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EDITION 45
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Dear Students
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Hilarious online dating tales
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Escape the sidelines of history
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You Got Male!
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Contents
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EDITION 45
LIFESTYLE The New Healthy
LIFESTYLE Top Google searches for 2015
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Editor’s letter
EDITOR Brendah Nyakudya
CONTRIBUTORS Alyn Adams Caitlin Hogg Cashe Kidd Damian Murphy Hazel Booth Heather Clancy Michelle Randall Nomali Cele Stacey Vee
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Popular wisdom will have us believe that happiness flows when we embrace the mysterious concept of “the moment”. Divorced from the chains of the past and the uncertainty of the future, we are supposed to find peace in the present. However, it is sometimes important to imagine where we will be so that we can appreciate where we are. Thirty years down the road, will you be roused with feelings of nostalgia or regret? For the politicians mentioned in Government Fails of 2015, we suspect the answer would be the latter. Following a tumultuous 2015 culminating in the #FeesMustFall movement, there is no escaping the fact that we are witnessing history in the making. In our Dear Students piece we give a platform to other voices who witnessed the historic moment of our youth taking control of their futures. 8
Our relationship with the Internet has evolved to reach an interesting binary: the internet is our mirror and our peephole to the lives of others. Others however, just use the tools the internet offers to find love. The odds may be good but the goods are often odd as shown in our Tinder Kiss & Tell. There’s no such thing as the sidelines of history when we live in arguably the most informed and connected age of information – and 2016 looks set to be a busy year on the interwebs. In the words of Maya Angelou, “When you know better, you do better.” But do you really? Only time will tell.
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Is Religion Still Relevant? Research says faith is no longer blind Religion did not come to Africa peacefully. The most insidious part of organised religion has been the holy books and all that continues to be done in their names. By Nomali Cele If a holy book is the word of God – whichever God – what does it say about that God when the word is used for hate? In 2012, the Win-Gallup International Religiosity and Atheism Index, which measures how people self-identify when it comes to religious beliefs globally, released a survey of some 52 000 individuals in 57 countries between November 2011 and January 2012. The result showed that the number of religious South Africans dropped from 83% in 2005, when the survey was last conducted, to 64% in 2012. The survey found that 28% of South Africans did not consider themselves religious, while 4% identified themselves as atheist, and 5% did not respond to questions. As a whole, the survey found that, globally, the number of people claiming to be religious dropped by 19%, while atheism rose by 3%. The two countries with the most people who identify themselves as religious were found to be in Africa. In first place was Ghana, with 96% of respondents saying they are religious. Nigeria was in second place, with 93%. On the atheism scale, China led 10
In Africa, what does it mean to be religious when it was the occupiers who came wielding holy books? with 47% of Chinese respondents identifying as atheist, followed by Japan with 31% and the Czech Republic with 30%. In Africa, what does it mean to be religious when it was the occupiers who came wielding holy books? When, in many countries, those books are still used as morality barometers that dictate who gets to love and who gets humanity? If religion is to play a positive role in the future and in where the continent is headed morally, it is important to challenge hateful acts committed in the name of religion. It is important to affirm humanity above all things. “The inability of religion to account for uncontroversial and almost ubiquitous
R E A D E R S
Pontsho Pilane, a journalist and feminist, blogged about her seemingly contradictory belief systems. On the one hand she is a feminist – the ideology of feminism advocates for equality for all people, especially those underprivileged by sexism, racism, capitalism, homophobia and transphobia amongst other oppressive beliefs. On the other hand, she is Christian. Christianity, like most organised religions, are sexist and homophobic. Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution protects freedom of religion, belief and opinion. Regardless of which side of the religious belief spectrum one stands, that belief is validated and protected by the Constitution as long as it is not harmful to others. Christianity is not the only religion whose teachings have been used to justify despicable acts committed throughout time. Right now in the world for most, the “war on terror” is synonymous with the “war on Islam.” One of the many changes religion has to make is examining how both the religious and nonreligious can reconcile their beliefs with real life and work to protect those persecuted for their beliefs. The International Religiosity and Atheism Index survey also found that, worldwide, people in the bottom income groups – poor people – were 17% more religious than people in the top income groups. In total the low income group accounted for 66% of
religious people and the high income groups accounted for 49%. In the past two years, we have seen this play out in South Africa’s townships. There has been a rise of so-called “false prophets” and pastors who have gotten their poor, black congregations to do obscene things in the name of healing and faith. For instance, 2014 saw how the notorious Rabboni Ministries and its pastor, Lesego Daniel, had his flock eating grass and later had them drinking petrol. In 2015 it was reported that End Times Disciples Ministries, in Soshanguve, Pretoria, had the congregation eating snakes and cloth that “tasted like chocolate.” There is also the blessed water, ointments, blessed candles and, more recently, blessed sanitary pads, which have, for years, formed part of the church economy. These blessings come at a price, which is not included in tithes. With the poor fuelling this economy built on faith, they are not the winners. These instances show that people desperately believe, and that they have faith, which has often been misused by individuals who promise a higher grace and closeness with whichever deity. In their pursuit of higher faith, people don’t mind eating grass or flying to Nigeria because it has been said it is the path that will bring them closer to their God. It’s in this murky plane that chancers thrive and take advantage of the poor. Pilane writes: “[..] I choose to stay religious because my personal relationship with God is a real one. I stay because it is my faith that fuels my views on gender equality and justice. It is in the midst of this tug of war that I have loved Jesus more – and because of that, I am a feminist.” As the statistics show, religion is still relevant in the African context. But as Pilane’s inner turmoil, which is experienced by many millennials – be it about religion or tradition – also shows: that faith is no longer blind. As such, the religious have to interrogate and adapt their faith. If “God is love,” those who believe in that God have to interrogate what that love should look like in the world. 11
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
suffering – disease and poverty – makes religion disconnected from human experience in ways that are meaningful,” says Luvo Gila (23), a politics student and musician who was raised without religion playing a significant role in his life. Of the absence of religion in his upbringing Gila says, “I didn’t have to undo anything.” But the state of religion is not only being questioned by those who stand at its fringes.
E X P E R I E N C E
12
Image courtesy of Google Images
C U R R E N T
A F FA I R S
Dear Students A letter to our students of 2015
They said that this generation is lazy, ungrateful and politically inert. Something about a hashtag generation that is more concerned with “likes” than lives. By Heather Clancy
“F*ck that. “Inequality, as it exists in our world at large, is barbaric.
SINDI-LEIGH MCBRIDE
WRITER AND RESEARCHER:
Culminating in a march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on October 23, 2015 the students were victorious in their battle for a 0% fee increase. However, as made evident by the harrowing stories expressed during the protests, the war on inequality has not even begun yet. And as with all wars, there will be victories and defeats, along with casualties, heroes and enemies. Were the actions of the students the beginning of the end, or the beginning of the long road towards equality? We asked you, our readers, to tell us what you would say – good, or bad – to the students of this momentous movement.
A
s a student and a worker, I salute you. I believe that what you have started is going to free up more than bank accounts, but impetus and imagination too.
“My experience is that financing an education is more stressful than graduating, or making a living. I have degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand (with the help of a scholarship and my parents breaking their backs) and the University of Cape Town (with the help of a student loan). I have been jobless and employed, by both the public and private sectors. “The labour conditions in South Africa are as appalling as the education crisis. Many believe that we should feel lucky to get an education or a job, that oppressive situations should be endured with a grateful brave face.
“As we learn and labour, our individual and collective imaginative faculties will strengthen and flex to ‘create the pathways to give hope to our youth that they can have the opportunity through education and hard work to escape the trap of poverty.’ “The chasms between rich and poor, powerful and vulnerable are not irreconcilable. This modern age is a struggle between the forces of an unequal society and the drive by people for greater democracy in their lives. “Thank you for fighting for economic democracy in our universities. “Voorspoed for the future, aluta continua. “All the blessings, “Sindi-Leigh McBride 13
C U R R E N T
A F FA I R S
How do you express gratitude to your saviour? DOREEN, (*SURNAME WITHHELD) 72-YEAR-OLD RETIREE AND FORMER SECRETARY
W
hat can be said of your achievements other than meaningless congratulations and a sincere pat on the back?
“We were all very proud of you as you gathered so peacefully and decided that ’enough is enough‘. What the hell took you so long? “Please continue your efforts to make affordable education a reality in South Africa, your children depend on it. “Sincerely, “D
their education. Of course, this argument is over-simplified and that’s due to the word restrictions of this piece (perhaps my ideas are also colonised by this publication). “What I am getting at is that the struggle to decolonise our society begins with the personal. Let us be aware of our actions post graduation in all settings and professions we pursue, let us learn from our parents’ shortfalls and raise a youth that understands what it means to be African in any setting. For if we do not engage in the practice of self-criticism and decolonising ourselves, we are left with the option of being contributors to our colonisation or rather its cousin, imperialism. “Stay woke.
MPUMELELO MFULA,
RHTC (RETURNING HOME TO CREATE) FOUNDER, ENTREPRENEUR AND POLITICS GRADUATE
F
rantz Fanon said: ‘Each generation must out of relative obscurity define its mission, betray or fulfil it.’
“The youth of 2015 is currently branded as the youth that opened up the nation to the progressive realisation of free education in our lifetime, just as the youth of 1976 was branded as those that fought against the colonisation of the black child’s education. The common denominator is the progressive fight against the colonisation of education. “What we then saw post-1994 is the same youth of 1976 sending their children to the hands of the former colonisers in the form of model C schools in towns without investing in decolonising these schools thus carelessly handing their offspring to those who once intended to colonise 14
“Mpumi
KAGISO MOTLANTHE,
STUDENT AND ASPIRING SOCIAL BUSINESSMAN
H
ow do you express gratitude to your saviour?
“It’s a difficult thing to form the exact words with which to convey the necessary sincerity. 2015 has been one of immense importance for South African students and youth. Your lived experience has been brought to bear on a nation which is all too fond of pretending you don’t exist. You’ve been called, and carried the burden of a number of colloquialisms and nonsequiturs such as Generation DGAF [Don’t give a f*ck], Generation YOLO [You Only Live Once] and *drum roll* Generation Born Free. Yes, April 27 1994 was the end of your suffering and all you would have to worry about was if there was enough sugar in your Oros.
“You would never have to protest again because mom and dad took care of all that for you. But that hasn’t represented your reality. The same racist, exclusionary and sexist structures are in place at universities. Indeed to be born free has meant to be born of no agency with which to equitably change your life. To be born free has meant finishing matric with a B average, but no money with which to pursue higher education. A crime against human rights and a sign of the false hope of 1994, well you’ve saved us. You’ve saved us from the indignity of unwarranted colloquialisms and written your own history. “You’ve personally saved me the indignity of having to look at my own children years from now with angst and regret. Regret about where I was when students marched on Parliament and the Union Buildings. When
Image courtesy of Goose Images
students claimed their destiny and freed us from commodified education. Surely this isn’t over and you have more to come, but in the meantime, thank you, kea leboga, ngiyabonga, ndiyabulela my saviours. “Kagiso Motlanthe
ROSINA RAMAKGOLO, STUDENT AND WRITER
O
ur caregivers send us to higher educational institute to acquire education in order for us to be able to face the world. You do what is required just to maintain the faith they have in you and you take pride in your work.
“Authority tries to bring change and you don’t accept it too well. Armed with nothing but your good intentions, you and your friends decide to take
to the streets and fight for what you believe in, education at an affordable rate. I mean who wouldn’t fight when all we are told is that education is the key to our future. “Your movement was successful, [it] even got compared to the Soweto uprising, only with fewer casualties. But to my surprise, violence emerged from your friends, they weren’t satisfied. They wanted more. But with that desire came many consequences. You destroyed infrastructure, you brought shame to your movement. You created a setback, in your own life! So why behave in a manner that is going to affect your near future? “Let me analyse the situation for you: because of your actions, the time that was set to complete your qualification has now been extended and now what? See where the rage
Top Image Students in protest for #FeesMustFall
has led you. Perhaps an opportunity was awaiting you when you completed your qualification but, unfortunately, you’re late. “And now things fall apart, starting with our educational system. Don’t let what could potentially be the best thing be destroyed by a situation that could be handled better. “Rosina Ramakgolo
Join the conversation: tweet us @AfropolitanMag with #DearStudents. 15
C U R R E N T
A F FA I R S
FIGHTING
FIRE WITH FIRE Mob justice in Masiphumelele
16
Images courtesy of shutterstock & Google images
By Michelle Randall
In September 2015, 14-year-old Amani Pula, a promising student at the Imhoff Waldorf school, was murdered at his family home in Masiphumelele (Masi), a small township nestled between the coastal neighbourhoods of Noordhoek and Kommetjie in the Western Cape. It is alleged that he was raped. Amani’s brutal murder set into motion a series of retaliatory mob killings and protests in the South Peninsula community. In one incident, Masi residents hunted down Skhumbuzo Gqamana (32), who had been identified as one of Amani’s killers. However, instead of handing him over to the authorities, community members necklaced him in public and pummelled him with bricks as he burned to death. “He was guilty,” says Ntombi*, a Masi resident and single mother of two. “He admitted he held the boy down to be raped, but said that he didn’t rape the boy.”
