African Professional Issue 20 by The African Professional™ Magazine (formerly Expatriate)

GROOVIN NCHABELENG AD MAESTRO GIVES INSIGHT INTO NEW AFRICAN BRANDS AND ELECTION ADVERTISING

ALSO INSIDE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH M&G OWNER T. NCUBE.

Pushie Watson - Refusing to play small FIFA Corruption Lessons from Zimbabwe Immigration - One Year Review

BROU GHT TO YO U BY

R2 9 , 9 5

Issue 20

MAGA ZIN E

These are noT learners, They’re leaders. Welcome to Gauteng’s City Region’s Smart Classroom. Here we champion innovation and creativity. Teachers are trained in leadership and advanced teaching practices to prepare the children for a digital age. This is about skills development for all our teachers. It’s about South Africans standing shoulder to shoulder with our global counterparts. Welcome to our classroom, welcome to the future.

GAUTENG PROVINCE EDUCATION REPUBLIC Of SOUTH AfRICA

#Wiredfor Life

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All Danquah CC is the brainchild of Mr. Kwabena Danquah, ranked the 18th richest person in Ghana in 2015 by Goodman AMC. He fell in love with South Africa during his first visit in 1999 and ventured into different businesses other than that of the steel industry he had refined to a growing success story in Accra-Ghana. His passion for architectural renovations of buildings soon became very profitable as he acquired buildings and turned them into commercial and residential units. He also ventured into a steel business by acquiring a factory in Vanderbijl Park which he registered as Comet Steel (Pty) Limited. All-Danquahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tranquil new Guest Lodge in Edleen, Kempton Park came to life in February 2012 as well as a cosy sitdown restaurant with ample space for 40 people. The Conference facility can host up to 60 delegates and caters for the most discerning of clients.

COMET STEEL

DANQUAH GUEST LODGE

DANQUAH HARDWARE

DANQUAH RENTALS

A company based in Vanderbijl Park dealing in the production and distribution of steel products.

A private guest lodge situated at No 15 Garingboom Street, Ext 5 in Edleen Kempton Park a stone throw away from the OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng South Africa.

A vision of warehouse stores filled with a wide range of products at the lowest prices with trained associates giving absolutely the best customer service in the industry.

All Danquah Head Office is situated at #2 Cypress Street, Cnr Willow Street, Kempton Park 1619, Gauteng South Africa. It is one of the leading Property Management Company in the East Rand with properties covering three quarters of Kempton Park CBD.

All Danquah Head Office Tel: 0119755006 E-mail: info@alldanquah.co.za

All Danquah Guesthouse Tel: 011 393 6583 lodge@alldanquah.co.za

Website: www.alldanquahcc.co.za All Danquah Hardware Tel: 011 394 5024 44-46 West Street Kempton Park hardware@alldanquah.co.za

Comet Steel Tel: 016 986 2240 Email: info@cometsteel.co.za Website: www.cometsteel.co.za

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 Editorial 10 Insights from Ad Maestro Groovin Nchabeleng 14 T. Ncube - Passionate about the African story 19 Pushie Watson - Refusing to play small 22 FIFA and Africa: Is corruption now our culture? 06

25 Zimbabwe : Economic and agricultural lessons 31 Xenophobia : Why we need to thank Jan Koum and Co. 34 Landroverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remote control offering 38 Krensel: Immigration law, one year later 41 Book review 43 Mamoyo: The Hanging Tree 45 Yaw Peprah column 48 Briefs: Articles on our website this past quarter www.theafricanpro.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A SPRING OF NEW DIRECTIONS He was forced to branch into the direction of creating Zimbabwe’s largest print media house when his employers discontinued his services for being too harsh on President Robert Mugabe. His interview offers an insider’s view of the future of print media as well as the long term prospects of a Southern African nation currently fixated on the Mugabe succession issue.

ur Spring Issue this year branches out in a new direction based on the feelings expressed by a sampled selection of our readers. Rather than a profile packed edition, we have reduced our interviews in this edition to three people who themselves have been recognised for branching out in new directions in the course of their glittering careers. The cover story in this issue features our conversation with Groovin Nchabeleng, a home-grown advertising talent who branched out with a couple of partners to form his own advertising agency when talks to acquire an international firm failed. His work with his agency and as CEO of Leo Burnett has earned him various awards both within and without his industry. In his interview, he provides insight into the African ad industry, the development of indigenous brands and elections advertising. Another award-winning pioneer featured in this issue is Trevor Ncube.

Finally we chat to Liberian born Pushie Watson. She has had an impressive career as an entertainment professional but has since branched out into preaching the gospel. Her messages have led to her becoming a much sought after speaker at both Christian and non-denominational settings. Our thought-leadership pieces include my findings from a visit to the African Finance and Agricultural Credit Association’s conference held in Harare, Zimbabwe in early July. It was an eye-opening view into the continent’s dependence on agriculture and the benefits that would be reaped from investment and the advancement of finance to the sector. Further discussions include a look at the impact of social media on the fight against xenophobia in South Africa and a provoking debate on global corruption. Our regular columnists; Yaw Peprah, Andreas Krensel, Chaitwa Mamoyo and Wanjiru Waichigo-Njogu are published alongside a summary of articles that have been posted to our website in the past quarter. KC ROTTOK Managing Editor of Twitter: @africankc

African Pro

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Publisher: The Proud African Professional (Pty) Limited Reg. Number: 2010/012428/07 10 Madison Square, 195 President Fouche Drive, Randburg Republic of South Africa Tel: 011 251 6325 www.theafricanpro.com & www.expatriate.co.za Director: Carol Malonza – carol@africanpro.co.za Twitter: @mueni8 Managing Editor: KC Rottok – kc@africanpro.co.za Twitter: @africankc Deputy Editor & Content Advisor Leah Maina Publishing Executive Dumisani Hlatshwayo Edition Writers/Contributors Keith Kundai Wanjiru Waichigo Andreas Krensel Yaw Peprah Chaitwa Mamoyo Photography Mzu Nhlabati www.creativenation.co.za Design Mike Obrien mike@obriendesign.co.za Website Drutech Media www.drutechmedia.co.za Advertising Enquiries info@africanpro.co.za To subscribe or contribute an article, email us at info@africanpro.co.za All rights reserved. Excerpts may be used as long as this magazine is credited as the source. Longer versions of our content may only be used with the written permission of the Publisher. Neither the publisher nor the editor accept responsibility for any of the information from edition writers or contributors. Whilst we have taken care in preparing this publication, the publisher/editor does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The editor retains the right to edit all contributions. Advertisers are responsible for their material.

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GROOVIN NCHABELENG AD MAESTRO GIVES INSIGHT INTO NEW AFRICAN BRANDS AND ELECTION ADVERTISING

roovin Sehlophe Nchabeleng was born in Attridgeville Pretoria 44 years ago and is a father of two.

His entry into the advertising industry was in the mid-nineties when he joined Leo Burnett as an intern seconded to the South African Airways account. He later joined DDB as an account director before assuming the position of Client Service Director at international advertising firm Young and Rubicam at the tender age of 26. In 1999, he formed Blueprint Strategic Marketing Communications.

across the country including popular The Star Newspaper and is a recipient of multiple awards. Nchabeleng was recently behind the birth of “Connie Body Care” beauty products whose brand ambassador is TV star Connie Ferguson. Nchabeleng took time off his busy schedule to meet with The African

strong idea in 2020. I am involved in a dynamic space that requires the generation of new ideas. There is the creative side of the industry including copyrighters and art directors who come up with ideas which we then have to sell to the client. The biggest challenge that we normally encounter as advertising agencies is the ability to conceptualize the ideas that will resonate with both the client and the consumer. Such ideas are frequently difficult to crack but over the years Blueprint has managed to deliver on this dual mandate.

“We are proud to have been behind the launch of the Paperless Classroom through the Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi. The concept is a game changer given that the Department has taken a decision that all Gauteng schools should be moving towards digital platforms. It is a step towards replacing the chalkboard with the smart board and thereby introduce technology to the education system…”

The 100% black-owned company has emerged as a leading agency with an array of big name clients including the Gauteng Department of Education, the Department of Trade and Industry, SARS E-filing and Brand South Africa. His creative genius and leadership have seen Nchabeleng be at the centre of world famous campaigns including “Feel It – It is here!” - the 2010 World Cup payoff line.

In late 2007, Nchabeleng purchased 51% of the local affiliate of his former employer Leo Burnett and served until recently as its Group CEO at age 35, the youngest CEO to run a multinational agency in South Africa. He is also a shareholder in Independent Media, a group that owns 18 titles

Professional at Blueprint’s offices in Sunninghill, Johannesburg. What is the state and role of advertising in South Africa and in the rest of the continent? The industry is constantly evolving and one has to keep up to stay relevant. The guy who conceptualised the 2010 World Cup campaign will not be the same guy who comes up with another

I estimate that the continent has approximately 10,000 advertising professionals. Their work controls the mind-set and spending habits of a billion people and hence the importance of their role cannot be over-emphasised. Over the years, South Africa has led the way on the continent in scooping most of the awards won by Africans on platforms such as Cannes, but other countries are catching up notably Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. I am keen to take Blueprint to the rest of Africa in the coming years. What are some of the campaigns you have recently been involved with? We are proud to have been behind the launch of the Paperless Classroom through the Gauteng Education MEC

Panyaza Lesufi. The concept is a game changer given that the Department has taken a decision that all Gauteng schools should be moving towards digital platforms. It is a step towards replacing the chalkboard with the smart board and thereby introduce technology to the education system.

#76 campaign generated two million impressions in only two hours. We did not have these platforms when I entered the industry in the nineties and I admit I was skeptical when the craze began. But today I am fully on board and I actually shot myself in the foot by not having embraced social media earlier.

