Motsamai ISSUE 1: December 2016
In Flight Magazine
Mazvi Maharasoa, CEO Letšeng Mines, ▪ ▪ Motul Roof of Africa Race ▪ Lesotho Highlands celebrates 30 years of their renowned Water Project
Lesotho Highlands Water Project Celebrating 30 years
CONTENTS
2
4
Mamotake Matekane:
6
Editor’s Note:
9
Mazvi: A Rose in Bloom,
15
Teboho Kobeli, Brings Life to Afri-Expo Textiles,
18
The Kings Cup Golf Tournament
22
The Master Chef Team Building Session
24
The Gala Dinner, Elegance at its Best
26
Motul Roof of Africa,
32
Morija Guest House,
35
Lesotho Highlands Water Project,
40
Metropolitan,
42
My First 100 Days in Deep Water,
46
The Hand that Keeps on Giving,
48
Vodacom Lesotho in flight,
51
The 4th Industrial Revolution,
ĹĄ
55
Innovative Mobile Brings Relief,
58
10 000 Girls Adopted,
60
Traditional Home Made Ginger Beer,
62
Umgqusho Waffles with Szechuan Tripe,
65
Colouring time,
66
Traveller’s Journal -
3
Note From Maluti Sky
Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing For the past six years the department has achieved numerous goals through efforts from the whole team. We have rebranded the company to make it more relevant to today’s market and we have also integrated methods of marketing and managed to tell the world about our diverse company. We have developed means of improving our internal communication to allow a more conducive working environment. And we continue to improve in all aspects of communication. With new introductions from Mpilo Boutique Hotel and Maluti Sky, we continue to be innovative and inventive, achieving all set goals as a team.
I hope for all our readers to enjoy our publication. We aim to achieve more through this publication and wish all our readers a beautiful flight always with Maluti Sky, a luxurious and peaceful sleep at Mpilo Boutique Hotel, while continuing to visit our beautiful country, The Kingdom In The Sky, Lesotho!
Have a beautiful holiday and hope to see you back on-board in the New Year!
Mamotake Matekane. 4
Dear Maluti Sky Flyer Welcome to the very first edition of Motsamai! Motsamai means traveller and no matter the reason for your travels, I believe we are all travellers through life. In this publication we hope to bring you interesting stories and highlights about Lesotho and the beautiful country that it is. We will bring you amazing stories of Lesotho business, residents and those who have since left the country to go on and create a legacy of their own. Upon driving the roads and experiencing the magic of the mountains, I have been deeply moved by not only the beauty of the land but the peaceful, gentle people of the Lesotho. Truly wonderful to have met such incredibly friendly and welcoming souls. We hope you have a wonderful journey and we also hope that you take the time to really explore this beautiful country and realise that a wealth of talent and resource exists within its boundaries. We congratulate Lesotho on it’s 50th celebration of Independence. Along with the country there are also other celebrations such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project celebrating it’s 30th year. And a few corporate's, such as Metropolitan and Vodacom, which also celebrate many years of serving the Basotho people. Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas and New Year. May 2017 bring prosperity and joy to your family and life. All the Best Victoria Nish This publication is published by Millenia Media & Publishing. Editor: Victoria Nish Sub Editor: Felistus Senwamadi Advertising: Felistus Senwamadi Victoria Nish, Felistus Senwamadi, Louise Parker Mamotake Matekane,, Lehlohonolo Manamolela Gary Franks, Johnny Dos Santos, Tsepo Ntaopane Tafadzwa Anifasi, Msi Mahakoe Contact us: victoria@milleniapublishing.co.za or felistus@milleniapublishing.co.za Website: www.milleniapublishing.co.za
6
Mazvi
A Rose in Full Bloom
Interviewed by Victoria Nish
well
Millenia Publishing had a chat
Manthethe
accomplished and influential.
with Mazvi to answer this
Maharasoa. All of her names have
Her parents, both lawyers,
intriguing question.
deep, rich meaning and once you
encouraged her to study law and
have read her story you will
pursue her dreams in the
Mazvi
understand fully that her destiny
profession. By their example and
opportunity to work for her
was sure.
progressive
they
parents’ law firm in Zimbabwe,
taught Mazvi a vital truth: That
then the largest and prominent
Mazvivamba: means what you
even as a woman, you can do
law firm in the country. She
have started you must finish.
anything you set your mind to-
made a clarifying decision to
gender does not determine
find her own career through
Manthethe: A wife of a king / a
success-
that
other opportunities. She spent
royal wife
knowledge, she was always
one year unemployed in Lesotho
expected to deliver.
following her return to Lesotho
Mazvi’s
full
Mazvivamba
names
are
Lesotho
thus
was
parenting
and
with
turned
down
the
from the United Kingdom, her
Maharasoa: has deep migrant labour root history for this Lesotho
Mazvi studied law at the
and her mother’s birth home, to
area.
University of Buckingham, in
find employment. The Lesotho
England and completed her
job market proved fruitful and
Mazvi, a truly charming and
Masters and Bar Exam at Middle
Mazvi found a job at the
intelligent woman, is the first born
Temple.
Ministry of Natural Resources. Despite her lack of experience
of her family. Her father being a chief in Zimbabwe, taught her
So how does a woman like
Mazvi
tremendously high values of
Mazvi settle in a small country
expectation. Interestingly she
responsibility and accountability
like Lesotho and go on to create
refers to this time of her working
which have been the foundation of
a career second to none in the
career
her success in life. Her mother was
extremely powerful role of CEO
opportunity’.
the first to sit on the Bench as a
in
Black Woman in Zimbabwe and
dominated industry of mining?
the
aggressively
excelled
as
a
beyond
‘fabulous
male
9
“The Public Sector is not
than most other African women.”
everyone’s idea of a dream job.
She exclaims that “control,
But it did give me opportunities
diplomacy and a solid core” are
I would never have had anywhere
crucial and that “I know who I
else. Specifically it provided a
am and I don’t need to prove it.”
fast track learning curve which
These are bold statements and
proved critical to my future
certainly a bold attitude. What a
success,” explains Mazvi.
remarkable trait for any woman!
opportunities that were yet to come.
Change of ownership of the mines led to Gem Diamonds Ltd taking over ownership of the mines and Mazvi being offered the opportunity to become the
Despite not having a defined role
However,
when joining the Ministry, due
stagnation of leadership positions
to the fact that the Ministry had
in the Ministry and quickly
not had in-house counsel for the
realized that her career growth in
prior two years, her position as
the Public Service sector would
legal advisor grew from ‘just her’
be limited. So true to her
to a fully-fledged team of five
character she stepped out of the
lawyers by the time she left. “I
Ministry and into Private Sector
delivered results, and I am very
by taking up a role at the Central
proud of that,” says Mazvi.
Bank of Lesotho. Here she was
Interestingly her very first task at
Secretary to the Board and
the
obviously
Ministry
of
Natural
Mazvi
saw
she
the
naturally
Resources was to participate in
continued to express her genius
the lease negotiation for the
and boundless energy and work
Letšeng Mine. Little did she
ethic through this role.
know how fate and the universe
Subsequently, the Ministry of
were preparing her for the career
Natural Resources requested that
of a lifetime?
she
represent
Government
Mazvi
Diamonds (Pty) Ltd, as a
managed the work pressure and
Government nominated Non-
gender issues in the workplace
executive Director. Again not
she frankly replied, “I have
realizing that the work of fate
grown up knowing how to stand
was at hand, creating her ultimate
up for myself, and to be gutsy in
career path. Her skills, of
a room full of men.” However,
understanding good corporate
she does state “I believe Basotho
governance,
women are more empowered
demand and key to unlocking the
10
asked
how
were
position at the mining company. Her
role
Corporate restructure
was
to
oversee
Governance the
and
company’s
policies and procedures to ensure Quality control and company policies were properly adhered to.