POOR POLICING TO BLAME At the time, residents said that it was inefficient policing that drove the community to mob justice. “The crime is too much,” Ntombi says, citing the community’s ongoing fight against drugs as a key example of poor policing in the area. “Masi was nice before, but tik has become our biggest problem. These drugs are pushed onto our children when we’re away at work.” She adds that the community as a whole has no faith in the police’s ability to effectively control crime. “We reported everything to the police station, the drug and tsotsi problem, but they didn’t do anything. They searched for drugs but didn’t find anything. So the community took over and found the drugs. And the community took over and found the murderers.” Pierre du Toit, an associate at Johannesburg-based law firm Hooyberg Attorneys, says it is a sad reality that the SAPS is often overloaded. “Investigations take weeks, if not months, and only years thereafter that a conviction can be handed down with sentence. Because of this, the retribution, or sense of community vengeance, is only experienced much later, giving rise to frustration and motivating the desire for an immediate result.” For Ntombi, the immediate result of the mob justice has brought a much-needed sense of peace to the township. “Now that the skollies are gone we can go out at night and even answer our phones in the street,” she says.
VIGILANTISM AND THE LAW According to Jonathan Burchell, author of Principles of Criminal Law (1991), mob justice consists of ”the unlawful and intentional commission by a number of people acting in concert of acts of sufficiently serious dimensions which are intended forcibly to disturb the
public peace or security or to invade the rights of others.” “We as South Africans give up our individual freedom and collectively agree to a constitutional democracy with a governing set of rules, the source of which is the Constitution,” says du Toit, adding that the assembly of mobs participating in civil disorder presents a threat to the persons of the community, whether partaking or not, as well as to the Republic of South Africa. Cornerstone to our Constitution is the Bill of Rights. A community has the right to freedom of speech and association, but so too, does the individual have the right to be tried in an open court, without fear, favour or prejudice. “You can’t take the law into your own hands,” says du Toit. “It is unconstitutional to rape or murder, but it is also unconstitutional to take it upon yourself to try an individual for same, and to assault his or her rights because the justice system is too slow for your liking. People are, however, feeling vulnerable.” South Africa has seen its fair share of vigilante court cases. In the State v Dikqacwi and Others 2013 ZAWCHC 67, the seriousness of mob justice was outlined and upheld, but similarly the accused’s personal circumstances were taken into account. Du Toit explains: “The accused did not come off lightly, so as to uphold constitutional integrity, but the rationality behind the mob justice was addressed and housed favour.” He adds that cases like these are extremely difficult for judicial officers to deal with. “Public vengeance must be seen to be unacceptable, but certainly any court, when determining the appropriateness of a sentence, should look at the effectiveness of the criminal justice system while deterring others from committing the same crime. The court should further consider the question of what is sufficient rehabilitation, and if it will serve and further motivate the reformation of the offender, as per the individual characteristics of the accused, and in the light of the community’s interests.”
ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL Community activist Lubabalo Vellum (36), who had been identified as the ring leader behind the Masiphumelele vigilante attacks, was taken into custody in October 2015 and charged with murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and public violence. His arrest led to a series of mass protests in Masiphumelele, in which roads were closed to traffic and additional police deployed to the area. “What people must understand is that we’re not just protesting for better police,” Ntombi says. “We’re protesting because if you arrest one of us, you must arrest all of us. If one is wrong for taking justice, we are all wrong. We have a history of standing together as a community, to fight fires and floods, and now crime. 17
A F FA I R S
We have a history of standing together as a community, to fight fires and floods, and now, crime
We’re strong. We will keep protecting each other.” While there were reports of xenophobic attacks and further public violence, including incidents in which local businesses were vandalised and even burned, Ntombi maintains that the protests were peaceful, and that residents only became angry when the police fired rubber bullets and teargas into the crowd of more than 500 people. “Even white people supported us that day [during protests outside the Simonstown Magistrate’s Court], and the Somalis brought us food and water. This is not about xenophobia or politics. It’s not a Democratic Alliance thing or an ANC thing. It’s about crime,” she says. Disgruntled residents have been advised to contact neighbourhood watch groups, the Community Policing forum or the Police Ombudsman’s office if they feel police are not delivering adequate service. In Masi, two mobile police stations have been earmarked to become permanent structures, with the intention to address crime and curb further acts of mob justice in the area. Du Toit says: “Certainly, greater policing presence is essential to safeguard constitutional values in 18
communities, as well as to provide safer environments,” but he adds that South Africa should consider the establishment of specialised courts, which would specifically deal with community pressures. “When there is a transgression that shakes a community, such a case should get preference to be brought to a result. Practically it could mean that a magistrate should receive a directive from the judge president, that a calendar day is to be allocated to community sensitive transgressions. This would feed the need of society, as well as enforce constitutional compliance.” For now, community leaders have called for calm in Masi. It is not known whether Amani’s mother feels that justice has been served. What is known is that nothing can bring back the bright young man, whose “light,” according to the College of Teachers on the Imhoff Waldorff Facebook page “shone bright in both the classroom and on the soccer field.,” *not her real name
Top image Police patrolling the streets of Masi
At the time of going to print, community activist Lubabalo Vellum was charged with murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and public violence. He had been granted bail and was scheduled to be heard in court in 2016.
FACT BOX:
According to Jonathan Burchell, one cannot take the law into one’s own hands, simply because the legislature has chosen to criminalise conduct that is shaped by the desire to protect certain values or interests that are prized in society. These interests or prized values are: 1. To maintain human and civil rights 2. To uphold public sensibilities 3. To maintain the government of the state 4. To promote the collective welfare of South Africa
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
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L I F E S T Y L E
tell
Kiss and True Tinder Stories
We’ve changed their names but we can’t change the fact that some of the most bizarre dating stories come from Tinder.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
By Michelle Randall
It’s a perfect summer’s day and we are with a group of women at a bar in Camps Bay. We’ve promised them we won’t use their real names and in turn they’ve promised me the dirty details. Besides being career-driven women in their 30s, they all have one thing in common: Tinder.
download the app, connect it to your Facebook account, and fill in your preferences. We pick up one of the phones on the table and give Tinder a test drive. An image of a good looking, muscled guy pops up. He’s only 2km away. “Oh, he’s hot,” says the owner of the phone. “Swipe right!” she instructs.
“Do you know how difficult it is to meet a decent guy?” asks one. She’s a partner in a law firm, with limited time for dating.
A right swipe means that you like someone; if you’re not interested, you must swipe to the left. Only users that have both liked each other’s profiles will match up, making the app an addictive game of dating roulette.
Tinder is a location-based mobile dating app and it’s simple to use:
“You can’t take it too seriously,” says one of the women, a creative ad agency type. “Tinder doesn’t make it easier to meet guys, but it does make it easier to have sex.” I ask about love. “It’s too convenient for love,” says Ad Agency. “Great love stories are about overcoming challenges.” Law Firm agrees.“When it comes to finding love, the odds are against you.” I question the cynicism of judging a stranger’s potential based on a picture. 21
L I F E S T Y L E
The details are what I’m here for. And the ladies aren’t shy to share. They Kiss and Tell.
JERSEY GUY: “I went away for a weekend with a man I met on Tinder. The secluded mountain cottage had no electricity, and he didn’t know how to make a fire. He also refused to wash himself in the available water, let alone drink it, because it came straight from the natural springs and was slightly brown. Chalking it off to him being a metro city guy, I set about building a fire and cooking a spicy meal to match the hot getaway I’d imagined. Fast forward to dinner: my date was shoveling food into his mouth like a Neanderthal, sweating from the heat of the chillies and sniffing loudly. When, to my absolute horror, he pulled a jersey from his backpack and blew his nose into it, I was done! Not the kind of dirty weekend I had envisioned.”
SPITTING IMAGE: “I matched with a cute guy on Tinder. He contacted me immediately, and we chatted for a week before meeting. He was kind and funny and after three amazing dates, I was falling. I invited him for dinner, which ended with us in bed. At one point he paused, and looked deeply into my eyes. It was a beautiful moment. Until he spat in my mouth! I was so shocked my mouth was hanging open, which he took as an invitation to spit in it again. I faked a bellyache and managed to get rid of him!”
THE CHRISTIAN GREY GUY: “Our first date was at a prestigious restaurant. I was keen to see if the chemistry we had online was real. He was suave, confident and very difficult to resist. He’d pre-booked a hotel room for the night, where he innocently smacked my bum. According to him, there was a glint in my eyes that told him I was into 22
that sort of thing. This had never happened to me before, but I was totally into it. “Over the next few days, we agreed on the terms, including my limits and a safe word. One week later, I was in another hotel room having a night worthy of an EL James novel, complete with handcuffs, whips, vibrators, and blindfolds. It’s the most powerful thing I’ve ever done for myself.”
THE SEXTER: “I matched with a ‘shy’ professor who was only in town for two days. We met for coffee just before he had to fly home, and I was surprised by how quickly we connected. An hour later he was gone, and I was bummed. Two days later he started texting me: innocent at first, and then more suggestive. By the end of the day, the texts ranged from cute curiosity to downright porn. I had to block his number and get rid of him on social media. Lesson? You never really know, until you know. Call me a cock block, I’m good with that.”
THE BOYFRIEND GUY: “I’d never really taken Tinder seriously, but after a few dates with a guy, 10 years younger, he changed his Facebook status to “in a relationship.” With me! On our fourth date, my new ‘boyfriend’ wanted to move in. He’d pursue his ‘promising music career’ while I took care of us. I eventually told him I was only in it for the sex. He admitted he was broke. I paid for our dinner and ordered him an Uber to his mom’s place.”
TINDER SAFETY TIPS:
Tell your bestie that you’re going on a Tinder date – give her all the details. Google him! It’s fair game. Don’t get drunk. Ask questions about his family, upbringing, work and values. Trust first, sex later. Much later.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
“It’s all about the risk,” says the Hairstylist. “You chat, you go on a date, and if there’s chemistry, that’ll take care of the details.”
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B U S I N E S S
Tsotsi in the Boardroom
Alastair Mokoena Walking into the office of the newly appointed managing director of one of the country’s greatest creative agencies gives a great insight into the man himself.
By Caitlin Hogg Comfortable in his low-key, serene and modestly sized office in the Ogilvy building, cow skin rug at foot and a couple of Drum-printed cushions on the couch, Alastair Mokoena hops up from his neatly kept desk to join us on the couch for a laid back chat about where he came from, what he’s been up to, and his perspective on the state of our country. Tell us about your journey in marketing, and how you came to be the MD of Ogilvy It’s been a long journey! I grew up in a family business where my dad used to play professional football for Kaizer Chiefs, and when he retired he went into business. So I was exposed to business from a young age. I studied law, but when I finished I realised that I had more of a passion for marketing, brands and business, so I joined Unilever in 1998 as a marketing trainee and moved through various positions until I found myself as the marketing director for Cadbury. Kraft then bought Cadbury and things started changing, so I decided to take a break – a sabbatical, from corporate. WATERMAN_Lumieres_210x30mm_Afropolitan.pdf
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It was meant to be a break but it ended up being the busiest time of my life. I set up both a strategy consulting business called Birds Eyeview, as well as a business based on photography and print, and became an art developer and collector. I did an MBA, had a child, and rebuilt my house. All of those things nearly killed me. After 18 months I thought no, it wasn’t meant to be this hectic. I’ve spent pretty much my entire career building and positioning brands and evaluating creative work, but I had never worked inside of an advertising agency. I had never been a part of creating magic. I wanted to experience that for myself. When I started my career at Unilever 18 years ago, Ogilvy was my first agency. I was a client of theirs for almost eight years, so I’m friends with the management team, and many of my clients are former colleagues. For me, working in a space where friendship and getting the work done are equally important is crucial. I’m a relationship guy, I’m not just about getting the work done, I like to combine the two. 2015/06/29
Coming to Ogilvy made a lot of sense, and I’m here a year now. We’ve had an amazing run, we’ve grown our business phenomenally and achieved amazing things creatively. What are the adjustments that you had to make, moving from being the client to the managing director of the agency? I often say to people that being a client is like being a customer in a restaurant, and being an agency MD is like being a restaurant manager. When customers are unhappy with the service in a restaurant, they escalate things to the manager. When my clients are unhappy with the work that we do as an agency, I hear about it. It’s been quite an adjustment, but I’ve always worked with ad agencies, it’s just that I’m sitting on a different side and now I get to see what it takes to create amazing work. Because I’ve seen what it takes to put together a brief, and how much inspiration goes into exciting a creative team into delivering amazing work, I’ve been able to bring all of those learnings across with me.
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What drives you in business and in your private life? I think there has to be alignment between the business man in me, and the private, family man in me. I have to be completely aligned, I don’t believe I should be a different person at work. My life purpose is to make a difference in the world, and to touch lives. What I try to do in everything I do is to ensure that I’m purposeful. That determines my approach to things. I like to take a long term view to stuff, to think about the implications of what I do, of how I come across to other people, and of what it takes to inspire people. You don’t inspire people unless you consider what is important to them, and people don’t do business with you unless they feel comfortable with you. That comes from an alignment of values. Of life perspectives. I like to ensure that there’s a meeting of the minds with my stakeholders before I look at the work, that drives me. If you want to move people, you have to show that you actually care about what matters to them.
a long time to undo. We’ve made good strides, but our single biggest challenge has been corruption, and how it undermines all of our gains. It undermines our ability to make improvements and speedy progress. I have some sympathy for those in power, but I have no sympathy for the levels of corruption that we see. Even with all of those difficulties we do still see modest economic growth, 1.5% is dismal, to be frank, but I know our potential is much greater than that. I believe in our ability to bounce back. The education system is trying to improve itself; the political system is maturing; and integration, I don’t believe is something one can force. Alastair Mokoena MD of Ogilvy
What are your views on the state of the country? Our country is in a state of flux. Our democracy is very young, it’s only 21 years old. Like every brand, we need to constantly reinvent ourselves. The ANC government has had to transform all the time, they’ve come from being a liberation movement to being the government of the day, and those are two different roles. Inheriting a country that was not united, that is as diverse as ours is not an easy thing. If you want to condemn a country, give them inferior education. That takes
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Image courtesy of Ogilvy PR
It’s not as difficult a transition as one would imagine, it feels like a continuation of the marketing journey I’ve already been on.