The department hopes to roll the project out to all Gauteng township and rural schools by the end of the 2017/2018 financial year. All high school children will be provided with a tablet as well as grade 7 pupils in primary schools in order to train them to use smart devices. The campaign behind it - which is our brainchild - is #Wiredforlife â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classroom For Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leaders.

Why did you call your company Blueprint?

We have also just completed (at the time of this interview) the #76 campaign on behalf of the Gauteng Province whose climax was on Youth Day to commemorate the efforts of youth who rose up against the apartheid regime on 16 June 1976. Over 16 days, 87,000 young people participated in the Youth Expo at the Nasrec Expo Centre. This was particularly important as it precedes 2016 when it will be 40 years since the 1976 event. Our hope is that the youth will be celebrated not only in South Africa but across the African continent and that the African Union will also adopt June as Youth month. How has social media impacted your campaigns? When we do media planning, social media will always be included. It has potential to impact a very wide consumer base. For instance, the

The initial trio of partners wanted to offer strategies to both clients and agencies. We had initial challenges that led us to focus on advertising. We managed to grow our staff from only three people to thirty six within a short time span, and to generate a turnover of R50 million within only three years. Today we are one of the celebrated 100% black owned media agencies in the country. We would also like to see this replicated across Africa where home-grown agencies rise to the fore to compete with international companies. Many of the products we consume are foreign brands so it is heartwarming to see Blueprint come up with its own brands. Tell us more about this idea. As you pointed out, over 70% of the products consumed in Africa are owned by multinationals and I think it is high time

that Africans develop their own brands. It is not an easy thing but we need to start somewhere. We are aware that you cannot just launch a product and get into the market with the expectation of being a market leader when you are competing with players who have been in the game for decades. It is for this reason that we are

prepared to build over time. This is the only way Africans can play a role in determining their own destiny. We continuously meet and discuss strategies at the African Union and other platforms but the time has come for us to stop talking and start doing. Perhaps the older generation had a difficult time implementing the vision because the environment was not conducive. But now the time is ripe and the policies are in place for us to create benefits for ourselves as Africans.

Your office reception has pictures of you with the likes of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Is it fair to say that you are in close contact with the leadership of this country? Blueprint historically has managed to position itself as a government/ parastatals agency. Over the years it has managed to develop a series of campaigns working with the Department of Trade and Industry, brand South Africa, Foreign Affairs and the Presidency. We were appointed by ANC to run their entire 2011 election campaign. It says a lot for the leadership to entrust a local agency with such a significant mandate. The experience was challenging but also interesting. The ANC is a 100 year liberation movement with a very big campaign machinery and therefore it is a coveted position for any agency to be retained to manage their campaign. There was stiff competition and after an evaluation process ten companies were

short listed, and later three firms, before eventually Blueprint was selected as their service provider for the 2011 election. We needed to be creative and we believe our work has introduced a new approach to election campaign messaging. The President is the face of the campaign with images captured of him interacting with ordinary citizens demonstrating the humility of the party leadership. There have been some key lessons learned in running such a big campaign and, we value those lessons moving forward as a company. Would you run the election again? Yes, I will but differently this time around, instead of leading the campaign, I will rather be working behind the scene or work on a different project that will add value to the overall campaign, for an example ANC professional volunteer forum. I really think that the party has helped create a better life for all and I believe the party manifesto promises the best leadership this country could hope for. It is for this reason that it is an honour to play an integral role for the party in each poll. Wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there a conflict of interest with you being at the helm of both Leo Burnett and Blueprint? There was no conflict because Blueprint focuses primarily on government parastatal accounts while Leo Burnett has traditionally handled multinational and private sector accounts.

How different are the requirements in handling a public sector campaign from that of a private sector one? The public sector focuses on messaging to its constituency with often very quick turnarounds. For instance, we were briefed on the #76 campaign two weeks before delivery. The private sector on the other hand has long lead times to delivery. We can plan a campaign today that will only be executed in a year once research has been done and both local and international offices have had a chance to tweak and approve the final advertisement. You have been the recipient of several awards, which ones stand out for you and why? The BBQ Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 was one of the first awards I received and it was significant because it was an affirmation from the business sector point of view. The AdReview Advertising Person of the Year Award in 2007 is also special to me because this was recognition of my work from peers in the same sector. When all is said and done, what do you want to have accomplished? The most important thing for me right now is that Africans build brands that can stand the test of time and build institutions that can sustain themselves. That is where my focus is. KEITH KUNDAI

TREVOR NCUBE Passionate about the African story

revor Ncube is the executive deputy chairman of the Mail & Guardian Media Group. The group publishes the Mail & Guardian newspaper in South Africa and MG Africa, an online offering with headquarters in Nairobi. Ncube is also the founder, owner, and executive chairman of the Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard. He previously worked at the Financial Gazette in Zimbabwe, where he was executive editor and assistant editor. Ncube has been president of Print Media South Africa, chair of the Newspaper Association of South Africa, chair of the board of the Southern Africa Regional Poverty Network, and chair of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. He also served on the international board of the World Association of Newspapers. Ncube holds a BA with honours in economic history from the University of Zimbabwe and completed the advanced management and leadership program at the Said Business School of the University of Oxford. Additionally, he is a council member of the World Economic Forum. How do yourself?

you

describe

things that I care about, or the things that concern me are the injustices of the downtrodden and the marginalized. I am also passionate about telling the African story. Our stories have been told by other people for a long time such that they have become distorted. How did you end up as a business owner in the print media space?

meeting and asked me to chair a TV panel. I told them I have never done anything on TV but they insisted. I recall sweating profusely during my first appearance. Then I got approached by some business people who believed I would make a good editor for their newspaper – The Financial Gazette. I edited the paper for seven years before being fired for being too critical of Robert Mugabe’s regime. Being fired was the best thing to ever happen to me. I was without a job for about four months and decided to start my own newspaper – The Zimbabwean Independent followed a year later by The Standard.

AWARDS - Fellow: Aspen Institute; Africa Leadership Initiative. Awards: Print Media S.A. Fellowship (2006); International Publishers Association Freedom Prize Award (2007); German Africa Award (2008); Nation Media Group Life Achievement Award (2010); German Peace Dove Award (2012). Named: one of the 100 most influential people in Africa, NewAfrican Magazine (2012); one of the most influential business people in Zimbabwe since 1980 (2013).

I am a very passionate and outspoken African .I am also a born again Christian. My Christian values are the filter through which I see life and inform the way that I look at the world. The

I stumbled into journalism without training and I stumbled into business without any real preparation. I was a teaching assistant at the University of Zimbabwe and people saw me at a

How did you manage to become successful without any business training? I surround myself with people who know more than I do. I surround myself with the stars and I enable those stars to shine. Leadership and management are about realizing your own limitations. Do you think print media is dying?

I have a view that good print media is going to be around for a long time. I also think that we are going to see a coming back of quality content in print. I am talking about the oldfashioned connection between the fourth estate and a vibrant democracy. Right now we have a lot of information

Photo courtesy of T. Ncube

that is readily available but there is a difference between quantity and quality of information. Social media is liberal and information there has the ability to self-correct, but often this is after the damage has been done. We also have information ghettos; if someone disagrees with you on twitter you block or unfollow them. It is similar with friending and liking pages on Facebook. At the end of the day, you walk around with people that agree with you. What kind of the world is that where there is no space for debate? Therefore are we as informed as we think we are? It is what I call ‘the crisis’ of informed societies which are in essence not really informed but where ignorance abounds. It was different when we only had print publications and TV where those who disagreed wrote to the editor or phoned in. Mail and Guardian is known for investigative journalism. Why do you focus on this “risky” brand of media? Is the pursuit of justice something you are willing to die for?

I have been arrested many times. The same applies to many of my journalists. Friction between government and media has been going on for as long as newspapers have been in existence. I don’t know about dying and I am not about to volunteer to be a martyr. I speak passionately of the things I believe in. I sleep much better when I

lost money from advertisers because of standing for what we believe in. You are majority shareholder of Mail and Guardian but the Executive Deputy Chairman. Why not chairman? Why not? Titles are not important to me anymore. What is important, is what you do.

“Zimbabwe is in a terrible space right now. Very sad. Very ugly. Economically, there seems to be little cash going around and politically the country is gripped by a focus on succession. But in the medium to long term, I am very positive about Zimbabwe. I think Zimbabweans should be able to find their feet. It is for that reason that I have never disengaged from Zimbabwe; this turbulence is temporary but there are many opportunities to be harnessed in the long term.”

We want to engage in journalism that makes a difference. Journalism that’s got an impact and that is on the cutting edge that helps shape society. My view is that media is fundamentally important for the development of the society. With ethical and professional media, the leadership can be held accountable and this empowers people.

know I have stood out against the ills in society. If somebody decides to take me out because of that, what can I do? Have you faced ethical dilemmas? I would not call them dilemmas because I know what I stand for. I am uncomfortable with compromising my principles. We will not be bullied by governments or corporations. We have

How has the newspaper fared since you acquired it in 2002? There have been good times and bad times but now the brand is very different and much bigger. Our share of voice, revenue and the status of the company have improved significantly since I came in. How do you spend your typical day?

My typical day is not typical. I do many things including attending board meetings here and in Zimbabwe, chairing the African Media Initiative and participating in the World Economic Forum activities. My role is mainly strategic; envisioning opportunities and mentoring. What are you aiming to achieve with your new Pan-African website Mail & Guardian Africa (mgafrica.com)? We want it to be the preferred go-to place for anybody who wants thoughtful

content. We publish analysis and data driven content. Stuff that surfaces the issues that are currently facing the continent including education, health, poverty alleviation, investment into infrastructure and so on. Africa is seen as a continent of poverty, disease and coups. We do have these issues but there are also opportunities. Even if it’s coups, let’s tell the stories from the African perspective. That’s why we call it the African truth. And that’s what I am trying to achieve via the people that we put together in Nairobi. Why Nairobi? Because Nairobi or Kenya represents a lot of what the continent is facing. It is also a statement that the centre of Africa is not necessarily South Africa. How long has it been going? We just celebrated our first year anniversary. We are going through growing pains but we are making a name for ourselves - slowly but surely.

