“We are celebrating the launch edition of InFlight magazine.”
INFLIGHT MAGAZINE
What’s on & Book profiles
Tourist Experiences: Mogonye & Moremi Gorge The Savuti Expedition
SWANA DIAMONDS MUSIC PROFILE Han-C
CONTENTS 4.
6.
16.
Botswana Art: Profiling Botho Tshephang David
Our Story, Our Journey: How Flight Connect was born
17.
Savuti Expedition, by Botho & Amanda Ramonkga
The SWANA Diamond, Not all Diamonds are the same!
19.
think you know Zola? The love for a Botswana Township
7.
Music Profile: Han - C
8.
What’s On, events and Shows
20. 10 Tips for planning your trip You 21. 12.
Mogonye Gorge: A Tourist’s Story
14.
Games and Book Reviews, Kiddies colouring page
15.
Short Story: The Dress.
22. Greetings in 11 languages, Hello, How are you? And Thank you. 23. Knowing your Borders - times and contact info.
Adult colouring Page
Editor’s Note It is a great pleasure to introduce to you the first issue of In Flight to showcase the beauty of the African continent and essence that lies in being African. In this issue we look at the story of the Botswana SWANA diamonds; the pride of Botswana. We also highlight exciting travel stories & tips, events, places to visit, border information and other exciting local and international features. We intend to grow In Flight to be bigger and better with more informative and captivating features. Have a great ‘in-flight’ read!
With the spirit of Africa,
Shaka Senwamadi Publishers: Millenia Publishing
Advertising Sales: Shaka Senwamadi
Project Manager: Mmane Manale, Flight Connect
Email: felistus@milleniapublishing.co.za
Editor: Shaka Senwamadi
Tel: +267 7289 4444
Sub Editor: Victoria Nish
Publisher: Victoria Nish
Designer: Victoria Nish, Millenia Publishing
Email: victoria@milleniapublishing.co.za
Sales: Shaka Senwamadi
www.milleniapublishing.co.za
Public Relations: Millenia Publishing
Flight Connect: flightconnectbw@gmail.com
Images: www.unsplash.com
Tel: (+267) 3105 896 / (+267) 77 528 752
Welcome Onboard Flight Connect Flight Connect is delighted to bring to you its very first own onboard magazine. How very lucky you are to be holding it in your hands. This first issue of INFLIGHT magazine, is dedicated to everyone who has supported us in the past 4 years. The objective of this magazine is to inform, entertain and share important information, latest news about travel in Africa, arts, music and everything in between. It gives me great pleasure to inform you that this magazine will forever be on your desk… share ...enjoy … …and WELCOME onboard.
Mmane Manale
Client Testimonials I have started using Flight Connect buses for hire in 2015 as a fellow Tour operator. When ever we have bookings and need buses to spill over to, they are always ready to assist us. Maeto tours and Flight Connect have a very good productive work relationship, at times we forget we are competitors. Tefo Duke Molebatsi, Operations Director, 74007651, dmolebatsi@maetotours.com
Flight Connect is "Magical", I have used it for 3 years now, and cannot imagine using any other bus company. Their trip to OR is smooth,these guys value safety and reliability. Their customer service at their shop is out of this world. Good work Flight Connect. Andy Keatlholetswe
I'm a grade 10 student from South Downs College in Pretoria and have been using flight connect for the past 3 years and so far, it has been a good experience, I've made new friends and the staff has also been really friendly, Flight Connect lives up to its's expectations and does indeed offer all services mentioned. It is really cool to travel with Flight Connect. Gotlhaga Kewakae. Flight Connect has been transporting our children to and from school for nearly 5 years now and I have to say their service is excellent. They operate a safe and reliable bus service from my son and daughters school in South Africa to Gaborone and back. These trips are organised whenever the children have holidays and long weekends. From the booking of the trip to the actual transportation of the children, assistance through the border and arrival at the destination, Flight Connect oversees and chaperones the entire process in a friendly and professional manner. As parents we are assured of our children's safety, which is of critical importance. Suzanna Steenkamp
OUR STORY
…OUR JOURNEY Flight Connect was born out of a whole set of personal travel experiences, locally and all over the world. The conception of the idea had a lot to do with my children being at boarding school when I was a very busy executive. I could not find enough time to drive them to and from school. It was always a challenge to decide who would do the school run, or if we can find other parents to do it for us. Attending school meetings was also a challenge. If time allowed, we would drive to Johannesburg, leave our car at OR Tambo, pay for parking and head out to school on a national flight from OR Tambo. Alternatively, we and or the children would fly from Gaborone at a significant cost. All this meant someone in the family was travelling at least every 6 weeks. The cost of travel over these years was quite substantial. In addition to the cost, there was excessive time spent on travel. I had travelled abroad many times and had always used public transport happily as it was comfortable and very efficient. I had an opportunity to see and experience the world by bus or train. I saw the countryside and the cities in which I travelled without the stress of driving. After my travels, I would always wish I could use public transport back home so I could enjoy the same convenience. Unfortunately I was always behind the wheel. The drive between Gaborone and Johannesburg was always stressful and I never got to just enjoy the beautiful landscape on the drive. It wasn’t a drive I looked forward to.
