 Home to chocolate, multi-tools and spectacular mountains, the tiny country of Switzerland requires a lot of cash for very little land. However, that’s not an issue for some. This house, modelled on the summer residence of Lord Byron, will set you back a cool $80 million for just eight bedrooms.

Image courtesy of via Hong Kong Tatler

Image courtesy of Kevin Lee (Bloomberg)

In such a global business centre, a personal or business address in Shanghai would not be remiss. How about an apartment? One on the Tomson Riviera sold for 150 328 yuan (R304 128) per square metre in July 2015.

6. GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

7. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA US$1M/41 M2 With a view over the harbour and Opera House, Sydney property does not come cheap. A villa overlooking the harbour was sold for a spectacular $30 million Australian dollars. Plenty of space to park your Aston Martin.

With East Asian cities roaring up the ranks, business is truly global and, in property, business is booming.

Image top left Tomson Riviera Penthouse, Shanghai Image top right Villa in Geneva, Switzerland This image Sydney Villa for $30 million

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Others might call this the height of luxury.

You could call it home.

Visit our luxury residential apartments at The Houghton which offer stunning skyline views and leisure spaces like golf and running paths. The Houghton is a load sheddingfree zone, and will encompass The Houghton Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, with its gym, spa, pools, deli, skybar lounge and restaurants.

LIMITED NUMBER OF APARTMENTS LEFT – DON’T LOSE OUT

ON SHOW DAILY – LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES FROM R3,9 MILLION Visit the latest apartments on Saturday and Sunday.

SHOW APARTMENT

Unit 12118, The Houghton on the 12th, 53 2nd Avenue, Houghton Office – 011 034 2201 || Alan Becker – 082 718 8100 Email – alan@thehoughton.com

55

F E AT U R E

Experience the

World Leader in Sleep 56

Visit www.pharmaline.co.za for your nearest showroom

L U X U R Y

5. SINGAPORE US$1M/39 M2 This tiny city punches well above its weight in global influence. According to Luxury Portfolio, a flat in Singapore can go for US$17.1 million for just 549 m2 (R402 000 per square metre!)

FACT BOX 10 MOST EXPENSIVE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS (EXCLUDING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES) NAME

LOCATION

ABRAJ AL BAIT

Mecca, Saudi 2012 Arabia

US$15 billion

MARINA BAY SANDS

Singapore

2010

US$6 billion

RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA

Singapore

2010

US$5.38 billion

EMIRATES PALACE

Abu Dhabi, UAE

2005

US$4.46 billion

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT

Canberra, Australia

1981

US$4.21 billion

THE COSMOPOLITAN

Las Vegas, USA

2010

US$4.16 billion

Sharing a city with the Queen is bound to send up prices. How about an Italianate villa in Holland Park?

Only £26.5 million (or R538 million) – and big enough for all your friends to stay over.

ONE WORLD TRADE CENTRE

New York, USA

2012

US$3.9 billion

WYNN RESORT

Las Vegas, USA

2005

US$3.26 billion

2. HONG KONG

VENETIAN MACAU

Macau, China 2005

US$2.97 billion

CITY OF DREAMS

Macau, China 2009

US$2.75 billion

4. NEW YORK, USA US$1M/34 M2 The Big Apple requires a big wallet.

The triplex penthouse at 520 Park Avenue will cost $130 million dollars ($10, 459 per square foot), and each of the 31 apartments in the building will encompass an entire floor. Due to be completed in 2017, you still have some time to save for it!

3. LONDON, UK US$1M/21 M2

US$1M/20 M

2

Hong Kong means ‘fragrant harbour’ and is famous for its skyline and deep natural harbour. Pick an apartment from one of its skyscrapers for just R348 937 per square metre. Pack light!

1. MONACO US$1M/17 M2 Of course, this is the kind of place where 30% of the population are millionaires. Tiny, densely populated and global shorthand for obscene wealth, this is the ultimate playground for the wealthy. Moor your yacht in the famous Port of Hercules and buy the Tour Odeon penthouse, complete with water slide, for US$387 million (R4.38 billion).

Monaco Most expensive property in the world

DATE BUILT

COST (ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_expensive_buildings_in_the_world

HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA The one thing all the apartments listed above offer is ultimate luxury and here in Johannesburg, at The Houghton, residents can enjoy a luxury urban oasis overlooking a Jack Nicklaus’ signature golf course with its unparalleled 5 star offering adjacent to the new Houghton Hotel that will provide residents with access to a range of top-end leisure and business facilities.

If you’re looking for opulent living in a secure lock up and go address in one of Johannesburg’s finest suburbs, then look no further than The Houghton.

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L U X U R Y

Waterfall Estate:

Home Redefined.

What was once thousands of hectares of open land between Woodmead and Kyalami is now the envy of many homeowners as they slowly navigate the afternoon traffic past the expansive Waterfall Estate conveniently located in Midrand just 10km north of the Sandton CBD. On this page Exterior shot of a cluster home at Waterfall

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Rumoured to be the largest property development in South Africa’s history, Waterfall Estate will have an estimated positive economic impact valued at about R106 billion by the time it is completed in 2023 said Willie Vos, the chief executive of the Waterfall Management and Operating Company in a recent

interview. More than 17 years in the making, Century Property Developments is the driving force behind the impressive residential growth of the Waterfall Estate.

Comprising of 6 residential estates: 1. Waterfall Country Estate and Waterfall Country Village 2. Waterfall Equestrian Estate; 3. Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate; 4. Waterfall Valley Mature Lifestyle Estate, 5. Waterfall View and 6. The all-encompassing Waterfall Estate is actually located in Waterfall – “the latest growth node of Gauteng, the economic hub of the African continent.”

However, saying it’s located “in Midrand” will suffice until the rest of Gauteng plays catch-up to this growing urban escape.

A man is not an island, and neither is a home.

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Images courtesy of Waterfall Estate

Described as an “upmarket residential village” despite its proximity to several suburbs and the main arterial highways that connect Johannesburg and Pretoria, Waterfall Estate is the modern answer to the eternal question: “Where can I find some peace and quiet?” With an emphasis on outdoor living and a focus on “green” design, the highly secure Estate achieves an alluring balance between modern and natural, complete with jogging trails, park benches and a sparkling lake located within kilometres of retail, office and residential spaces.

L U X U R Y Waterfall Country Estate VS Waterfall Country Village: The average stand at Waterfall Country Estate is approximately 1200 metres squared while Waterfall Country Village stands are generally 600 metres squared.

LIVING IN WATERFALL ESTATE Prospective residents of Waterfall Estate can build their own homes, or select an environmentally-friendly design from the developer’s range of Top Billing worthy homes. Geared towards families, Waterfall residents enjoy the benefit of having Reddam House - a pre-primary, primary and high school right on their doorstep, thus giving new meaning to the early morning school run. Promoting a healthy lifestyle while providing exclusive health care, Waterfall Estate’s holistic approach is manifest in the Waterfall City Park, a 1.2 hectare “inner-city green zone” designed to integrate the benefits of nature into the daily routines of the Estate’s residents and business people. Like something out of a build-a-city game, Waterfall Estate also includes a Netcare Hospital providing a much-needed alternative to Sunninghill Hospital and the Life Carstenhof Hospital.

The flagship estate, Waterfall Equestrian Estate lives up to its name with facilities including stables, paddocks, a training track, veterinary and tack rooms, a jumping arena, a lunging ring and dressage arenas. The ideal home for equine enthusiasts, the scenic bridle path along the embankments of the Jukskei River has convinced many a prospective buyer to seal the deal.

A haven for horses and all animals alike, the Estate has also embarked on a project that involves the creation of a “poison-free” zone, which includes the installation of 12 owl and eight bat boxes, to encourage bats and owls to return to the area.

Images on this page Tintswalo Hotel Waterfall Estate airial view and entrance

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L U X U R Y While the extensive list of amenities, a five-star hotel, modern security and ideal location is well-suited to families and commuters, retirees are invited to experience the three mature lifestyle developments in Waterfall Estate. Inspired by nature and in keeping with the eco-friendly philosophy of the Estate, the pride of Waterfall’s mature lifestyle developments is the horticultural centre allowing residents the gift of “taking time to smell the roses” literally and figuratively!

comprehensive frail care facility.

