Imbo Magazine February 2013

Page 1

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 1


2

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 3


58

13

74

contents 38 34

Wellness Foods to light your fire

Fashion Feature Africa’s global take-over

54

Networking

40

Cape Indulgence

4

The business side of dating

For the love of Cape Town

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

58

76 72 62

Campus Connect Are Africans learning for the good of Africa?

Green Zone Green design, our saving grace?

Young Professionals Jessica Bonin; passion equals happiness

Alternative Thinking

Afrika Unite!


32

Editor-in-chief Sisanda Ntshinga Managing Editor Lindile Ndwayana Art Direction Yivani Nkukwana Junior Designer Ntsika Daki Fashion Editor Loren lee Henderson Junior Features Writer Noluvuyo Bacela Photographer Patrick King Contributors: Kim Julie, Gsbriel Francis, Nthabiseng Ntsondwa, Wale Oyerinde, Lerato T Kuzwayo, Thlolo Modiba, Chido-Vanessa Dandajena, Baphe Phukwana, Haylee Beth Maltz, Market Theatre, Reizane Desai, Nastassja Dowman, Mawetu Matyila, Sifiso Ndaba, Rizqua Barnes, Andy Mkosi, Siyabonga Sibaca

Chairman: Gugu John Madlala Publications Manager: Sisanda Ntshinga Creative Director: Yivani Nkukwana Business Developer: Dominic Billy HEAD OFFICE Bambisana Media Consortium Media Quarter, Cnr Somerset & De Smidt St De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8005 Tel: (021) 418 3485 / Cell: (082) 593 3973 Email: editorial@enjabuleni.com IMBO Magazine is owned and published by BMC (Reg no. 2011/073781/23) Printed by Trident Press Distributed through tertiary institutions.

43

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the editor is strictly prohibited.

It’s what you do for Africa

IMBO/ ISSUE 2012 5 5 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/3/2013




8

IMBO/ ISSUE 3/ 13/2012 2013


Hello again, as we move from the month of worry (janu-worry) to the month of love. Yes, it’s the month of far too much cheesy advertising featuring red and white, plastic roses and those hearts which are stuck on Everything from clothing and cups to food specials and medical supplies. Being Imbo Magazine you know it is our duty to shake up the media’s portrayal of love. So we’re going to give you an issue full of love, with a twist. In this issue we celebrate our beautiful continent and express our love for her and the people who call her home. In our Cape Indulgence (pg40) we have a love affair with Cape Town and share a comical albeit touching story. Alternative Thinking (pg62) touches a nerve and reminds us that we need each other more than ever as continental neighbours. Our bright fashion spread literally screams Africa (pg18) while we also investigate the miseducation of print (pg32). The main feature is a truly inspiring beat this month, the super Africans featured within epitomize what it is to love Africa.

As the new month brings all of us a new chapter in this exciting year; it completely rocks my boat! It comes with great sadness as well as a little excitement that I close my chapter as the Editor-in-chief of Imbo magazine. I am off to begin another journey that will bring more challenges and take me closer to my dream. It was a tough decision but like they say, some offers only come around once in a lifetime. I have had the time of my life here at Imbo and I am going to miss you the reader, my team and the vision all tremendously. With that said I hope you enjoy this issue and may it fill your heart with lots of love and joy. ‘Till we meet again...

From the

EDITOR

Blessings,

Sisanda

Send your letters and WIN fabulous prizes with IMBO editorial@imbomag.com

on the cover Nicole: Kiki dress, R 995 at Wafwako; Gold circle necklace, R 520 at Wafwako; Zip bracelet, R 350 at Wafwako. Make-Up: Esmerie portgieter Photographer: Rizqua barnes Location: Signal Hill, Cape Town

IMBO/ ISSUE 3/ 2012 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 20139 9


10 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


out & about Uyanda, 21

The streets are abound with adventurous print wearers. In the streets of Cape Town, individuality is your game. Just add deconstructed pieces and your favourite Converse, and Ian, 21 you’ve got this.