These factors and a chat with some great friends of mine, combined with my keen interest in creativity and in doing different things, differently, culminated in this powerful idea. We all felt Botswana was ready for an exclusive road travel offering for starters. The beauty was also that this could reduce people’s cost of travel and add some fun to travel as well. I always said to my friends and other potential customers, “Start your European Travel with us and save some money for an extra pair of beautiful shoes from Italy!!” I also felt that Batswana, travelled all over the world and their exposure to foreign public transport standards, would make them appreciate something similar and better. People ask why the name ”Fight connect?” well simply, my children were always driving or flying to Johannesburg to connect to flights to other parts of RSA where they went in school, ‘ seemed like an apt name … that’s how it was born. One of our key differentiating factors was our desire to offer a product that stood out in terms of look and feel of quality around it. Our focus on service and a strong red-hot colour in our brand were the bedrock of our offer to the market. We believed they would gain and retain the long-term trust of our customers.
We wanted to stand out not only in terms of look, but also in terms of service so we train our teams to ensure they understand what we are about. We offer our scheduled OR Tambo daily service, bus hire, air travel ticket sales and tours, but with each of these, we strive to offer something special .. something different…something unforgettable. Our vision for Flight Connect has always been clear from the beginning; To create a strong brand and to develop into something much bigger than just a small entity trying to address a small school-run or budget challenges. We founded the company with a strategy to take advantage of what we observed as a growing, strong and exciting tourism landscape. Our dream was to build Flight Connect into a full travel and tourism company that offers the full spectrum of industry services. We believe upholding our service quality and reliability values will help us as we roll out the rest of our strategy.
As with every start –up, it has not been an easy road, but with creativity, determination and a keen eye for implementing strategy, Flight Connect has made it this far. This is our 5th year and we can certainly give ourselves a well-deserved pat on the back!! I remember when I would get a call at 0530 from the driver telling me there were no customers and wanting to know if they should drive to OR Tambo or stay to save costs… I would say “go because we want people to see us on the road so they know we are reliable and dependable”. For us, reliability, safety, security and luxury are paramount and this commitment has paid off. I thank my team… from the very members we started with back in 2013 to the current ones, as we could never have pulled it off without them. We are now looking forward to sustained growth in the next year (and beyond) and continue to assure our clientele of the good service, convenience and comfort that we have offered over the years. .
The
SWANA Diamond Not all diamonds are the same…
SWANA Diamonds… perfection of a star. When people think diamonds, they think brilliance, elegance and absolute perfection! Though all this is true, there is so much quintessence that goes beyond this striking rock. Not only are diamonds a unique expression of love, but they are a true resemblance of love carved in stone. And what better way to express your perfect love than with a perfect stone- the Swana diamond. It is well known that Botswana is the home of the world’s finest diamonds. Ethically sourced, Swana stones are formed deep in the earth for eons before being mined and painstakingly selected for quality- but like true love, they are worth the wait. Each carefully chosen stone is patiently cut and polished to precise perfection by expert master diamantaires who have the skill, experience and artistic vision to produce the Swana cut, with Swana’s signature eight-pointed star at the centre of the diamond. Not all diamonds are the same. Only one in 50 stones is perfect enough to become a Swana diamond, distinguished by its unique cut featuring 89 facets rather than the conventional 57 Ideal cut or Round brilliant cut, for greater brilliance and internal fire. Swana diamonds have the Botswana Stamp- a mark of high quality workmanship and high ethical values. And only a perfect diamond is good enough to embody your perfect love- A Swana diamond. The Swana diamond is exceptionally designed for all types and ages of women; the phenomenal woman, the diva, the radiant bride or the millennial youth. With a SWANA diamond you can turn your dreams into reality.