Grow your own green thumb. The horticultural centre also presents regular talks by specialists, who introduce residents to a variety of new and specialised plant species while providing expert advice and assistance on all things green and growing.

PLAYING IN WATERFALL ESTATE

It wouldn’t be a retirement estate without a bit of golf and Waterfall Estate doesn’t disappoint. The professionally designed chip and putt provide hours of entertainment (and potential frustration) for golfers of all levels and a PGA-affiliated professional is also available by arrangement for private lessons and bragging rights. After an afternoon of on the greens, the Vista Restaurant on the highest point of the Estate is the perfect spot for a sundowner or a relaxing dinner with friends.

As to be expected, the mature lifestyle developments also offer specialised medical attention and a Homes of distinction found at Waterfall Estate

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Designed to be an inspirational environment that honours the worklife balance, it is only natural that Waterfall Estate appeals to young professional with grand aspirations.

Waterfall View is the Estate’s affordable housing solution offering all of the benefits of Estate living at a fraction of the cost. Starting from R600 000, it should come as no surprise that Phase One is already sold out.

A man is not an island, and neither is a home. Nowadays it’s not enough to offer tree-lined streets, innovative design and secure living – the surrounding comforts are just as important as the interior comforts. Accepting this challenge wholeheartedly, Waterfall Estate’s list of amenities notably boasts the Mall of Africa – South Africa’s biggest single-phase shopping mall, which will include more than 300 stores when it opens in April 2016. The tenants list reads like a fashionista’s dream mall with H&M, Zara, Cotton On and Forever 21, Forever New, River Island, Mango and Versace opening stores.

If cruising the mall doesn’t get your heart racing then maybe you should Bounce…! Home to “The Great Wall

of Jozi” Bounce Waterfall is an indoor trampoline park that gives gravity the middle finger while giving kids and adults an adrenaline thrill.

As if the developers had the perfect afternoon in mind, Bounce, which is located opposite Waterfall Corner also offers a range of dining options and even a Wakaberry store in its immediate surrounds.

Besides offering prime real estate for homes and businesses, Waterfall Estate also invites tourists and business travellers to experience the Estate as a guest of Tintswalo at Waterfall, a five-star boutique hotel. Promising the serenity of nature only a quick drive away from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Tintswalo at Waterfall and its Waterfall Spa, have already won rave reviews and loyal guests.

FAST FACTS: • R400 million invested in road upgrades.

• 27189 jobs created in the initial development phase.

• Seven commercial developments to be completed this year.

• Boasts a “lake bigger than Emmarentia dam” and a “shopping centre bigger than Sandton City”.

• Waterfall Estate’s distinction is its inability to be compared – there is simply no competition in the same sphere of residential, retail, office and industrial space.

THE WORLD IN ONE CITY or a start, it’s been designed as a mixed-use lifestyle development. Located north of Fourways, it stretches over approximately 2 000 acres of wooded parkland and comprises residential, leisure and retail components, including an 18-hole Nicklaus-designed golf course. Due to the enormous scope of the development, job creation and local community empowerment opportunities within the neighbouring communities of Diepsloot and Cosmo City are key areas of focus for the developers.

Tell us about the security at Steyn City

It’s also one of the only developments in South Africa to have been designed around the needs and desires of pedestrians. The result? A village that offers residents everything they need, without leaving the lifestyle resort.

What does Steyn City offer residents?

Giuseppe Plumari, CEO of Steyn City Properties and one of the two masterminds of Steyn City, shares more insights about this one-of-a-kind development.

How did Steyn City come into being?

Douw Steyn, the insurance magnate, had a vision to build a city like no other, offering the kind of lifestyle that South Africans yearn for: the ability to live and play freely, without worrying about traffic or security.

This is what we’ve created. All homes in the lifestyle resort border on a park and a pathway, so you and your family are free to walk, play, or meet friends, without having to cross a public road or negotiate traffic.

How has the public responded to Steyn City?

We launched in March this year, and the response has been exceptional.

I believe that Steyn City is different to anything else in the property market. While gated communities have been fashionable for some time, there is nothing to compare with the lifestyle we offer in terms of space, freedom and the ability to manoeuvre whether on foot, bike, horse, golf cart or any means other than a road vehicle.

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Steyn City features world-class access control, security and telecommunications with the most up-to-date security systems in the world. Features include, for example, state-ofthe-art perimeter cameras with infrared and immobilisation features. The idea is to give residents the ability to live freely.

The development will comprise several village centres and piazzas with a host of food and beverage establishments, office and retail parks, state-of-the-art medical facilities as well as private schools and crèche facilities. The lifestyle resort features an 18-hole Nicklausdesigned championship golf course and a variety of additional recreational, health and fitness options including a gym, fly-fishing, running and cycling tracks, as well as an equestrian centre with bridle paths throughout

the development. Steyn City also has a promenade of approximately 18km, which will increase as the development is completed, and 1 000 acres of open parkland for all ages to enjoy.

Residents will enjoy jogging and cycling paths, fishing dams, a skate park, outdoor gym areas and tennis courts. It’s about bringing the community together, and all homeowners share the same amenities. We will be building at least two preprimary schools, two primary schools, and two high schools, one of which we are planning to open in 2017.

A D V E R T O R I A L to mention safer) for local commuters. We’ve also joined forces with GauTrans to extend William Nicol Drive all the way to the N14, past Diepsloot and upgrades to Cedar Road are already underway.

Bafana, tell us about the impact of Steyn City’s job creation initiatives?

The centre currently has capacity to train 20 people every two months. Once they’ve completed their training, candidates are given a certificate detailing their qualifications. This enables them to find employment elsewhere, or even start their own businesses. I’m a case in point: I’m now the owner of Dikwena M Trading; a construction company that manages multiple construction projects both in and around Steyn City.

Steyn City Properties CEO, Giuseppe Plumari, captured in the new clubhouse at the Steyn City Equestrian Centre

Steyn City plans to invest in public infrastructure upgrades of up to R1bn.

What do these upgrades include?

It’s an ongoing process. One of our key projects is the upgrade of William Nicol Drive.

In a public-private partnership with local government, we’ve invested one third of the total cost to transform the thoroughfare into a six-lane road with a pedestrian pathway on either side. This has greatly improved traffic congestion and made life much easier (not

As part of Steyn City’s CSI initiative, potential employees - many of whom were relocated from Zevenfontein (the area which has since become Steyn City) - were given skills training. How did you become involved in this empowerment initiative?

Another important contributor to skills development is the labour desk, which was created at the Steyn City gate. Any contractor who wishes to build in Steyn City is obliged to procure workers through the labour desk; they cannot bring in their own workers. As a result, the development has created over 12 000 jobs.

What’s wonderful about the way the system works is that labourers not only learn new skills and earn an income; they spend a small percentage of their salaries on transport because of the close proximity to work.

The Lifestyle Resort has also played a role in developing local artists.

Giuseppe: People love beautiful things; everyone wants to live in an aesthetically pleasing environment. As a lifestyle development, we identified a major opportunity here, to involve the input of local artists. Again we went to Diepsloot and Cosmo City to identify top talent. These individuals are being mentored by ceramist Charles Gotthard, and they have created some magnificent pieces which are placed around the resort. A few of these local artists have even been commissioned by other corporates to create artworks.

What have you done to make Steyn City as eco-friendly as possible?

Steyn City’s Skills Development Centre Manager, Bafana Mokwena

Together with government, we assisted in moving 5 500 families to Cosmo City. We have done our utmost to ensure that, when any labour opportunity arose, our local disadvantaged communities would be the prime beneficiaries. To this end, we established a training centre where candidates could acquire skills related to construction – such as bricklaying, plastering and tiling – so that we could offer them employment on site at Steyn City. The skills development centre is managed

by Bafana Mokwena and Brighton Mudau, both of whom grew up in Zevenfontein. They have played an instrumental role in providing training, and many of their students are now employed as construction workers on site.