Works for a mobile app company called Bozzamobi. She sources talented artists Follow her @Mizzpurple01

Freelance fashion stylist Follow him @ianmuller252

Kaylyn, 19 Dance student at UCT Follow her @KayJessThomas

Barbara, 24 Owner of Babette Clothing store Follow her @BarbaraLotter

Toni-Leigh, 25 Owner, director and choreographer of Musement studios and production company Follow her @toni_lilo

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 11


12 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Hello nurse... Iziqhaza give mbhaqanga a twist Noluvuyo Bacela

Nurses are most often associated with health, care and well, hospitals. But singing from the top of their lungs on South African TV, who would have thought...... The Iziqhaza band members, Khanyisa Mbuthu (28) and Mbongeni Mavuso (25) met at Madadeni Nursing College in Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal back in 2008. According to Khanyisa they first overheard each other singing at the college’s assemblies in the mornings and gradually decided to do something together. “In time we both realized that we shared a talent and decided to do something about our passion as we started writing a lot of songs and singing together.”

D

epending on where you are from nurses generally have some kind of effect on how we perceive healthcare. I know a few people that dread the idea of them because in the back of their minds they can’t really shake the image of them fervently holding a large syringe. Now a nurse, singing softly in the corridors while pushing a man in a wheelchair bed could be something I could imagine them do. But these days it’s another story all together.

says Khanyisa. Self- managing themselves, they hope to record and release their first single before the buzz about them dies, Mbongeni said in a recent Daily Sun interview. He also added that they need to be in Durban for them to be successful artists.

The duo started out singing at the schools’ concerts and at family functions and after two years they had a very good following. “We’d meet and just start singing, we both have no formal training so it just came naturally,” Mbongeni says. And lucky for them, their natural flair for music propelled them to the semi-finals of SA’s Got Talent, increasing their fan base and even more live gigs. Because of their day jobs, the pair lives and works in different cities, Mbongeni is in New Castle while Khanyisa is in Pietermaritzburg. When asked how they manage to keep the dream alive, they responded by saying it’s through self-management and the ‘Grace of God’. “Our work schedules miraculously don’t clash as [Mbogeni] doesn’t work on weekends and my roster is quite flexible”

With a sound that has been described as a “soulful traditional sound that has uMbhaqanga and jazz influences”, they can also proudly adorn their uniforms with one more thing- our stamp of approval.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 13


pop culture

Married and Young Nthabiseng Ntsondwa

Before marriage became a lovey dovey institution, it was for the most part a patriarchal business transaction. Now with its increasing youthful appeal, what are the specifications of marriage on the package?

Y

oung women in South Africa get married between the ages of 18 and 26, according to StatsSA, while their male counterparts see marriage at an even later stage. But as the saying goes “getting married young is like leaving a fantastic party at nine.” Any self-respecting party animal knows that, unless then he or she sees a prospect or three over at the bar area. Like an all expenses paid tuition, a GTi, cash, shopping sprees and even the added benefits of companionship.

14 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

Well given the unequal social status quo of the rich getting richer and the poor even poorer and media selling materialism like they are the virtues of Nelson Mandela or Mother Theresa, it’s no surprise that more and more people especially females find themselves feeling pressurised to live up to current cultural and societal trends. Many allow themselves to feel the obligation of compromising their moral compass just to rise above the breadline line.

Is it possible that one’s self-identity - an underrated influence of decision making patterns - is one of the reasons why some youth get into certain relationships and even marriage without knowing what they are really getting themselves into? If a person has not taken the time to discover who they are, what their true potential is and what they want out of life, how can they possibly know for certain what’s best for them and what decision to best take next? It seems as though in today’s life a lot of people are do


pop culture

ing things not because it’s right for them or because they love it but because it’s a quick fix or they saw somebody else doing it and thought it could work for them too. Truth be told, too many are entering things whether a relationship, business or choice of career prematurely without having considered its different angles or dimensions, and the continuous failures come with little planning and thought have gone into it. Having said that, it must be pointed out that there are other possible reasons other than financial security to why people in general are get married, and this includes to escape their current home situation with the hope of starting a new life, pregnancy, stability, religion, arranged marriages. And then there are those who get married to conceal their homosexuality or those who make a quick buck through marrying foreign nationals seeking South African citizenship.