Zimbabweans should be able to find their feet. It is for that reason that I have never disengaged from Zimbabwe; this turbulence is temporary but there are many opportunities to be harnessed in the long term. Have terms

things eased in of media freedom?

I am on twitter and I make a lot of noise. I think I am very transparent and people know everything about me. I tweet about my drinking wine, I tweet about my wife and two kids, I tweet about my going to church - I have very few secrets. Oh, I am a chicken farmer, some people do know that. We sell 40,000 birds a month which pays rent and sends the kids to school.

“I have been arrested many times. The same applies to many of my journalists. Friction between government and media has been going on for as long as newspapers have been in existence. I don’t know about dying and I am not about to volunteer to be a martyr. I speak passionately of the things I believe in. I sleep much better when I know I have stood out against the ills in society. If somebody decides to take me out because of that, what can I do? “

What are your thought about where Zimbabwe is and where Zimbabwe is heading?

Zimbabwe is in a terrible space right now. Very sad. Very ugly. Economically, there seems to be little cash going around and politically the country is gripped by a focus on succession. But in the medium to long term, I am very positive about Zimbabwe. I think

Well I think what’s happening is that there is a lot of focus internally within the ruling party. The struggle to succeed Robert Mugabe is what everybody is fixated on and as such they are too preoccupied to take on the media.

Who inspires you? I am inspired by Barrack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. I am also inspired by the resilience of Africans against all odds. Coming from oppression and colonialism, we are slowly developing and the world is beginning to notice. What books would you recommend to our readers?

I read books that grow me. I don’t read fiction. The book I read the most is the Bible. That’s the book that I read almost every day. The other books I would recommend are “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle and the “The Road Less Travelled” by M. Scott Peck. Those are the books that help me deal with my personal inadequacies. I am a person that believes that every day presents an opportunity for us to grow. KC ROTTOK

What can you tell me that people don’t know about you?

deposited into the receiver’s account within minutes. with Anton Luttig, Regional Director – South and East Africa Tell us about the new service with Econet in Zimbabwe MoneyGram has partnered with EcoCash, the biggest Mobile Money Transfer Service in Zimbabwe to bring more convenience in the receipt of MoneyGram transactions in Zimbabwe. How much can I send to an EcoCash wallet in Zimbabwe? You can send a maximum amount of $500 (or equivalent if sending in another currency). How long does it take for the funds to be deposited into the receiver’s EcoCash account? The MoneyGram service for receiving money into an EcoCash account in Zimbabwe is available 24x7x365. Once the receiver keys in their 8 digit reference number the money will be

Does the receiver need a reference number to receive their MoneyGram transaction into their EcoCash account? Yes, customers who receive a MoneyGram transfer will need to key in their 8 digit reference number in order to pull the transaction into their EcoCash wallet. How much do I pay to send a MoneyGram transaction into an EcoCash account? The fees for the transaction will be calculated at the time of sending the transfer and will be communicated to you by the MoneyGram agent. What happens if the receiver is an existing Econet customer but has not registered for the EcoCash wallet service? If the receiver has not registered for the EcoCash service, the transaction will

be rejected and the receiver can collect his remittance at any MG Agent in Zimbabwe. How do I find out more information on the MoneyGram EcoCash service? Please visit the MoneyGram website on www.MoneyGram.com or visit the Econet website on www.econet.co.zw/ ecocashdiaspora What has been the uptake/reception of the new service? Our customers are very enthused about the new service and have encouraged us to invest more in this type of innovative services. Any new products to be launched soon? In a few weeks’ time we will be able to offer a directed send service which allows a sender to direct their remittance directly into an Ecocash wallet. Apart from this we have a couple more other innovative and mobile launches slated to be launched later this year, watch this space.

PUSHIE WATSON

REFUSING TO PLAY SMALL Article images courtesy of P. Watson

Previously known as Pushie Dunn, she was first introduced to the African public as a television presenter in 1997 and grew to become a well-known face across the continent. Originally from Liberia, Pushie’s culturally diverse heritage lead her to further her education in Kenya and Ghana, followed by a study related gap year in the Gambia before finally immigrating to South Africa. Since then her career has evolved in more ways than one. Between 1997 and 2002: she was a television presenter on DSTV’s Channel O music station where she attended the Grammies, and interviewed the likes of Janet Jackson, P. Diddy etc., exposing her to audiences all over Africa. She concurrently presented a show on SABC 3 called Health Wealth, which was a specialist medical show enlightening the public about a myriad of health procedures. She was subsequently approached by SABC 1 to co-host the music variety show Jam Alley, which ultimately gave her the opportunity to connect with an even larger South African audience. Thereafter, she presented a number of television programs such as Africa Within - a lifestyle and travel show that focused on the African diaspora and was broadcast on DSTV’s Africa Channel

and is currently airing on the Africa Channel in USA. She was also the perfect choice to be the master of ceremony for SABC’s live millennium broadcast, for Johannesburg, at the turn of the millennium. In 2002, she briefly ventured into acting appearing in the popular local television soap opera, Backstage. By 2003, Pushie had reached a turning point in her life and surrendered to the call of God to begin serving in ministry. With her extensive experience as a television personality, she took the opportunity to serve at Rhema Bible Church, volunteering in the television department. Her work included recording the screened Sunday service

announcements and introducing Pastor Ray McCauley’s nationally broadcasted sermons on local television stations ETV and SABC 2. Moreover, she was chosen to be the main broadcaster for Rhema Television - RTV, anchoring links and becoming the master of ceremony for various conferences, which often hosted international guest speakers such as Brian Houston, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Jentezen Franklin, John Bevere and Bernice King, all of whom she interviewed. She went on to become the Head of Women’s Ministry at Rhema Bible Church, running the department and speaking at their conferences. Her latest platform was as the hostess of her own gospel talkshow called: Real Talk with Pushie on Top TV’s Top Gospel channel, which started in 2011. She is currently in production for her own talk show called: My Destiny with Pushie on TBN Africa. She firmly believes that having returned to television with a wealth of ministerial knowledge and experience has enlarged her territory and sphere of influence from the pulpit to the public. Affectionately known as ‘Pastor P’, Pushie is regularly invited to preach at churches, schools, universities, and conferences nationwide. Pushie recently had a chat

with The African Professional. What do you consider to be the highs of your career thus far?

My career high must be discovering what my calling is. When I was working at Rhema Bible Church (Rhema) we each did an analysis test which uncovered what our strengths were as individuals and in a team. I came out strongly in communication which made a lot of sense given that as a kid my parents always told me I talk too much. Even in boarding school in Kenya, I would get into trouble for talking after lights out. And how about the lows?

fulfilled their purpose and influenced the lives of others. If you celebrate people because they look good on TV, I don’t think that has much meaning. What message are passionate about?

you

most

I am interested in people’s testimonies; in what makes one person achieve their dreams and their goals and survive

for what I am doing now. That’s why I couldn’t enjoy it as much as what I am doing now. At some point the eagle has to kick the baby out the nest otherwise it won’t learn how to fly. How did you become a pastor? Around 2001, my mom kept phoning and asking me to go to church and I obliged. Initially I volunteered in the TV department because that is what I knew. And then one day a presenter couldn’t make it and they asked me to step in. Afterwards, I ended up interviewing all the resident and visiting pastors. I decided to go to Bible School to learn more. I used to give a lift to some fellow classmates for the two years I was in Bible School and one of them kept telling me that I was a preacher. Yet I wasn’t preaching, I was just sharing on the way to the school. At some point I preached in the youth service and there and then I knew this is what I was born to do. On TV, certain things for me made sense but I still had questions. Something was still missing that I couldn’t put a finger on. But when I preached, it was the first time in my life that my spirit, my soul and my body were in unison.

Originally from Liberia, Pushie’s culturally diverse heritage lead her to further her education in Kenya and Ghana, followed by a study related gap year in the Gambia before finally immigrating to South Africa.”

Fame is a big low for me. I come from Liberia which is a small country and my father worked for the president which put the family on the spotlight. When we went into exile in Ghana, everyone also knew us because we were part of the political circles in West Africa. When I came to South Africa at the age of nineteen, it was refreshing because I was essentially anonymous. But not long after, I got into television and once again I became a familiar face. I think this is why I love travelling because it gives me the freedom to go to places like Europe where people don’t know me. I find it strange when people ask for my autograph; I am not Mandela who saved the nation from apartheid or some scientist with a cure for cancer. Being a celebrity doesn’t hold a lot of weight for me; I think people should be celebrated because of how they have

the trials of life over another person. What is it that makes a tennis player win? What was the cost of his or her journey? I simply love meeting people who are winning at what God has called them to do. That inspires me. My gift in ministry is the gift of exultation; it gives me joy to exalt people and encourage people. No matter what I preach about, the central theme would be to encourage people. And I believe that you were born for a purpose, the Bible says that “before I formed you in your mother’s worm I knew that I would have appointed you”. So before I even came on to this world, God had a purpose and a calling. It is everybody’s primary mission to find out why he or she is here and to get busy doing it at all costs. For me being in television and being famous was my preparation

What books have you read that have had an impact on your life? I am not much of a reader although I go through the whole Bible every single year. I enjoyed reading Oprah’s story because a lot of the things she went through resonate with me. It is a story of all things working together for

good. When she said she was going to move to Chicago, she was told that is another talk show host’s territory and that she would “die there”. She said she might but she had outgrown her station; if you stay too long, what was once a home becomes a tomb. I feel the same. I am always trying to move to the next level and pushing ahead. I would rather fail on a bigger level than succeed in mediocrity. Like when I was on TV, people thought I should be content. But I cannot base my life on other people’s levels because their ceiling may be my floor. I often quote Nelson Mandela when I am preaching. He said ““Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”

are better or worse than you gives you compassion. What would you say are your weaknesses? I am very impatient. I have set a very high standard for myself and I tend to impose that on other people which

If you are driving in the fast lane and you not in a hurry please move over to the left. Another issue I have is that I don’t like meetings. I turn down many of them, particularly interviews. They take a lot of your energy and I need to conserve that energy to speak to hundreds or thousands of people. Hence I prefer to keep to myself or surround myself with family and close friends who will recharge me rather than drain me. A public calling requires a very private walk.