B U S I N E S S
If you want to move people, you have to show that you actually care about what matters to them With social integration and cohesion, we will see a unified society with time. As a country we’re going through lots of painful change, but you have to have hope, right? I’m hopeful. How do you think those woes could be fixed? Being a marketer and a brand specialist, I think it comes down to defining our brand. What do we stand for, what are we known for? What space do we want to occupy in people’s minds? We need to go back and define what our common shared values are, what our vision is for this nation, and what our aspirations are. Once that work is done, you’ve given the populous something to hold onto. We have a great lighthouse in Ubuntu as a shared philosophy. More work needs to be done to build regard for Ubuntu over and above material success. Yes, everyone wants to have money, but above that, being neighbourly, being active citizens pursuing social cohesion matters.
A value that is completely underrated is humility. Often it’s said that success breeds contempt. If we remind ourselves to be humble, with humility comes empathy, understanding and tolerance. We’ve been criticised as an industry for undermining people, stereotyping and using offensive archetypes, and I think that it boils down to a lack of humility. If you think you know better than the people you’re communicating to, you’re not going to have cut through work. It’s very easy as a creative person to want fame and glory first, and then think about the impact of your work second, but in actuality it should be the other way around. What problem am I solving in society, is it going to resonate with people, cut through the clutter and have impact? If you tick all of those boxes, fame and financial success follow. 26
Image courtesy of Gallo/Getty Images
Finally, any other words of wisdom you would like to share?
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7 C U LT U R E
Books by African Authors That You Should Read
In a speech titled “The African Renaissance, South Africa and The World” at the United Nations University, in 1998, Thabo Mbeki said: “Unless we are able to answer the question ‘Who were we?’ we will not be able to answer the question ‘What shall we be?’”
By Heather Clancy Speaking about the birth of Africa’s Renaissance, Mbeki could have very well been referring to the magical allure of reading. Books allow us a passage in time to understand who we were, who we are, and magically, who we can be. This magic is precisely why it is important to not only read but as Africans, to read books written by African authors about Africa. A peephole into the kaleidoscopic existence of the people of this great
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continent, books written by African authors about Africa offers a literary crystal ball fostering understanding and often optimism. While the stories told are not always comforting, or easy to swallow, the act of reading and seeing your world reflected in an empowering act in defiance of the single story that prominent Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned against in her now famous 2009 TED Talk. Speaking about the
importance of all stories for their power to illuminate and present a multi layered universe that does not fit neatly into archaic moulds, the award-winning author made a powerful case for the importance of reading African stories by African authors. This year, delete those pesky social media apps on your phone and instead take the time to tick off our list of great African books, new and old, by African authors.
PIGGY BOY’S BLUES BY NAKHANE TOURÉ
“He loosened his tie. Something in his mind had begun to take shape. An idea was being knit. He had made the same mistake twice.” Set in Alice in the Eastern Cape, singer Touré’s debut novel has been described as a “tour de force” by Professor of African Literature at Wits University, Pumla Dineo Gqola. Boldly confronting issues such as sexuality, rape, Christianity and mental illness, Touré’s story will creep up on you long after you’ve finished the final chapter. Revealing his talent as an allround artist, Touré’s intriguing introduction to the world of literature will have fans of his music struggling to decide whether they prefer him as a musician or an author. Why should I read it? Touré is a musical pioneer on his way to legendary status, read his brave debut novel before he becomes an international star. For wannabe writers, this book presents an alternative to conventional storytelling, albeit absent of a narrative arc, yet thrilling in its evocative prose.
SWEET MEDICINE
BY PANASHE CHIGUMADZI
“The most difficult kind of honesty is honesty with yourself, Tsitsi – you know that.” With the story taking place at the height of Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, Chigumadzi’s debut novel is about feminine agency and the many spheres that women have to navigate. While the writing is indicative of Chigumadzi’s first foray into literature, the familiarity of the dialogue and the pertinence of the story will ring true for many young women. Why should I read it? A 2015 Ruth First Fellow at Wits University, Chigumadzi’s debut novel follows her inaugural lecture’s viral path.
THE REACTIVE
BY MASANDE NTSHANGA
“They called him the screamer, they told us later, when we gathered to put him inside the earth. Maybe it was meant with tenderness, I thought, the kind of tenderness men could keep between themselves up in the hills.” Ntshanga, who was shortlisted for the 2015 Caine Prize, and is the winner of the 2013 PEN International New Voices Award brings a moving story that is difficult to put down and even harder to forget. Often compared to Songeziwe Mahlangu’s Penumbra, The Reactive couples fascinating characters with impressive writing to create an unsettling story that is sure to be a future classic. Why should I read it? With the film rights purchased by an American publisher, read the book before it becomes a movie.
AMERICANAH
BY CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
“She rested her head against his and felt, for the first time, what she would often feel with him: a self-affection. He made her like herself.” A powerful and absorbing story about race, love and identity, Americanah is the kind of book that inspires obsessive reading patterns and fervent devotion. Tracing the relationship of Ifemelu and Obinze, Americanah is as much about the love shared between two people, as it is about the loneliness of an individual searching for meaning from Lagos to Princeton. Beautifully written with nuanced observations, Americanah is Adichie’s finest work to date. Why should I read it? Described by fellow African author Binyavanga Wainaina as a “towering achievement” Americanah is an ambitious love story that is not only a compelling read but an important one too. 29
C U LT U R E
Best appreciated as a disturbing book that you can neither love nor hate for its unsettling nature and rage...
EVERYTHING GOOD WILL COME BY SEFI ATTA
“She says the lesson to learn is that the world is round, which means that if I run too fast I might end up chasing the very homeland I am running from.”
THE BEAUTYFUL ONES ARE NOT YET BORN BY AYI KWEI ARMAH
“True, I used to see a lot of hope. I saw men tear down the veils behind which the truth had been hidden. But then the same men, when they have power in their hands at last, began to find the veils useful.”
Firmly set in Nigeria, this coming-ofage novel awarded the inaugural Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, is universal in its evocative story of friendship, politics and love. A powerful feminist voice, Atta’s writing is witty, taut and unapologetic. Earning high praise from fellow Nigerian Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, we’re glad that Atta, formerly a chartered accountant, decided to pursue her passion for writing.
The kind of book that is dangerous to idly discover for the time that it will inevitably take up, the unforgettably titled The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born is a classic, an essay on corruption in Ghanaian society that must be ticked off and never forgotten. Despite being a satirical critique on Ghanaian society during Kwame Nkrumah’s rule and the period following independence in the 1960s, this electric novel is a timeless read for all citizens of the world.
Why should I read it? Described by Observer Magazine as “Tom Sawyer meets Jane Eyre, with Nigerian girls” – what’s not to love?
Why should I read it? Written in 1968, the vivid writing and the unrelenting prose is as alive today as it was at the time of its release.
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THE HOUSE OF HUNGER BY DAMBUDZO MARECHERA
“When all else fails, don’t take it in silence: scream like hell, scream like Jericho was tumbling down, serenaded by a brace of trombones, scream.” A tense novella with nine accompanying stories about life in a Zimbabwean township, Marechera described his stream of consciousness writing as a form of “literary shock treatment”. Best appreciated as a disturbing book that you can neither love nor hate for its unsettling nature and rage, Marechera’s thought-provoking novella is a haunting work of genius. Why should I read it? Often noted as one of the finest books ever written, The House of Hunger is a disturbing, vivid, and important book.
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C U LT U R E
BREAKING
GROUND
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Ghana’s Growing Film Industry
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Ghana’s film industry dates as far back as 1948, but it’s only since the October 2015 release of Beasts of No Nation that the country’s cinematic potential has been gaining recognition across the globe.
By Michelle Randall
Despite the fact that some internationally recognised filmmakers have hailed from Ghana, including Kwaw Ansah, Shirley Frimpong-Manso and John Akomfrah, it’s the star combination of Idris Elba and Cary Joji Fukunaga that has put Ghana’s film industry in the spotlight.
Beasts of No Nation, written and directed by Fukunaga (who helmed the first season of award-winning HBO television series True Detective), was a labour of love for the American filmmaker. The film was shot on location in the jungles of Ghana during monsoon season, where resources were scarce, sets washed away by floodwaters, cars ambushed by bandits and extras imprisoned. Fukunaga got malaria and Elba fell off a cliff, only surviving by clinging to an overhanging tree. The grueling shoot paid off however, when Netflix bought the film for a reported US$12-million. While Beasts of No Nation, which Rotten Tomatoes, arguably the world’s definitive website for critical reviews, describes as “a sobering, uncompromising, yet still somehow hopeful picture of war’s human cost”, has certainly put Ghana on the map, the country’s developing film industry remains stymied by the usual suspects: lack of funding, lack of local distribution channels, and piracy. In a BBC interview, celebrated Ghanaian director Frimpong-Manso (38) said that despite her recognition, she wishes more people could see her work. “Ghana needs more cinemas and more distribution platforms to be able to generate the interest for us to build this industry.” With only two major cinemas in Ghana, filmmakers distribute their offerings on DVD at street markets, which leaves the already cash-strapped industry vulnerable to piracy. Filmmakers are increasingly looking to Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, to make a name for themselves, and are succeeding. Interestingly, Ghana shares borders with Francophone neighbours, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Burkino Faso and Niger, but there have been no co-productions to hit the Ghanaian screen as yet. While Beasts is set in an unnamed African country, the filmmakers originally wanted to shoot in Kenya, but the 2013 terrorist attack on the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi made that impossible. Despite Ghana’s widespread corruption, stifling climate and total absence of a filmmaking infrastructure, it became the more sensible option. This is the first western film to have been shot in Ghana in 30 years; the last was Werner Herzog’s Cobra Verde (released in 1987). 33
C U LT U R E
Moving the production across the continent became jocularly known as ”Operation Black Star” after the Ghanaian flag, and Elba, whose mother was born in Ghana, called some friends in high places (one was a nephew of the President) who could help arrange the promised tax breaks and provide access to military vehicles and weapons that couldn’t be brought in as props. “A movie is a short-term industrial operation that requires a lot of co-operation from many different parts of the
government, and is very expensive for a very short period of time,” Fukunaga said in a Think Progress interview. “You need specific help with logistics from the government to move equipment in and out of the country, for lodging, transportation and to feed people. Those things we take for granted, they only exist in places with a tourist infrastructure.” But in spite of these challenges, Ghana’s film industry is a resilient one. Before 1957, film production was carried out solely by the state, which
considered film as a medium of public education, as opposed to private entertainment. After independence, private filmmakers and other untrained individuals began to produce full-length feature films, which were hurriedly strung together using ordinary VHS cameras. In 1987, the first Ghanaian film, Zinabu, directed by William Akuffo and Richard Quartey was released. Since then, Ghana’s film industry has evolved from producing an average of 50 films annually in the 1990s to more than 100 annually in the 2000s. And in 2009, the Ghana Movie Awards were established to acknowledge the efforts of distinguished crew and cast. Though it’s difficult to measure progress in the midst of struggle, Ghana continues to propagate talented filmmakers whose unique work keep the industry afloat, such as Frimpong-Manso, who produces films through her own company, Sparrow Productions. In an interview with Variety, the filmmaker said that there’s hope in Ghanaian films maturing and flourishing beyond the country’s borders through avenues like Nollywood and the Africa Channel “These are people who want African content,” she said. “Our stories need to be able to cut across borders.” Nollywood is estimated to be worth about US$800-million. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of Ghana’s film industry, which is worth less than 2% of its Nigerian counterpart. However, although plagued by low funding and poor distribution networks, Ghana’s film industry is still in its early growth phase with many lucrative prospects for the smart entrepreneur. At the 2015 Ghana Trade and Investment Forum in Johannesburg, officials highlighted Ghana’s stable political climate and strategic location to entrepreneurs looking to expand their investments to the rest of the Economic Community of West African States, citing the country’s film industry as an investment opportunity. It’s the tough times that reveal and build character, and it’ll be interesting to watch the evolving Ghana film industry continue to grow and eventually shine.
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Images courtesy of Google Images
Before 1957, film production was carried out solely by the state, which considered film as a medium of public education...
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B U S I N E S S
You've Been Had! Bogus investment schemes can cost our livelihoods Which scams have done the rounds and how can we avoid them? By Hazel Booth Swindled, scammed, defrauded – like it or not, many of us have fallen prey to some form of scam, whether through email phishing or credit card fraud. We take a look at three bogus investment schemes which fleeced some South Africans of their savings.