last. Isn’t it true that marriage is not entirely about age but about character, emotional

and psychological maturity? Even though many people are cynical when it comes to love, there is still the few that do believe in love and making things work in spite of not having all the glitz and glam so many expect and aspire to have when married. With all things considered though, the ‘WE JUST GOT MARRIED’ painted on the rear window of an classic sports car is what young love is all about. And for now we’ll just learn to love and live a life worth living for.

did you know? * According to Divorce Attorney Cape Town South Africa (DACTSA) online, more divorces are filed in January and February than in any of the other months of the year. * More women file for divorce than men. * According to Stats SA, the median duration of marriage in 2011 was between 5-9 years.

With statistics revealing that divorce is most common amongst age groups 30-39 and 40-49 respectively, married young couples are said to be at a higher risk of divorcing But just because a couple is young it does not mean that their marriage will not

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 15


FASHION

Fashion Ed`s Choice just kicking Loren lee Henderson

Tomboy or not, most females around the Cape love wearing sneakers. Whether it’s a dress or skinny jean that’s been worn, the sneakers don’t stay behind. And that is perfectly fine... until the fashionable aspect is lost in translation. It is not easy to shake off favourite fashion items (such as our sneakers), whether they’re trending or not. However, it is easy to style them when you have found appropriate ways of wearing them. Tips for sneaker lovers: If your boyfriend can’t say you look hot while wearing those “kicks”, I suggest you change immediately! Or go hunting for wedged sneakers. Yes, you read correctly-They are out there! They’re comfortable, yet stylish and still have the “street” feel to them.

16 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


FASHION

Hot list

ray of white...

“Stab” out in style... Literally!!! Add some edge to your innocent garments. During the day let the white speak for itself and accessories with gold. As for evening events have the gold jump off the white. Studs and chains with a bold heel and you’ll be “Stabbing Out” for real!

c

Photographer: Kim Julie

b

A

e d g

f

A. Diamond mirror blouse R365 @ Metropolis B. Spike sweetheart blouse R485 @ Metropolis C. Cotton skirt R425 @ Metropolis D. Pearl hearted earrings R19.99 @ Mr Price E. Crochet flower ring R25 @ Signet Royale F. Vintage stud earrings R30 @ Signet Royale G. Studded dress R525 @ Metropolis

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 17


Photographer: Patrick King Art director: Yivani Nkukwana Fashion coordinator: Loren lee Henderson Makeup artist: Esmerie Portgieter Models: Vimbiso- DnA models Lea- Ice genetics Andrea- Ice genetics

A melting pot of pastels, chiffons, and vibrant African prints. This is the season, this Africa. Embracing the mixed African heritage in our wardrobes has never made us scream.. . . so LOUD and easy.

Vimbiso: Knotted necklace (x2) R195 each and Knotted printed belt R395 Wafwako. Lea: Knotted necklace R195 and Chained headband (x2) R150 each - Wafwako. Earrings R25 - Signet Royale. Andrea: Headband with Knot (x2) R150 each - Wafwako.

18 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 19


Lea: Knotted headband R150, Knotted bracelet and Chained headband as bracelet R150 each - Wafwako. Purple mood dress R545 - Metropolis. Shoes - models own.

20 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 21


Andrea: Knotted necklace (x2) R195 each, Chain headband as bracelet R150 and Bracelet (around ankle) R150 - Wafwako. Pleated chiffon mini skirt R325 - Metropolis. Vimbiso: Clutch bag R495 and Chain headband (around ankle) R150 -Wafwako. Pleated chiffon mini skirt R325 - Metropolis.