“I am always trying to move to the next level and pushing ahead. I would rather fail on a bigger level than succeed in mediocrity. Like when I was on TV, people thought I should be content. But I cannot base my life on other people’s levels because their ceiling may be my floor.”

What impact has living in so many countries had on the person you are today? Because my elementary education was in international schools in various countries, I received exposure to many different cultures. I think that gives you confidence. I can mix well with all kinds of people, both rich and poor. I don’t look down on people feeling like they are less than me and on the other hand, I am not moved by status. In addition, seeing that there are people who

is unfair. In my view if I am giving a 100%, you better give a 100 % or move.

How do you spend your typical day?

My typical day is spent in preparation for preaching. For me to stand up and preach for 35 minutes requires me to spend three or four days preparing what I am going to say. As a woman, there is an additional aspect of ensuring that I look presentable including getting my hair and nails done. I also need to pick an appropriate outfit to make sure I am not a distraction to the men in the audience. KEITH KUNDAI

SHOULD WE JUST ACCEPT CORRUPTION AS A MODERN DAY WAY OF LIFE?

newspaper columnist stated in an article that “In Africa, accumulating wealth has become the life goal of many citizens. So ingrained is this notion that it no longer matters whether one has beaten, robbed or stolen one’s way into wealth.

As long as one is wealthy, respect, power and access to opportunities often follow. The obsession with wealth fuels corruption at both the macro and micro level because individuals want to save money or make money by dabbling in what is essentially immoral and/or illegal behaviour.”

gain”. Typically this involves bribery which the Oxford dictionary defines as “to dishonestly persuade someone to act in one’s favour by a gift of money or other inducement”. If we stick to definitions, there appears to be a very thin line between what is corrupt and what isn’t.

services required by the government. That is corruption in black and white. But when the ruling coalition dishes out plum jobs to those who contributed towards its campaign, either in monetary terms or through political capital, this is accepted as perfectly normal.

“Should we therefore concede that there is something positive about corruption? That it gives those in power the creativity and motivation to execute initiatives that we will ultimately benefit from. Should we care that South Africa allegedly paid a $10 million bribe for the World Cup, when this possibly enabled us to witness the spectacle for the first time on our continent during our lifetime?....”

I shared the link to the article with a friend and this was his response – “Wealth accumulation by any means is the capitalist way. Profit is king. For someone to win big, some poor people need to get the shaft somewhere. What we have are just iterations of robber barons who are somewhat less sophisticated than the Rockefellers and Carnegies of the late nineteenth century, what we call grabbers, monopolists and tenderpreneurs in local lingo.”

The word corruption is very topical at the moment. Globally the headlines are all about FIFA and a myriad of scandals at the football governing body. So, what is corruption? Transparency International defines the term as “the abuse of entrusted power for private

In the private sector, it is common for employees with the decision making power to award contracts to companies with whom they have an arrangement to receive a hidden kick-back. Corrupt practice? Of course. But how different is this from a scenario where the salespeople wine and dine the decisionmakers; treat them to a round of golf; or send them branded gifts at Christmas time? In the public sector, the main accusation of those facing corruption charges is that they have accepted inducement to award companies tenders to render

In football, FIFA officials are facing charges for having allegedly accepted millions of dollars to vote in favour of certain countries to host the World Cup. This is frowned upon in the very same sport where the regularly victorious clubs are those that have the ability to fork out millions of dollars to players and coaches. It is ok to buy your way to winning a competition but not ok to buy your way to hosting it.

So what yardstick should we use to determine what is corruption and what isn’t? As the newspaper columnist intimates, we should consider what is “immoral and/ or illegal”. Ethics or morality is defined as the extent to which an action is right or wrong. When I worked for an audit firm, the international network sought to publish a code of ethics that would be applicable to all network firms in over 100 countries. It was a near impossible task because what was wrong in one country was fair game in another. There are nations where it is impossible for an audit firm to secure work without

giving the members of a company’s audit committee an inducement. This is considered as acceptable as the practice of the compulsory “tipping” of airport

officials to get in and out of some countries. Legality presents similar challenges. Both slavery and apartheid were legal, just as capitalism is lawful today. Relying solely on the law opens just as many doors for corruption as it closes. Part of the arguments that some recent African suspects made against extradition to face charges for corruption in Jersey Island was that the cases were over a decade old and were therefore time barred.

preps to catch one of the latest films. Similarly, when the principal set out to raise funds for a new dormitory complete with stunning tiles and

hot showers, we did not mind that he retired soon after with enough money to start his own private school.

to misappropriate public funds. But the result is a new road, building or programme! Should we therefore concede that there is something positive about corruption? That it gives those in power the motivation and creativity to execute initiatives that we will ultimately benefit from. Should we care that South Africa allegedly paid a USD10 million bribe for the World Cup, when this possibly enabled us to witness the spectacle for the first time on our continent during our lifetime? And do we have the moral authority to point the finger at corrupt officials when a significant proportion of us readily bribe traffic policemen? We vote for the wealthiest politicians without a care in the world that their wealth probably emanated from stealing our taxes.

Transparency International has found that incidences of corruption are most prevalent in poor countries and that part of the reason these countries remain poor is because they continue to propagate the practice. It is an undesirable spiral.

One of my earliest encounters with corruption was in high school where students would organise movies to raise funds for their clubs. The final tally of amounts raised always appeared petite in comparison to the number of attendees but we didn’t mind. We were only too happy to miss

Today, almost every public project is believed to have an element of corruption in it. There are people in government offices thinking up new roads, buildings and programmes which will be handy avenues for them

My submission is however the contrary. We should not reject bribery because it is illegal. We should not shun corruption because it is immoral. We should condemn both practices because research shows that they result in negative collective consequences.

ECONOMIC LESSONS FROM ZIMBABWE AND AN INSIGHT INTO AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA

ast month, I did some consulting work for the Africa Business Group at the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) in Harare, Zimbabwe. It was the first time I was visiting the country despite having associated with so many of their “economic refugees” who have flocked Johannesburg in recent years. Listening to the testimonies of the people on the ground, I developed a first-hand impression of the severe consequences of living in an economy where your currency depreciates uncontrollably with corresponding price hikes. When the Zimbabwean dollar was still the accepted currency, a debtor who owed you a hundred ‘Zim’ dollars last month would be paying you the equivalent of a dollar today. On the flip-side, if you took out a 20 year mortgage bond for a million Zim dollars, you could settle the face value of that loan with relative ease with a single month’s salary just a year later.

In a Voice of America article published last week, Blessing Zulu argues that the financial crisis in Greece resembles that of Zimbabwe. Greece recently defaulted on a loan from the International Monetary Fund. The last country to do so was Zimbabwe in 2001. And just as Greeks have trouble accessing their funds from banks, Zimbabweans also experienced

to be charged. I subsequently received my change in a mixture dollar notes, rand coins and some sweets! Until quite recently, the shortage of cash forced Zimbabwean banks to occasionally give their customers vouchers instead of hard cash. Just as Greece’s leadership has been clashing with the rest of the European Union, Zimbabwe’s economic woes were tied to political differences with the west particularly the United Kingdom. President Robert Mugabe’s land reform programme involved the invasion, by so-called war veterans, of farms occupied by British descendants which led to economic sanctions.

“At the AFRACA conference, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Mr. Patrick Chinamasa stated that the problem of a lack of adequate credit to the agricultural sector was more significant in Zimbabwe as a result of a lack of finance. He said that commercial banks were used to a cosy business relationship with 2,000 white farmers. They are now having a difficult time serving over 100,000 black farmers…”

When all else failed and the government had run out of space on currency bills to introduce additional zeroes, Zimbabwe cancelled its currency and adopted the use of multiple currencies primarily the US dollar.

At the AFRACA conference, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Mr. Patrick Chinamasa stated that the problem of a lack of adequate finance to the agricultural sector was more significant in Zimbabwe due to a lack of finance.

periods of sleeping outside banks all night waiting to withdraw funds.

He said that commercial banks were used to a cosy business relationship with 2,000 white farmers. They are now having a difficult time serving over 100,000 black farmers.

The problem persists to this day. On my visit to a local supermarket, I presented the cashier with South African Rands for my purchase. She changed the currency settings on her device calculating the dollar equivalent I was

Each black farmer does not hold as many acres as the previous occupants meaning that there is a lack of economies of scale to practice commercial farming. In addition, due to the “free for all” manner in which the

land reform policy was implemented, very few of the new occupants of the land have title deeds. As a result, there is a lack of collateral for agricultural loans. Zimbabweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Bank Governor Dr John Mangudya stated that the government is addressing the problem through the establishment of an asset

of the transitory nature of deposits. Zimbabwe is also perceived as a high political risk meaning that financial institutions have to pay a premium to access dollars for onward lending. The need for finance to the agricultural sector extends beyond Zimbabwe to the rest of the continent. The chairman of

The move has reduced non-performing loans in the agricultural sector from 20% to 15%.