As you can imagine this was no small task for her as the company’s structure was fairly loose at the time and not much was done in the way of corporate
agenda on the Board of Letšeng When
Resident Director; a full time
in
high
policy.
Then the next ‘big thing’ happened. The CEO of the company resigned, leaving a leadership
role
void.
In
November of 2009, Mazvi accepted the offer to become the company’s very first Black Woman CEO; a remarkable achievement for her but also a progressive
step
company,
in
for
an
the
industry
aggressively dominated by men.
Mazvi’s
previous
role
as
Every time you go to a place you sell yourself whether you like it or not!
Corporate Governance was what the shareholders wanted in a CEO. Despite her lack of technical mining knowledge they invested in her for a reason. A clear shift needed to happen in the way the company was managed. Mazvi was the one to make
that
happen.
Mazvi
brought serious change to the company and not all of it was welcomed
by
staff
and
management. It meant stricter controls,
quality
assurance
policies were improved all of
Mazvi had to face herself head
the right choice to change
on. For the first time in her
company policy. Now she just
career she was met with extreme
had to find a way to make it work
resistance and she had to fix it.
and steer Letšeng into a highly
Some deep questions emerged
successful
and as with any drastic change a
enterprise. Here is where her
leader must review if they made
leadership talent became a bright
the right choice. This experience
light to those around her. “The
was more than just tough. For
Group took a chance on me, and
anyone in such a powerful
it was time to prove that they
position, facing tremendous
made the right choice,” she
criticism, it can be a career
explains. Mazvi dug deep to
breaker. ‘It either destroys you
bring out her competitive spirit,
or makes you!” says Mazvi.
facing her demons and critics she
which inevitably increased the administrative workload and structure of the company.
The immediate effect of the changes led to an increase in turnover, perceived by some to be signs of a revolt internally.
and
profitable
broke the barrier of her own Facing herself and her critics
strength and began rebuilding
(and added to the pressure of
her support network. From her
being a woman), Mazvi switched
management
her inner soul into high gear and
workers, mentors and coaches
turned her decision making
she surrounded herself with a
capabilities into a powerhouse of
team that would support and
success. She knew she had made
enhance her every decision.
team
to
co-
11
“I believe I have made my own fortune because of who and what I am. I have value, despite where I am and I will continue being what I am” Mazvi. “I had to really make a shift,” she
crucial
for
says. “I had to confront things I
organization.
such
a
big
success. ‘Moreover, I was always a doer and struggled with delegation but I realised that it is
didn’t like and make peace with it.” “I chose to build a team of
Mazvi
her
in the way you let go- that I had
individuals
truly
opportunities to her positivity
to enable and empower people in
talented and hardworking, who
and contributions. ‘I never had a
order to trustingly receive.’
had the right attitude and mindset
defined vision for my career; I do
to do the job I knew had to be
what I have to do now and do it
“So after all this I am at the end
done.” “It was hard. And a lot of
to the best of my abilities and see
of an era in my life, my job was
people didn’t like it. But we have
what opportunities come next.
my life” she says sadly, yet with
an extremely successful company
Most of all I know what I can do
a smile filled with contentment
today
she
and I know what I cannot do.’
that she has done what she set out
explains. She tells how your own
There have been many lessons
to do.” "I have resigned my
mindset and that of your team
for Mazvi in her journey. She
position as CEO for many
need to be one. Unified effort is
learnt first to depend on her inner
reasons.”
that
because
were
of
it,”
attributes
drive and to validate her own
She explains that the company
Mazvi is a truly deep and
is taking a new direction and she
remarkable soul, and she starts a
believes it’s time for fresh minds
new journey in her life in a few
to lead the company. “As for me
months.
Her
strength
and
and my future, I don’t know all
charisma
is
infectious;
her
the answers as yet, I want to take
powerful mind still working but
time to learn how to read again,
lending itself to creativity and
to travel and experience other
learning. We have no doubt that
cultures, to reconnect with family
Mazvi will continue to break
and perhaps teach? It was a
boundaries
childhood dream.” Mazvi has
exceptional life. She has been a
always been passionate about
role model for women all over
justice and truth and she plans to
and her story should be sounded
continue in that path, “But I am
out to many more countries to
in no rush.” She says with a smile
inspire women and promote true
of contentment.
authentic leadership.
and
lead
We salute you Mazvi, as a woman of strength, integrity, courage and passion. May your new journey be filled with more joy and success.
an
It took me 6 years to get to where I am today, and I could not be more excited about my next move’, says Teboho Kobeli of Afri-Expo Textile. A story of growth from a small time textile manufacturing idea to big time textile solutions. By Felistus Senwamadi With Lesotho being the home of many international textile manufacturing plants over the years, some of which still exist, Teboho is one of the many Basotho with an eye for textile manufacturing. Even so, he is one of the few (if not the only one) who has decided to take on the industry and start a manufacturing plant of his own. Armed with only his entrepreneurial mind and his knowledge of the retail industry, Teboho set forth 6 years ago in an attempt to build his textile manufacturing plant. Despite many challenges of sourcing an operating warehouse, Afri-Expo began its operations in May of 2016, employing up to 120 people and making it the biggest indigenous textile manufacturer in Lesotho.
Teboho Kobeli is a qualified flour miller and when he left his employment he was heading to build his own; but he was pushed into retail (production and processing of protective clothing) by circumstance after seeing the potential in the retail industry. Armed with only a dream, Teboho Kobeli attributes his success in starting up the factory to getting the right workforce who is skilled and knowledgeable in the industry even more than he is. With the
assistance
of
specialised
resources in setting up, Teboho has managed to grow an efficient operation producing up to 20 000 denim orders per month for the likes of Woolworths and Primax Clothing. Even with such volumes, Teboho is unsatisfied with the numbers. 15
‘I have gotten enquiries from other brands such as Mr Price, Edgars, PEP, Foschini and others but I need to meet the numbers, which is why I am excited about my new move to a bigger warehouse.’ The new warehouse provides a much bigger space and will allow him to increase his production from 20 000 pieces to 80 000 pieces per month which is a significant increase that will allow him to meet demand for the regional market.
Afri-Expo Textile not only boasts of an efficient production line, but also prides itself in training of his entire CMT team. Teboho has set up a Training Centre as part of his new expansion plan to facilitate skills transfer to the locals, which will allow for effective production for the AGOA and SACU market by March of 2017. His personnel will be trained for a period of six months following which they will be moved to the bigger operation. ‘The planning and mobilisation in terms of export policies and process controls are already in place.’ He says with a bright smile on his face. The new space will also have storage facilities as part of the warehouse. Teboho’s expansion plan will not only benefit Afri-Expo Textile but will employ an additional 600 employees, making it a boost to the economy of the country.
Teboho Just received the keys to his new warehouse!
What were his major challenges in setting up this plant? ‘I struggled to get the space I needed to start production of this magnitude. In addition, the location of the skilled workforce was not conducive.’ Even so, Teboho was not moved by his challenges as he was determined to prove his capabilities in order to earn his new operating space, which is also in the vicinity of the much needed skilled workforce. Today he starts tall, a happy man ready to step into the new year with a bigger and better plan!
What has kept Teboho going for the past six years? ‘I knew that the demand was there and if I engaged with the calibre of people who are experts in the industry, then the market would be mine.’
What would you say to other Basotho who may be interested in the retail industry at a manufacturing level? ‘I think Basotho should realise that they should also play in this industry because to foreigners it is FDI, but for us it is home.’
2017 brings in a brighter future for Afri-Expo Textiles and for Lesotho as a whole. Nala!
Afri-Expo Textiles operates in Maseru Industrial. Email: tebohokobeli@gmail.com Phone:+266 62800800
17
The King’s Cup Golf Tournament On the afternoon of the 17th of
platform
business
the significant increase in the
November the Lesotho business
community to engage in a
sponsorship amount, the 2016
community migrated to the
charitable cause.