22 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


Andrea: Collar dress R460 - Metropolis. Knotted printed belt R395 and Bag R295 - Wafwako. Shoes - models own.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 23


24 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


Vimbiso: Brown blouse R290 - Babette. Beaded necklace R450, bracelet R150 and Clutch bag R495 - Wafwako. High waist shorts R360 - Metropolis. Shoes - models own. Lea: Lace collar blouse R270 and Green printed shorts R200 - Babette. Clutch bag R495 and bracelet R150 - Wafwako. Shoes - models own.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 25


26 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


Andrea: Beloved beaded necklace R1240 - Wafwako. Bow neck chiffon dress R445 Metropolis. Shoes - models own. Lea: Chain headband as necklace R150 - Wafwako. Chain shoulder dress R520 Metropolis.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 27


Andrea: Zebra printed scarf as a top R750, Chain headband as bracelet R150, Printed belts (x2) R395 each and Knotted bracelet (around ankle) R150 - Wafwako. Cut out skirt R260 Babette.

28 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 29


30 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


Vimbiso: Zebra scarf R750 and Clutch bag R650 - Wafwako. Black bandeau - stylist own. Shorts R360 - Metropolis. Shoes - models own.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 31


Th

e

Mi

se

du

W

ca

tio

n

of

pr

int

s

G ale Oy a one erinde co flora are Th nsid l sh the rog e pr ered irt w da ed ue, int t to ith ys ma an the rend be che whe se tchi d th styl of a fa ck p n p for ason ng e ‘c e is SS2 shio ant airin wa to the urt fie 013 n e s w g rd pu dr ains rce ha yes as . t o ap ar an s g ore ur e s’ e n d u o n . be , a o pd e st n a lon at pr int bso ger s lut e

FASHION

also need to challenge your inner demon to embrace the trend, you know that demon that keeps reminding you how ugly you look in everything you put on your back? Right, that one!

F

rom the major fashion capitals of New York, London, Paris and Milan, the catwalks over the past seasons have experienced a lousy use of prints and patterns. From Alexander McQueen to Zegna, it’s been a brilliant printvaganza, we just can’t seem to get enough! But just like every other major trend, wearing bold statement prints and being able to pull it off requires quite a bit of consideration, particularly, your body type, personal style, colour preferences and the season. You may

32 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

It is not surprising that certain trends are carried over from one season into the next, one of such trends is print and the mix of it with other patterns. With just a simple update and addition of mind blowing prints to your already owned pieces, you could give your entire wardrobe a major facelift and get prepped for the new season. Print however, doesn’t just stand alone, think about introducing them to interesting patterns and textures, these trends can be worn alone or mixed and matched. There are numerous florals, stripes, abstracts, geometrics and animal prints to choose from this season.


FASHION The fashion obsession for prints continues in SS2013. Presently 2 of my favourites are baroques and brocades, these prints encapsulate a modern approach, bringing all 3 elements of print, pattern and texture together and making it work. Designers all over have been inspired by these great prints that not only exude luxury but also mark you fashion savvy. Something to keep in mind when combining prints, patterns and textures is colours, two different prints and patterns or a print and texture are apt to look better if they are in shades of the same colour. Another consideration is scaling and balancing; combine small prints with large prints when putting an outfit together, big stripes work pretty well with smaller stripes within the same colour scheme, prints or patterns and plaids also work very well with polka dots. This might sound like hard work but this is where the fun begins. Small women can get drowned in big prints, so its highly recommended to stay away from large prints, stick to small or medium prints that are bound to do you justice. Large women on the other hand can however bring in large prints in tops and pairing them with a solid bottom. Certain prints can also be worn as great bottoms (skirts or pants) but if you are not slim from the waistline down, don’t even go there.

To take you a step closer to the season it is essential that I mention the major print trends that are bound to make you look fashion savvy rather than a fashion disaster, keep these few points in mind next time you hit the stores.

stylised floral prints –

These prints are major, unlike the single floral pattern that we are very much used to, these set of floral prints littered all over a solid coloured background, mostly in dresses, shirt dresses or slouchy tops.

check and floral mix – This mix is one of my favourite, it combines the traditional check pattern with bold floral print, this is just a typical example of a fashion rule that was meant to be broken.

optical geometric

- This print plays with colours and shapes, the geometric shapes of this print peak from the smallest pixel to larger prints, an absolute way to draw the eye in. One rule to keep simple when spotting this trend is to keep the accessories minimal.