AFRACA and deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Millison Narh remarked that agriculture comprises 20% of the continentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP, 60% of the labour force, half of tax revenues and 20% of exports in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A further problem is a mis-match between the borrowersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and lenders ability. Farmers require longer term loans which they will repay after harvest and sale to market but banks can only provide short term finance because

Despite this, it is considered a high risk industry which only receives 3% of bank finance. The Food and Agricultural Organisation reported in 2009 that agriculture could contribute significantly to solving the continents

management company as well as a credit reference registry.

problems due to its high multiplier effect. It further reported that an average annual net investment into Africa of 11 billion dollars is needed. The conference conceded that traditional avenues of finance in their current form were unlikely to accelerate the provision of credit to the sector. Kenya featured prominently as an example of a nation moving in the right direction. A director at Commercial Bank of Africa revealed that the M-Shwari partnership between the bank and Safaricom had resulted in the opening of over 10 million accounts and disbursement of over 50,000 daily loans, some to small-holder farmers. The Kenya School of Monetary Studies, which was well represented at the conference, gave an overview of their Regional Certificate in Agriculture Finance which utilises a database of 201 case studies to train financial service providers. KC ROTTOK

Faculty Opportunities Strathmore Business School (SBS), Nairobi - Kenya is seeking to employ full-time and adjunct faculty who are able to teach across our academic programs (Doctoral Program , MBA, Healthcare Management, Masters in Public Policy and Agribusiness) and executive education programs. Areas of Interest Strategic Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Public Policy and Management, Political Science, Marketing, Ethics, Leadership and Governance, Management Communication, Healthcare Management and Agribusiness Interested candidates should visit http://sbs.strathmore.edu/careers for more information. Phone: +254 (0) 703 034 414/6/7 Website: www.sbs.strathmore.edu Twitter: @SBSKenya | Facebook/Linkedin: Strathmore Business School

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WESTERN UNION CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN AFRICA

estern Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payment services, celebrated its 20th anniversary in Africa on July 28, 2015.

With over 35,000 locations and connections to millions of bank accounts and mobile wallets in more than 50 countries and territories, across Africa, the Western Union network

serves millions of senders and receivers with a choice of 120 currencies. To celebrate this special milestone, Western Union’s President for Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and CIS, Jean Claude Farah, in addition to Aida Diarra, Western Union’s Regional Vice President and Head of Africa and other members of the Africa leadership team visited the first agent location at ADB (Agricultural Development Bank) that offered Western Union money transfer services for the first time in Africa in 1995. The WU leadership team also visited Ecobank head office in Accra and marked the occasion with the launch of the Account Based Money Transfer services through ATM in Ghana. The Western Union 20th Anniversary celebration in Ghana in Africa, coincides with a speech made by President Barack Obama at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is quoted saying: “Today, Africa is one of the fastestgrowing regions in the world. Africa’s middle class is projected to grow to more than one billion consumers. With hundreds of millions of mobile phones, surging access to the Internet, Africans are beginning to leapfrog old technologies into new prosperity. Africa is on the move, a new Africa is emerging.”

Western Union is committed to the expansion and development of its pan-African network which provides a critical link to the ever growing African Diaspora living and working in countries around the world.

“More than 30 million Africans live outside their home countries, contributing billions of USD in remittances to their families and communities back home every year1”, said Jean Claude Farah. “We are very humbled to play a role in helping them move their money as they seek to elevate their economic status, meet

Aida Diarra added, “Through the work we do we also enable economic activity and job creation. Currently over 155,000 Front Line Associates (FLAs) are employed in our agent network on the African continent. Western Union invests in training these FLAs developing their business, technical and compliance skills.” In addition to the socioeconomic impact that remittances enable, the company also supports philanthropic activities in Africa via the Western Union Foundation which has a long history of giving back to communities across the African continent. It supports organizations that promote economic opportunity and growth for individuals, families and entire communities throughout the region. Since its creation, the Western Union Foundation has committed to $8.703 million in grants and donations to 158 NGOs in more than 40 countries across Africa.

“We are very humbled to play a role in helping them move their money as they seek to elevate their economic status, meet emergency needs, support healthcare requirements, contribute to the education of future generations and in many instances build their own small businesses. By moving money for better for 20 years Western Union is enabling a world of possibilities for Africa and in Africa.” emergency needs, support healthcare requirements, contribute to the education of future generations and in many instances build their own small businesses. By moving money for better for 20 years Western Union is enabling a world of possibilities for Africa and in Africa.”

ABOUT WESTERN UNION The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of June 30, 2015, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks, and included the capability to send money to millions of bank accounts. In 2014, The Western Union Company completed 255 million consumer-toconsumer transactions worldwide, moving $85 billion of principal between consumers, and 484 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com or www. wuafrica.com

PHOTO CAPTIONS 1: Western Union’s President for Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and CIS, Jean Claude Farah 2: Entertainment

Reason says: admire the difference.

Instinct says: cherish the individual.

At Grant Thornton, we recruit people with a passion for business, who combine reason and instinct to give the kind of advice that makes a real difference to the organisations they work with. They know it’s about more than just the numbers, it’s about enjoying tough challenges, seeking out opportunities and adding real value to our clients by unlocking their potential for growth.

South African Professional Services Awards (SAPSA) Grant Thornton awarded Best Accounting/ Auditing Firm of the year 2014

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XENOPHOBIA IN SA

WHY WE NEED TO THANK JAN KOUM & CO.

here is something about the name Jan and the history of South Africa (SA). Most notable bearers of the name include Jan Van Riebeeck who ruled the Cape in the mid-1600’s and is viewed by many of the Afrikaner population as ‘the founding father of their nation’. Jan Smuts, prime minister in the early 1900’s, was one of the early proponents of segregation and takes significant credit in the formulation of apartheid. Enter Jan Koum, a man I find pivotal to South Africa today despite the fact that he is American. Here is why.

violence at that stage went beyond just Durban and Johannesburg, with incidents being reported as far as Cape Town, Free State and Mpumalanga. Only a keen follower of world events would recall the violence of ’08 which did not grab as many headlines. But this

and travel advisories issued by the UK, Australia and China. In my mind, Jan Koum is the difference; the entrepreneur who co-founded WhatsApp in 2009 alongside Brian Acton. Even my technophobe mother in her late sixties was treated to real-time images and videos of the attacks this time round. The medium has transformed communication, giving us the ability to share with groups of up to 100 people, information directly on our mobile phones.

“During the violence in 2008, Facebook and Twitter were in their infancy with neither having the kind of subscriber numbers they have today nor the features they have since implemented that give prominence to trending topics. In 2015, millions of daily conversations across Africa with the hash tag xenophobicSA took the topic into the list of global trending subjects worldwide….”

In 2008, xenophobic violence broke out in Johannesburg and quickly spread to the rest of the country. Sixtyseven people were killed, thousands were displaced, refugee camps sprung up and buses full of foreigners headed out of the country. In 2015, mass riots aimed at migrants returned on a similar scale. Seven people died as the madness engulfed parts of Durban before spreading to the Johannesburg Central Business District. Critics say that the ANC top brass was very slow in both instances in addressing the problem.

time round the eyes of the entire world are trained on Mzanzi. Suddenly, the images of a likeable Sarafina, of Nelson Mandela stretching his fist towards heaven and of jubilant World Cup 2010 scenes have been relegated from memory.

I was in SA in both instances, and the attention the latter span of attacks has attracted is overwhelming in comparison to the attention afforded the bloodbath of 2008. This, notwithstanding the fact that more people died back then, and that the

All one thinks of SA at the moment is xenophobia. International sanction has followed with local musicians having their shows cancelled across the rest of the continent, Nigeria reportedly recalling her ambassador, South African employees fleeing Sasol Mozambique

In 2008, Facebook and Twitter were also in their infancy with neither the kind of subscriber numbers they have today nor the features they have since implemented that give prominence to trending topics. Millions of daily conversations across Africa with the hash tag xenophobicSA took the topic into the list of global trending subjects worldwide. Now public figures like Donald Trump - who tweeted that SA is a total mess are commenting on the situation. This is the power of social media. They say no publicity is bad publicity – that is probably untrue for SA this time whose international image has taken a pounding after years of reputation sanitation initiated by the late Mandela. This publicity is actually great publicity for concerned foreignborn dwellers like myself. It means that the authorities have no option but to treat the matter with more seriousness

than deploying the army late in the day when the damage is already done. They cannot risk having potential billionaire investors like Trump saying that this is a mess not to be touched by his goldplated ten-foot pole. They must worry when the UK, whose pound-toting populace visit the country in their hundreds of thousands annually, and China, one of their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BRICSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; partners, are advising their citizens

against taking flights to OR Tambo International. It is no wonder President Zuma cancelled a trip to Indonesia and appointed an inter-ministerial task team to find a lasting solution to the underlying problems amongst other measures. Social media has increased pressure on the government to act. For those in business, this should be an encouragement to create content that will be shared widely on social

networking sites by would be customers for your benefit. It is called viral marketing, one of the most effective means of projecting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand today. A recent brilliant example of this is the ridiculous $23,000 a night Kempinski Hotel Valentines package that had all of us sharing the flyer across several social media platforms giving the venue priceless publicity. KEITH KUNDAI

JAGUAR LAND ROVER SHOWCASES SMARTPHONE-CONTROLLED RANGE ROVER SPORT Article and images by Meropa Communications

aguar Land Rover has revealed some of the prototype technologies that its UK-based research team are developing to deliver autonomous driving in the future. A Remote Control Range Rover Sport research vehicle demonstrates how a driver could drive the vehicle from outside the vehicle via their smartphone.

The smartphone app includes controls for steering, acceleration and braking, as well as the ability to change between high- and low-range gears. This would allow the driver to walk alongside the

vehicle, at a maximum speed of 6km/h, to manoeuvre their vehicle out of challenging situations safely, or even to negotiate difficult off-road terrain.

when rock crawling. It could also be an invaluable aid when the vehicle is fording a stream or traversing sections made slippery by mud or snow.