NELSON MANDELA R5 COINS To celebrate the late former president’s 90th birthday, in 2008, the South African Mint made special commemorative R5 coins bearing Nelson Mandela’s image. Many South
Africans paid tens of thousands of rands for these “proof” coins after private company SA Coin, marketing itself as South Africa’s largest rare coin dealer, claimed these coins would increase in value. Coin collectors searched for proof coins because of their near-perfect quality and rarity as usually only 5 000 are minted. The highest grade for a perfect proof coin is a rating of 70. According to SA Coin spokesperson, Eion Blignaut, only 795 proof coins had been graded at 69. However, three recognised coin graders – the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation,
Professional Coin Grading Service and the American Numismatic Association Certification Service revealed that 1 948 proof coins had achieved this grading. Furthermore, Telana Coetzee, the PR of Numismatics of SA Mint confirmed that two types of Nelson Mandela R5 coins were made. Top business people, coin collectors and SA Mint’s elite clientele received 5 000 proof coins with a bi-metal medallion. Over and above the 5 000 proof coins, another 14 000 coins were released as a commemorative set, which are easily identifiable by the fact that 37
B U S I N E S S Nelson Mandela’s image on them is frosted. These coins have been classified as proofs by coin graders. Thus, in total, 19 000 coins were released, which meant the R5 coins were not as rare or as valuable as SA Coin would have led many to believe.
KIPI SCHEME A self-styled stokvel, the Kipi scheme offered an investment product called “Dreams” to members of a five-tier network marketing business which operates nationally online, boasting that If members invested a mere R500, they would achieve a R10 000 return within 12 to 16 months – a claim that seemed, and was, too good to be true. Payments would be created by other members joining Kipi Investments. The Kipi website explained: “You can earn money just by using the standalone investment product and earn daily interest from the money you’ve invested. The second part is the multi level marketing business opportunity programme that allows you to earn additional money by referring people into the business.” In May 2015, the Financial Services Board referred Kipi Investments, also known as Kipi Investment Dreams and MyDeposit247 Community, to the Reserve Bank for
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investigation who forwarded the matter to the National Consumer Commission. After having received queries as to whether Kipi was registered as a financial services provider (FSP), the FSB released a statement saying, “The FSB has no record of the scheme’s registration as an FSP, and its business dealings or those of Mydeposit247 do not fall within the jurisdiction of the institution.” Due to Kipi’s strong resemblance to a Ponzi scheme,* investors have strongly cautioned against signing up with Kipi Investment. A Ponzi scheme typically raises no wealth but shifts existing funds between members.
BELVEDERE MANAGEMENT United States-based company OffshoreAlert.com uncovered a scam with South African businessman Cobus Kellerman at its epicentre in May 2015. Kellerman, who was living in Mauritius at the time, and his Irish partner David Cosgrove headed up Belvedere Management, an offshore fund group responsible for more than R200-billion worth of assets. Comprising several smaller companies, the group also handled eight South African unit trusts worth R1.35-billion. OffshoreAlert.com claimed Kellerman had devised a global Ponzi scheme which meant that South Africans who had invested with him would lose billions. Funds invested with Belvedere were siphoned into a collection of
offshore companies and evidence showed that not only was Belvedere entangled in a $130-million Ponzi scheme operating in Cayman, but also in a United Kingdom Ponzi scheme to the value of £100-million. Kellerman and Cosgrove also fabricated asset values in order to show boosted capital growth. David Marchant, OffshoreAlert. com’s founder said that Belvedere Management was considered one of the biggest global Ponzi scams. He added: “There’s probably never been a fraud like this in the history of finance, just in terms of the complexity, the number of investors, the number of jurisdictions involved, and the number of shell companies involved. It is truly staggering.” The Mauritian Financial Services Commission instructed Belvedere to stop accepting deposits and stakeholders were informed of an investigation into the company. UK authorities also began to probe the scheme. *A fraudulent investing scam that promises investors very high rates of return with little risk. The only people who actually benefit are the earlier investors as long as new investors come on board.
Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t perform brilliantly At the age of five, Spencer Tsai started attending lessons in both violin and piano and later the theories of harmony under the tutelage of KC Fung. Three years later he was composing his own songs, concertos and symphonies.
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B U S I N E S S
Keeping it in
The Family SA’s Top Family Run Enterprises By Caitlin Hogg “Blood is thicker than water.” Originally used in 1180 in the German fable Reinhardt Fuchs (Reynard the Fox), this commonly used proverb is an interesting one. On the one hand, it means that family should be considered more important than friends. On the other, when compared with the Arabic proverb “blood is thicker than milk”, the same meaning is entirely reversed, claiming that those who have suffered a common trial, or share a “coven” are closer and more vital than family. Discussing the concept of working for a family business usually reaps many shades of the same response – bad idea! Today ‘nepotism’ has become a dirty word, which is odd considering that centuries ago humankind passed skills down from generation to generation. So what has tarnished the image of family businesses? A reported 70% of family-run businesses will shut their doors before the second generation gets a look in, and a further 50% of those who do make it through to the children will not survive to see the hands of the third and fourth generations. There are, however, success stories that actively prove that emotion and strategy can work – and work very well. While a large percentage of family-run businesses in South Africa are small and medium-sized enterprises, 60% of all listed companies are reported to have had family involvement, mainly in
Richard Maponya and daughter Chichi Maponya Maponya Group
the start-up stage of development. De Beers, Pick n Pay, Nando’s, Remgro, Maponya Africa Group and Kaizer Chiefs are all examples of this.
THE MAPONYAS One of South Africa’s game changers lies in the entrepreneurial giant, the Maponya Africa Group, which, also happens to be a family affair. Richard Maponya is credited with changing the face of Soweto. Born in 1924, he has faced lifelong challenges in fulfilling his entrepreneurial dreams, beginning with apartheid restrictions in the early years. The now iconic property developer sits amongst the top entrepreneurs in South Africa, and is father to one of the greatest family-run empires in South Africa, and Africa at large. The group’s
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B U S I N E S S portfolio of companies includes household names such as Maponya Energy, Maponya Transport, PM Sports & Marketing, Maponya Business Technologies and Maponya Mining Division. Three of Maponya’s eight children, Charlotte (nicknamed “Chichi”), Solly and Godfrey are very much involved in the management of various Maponya business units. Often it is said that when you are born into a family business, you tend to dip in and out of it throughout your childhood. This is true for Chichi, Maponya’s first-born, who began working in her father’s grocery shop at the age of six. Literally born into the business, Chichi enterted this world in the shop’s backroom. “Chichi is the closest to me. She has been a pillar of strength and keeps the Maponya group going.” Said Richard. Today, Chichi is Managing Director of the Maponya Group and a fierce entrepreneur in her own capacity, who has expanded the reach of the Maponya and Nalesa Groups, with the assistance of her own daughter, Palesa. So, the Maponya legacy seems to have survived beyond the dreaded third generation jump, and shows absolutely no sign of slowing down any time soon. ChiChi’s take on family businesses? “In a way, the family side of things helps to smooth the business and operations side of things. When you don’t agree and when you’re upset, you have to talk to them as a family.”
MOTAUNG’S It’s a lesser known fact that Kaizer Chiefs Football Club is a hugely family-oriented organisation. The club was started by Kaizer Motaung in 1970, on his return from playing for the Atlantic Chiefs in the United States. Today at 71, Motaung maintains ownership and the running of the club as Chairman and Managing Director, while his offspring support his lead. Of his five children, three have joined the management team, and one, Kaizer Junior, has followed directly in his father’s footsteps and plays for the club. What does it take to run, or even work within a family business with international acclaim? Kaizer’s daughter, Jessica Motaung (42), runs the soccer club’s communications, and is definitely a woman with insider knowledge. Her background lends itself far more to a position in front of the camera than one behind the scenes – having been crowned Miss Gauteng, Miss South Africa First Princess and Africa’s Queen of Beauty in 1997. But it would be an exceptional lapse in judgment to consider Jessica just a pretty face. She has been Marketing Manager of the football club since 2003 – and has done a spectacular job. On the subject of working with the family, Jessica revels in the fact that she is
A reported 70% of familyrun businesses will shut their doors before the second generation gets a look in 44
Top image Kaizer and his daughters Bottom image Kaizer Chiefs soccer team with Jessica and Bobby Motaung
able to spend more time with her family because they all work together. Talking shop at the dinner table is discouraged though, and the general rule-of-thumb is to keep business and family matters separate. This can be a bit of a challenge, Jessica confirms, “It certainly has its dynamics because sometimes it’s very difficult to separate the two. It can be tough because I see my boss at home, but it’s also fun because our entire family has such a great passion for the business – it’s a part of our DNA and its part of who we are.” While it is true that many family-started businesses don’t live to see a second generation, the same applies to most businesses that are not family owned. Sure, some clashes are unavoidable but it is clear from both the Motaungs and the Maponyas that respect and good communication makes all the difference.
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I N DUSTRIAL REVOLUTION The glorious eccentricity that is Sterik and Lizane Gerber’s home in Johannesburg is a work of art and a constant work in progress. By Brendah Nyakudya
The Gerbers admit that their house is probably 'not for everyone'. 46
Image courtesy of Gallo Images
“I think my wife wanted to live in a scrapyard,“ says Sterik, looking around at the treasure trove garden. “He’s right,“ Lizane adds.”If there’s something old and rusted that’s of no use to anyone, I’ll probably want it.” Her shabbychic aesthetic contrasts surprisingly well with Sterik’s more austere sensibility. “I tend towards an industrial look. I often work with glass, steel, stone and wood, and I try to combine them in a series of clean lines,“ says the architect. For Sterik, taking on the project of designing our house was somewhat challenging after years of working in the commercial field. “All of a sudden, I was my own client – and I had to pay for it, too. It was definitely a learning curve.” Sterik’s main aim was to create one big, airy structure, so he devised a double-volume steel frame, which he filled with glass, wood and stone. What he likes
Top Image Roll up doors allow more air and light to enter the house. Bottom Image This art decor lounge suite adds a touch of eclectic to the home.
Top Image The phone booth used to be outside and passerbys would try to use it!
most are the mechanized roll-up doors, typical of motor dealerships. “They’re remote-controlled so in the mornings we can just press a button while we’re still in bed and the entire house will open up.” The spaciousness of the house is a boon for a young family with two adventurous sons and four waddling dachshunds. The industrial planter, windmill and old, defunct motorbikes scattered about the garden may seem haphazardly placed, but Lizane is adamant that everything she’s collected makes perfect sense. The interiors are no different, with artefacts such as 60-year-old wooden crutches (from one of Lizane’s medical clients), a rusted rake and, most strikingly, a 47
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It's a playground for growing kids, and when our friends come around they kick off their shoes, grab a beer and fight over the pod chair outside
typical British phone box, making for conversation pieces in every corner. Their home, says Lizane, is full of memories and stories, the phone box being no exception. The Gerbers admit that their house is probably ”not for everyone”. ”It works for us though,“ says Sterik. ”It’s a playground for growing kids, and when our friends come around they kick off their shoes, grab a beer and fight over the pod chair outside. “People feel comfortable here, and that’s how we want it.” 48
Left Image Rusty relics add to the charm Top Image Back head board with decals Bottom Image Roll up doors leading to garden
Top Image Caption
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Flip it! By Cashe Kidd
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Can you share a bit about the work you do as a major property developer?
Of the eight residential properties you have developed, which one stands out for you and why? Each of these properties are unique in their own right. A lot of time, energy and dedication went into the development of each of them, and so picking out just one is a hard task. We are exceptionally proud of each of the residential properties that bear the name Bakos, because it’s more than just a project for us, we have created a family home. What exactly is house flipping and how does it work? House flipping is quickly becoming a popular trend with the rich and famous, with even Ellen DeGeneres getting in on the action. In a nutshell, house flipping is when you buy an old house, sub-divide the property and build on the new portion of property. Another more commonly known house flipping method is to buy an old home, renovate or refurbish the property and sell it for a profit.
Bakos Brothers Property Development is involved in both residential as well as commercial property development. With an impressive portfolio of homes that line affluent suburbs in Johannesburg, to revolutionary retail spaces that stand tall in Parkhurst and Sandhurst.
Make the Good Life Great
As a business the Bakos Brothers brand is found from the property development, architecture to the furniture in the home – was this the initial objective of the company?
What are the factors that you consider when choosing a house to flip – is there an art or formula to it?
It was a passion for elegant living, along with unmatched teamwork that started the furniture business which grew steadily for the Bakos Brothers throughout the 1970s. Seeing that growth led to the company’s diversification and establishment of the Property Development Division of the family business. Along with being the first company to bring television to South Africans, Bakos Brothers were also the first Property Developers to bring a shopping centre to Nelspruit. The first project that the property development division worked on was a 53-store retail centre. How has the business evolved in the past 40 years? Bakos Brothers was started by Bernard, Norman, Tyrone and the late Dennis and Donald Bakos in the early 1970s. Setting up the first Bakos Brothers furniture store in Rissik Street, the brand has expanded and grown from strength to strength. It wasn’t until the early 1990s when we decided to expand our family business by including property development and architecture. We now continue to grow this chapter of the Bakos legacy by buying property to have rezoned, refurbished and developed into the iconic properties that we have under our name.
Location. Location. Location! Location is the key when searching for a house to flip. Finding a great home in a great location that can be renovated and sold for a profit is obviously the winning formula, and that takes a keen eye to find. What are the hidden challenges one must look out for? Old houses come with a lot of different challenges that can catch a property developer by surprise. I remember working on a project that challenged me a while back. The house was built in the 1940s and still had the original cast iron piping in the walls. Needless to say, the electrical system was a nightmare and had to be replaced entirely. These are things we only know once we’re inside the house and tearing down walls during renovation stage. These challenges come out of nowhere and can end up costing a developer a lot of money in the long run. What are the realistic returns (percentage wise) one can make from flipping houses? This varies from property to property because of a number of factors. Location for one is a big part of what return you can expect to get for a property, but you also need to consider what renovations were done.