world traveller – The world traveller print trend is one that was introduced this season to update the already traditional prints that existed. This print has been inspired by the influential fashion destinations of the world from oriental origins to hand-painted florals, vivid colours, Indian jewelled prints, magpie mixes, stylish tie-eye, folk inspired and pictorial prints. The bottom line is to hang onto anything that screams prints, just as long as it isn’t screaming “last season”. Try to stay away from the memorable prints from seasons past and instead try to be more original with the statements you are making. How to do this if you don’t have a fortune to spend on the new catwalk looks? March your booty down to your local charity shop or vintage store. These places are overflowing with prints that have been long forgotten and are just begging for a wake up call.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 33


FASHION

Made In AfricaCrowning Lindile Ndwayana

Ironically, the story of African fashion always has an international broadness to it that most probably won’t even start with the continent. Whether the stories are just pure gibberish or not, it’s time to ask the questions.

A

t the end of 2012, the New York Times (NYT) featured an article titled ‘Fashion Weighs a Deeper Investment in Africa’ that went on to explore the readiness of the continent to compete in the global fashion market. The article deliberated over whether Africa’s golden moment had indeed arrived? If my blame-it-on-globalization resounding ‘Duh!’ answers the question, then we might be off to a good start.

34 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

firstly, you should know… Since 2005, direct investment to Africa has gone up by fifty percent with a positive 5.7% GDP growth expected for 2013. On the other hand, a McKinsey study has predicted that by 2020 over half of all the Motherlands’ children will have disposable cash to buy clothes, the latest gadgets and other luxuries.

what does this mean for the fashion industry and the economy in general? The answer is sustainable and scalable job creation. African governments have to prioritise investments in education if we are to truly create global industries. Through these investments we will ensure that this ‘Golden Moment’ lasts for many generations to come.


FASHION Already on the ball are African fashion and creative institutions such as Africa Fashion International, the Design Indaba and Nigeria’s Style House Files; they are already helping grow the industry tremendously. The mention of a David Tlale fashion show in New York City, on a Vogue Italia write up or the showing of Taibo Bacar’s collection at Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg shows how far up on the global fashion industry we already are.

it’s not charity Although positive progress has been made on changing the perception of Africa, thoughts like, it’s a “high-risk continent” still loom behind the curtain rails. Fortunately to our aid and at the forefront of this new business boom is Vivienne Westwood, an English fashion designer. Her brand’s Ethical Fashion Program champions the fact that this is not another charity drive but rather a way people can earn a living and plough back into their communities. Her work results in marginalized communities of women such as single mothers, widows, HIV/AIDS victims and those living in extreme poverty in Nairobi, Kenya hand crafting each of the designs.

And then you have Edun whose entire business model is built on “bringing about positive change through trading relationships with Africa”. Positioning itself as a creative force within contemporary fashion, the Edun brand was found by U2’s Bono and his wife Ali Hewson in 2005. Now, with the world’s biggest luxury conglomerate owning 49% of Edun since 2009, it aims to produce 40% of its seasonal fashion collections on African soil this year specifically in Morocco, Kenya, Madagascar, Uganda and Tunisia.

catwalking higher and higher… While the continent expands its fashion business interests, it’s largely seen as a “source of inspiration for design trends that are rippling through the fashion industry”. Having conquered it all in 2012, from fashion and decor to design and African music topping global charts, Africa is on the rise.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 35


36 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 37


wellness

Aphrodizziality Lerato T Kuzwayo

A box of chocolates is associated with romance, so is the Italian pasta dish that made the famously iconic ‘lady and the tramp’ image. While peaches and cream is an urban culture cliché very few have tried these out in attempts to spice up their flavours of lovemaking.