M usic Han-C Incredible talent bracing the world of music in Africa Hanceford “HAN-C” Magapatona was born in the nineties. He caught the music bug from his grandfather who christened him after the legendary Zambian guitarist Hanceford Mutamba. The self-taught singer/songwriter burst into the local Botswana music scene with his chart topping debut hit, Sedi Laaka (which he co-wrote with his uncle Frampton) by Chrispin the Drummer and Team Distant, showcasing his lyrical and vocal prowess. Sedi Laaka was holding the top position on the charts for more than 4 weeks.
Han-C’s artistic gift surfaced when he was a young boy- His early days saw him learn to play the piano around the house to folk songs sung by his grandfather Driven by passion for music which was fuelled by his upbringing, he started off as a dancer and he made it to the grand finale of My African Dream talent show. Later on he would try his hand at singing after sending his demos to many a producer in the country. Han-C credits his giftedness & creativity and acclaims his style of writing and artistic ability to the influences of his musical family. This pioneering artist that chooses to be unconventional in his artistic expression is set to be a trail blazer of his time. He plans to collaborate with more driven artists, and to tap into the hub of creativity in his future projects. He will also revisit his first love (dancing), as he becomes an iconic musician. His background has over time allowed him to develop his ability to fit into almost any genre of music. He’s passionate about writing in the local vernacular, using idioms and deep Setswana, talking to life’s everyday experiences. His music is also influenced by American urban music. Han C released his very first single as a solo artist called ‘Se ileng’ from his debut album titled “On My Own”. Se ileng ,a celebratory song about letting go, became a national anthem and went on to top the Gabz FM charts for 8 weeks. His humility and easy-going nature and deep rootedness afforded him his first international collaboration in the album. He released his second chart-toping single, Mogolokwane, with the renowned South African rapper Stoan from the acclaimed music group Bongo Muffin. His hard work and dedication has garnered him recognition in the local scenes and he has won a few locally acclaimed awards.
CARTOON NETWORK LIVE 3 - 8 July 2018 Tickets: R 175 - R 390 pp MONTE CASINO
Regular book launches
BLAME IT ON BIANCA DEL RIO
Visit our facebook page for
Clown in a Gown!
information on our book launches
11 August 2018 Venue: Teatro
Venue: Skoobs Theatre of Books
Tickets: From R 300 pp
MONTE CASINO
MONTE CASINO
AVENUE Q 9 May - 15 July 2018 Venue: Pieter Toerien Main theatre Tickets: R 100 - R 350 pp MONTE CASINO
SARS FROM THE APOLLO 25 - 26 May 2018 Venue: Teatro Time: 20h00 Tickets: R 390 - R 590
CONRAD KOSH’S PUPPET GUY 25 April - 27 May 2018 Venue: Pieter Toerien Studio Theatre Tickets: R 130 - R 165 MONTE CASINO
MONTE CASINO
Events
What’s on?
CARAVELA PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL 29 June - 1 July 2018 Venue: Outdoor Event Area Ticket: R 80 - R 210 pp Children under 3 - FREE MONTE CASINO
JOBURG BALLET AND FRIENDS 19 May 2018 Venue: Teatro Tickets: R 200 - R 400 pp MONTE CASINO
TAP DOGS 29 August - 16 September 2018 Venue: Teatro Tickets: R 310 - R410 pp MONTE CASINO
KUNLE AYO BEAM - THE LIGHT CONCERT 25 May 2018 Venue: The Lyric Centre PRIME CIRCLE 7 June 2018 Venue: The Barnyard Theatre Tickets: R 200 pp GOLD REEF CUTY
Tickets: R 200 - R 500 OLD REEF CITY
What’s on?