Opposite page A garden that flows effortlessly, creating light and space in at a house in Craighall.
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Images courtesy of Sheldon Bakos
Since 1971, the Bakos Brothers have been the beacon for family values and service excellence in the furniture game. The idea that a house needs to be a home was taken a step further when the Bakos Brothers expanded their already blossoming business and started a new chapter for the Bakos family in architecture. For more than 40 years, the family has built an impressive legacy of creating warmth and comfort for all of their clients, so it is hardly surprising that the business of family is still booming. Their motto is a simple one: Make the Good Life Great – and it couldn’t be more fitting for what this iconic, South African/Lebanese family is about. Building a legacy that will be carried for generations to come, the Bakos Brothers seem to have the secret formula to success – property development. We touched base with architect and property developer, Sheldon Bakos, to get the run down on property in South Africa in 2015. And what we can look forward to, in terms of trends in 2016.
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Image to the right Commercial Bakos properties
What types of renovations add the most value? Kitchens and bathrooms sell a home. A beautiful, welcoming kitchen is where family congregates to share a meal and a laugh, while the bathroom is where you can hide away and relax. These renovations are the most important to adding value to a home, followed closely by an airy patio and garden that flows effortlessly, creating light and space in a home. What advice can you give someone looking to get into the property game? I always tell my clients not to buy a property without me seeing it first. As an architect I can immediately see if a property is a good one and can easily and cheaply be renovated into something great. What trends can we look forward to in architecture and furniture for 2016? The emphasis is on green for 2016 and that goes beyond just
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eco-friendly furnishings! Ten years ago, solar panels were a luxury item for the ultra-rich, but it has now become cost effective and essential for an eco-friendly home. Water purification systems are more accessible than ever and being conscious of your carbon footprint is becoming the norm. Off-the-grid living is another trend worth looking into over the coming years, and it is clear that green is the new chic for 2016.
What does the future hold for Bakos Brothers? Bakos Brothers, as a brand, is growing from strength to strength. We are an innovative company with many exciting projects in the works. With an expanding portfolio and deep-seated family values, Bakos Brothers is in for great things in 2016.
For more information, contact: Sheldon Bakos on 011 268 9999 www.bakosproperties.com
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Healthy in 2015 The hot or not of healthy living
Unless you have been in hiding for the past few years, you have probably noticed a rise in healthrelated everything, everywhere you look. By Cashe Kidd
Health trends come and go, but one thing is for certain, each year the health and fitness industry earns millions from the frenzy to get fit and healthy that grips us all. The year that passed is no exception and saw the rise of a few new fitness trends, as well as the resurrection of an old faithful. From what we put into our bodies, to how we get it to move, 2015 was the year that we re-established our roots – well, not if you are eating a Banting diet that is. We take a look into the good, the bad and the sweaty in health trends that sparked a revolution in 2015 and what to look out for in 2016. Healthy is the new chic and there are hashtags to prove it.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Have you noticed how many restaurants now offer a Banting or Paleo option on their menu? Chances are you have googled Banting- or Paleo-friendly restaurants for your area based purely on how many people are following this new healthy eating lifestyle. And it is a lifestyle, not just a diet – just ask any Real-Meal-Revolution-toting Banter. But it is not all cut and dried with Tim Noakes’s revolutionary eating plan, nor with its dairy-free older brother, Paleo. Each in the respecting eating plan camp is fiercely protective over their dietary choice, but let’s have a look at just what the hype is about.
PALEO Paleo isn’t so much a diet as it is a movement. Designed around our so-called ancestral diet, it revolved around eating foods that only existed in Palaeolithic times. For the record, this era ended around 10 000 years ago, so how can we truly know how to follow in our ancestors’ gastric foot 54
prints? We can’t, but we do have a pretty good idea of why it works. PALEO PROS • A Paleo eating plan is high in fat, moderate in meat and low in carbohydrates. So you’re basically encouraged to eat good fats and order a huge steak from the menu; • Adding a chunk of butter into your morning coffee creates the ultimate breakfast-on-the-run that keeps you going long after that greasy McDonald’s breakfast you really wanted is a distant memory; and • Following a Paleo eating plan is as easy as sticking to the fresh produce and butchery section of your local grocery store. PALEO CONS • The list of what you aren’t allowed in a Paleo eating plan is really, really long and the list people who will dive on the “you can’t eat that” bandwagon is just as long; • Dairy, sugar and grains are a thing of the past if you are eating Paleo; and • Paleo can become quite costly to maintain, especially with all of the added oils you need to supplement your diet.
BANTING I often wonder if Tim Noakes had any idea that his adaptation of the William Banting eating plan would explode the way that it has. William Banting was an overweight undertaker from the United Kingdom who changed his eating habits and chronicled them in the 18th century. Thanks to him and Tim Noakes, we now have the Banting diet. On paper Banting looks a lot like the cooler younger sister of Atkins, another controversial eating plan that was wildly popular in the early 1970s. In a nutshell, it is a low carb, high fat eating plan.
BANTING PROS • Full fat dairy is delicious – that is a really good reason why Banting is a great dietary plan apart from being able to find loopholes like full fat dairy, you are encouraged to get creative with fresh, healthy food; • Organic and free range food is delicious and exactly what you’ll be stocking up on when choosing the life of a Banter; • It is relatively simple to base your family meals around the Banting list of good foods without compromising nutritional value for anyone who shares a meal with you; and • You can still enjoy dark chocolate and the occasional glass of wine while Banting, and who doesn’t love chocolate? BANTING CONS • Grass fed, organic, free range food is delicious but expensive and not as easy to find as you might think. Besides, just because it says “organic” on the pack, doesn’t always mean that it is; • Both Paleo and Banting are all about bacon, but are both very against eating processed meats. Bacon is processed, so in essence is not allowed on either eating plan; and • Ready-made meals are a thing of the past and you will spend your life reading the carbohydrate content on everything that you put into your shopping basket.
IF YOU LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT Curiously, both eating plans claim that exercise isn’t necessary for weight loss providing you follow the plan to the letter, but countless personal trainers and fitness buffs the world over are screaming at their computers right now. Just
as the wave of eating plans dominates your newsfeed, so do the waves of fitness regimes that flood you with messages of inspiration. Two biggies to keep an eye on this year are also two oldies – CrossFit and Zumba.
CROSSFIT This is arguably the biggest fitness craze to hit us since aerobics struck in the 1980s. With competitions, hashtags and CrossFit boxes on every corner, the best part about this new sport is that you will always know who is doing it (because they’ll tell you). But with great quads, comes great responsibility so let’s break down the good and bad of CrossFit. CROSSFIT PROS • Community is very important to CrossFit because it is the comradery that brings fellow athletes together; • It is a great way to get fit and build muscle while developing strength that will impress anyone who understands what “WOD” stands for; 55
FL EI F AE TS U TR YE L E • The sense of teamwork and unity is infectious, which is what keeps people coming back for more and why they are so fiercely protective of their sport; and • Workouts are intense but fun, and you won’t ever do the same workout regime twice in one week. CROSSFIT CONS • The workouts are intense and demanding, so beginners are usually left behind or end up getting injured because they’re attempting exercises they have never done before; • CrossFit is expensive! You can expect to pay anywhere from R800 to R 2 000 per month depending on where you go and how many times per week you are training; and • The competitive nature of CrossFit creates monsters of people bitten by the bug. Putting a premium on how quickly a workout can be completed means that many exercisers are rushing through programmes that often leads to serious injuries because little attention is paid to form and proper technique.
ZUMBA Another new-old workout phenomena is Zumba. This dance-based exercise plan has attracted a new wave of followers lately, both young and old, guys and girls and is being hailed as the new fun exercise. This has reignited the popularity of this training plan for obvious reasons: who doesn’t want to have fun and lose weight at the same time? Zumba is an aerobic fitness class that is a fusion of Latin music combined with a cardio workout. The upbeat music provides the perfect soundtrack to
burn off calories, while the trained instructors churn out entertaining and intense hour long classes for the masses. But is that all there is to it? ZUMBA PROS • Zumba attracts a lot of newcomers to the fitness world with its fun and engaging classes which is especially helpful for the clueless gym-goer who doesn’t know where to start; • The classes are welcoming and the instructors are typically friendly who aren’t going to scream in your face for you to work harder; and • The hour long classes are great to help you lose weight and increase muscle tone, offering the lure of bikini perfect bodies by the end of the year. Win – win! ZUMBA CONS • The hour long classes are jam packed with complicated Latin dance moves that are difficult to master, unless you are the instructor; • Because the instructors aren’t going to be shouting at you to keep pushing, you are accountable for your own success. So you have to be the inner voice calling yourself a lazy maggot; and • The classes are fun, but can become repetitive if it is your only form of exercise, which again, can leave you feeling uninspired and sitting at the back of the class Instagramming the array of neon in front of you. The long and short of healthy trends is that they do come and go. Some are sustainable, some achieve cultlike worship while others just get your hips shaking and the scale moving. Finding the one for you is what makes the difference. The best part about healthy choices is that there is no wrong way to be healthier, as long as it works for you and your health goals.
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Top Searches for 2015
Each month, an estimated 100-billion Google searches are done the world over. By Hazel Booth One-trillion phrases and keywords are searched on the information highway on a monthly basis by the global population, and chances are that you are googling the same thing too. Curiosity compels us to want to know what is being searched, which is why we have compiled the search terms that made waves through the Googleverse in 2015. We did a little digging and found that 2015 was a year of healthy debates, unhealthy scandals and human tragedy. JANUARY 2015 – THE OSCARS The biggest event in Hollywood creates a buzz each year with millions of Google searches. People want to know who won, who was nominated, and naturally who wore what the best. Best Picture went to Birdman in 2015, with Eddie Redmayne taking home the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the acclaimed The Theory of Everything. The flawless Julianne Moore won Best 58
Actress for her portrayal of the recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s patient in Still Alice. FEBRUARY 2015 – WE GOT FASHIONABLE Do you remember “The Dress”? You know, the white and gold/black and blue or blue and brown dress that divided households in February? It all started when Scottish couple Grace and Keir Johnston asked for a picture of the dress that their mother would be wearing to their wedding and neither could decide on what colour the dress was. This then sparked a global debate with half the world seeing gold and white and the other half black and blue. So, what colour did you see when you looked at the dress?
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
The Year in Search Terms
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JULY 2015 – DEATH OF AN ICON
MARCH 2015 – THE WORLD LOVED CRICKET The tournament that had it all! Big personalities, heart stopping action and of course, some cricket too. The Cricket World Cup made cricket the most searched sport in the world for 2015, with the top search being “who will win the Cricket World Cup?” In case you missed it, Australia won it. APRIL 2015 NATURAL DISASTERS On April 25, 2015 an 8.1 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal. Thousands of homes were destroyed and thousands of lives lost when the earthquake triggered a landslide on Mount Everest. When news broke of the tragedy, the top question asked on the day was “How can I help Nepal?”. THE HORROR OF THE MIGRANT CRISIS The story initially broke in April 2015 when five boats transporting close to 2 000 migrants sank in the Mediterranean Sea. Images of lifeless bodies on beaches flooded the media and with a combined death toll of 1 200 people, it’s not hard to see why. It wasn’t until the body of three-year-old Syrian refugee, Aylan Kurdi washed up on a beach in Turkey that the world became consumed with the Migrant Crisis. MAY 2015 – FIFA SCANDALS Things took a turn for the scandalous in May 2015 when officials at football’s world governing body were dragged over the coals for corruption allegations, thrusting the renowned institution into the limelight for all the wrong reasons. JUNE 2015 – CHINA IS BAD FOR BUSINESS With the unstable economy of Greece causing a ripple effect for many countries in June, the hardest hit was China. The Shanghai Stock Market crashed spectacularly by a staggering 30% in 2015 and the question on every Googler’s fingertips was “Is it safe to invest in China?”
On July 1, 2015 a Zimbabwean icon was shot and killed by an American dentist. Cecil the lion was both an attraction to the area, and his movements were being studied by the University of Oxford to better understand the behaviour of a male lion. If that wasn’t enough, Cecil was an iconic living legend in his own right. The internet was divided into pro-hunters and the outraged public, who all turned to Google to ask questions about lion hunting and the death of Cecil. SEPTEMBER 2015 – ROYAL CELEBRATIONS September 2015 was a month for celebration and one for scrutiny. On September 9, Elizabeth Windsor became the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-serving Queen in history. Her Royal Highness beat out her greatgrandmother, Queen Victoria, for the prestige. OCTOBER 2015 EMISSIONS SCANDALS In October 2015 Volkswagen was finding excuses for deliberately programming their diesel engines to only activate emission controls during lab testing. The problem came when they were caught out by the United States Environmental Protection Agency who exposed the eco fixing debacle. WATER ON MARS? When the heat wave that started in South Africa in October 2015 lead to water shortages, it makes sense that we were intrigued when Nasa discovered water on Mars. This massive breakthrough not only sparked a renewed interest in life beyond Earth, but also a mass Google search on how long it would take to travel to Mars. NOVEMBER 2015 – THE CITY OF LIGHTS SWITCHED OFF November 13, 2015 will always be remembered as the day that the City of Love’s heart was broken. A theatre, stadium, restaurant and café in Paris were attacked by terrorists, leaving hundreds dead and thousands desperate to find out if loved ones were safe. These attacks were the deadliest on French soil since World War II, which is why the City of Lights went dark, while the world mourned. DECEMBER 2015 – THE FORCE WAS AWAKENED Possibly the most anticipated movie of the year, and the most talked about as well Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens raked in 2,208 billion USD at the box office! The excitement and suspense leading up to the film was electrifying, with the first official trailer being one of the most-viewed trailers of all time. 59
Images courtesy of Kyle Le Mere
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Tsehaye Mehari
With a design record spanning more than 10 years, beginning with traditional dresses in the 2003s for Miss World. Tsehaye Mehari designs have had significant cultural repercussions so far. Today, the Tsehaye Mehari brand produces clothes and gowns that appeal to a wide audience: from young to old and rock to royalty!