P

leasure seeker that I am I know that one can savour in the wonders of just knowing what you are doing and how to do it. And in all my journeys through the valleys of the sacred pleasures of intimacy, the issue of what you eat to make you more saucy at love making is still highly sought after.

aphrodisiacs go way back It is said that science has not yet contained the mystery of Aphrodisiacs, and is yet to confirm the questions of whether or not they work or how they work. It would however be sensible that a healthy diet which produces specific nutrients necessary for enhanced sensual performance can be identified. Most of the scientific world has thus relegated the aphrodisiac theories to myth and folklore. The ancients have spoken of these foods as sacred fruit and others said to be nectars of Gods. A theory I came across once is that the ancients associated certain kinds of food with more sexual enhancement properties, in accordance to their appearance. For example the banana is a phallic symbol often the centre of many jokes and erotic innuendos, while strawberries and peaches are meant to represent the feminine sensual principle.

which food does what It has other wise been confirmed that chocolate releases endorphins or the feel good hormone that is also released during laughter. So as a psychological stimulant chocolate definitely works wonders. The movie cliché of inviting someone up for coffee after a date also seems to have great symbolic

38 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


wellness

meaning. The trick is to take the right dose so that it remains a stimulant, because taking too much can quickly turn caffeine into a depressant. Avocado is another one I have heard elders mention to be an aphrodisiac and like peanuts, bananas and oats have been pointed to assist sperm generation and creation.

and cannabis are mentioned to lead to more erotic pleasure through dis-inhibition, I would not be to one to advocate that vibe though, just stating which drugs have officially been studied.

the healthier the better Remember that the trick is to maintain a healthy diet throughout that you are always in a good condition. For example basil is also considered to be an aphrodisiac and it is also known for production of a general sense of well being of body and mind. Both of which are essential for any romantic bedroom acrobatics. Other famed Fruits of Aph-

rodite are almonds, aniseed, asparagus, fig, ginger, honey, oysters, Pineapple, berries and vanilla. In some published research wine

So planning a dinner for two and fixing up some of these in recipes and other culinary mixes you will be able to spice up the flavours of love making. Food made with love ought to make love making wonder filled experience.

love potion An energizing fresh fruit cocktail, this love potion is also a chance to show off your creative side in original combinations of juices.Â

ingredients 1 cup of crushed ice 90 ml apricot nectar 90 ml peach nectar 90 ml fresh squeezed orange juice 90 ml fresh pineapple juice 90 ml of coconut milk 1 cup of chopped fresh pineapple 1 fresh peach with skin 1 half mango garnish - star fruit slices and fresh pineapple wedgesÂ

instructions Place in crushed ice into large container or jug. Add fresh fruit juices, combine and pour into blender. Add coconut milk. Add pineapple. Grate fresh peach with skin (for colour) and add to blender along with sliced mango. Cover and give the mixture a quick pulse until fruit is blended and is thick and smooth Pour into glasses and garnish with a slice of star fruit and a wedge of pineapple.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 39


CAPE INDULGENCE

My Love Affair with Cape Town Noluvuyo Bacela

Take a glorious plate of food, add to it a beautiful backdrop, and throw in some beautiful people. And what do you get? I call it home.

I

’ve been in Cape Town for a little under two years and to be honest, it isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. For one, manna doesn’t fall down from the mountain and neither does snow. The mysterious mist that hovers over the mountain doesn’t extend to the city; it just stays there almost bubbling under the heat. And, it’s not as green as I’d hoped. I’m pretty certain that my hopes were a bit too high - yes, media played a part as I distinctly remember something about seeing movies stars and musicians on every corner, and yet it hasn’t happened. On the up side though, I have seen the majority of evening news crews and some of the most famous politicians and criminals in front of parliament and the Magistrates court. I can safely say I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to talk myself down from taking a quick snap and sending it to my mother back in the Eastern Cape.

40 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

the diversity of the city Cape Town is beautiful and just looking at the historical, rundown buildings evokes some kind of emotion reeling you in to tell a grander story than the one told in High School textbooks. The people may be diehard skeptics but once you gain their trust, and you also stop being paranoid, they let you in and introduce you to their ways. Even though there’s still much division from the pre-democracy Land Act there’s some kind of unity amongst the locals. I’ve lived in a Muslim area and its taken six months to gain the shop owner’s trust so I can get away with being 50cents short. To this day nothing compares to the warmth I had in my heart when he first said “you can give me later” when I was short for half a loaf bread. Experiencing parts of the Muslim culture firsthand through partaking in the Festival of the Lights, sharing biryani after Eid and how can I forget waiting for the shop owner to come back from the Mosque during Ramadhaan makes you one with the culture.