We have one of the largest nurseries in the country; indeed, in the southern hemisphere.

We’ve grown hundreds of thousands of trees and bushes from seeds, and have rehabilitated the site, which used to be a quarry. We have also placed hundreds of nests around the development to encourage the return of birdlife, and it’s working - our landscaping team, who spend much of their time outdoors, have sighted many birds typical to this area, including falcons, francolins, guinea fowl and pheasants, as well as species like the giant kingfisher and several grass owls. We have also used every available type of technology to reduce our carbon footprint. More than 50% of the development will be taken up by vegetation to create a green zone.

Are the golfing and equestrian facilities open to residents only?

At the moment, the golf course is open to the public, but once we gain critical mass in the development, we will restrict golf to our members. The Equestrian Centre opened in spring this year for our residents’ use.

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L I F E S T Y L E

From Steyn City to Rio in 2016 Tamsin Mbatsha-Bouwer is jumping to success!

Tamsin Mbatsha-Bouwer is more than just a horse rider. She is a rising star on the South African para-athlete scene, with her eyes towards representing South Africa in dressage at the Rio Paralympics in 2016. We caught up with Tamsin at Steyn City to talk about her journey, her goals and her philosophy.

Let’s talk about your background. You had a really tough start, abandoned at three months and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a very young age. The doctors said you’d never walk, but you’ve overcome it with huge aplomb and confidence. What keeps you so driven?

I have a point to prove. A lot of the time, I get babied, even by my friends. They ask “can you do this?” or “do you want me to get this for you?” People think I’m not very capable, but I have been raised to do it on my own. Sometimes it gets hard but I am driven by letting other people see that I can do it. It has been one hard road for me, but my parents have been very helpful because they don’t baby me. The path I find myself on at this moment is very selfmotivating, it’s a big opportunity I’ve been given – this is my chance to show other people what I can do.

How did you get into horse riding and dressage?

I started horse riding when I was about four years old.

It was very therapeutic for me, and helped me a lot with my walking. The doctors said I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I started to walk when I was about seven years old!

I started with show jumping before dressage but I wasn’t competitive at it. Last year, I went to the clinic as a demo rider and that’s when I met Kate. I actually fell off at the clinic but I was pretty determined to show them all how I canter, so I got back on again and showed them 66

my canter. It’s pretty unusual in the para world for a rider to do certain things, but I really wanted to get my point across. So Kate was like, “I want to teach this girl,” and we’ve been working together for over a year.

How often do you train?

I ride from Monday to Saturday, for an hour every day. It’s very important to keep fit.

Do you only ride KEC Garfield? Tell us about him.

The KEC stands for Kyalami Equestrian Centre. In the horse-riding world, you get assigned to a club and you work in that club. Garfield is a very stubborn pony, very difficult at times, but I really enjoy riding him. I ride other horses and I’ve got my own pony at my yard. It’s important to ride a few other horses every now and then so that one can get used to them.

What do you find is your biggest challenge when it comes to your training?

My biggest challenge when I’m not having a lesson is remembering what I must practise, Kate’s instructions.

“Watch your reins, watch your hands” – that’s my one thing. I always want to rush, but I need to remember things that I keep missing out on. I must always remember “hands down, corners...”

Just prove to others what they're saying is wrong.

Proving them wrong is my biggest thing, it's what I do best.

So tell me more about Kate? What’s your relationship like with her; how does she approach your training?

Kate and I are a really good team.

In the beginning, it must have been difficult for her, but we’ve been together for a while. She really brings it together in a way I understand. She doesn’t baby me either, she treats me like her other students, which is important to me.

So often, teenage girls get their confidence knocked out of them at a young age, around 12, 13, and they don’t always get it back but she has really helped me maintain a strong belief in myself.

What advice do you have for other teenage girls who feel like their confidence is being stripped from them?

I used to get bullied a lot but I just told myself, I’m a horse rider and the

bullies don’t know that I can horse ride. I just need to prove a point and turn the other cheek, because they don’t know what I’m capable of.

When I get on a horse, people are amazed I can ride! and I say, “Yes, of course I can.” Just prove to others what they’re saying is wrong. Proving them wrong is my biggest thing, it’s what I do best.

How did you come to Steyn City? How are they helping you achieve your goal of getting to Rio 2016?

Steyn City has been so kind by sponsoring their equestrian facilities, so I can train there whenever I need to. It’s been such a help. They have incredible facilities, including an allweather arena and it’s so beautiful there.

As a rising sports star, who do you look up to as a young athlete?

I love what Philippa Johnson has

done, she’s a para rider as well and she’s gone to the Olympics. She’s done very well! I look up to her and all her achievements. I also look up to Bethany Hamilton as well, she’s a surfer in the USA who lost an arm in a shark attack and yet inspite of it all she’s done amazing things.

In your down time, what do you do?

I love reading! I’m trying to train and manage school, but I love reading crime books and watching crime shows. I want to become a forensic psychologist.

What are your plans after getting the gold at Rio? I’m still going to keep riding. I want to promote the sport in South Africa, so that more people can enjoy it.

What will it take to get to Rio? (Laughs) Hard work! Lots and lots of hard work.

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Images courtesy of Grapevine Communications

Top image South African Para-Athlete - Tamsin Mbatsha-Bouwer

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

C U LT U R E

New Year's

Traditions Not all New Year’s celebrations are created equal.

By Michelle Randall

New Year’s Eve. While you’re clinking a glass of bubbly and contemplating the countdown kiss to end all countdown kisses, somewhere across the world there’s a person swinging a blazing ball of fire around while he parades through town pretending to be a Viking. Because that’s how they do it in certain parts of Scotland.

Even though different cultures celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next in varying ways, New Year’s celebrations are almost always tied to age-old traditions, and with these the hope for better luck, more money, more love and greater happiness in the coming year. Here’s our list of the quirkiest New Year’s traditions from around the world.

WATCHING THE BALL DROP IN TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK Sure, you’ve seen this in every other rom-com, right? But did you know that the ball in question is illuminated by more than 32 000 LED lights and is made up of 2 688 Waterford crystals? Impressive. What would be more impressive, though, is understanding why tens of thousands of Americans would brave the winter cold to stand in the crowded square and watch it fall.

WEAR COLOURFUL UNDERWEAR IN LATIN AMERICA In Colombia, Bolivia and Mexico, you need to make sure that the colour of your underwear matches your expectations for the coming year. Wearing yellow underwear at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve is considered

C U LT U R E very lucky. You’ll be even luckier if someone gifts you with yellow unmentionables. In Mexico, however, yellow underwear is considered a sign of regular luck, while red underwear will guarantee super-charged luck, especially in the love department. Hmm, what are your options, really?

TAKE A WALK AROUND THE BLOCK TO BRING TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES While you’re wearing your lucky undies in these Latin American countries, if you carry a suitcase around the block at the stroke of midnight, the new year will bring travel and adventure opportunities. Popular with lovers and newlyweds, this is a hilarious New Year’s Eve tradition to watch. No cheating: make sure your suitcase is properly packed for travel.

SHOW YOUR FRIENDS YOU LOVE THEM

BY SMASHING PLATES ON THEIR DOORS The Danes know how to have a smashing good time on New Year’s Eve. It’s considered lucky, in Denmark, to jump off furniture at the stroke of midnight, as it symbolises eagerly jumping into the new year and chasing bad luck away. In some parts of Denmark, it’s good practice to smash your crockery against your friends’ and neighbours’ doors. In the light of the new day, the family with the most broken pieces of china piled beneath their front door can boast having the most friends.

BREAKING BREAD In another banging tradition, the Irish celebrate the new year by bashing bread against the wall. Not just any bread, but Christmas bread. Believe it or not, this custom is said to frighten away evil spirits and bring good luck into the house. The bread symbolises abundance, ensuring that the household has plenty of food in the coming year.

SCORE A HUSBAND WITH THIS FAILSAFE TRICK If you’re an unmarried Irish lass – and once you’re done banging your bread, of course – be sure to place a sprig of mistletoe beneath your pillow. This will bring you true love and marriage in the new year.