The driver could use the smartphone to reverse the vehicle out of a parking space if someone has parked too close for them to open the door, or allow the driver to become their own off-road spotter, to guide the vehicle over offroad obstacles from outside the vehicle.

The remote control function will only operate if the user is within ten metres of the vehicle and if the smart key can be detected. The system will stop the vehicle if the driver moves out of range or gets too close.

By walking alongside the vehicle, the driver could continually check ramp, approach and departure angles and allow precise positioning of the vehicle

Future possibilities for this technology could include more autonomous functionality where the driver gives a simple command from the handset to traverse an obstacle or exit a parking

space, and the vehicle does the rest. AUTONOMOUS MULTI-POINT TURNS Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘Multi-Point Turn’ Range Rover is capable of autonomously manoeuvring through 180 degrees to turn the vehicle in the road and point the vehicle in the opposite direction.

steering, braking and acceleration to make as many forward and backwards movements as necessary to achieve the manoeuvre. The research team is working on a system to scan the environment around the vehicle and inform the driver whether it is safe to perform the turning manoeuvre.

This autonomous vehicle could extricate itself from the most difficult situations, such as a dead-end roads or congested car parks, as well as performing many drivers’ least-favourite manoeuvre – the three-point turn in a busy street or car park.

The driver then confirms the manoeuvre and the vehicle would move forward until its path is blocked. It then selects reverse and uses the steering, throttle and brakes to do the same again. It repeats this as many times as required until it is facing in the opposite direction.

The system uses sensors to assess available space and to avoid pedestrians, vehicles and other objects. The system takes over gear selection,

Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Getting a car out of a tricky parking manoeuvre can be

a stressful experience for any driver. A Remote Control car, or a vehicle that can autonomously turn in the road, demonstrates how we could use these new technologies to reduce the tedious parts of driving and improve road safety. “Research into technologies like these won’t only help us deliver an autonomous car. They will help make real driving safer and more enjoyable. The same sensors and systems that will help an autonomous car make the right decisions, will assist the driver and enhance the experience to help prevent accidents. Autonomous car technologies will not take away the fun of driving.” Jaguar Land Rover’s vision is to offer a choice of an engaged or autonomous drive. This means the vehicle will be

able to drive itself if the driver chooses, or offer systems that can be adjusted for a more engaging and involved drive.

“We know our customers drive in heavy rain, and snow, and bright desert sunshine every day.

“Because our customers drive in all terrains and in all weathers, any future autonomous Jaguar or Land Rover must be as capable on rough tracks and unpaved roads as it would be on city streets,” added Dr Epple.

We are working on an array of new sensors that would enable a car to operate in any environment, without any outside intervention or input from lane markings or roadside infrastructure like

traffic lights. Our research engineers have a nickname for a car with this level of capability: the ‘Solo Car’.”

‘SOLO CAR’ ENHANCED SENSING Jaguar Land Rover has an advanced research programme underway to enhance the car’s sensing capability. This project is developing a range of sophisticated sensors to make autonomous cars viable in a range of driving environments and weather conditions.

Creating a car capable of functioning autonomously in all situations requires a fusion of sensors with different attributes including radar, LIDAR, cameras, ultrasonics and structured light technology. Each of these is needed to enable an autonomous car to function in the real world and to ensure the car can make safe and accurate decisions anywhere.

REVIEW OF SA’S NEW IMMIGRATION LAW ONE YEAR POST-INTRODUCTION

outh Africa issued its latest amendment to the new Immigration Regulations that were implemented in May 2014. The key areas covered in the updates to the immigration framework are: the protection of jobs for South African nationals (or PR holders), and the attraction of skills and investment needed for the advancement of the economy and South Africa as a whole. Fourteen (14) months after their introduction, I wish to offer my personal opinion on what is working and what is not. A new way of submitting all applications - the Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS).

percentage of lost applications has decreased significantly and overall processing times have improved to more or less 8 weeks for any temporary residence visa application. On the other hand, the VFS fee of ZAR1, 350 per application makes the application process considerably more expensive for applicants. These fees are in

some positive changes as a result of the new immigration rules. The duration of an Intra Company Transfer visa has increased from two to four years. With the help of a directive, the local medical aid requirement has been removed for holders of a study visa who accompany their parents. The spouse of a retired person visa holder is now entitled to accompany the visa holder. The processing times for a section 11 (2) work visa are generally five working days at the missions abroad. I really have to think very hard here to come up with more. Oh, yes, to have a critical skills list and such a broad one is positive. For some categories the critical skills work visa works well but for other categories not. It really depends on which professional body one is required to register with.

“The new requirement that children must travel with their unabridged birth certificate has received extensive press coverage because it affects South Africa’s important tourism industry significantly.”

Applications submitted in South Africa have to be lodged at VFS. Subsequently the entire application pack will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in Pretoria for adjudication. An applicant cannot expect any level of understanding of the with regards to the content of the application from VFS officials. The organisation functions as a structured and organized ‘mailbox’; captures the applicants’ biometric data; and eventually facilitates either the endorsement of a visa in the passport or distribution of an official rejection letter. On the one hand, the

addition to the still existing DHA fees. For instance, a family of four would have to pay in excess of ZAR 5, 000 for the mailbox services in addition to the DHA fees for their specific visa. Please bear in mind that the level of quality for the adjudication has not improved. It is rather the opposite. We, as well as other Immigration firms, have seen an increase in the percentage of wrongfully adjudicated applications, much higher than before the introduction of VFS. And of course VFS still charges its fees, if the wrongfully adjudicated applicant then has to submit an appeal. WHAT’S CHANGED FOR THE BETTER? Regular readers of this magazine will have read this before – there have been

WHAT’S WORSE? Of course, the following points are seen from the view of the applicants, not DHA. I must however, point out, that one of the main aims is the protection of SA nationals and their job opportunities and it is the right of the legislator to come up with new set of rules. So, when I list them under negative somebody else might rightfully see them as positive. Firstly, foreign interns can stay at home. Foreign students are no longer allowed to take up internships in South Africa. The missions have clear instructions not to allow this anymore. I still do

not understand where foreign students take local jobs away and to cite things like exchange of ideas, people, cultural understanding are unlikely to be sincere considerations for DHA. So, please foreign interns, stay at home. With them should also stay the life partners of SA citizens if you have not been living together for two years or more. Foreign parents of a minor child who is a South African citizen, that are

locals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can actually also stay at home, or at least find a way to do all of the above without a long term work visa. They can apply for a section 11 (2), but not for an Intra Company Transfer Visa. For the latter the company must already exist in the country and have rented offices. Wonderfully practical and really inspiring to foreign investors. What does not work at all is the general work visa. The major change was the introduction of a compulsory

months. The biggest problem is however the disconnect between the two departments. The Department of Labour is supposed to send their recommendations to DHA. In practice, however, we spend a considerable amount of time trying to locate these recommendation letters without which one cannot submit an application. Lastly, is the issue of the abridged birth certificate when travelling with children which has been covered in detail in the press. Overall, we see that the immigration system is much more restrictive to foreigners. The new law has brought many negative changes. Some changes were well intended, but poorly executed. Some are aimed at making it much more difficult to foreigners to work in South Africa whilst others such as the new duration of an Intra Company Transfer Visa of four years, are good.

not married to or in an accepted life partnership with a South African citizen or Permanent Residence holder do not automatically get a visa. If however the child has a trust fund providing the child with a monthly income of ZAR 8.500 or more, the parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of staying in South Africa are significantly increased. I am not an expert on the Constitution, but unity of family rings a bell or two. The following might come as a surprise, but managers who get sent to South Africa to set up a subsidiary, open a bank account, rent an office and employ

recommendation by the Department of Labour. When the draft Regulations were open for public comment, we and many others raised the concern that the involvement of another Department will lead to much longer processing times. The legislator wished to make sure that no suitable local employee can be found, and in addition that local businesses comply with local labour laws. Fourteen (14) months after the introduction of the new law, we can - with full conviction - say that we were right. It does not work. The new Department of Labour recommendation letter takes between four and six

The new requirement that children must travel with their unabridged birth certificate has received extensive press coverage because it affects South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important tourism industry significantly. However, the other requirements though just as important, but not as visible, have resulted in many foreigners changing their perception about South Africa. They no longer feel welcome. This might not have an immediate effect on foreign direct investment, but it most certainly will have an indirect one in future. ANDREAS KRENSEL

The future is now

At PwC, we know that a sustainable business needs strong leaders, both now and in the future. We also know that the achievers of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Our sincere congratulations go to the winners in the SAPSA awards, including our Africa Senior Partner Suresh Kana, who was named SAPSA Professional of the Year. We’re proud of our contribution to our profession – and the contribution of our people to our communities and our country.

www.pwc.co.za

IN LOVE AND WAR

TAP Book Review

BY LESLEY LOKKO

he beauty of stories lies in their ability to allow us to mentally traverse beyond familiar geographical and cultural boundaries. They take us from our (un)comfortable spaces and let us observe with amusement, learn and critique narrated incidents. Well written stories make us relive historical experiences, fall in love, experience passion and mourn with characters moulded by authors and brought to life by our imaginations. Readers and followers of Lesley Lokko’s writings would agree that her latest book, In Love and War allows them to feel the above and much more.

that become my novels actually begin”. This movement between continents and cultures manifests itself as a recurring theme through her most recent novel, In Love and War.

is a no nonsense, adrenaline addicted war correspondent, whose passion to share stories has taken her all over the world and into dangerous territories. Jane Marshall is a hardworking highly acclaimed TV producer haunted by the phrase, “you are only as big as your last great production.” She is desperately looking for the next big scoop that will wad off her colleagues who are eagerly waiting for her to drop the ball and take her job.