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CONTACT US ON +251 911 083546 contact@tsehayemehari.com DENBEL CITY CENTER 2nd FLOOR FOLLOW US ON Facebook: TsehayeMehari.Official Instagram: tsehaye_mehari Twitter: tsehaye_mehari
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#LifeWellTravelled Charmed by China with Cathay Pacific! The craving for exploring exotic locales has grown in the last decade as more and more of us abandon local haunts and venture into the unknown. So it was with this hunger that we eagerly accepted the invitation to cruise in China, courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways and experience a #LifeWellTravelled!
Hong Kong completely blew us away. We suspect it was the energy of the city, which is understandable as it is dubbed ‘the city that never sleeps’! We couldn’t wait to experience more of China beyond the city – and we weren’t disappointed! Below are some of the highlights that we strongly recommend you put on your Chinese bucket list:
an oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Enter the Li River in Guilin and the multi-coloured lakes of Jiuzhaigou. So beautiful are these water wonderlands that high-level personalities such as Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and George Bush (Senior) have visited its banks.
FOR THE EXPLORER
DISNEYLAND! Hong Kong has its own Disneyland complete with all the characters, attractions and entertainment – need we say more?
GREAT WALL OF CHINA This has to be at the top of the list. While most have heard of the Chinese Wall, few have had the pleasure of seeing it. The bestpreserved and most accessible spots are found in Beijing, so head there and marvel at this construction triumph, which is visible from space! THE FORBIDDEN CITY The Forbidden City of Beijing was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. Though it now houses the Palace Museum, this palatial wonder was the Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. A mustsee for any lover of history!
Did You Know The former palace got its name because no one was allowed to leave or enter the palace without the Emperor’s permission! LI RIVER As some of its cities never sleep, it’s important that China offers 64
FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
PANDA TOWN Giant pandas are real and you will find them in the town of Chengdu in China. The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre and Bifengxia Panda Base allows children and any other Kung Fu Panda fans a closer look at these fascinating creatures!
FOR THE FASHIONISTA AND THE FOODIE MADE IN CHINA This shopper’s paradise will have you moving between upmarket boutiques, epic shopping malls, traditional Chinese outlets and enchanting street markets in search of the perfect purchase at giveaway prices. Whatever you want, and can afford to buy, you will find it in China. The culture of haggling is an art in itself and you will walk away with a bargain or nine if you do it right!
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! “I just love Chinese food. My favourite dish is number 27,” said Clement Attlee, former British Prime Minister in the 1940s once said. We are yet to come across an individual who hates Chinese food - if we did we would immediately excuse ourselves from their presence, as no one needs that kind of negativity in their lives! China offers more than seven types of cuisine but before you grab your chopsticks and tackle your fare with gusto, be warned: The Chinese eat everything with four legs, except tables, and everything that flies – except aeroplanes!
CLUB MED DONG’AO ISLAND After the thrill of the city, it was vital to spend a couple of days recuperating. So we hopped on a ferry to the remote fishing village of Dong’ao. This is where we found the glorious Club Med Dong’ao Island - the first Club Med resort with magnificent views of the South China Sea. But be warned: Club Med Dong’ao Island is one hell of a party spot, which may make relaxing a bit difficult! Every night at Club Med resorts there is a theme show put on for the guests and once that is done it’s time to party; these festivities can go on well into the night. Our best night was the Beach Party, where the GOs (Club Med staff) regaled us with their singing,
L U X U R Y choreography and pole dancing moves. What a night! For the fitness freaks and Adrenalin junkies, a fully equipped Action Sport arena awaits! Here, with the guidance of qualified GOs we made some amazing memories as we dared to trapeze and channel our inner Mockingjay with fellow archers. Aqua-fitness, basketball and water sports are also available onsite. What is a holiday without a cocktail? Nothing, there has been no word made up for such punishment. At Club Med Dong’ao bars and waiters are conveniently located all over the resort so you never have to face the day without a drink in your hand! This trip saw us browse and haggle through the night markets of Mong Kok in Hong Kong and sit by peaceful waters of the South China beach. We marvelled at the Hong Kong skyline from Victoria’s Peak and we rode under the magnificent Jiaozhou Bay Bridge on a ferry from Zhuhai. And as we sat with a glass of champagne in hand, reclining in our seat in the business class cabin of Cathay Pacific, we had to admit ours is a #LifeWellTravelled. Club Med Resort Dong’ao Island
THE CATHAY PACIFIC TOUCH On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, we met up with Karlene Barkley, a Cathay Pacific representative who treated us like royalty. Check-in was seamless with the information and service handed out with pleasant smiles and efficiency; before we knew it we were heading to the lounge for a quick meal and drink before boarding.
ON-BOARD EXPERIENCE Having had some harrowing experiences with in-flight staff during the countless times we have travelled, and jaded by an ability to spot a fake smile, it was with an air of experience that we did not have much expectation when we boarded our Cathay Pacific flight. Truth be told, we were blown away: we did not find any of this on our flight. As we boarded the plane we were greeted by name and head stewardess Rina and her crew were like mother hens – catering to our every need and going out of their way to ensure our flight was more than comfortable. So relaxed did we feel in their company, there were hugs on the way out.
Did You Know Cathay Pacific has been voted Best Airline in the World a total of four times in the Skytrax World Airline Awards! Aaron Caxton, manager of Catering Services at Cathay Pacific ensures that all the meals are tasty and varied, with a taste of Asia and the
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comforts of Mediterranean cuisine. Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne is available on tap as well as a variety of wines, cocktails, cognacs and liqueurs. For those who might feel peckish later, snacks are available on request, throughout the flight, so you can settle in to your movie watching with a selection of dumplings, snack bars and some Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
LOUNGES Cathay Pacific is renowned for its airport lounges and we were fortunate enough to experience why. In Hong Kong there is a grand total of seven Cathay Pacific lounges! Yes, seven! There are two First Class lounges (The Wing First Class and The Pier First Class) and five Business Class lounges (the Wing Business Class, The Bridge, The Pier Business Class, The Cabin and The Arrival). In these you will find all you need to make your wait that much more pleasant, if not downright fun! Services on offer include shower rooms to freshen up, IT zones to catch up on some work, speciality coffee bars for that caffeine boost, a bistro and bakery and, of course, a Long Bar. With such amazing amenities, we were almost loathe to leave and contemplated staying there like Tom Hanks in The Terminal!
Did You Know The “Long Bar” inside the Wing Lounge at Hong Kong International Lounge is 80 feet in length (over 24m). It can serve 348 cocktail drinks at a time side by side!
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GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Turn your holiday into
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BOOK YOUR
ESCAPE NOW! Accommodation from R755 per night for two people Camping from R200 per night for two people 5% discount on online bookings: www.sanparks.org | Reservations: 012 428 9111 or email reservations@sanparks.org |
Visit: www.sanparks.org or www.sanparks.mobi
ENJOY YOUR FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITES AT THESE PARKS: ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK • AGULHAS NATIONAL PARK • GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK: KNYSNA TSITSIKAMMA & WILDERNESS • GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK • KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
L U X U R Y
TOP EASTER BREAKS Discover these incredible local spots that offer relaxation, luxury and adventure By the time Easter rolls around, the December holidays are a distant memory, your bank balance has just recovered from the strain of Christmas, New Year’s and an extra-long January and you’re feeling the need to escape from the humdrum of daily life in the city. By Hazel Booth
MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE: Candles flicker over your boma dinner in the bush as night settles.There’s no better way to encounter Africa than at the five-star Madikwe Safari Lodge which promises luxury and exclusivity. Enjoy birdwatching or take a game drive to view the Big Five, as well as eland, oryx, cheetah, wild dog and hyena. Spend the evenings identifying constellations after a spa treatment in your own room. Set on the malariafree 75 000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, three separate lodges, comprising 20 luxury suites, merge into the landscape. 68
The 12-suite family-friendly Lelapa Lodge boasts both indoor and outdoor showers; babysitting services and free Wi-Fi are available on request. Dithaba Lodge is the perfect venue for families or groups travelling together. The lodge sleeps eight, and offers far-reaching views of the plains. Kopano Lodge is Madikwe’s crowning glory, with its four private openplan suites, opening onto a common area.Each suite has air-conditioning, private plunge pools, a fireplace, a safe and a mini bar. Both Kopano and Lelapa lodges are suitable for disabled travellers.
DE HOEK COUNTRY HOTEL: The Magaliesburg mountain range, is an underrated destination which over-delivers on attractions. Just an hour north east of Jo’burg is a gem: De Hoek Country Hotel offers tranquil five-star accommodation. Here you’ll find restful rhythms and country charm: try your hand at croquet or archery or amble around the manicured gardens. Enjoy a gourmet five-course meal in the Conservatory, overlooking the pond and gardens. Expect fivestar accommodation – think kingsize extra-length beds, executive
Elephant interactions, horse riding and wine and whisky tastings can be arranged or you can enjoy a game drive in a private reserve. Explore cycling routes or the thrill of a hot-air balloon ride in the grounds of the hotel. Alternatively, gliding and microlight flips will give you a chance to soar.
KIEVITS KROON COUNTRY ESTATE: For luxury on your doorstep, visit the Cape Dutch-styled Kievits Kroon Country Estate, just 45 minutes from Sandton, set on a lush 16-hectare estate. Known as the “Winelands in Gauteng” with a well-stocked cellar, Kievits Kroon launched its own Grand Rouge and Sauvignon Blanc wines in 2011.
Enjoy all that this serene sanctuary has to offer, by indulging in high tea or trying your luck at croquet or giant chess. Looking for a romantic interlude? Picnics in the rose garden can be arranged. For those in need of pampering, Kievits Kroon Country Estate also boasts its own Winelands Spa which has advanced thermae treatment facilities where you can enjoy a leisurely day in the steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, Swiss showers and plunge pools. Or take a few laps in the indoor heated swimming pool before selecting one of Kievits Kroon’s spa treatments which range from facials, body scrubs and exfoliation treatments to manicures, pedicures, body wraps, massages and leg treatments. The establishment comprises 142 rooms, ranging from two VIP suites, five junior suites and executive rooms to six beehive-style Zulu rooms. Dinner at Granita, the signature fine-dining restaurant, is a must – their gourmet menus pair wines specially selected from their award-winning wine cellar to each dish, and Kingsley’s Carvery offers an extensive buffet. With three bars, a lap pool, banqueting and conference facilities, plus complimentary Wi-Fi, you’ll be hard-pressed to squeeze in poolside relaxation as well.
Madikwe Safari Lodge Five-star luxury and exclusivity
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Images courtesy of various resorts
work desks, satellite TV, luxurious bedlinen and en suite bathrooms. Splurge and book one of the two penthouse suites which boast luxurious finishings, including a Nespresso machine, iPod docking station, airconditioning, balcony and kitchen with separate lounge and dining rooms.
Top Image De Hoek Country House Centre Image Kievits Kroon pool area Bottom Image Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
CASTLE IN CLARENS: This piece of paradise is nestled in the Maluti Mountains in the Eastern Free State, where rolling countryside gives way to mountains, interspersed with dramatic cliffs and undulating fields. Come spring, you’ll see the blush of blossoming cherry trees. In this tourist-friendly town, a bookstore rubs shoulders with art galleries and curio stores while cats curl up in armchairs in restaurants. Clarens is about nooks and crannies – take walking shoes and an appetite for exploration. Drive through the vistas of the nearby Golden Gate National Park to view zebra, wildebeest and blesbok or while away the afternoon at Clarens Brewery. By all accounts, Clarens is a fairy-tale town: what better way to spend it than at The Castle. Royalty, luxury and whimsy come to mind when you enter Rapunzel’s Tower which has been decorated with objets d’art from all over the world. The five-star Castle is self-catering, but breakfast is available on request. Guests have free reign of the castle, which comprises two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, a fully-equipped kitchen and a braai area.
SUMMERFIELDS ROSE RETREAT AND SPA: The allure of this 100-acre macadamia, granadilla and litchi farm is magical. With the Kruger National Park’s Phabeni gate 12km away and close to magnificent geographic landmarks such as God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels, it’s well worth the visit. Immerse yourself in nature in fivestar luxurious private tented suites shaded by jackalberry and tambotie trees and joined by wooden walkways. Owners Andre, Ilse and Natia van Heerden have paid attention to every detail, from the organically grown food served at the River Café by chef 70
L U X U R Y
TRAVEL INFORMATION • Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe, North West Province: A 4½-hour drive from Jo’burg or you can charter a private flight from OR Tambo and arrive in an hour Visit www.madikwesafarilodge.co.za • De Hoek Country House, Magaliesburg, Gauteng: A one-hour drive from Jo’burg or, if you’re in the mood to arrive in style a helipad is available. Visit www.dehoek.com
• Kievits Kroon, Kameeldrift-East, Pretoria, Gauteng: A one-hour drive from Jo’burg. Visit www.kievitskroon.co.za • Castle in Clarens, Clarens, Free State: A three-hour drive from Jo’burg. Visit www.castleinclarens.co.za • Summerfields, Hazyview, Mpumalanga: A four-hour drive from Jo’burg or flights and transfers to and from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport can be arranged. Visit www.summerfields.co.za.