MARRIAGE FOR DUMMIES
PARLOTONES
2 - 3 June 2018
20th Anniversary Tour
Venue: The Barnyard Theatre
20 July 2018
Time: Sat 20h00, Sun 14h30
Venue: Teatro
Tickets: R 100 - R 350 pp
Tickets: R 180 - R 350 pp
GOLD REEF CITY
MONTE CASINO
BLAZE OF GLORY - ULTIMATE DRIVING ANTHEMS 2 May - 2 June 2018 Venue: The Barnyard Theatre Tickets: R 130 - R 165 pp GOLD REEF CITY
NIC RUSH
DEBORHA LUKALU - LIVE
30 June2018
RECORDING OF CALL ME FAVOUR
Venue: The Barnyard Theatre
26 May 2018
Time: 20h00
Venue: The Barnyard Theatre
Tickets: R 150 pp
Tickets: R 100 - R 300 pp
GOLD REEF CITY
GOLD REEF CITY
Mogonye
GORGE
Botswana has some amazing and beautiful places to see. Whether it's her natural beauty or part of the country's rich history, many of us still haven't had the chance to experience these unique destinations. Our charity (Nayang Association) has special hikes and tours where we take groups of people for hiking through the over-looked hiking destinations in the southern part of Botswana .We try to introduce people to unpopular places such as Mogonye Gorge, a strong hold of the Bakwena kingdom which is only 30 km from Gaborone and Malaka Gorge at the Tswapong Hills which is only 10kilometres from the town of Palapye. The south of Botswana is still largely under-developed in the context of tourism, which means it is affordable to hike and camp there compared to the North. Tourism is the 2⠿d biggest contributor to Botswana’ GDP, but there is still room to grow considering that a majority of popular tourist sites are found in the North of Botswana. These places are also quite expensive for the ordinary Motswana to visit. We encourage and support local tourism by planning affordable hiking/exploration activities at Mogonye and Malaka Gorge. Mogonye Gorge is located on the outskirts of a village called Mogonye and it is run by the Village Development Committee. This means the money that visitors pay is used for Village developments and to keep the Gorge clean. Since it is considered a heritage site by the Museums department, visitors are charged a minimum of P50 to view the Gorge. Different activities such as Hike and Wine-tasting events, camping or braais can be hosted here and are priced differently but the gorge provides affordable prices for most. It's a beautiful place that caters for people who don’t like to exercise but love the out-doors. Although the actual gorge is facing issues of water shortage compared to earlier years, it still provides an amazing scenery and climbing up the rock is exciting for most visitors.
WIN
WIN WIN
A FREE trip to Moremi Gorge Depending on where your starting point is, it takes less than 2 hours to go up the gorge and back to the hiking point. However other people prefer to walk the 5kilometres from the entrance to the Gorge and back. You can either plan a day-trip with friends and family or camp for x-amount of days depending on your interest. One has to call in advance though because the VDC has to organise a guide from the Village to take you through the Gorge. It is easy to get lost because there are private farms on the way to the Gorge.
Here’s How ● Send us your photo of you with our sizzling new InFlight magazine in hand. ● Post it on our Facebook Page. ● The person who gets the most like for the photo will win a return trip to the Moremi Gorge ● Closing date: 30 June 2018
GAMES AND REVIEWS Book review: "The book brings together strong diverse characters from different parts of Botswana. These characters have had their fair share of struggle and heartache but they eventually find a way to overcome their obstacles. Their stories although fictional are relatable and will hopefully help motivate/inspire those who are going through a rough phase. The book also brings to light the importance of working hard towards attaining one’s dreams." By Kagiso Madibane, Lecturer, Researcher, Journalist
Quick Crossword
Colour in our delightful children’s and Adult colour pages.
Answers on Page 22
Botswana Art Profiling Botho Tshephang David An artist working in both traditional and digital media with a passion. I mostly work with oil paint or charcoal and other mixed media to produce expressive portraits. In the realms of digital media I am a graphic and multimedia designer by profession.