“She grabbed the bag that contained her camera, recorder, passport, money, mosquito repellent and a box of tampons- in this region more useful than a gun and just as hard to find- and followed the men out of the café....”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE NARRATIVE

Born in Scotland to a Scottish mother and a Ghanaian father, Lesley Lokko split her childhood life between Scotland and Ghana.

As a young adult she tried her hand at different careers ranging from waitressing to office manager, and eventually decided to study architecture and obtained a doctorate in it. She describes writing narratives as her passion, and has published nine fictional books so far. As an author and Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Johannesburg, Lokko shares her time between Johannesburg, London, Accra and Edinburgh. She describes herself as spending an “awful lot of time in airports. That’s where many of the ideas

The above excerpt found in the first page of the book, sets the tone and prepares the reader for an intense journey. It is fast paced, with frequent movements between London, and various countries in East Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa; characteristic of life in the 21st century. The story is about a young female journalist operating in what many would describe as a “man’s world”. Lexi Sturgis, the main protagonist,

Deena Kenan is a young British doctor of Arab origin, passionate about human rights and equality. When the Arab Spring breaks out in Egypt, Deena is anxious to get back to her roots and help her

Author: Lesley Lokko 42

people. She packs her bags and leaves London for Egypt without telling her parents. The lives of these three women dangerously intersect in Egypt espousing a world full of tricksters, secrets and puzzles, and marked with peril at every corner. The ending is refreshingly unusual and rewarding. SUMMARY ANALYSIS Darkness exists because there is light, and light exists because there is darkness. This action packed story - though loaded with a perilous tone is softened by romantic nuances and steamy raunchy accounts. The male-female sexual dynamics in Africa, though still skewed, have evolved over the years and its representation in literature and the media provide interesting reference.

The portrayal of women in African literature initially oscillated broadly between two extremes: the Mother Africa trope and the prostitute. This further developed into representations of the ideal empowered woman versus the wicked woman in urban spaces. Conversations about the 21st century young woman in the city, have moved from the need to control and contain her, to the need to embrace women’s sexual and economic liberation.

The characters are seen negotiating past lived experiences through memory, delicately espousing how their past influences their present outlook of themselves and what unfolds around them.

Blogs such as Adventures from the Bedrooms of African Women by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah and the online TV series An African City created by Nicole Amarteifio, are informing these conversations. It is in these most intimate of spaces, when two souls and bodies join and liberate each other, that Lokko also shares her ideas on the meaning and performance of the sexually empowered female.

A remarkable read, it is an exotic novel that would appeal to the empowered and exposed woman of the 21st century.

She toys with the idea of national and cultural identity with her characters hence tempting questions such as, “what makes one African?” though this theme is not explored in detail.

Beyond romance, In Love and War provides an excellent blend of Northern Africa and Sub-Saharan climes; the landscape, culture, political and social happenings. Lokko vividly describes the characters connections and physical movements between London, Egypt, Kenya and the Middle East. However, these movements are presented from a Eurocentric position of power, but this could be because it is the story of a British journalist. Movement is not only confined to the physical, it is also explored through time by engaging with memory and flashbacks.

WANJIRU WAICHIGO-NJOGU

THE HANGING TREE

“

Southern Trees bear a strange fruit Blood on the leaves and blood at the root Black bodies swingin’ in the Southern breeze Strange fruit hangin’ from poplar trees Pastoral scene of the gallant South The bulgin’ eyes and the twisted mouth Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh Then the sudden smell of burnin’ flesh Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop Here is a strange and bitter crop.” – Billie Holiday, Strange Fruit

of view) performed by Billie Holiday at the height of slavery in the South of America. I wish a lot of things for you my baby. I wish you love, laughter, a love for books, wit, a sense of humour, good health and a whole lot more. More than anything I wish you freedom. I wish you freedom from the ugly side

killed like livestock based simply on the colour of their skin. In that time, a man could be hung from a tree by his neck and burnt alive simply because of the colour of his skin. It was called lynching. I hope you find this even harder to imagine than I do because it will speak better of the society I raise you in.

“Now we live in a society where the legal structures for equality exist but some people still battle to align their minds with that change. Would you believe that a client once told me that he doesn’t feel black people should earn the same as white people because they don’t know the same things? Along the same vein, I have been asked by many a person of my own race why I play a sport that’s for white people instead of leaving it to the white people who know about it?..”

Dear future child of mine, This evening I heard the song, The Hanging Tree by Jennifer Lawrence, for the first time. As its eerie rhythm poured slowly out of my speakers, a strange familiarity whispered over my skin leaving a trail of goose bumps. It’s a strange feeling child, to recognise something you do not know; to realise that your heart and soul already know what your eyes and ears have not witnessed. My mind chose to fill the sudden silence that came after the last strain of Hanging Tree with Strange Fruit. This song was famously (or infamously depending on your point

of humanity’s history. Already, I find it hard to fathom that once upon a time people were sold, used, abused and

I live in an era where racial lynching is now only a historical fact. You cannot imagine how grateful I am for the great strides mankind has made. We still have some way to go though. Now we live in a society where the legal structures for equality exist but some people still battle to align their minds with that change. Would you believe that a client once told me that he doesn’t feel black people should earn the same as white people because they don’t know the same things? Along the same vein, I have been asked by many a person of my own race why I play a sport that’s for white people instead of leaving it to the white people who know about it? My encounters with ignorance are nothing compared to what is going on in the world at large based on race alone. We live in a society where the mention of terrorism is often accompanied by a side-eye to the nearest Muslim person and Muslim people almost always get selected “randomly” for security searches at the airport.

My society has exchanged blatantly racial references like “black people”

and “white people” for more covertly racial terms like “these people.” I guess we feel that saying things like “you can’t trust these people” or “these people never loved us” makes us less racist.

America is dealing with a shocking rise in the number of black people killed inexplicably and unjustifiably or subjected to indefensible violence by the police. Some people believe the media is making a meal of the systemic racism in America but according to an article published by the American Guardian on 29 September 2014, “Quantitative studies tell a vastly different story. Researchers consistently find that people of colour are more likely to be stopped and frisked; that white Americans are more likely to use

illegal drugs, but black Americans are more likely to be jailed for drug use; that black men are sentenced to longer prison terms than their white peers for the same crimes and, even more incredibly, that the more stereotypically “black looking” a defendant is, the more likely he is to be sentenced to death.” I live in a society where most people believe it’s a compliment to tell me that I “don’t sound black” or to say “you are very articulate. Where do you come from?” Believe it or not child, there is a whole debate about the racial politics of speaking articulately when you are a person of colour. Joe Biden once described Barack Obama, the first black president of America, as “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean

and a nice-looking guy.” Articulate. The word has been used to describe Condoleeza Rice, the US Secretary of State and Oprah. Lynette Clemetson’s article in the NY Times “articulates” it perfectly. “The word perfectly conveys, to quote George Bush, the soft bigotry of low expectations. It literally comes down to that. When people say it, what they are really saying is someone is articulate…for a black person.” The trees of the global village today bear their own kind of strange fruit. I hope that I raise you to do better than we have done and to love and hate people based on factors unrelated to their race. May you never recognise the rhythm of the Hanging Tree. CHAITWA MAMOYO

Photo by Rodger Bosch

PROBLEMS FROM MODERN DAY SPIRITUALITY IN AFRICA

am about to tread into some unchartered waters that I never really wanted to get into, but good golly I sure can’t help myself. Let me start off by saying that I am no expert in this field, just a mere observer. For as long as I have lived I have seen beauty in this world. Nature, childbirth how everything works, how through no real doing of my own, my life is as it is, and in my heart, I believe that there is a ‘being’ higher than myself that makes all this so and I give thanks to ‘It’. My ‘being’ manifests itself in the form of a Christian God, because it was how I was raised and in my 40th year I still give glory to ‘It’, if for nothing at all because it keeps me humble. That being said, I do struggle a lot with the Holy Trinity which is pretty ‘whack’ because that is the cornerstone of this religion of ours - but I never said that I was perfect, and every day I ask for help to be drawn closer to my maker. Sometimes I fail… sometimes I succeed, and as long as I breathe I keep striving.

which we live. Along came humans and they decided they were God and tried to make everyone believe what they believe. My thinking is if I live what I

Now I get to the latest bane of my existence. What is it about Africans and these Pentecostal/Evangelical churches that are springing up everywhere, preying on the desperation of the congregation? Yes, there are some that do good, but there are plenty that are giving the whole lot a horrible name. Last year, we heard about this ‘prophet’ - how he is a prophet, I know not and no disrespect to him/anyone who swears by him, I am making a mere observation from my standpoint of blissful ignorance. He makes gazillions, one of his churches fell down, many perished and from what I read he blames the hand of the devil even though reports state that some simple building regulations were not adhered to. His congregation still stands by him. Earlier this week I read about a pastor that makes people eat snake meat, last year another that makes his congregation eat grass, and yet another who asks his congregation to strip naked and he stomps on them and some even worse stories.

“Last year, we heard about this ‘prophet’- how he is a prophet, I know not and no disrespect to him/anyone who swears by him, I am making a mere observation from my standpoint of blissful ignorance. He makes gazillions, one of his churches fell down, many perished and from what I read he blames the hand of the devil even though reports state that some simple building regulations were not adhered to. His congregation still stands by him. Earlier this week I read about a pastor that makes people eat snake meat, last year another that makes his congregation eat grass, and yet another who asks his congregation to strip naked and he stomps on them and some even worse stories...”

I differ with many of my Christian brothers and sisters in that I believe that the declaration is that I accept Jesus as my PERSONAL Lord and Saviour, therefore in my naivety, I guess, I also believe that all faiths have their place under the sun, because the crux of most religions, when stripped down bare, is about being good to each other and living in harmony with the world in

believe, those who see my light will be drawn to my light. Beheading, shooting, maiming, in the name of a religion will push me darn far from you.