King’s Cup saw an equally
for
the
substantial increase in the
Maseru Golf Club for the commencement of the Annual
Over the past 6 years, the King’s
number of participants despite
King’s Cup Golf Tournament,
Cup has drawn an amalgamation
the subsequent increase in the
one of the most elite golf
of players from across various
value of participation which has
tournaments in the country, with
industries
grown from M75 000 at the
the King’s Cup remaining one
associate over a few days of elite
commencement
of the most sort after crowns
golf combined with entertaining
tournament (for a team of 4
within the golfing community.
activities while accumulating
players) to a M 100 000 for the
With each year, the tournament
funds for charity. The 2016
same number of players in 2016.
has gotten bigger and better with
King’s Cup Golf Tournament
Even so, this has not curbed
increased participation from
was no different. In fact, this
companies from participating in
local businesses and more
year
has
this cup as the welfares far
significant prices to be won. The
increased to R3 Million Rands
outweigh the cost. With at least
Golf Tournament does not only
worth of merchandise and the
60 registered players in this
provide a good setting for
overall amount raised for the
tournament, this has ascertained
businesses and entrepreneurs to
King’s
M1.1
the willingness of the Lesotho
engage over the common love
Million Maloti for 2016, from
business community to partake
of golf, but it also offers a
the M1 Million in 2015. Besides
in local philanthropic initiatives.
18
the
in
Lesotho
sponsorship
charity
was
to
of
the
balls
the
strategy. After hours on the
excitement from the many
course, most players said to
players. This proved to be an
have enjoyed themselves on the
enjoyable and engaging way to
green
kick start this year’s King’s Cup.
tournament is a welcome and
coupled
with
and
believe
the
worthy distraction from day to The tournament started on the
The 18th of November brought
day business. ‘My intent was to
eve of the 17th November with
with it a more serious outlook
give others a chance to win this
a fun session of Night Golf with
to the golf course as participants
year but I had much fun on the
was preceded by a welcoming
came primed to take home the
course.’ Says Tsepo Ntaopane
session
King
King’s Cup. Many players came
of Vodacom, 2013 winner of the
himself. Following a session of
prepared for the tournament
King’s Cup. Nevertheless, the
introductions,
players
with rumours of wins being the
Cup was taken home by
flooded to the course for the
order of the morning. Needless
Thabang
Night Golf. The golf course
to say, the gentlemen’s game
individuals and the team prize
was filled with small bright
teed off and the golfers headed
was taken by Nthane Brothers.
lights of glow-in-the-dark golf
out to the course for a full day
hosting
the
most
Khabo
for
the
of sun, breeze, focus and
19
20
The Master Chef Team Building Session Fun and Laughter Galore! In another part of town at Mpilo Hotel, the ladies were getting ready for a fun team building session of Masterchef. The women were divided into different groups and tasked with making various meaty dishes, timed and awarded prizes at the end of the session. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, in between barked instructions and the cluttering of pots and plates. The energies were high and the cheers even louder. The air was magnificent and filled with a strong sense of teamwork, collaboration and the backbone of support from other women. At the end of all the fun and gaiety, the awards were handed to the best teams, leaders and individuals and the ladies enjoyed another session of fun and cheerfulness. It was a lovely afternoon filled with lots of positive and uplifting energy. Women do build the best teams!
The Winning Team
Gallery
23
Elegance At Its Best Following the eventful day of golf and master chef, the participants were treated to a Gala Dinner at the prestigious Mpilo Hotel. The night was opened by MGC Group Chairman Sam Matekane with a light and humorous speech. Elegance was the theme of the night coupled with chivalry and gracefulness. The dinner was graced by the King and Queen of the mighty Kingdom of Lesotho along with the elite members of the society. With the background of the soft blues played by the jazz band, the clacking of champagne glasses and incessant business conversations, the night was truly sensational. The evening was concluded with an award ceremony celebrating the winners of the golf tournament and crowing the King of the prestigious 2016 King’s Cup, Thabang Kgabo who is now the keeper of the magnificent silver engraved King’s Cup for the next year before the challenge resumes all over again. Thabang walks away with the ostentatious Cup to the admiration and envy of his rivals combined with the cheers of his supporters. Congratulations Sir!
Winning Team
24
25
Motul Roof of Africa 2016 Written by Gary Franks. Photography by Gary and Lynne Franks www.enduroworld.co.za
26
The Roof of Africa had its
level has improved. In the year
line-ups of top riders from
humble beginnings in 1967
2000 cars were excluded and a
Europe including three-time
when Bob Phillips, a Roads
few years later quads followed
Roof winner, Graham Jarvis
Engineer working in Lesotho,
suite with the terrain being too
(Brit), recent Red Bull Sea-to-
approached the Sports Car Club
rough for them.
Sky winner, Lars Enockle
in Johannesburg and asked
As the Roof has become more
(Austria),
them if they would like to run a
and more extreme, it has earned
(Spain), Andreas Lettenbichler
race over the worst road in the
the reputation of being “The
(Germany), Billy Bolt (Brit)
world that he had just finished
Mother of Hard Enduro”,
and Marc Bourgeois (France).
building. The Roof of Africa
ranking amongst the toughest
Missing from the mix would be
was born!
extreme enduro motorcycle
South Africa’s wunderkind and
events in the world and drawing
two-time
Until 1982 the event included
many of the world’s best riders
Wade
cars,
and
every year. The event is atop
sidelined
with
motorcycles and ran right
most riders bucket lists so the
However
the
across Lesotho with overnight
excitement in the air becomes
factory sponsored stars would
stops in either Matatiele or Sani
almost tangible as 450 local and
have their work cut out for them
Pass. Since then the route has
23 international riders as well
to beat the top local talent of
been contained within the
as media, fans, sponsors, crew
Brett
borders of Lesotho, covering
and families descend on the
Bouverie,
ever shortening distances but
Mountain Kingdom.
Altus de Wet and Blake Gutzeit
increasing
technical
The 48th edition of the Roof of
amongst others.
difficulty as equipment and skill
Africa drew one of the best
quad-bikes
in
Alfredo
Roof
Gomez
Champion,
Young,
who an
was injury.
international
Swanepoel, Travis
Scott Teasdale,
Kicking off the action on
At the Roof of Africa, much
of the hard charging Yamaha
Thursday morning, thousands of
depends on the weather and this
250F of Brett Swanepoel.
fans and spectators lined the
year it was blistering heat that
streets and sports fields of
would add to the intensity as
Riders put everything into
downtown Maseru to be treated
riders headed to the start of the
preparing themselves mentally
to aerobatic displays – first by a
Time Trial. The start/ finish for
and physically for this gruelling
Motul/ Yamaha sponsored stunt
this and the next two days of
event which takes an extremely
plane, and then by SA’s top
racing would be at the top of the
high degree of athleticism, skill,
Freestyle Motocross Riders.
infamous “Bushmen’s Pass”,
courage and perseverance. In this
Riders then race in eight groups
2600 metres above sea level in
event you will come face to face
“Round the Houses”. This
the rugged and unforgiving
with yourself and have to
opening stage of the Roof has
Maluti Mountains. The 53 km
overcome
always been purely for the local
Time Trial route proved to be the
adversities, chief amongst them
spectators, however this year it
toughest one to date with many
being the overwhelming urge to
would count towards overall
riders taking as long as four
quit. But quitting is most often
time which made the racing all
hours and forty minutes to finish.
not an option – there’s nowhere
the more intense. In the premier
Defending
Graham
to go in these mountains but
Gold class, Frenchman Marc
Jarvis, took just one hour forty
along the seemingly impossible
Bourgeois showed his World
seven
his
trail in front of you. The Roof of
Enduro Championship skills to
Husqvarna TE300 on pole
Africa is definitely not for the
draw first blood on his Yamaha
position, just nine seconds ahead
faint-hearted.