TJ Dema Poet, voice over artist and arts administrator. Olympic Poetry Parmassus country representative for Botswana in London, 2012. St Louis Top 40 under 40 catalyst, 2014. Founder of Sauti A&PM and author of Mandible, published also in 2014. Oil on Canvas. Approx 800mm x 600mm
2007 – 2011 : BA Degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia major, Curtin University. 2005- 2006: ST Joseph’s College, Kgale.
BOKA’ - An acronym for “Batswana of Known Appearances”. The portrait exhibition by Botho David intended to show case some of Botswana’s known faces from various industries and celebrate them as icons through the medium of portraiture. The portraits are a small collection of oil on canvas. The opening reception was be on the 28th of March 2017 at 1830hrs and the display ran till the 16th April 2017 at National Museum Monuments and Art Gallery, Octagon Gallery, Gaborone, Botswana.
Kaone Kario Was crowned Miss Nokia Face of Africa, 2005. The model features in glamorous top international magazines including ELLE, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. She also had the likes of Nivea, Mr Price, Edgars, and Woolworths as clients. Oil on Canvas. Approx 800mm x 600mm
Savuti Expedition By: Botho and Amanda Ramonkga : Ama and I made up our minds…tired of the little less authentic organized trips that we were always a part of, we decided to take the bull by the horns and plan our own expedition to the superb and undefiled Savuti concession, located in the south-western area of the Chobe National Park. Stocked with food, water and some wine, with a Land Rover defender as our companion, we were more than ready to explore and soak it all in. It took us almost five hours to reach the campsite, which is run by The Savuti Khwai Linyanti group of camps; all thanks to the rough sandy terrain- which limited our speed to 30 km/ hour. Honestly, with our driving skills, it’s a miracle we never got stuck. Slow as the drive was, nature gifted us with our first of many, breathless novel sights – a big black maned male and a lioness in the middle of the track mating. The camp site which was a third full when we arrived was set up on a stunning, secluded site, magnificently shaded by the Sycamore figs, a few meters from the Savuti channel. Beyond the channel, the horizon seemed to stretch for infinity, dimming the brilliant sun rays gleam, clouds outlined in a blazing glow as the sun set and braai fires sparking brightly in the fading light and the smell of sizzling steak filled the air. Night was falling and this was breath-taking view for tranquil sun-downers with birds giving a fascinating air and music show. Least we were sharing stories with other guests around the camp fire, we heard strange laughing sounds behind our tents; Ama semi-intoxicated shone her torch in the direction of the sound, and picked at ghostly green eyes of a pack of hyenas. This was just the beginning of our Savuti evenings- full of surprises and laughter. In the 3 days that we camped, we never lacked visitors from the wild.
: 5:30 am, we were up for an early morning game drive, accompanied by seven more bubbly characters including Kennedy the Safari Guide. Lo and behold! Roughly 2kms west, away from the camp we spotted a leopard with 2 cubs, which were a little curious and lingered behind the mother a bit longer. The sighting made my heart pound, since I felt they were intimately close to us. Bounteous impalas, kudus, sables, small antelopes and water bucks with delicate features wandered around the bush; you could swear it was a buck park! Returning to camp we almost ran into a herd of elephants lead by the matriarch, she watched us with her piercing eyes and flapped her gigantic ears, at the same time rocking her front foot backwards and forwards a gesture which Kennedy interpreted as irritation. We reversed a few distances away from the herd and waited for them to pass. Numb and shook, I almost peed on myself (that was a close call!). we were woken up by a column of baboons pacing up and down the camp looking for something to eat. Just before breakfast, we spotted hippo tracks within the campsite; it got us wondering what would have happened if it had caught one of us outside at night since it’s one of the deadliest animals in Africa. The highlight of day 3 was an unbelievable catch; one baboon, took a sip at the channel without noticing a crocodile buried near invisibility. Just as the baboon was relaxed the crocodile pounced on it and dragged it into the channel, the other baboons only noticed when it gave a scream which sounded like misery, as it was torn apart and they started barking in panic mode. It was not pretty to watch, but Kennedy reminded us that life in the wild is an endless series of life and death. Driving back from Savuti to Kasane we realized that it takes you a couple of days to differentiate shapes and movements, that your sight and hearing gets better the more you are out in the bush. It is like all your senses come alive in the Savuti. Catch us on the next expedition to Moremi Game Reserve.