Now I am not sure which is worse; those who, in the name of religion prey on the hopes or fears of a seemingly ‘hopeless’ and malleable congregation, or those desperate enough to believe that healing and prosperity could be gained from some man who professes to be a man of God, yet rapes their congregation who are already at their wits end in respect of funds and hope? Religion and spirituality have been part of African culture from time immemorial.

My father always says that I always look at things simplistically, but I guess that is the only way I can understand and make sense of it. So I ask, what is it about us that makes us give our wealth (personal or mineral), sell our kin and our souls in the hope of prosperity? How do we allow â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fake prophetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to take advantage of us like that? I might be taking it too far, but it seems to spill over into general life outside of sheer religion. We let a handful of troops with guns, mirrors, sugar and bibles, come onto our shores and colonise us. We allowed them to make us believe that as brothers and sisters of the same soil, one tribe is better than the other based on looks. We let a minority render us animals, here on our own land and we accept it? What is it about us that firstly,

people think they can do this to us (well because they can I guess) and why do we let it be so? When will this beautiful continent rise and prosper? YAW PEPRAH Twitter - @yawzie

Image by Chris Kirschoff, Mediaclubsouthafrica

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ARTICLES AVAILABLE ON THEAFRICANPRO.COM DAVID ADJAYE, OBE:

AFRICA:

A LAND WORTH EXPLORING

AFRICA’S BEST ARCHITECTURAL ENTREPRENEUR David Adjaye OBE is recognised as one of the leading architects of his generation. Adjaye was born in Tanzania to Ghanaian parents and his influences range from contemporary art, music and science to African art forms and the civic life of cities. In 1994 he set up his first office, where his ingenious use of materials and his sculptural ability established him as an architect with an artist’s sensibility and vision. Read more at www.africanpro. co.za/entrepreneurs

Africa Day 2015 provided an opportunity to celebrate the development of the African continent as well as consider the various opportunities that it offers. This is according to Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express SubSaharan Africa (SSA), who not only believes that the continent offers vast opportunities but also that it is one of the last frontiers for economic growth and development. Full story under www.africanpro.co.za/ professionals

ENTERTAINMENT:

AFRICA ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED African Entertainment Inc., parent company of the 2015 African Entertainment Awards, has announced the official nominees for this year’s African Entertainment Awards. The nominees are made up of a diverse group of African entertainers who exemplify talent and remarkable contributions to their craft. The Best International Female Artist, Best International Male Artist and Best International New Act categories boast some of the world’s very best in African music and entertainment. Some of our highlighted categories include: Best New Artist of the Year, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Event of the Year, Best Breakout Artist of the Year and Best Media. Visit www.africanpro.co.za/ organisations to read more.

Briefs

TECHNOLOGY:

E-TOLL:

APPS:

FIVE TIPS TO CREATING ‘APPS’ THAT PERFORM TECHNOLOGY PAINTS A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR AFRICA Turning tales of hardship into progress, passionate Africans innovatively use technology to improve life on the continent, fuelling future human progress and development especially in the continent’s hard-hit rural areas where access to electricity, clean water, and landlines is still a luxury. Visit www.africanpro. co.za/technology to read more.

E-TOLL FEE REDUCTION WILL HELP CONSUMERS The reduction in toll fees will have a significant positive impact on hard pressed consumers. Debt expert Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue - one of the largest debt counselling firms in South Africa - said for commuters who use the toll roads on a daily basis, this move would bring some relief from the crushing debt load most South Africans have to cope with. According to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, road users in Gauteng will pay up to 50% less a month in toll fees while car owners with outstanding amounts owed to Sanral will be offered a 60% discount to settle their bills. Visit www. africanpro.co.za/technology to read more.

Today’s business environment is recognising that ‘communication’ is key to driving business performance. While marketing is still perceived as advertising, branding etc., communication has evolved to include technological software developments that gather queries, route them to the right department for reply and now, the development and deployment of ‘mobile applications’. In 2015, if you are not developing a mobile or digital business ‘app’ of some description, then you are considered to be behind the times and out of touch with your customers. Visit www. africanpro.co.za/technology to read more.

ARTICLES AVAILABLE ON THEAFRICANPRO.COM UCT:

UCT STUDENTS EARN INTERNATIONAL PRAISE FOR CELLPHONE APP Two Cape Town students have earned international acclaim for developing a stokvel cell phone app. Created by Nokwethu Khojane and Lauren Drake from UCT’s Graduate School of Business, Lakheni helps people to save money by “shopping together”. The app uses aggregation methods to maximise the power of communities by allowing them to buy in bulk and giving them access to discounted foods. Full story on www.africanpro. co.za/technology

THABO MBEKI:

THABO MBEKI VIP GUEST SPEAKER AT SPEED MEET JOZI JOHANNESBURG – Homecoming Revolution, the brain gain company for Africa, was delighted to announce former president Thabo Mbeki as the VIP guest speaker for its ‘Speed Meet Jozi’ event. Speed Meet Jozi, which takes place on 14 August at the Hilton Sandton, brought together delegates from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and other countries within sub-Saharan Africa. Angel Jones, CEO of Homecoming Revolution, commented that, “Homecoming Revolution shares Mr Mbeki’s vision of an African Renaissance & aims to fulfil that goal by connecting influential Africans across many different borders.” Read more at www.africapro.co.za/ professionals

WOMEN:

2015 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD WINNERS Read about Takunda Ralph The winners of the Women in Construction Awards: Recognising Excellence in Africa, were announced on Wednesday 13 May 2015. Hosted by the African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo, the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg South Africa saw 300 guests from the construction, cement and concrete industry celebrate, recognise, and applaud the finalists for 2015. Visit www. africanpro.co.za/professionals to read more

Briefs

KANSIIME:

KANSIIME: EAST AFRICA’S QUEEN OF COMEDY VISITS JOHANNESBURG Following the success of her Australian Tour, East Africa’s queen of comedy Anne Kansiime was recently booked to host an award ceremony in South Africa. In 2007, while still an undergraduate at Makerere University, Kansiime began to participate in drama skits performed by the theatre group Theatre Factory, who played at the Uganda National Theatre in Kampala’s central business district. When Theatre Factory disintegrated, she joined its replacement, Theatre Fun. The group plays every Thursday evening and the best skits were broadcast on NTV Uganda in the Barbed Wire TV show that later became U-Turn. She partnered with Brian Mulondo as a Taxi interview conductor in the MiniBuzz series and provided comic video dramatizations of topical issues that random passengers discussed. Visit w w w. a f r i c a n p r o . c o . z a / professionals to read more

Trevor:

TREVOR: FROM CAMEO ON ISIDINGO TO NEW HOST OF DAILY SHOW South African comedian Trevor Noah is replacing comedian and political satirist Jon Stewart as host of the late-night talk and news satire television program The Daily Show. Trevor debuted on the show as a senior international correspondent on December 4, but was seen as a worthy replacement over big names such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Jason Jones. Stewart announced in February 2015 that he will be stepping down from the show later this year. He has been the show’s host for over fifteen years. Visit www. africapro.co.za/professionals to read more

EXPATRIATES:

WHITES ARE EXPATRIATES, THE REST ARE IMMIGRANTS In 2010, we launched a magazine in South Africa known as “The Expatriate”. The publication featured the lives of African professional migrants to South Africa and was subsequently renamed “The African Professional or AfricanPro” in 2013. The reason for the use of the word ‘Expatriate’ was deliberate to provoke the perception that it was the preserve of European migrants. On 13 March 2015, an article by Mawuna Remarque Koutonin on this very topic went viral on theguardian. com website republished from Mawuna’s website siliconafrica. com. Visit www.africanpro. co.za/professionals

ARTICLES AVAILABLE ON THEAFRICANPRO.COM MARKETING:

A MARKETING QUALIFICATION FOR AFRICA

African marketing professionals need not look outside the continent any longer to further their academic studies. The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) has launched its Chartered Professional Marketer (CPMkt(A)) qualification, designed to provide skills that relate specifically to Afrocentric markets and introduce tools and trends that enable marketers to interact in both a continental and global, context. Visit www. africanpro.co.za/professionals to read more

KENYA AIRWAYS:

MESSAGE FROM KENYA AIRWAYS CEO ON STATE OF THE AIRLINE A lot of untruths and innuendos have recently been peddled in the media and other circles regarding Kenya Airways. Given the airline’s pivotal role in not only Kenya’s economy, but to the region, and its valuable contribution to giving Kenya visibility on the global front, these statements cannot go unchallenged. Visit www. africanpro.co.za/travel to read more.

NIGERIA:

NIGERIAN MARKET POSED FOR STRONG BUSINESS AVIATION GROWTH The Nigerian Commercial aviation industry has contributed about $0.7 billion (N137.9 billion) to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and a projected investment of USD 12 billion in the short and medium term should lead to passengers’ growth to between 12 and 25 million by 2018. What’s more, industry data revealed that Nigeria’s passenger traffic for inbound and outbound destinations soared to 21 million in 2014, surpassing the 2013 record by over 20%. Visit www. africanpro.co.za/travel to read more.

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All South African engineers, accountants, architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, management consultants and lawyers are invited to participate. Visit www.saproawards.co.za for further information or contact us on 011 251 6325.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AFRICAN?

IN AFRICA, YOU ARENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T AN ADVOCATOR OF QUALITY. YOU ARE A MASTER OF IT. African fashion is more than a global benchmark for haute couture: it exists in the skies, the streets, the ideologies and ways of life. And like it, the people are vibrant. Their beauty is absolute. They are the perfect harmony. We are more than just an airline. We are African first. We are a proud carrier of its hopes, its dreams and its unlimited potential. If you are going places, so are we. Fly SAA. BRINGING THE WORLD TO AFRICA. TAKING AFRICA TO THE WORLD.