This image Castle in Clarens
Natia, to the signature treatments at Summerfields spa, not to mention the abundance of roses in the hotel. Lose yourself in the rose gardens or macadamia and litchi orchards before soaking in the Jacuzzi or enjoying a spa treatment. But there’s plenty else to do. While you can open your sensibilities to game drives, play a round of golf at a nearby championship course, or visit the cheetah or reptile parks, if you’re an adventure junky, there are hiking trails, abseiling, paintball, white river rafting, ziplining and boat cruises to take you where you may never have been before.
Royalty, luxury and whimsy come to mind when you enter Rapunzel's Tower 71
A D V E R T O R I A L
Discover South Africa
this Easter
With affordable flights from Mango between major cities including Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, George and Cape Town, why not? Durban
Bloemfontein
Explore all the Zulu Kingdom has to offer. From sun-swept beaches to famous battlefields and exhilarating hikes, adventures abound. Experience the delights of a rickshaw ride along the beach front, browse beautiful African beadwork or wow your taste buds with a local bunny chow. There’s something for everyone.
Slow down and take a trip to the City of Roses. Explore the many historical buildings, museums, galleries and national monuments at your own pace, or take a drive to see the surrounding countryside. It’s your chance to let go of day-to-day responsibilities and just be.
Port Elizabeth Journey to the Friendly City and uncover the charm of a laid-back lifestyle. Watch the sun set over the sea from the comfort of a luxury yacht, be enthralled by the untamed beauty of wild game or - for non-stop fun and entertainment - you’ll love the buzzing Boardwalk complex near the beach. What are you waiting for?
Cape Town Become an adventurer in the Mother City. Paraglide off Table Mountain or explore an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, edgy design and art. Discover Kirstenbosch, the most beautiful garden in Africa, or simply relax at some of the world’s finest beaches.
Johannesburg Discover life in the fast lane. Take a Red Bus tour and experience a thrilling Gold Reef City, a sobering Apartheid Museum and a vibrant Newtown. Browse for designer labels in glamorous shopping centres, make new friends while exploring the pulsating nightlife and be amazed by the unforgettable Sterkfontein Caves.
George Say goodbye to stress and hello to George. Here you can improve your swing at one of the many world-class golf courses, unwind at a picturesque wine farm, saunter through awe-inspiring forests or speed along the beach on horseback. The breath-taking Garden Route is a must for all.
ADVENTURES BEGIN WITH MANGO Mzansi has it all. And Mango has become the airline chosen by millions of South Africans to get them there and back. Affordable flights, friendly and efficient service, quick and easy checkin options and innovative seat design ensure you’ll arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to explore. 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. And for ultimate convenience, book a Mango Travel Package - a onestop travel solution including flights, accommodation and car hire. 72
41991/AP
Say “I do� to Zanzibar Be swept away by the magic of the perfect honeymoon getaway. When it comes to planning your honeymoon, we go the distance to make your special time that much more memorable. You can expect a complete travel experience, designed with packages that cater for your every need. These include affordable flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and diverse accommodation options ranging from three- to five-stars. You even get the added flexibility to use your SAA Voyager Miles to pay for any Mango flight in full or part of.
All of which, makes planning your honeymoon as easy as falling in love. MOBI-APP AVAILABLE FROM:
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L I F E S T Y L E
Good Manners on your
Business Travels Doing Business The Right Way Travel opens up the world to us and visiting new locales is one of the most invaluable experiences we can give ourselves. However, dealing with different cultures can get tricky when you are not sufficiently prepared. We have come up with an Afropolitan guide to Business Decorum so as not to offend when next you head out into Africa and the world. By Nomali Cele
BUSINESS AND MEETINGS BRAZIL Western culture has us respecting a person’s personal space, however in Brazil they consider physical closeness an act of inspiring trust so do not be alarmed when they come in close and whatever you do, fight the urge to take a step back! CHINA In most African countries the bringing of gifts to a meeting might be misconstrued as bribery but it is most welcome in China and considered polite. What the Chinese frown upon however is personal contact in public especially between the sexes. NIGERIA Simply because the person you are meeting says “yes” does not necessarily mean the deal is signed. Take the time to do whatever it takes to make sure the transaction goes through and is signed, sealed and delivered as sometimes in Nigeria yes actually means “maybe”! RUSSIA With the low temperatures in Russia you may find yourself wearing gloves for the bulk of the time you are there, 74
however whatever you do never shake hands with your Russian counterparts with your gloves on as this is considered rude and unacceptable behaviour.
FOOD AND DRINK LIBYA You may have signed a million dollar deal but you can’t toast the occasion with your favourite scotch as alcohol is banned in Libya. The penalties for being caught illegally consuming alcohol can include hefty fines or even imprisonment. Your best choice for a celebratory drink is coffee or tea. Cheers! NIGERIA It is said in Nigeria an empty plate during a meeting will likely be misconstrued as you wanting to be served more food.
Unless you truly wouldn’t mind another plate of food, consider leaving a spoonful or two on your plate. During a meal, don’t be too focused on talking. The conversation may get light, steered by your host, but if they are not talking dig in and enjoy the silent meal. INDIA Should you find yourself dining with Indians, the use of hands is recommended especially when eating traditional food. However, never use your left hand, as that is considered unhygienic. And never order a steak as cows are considered sacred in the Hindi culture! JAPAN It is considered rude to pour your own drink. The accepted practise is to wait until some offers you a drink and pours it for you.
BEHAVIOUR AND CLOTHING RWANDA If you are travelling to Rwanda during April, be mindful that during that month the country remembers the genocide that happened in 1994. In remembering the victims of the atrocity, the country is quiet. No music is played in public spaces, and there are no jovial celebrations.
SOUTH AFRICA A majority of South African cultures hold their elders in high esteem regardless of the role they play in a business meeting so it is advisable to always behave respectfully in their presence. MADAGASCAR In Madagascar and other Muslim countries there is little tolerance for women who dress in clothing that doesn’t cover their upper arms and legs. Men are expected to cover their chests in public so avoid going topless if you can.
KENYA Western culture dictates that we always maintain eye contact and those who do not are considered untrustworthy. This is not the case in Kenya and many other African countries, as maintaining eye contact is a sign of impertinence. So what one might percieve to be shiftiness is actually a sign of respect. JAPAN Unlike the Brazilians, the Japanese are very precious about their personal space due to the fact that their country is to densely populated so try by all means to respect it. NEW ZEALAND Do not feel the urge to tip your waiter or anyone who serves you as tipping is rare in this country and your offer may be refused. EL SAVADOR Should you be invited to the home of your Salvadoran business partner do not take the occasion as a chance to continue the talks you had in the office. Business is only discussed in the office or over a meal. Any functions at home are purely for friendship and relationship building. These are just some of the tips one must take into account to avoid embarrassment when conducting business across the globe. Now that we have schooled you all that remains is for you to go forth and conquer!
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C U R R E N T
A F FA I R S
The Ultimate Government
Blooper Reel Rounding up government’s most epicfails of 2015
If you found yourself face-palming at one too many government gaffes last year, you’re not alone. We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of guvvy bloopers to make you laugh, cry, or book your one-way ticket to Oz. By Cashe Kidd
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TAKING THE E-TOLL ON ROAD USERS Electronic toll collection, or e-Tolls, were designed and employed by South Africa’s roads agency, Sanral to fund the R20-billion Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project of 2007. Despite the highway upgrades effectively reducing traffic congestion, when open road tolling went live in December 2013 the system was widely denounced, if not entirely snubbed by dissatisfied motorists. With only 3.5-million vehicles registered with e-tags out of an estimated 6-million cars on the road when e-Tolls first went live, Sanral accrued a total of R1-billion in overdue toll fees in the first six months of operation. By 2015, the unpaid backlog was estimated at a staggering R197-billion.
Having spearheaded initiatives to frustrate the system from the get-go, Outa (Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance) maintains that the e-Toll system was implemented unlawfully, and against the best interests of road users in Gauteng. After several legal battles (some won, some lost) and with the gantries up and running (at a massive cost and built on their own saga of suspicious tender deals), and e-Tolls a reality, Outa launched its Rule of Law campaign in 2014 to challenge the legality of procedures against defaulters. In May last year deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa announced a tariff decrease to 30c per kilometre for light vehicles, capped at R225 per month. He also indicated that the e-Toll system would be subsidised with a neat yearly figure of R700-million to service the massive backlog. Bottom line: since the inception of e-Tolls, the government has pumped more than R12.5-billion into a scheme that – if the lack of public buy-in is anything to go by – is very clearly failing.
GROUNDED BY RED TAPE The brakes were temporarily put on South Africa’s budding tourism industry when government launched new visa rules in June 2015, which required that minors could only cross borders with their parents if they were in possession of an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, the new visa rules necessitated that foreign visitors apply for visas in person at South African embassies, in order to record biometric information. The rationale behind this decision was to curtail the brutal reality of child trafficking, with South Africa accounting for an estimated 30 000 victims per annum. While the number has been calledan inflated guestimate by fact-checking NPO Africa Check, the department of home affairs rightly attempted to do some good. The execution of the idea, however, left much to be desired, and the impact of the new rules took a gash out of the tourism industry. Statistics South Africa reported a decline of 28.4% in visitors to
South Africa between June and September 2015. For most, the implication of the rules was largely administrative, however several horror stories of families forced apart at bordercrossings made the news, making this topic a highly emotive one. An inter-ministerial committee on immigration, spearheaded by deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa made several recommendations to deal with both the security considerations and the unintended consequences of the regulations. As of October 2015, the visa requirements were amended to ensure a much simpler visa process. Bottom line: It was a good idea, but a rushed one, and serves as a bleak example of government’s habit to back-pedal on decisions when the consequences of same aren’t pre-considered.
AIDING A WAR CRIMINAL In a blunder worthy of a capital B, the South African government refused to not only honour South Africa’s constitutional commitment to international justice, but also blatantly disrespected the judiciary when it ignored the order that Sudanese president Omar alBashir be detained in the country. Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, was in South Africa in June 2015 to attend an African Union Summit chaired by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. As a local court was hearing an application that would force his arrest, al-Bashir’s plane was already taking off from Waterkloof Military Base. The ICC was understandably put out by what most of the international community saw as South Africa flipping justice the finger, and gave government until October to please explain. In a seemingly knee-jerk reaction, government announced it was reviewing its membership with the ICC, with talks of South Africa leaving the organisation altogether. By the end of 2015, however, the matter had been stalled. 77
C U R R E N T
A F FA I R S
Bottom line: al-Bashir was scheduled to return to South Africa in December 2015 for the ChinaAfrica Co-operation summit, but a government source told the Mail &Guardian: “South Africa would not take a risk of inviting al-Bashir here again after what happened.”
BRUSHING BRIBES UNDER THE CARPET If 2010 was the year of the vuvuzela, 2015 was the year that blew the horn on the dodgy dealings behind the Fifa World Cup. In June last year, it was alleged that government paid a $10-million bribe to Fifa to secure the 2010 tournament. Sound recordings and emails between Fifa and then president Thabo Mbeki surfaced, but South Africa maintained that the payment was made to aid a project supporting the African diaspora in Caribbean countries. The snafu even attracted the attention of both Interpol and the FBI. Dozens of Fifa officials have been indicted to face criminal charges of corruption, including Fifa president Sepp Blatter who was duly suspended. As for South Africa’s “charitable contribution”, the money ended up in a bank account controlled by former Fifa vice president Jack Warner. Bottom line: the shadow that this murky deal has cast over one of South Africa’s proudest moments in disheartening, to say the very least.
THE DIGITAL DRAMA The process of migrating broadcasting signals from analogue to digital was started as a result of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) resolution that countries in region 1 (including Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East) should migrate their broadcasting services from analogue to digital. The primary objective? To clear the radio frequency spectrum currently occupied by broadcasters to enable the provision of wireless mobile 78
broadband services and other innovative applications. In order to achieve a full-scale digital migration, the department of communications announced it would provide free STBs (set-topbox decoders) to more than 5-million indigent householders who own TV sets. By October 2015, when Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) migration was slated to go live, the government had only just begun the process of registration in one earmarked for Northern Cape area. Added to this was the fact that an investigation into the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa’s (USAASA) suspicious procurement of STBs was announced, and South Africa is no nearer to going digital than it was the first (or second, or even third) time it missed the ITU switch-off deadline. Bottom line: Tanzania managed to beat the original ITU deadline of June 17 2015, and switched off the last analogue transmitter the April before. Botswana, which suffered a few hiccups, has announced it will be switching off analogue transmission by March 2016. South Africa, way behind the pack, has not announced a new switch-off date yet.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
As a local court was hearing an application that would force his arrest, alBashir's plane was already taking off from Waterkloof Military Base.