You think you know?
Zola Driving through Old Naledi (Zola, as it is affectionately known), I am always reminded of all the illusive and unpleasant stories I have heard about Africa. But only when you come to Africa, do you realize the impact of international media & movies on the world’s perception of the continent. In my travels I have come to note that townships (though interesting and full of character in my books), have certain stereotypes associated with them. From Soweto & Thembisa in Johannesburg, to Zola/Old Naledi in Gaborone and even ‘The Projects’ in the United States. Though some stereotypes do apply, they equally control people’s perceptions and lessen their hunger to learn more about the townships. The beauty I have found is that these places can instil a sense of humility within you. And Zola is no exception. is the Gaborone Township and the origin of this small but charming township can be traced as far back as the late 1960s. As expected Zola has its image, the side that most people have come to expect: a place with poor infrastructure, high unemployment and crime. But that is not all there is to this pie. Residents of Zola do not pride themselves on German cars parked in their garages nor do they sit behind high walls reminiscent of Gaborone suburbia. There is a subtle spirit of entrepreneurship brought about by being economically disadvantaged which is evident irrespective of age. The borders of Zola are all covered with industrial
residents. In one corner, some not only sell but manufacture striking furniture made from pallets….what a way to recycle pallets! From the pallets manufacturers before your car engine fan kicks-in, you will meet the fishermen who sell all kinds of fish, fresh from the Gaborone dam. They are preceded by car wash businesses ran by young men across Zola. Moving into the hear t of Zola, there seems to be an economy on its own. A variety of products are sold here; airtime, fruits & vegetables, clothes, furniture, etc. There is also a wide selection of skill sets available in this townshipcraftsmen, handymen, builders, carpenters and a whole array of hand skills. Then there are the soccer tournaments, the skill and raw talent alone gives me goose bumps. I can only guess that it stems from having a lack of indoor entertainment and an innate spirit of social participation. Kids play in the streets, and neighbours know each other from across the block. There is an undeniable admiration for Zola’s culture of togetherness, humanity, social life and economic network, which speaks of doing what you can with what you have. The place is full of love and unity. People respect each other for who they are and what they have. This seems to be a better culture to which we can subscribe than the culture of dependence, materialism and self-centricity brought about by modernization and technology. Zola is indeed my beauty and I am the beholder!
* Nugi Nkwe is a lecturer at Wits University in Johannesburg.
planning your Trip? Tips x Planning a trip or travelling can be quite stressful and daunting. The key to making it less so it be prepared. A quick check list to make sure that all your travel basics are covered will give you invaluable peace of mind when preparing for your next adventure. 1. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Check validity of your passport, and make sure it is valid for at least 3 months. 2. DESTINATION RESEARCH: It is advisable to always know where you are going, the weather, polical stability, exchange rates. 3. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: One needs to research the requirements for reaching their desired destination. For example, what are the visa requirements are there any health requirements e.g. malaria, yellow fever injections, and motor vehicle requirements e.g. permits, toll gate payments. Always be adequately prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises. 4. TRIP LOGISTICS: when planning to travel, it is important to budget and save. Note that it is better to always over estimate than underestimate. Also carry some cash in the currency of the place you are going to for those unexpected expenses such as taxi fare or snacks, but do not take too much cash. 5. RESERVATIONS: Make your transport and accommodation reservations as early as you can. For flights it’s cheaper to get tickets 2 months before the departure. 6. TRAVEL INSURANCE: This is essential and is often overlooked. Consider travel insurance as it will protect you incase you want to cancel your trip or you are unable to travel. You will be sure to get the money you spent on your tickets back should your travel plans change. Travel insurance will also cover any medical emergencies, lost luggage or any other losses incurred on your trip. 7. SAY YOUR GOODBYES: when you are taking a trip, always notify your family and or friends. Give them the address and contact details of where you are going in case anything happens on both ends, all will be covered. 8. BUY ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS: You need to buy all your necessities before travelling, such as any special medication. People with allergies will have to get their preferred brand of antihistamines, soaps and deodorant. Also be sure to buy a guide book/map , extra batteries, power bank etc. 9. PACK LIGHT: Leave space for shopping and buying trinkets and souvenirs from your travels. Only pack what you really need. As boring as it may seem, read the contract of carriage of your airline ticket beforehand. There is a lot of essential information hidden in the fine print of your airline ticket, and knowing your rights and the airline’s obligation can prove to save your time, money and mind when there is a problem. 10. HIT THE ROAD AND ENJOY!!