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW A LOT OF TALL, DARK, AND HANDSOME MEN… The Celts are clearly a superstitious lot. According to the First Footing tradition in Northern Ireland and 70

Scotland, the first person to cross your threshold in the new year determines your coming luck. If a tall, dark and handsome man walks through your door, you’re in luck (obviously). If, however, a red-haired woman or girl enters, you’re in for a time of grief. (Not just superstitious, but a misogynistic redhead-hating bunch too, no?)

COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO, LET’S SEE WHO’S GETTING MARRIED On New Year’s Eve in Belarus, unmarried women hide different items around their houses while their friends ransack the place in search of the trinkets. The woman who finds a ring will marry a handsome man, while the woman who finds bread will marry a rich man. In another get-married-quick game, piles of corn are placed in front of each unmarried woman and a rooster is brought in and released. The first woman approached by the rooster will be the first to marry in the new year.

HAVE A GRAPE NEW YEAR! When the clock strikes midnight in Spain, get those grapes in your mouth. If you can eat one grape for every chime of the clock (twelve in total), you’ll have good luck for each month of the year. Insider tip: buy small, seedless grapes.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW In Equador, burning a scarecrow at midnight ensures that all the negative energy of the past year is reduced to ash, while our very own Hillbrow literally chucks out the old (through a window, or over a balcony). While police have attempted to crack down on our crazy innercity tradition of flinging old furniture into the streets, chances are still good that here and there a dilapidated old refrigerator might find its way through a window.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kiribati is the first country to welcome the new year, while Baker Island, in the United States, is among the last.

Whether you ring in the new year with colourcoded knickers or great balls of fire, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2016!

Success is achieved by those who

TRY and keep trying W. Clement Stone

Scoring tries since 2005.

It’s your turn! www.sportforall.co.za

Excellent opportunity for an active investor to own a business that operates in two highly desirable sectors (children and fitness).

Motivated franchisor and unique social franchise model.

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L I F E S T Y L E LEICA X2 DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERA R27 999 | Cameraland: www.cameralandsandton.co.za You will love the Leica X2 Digital Compact Camera. Its small size makes it easily portable, but that doesn’t mean it won’t deliver the goods. Perfect for street photography and travelling, the X2 is the hippest pointand-shoot in town. Plus, it’s really pretty.

MUNGO SUNGLASSES R1 390 | Ballo: www.ballo.co.za Give the gift of giving this festive season with Ballo, the eyewear industry’s answer to eco-friendly design. These frames are not only gorgeous, but are handmade in Cape Town out of recycled paper and offcut timber. They’ll make a nice stocking filler for your girlfriend.

The Season For Giving!

If you’re on Santa’s good list this year, you’re in for a treat. We’ve searched the four corners of Mzansi to put together the ultimate holiday gift guide. Here’s what you need to put on your Christmas list.

SEAFOLLY BIKINI R789 | Seafolly: www.superbalist.com The summer holidays mean plenty of time soaking up the rays beside the pool, or beneath the palm trees on an island getaway. Make sure you put a sexy bikini on your Christmas list. We love this mix-and-match Goddess set from Seafolly.

AURORA BAG R18 000 | Jennifer Middleton: www.jennifermiddletonbags.com Here’s a little something for you. Inspire handbag-envy among your friends with this chic and versatile – use it every day – handbag by South Africa designer Jennifer Middleton. Made from soft ostrich leather and lined with suede, this must-have accessory oozes subtle luxury. The genuine bangles from Malawi, Congo and Zimbabwe give it a whimsical touch.

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WATERMAN PARIS LIMITED EDITION OMBRES ET LUMIÈRES COLLECTION R6 610 | Waterman Pens: www.waterman.com Taking its inspiration from the lights of Paris at night, the new special edition Ombres et Lumières Collection from Waterman Paris takes the fine art of penmanship to an entirely new level of excellence. Comprising the Hémisphère, Expert, Perspective and Carène pens that are available in fountain, rollerball and ballpoint, this collection has an understated yet elegant black and white design along with all the quality finishes you would expect from a pen of this calibre. The Carène fountain pen featured would make an excellent gift, but you may very likely find that you will not want to part with it once you have experienced the joys of such a luxurious writing tool.

NESPRESSO GRAN MAESTRIA R7 950 | Yuppichef: www.yuppiechef.com Coffee lovers, take your Nespresso obsession up a notch with the Gran Maestria.

Not only do you get perfect shots of coffee and barista-worthy frothed milk with this sleek machine, but you can even heat your cup. Your morning coffee just got better.

CROSLEY CRUISER IN PINK OR BLUE R1 499 The Gadget Shop: www.thegadgetshop.co.za If you’re shopping for teenagers, check out the Crosley Cruiser range of turntables. With vinyl making a comeback, this portable music system with built-in speakers is as hip as they come. Constructed of wood and bound in pink or blue leatherette, the briefcase-styled record player is lightweight and perfect for sleepovers.

COOKOO 2 CONNECTED WATCH R1 899 | Mantality: www.mantality.co.za One of the world’s first connected watches, the Cookoo 2 links effortlessly to both Apple and Android. While it works as an easy extension to your smartphone with essential notifications delivered at a glance, it’s got an analogue time face, and feels like any conventional watch. Choose between the Urban Explorer or Sporty Chic collections.

PHANTOM 3 ADVANCED DRONE R17 795 DroneWorld: www.droneworld.co.za Here’s one for the boys – or the man in your life who still likes his toys. Gift him with the flying camera he’s been dreaming about. The Phantom 3 Pro drone and fully integrated camera will let him shoot his view of the world in unprecedented clarity and style. And for that day when he makes you hike Lion’s Head with him (to get the perfect shot), it comes with a fancy custom-made rucksack.

SEYVR POWER SAVER WALLET R999 | The Gadget Shop: www.thegadgetshop.co.za Need a gadgety gift for your father-in-law or boss? The powersaver wallet from Seyvr takes practicality to a whole new level. It’s got a built-in battery charger, meaning he can go from one important meeting to the next and charge his smartphone on the spot.

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IN STORE | ONLINE | MOBILE

Share the Joy of technology If you’re looking for the trendiest gifts in SA, you’ve come to the right place. These gifts will not only reflect your personal style, they will earn you brownie points for life.

We won’t hold it against you if you keep

Quickly read and respond to messages, mail, invitations and reminders.

Track your daily activity with a three-ring graphic. There’s also a dedicated Workout app.

Choose a watch face and customise the information you see. Whenever you want.

Easily access your boarding passes, tickets and reward cards.

Visit us in-store or online at dionwired.co.za for availability and pricing.

them for yourself. Start shopping now at dionwired.co.za or visit us in-store today.

Requires iPhone 5 or later. TM and © 2015 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

JAWBONE UP3 UP3™ is simply the most advanced tracker you can buy. Its classic, durable design will stand the test of time. Multi-sensor technology adds breadth and accuracy to Smart Coach.

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SAMSONITE 75CM SPINNER Cosmolite, Samsonite’s lightest and strongest collection ever, combines Samsonite’s renowned strength with an amazing light weight. The patented shell, inspired by nature, is the basis for a unique design that gives tremendous protection to belongings. Light, durable and stylish: The Cosmolite collection will meet all travellers expectations.

Available in red, silver & black.

Available online - dionwired.co.za.

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GOPRO HERO4 SESSION

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Immerse yourself in the clear, dynamic sound of the Solo2 Wireless headphone, wherever you go. With Bluetooth® technology, the Solo2 Wireless offers the freedom of movement that conventional wired headphones cannot.

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Meet BB-8™ - the app-enabled Droid™ that’s as authentic as it is advanced. BB-8 has something unlike any other robot - an adaptive personality that changes as you play. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and even perk up when you give voice commands. Set it to patrol and watch your Droid explore autonomously, make up your own adventure and guide BB-8 yourself, or create and view holographic recordings.

available in black & white.

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SMEG RETRO BAR FRIDGE

SMEG STAND MIXERS

APPLE IPAD MINI

NESPRESSO INISSIA BUNDLE

Finish off your bar or entertainment area with a touch of designer class from the Italian appliance maestros at SMEG. This retro orange 120L bar fridge will have your friends green with envy while keeping their drinks ice cold. It’s basically the Samuel L. Jackson of bar fridges - cooler than a cucumber. You’d need to be good all year to get one of these.