The Nene Effect: when President Jacob Zuma surprised the country by firing Finance Minister Nhlanhle Nene, in December 2015, the economy took a dive towards junk status. Our President can’t count: inspiring millions of memes, Jacob Zuma’s epic failure to read large numbers aloud came close to matching the virality of the infamous sign language interpreter at Madiba’s funeral in 2013. Ignorance is bliss: government’s failure to acknowledge protesting students outside of Parliament during #FeesMustFall caused the movement to ignite in speed and ferocity, eventually ending in Zuma acceding to a zero fee increase for university fees in 2016.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir
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Image courtesy of Shutterstock
*Benjamin Franklin - Serial Failure and Perpetual Winner
Economic Empowerment Youth Employment Child Development By any objective measure our achievements are game-changers. So after 10 years, why aren’t we better? We don’t know but we will. We’re failing forward.
GET READY FOR THE GAME TO CHANGE AT THESE SPORT FOR ALL LOCATIONS: KATLEHONG | Huntersfield Stadium ATTERIDGEVILLE | Mbolekwa Stadium GELUKSDAL | Geluksdal Stadium PALMRIDGE | Palmridge Ext 6 Secondary School SOSHANGUVE | Soshanguve Sports Complex
Serious Investors/Buyers Welcome
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L I F E S T Y L E
A range of
Rovers
Image courtesy of Range Rover
By Damian Murphy
THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE We were lucky enough to test the very first Evoque when it launched in 2011. On face value, the Evoque appeared to be nothing more than an incredibly pretty looking city SUV, but when put to the grindstone, the slick off-roader proved to be a very capable adventurer. The latest version of the Evoque was given to us on test again and we approached it with a lot more respect in the hope it too would deliver above our high expectations. Although the looks of the new version have seen a noticeable update, there is no denying the pedigree. The changes are subtle enough to retain a very similar look, but noticeable enough to let everyone know you’ve gone with the very latest version. The Evoque has a very sleek design, with curves in all the right places. It’s been said that the Evoque is designed to appeal more to a feminine market, but that is only because it is by far the
sexiest Range Rover available. When you peel back the layers, underneath the Evoque is still an off-roader, with capable on-road abilities. The version we tested, the SD4 2.2 Litre Diesel had a 9-speed automatic gearbox that delivered 140kW of power and a whopping 420Nm of torque. This meant that it was nippy enough to feel like a hatchback, but strong enough to pull a caravan through the toughest conditions. With a top speed of 195km/h, the Evoque is no slouch, but it wasn’t on the tar that this Range Rover came into its own. It was when you ventured off the smooth, although sometimes potholed roads onto the sand that the engineering of this SUV came to life. Gone are the days of complicated knobs and buttons, with switches and levers that one needed to pull, push and twist in order to engage 4x4 mode. The new Evoque, like all Range Rovers has an easy-touse dial that you simply turn to
the appropriate picture and the electronics do the rest. You do however need to learn to trust your Evoque before you take it bushwhacking as it is intimidating sitting at the bottom of a steep sandy slope in a car that looks like it’s made for the fashion runways of Paris and Milan and not the Lowveld bush. Overall it seems opinions have been mixed about the Evoque, with some petrol heads thinking it is nothing more than an accessory for wealthy soccer moms, but we can’t help but side with those who think the Evoque is fantastic. Who cares if it looks too good to take off-road, we think having a car that looks great when you aren’t using it is better than having a car that looks ridiculous and is still only used once or twice a year.
Quick Facts: Price: R676 000 Top Speed: 195 km\h Economy: 7.9l/100km Acceleration (0-100km/h): 8.5s 81
L I F E S T Y L E
THE RANGE ROVER VOGUE The big daddy of the Range Rover family, the Vogue, is the premium model available. This SUV is so big and so premium that the brochure containing its features is 88 pages long. Yes it is full of a lot of pretty pictures of the Vogue, but it is still 88 pages long. The Vogue has it all, from a powerful engine, to the finest finishings we have ever had the privilege of driving in. The Vogue is the pinnacle of motoring excellence and we got to put it through its paces. The model we tested was the LRSDV8 4.4 litre Diesel. We would love to have tested the supercharged 5.0 litre petrol version just to say we had a chance to drive the king of SUVs, but there was nothing small, slow or weak about the SDV8. The 4.4 litre engine pumps out an impressive 250 kW of power with a crushing 740Nm of torque. It is so powerful, in fact, that we struggled at times to contain ourselves behind the wheel. When a car that big is barrelling along so effortlessly well over the
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speed limit, it is hard to judge how fast you are going and you constantly need to remind yourself to check the speedometer to make sure you won’t be arrested. The electronic air suspension with variable ride height means the Vogue is one of the smoothest drives we have ever experienced. The air suspension is like riding on a cloud and the transition from tar to dirt is all but seamless. Some of the other features that add to the overall driver comfort include the eight-speed automatic transmission, permanent four wheel drive, adaptive dynamics and dynamic stability control . The newly designed Range Rovers have all done just enough to let you know that they are a newer model, without detracting from the look that has made them so popular. Some of the exciting additions to the new look Vogue include much smoother lines, aggressive new adaptive xenon headlamps with signature lighting and LED rear lamps. The 21� 10-spoke alloy wheels
with diamond turned finish and the sliding panoramic roof were probably the two features we liked the most, but all in all it was difficult to pick out just these features from a long list of cool gadgets and extras on offer. Inside the Vogue the driver and passengers could each change their own climate through the four-zone climate control. The gorgeous leather seats can all be heated or cooled front and rear and the entire interior can be adapted to suit all passengers individually. The new Range Rover Vogue is the best SUV we have tested. At the price you pay to own one, it probably better be the best on the market. But there is no denying the faultless workmanship that has gone into producing the king of the SUVs.
Quick Facts: Price: R2 118 900 Top Speed: 218km\h Economy: 11.5l\100km Acceleration (0-100km\h): 6.9s
APRIL IN THE ALPS
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WHO IS AFROPOLITAN? A Clearer Understanding of the Afropolitan Audience When you think of Kaya FM 95.9, you think of great content, the Afropolitan listener, and all of the events the station is involved in.
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ut behind the scenes, two people, who could be considered the engines that drive the business, are working hard to ensure that the station fully understands its listeners, including their wants and needs. Those two people are Tholakele Malaza and Amu Mathebula who make up Kaya’s Research and Development division. As the name suggests, the division is tasked with finding out as much as it can about its Afropolitan listeners and then using the information gathered to craft products and offerings which are in line with exactly what the listeners are looking for. The division, which was created three years ago, gives Kaya FM an edge over its competitors, who Malaza says, “seem to rely on external research resources, rather than generating their own.” The research that the division produces is used by the entire Kaya FM operation, including the sales team and even the programming department. Programming at Kaya FM is impacted by the response from the listeners , thus the information the division finds ensures content is designed around exactly what the radio station’s audience want to hear and when they want to hear it. “It’s at the core of who we are,” Malaza explains.“We are Afropolitan so it is key to understand them fully.” A recent in house development that was created to help better understand the Afropolitan listener is the Tribe Tracker, a system, in development for over a year, segments the Afropolitan audience depending on factors such as age and media consumption. Once the audience has been divided, wants and needs of the various groups are thoroughly explored. Mathebula believes that the main characteristics of the average Afropolitan listener include: “Forward looking. Bringing African pride to the table and not being shy about who they are.” These characteristics, along with so many others, gauged through research allow Kaya FM to programme sales and provide relevant content. Both Mathebula and Malaza analyse each 84
show on the station to determine whether it is providing the right information and content required by the Afropolitan listener. Everything that goes out on air has been thought about and processed. As has every product and service which Kaya FM advertises. Another area of listeners Kaya FM’s Research and Development division has been working on for the past two years is the Afropolitan woman. Both Malaza and Mathebula believe women have been disadvantaged in terms of research about who they are and what they want. Malaza believes: “Women in general are a misunderstood market and our research aims to improve the industry’s understanding of this valuable market.” All of the research and development the station is doing will ensure it is well placed to refresh the listener in about five years. “Future proofing and Afropolitan women are the two things that we need to keep tabs on,” Mathebula stresses. Says Greg Maloka, Kaya FM’s managing director: “Kaya FM’s Afropolitan market is the consuming class of South Africa, accounting for a significant part of the R400-billion purchasing power of South Africa’s black people.” When asked how Kaya’s research stacks up against other research about the black middle class, whether it contradictsor supports it, Malaza says it does both simultaneously. Research provided by many other institutes has provided quite a bit of information about Kaya’s target audience, but Kaya’s work offers something different. She continues: “Our findings are to give clarity of existing research of the black middle class by segmenting the market, not only looking at it as a homogenous group. Our research adds to the discussion about the black middle class, but also challenges some conventional norms.” They went on to say that Afropolitan is not a new thing in South Africa. It has always existed, but now it’s becoming more prominent. An example of how the Kaya FM R&D team has been able to collaborate with other brands would be their immersion sessions, in which they introduce the Afropolitan market, Kaya FM’s offering and tangible, practical and bespoke solutions, to various brands.
Tholakele Malaza and Amu Mathebula Kaya FM Research & Development
It is significant to note that the research tools available cannot explain the nuanced details of the Afropolitan market. A team that can interpret this market is key to Kaya’s growth. Aside from benefiting Kaya FM’s audience and the programming department, the information provided by Mathebula and Malaza is also used by Kaya FM’s sales team. With a clearer idea of Kaya FM’s Afropolitan audience, the sales team is able to target the most relevant advertisers with the right products and services. A recent example of a collaborative effort between a client and Kaya FM was Pam Golding Properties, who commented on the Afropolitan research accomplished by Johannesburg-based marketing manager Trish Lithuli who said: “In our continued endeavour to give the best service, knowledge, to our market, it is very important, that we engage with partners like Kaya FM, which gives us that platform. The team gives practical and interesting thought-provoking insights.” Mathebula’s message to advertisers is: “So much software is being used in advertising but it seems the industry has forgotten about the magic in advertising. There’s magic in the creativity of the ad, the tone and nuance of it.” Malaza concludes with a very profound belief: “Talking to the black middle class is difficult as it is large and complex. But thereisn’t a price for being genuine and properly knowing your audience.” Tholakele Malaza and Amu Mathebula - Kaya FM’s Research & Development team, keeping the radio station relevant to its listenership.
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Just when you think it can’t get any better... I
t’s year five of AfroNights events, and boy have they grown! Be prepared for even more growth in 2016, as the Afropolitan Magazine team gears up to take you all on a wild ride! The dates for the events are set (see below), and plans are in full swing. We have not only signed some seriously big-name artists to entertain you at every event, but we have also partnered with some amazing premium brands, that we are very proud of. These brands are not only offering exciting brand experiences at the events, but also fantastic prizes to be won. One prize in particular to look out for is the all expenses paid family holiday — which will be awarded at one of the AfoNights events, so best you attend all of them to stand a chance to win. In essence this year we want to party hard with you and make sure that you leave every event feeling like it can’t get any better…..and then it does!
1 JUNE | 31 AUGUST | 28 OCTOBER 86
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ALYN ADAMS COLUMN
Creating a Whine List “In vino veritas,” some venerable old bugger once said. Probably an ancient Roman, but it could just as easily have been an Oxbridge graduate showing off. “In wine is truth” doesn’t sound quite as respectable; especially if you’re slurring it. During the flurry of tit-for-tat social media racism and outrage with which Saffas welcomed 2016, the one that caught my eye was the story of Nicole de Klerk (any relation, I wonder?), who let fly a vicious outburst during the Queen’s Plate at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town, calling fellow punters the K-word. Of course security threw her out, to their credit, and she lost her job. I’m not going to go into the depth of unexamined privilege, the sheer brazen self-righteous
confidence she displayed when, after her boyfriend allegedly spluttered, “How can you say that?!”, she snapped back a completely selfassured, “But they are!” I’ll leave that to commentators with a higher “WTF?” threshold. Besides, I believe crimen injuria proceedings are under way, so let’s leave determining the more outrageous facts up to the court. What is abundantly clear from eyewitness accounts, though, is that Ms De Klerk, at the time, was not unacquainted with the disinhibiting effect of ethanol when ingested orally. She was completely wasted. The picture taken of her in middiatribe is a wonderful public service advert against daytime drinking all on its own; no text required. Perhaps the proverb should be amended to “In vino veritas deformi”, which if Google Translate is to be believed, means, “In wine is ugly truth”. For most of us, it takes a bit of booze before the bigotry comes out. Not all of us, of course – some of us can spew poorly reasoned, one-eyed brain-farts stone-cold sober. They’re the relatives who make family get-togethers such a challenge. The rest of us need to be a bit pissed, before we can start a maudlin lament about how
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persecuted and downtrodden we white folk are in Africa. When we’re sober, the absurdity of the concept makes us giggle too much. Thankfully, there is so much else to whine about, that the “ignoring the race thing till we’re shitfaced” strategy isn’t too much of an imposition. I’m thinking of creating an official Whine List, so that people of lesser imaginations will constantly have something to bitch, moan and spew venom about, without having to venture into issues like race and gender and sexuality and cultural appropriation – you know, stuff that you really have to research and think through properly if you don’t want to get crucified online. The White Whine List is easy. There’s the dry white whine: “Shame, this drought is making it even harder for the rhinos, hey?” The blanc-de-noir white whine: “How can these Metro cops bust me for doing exactly what the taxis do, if they get away with it?” And of course, the sweet white whine: “I mean, I try to give to beggars, but they’re just at every intersection. It’s terrible the way the government treat their own people, hey?” But it’s the Red Whine List that’s giving me trouble. I’ve got as far as: “But if we never contest an election in our own right, how is the South African Communist Party ever going to divert the ANC from its neoliberal agenda?”, and then I’m stumped.
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Of course security threw her out, to their credit...
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