He was 6 foot 2 and a total gentleman- well built, handsome, athletic and to top it off he exuded presence; the exact type of man to make me look twice. My first meet with Rick was somewhat of a cliché; boy-meets-girl at airport coffee shop, boy smiles at girl, girl chuckles with rosy cheeks and the rest is history- ‘perfect story to tell our kids’, I had thought to myself in the moment he walked over to where I was helplessly standing, almost in a trance. “Hi, I am Rick Walton”, he said confidently. “Hello Rick, I am Tsoaledi. Tsoaledi Moipolai”, I responded, with all the courage I could master. “That’s a lovely name, unique too”, he said, with a smile that would haunt my lonely nights for weeks. “Thank you”, I blushed. Rick had a twinkle in his eyes and warmth in his voice that made him feel familiar and surrounded him with an air of comfort. His soft touch when he led me to a quiet table at the corner of the coffee shop made me feel even more at ease with him - he felt like home. “So where are you heading to?” he asked with intense interest in his voice. “I am visiting a friend in Cape Town for the weekend. Where is the wind taking you?” I enquired. “Back home to New York, I was here on vacation, alone.” He said, confirming the answer to the obvious question in my eyes. “I love your dress by the way, I think it’s the reason I walked over to you. There is something about the blue that reminds me of the sea, I love the sea. I spent most of my childhood on my father’s boat out in Florida and every chance I get I head out there to get some peace. And the way it just flows on you is breath taking, I feel like a 16 year old again.” He smiled as he gently stroked my hair.
For the next few hours Rick and I spoke about our different lives. He spoke of his travels around the world and how he did not want to die not having done all the things he wanted to. He was somewhat of a nomad but intended to settle down someday. Rick was ambitious, driven and had started a successful investment firm. He was smart and intelligent with a great sense of humour but most of all a good listener and conversationalist. I told him of my ambitions and my keenness to travel and see the world and eventually start a family. We reminisced about our childhoods and laughed at our grown up mistakes. We discussed the future and all the plans we had. Time seemed to fly by as we were lost in conversation. In many ways Rick and I were very much alike, but our lives were worlds apart. *airport call* “That’s me.” He said. I could detect a slight sadness in his voice. “This was the best conversation I have ever had with a stranger. In a twisted way I wish our lives were different, or we met at another time and place, and I could spend more time with you. I feel like I have known you a lifetime. I don’t want us to complicate our lives. I hope you get all you dream of,” He added as he hugged me for what seemed like hours. Tears rolled down my eyes as I watched him disappear through the boarding doors. Sitting with Rick was a chance meet with a man I could have loved. I vowed to never return to that coffee shop again, but my blue dress is still covered with spills of his touch and stains of his voice; it speaks a story of a romance that could never be. And for that reason, I can never wear it again.
I will never wear it again!
FREE FREE CLASSES CLASSES Learn more about meditation with guided commentaries, philosophy and simple exercises to incorporate meditation into daily life either as an effective means of managing stress, a way to relax or to improve health in general. 3 Part Course June 9 / 16 / 23 9:30am-10:30am 3 Part Course June 4 / 5 / 6 6pm-7pm
Greetings! Let’s help you out with a few greetings. We know how awesome it feels to greet some one in their native language. So ere are a few‌ Hello. How are you? Thank you. Hallo. Hoe gaan dit met jou? Baie Dankie. Sawubona. Unjani? Ngiyabonga Molo or Molweni (to many). Unjani / Kunjani (to many)? Ndiyabulela.
You are what you think. Explore the power and influence of thought on every aspect of practical life, and deepen your understanding of how the mind works. 3 Part Course 9:30am-10:30am May 12 / 19 / 26 3 Part Course 6pm-7pm May 7 / 8 /9
Dumela / Dumelang (to many). O Kae? Le Kae (to many)? Ke a Leboga Dumela. O tsogile jang? Le Kae. Le tsogile jang (to many)? Ke a leboga Dumela / Dumelang (to many)? O Kae? Ke a leboha. Avexeni. Ku njhani? Ndzi khense ngopfu.