The SMEG stand mixer is stunning.

Its lines and colours are inspired by 1950s retro glamour, making it an absolutely iconic appliance. Just looking at this mixer makes you want to bake. The good news is it delivers excellent functionality as well. You can expect 10 variable speeds with a soft start function, set in a die cast aluminium body.

The mixer comes with a polished stainless steel bowl, an aluminium flat beater, stainless steel wire whisk, aluminium dough hook and a pouring shield. The perfect gift for a fashionable baker.

iPad mini 4 combines power and portability with a thin 6.1mm design weighing just 0.65 pounds.

Inissia is designed with simplicity in mind. This small, sleek machine offers no compromise as it features all of Nespresso’s advanced technology to allow for a 25 second heat up, ensuring you have your coffee immediately.

Automatic pre-programmed coffee buttons ensure the perfect coffee serving size each time, and an automatic power off mode after 9 minutes.

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13000

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7200

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1900

All prices are in South African rands. All prices include vat.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock

C U LT U R E

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ADOPTION The best things in life are often the things for which we have to work hardest and adoption is no different.

By Belinda Lubbe

We have seen the happy pictures of families and have heard the emotive stories, but how does it actually work? If we want to adopt, how do we go from where we are now to having a baby in our arms? To help us understand the reality of adoption and all it entails, we take a look at two families and their journey through the process of adoption.

How long did the entire process take, from beginning to end?

Was the process easy?

(Izelle) We decided to work with Impilo Adoption Agency.

We visited them one day when they were having a fundraiser. We were very unsure of how to get the process started. Thankfully, they had probably heard all the awkward introductory questions before and they directed us to make an appointment.

The process from first appointment to having Liboko move in with us took about nine months. It took twoand-a-half years to finalise all the legal paperwork and to get her birth certificate.

(Cece) The process took a year until completion of the first phase, which is the assessment. It was an extremely easy process. I went through Joburg Child Welfare. My social worker has been really great, and she made it quite a stress-free process for me. The costs were just under R7 000.

What has your greatest challenge been up to this point?

(Izelle) I felt completely out of my depth. The adoptive mother needs a lot of support from other mothers, family and friends. Even if the support structure has no experience in adoption, it is vital for the mother to be supported. The adoptive mother is a new mother in every sense of the word, but also a person who is experiencing emotional agony trying to make sense of countless aspects of her new life, which she possibly did not expect. One of these things for us has been a few health issues we have had to face with Liboko, due to her premature birth.

Even if the support structure has no experience in adoption, it is vital for the mother to be supported.

(CeCe) My greatest challenge has been accepting that I cannot be 100% ready. I went through a phase of thinking my house was not big enough, I’m too old, I’m not rich enough, I’m not patient enough, etc. But interacting with my nieces and nephew has taught me that you absolutely cannot be 100% ready. As long as the foundation is set, it is a day-by-day process. Now that I have accepted that, I am ready.

From your journey, what advice would you give to others looking to adopt?

(Izelle) You need to build up a strong support network!

Become active in the adoption circles of society and try to link up with other adoptive parents, even while you are just contemplating adoption – their experience and advice is invaluable. You cannot be too prepared – do workshops and find out about other resources available to prospective adoptive parents. Don’t let fear stop you from adopting! It is a challenging and lifelong decision, but you will change a child’s life who, in turn, will change yours.

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C U LT U R E

I would also throw a huge party – a baby shower/ homecoming party – as soon as the baby arrives at their new home. I regret that we did not do this. The child had been living in temporary care and has now come home – celebrate the life, the change, the glory of the moment, just as you celebrate the birth of a child!

(CeCe) Deciding to adopt is a personal decision. If it is something in your heart, go ahead and do it. You can be a part of something wonderful!

Looking at the lives of these two families, we have been allowed a very real and personal glimpse of their journey through the adoption process. Adoption may be something you are thinking about and although every experience is unique, there are a few fundamentals that one should put into place. Pam Wilson, a Joburg-based social worker, says that all prospective adopters are required to go through a screening process, which involves the filling in various forms, attending an orientation meeting, interviews with a social worker, a full medical with a doctor on our medical panel, a psychological assessment and a marriage assessment (if married or in a committed relationship).

Furthermore, one can expect a home visit and will need clearance from Part B of the Child Protection Register, as well as character references. Pam expresses that this process is not as daunting as it may sound, as it can be undertaken over a period of time, and many prospective adopters actually enjoy the process of learning more about themselves. The process is also a way of the social worker getting to know the adopters and to understand their expectations regarding the child they wish to adopt.

In addition, it is a process of preparing the prospective adoptive parents for the adoption.

Fees are charged for all adoptions and these can vary between adoption agencies, but most fees are charged on a sliding scale according to income and are designed not to exclude anyone from adopting. It’s important to note that lawyers are not necessary in an adoption process, as only accredited social workers are legally allowed to oversee an adoption.

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Deciding to adopt is a personal decision. If it is something in your heart, go ahead and do it.

According to Wilson, the stigma of the adoption of a nonrelated child in the black community still exists, and this frequently prevents many couples coming forward to adopt. This stigma exists due to a belief that the ancestors will be angered if a child who is not related by blood is brought into a family. Oftentimes, the informal adoption of a child from within the family is the preferred option. However, many young, upwardly mobile black couples are now rejecting many of these traditional practices in favour of adopting a non-related child, who will be their child forever. Recently, the National Adoption Coalition has been running campaigns to spread the awareness of adoption into all communities and to help break down some of these cultural beliefs, with the aim of encouraging more people to come forward to adopt.

South Africa has long been known as a ‘fatherless society’, and unfortunately our nation is also becoming a parentless society. Greater awareness and education are critical in destigmatising adoption and highlighting the desperate need for it. As individuals, we often think that we can’t do much to make a difference in the world.

Adoption gives us the opportunity to change just one life –and, in so doing, we change the world.

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L U X U R Y

GLAMPING! Okay, okay… I’ll go camping!

If you think there is absolutely nothing glamorous about camping, you have obviously not yet been exposed to ‘glamping’ – aka glamorous camping.

By Donna Verrydt

It exists, it’s trending and it’s an exciting way to connect with nature – without having to shower in slip slops.

Africa, we know, is not for sissies – it’s hot and harsh and full of goggas, and while we all want to experience the kaleidoscopic colour of an African sunrise, the unique smell of the grasslands and the thrill of coming up close and personal with beasts that could potentially eat us, we’re not prepared to sacrifice a down duvet, a ball and claw bath and room service. Welcome to glamping, where no sacrifices need to be made – because ‘roughing it’ just got fancy.

At Black Leopard Camp, a luxury tented camp situated in the malariafree Thaba Tholo Wilderness Reserve just outside Lydenburg (only three-and-a-half hours from Johannesburg), the safari experience differs greatly from the traditional eat-sleep-game drive lodge experience, because Black Leopard immerses you completely into the bush – without cutting the frills.

The tented ‘suites’ all boast large, plush beds – the type you never want to leave; mini-bars, complete with chocolate bars and wine; large decks on which to sip your G&Ts; and en-suite bathrooms. Each suite also boasts an outdoor bush bathroom 80

– some with outdoor showers and others with baths – from where you can soak in the memories of a fantastic day, with the cliffs and the blue sky as your roof.

In fact, relaxation is one of Black Leopard’s greatest offerings. You don’t have to do a single thing while you visit, which is perfect if you just need some down time. You can sit on your own deck with binoculars by your side, in case a winged predator makes an appearance over the 500 metre high cliffs, or you can lie next to the splash pool at the main lodge with a book and a great view… whatever you choose – it’s your break.

But for those who want to embrace bush life, there are amazing bush walks (for novices and advanced walkers) that can lead you to waterfalls, rivers, protea-dotted mountaintops and even ruins, from early pioneers (the Voortrekkers) to ancient indigenous tribes. You can mountain bike these trails, too.