250FX.
28
champ,
minutes
to
put
all
kinds
of
The early Friday morning start
be unrideable, even for Jarvis
so much in personal cost and
line saw many wide-eyes and a
and Gomez who were way out
preparation would be deprived
little less enthusiasm as riders
front of the Gold class. The
of a finish through no fault of
had sampled just a taste of what
Bronze riders had the shortest
their own and organisers now
was in store. Little did they
route so got to Snake Bite before
had a nightmare on their hands.
know that today would present
most Silver and Gold riders.
the toughest route ever in the
The only way up for anyone was
Real tragedy struck on Snake
event’s history. Pass after pass
with help from other riders and
Bite Pass when a competitor,
of in-your-face rocks, steep
lots of local mountain kids
Willie-John Le Hanie, fell and
climbs
pulling and pushing on ropes
broke his neck. He was airlifted
descents would test riders
and
ensuing
to hospital but unfortunately
beyond their abilities.
bottleneck saw some riders
later succumbed to his injuries.
spending four hours on the pass
This is certainly a dangerous
Riders were set off according to
and there was no way everyone
sport, but we understand this is
their positions from Thursday’s
would get over in daylight. The
the first death at The Roof of
sections which is normally a
marshals decided to turn riders
Africa and it cast a dark shadow
good recipe to avoid bottlenecks
around to make their way back
over this event as enduro riders
forming at extreme sections.
to the finish via gravel roads.
are a close-knit brotherhood.
Unfortunately an oversight in
However some were up on the
Willie-John will be sorely
the planning saw all three
mountain and would have to
missed by all of us and we pray
classes (Bronze, Silver and
spend the night there. The
for his wife and two children’s
Gold) given a pass called
mistake caused a lot of tension
comfort.
“Snake Bite” which proved to
as competitors who had given
and
even
steeper
straps.
The
29
At the sharp end of the sword
parking his bike at the top of
Bronze class it was the talented
the bottleneck saga had not had
Snake Bite and walking back
Heinrich Zellhuber on another
much effect and Alfredo Gomez
down to assist a rider who had
KTM 150 who got the win
on a KTM had made up eight
assisted him. SA’s Golden-girl
ahead of veteran rider Garth
minutes
during
of enduro, Kirsten Landman,
Prost and Paul van der Nest.
Friday’s racing section. The pair
riding her KTM Freeride broke
would set off on Saturday
yet another record when she
The Roof of Africa has a long
morning with a comfortable 20
became the first woman to ever
proud heritage and is very
minute gap back to the chasing
enter and complete the Gold
special to the people of Lesotho
pack of Teasdale, Gutzeit,
class at the Roof.
and all Southern African enduro
on
Jarvis
Swanepoel, Lettenbichler, Bolt, de Wet and Bouverie. The
Seventeen year old, Calvin
grown significantly in recent
positions stayed more or less the
Hume showed not only his but
years – now it is vital that the
same throughout the day but the
the new KTM 150’s potential by
organisation catches up to that
chasing pack did manage to pull
comfortably winning the Silver
world class level.
back eight minutes on the
class ahead of Chris Barnes and
leaders. The final day’s route
Brett Peckham. And in the
was said to be tough but a lot better than Friday’s route, bringing back many of the lost smiles and enthusiasm.
In the end the biggest smile was that worn by Husqvarna’s Graham Jarvis as he claimed his 4th Roof victory, only the second rider ever to reach that number. Alfredo Gomez was pleased with his runner up position on his first Roof attempt and Scott Bouverie was thrilled with another podium, his third at a major international extreme event. Fourth was Bouverie’s KTM
team
mate
Travis
Teasdale who was awarded the “Spirit of the Roof” award for 30
riders. The event’s status has
31
Morija Guest House Sesotho Language and Culture Hubb
Since 2005, Morija Guest Houses
recruits, other organisations
(MGH) has been holding more
(UN or development agencies,
The
than thirty “Introduction to
embassies,
participants to gain confidence
Sesotho Language and Culture
schools,
weekends” for expatriates who
organisations, etc) usually offer
Sesotho,
have come to live and work in
nothing more than a minimal
knowledge of Lesotho's history
Lesotho. Over the years it has
orientation course in their
and
become increasingly clear that
country of origin, just before
generally
these weekends fill an important
departure. Once they’ve arrived
comfortable
gap. Indeed, unlike in the 80’s or
in Lesotho, those expatriates are
environment. Because of the
early 90’s, there are very few
left to themselves as far as
beautiful setting of the guest
organisations working nowadays
getting to know their host
houses,
in Lesotho that set up language
country and its inhabitants. Yet,
scheduled
lessons or even just orientation
even knowing just a little bit of
programme.
sessions for their new foreign
the language can make a very
dancers are also invited to
staff. With the notable exception
big difference to new comers
perform and the atmosphere of
of US Peace Corps which organise
and understanding some basic
the weekends is always warm
well-structured
cultural concepts will prevent
and welcoming.
linguistic
and
cultural sessions for their new 32
international NGO’s,
awkward situations.
church
weekends
when
enable
attempting to
to
speak
acquire
useful
Sesotho
culture
to in
walks in
feel
more
their
are the
and
new
always weekend
Traditional
'Mamokola Matlanyane, who
‘Mapalesa Brigitte Hall, the
opportunities for the participants
gives the language lessons, has
owner of MGH, arrived in
to ask questions.
extensive experience teaching
Lesotho 29 years ago and went
Sesotho to adults from her long
herself through the process of
You can read more about the
work experience with the US
adapting
weekends in the Special Events
Peace Corps. She skillfully
environment. Therefore she is
section
encourages
to
well aware of the challenges this
www.morijaguesthouses.com.
most
process entails. She enjoys
Of course Morija is the ideal
reluctant speakers. Language
sharing her interest in Lesotho
place
learning
not
history and taking groups to
weekends because of its history
intensive as the emphasis is on
Thaba-Bosiu. She also helps
and its special place in Lesotho
ensuring
feel
'Mamokola to lead discussions
as the ‘wellspring’ of learning
motivated, not overwhelmed.
on Sesotho culture with many
(see www.morija.co.ls).
participate,
everybody even
sessions
the
are
participants
to
the
Lesotho
of
for
those
cultural
33
Lesotho Highlands Water Project 30 Anniversary th
THREE DECADES OF THE LESOTHO HIGHLANDS WATER PROJECT The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is an African success story made possible by the strategic Treaty between the Governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa signed on 24 October 1986. The Project is based on the simultaneous need to supply South Africa with water to meet her projected demand for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes and to generate electricity for Lesotho. It is designed to be implemented in four phases and on completion, to transfer 70 cubic meters of water per second to South Africa. The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) is the implementing agency on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) raises funds for the water transfer component of the Project on behalf of Government of the Republic of South Africa.
30th anniversary This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the LHWP and 30 years of successful bilateral cooperation and partnership between the two countries. LHDA celebrates the significant achievements of the implementation of Phase I of the project, and the first steps along the path to the completion of Phase II. Phase I achievements included the construction of the magnificent, 185m high Katse Dam, the Mohale Dam with their interconnecting tunnels, and the 72MW ‘Muela Hydropower Station which generates hydropower for Lesotho, and is a step along the journey to achieve power independence for the country. Apart from the engineering components, several infrastructural developments and ongoing social and environmental programmes ensued from the Project. Phase II achievements to date include the completion of the demarcation of the Polihali reservoir, the award of contracts to Lesotho and South African companies for the design of several
components of the advance infrastructure works such as housing, bulk power and telecommunications, access roads, geotechnical studies and the diversion tunnels, for example, and the appointment of consultants on the environmental and social impact assessments and the resettlement of people impacted by Phase II.