6pm-7pm 1 June 8 June 15 June 29 June 18 May 25 May
Every Friday Turning Dreams into Reality Purpose of Life Health, Wealth & Happiness Stepping into Happiness Harmonious Relationships Overcoming Anger
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) is an international non-governmental organisation which provides a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can explore inner change. The focus is always on developing spiritual learning as the key to individual and world transformation. Plot 179/1, Extension 3, Opposite Thornhill Primary School, Near Main Mall, Gaborone. Gaborone@bw.brahmakumaris.org www.brahmakumaris.org Call:71259276 /71515715/75806800
Sawubona. Unjani? Ngiyabonga. Ndaa / Aa. Vho vuwa hani? Ndi a livuwa. Lotjhani / Salibonani. Linjani? Linjani (to many)? Ndiyabonga
Have fun chatting! Next issue we look at greetings for neighbouring Zambia, Zimbabwe, French and Portuguese.
PORT OF ENTRY/ BORDER
NEIGBOURING
CONTACT
TIMES
Bokspits Border
Bokspits- South Africa (Upington)
6511987
0730hrs-1630hrs
Bray Border
Verda- South Africa (Bray)
6530130
0800hrs-1600hrs
Chobe/Kasane Region
Namibia ( Impalela)
6250252
0730hrs-1630hrs
Dobe Border (over 100km from Gumare
Dobe village- Namibia
6874674
0730hrs-1630hrs
Kazungula Ferry
Kasane-Zambia
6250405
0600hrs-1800hrs
Kazungula Road
Kasane -Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls)
6250502
0600hrs-2000hrs
Maitengwe Border
Maitengwe-Zimbabwe (Hingwe)
2986269
0600hrs-1800hrs
Mabolwe Border
Gobojango Village- Zimbabwe
2630057
0730hrs-1630hrs
Makopong Border
Werda- South Africa (Vryburg)
6544032
0730hrs-1630hrs
Mamuno Border
Charles Hill- Namibia (Gobabis)
6592014
0700hrs-0000hrs
Martins Drift Border
Palapye /Lerala- South Africa (Polokwane)
4940254
0600hrs-2200hrs
Matsiloje Border
Matsiloje- Zimbabwe ( Mphoeng)
2483205
0600hrs-1800hrs
Mc Cathy’s Rust
Tsabong-South Africa (Kurumane)
6540513
Middlepits Border
Middlepits- South Africa (Vanzylrus or Kurumane)
6511986
0800hrs-1600hrs
Mohembo Border
Mohembo-Namibia (Divundu)
6875504
0600hrs-1800hrs
Ngoma Border
Kasane (Through Chobe National Park)- Namibia
6200000
0700hrs-1800hrs
Paarshalt Border
Machaneng- South Africa (Lephalale)
4730011/2
0600hrs-1800hrs
Pandamatenga Border
Pandamatenga-Zimbabwe(Matetsi)
6232029
0800hrs-1700hrs
Pioneer Gate
Lobatse- South Africa
5330225
0600hrs-0000hrs
Plaatjaan Border
Mathathane –South Africa
2646333
0600hrs-1800hrs
Point Drift Border
Lentsweletau- South Africa
2645260
0730hrs-1630hrs
Ramatlabama Border
Pitsane- South Africa ( Mafikeng)
5486277
0600hrs-2200hrs
Ramokgwebana Border
F/town- Zimbabwe (Plumtree)
2470187/8
0600hrs-2200hrs
Swartkoppie Border
Ramotswa- South Africa
5390344
0700hrs-1900hrs
Derepoort Border
Sikwane- South Africa (Zeerust)
5778209
0600hrs-1900hrs
Kopfontein Border
Tlokweng- South Africa
3105409
0600hrs-0000hrs
Two Rivers
Struizendam-South Africa (Welkom)
6530228
0730hrs-1600hrs
Zanzibar Border
Tsetsebjwe- South Africa
2630012
0800hrs-1600hrs