But if walking and biking seems like too much hard work, then join the

daily game drives with wonderfully experienced guides who will introduce you to all the creatures, great and small. The area is home to the legendary black leopard, which can be elusive, but it’s the fun of the search that will captivate you.

And with such a large number of game and bird species that don’t mind being spotted, you will be able to spend many hours traversing the scenic mountain tracks to find mountain reedbuck; black eagle; oryx; many, many kudu bulls; giraffe; and the newly introduced buffalo herd.

And, in the evening, the unbelievable display of stars will illuminate your dinner, whether served to you in the lapa or made by you in your self-catering suite! Even with the naked eye, the night sky in this area is something spectacular to behold.

For anyone with a passion for the celestial, this will be the highlight of your visit.

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L U X U R Y It is under these same stars that Black Leopard Camp also offers its Fireside Learning experience – where, with well-deserved drink in hand, you can recap what you learnt that day in the bush with the guides and camp owner, Alan Watson. Ask the questions you forgot to ask or delve deeper into a subject in which you are interested. At the end of your stay, you will leave more knowledgeable about the bush and the wonderful animals you have experienced.

Of course, after the day’s excitement, it’s back to your canvas lap of luxury, where you can snuggle up warmly in your bed and drift off to sleep to the cacophony of bush sounds that surround you.

Put this way, ‘glamping’ is not just an alternative option to its rougher sister ‘camping’ – it’s the only option!

Black Leopard Camp www.blackleopard.com info@blackleopardcamp.com Tel: 082 692 9665 Join Black Leopard Camp on Facebook.

GLAMPING AROUND THE WORLD Glamping really is on the up in terms of travel – not just in South Africa but all around the world. It’s big in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Americas and even the United Kingdom. In Africa, the glamping experience is safariorientated, with game drives during the day and dinner under the stars by night. In Asia, they cheat a little by offering a ‘rougher’ luxury experience adjoined to some five-star hotels (although in Mongolia, guests can stay in a traditional yurt). Australia’s glamping focuses on the Outback, where people can enjoy stunning skies and solitude in the desert environment.

And in North America, which has only recently jumped on this experience bandwagon, you can find five-star accommodation in tipis, tents and yurts.

South America offers very exciting glamping experiences at some ecolodges, which are set in the extreme jungles – hope you like poisonous frogs!

And then there is the UK, which has offered glamping for many years now – but we are not sure cottages in the British countryside really count. If you move slightly south, you will find some exciting treehouses in France.

WHAT’S THE DEAL? BLACK LEOPARD CAMP OFFERS BOTH FULL CATERING AND SELF-CATERING OPTIONS: Full catering availability: 18 March 2016 to 5 April 2016; 20 July 2016 to 31 September 2016 Self-catering availability: 1 November 2016 to 17 March 2016; 6 April 2016 to 19 July 2016; 1 October 2016 to 15 January 2017 PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Both options include accommodation in luxury, en-suite tents that are fully serviced.

• Transfers to and from the camp from the pick-up point.

• Full catering also includes: all meals; 1 x game drive per day; unlimited teas and coffees.

• Self-catering also includes: 1 x chef to assist with food preparation and cooking if needed, and firewood.

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RATES: Full catering: • R1 250 per adult sharing per night in the Valley View units or R1 500 per adult sharing per night in the River View units.

• Single supplement is an additional 25%.

• Children under 12, sharing with parents, will be charged at 50%. No charge for children under two.

Self-catering: • R675 per adult sharing per night over weekends (Fri and Sat) and R500 per adult sharing per night midweek (Sun to Thurs).

• Single supplement is an additional 25%.

• Children under 12, sharing with parents, will be charged at 50%. No charge for children under two.

Please note: Activities are charged separately. Please see www.afropolitan.co.za for more details on activities and exclusions.

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A D V E R T O R I A L

More than just a playground!

It’s no surprise that it has become a global playground, after all it has the most amazing beaches, the tropical island setting and world class resorts and hotels, but Mauritius is so much more than the resorts it has to offer.

A little venture beyond the reception desk and the island offers adventure on another level, cultural and historical enrichment, business opportunities and even medical tourism!

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outh Africans have always rated Mauritius as one of the top holiday destinations to frequent, largely due to the setting and luxury that is head and shoulders above that on offer at other tropical holiday destinations. And while South Africans have known the secret of Mauritius for a very long time, the rest of the world is beginning to understand the value that this island has to offer too — in both the leisure and business sectors.

In 2014 95 000 South Africans visited Mauritius for Leisure alone. The numbers continue to grow and the appeal across other nations continues to spread. And to accommodate all these visitors (whether business or leisure), there is a wealth of options from which to choose — ranging from small to medium-sized hotels and charming villas right through to luxury resorts.

In fact, there are twelve major hotel groups in Mauritius including: Accor; Apavou Hotels; Attitude Resorts; Beachcomber; Club Med; Constance Hotels; Indigo Hotels and Resorts; Lux* Island Resorts; Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Sun Resorts; Veranda Resorts and Heritage Resorts, and One&Only Resorts.

All of these hotels and resorts offer unique draw cards, but most centre around the clear warm waters and white sandy beaches, they also throw in delicious beach cocktails and kiddie clubs and voila, there is no better place for a relaxed holiday. In fact resort life can be so magical, that often guests arrive at their hotel and that’s where they remain for the duration of their stay! And what a pity that is, because Mauritius has so much more to offer.

Take the bustling metropoles of Gand Baie and Port Louis for instance.

Dotted with foodie focussed eateries, the Bagatelle Mall, fresh produce markets, trendy bars, state of the art night clubs, not to mention the Port Louis Racetrack, and here you can be one with the people as they go about their daily, and nightly lives — which is a more authentic Mauritian experience.

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On the cutural and historical front, Mauritius offers some of the most breathtaking architecture that any design fundi and history monger could hope for.

There are various chateaus like Château de Labourdonnais — situated in a natural setting where history is beautifully merged with architecture, flora, orchards, cuisine and Mauritian expertise. The museums are fascinating, especially Martello Tower Museum and the Sugar Museum in the North. On the island, temples are abundant and there are even wellpreserved and authentic manor houses of old, open to visitors to learn more about the history of the people.

For nature lovers, Mauritius has many national Parks but the two that need to be on your bucket list are Vallee des couleurs — the place where 23 different coloured earths, dating back to millions of years after the volcanic eruption of the Bassin Blanc, can be be found in one location.

And then there is the Pamplemousses Gardens where giant lilly pads, that could easily a support a small child, will fascinate you.

Obviously adventure sports, particularly focussed on water, are readily available from your resort but it would be a traversty not to chase the waterfalls of Tamarin Bay and trek the gorges of Black River and the Bel Ombre region! The landscape sites will remain burned into your memory forever!

Of course to take it further, there are golf courses, 4x4 excursions, canyoning, hiking, rock climbing, kite surfing, go karting, horse riding and the islets around Mauritius offer great potential for catamaran or yacht excursions – most of which include snorkelling trips, barbecues and Sega performances.

L U X U R Y

...it would be a traversty not to chase the waterfalls of Tamarin Bay and trek the gorges of Black River and the Bel Ombre region!

Business Situated in the ‘golden triangle’ connecting Asia, Africa and Australia, Mauritius is the converging point of global civilizations – a place where a business person can really feel the cosmopolitan pulse of the world. So what makes doing business in Mauritius so attractive?

Did you know that Mauritius is an Ocean State with one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world. It boasts a very impressive track record of businesses they have launched and nurtured in the past and this coupled with political stability and more than three decades of sustained economic growth means you’re looking at a secure investment location with established rule of law. The work force here is also largely skilled and bilingual (English/French) and labour relations are peaceful, multi-ethnic and friendly — an environment conducive to productive business.

But more than all of this Mauritius is open to foreign investment and seeks new talents and skills all the time because development and growth for their country is at the forefront of their agenda. The natural

charm of the country and the tax incentives offered by Government have also attracted other reputable businesses, including international hotel chains such as Four Seasons, Hilton, Intercontinental, Maritim, Le Meridien, Oberoi, Sofitel and Centara Hotels & Resorts.