Looking forward Phase II of the LHWP, comprising both water transfer and hydropower components, was officially launched on 27 March 2014 at Tlokoeng in the Mokhotlong district. The Phase II water transfer component entails construction of a 163.5m high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam in the Mokhotlong District downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu River. It will have a capacity of 2,322 million cubic litres. Other associated infrastructure will include a 49.5m high saddle embankment dam, a 70m high Polihali Intake Tower and a 38km long water transfer tunnel connecting Polihali Reservoir with the Katse Reservoir. The exact form of the hydropower component is still to be agreed by the governments of South Africa and Lesotho, pending the outcome of further feasibility studies. A consultant to undertake these studies was appointed in October 2016. Other Phase II activities include improved road infrastructure, power lines, telecommunications system, implementation of environmental and social programmes; public health, social impact and resettlement mitigation measures. LHDA is confident of the successful implementation of Phase II to advance the economic benefits to Lesotho and South Africa of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and build on the successful completion of Phase I.
LHWP 35
LetĹĄeng Di
iamond Mine
About Letšeng Diamond Mine The Letšeng diamond mine is operated by Letšeng Diamonds (Pty) Ltd, Jointly owned by Gem Diamonds Limited as a 70% shareholder in partnership with Government of Lesotho as a 30% shareholding, Letšeng Diamond Mine has been in commercial operation since 2004 and produces over 100 000 carats per annum, moving over 35 million tonnes of earth per annum, employing of more than 1500 people. Letšeng Mine has been said to produce ‘the highest quality gem diamonds, which have continually been sold at the highest price per carat of any kimberlite diamonds mine in the world.
39
Metropolitan: Believing in YOU! Metropolitan have proven that they are worth your
Policy options have grown substantially since the
investment and trust. Being a first mover,
old days and Metropolitan as a company is most
Metropolitan are the longest standing insurance
concerned about the financial well-being of its
company in Lesotho. Others have come and gone.
clientele in every circumstance, not just for
So how has Metropolitan managed to stay strong
funerals. As much as a dignified funeral is
in Lesotho?
important, so is a valuable education and medical insurance for those unforeseen illnesses or medical
“We genuinely care about the welfare of the people
emergencies.
of Lesotho,” says Mr Nkau Matete, MD of Metropolitan. “Our first really impacting product
Often we don’t consider these costs, until it is too
was our funeral policies; an extremely important
late and the expense is upon us. We then find
investment for the well-being of families,
ourselves in a difficult position trying to apply for
especially when a loved one has passed on. Even
loans to pay expensive bills. It is much better to
more especially when that loved one is the bread
save a little amount monthly to ensure that your
winner of the family.”
child’s education is paid for; or if you are in an accident that your hospital bills are covered.
Insurance Myth Busters! MYTH 1: Insurers do not want to pay claims. We pay a significant number of claims and any client is able to request our payout statistics to verify our payout rates MYTH 2: You have to wait in long queues for everything. We have just introduced Fax2email where you can process your claim electronically. We understand queues are not effective and take up too much time. So we have implemented a process to help you do it faster. MYTH 3: We are slow to process claims. We have a guarantee to process claims and payouts for our clients within an agreed time frame. If all your documentation is in there should be no hold up. We have put a lot of resources and energy into reducing turnaround times so that your experience with us is a pleasant one. MYTH 4: Health products require clients to pay cash up front. We have a set of health care providers who do not require you to pay cash up front for services. Provided they are part of our pool of service providers you should never have to claim back money.
Metropolitan Life Undergoes a BRAND Facelift! Metropolitan is solid! But it has decided to give the brand a delightful facelift. Although Metropolitan is well entrenched, they realised that the company must reflect its clients. “We recognize the variety of clients that we have and their varying needs and we want to express that in our brand identity� Says Nkau Matete.
The famous blue is still the primary colour for the company brand but they have introduced 4 key accent colours to represent specific aspects that are key to the clients
Life is colourful, your insurer should be also!
GREEN
RED
PURPLE
ORANGE
Representing health and wellness
Representing our retail individual clientele
Representing our Corporate business and clientele
Representing our efficient and resourceful admin wing
CONTACT US: E: info@metropolitan.co.ls W: www.metropolitan.co.ls Customer Service: +266 22222 337 / 287 / 116 / 110 Employee Benefits: +266 22222 136 / 109 Metropolitan Health Client Services: +266 22222 100 41
My First 100 Days in DEEP Water by Lehlohonolo Manamolela
The past few weeks have left me with a challenge of deciding whether to share my first 100
customers to appreciate that
The abovementioned factors,
days experiences at WASCO
time is sometimes not a healer
along with many others shall
(PTY) or not. After much
in the case where infrastructure
be crucial in defining the next
internal debate, I was persuaded
is
Government of Lesotho’s 5-
by
replaced as it ages.
the
three
chronologically-
important
neither
maintained
nor
year National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP)
influenced
factors to open up to the water
The second factor is the recently
which is expected to cover the
consumers. These factors are
concluded UN-HABITAT III
period 2017/18 to 2021/22.
fundamental in recapturing my
Summit Conference which was
Many expect the Water Sector
short-term
while
held in Quito, Ecuador in South
to take a central stage in
supporting my long-term vision
America. This gathering mainly
harnessing the full potential of
for WASCO as a water supplier
focused on the New Agenda
the Lesotho‘s “White Gold” as
to the town populations.
around Housing and Sustainable
it is commonly referred to.
learnings
Urban Development, tackling The first influencing factor is
the new challenges of urban
the milestones marked by the
crises since UN-HABITAT II
year-jubilee
which was held in Istanbul in
This
1996. The third factor push
phenomenon usually comes
emanated from the 8th Lesotho’s
once in one’s life time. It can be
Population and Housing Census
co-opted as a coefficient to
which took place in April and
measuring Human Development
May this year.
Lesotho’s
50th
Independence.
Index. It is important for our 42
The common factor that can be
Company from outside point of
have decided to share the top
derived from the three activities
view. I did not have an internal
five hurdles of the Company as
above is the fact that the World
understanding of its many
well as the top five likely
is rapidly urbanizing. It is
challenges. I had to quickly keep
solutions viewed from a point of
amidst
view of a Mosotho man.
this
WASCO’S
growth
that
catch up with the events which
mandate
of
required an accelerated learning
delivering potable water to the
For
from my side.
the
five
challenges
identified below, their profile is
cities and towns of Lesotho better
shared as well as the likely
census results will undoubtedly
appreciation of the company’s
interventions. The list follows:
highlight the forceful pattern of
finance
-- Aging Infrastructure
rural to urban migration. Since
relations management gaps,
WASCO has the mandate of
internal processes bottle-necks,
providing water and sanitization
skill scarcity as well as low
in the Urban Centres of Lesotho.
stakeholders engagement issues
becomes very relevant.
Our
Today
I
have
positions,
a
customer
-
agement -
gradually building confidence
as
levels
the
WASCO’s
Chief
Executive. I knew this giant
of
how
the
Lopsided Data Management
in the Company. I am also On the 1st August, 2016 I started
Ineffective People Man-
-
many
Business plan not linked to Cash flow Plan
obstacles can be overcome. I -
Information sharing gaps
1)
Aging infrastructure
This public utility company is wholly owned by the Lesotho Government and was granted an operating License by LEWA in April, 2013. It has approximately 85,000 domestic and 5,000 Non-domestic customers. In the period before then and to a greater extent to date the organization has seen hundreds of kilometers of obsolete kilometer mainly represented by Asbestos Cement
As I am reawakening the Human
very reason that WASCO part-
Capital Practitioner in me I am
ners are being approached to fi-
busy ensuring that in the long-
nance
term good people are retained
Hydraulic
and short to medium term inert
Management Framework sup-
staff members are continuously
ported by software, MIS and Te-
reminded of Company’s expec-
lemetry
tation of them while finding best
intention to improve work plans,
strategies that will benefit the
Projects conceptualization as
utility company. This is the mes-
well as the improved manage-
sage I have carried to the 1/3 of
ment of costs and prediction of
the 16-designated urban centers
severe business encounters.
staff in my roadshows.