But if you are not quite ready to set up a business in Mauritius, its good to know that Business Tourism is growing rapidly, which can service your current business objectives right now. Incentive groups, offered by most hotels to facilitate the organization of conferences, seminars and other motivation trips attracts much business tourism to the island. The island enjoys modern infrastructure, well-developed logistics as well as state-of-the-art technology, not to mention the beautiful and relaxing environment, thus positioning itself as a favourite destination for this type of event. The Swami Vivekenanda International Conference Centre in Pailles is also well equipped to welcome international conferences.

So whatever your reason for visiting Mauritius — whether leisure or business — bare in mind that there is so much more to this beautiful Island than meets the tropical eye and Mauritius Tourism invites you to explore the possibilities. It will be worth your while and the offerings you discover will keep you coming back time and time again!

So much leisure, so little time! But to box Mauritius in just the leisure segment, would do it an injustice as Mauritius Business is not only admirable, it’s inspirational to the way people should do business throughout the world.

MEDI-VACATION

Medical procedures usually end with a recovery period where the patient should not or cannot do much.

Mauritius not only offers the perfect, most beautiful and tranquil setting for a recovery, but also top quality medical solutions — from cosmetic surgery to dentistry!

Its called medical tourism and it allows guests to take a vacation while improving their health or looks.

Contact us:

Charmaine Appenah MTPA SA Representative Tel: 011 504 4000 Email: mauritius@edelman.com www.tourism-mauritius.mu 87

Image courtesy of Harley Davidson

L I F E S T Y L E

Raw Power

You don’t have to be a Hell’s Angel to drive a Harley 88

You don’t have to be kitted out in the leanest and meanest biking gear to be a bad-ass.

By Hazel Booth

The Afropolitan scopes out three top-selling and top-performing bikes.

BEEFY BRAWN When owners of speedbikes were asked about Harley Davidsons the answer was usually a derisive snort of laughter. Harley Davidson responded with the V-rod Muscle - which is just another name for barely contained brute power strapped to an aggressive display of force surging through a 1 250CC engine.

Developed in conjunction with Porsche and subjected to the savage Dusseldorf durability test, the liquid cooled, 60° V-twin Revolution engine was developed from the VR1000 superbike engine. This Harley is designed to knock the wind out of you and wipe the sarcastic smiles off critics’ faces.

Its drag racer style is evident in the low centre of gravity and the 240mm rear Michelin Scorcher tire. The six speed transmission and 122 horse power gives the rider not only all the growl typically associated with a Harley Davidson, but all the brawn, too. Expect dual overhead cams, fuel injection, a compression ratio of 11.5:1, a slipper clutch to enable you to handle corners without missing a beat, and a deep bucket seat which you’re going to need when the Brembo brakes with ABS come into play, or you could be left coughing out your own petrol fumes. With a price tag of R230 000, this is no boy’s toy but a man’s muscle bike.

It's understandable if the handlebars are dented from your demented grip while taking a spin on this brute.

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L I F E S T Y L E

RAW POWER Imagine hugging 199 horse power or 148 kW between your knees while hurtling along a racetrack at a top speed of more than 300 km/hr. If this doesn’t blow your hair back, the BMW S 1000 RR will definitely cause your neck muscles serious strain.

Lighter than its predecessor, the S 1000 RR weighs in at 204 kg wet, and BMW has undertaken chassis upgrades as well as optimised suspension for better ground clearance and turning ability. This superbike growls with power, as the torque has been boosted above 5 000 rpm and boasts a large torque plateau of 112 Nm between 9 500 and 12 000 rpm, yet it has precise handling and is easy to ride. An interesting feature is that the S 1000 RR offers cruise control.

The 2015 RR has completely electronic throttle control and boasts five riding modes including Rain, Sport, Race and Riding Pro Mode. Under Pro Mode are two subcategories, Slick and User mode which you can adjust to your preference. For the thrill of a lifetime and only for those with a freakish daredevil streak, try the Launch control at your peril. Prepare to hang on for dear life, as this feature means you can take off from a standstill with the throttle at full blast.

Race ABS is a standard feature, as well as Gear Shift Assist Pro and a seven-step traction control system.

BMW also gave the Dynamic Damping Control – an electronically adjustable suspension system – an overhaul, to give a smoother experience overall. Expect to pay in the region of R213 050 to call one of these your own.

If this doesn't blow your hair back, the BMW S 1000 RR will definitely cause your neck muscles serious strain.

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Opening 12 November 2015 6pm Exhibition concludes 19 December 2015

2 & 6 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg +27 11 788 4805 gallery@everard.co.za www.everard-read.co.za www.circagallery.co.za

L I F E S T Y L E

MENACING MACHINE A lean, mean, speed machine would be an apt description of the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2, which won the 2015 Pirelli SA Bike of the Year award. At 237 kg and offering 147 kW of power from the 998CC liquidcooled four-cylinder engine, the six-speed Ninja H2 is not to be trifled with. Neither is the R320 000 price tag, but this machine is worth drooling over.

KLCM, or Kawasaki Launch Control Mode, allows riders to choose from three modes when launching from a standstill, while electronically controlling the engine output – because this beast could leave you impersonating a lawn ornament if not properly controlled.

The Ninja H2 also offers an Öhlins electronic steering damper, which gathers information from the H2’s rear wheel sensor and ensures front wheel stability. Three modes are available in traction control – for track, street and wet conditions.

Conference

Banquets

For increased power, Kawasaki added a little extra to the Ninja H2 in the form of both a supercharger and turbocharger to pressurise air intake.

It’s understandable if the handlebars are dented from your demented grip while taking a spin on this brute.

Other noteworthy features are the dog-ring gears, which are typically used in Formula 1, as this design ensures a lighter shift effort and a more uniform mixing of fuel and air

through the upper injectors that spray fuel onto stainless steel nets over the intake funnels.

The choice is yours - whether you prefer the lean, mean speed of the Kawasaki Ninja H2, the raw, unbridled power of the BMW S 1000 RR or the deep, throaty growl of the Street 750, these three speed steeds are the top of their class and promise to pack plenty of power.

Epsom Bistro

Chief’s Boma

INDABA HOTEL, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE YOUR AFRICAN DESTINATION IN JOHANNESBURG

Luxury Suites

Mowana Spa

Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton lies the 258 bedroom Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre. It is a compelling blend of business-like efficiency and relaxed country atmosphere within close proximity of the International Airport making the Indaba perfect for groups and leisure travellers.

The hotel features 24 multi-purpose conference venues ranging from Executive Boardrooms to large Banquet Venues seating up to 500 people.

Boasting 2 world class restaurants and the renowned MOWANA Spa, the Indaba Hotel is sure to meet your business and leisure requirements.

W: www.indabahotel.co.za | T: +27 11 840 6600 | E: indaba@indabahotel.co.za

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1-2 Januar y 2016 umgababa beaCh festiVal Umgababa Mai n Beach

Durban Tourism Tel: +27 (0)31 322 4164

Same Game, Different Name

@DBNTourism

A D V E R T O R I A L

HIT THE SLOPES WITH KAYA FM Join the Kaya FM Skiing Listener Tour

TRAVEL FACTS ABOUT AFROPOLITANS: REASONS FOR TRAVEL:

E

ver dreamed of skiing down the slopes of the French Alps, hearing the crunch of fresh snow and seeing powder spray as you slalom? Make that dream a reality with Club Med and KayaFM. Join your favourite presenter on An unforgettable Skiing Listener Tour from 10-17 April 2016 to Val Thorens in the French Alps. You’ll enjoy skiing lessons and revel in international gourmet meals in this romantic setting.

The package includes return flights on Air France and transfers.

We spoke to Kaya FM’s MD Greg Maloka about this exciting adventure:

The response to the trip has been phenominal!

What is the drawcard for listeners?

We are life partners with our listeners and we’re always seeking out adventures together. Our listeners are our priority, and through regular interaction, we create great, custom-made experiences for them.

Considering most black people prefer sun and beach, why was this destination selected?