Pipes (ACP). Some of these go
To achieve this, strong pillars of
as far back as during the colonial
management are being made to
times. It is my belief that our
have people directed within a
current plan to map red zones
clear category of the novice, the
and rigorously budgeting right
unguided and the willing. This is
will see these replaced success-
intended to migrate to the train-
fully in the next 3 years. This
ee, the solid and the high poten-
will reduce the increasing num-
tial worker in a sustainable and
ber of leakages being observed
acceptable plan.
in the many areas where pipes are tired and in so doing saving water that is so expensive to
3)
Right tools to deter-
mine Data for Management
clean and deliver to our custom-
There is a Management say that,
ers.
goes like, ‘If you can’t measure
2)
Ineffective People Man-
agement
it, then you can’t manage it”. One challenge facing WASCO is
4)
instruments
such
Models,
networks
Business
as
Projects
with
plan
the
not
linked to Cash-flow Plan I found well-developed Strategic and Annual Business Plans which lacked in Cash flow strategies. This resulted in spending on budget lines not supported by cash. Capital for Critical Projects is often revised down. A common Project and funding has been adopted going forward. The guidance from the Finance leadership has started showing robust consultations in building the different components of the 2017/18 budget.
its inability to collect data which
Notwithstanding the above, it is
For any organization to succeed,
can be analyzed to inform the
the introduction of new activities
the Leadership must ensure that
strategic decisions such as Main-
to increase revenue collections.
the 550 employees buy into the
tenance planning, power effi-
These intended initiatives in-
Company’s Vision and Mission.
ciency, profitability risk factors,
clude, direct sale, marketing pro-
This must not only be heard but
product pricing, staff skills lev-
motions and up to date debt
it must be seen to be practiced in
els and the general people man-
collections.
everyday work execution. 44
agement quotient. It is for the
5)
Information- sharing gaps
One of the winning strategies of internal and external communication science is the over-information at all times. The information gaps at WASCO manifests itself in many pockets’ formations. One is related to front-line staff, who sometimes cannot make decisions good enough for both the customer and the company. The newly developed draft of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is sure to make this uncertainty is removed. WASCO has also started a professional Call Centre which is intended to speedily resolve customers queries while at the same relay major water down times in the different water receiving zones in Lesotho urban with more information in high water risk areas such as Maseru, Maputsoe and the other valuable areas. Conclusion In concluding, one believes that more could still be done one step at a time. WASCO shall change and win everything for the valuable customer. It is worth sharing that I have received the warmest welcome across all WASCO related stakeholders’ representations namely, the Water Ministry, the Board of Directors, EXCO members, WASCO staff members, the staff Union, Customers, Contractors, and all other Water- Non-water related. The Lesotho Water sector is the place to be in the next 20 years to come, better for one to be around it. * * Lehlohonolo Manamolela is the Chief Executive at the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) PTY Ltd. He was appointed in the position on 1 August, 2016. His article is based on a Personal view of his pre-appointment perception, the actual experience and the envisaged high level vision desire for the company.
45
The Hand that Keeps on Giving ‘I believe the most powerful gift is educating our people.’ Sam Matekane of Matekane Group of Companies The investment mogul Sam
state of the art structure which
the year but the official opening
Matekane of Matekane Group of
aligns
is scheduled for the third quarter
Companies has done it again!
standards.
The
Known to many as a humble and
dilapidated
buildings
conservative
with
international and
of the year once all the structures
which
have been done and completed.
Sam
were short of a high school will
To add to such efforts, MGC
Matekane continues to offer his
be disused leaving the 2017
offers incubator programmes for
generous hand to help the nation
students in the newly built
newly graduated students to
of Lesotho. His latest project is
classrooms. The Bocheletsane
assimilate to the various roles
an
in
project is a multimillion Maloti
they have studied for in the
Mantsonyane that not only
project but the business mogul
different industries.
houses a primary school, middle
insists it is money well spent. ‘I
school up to a high school, but
am very happy to do this project
With this new project, the status
also includes a nunnery and
for my country so I play my part
of education in Lesotho will
Pastor’s quarters complete with
in giving back to my people. I
improve tremendously and give
a church (which was the first
mean, what is the point of
its people a fair chance in
building to be reconstructed)
success in life if you cannot give
competing with its neighbouring
surrounded by the striking
back?’ he says with a big smile
states.
landscape of the mountains of
and a spark in his eyes.
Sam Matekane remains the hand
extensive
soul,
structure
old
Lesotho.
46
that keeps on giving and we wish This marvel of a man is a
him the best of luck in his new
As a protagonist for education,
philanthropist of note and aims
endeavour. More prosperity to
Sam Matekane saw it fit to
to hand over the newly built
you Sir! *Hats off*
rebuild the Bocheletsane School
school to the government in the
from where he originates and
next year. The school should be
went to school himself, into a
in operation at the beginning of
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46
48
49
Justin Cohen
50
The
th 4
Industrial Revolution!
I usually don't talk much about the
extreme comb-over who is now
reduced the need for labor and
future. That's because there are two
leader of the free word. The evi-
will continue to do so.
kinds of futurists, those who don't
dence of dramatic change is all
know and those who know they don't
around us. And it’s happening at
know! But finally I can see that
exponential speed.
It’s become a platitude of corpo-
something extraordinary is happening today which is providing a clearer picture of tomorrow. If we don't face
The winning companies
rate speak but no word better deThe decline of labor
scribes the corporate zeitgeist
up to it, we are going to get left be-
To understand how this affects
than disruption. Established in-
hind.
work, look at how it already has. In
dustries are being shaken up by
1990 Detroit was the planet’s eco-
nimble startups who are quicker
nomic juggernaut, producing more
to respond to changing currents.
the
cars than anywhere else. The top
It’s easier to turn a speed boat
4th industrial revolution, what founder
three companies had revenues of
than the Titanic. But even that
and chairman of the World Economic
around $250 billion. In 2014, Sili-
speed boat may not stay afloat. In
Forum, Klaus Schwab calls nothing
con Valley was the new economic
the 1920’s the average lifespan of
less than the transformation of hu-
power house. The top three com-
an S&P 500 company
mankind.
panies produced about the same
Make no mistake this is a revolution
revenue as Detroit in 1990.
We
are
on
the
brink
of
that will change the way we live and work. You can see the beginnings in that
little
device
in
your
pocket: ubiquitous, mobile supercomputing. You can see it in artificially-intelligent robots, self-driving cars, neuro-technological brain en-
was 67 years. Today it’s just 15 The list of winners has become a chorus, speakers chant at corpo-
But here’s the kicker - while the
rate conferences. Airbnb, the big-
top three in Detroit employed 1.2
gest accommodation company
million people, the top three in
that owns no property, Facebook,
Silicon Valley employed just 137
the world’s most popular media
000 – 10 times fewer! Automation
company that produces none of
and digitalization have radically
it’s content, and of course Uber,
hancements, genetic editing, and a
the biggest taxi company that
reality TV talk show host with an
owns no taxis.
51
If you pity all those taxi companies
accelerate at such an unbelievable
those cars. Facebook certainly
that Uber put out of business, spare
speed?
doesn’t pay us for our latest status
a thought for all the Uber drivers
update, but we’re building their
who will lose their jobs to self-driving cars. Change that used to take
business. No wonder that the comOur new super powers
panies at the heart of this tech
a generation now takes less than a
To understand progress today, you
decade. And it’s not just Uber driv-
need to understand Moore’s Law –
ers. According to Klaus Schwab,
the doubling of computing power
within the next ten years, 30% of all
every 18 months. Gordon Moore
corporate audits will be performed
made that observation in 1965
by computers.
when he realized that the number of transistors per square inch of integrated circuit had doubled every
The end of death
year. That’s not quite true any more
boom are growing the fastest.
Just last week the CEO of one of South Africa’s top four banks told me that his biggest fear isn’t another bank, its Apple, Google, Amazon and Twitter who all have, or are starting to offer payment services.
We don’t realize how fast the world
but data density has continued to
VUCA
is changing because it’s happening
double.
With accelerating computing power
all around us. Just like the earth.
and interconnection, it become
We don’t feel it spinning at 1600 km/hr, because we’re moving with it. So how fast is change happening? Where companies generally grew at a linear rate, according to computer scientist, Ray Kurzeil, today they can grow exponentially. What’s the difference? Take 30 steps linearly you get to 30, take 30 steps exponentially and you get to a billion!
Now in the early year’s of Moore’s observation doubling might not have meant very much but every year it means a whole lot more. To see what continual doubling leads to, fold a piece of paper in half. Not so impressive. But if you could fold a piece of paper 42 times how far do you think it would stretch? You would have a tower that would go to the moon. Fold it 103 times and it would be as thick as the universe!
even harder to say what is going to happen next. Who knows exactly what increasingly connected human intelligence
working
with
even
greater artificial intelligence will create? Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking believe that computers could take over and decide that the world would be better without human intelligence. I’m more optimistic that we won’t be murdered by a Frankenstein creation.
No wonder Kurzweil and others be-
That’s
lieve at the current rate of progress
that’s what’s happening to comput-
What ever happens in the end,
in 2025 computers will become
ing power as we speak.
management theorists like to de-
exponential
growth
and
more powerful than humans, and
scribe the new world we live in as
within a couple of decades after, we could crack aging and death. Sound like a crackpot theory? It was on the cover of a Time Magazine article: “2045: The year that man becomes immortal.” Just think about it. All you need to do is eat healthily and exercise till 2045 and you could live forever!” Okay, I wouldn’t bet on it, but why does progress continue to
Combine all that power with internet enabled crowd sourcing - that’s the ability to leverage the resources of almost anyone on the planet with a computer connection - and you see why in just five years Uber became more
valuable
than
Delta
Airlines. “Give me a lever long enough and I’ll move the world,” said Archamedes. That lever is the internet. Uber doesn’t pay for all
52
VUCA – volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. The term was created by the US Army War College to describe the world that emerged at the end of the Cold War but it is even better suited to the world we live in today.
Adversity is the way life educates us.
You only have to look at the rand to
When tough times come, as they
In an ambiguous world, value is not
see volatility, the state of our poli-
will, embrace them as an opportunity
in knowing the truth but in the depth
tics to see uncertainty. Try sell a
to learn and grow. Adversity is the
and richness of your perspective. It
product in a world of TV, print, bill-
way life educates us.
is rarely one person who can offer
boards,
this. The wisest person in the room,
marketing,
is the room. Don’t just use your
Google Adwords, Twitter …. and complexity will become your con-
Uncertainty
brain, use all the brains you can
stant companion. As for ambiguity,
You’ve heard it before - change is
borrow. The most intelligent people
just look at the various explana-
inevitable – except from a vending
are the most socially intelligent.
tions for our stagnating growth.
machine! What isn’t inevitable is our
They are the ones who are able to
response. It’s widely thought that that
leverage the intelligence of their net-
Charles Darwin said the fittest will
work.
Does that mean all we can do is
survive. Actually he said: those who
throw our hands in the air and ac-
are most responsive to change will
cept that the winds will blow as they
survive. I say those who lead change
If you’re concerned about VUCA’s
may? Not at all. There is much we
will do more than survive, those are
tempestuous currents, forget about
can do. In Norway, they have a
the ones who will thrive. I don’t know
predicting the next storm rather build
saying: “There is no such thing as
why change has become such a
a better ship!
bad weather, only bad clothing.”
swear word, if tomorrow always
Perhaps it is not a coincidence that
looked like yesterday, life would bore
Norway is ranked as the best place
us to tears. There is no certainty, just
in the world to live. With an attitude
adventure!
This article is based on Justin Cohen’s new presentation Future Fit:
like that even living in sub zero
Success in the 4th industrial revolu-
temperatures won’t stop your suc-
tion. Justin is a best selling author
cess.
The solution? Wake up to reality. In Zulu, Vuca – spelled Vuka - means “Wake Up”. Here is how to wake up and deal with it.
Complexity
and international speaker. For more
There are multiple variables. We
information
need to experiment with different
to www.justinpresents.com
options and be ready to fail. As they say in Silicon Valley, Fail fast and fail often. Actually there is no failure – only feedback! Besides, as Bill Gates says: “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people into thinking
Volatility The joke is we need a one handed economist
because
economists
generally tell us on the one hand
go
they can’t lose.” If you do lose, as the the Dalai Lama says: “Don’t lose the lesson!”
Forget about predicting the next storm rather build a better ship!
the economy could rise and on the other it could fall. We need to prepare for either. Resilience is more important than prescience. Make sure you have a rainy day fund. Don’t be fooled by job security. Be
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the best that you can be and there will always be a place for you.
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10 000 Girls Adopted! This November HER MAJESTY QUEEN MASENATE MOHATO SEEISO announced that more than 10,000 girls in 38 schools in Lesotho had been adopted under HLOKOMELA BANANA, a campaign launched by Premier FMCG in August 2016. The campaign aims to support young girls through the provision of sanitary products and thereby reduce school absenteeism. At the Queen’s Gala Dinner in 2015, HER MAJESTY made a plea to companies to lend a hand to help ensure that no girl misses school while menstruating. The Queens National Trust Fund found that despite various initiatives to ensure that girls are able to attend school, many girls misused up to 50 days every year because of a lack of access to feminine hygiene products.
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HER MAJESTY’S wish is that all girls in all high schools in the Lesotho should have access to free sanitary towels. Premier FMCG approached HER MAJESTY and pledged to get involved with its feminine hygiene brand Lil-Lets, which led to the establishment of the HLOKOMELA BANANA initiative. The first school to benefit from the campaign was St James High School in Mokhotlong, attended by 624 girls. At the launch, the Principal of St James confirmed that every week, in every class, at least three girls didn’t attend school for three days, and they discovered that this was because they didn’t have access to sanitary towels. She says since the launch of HLOKOMELA
BANANA no girls are missing school because of menstruation. This month HER MAJESTY handed over Certificates of Appreciation to companies, organisations and individuals who have adopted schools under HLOKOMELA BANANA. Her Majesty once again made the call for more companies to ADOPT A SCHOOL, and there are still 290 schools remaining.
Nodumo Novuka, the Corporate Communications Officer of Premier FMCG says: “We are honoured to be a part of this initiative and we hope it inspires more people to support HLOKOMELA BANANA and make a change in the lives of underprivileged young girls in Lesotho.