Naysayers told us the Kaya FM Soul and Jazz Cruise would never work, because black people have a fear of water. That stereotype was crushed when our Soul and Jazz cruise was sold out for three consecutive years. It may not snow during our African winters but Afropolitans are adventurous and will discover beautiful, exciting destinations.

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The Kaya FM listener trips have been taking place for several years.

In what ways do they fit the Kaya FM brand and listeners?

Afropolitans travel and explore the world. This trip is in line with our brand positioning – adventure defines us and it is our passion. We have promised to deliver exciting experiences to our listeners and the skiing trip is one of many.

Who can come on the trip?

Couples, families and friends are all welcome to join us.

Which presenters will be making the trip?

• • • • •

Novelty Relaxation or escape Sightseeing Adventure travel Shopping or partying

DESTINATIONS TRAVELLED TO: • • • • • • •

Africa (mostly for business) Ghana Uganda Kenya Mozambique Zimbabwe Nigeria

REST OF THE WORLD (FOR BUSINESS, SHOPPING AND LEISURE) • • • • • •

South America China Various European destinations Duration and budget: 7-10 days is the ideal length R30 000 (for two) is the ideal budget for most participants

Breakfast Show Host Bob Mabena, Tbose and Georgie will join as well as the Drive Time host of Kaya Central, MoG.

FUTURE DESTINATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION:

What will the skiing lessons cover?

• Brazil – mainly to experience the Rio Carnival • Cuba – for the music, history and culture

Skiing lessons are included as well as a helicopter tour, heli-skiing, ice driving and hot air balloon rides.

BOOKING METHODS:

What will listeners gain from the experience?

They can expect skiing adventures at beautiful resorts, great entertainment, good food and special moments with loved ones.

• 60% of all bookings are made online • 9% of bookings are made via a booking agent * Please note that these facts were gathered from independent research, done for Kaya FM by Inquisition Research.

Kaya FM brings you their first Listener Skiing Tour to the incredible French Alps.

ROMAN C ADVEN E & TURE IN THE FRENC www.ka

H ALPS

yafm.co

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Black Africa Group_3614_Kaya FM

INTERN TICKET ATIONAL 00102

JOIN US FOR

In association with

Premium all-inclusive resorts

Picture spending your days learning to ski on the sunny slopes of the Club Med Val Thorens Resort, settled on the world's largest ski domain. Experience this snowy wonderland with your favourite Kaya FM presenters, and enjoy romantic gourmet dinners with your loved one, awe-inspiring views included. You don’t want to miss out on this bucket list worthy experience limited to a few

listeners only, from 10 th - 17th April 2016, for R34 530 per person all inclusive with full board international cuisine, unlimited drinks and refreshments, snacks and canapés. See the best the skiing world has to offer, only with Kaya FM.

Book at www.kayafm.co.za or call 011 840 2620

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w Bains — The world’s best grain whiskey— who offered our AfroNights guests whiskey tastings throughout the night and even gave away soughtafter bottles at the end of the evening.

Infiniti — the premium vehicle brand that is taking South Africa streets by storm — parked their “beast” the QX70 Sport at the heart of the party, and invited guests to slide behind the wheel and breathe in the luxury. Guests were also welcomed to book test drives — and they did!

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o, yo, yo there is no party in the City of Gold quite like an AfroNight’s party! It is certainly not just another weeknight gig that may (or may not) be nice to attend. AfroNights is an institution — an unmissable occasion to celebrate life as an Afropolitan!

The vibe of the event is always electric, thanks to the amazing people who attend, the legendary music, the delicious food and drinks and the exclusive experience of interacting with premium brands — the types that you deserve.

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All of us at The Afropolitan magazine are in awe at how this one-time small social gathering has grown to become a jam-packed gig that draws more than 800 partygoers! And more than all of this, we are just grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with you, our peeps.

Our last two AfroNights were record-breakers, each as successful as the other. In September we showcased the Über-talented Wanda Baloyi (former Ghetto Luv band member) who drew a massive crowd with her sultry urban-jazz style.

And in October, Muzart, the very popular poptrio, raised the roof off Katzy’s with their energy and artistic prowess.

Now, we would love to take the sole credit for such successes, but the truth is that we would never be able to get down with all of you, if it wasn’t for our valued sponsors. These include:

SanParks (South African National Parks) — brought along their sexy rangers, who reminded us all that it’s important to take breaks in this fast paced world, and what better way to do this than to embrace our natural heritage by checking into one of the luxurious parks and hotels that SanParks has to offer. One lucky Afropolitan also bagged the SanParks prize of a weekend away for two at a Park of their choice, which made a sweet night even sweeter.

Mango Airlines — the best African low cost airline, perfect for when you flying the whole family locally — ran an awesome competition where guests received a boarding pass from flight attendants as they arrived. One ticket held the grand prize of two return flights to any local destination and this took the night to new heights.

And of course Katzy’s — our top-notch venue sponsor who always offers timeless elegance for the tough-to-impress Afropolitan!

We thank all our sponsors for your love and support in 2015 and we look forward to AfroNights in 2016! We have a few aces up our sleeve which will take AfroNights to another level… we like to call it AfroNights on steroids! So keep a close eye on The Afropolitan platforms (magazine, online and social media) for details and then get ready for the rides of your lives!

AFRONIGHTS DATES FOR 2016 2 MARCH 1 JUNE 31 AUGUST 2 NOVEMBER – THE BIG ONE...

AFRONIGHTS ON STEROIDS

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C O L U M N

Collateral damage So, I went to Oppikoppi...

ALYN ADAMS COLUMN

At 50, I should be over music festivals. Can’t dance, can’t play an instrument, can only sing democratically (“gives every key a chance”)...

About the only festival tradition I can still nail better than the youngsters is the drugs, and even those were more fun when sex for dessert was still an option.

Respectable, obese, ageing, balding, beardy comics should not go trawling for a shag among lithe and bouncy twentysomethings disporting themselves in a state of intoxication; it just looks creepy. It’s far more dignified to find a quiet but accessible corner, knock back two Rohypnols, and hope for the best...

Anyway, I digress. I went to Oppikoppi, though I shouldn’t have.

But I’d only been twice before, back in the 90s. So when they asked for comics keen to fill sets this year, I said yes partly out of nostalgia.

And yea verily, it came to pass as I had expected it to. Once you hit middle age, your body is no longer a monarchy ruled by your brain; it’s a loose collection of republics, each with their own agenda, and everready to complain to headquarters.

By Saturday morning, as I levered myself out of my tent after two nights on an inflatable mattress that wasn’t, I was clasping handfuls of the red earth of Northam in a fist raised to the sky, vowing that as God was my witness – as Gaaaahd was my witness – I would never do Oppikoppi again... Unless some kind sponsor hooked me up with an RV. 100

Because apart from the indignity of a Voltaren shot in the backside for my gout, the cuts and scratches from camping among thornbush, a light sunburn, dust-induced bronchitis and rhinitis for a month afterwards and a week of stiffness from muscles completely unused to walking up and down a bloody hill five times a day, I had a fabulous time.

me in her inundation too. I call her an utterly self-centred woman because (a) I was entirely innocent of any inappropriateness towards her sister, (b) I could have had my iPhone in the pants she drenched, and (c) the phrase I’d prefer to use is misogynistic and offensive, even when applied to someone being demonstrably both stupid and bitchy.

The comedy was very well received, and I managed to perform in eight of the nine comedy sets. I also remained conscious and comparatively sober for seven of them, without repeating any material. Although I’m told some of the material in that blackout eighth set may be unrepeatable...

It’s the ultimate coward’s attack, isn’t it? Toss a drink, run away. If the guy goes after you, even if it’s just to discuss the new iPhone you’re going to buy him, he’s a vicious abusing bully. So I left it. “I’ll call her names in public later,” I consoled myself. “But I hope she goes home with crabs.”

The only ugly moment was when some utterly self-centred woman took exception to something John Vlismas said to her sister, and threw a drink at him on her behalf. I was incandescent with rage.

Follow @alyndenzel

Not on John’s behalf – I don’t do behalves – but because I was standing right next to him, and the utterly self-centred woman caught

Anyway, I digress.

I went to Oppikoppi, though I shouldn't have.

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