Lil-Lets understands what it means to be a woman and some of the challenges that women may experience when they have their period. Younger girls can often miss school because they fear the embarrassment and loss of dignity if they do not have the confidence and protection of a reliable feminine hygiene product. As such, since 2013 Lil-Lets has been a proud sponsor of Caring4Girls in South Africa, a sanitary towels and menstrual hygiene programme for underprivileged girls mainly in rural communities. To date the brand has donated products worth more than R5 million rand”. About Premier Premier FMCG was founded over 195 years ago, strategically repositioning itself in 2012 as a leading FMCG player by expanding from traditional milling and baking into confectionary, home- and personal care brands. Premier has operations and distribution facilities operations throughout South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique, and a home and personal care business in the United Kingdom. Today, Premier produces and markets iconic South African brands such as Snowflake, Blue Ribbon, BB Bakeries, Star, Mister Bread, Impala, Iwisa, Super Sun, Nyala, Invicta, Manhattan & Super C, Lil-lets, Vulco & Dove cotton wool. In line with its strategic intent of “Growing Together”, Premier’s vision is to grow its people, customers and brands. www.premierfmcg.com
To ADOPT A SCHOOL Call: +266 62 500 888 Email: nthakoanangatane@gmail.com Send a message to HLOKOMELA BANANA on FACEBOOK AND Follow us on TWITTER Facebook:www.facebook.com/HlokomelaBanana
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Traditional Home Made Ginger Beer By Msi Mahakoe, mosilimahakoe@webmail.co.za
●1 box (90g)Ginger ●2.5kg white Sugar ●2lt cold Water ●2 pktsTartaric acid ●2 pkts Cream of tartar ●10g Fresh ginger
Put ground ginger, fresh ginger, water and sugar in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until all the sugar has dissolved. Boil for 15-20 minutes, remove from heat, add cream of tartar and tartaric acid. Cover tightly and leave over night. Dilute with soda water or water. 60
PICK N PAY MASERU FAMILY STORE Welcome to a bigger, better and smarter Pick n Pay Store in Maseru. Now you can shop in comfort and enjoy our ‘new look’ store in the Pioneer Shopping Centre, a stone’s throw from the centre of Maseru. Inspired by the customers, Pick n Pay Maseru has created job opportunities while fulfilling one fundamental principle of Responsible Citizenship through empowerment and support of local producers, with ripple effect on poverty reduction, Destitute and less-privileged children remain the single focus of Pick n Pay’s corporate Social Investment; eleven entities are already the benefactors of this humble initiative.
GREAT VALUE Inspired to grow locally When possible, we buy produce from our local farmers. This creates jobs and opportunities in our communities and also helps you by providing highquality fresh produce every time at the best price.
The family store offers the following among others: ● Butchery: A pre-packed range, a bulk range and a gourmet range ● Bakery: Cakes and tarts, including a selection of deluxe cakes, confectionary, rolls, speciality and health breads ● Deli: Hot foods, processed meats, cheeses, salads and antipasti, fresh submarines, sandwiches and pinini’s The Family Store’s Mission is to provide our customers with convenient shopping experience while satisfying their needs.
THEY SUPPORT US WE SUPPORT THEM When possible, we buy from our local manufacturers. This creates jobs and opportunties in our communities and also helps you by providing highquality bottled water every time at the best price.
PICK N PAY MASERU FAMILY STORE Tel: +266 2231 8815 • Pioneer Shopping Centre, Corner Pioneer Road & Mpilo Boulevard, Maseru
Traditional Sotho Recipe Umgqusho (samp and beans) Waffles with Szechuan Tripe By Tafadzwa Anifasi, deankarrachef@gmail.com One of my favorite dishes is samp and beans (umgqusho) and tripe. So I decided to give it the #foodblesser treatment and create a new dish that still gives you that nostalgic feeling. You can use left over samp and beans for this dish but here is my umgqusho recipe with some few additions.
Ingredients Umgqusho 125 ml Beans 125 ml Samp 700 ml Litre Pinch Cracked White pepper Tsp onion powder Chicken stock cube . 3 garlic cloves Method Soak beans over night with three crushed garlic cloves Combine beans and samp in stainless steel pot and cover with the water and stock cube. Boil with salt until tender for about 11/2 hours. Stir in salt and onion powder and boil for a further 1 ½ hours . Set aside and let cool.
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Szechuan Pepper Tripe Ingredients 500g Tripe 4 medium tomatoes One brown onion quartered 2 red onions sliced 3 garlic cloves crushed ½ tsp Szechuan peppers lightly crushed
Method Clean your tripe (but not too much you still need to know its tripe) and cut into strips. Place into stainless steel pot and cover with water and tsp salt , bring to the boil then simmer till soft. Cut tomatoes in half and place on a roasting tray with the quartered brown onion Drizzle with olive oil and season with crushed black pepper and salt and roast for 30 – 45 mins Once cool place in blender and blend the roasted tomato and onion and set aside, In a pan on medium heat place tbsp. of olive oil and caramelize the red onion (adds sweetness to the dish) ,once caramelized add the lightly crushed peppers and paprika and saute for a further 2 minutes then add the cooked tripe. Once tripe is incorporated with the onion add the blended roasted tomatoes and simmer for a further 5 mins
Waffle 2 cups self-raising flour 2 cups milk 1 Tbsp baking powder 2 eggs 2 cups cooked umqqusho 2 Tbsp chives Combine flour, baking powder, milk and egg until combined (do not over mix) Fold in the cooked umgqusho and chives Cook the waffles according to instructions on your waffle machine .
En
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Be creative, Colour Me In!
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Traveller’s Journal
A Majestic Drive Felistus Senwamadi
The drive from Mantsonyane to Maseru was nothing short of a majestic and spiritual experience for me. Coming from a country where you drive a thousand kilometres in flatland from either direction, with the only scenery being bushes and shrubs and the occasional wildlife, the drive down from the ‘mighty mountains’ to the town was remarkable.
You see this was not my first visit to the mighty Kingdom of Lesotho; I had visited Maseru more than ten times before but in all my travels I had never left town. I had always been kerbed to the capital but with intent to travel outside Maseru which due to circumstance had not materialised. Because of this, the drive was a very welcome experience which brought with it a varied view of Lesotho that I did not have prior to this experience. 67
The green landscape of the mountain areas was the first noticeable, for me in particular as my country Botswana is a semi desert and such green is not a common sight, especially as you move closer to the city. The drive was in the afternoon and I had the pleasure of the company of a local Mosotho who was more than willing to elaborate the various areas for me to be able to relate to the places and turned what is supposed to be a two hour drive into an incredible five hour expedition and crash course of Lesotho. We passed through a number of villages at which the humble and conservative culture of the Basotho still remains; the structure of the households and most importantly the humility of the people.
The beautiful drive on the curved roads between countless hills and mountains was a clear showcase of the beauty of Lesotho. The mountain areas have an abundance of rain and water that runs through the vast area and makes for a breath taking landscape. We made a stop in Mohale and had a great view of Mohale Dam, the second largest dam in Lesotho, with all its beauty and magnificence. It is also easy to notice the stillness of the mountains accompanied with crisp fresh air. The land is filled with small rivers that run through some areas within the mountains that hold much peace and serenity. Some are surrounded by small and cosy resorts such as Modimo Nthuse Lodge which is nicely bounded between tall green trees and offers a tranquil setting for guests. There are many other worthwhile places I discovered in this drive like the High Altitude Training Centre which is commonly used by international groups.
I believe the most remarkable moment for me was being able to stand by the side of the road and marvel at the landscape; observing the grander of the mountains, watching the rivers flowing effortlessly down below, feeling the cool and calm breeze and revelling in the majesty of it all. This drive brought me such peacefulness and proved to be a highly spiritual experience for me, not to mention that it uncovered a side of Lesotho I had never seen, and are now keen to explore further. Lesotho is indeed home to some of the most striking scenery that I had ever come across in all my travels and I am happy to return to this mighty Kingdom. 68
Flight Schedule MALUTI SKY SCHEDULE Flight # 7D ETD ETA
Day Monday
From MSU JNB
To JNB MSU
102 109
7:20 16:10
8:10 17:00
MSU JNB
JNB MSU
102 109
7:20 16:10
8:10 17:00
MSU
JNB
102
7:20
8:10
JNB
MSU
JNB MSU
MSU JNB
101 102 109 110
6:00 7:20 15:45 17:05
6:55 8:10 16:35 17:55
Saturday
JNB MSU
MSU JNB
107 108
7:20 9:00
8:10 9:50
Sunday
JNB MSU JNB
MSU JNB MSU
107 108 109
7:20 9:00 16:00
8:10 9:50 16:50
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday Friday