CAPE INDULGENCE food glorious food

Being forced to linger in town during these festivities allowed me opportunity to find my own hidden hangout spots like the D-0H!nuts café / deli inside the Golden Acre mall. After five o’clock it gets so packed it’s almost like the stock market with almost everything going on a two for one special. My current favorites are the cinnamon rolls that go for R2 each. After this I usually head over to the Eastern Food Bazaar for some Masala tea. The ambience is an experience in itself- the loud Indian music, the heat and mystical idols and carpentry are complemented by the affordable prices. The spicy tea goes for R10.

take some time out and smell the roses

One of my best finds thus far has to be the rose garden at the Company Gardens. It’s situated right behind the huge plot that’s filled with trees and squirrels and lots of tourists taking snaps, which means it’s quieter. Watching the flowers follow the sunset, and feeling the gentle breeze while sitting on the worn out benches concludes any stress filled day- any day! If the weather doesn’t permit smelling the roses, then I’d recommend gazing at the stars from Timbuktu’s balcony. They have the most comfortable seating comprising of lazy worn-out couches next to some low-hanging book shelves, African tapestry and music. Timbuktu is an Ethiopian restaurant so be ready to eat with your hands while enjoying a good chill out session.

showing neighbourliness

Meeting other likeminded people is always nice and my kinda people are the artsy/ happy-go-lucky kind. The most popular spot has to be Neighbourhood in Long Street but bear in mind, there’s a lot of pretentious people that hang out there too for some reason. When these people start rubbing you up the wrong way, I’d like to suggest the Neighbourhoodlum.... Happy Hour is from 5-7pm, yes! Now to go home! After months of cab drivers extorting hard-earned Randela’s from my broken pockets almost every other Friday night, I finally found a trustworthy onewith a meter. Rikkies cabs are affordable and they don’t have that dreaded “basic fee” thing everyone else seems to have. In as much as there are flaws to the system, racist remarks flying around and bipolar weather- I’m more than happy to call the Mother City my home and favorite place this side of the Equator.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 41


42 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


FEATURE

It`s What You do for Africa Bacela Noluvuyo

Over a billion people live in Africa, and millions of them need some sort of assistance to make ends meet on a daily basis. Despite the continent’s growing struggles, we have managed to attract philanthropic attention in the bid to bring awareness, encourage change and maximize investment in the Motherland in various ways.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 43


FEATURE

F

ormer South African President Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world, especially where the eradication of ignorance in the continent is concerned. This is the very ignorance that unfortunately has many Africans convinced that our continent is in fact “the heart of darkness”. It’s almost crazy to think we’ve just come from an era where a woman wasn’t allowed an education, to make the final decisions and in some parts of Durban, to wear pants. Women in particular have had to swallow a bitter pill for centuries. From practically being forced to spend their lives in the background of the household, from cooking to nurturing children, only then to be falsely diagnosed with a perpetual list of diseases. My favourite thus far has to be hysteria, which was loosely described as “unmanageable emotional excesses” by European doctors. According to medical history, for at least 2000 years until the late 19th century, hysteria had been referred to as a condition thought to be particular to women and caused by disturbances of the uterus. One recommended “cure” was pregnancy, because intercourse would “moisten” the womb and facilitate blood circulation within the body. In 2011, a British film under the same name opened at the box office and proceeded to tell the story of hysteria, but with a comedic flair. While there’s nothing funny about prejudice, the lengths society went through in the

44 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

past to stamp out any dream a woman may have had deserves a good chuckle now and again. From caging them in corsets to binding their feet from childhood, liberating the woman has truly been an eventful journey. Centuries later, women’s freedom is in abundance and with it is a plan to liberate others. It’s no wonder 19th century American Latter Day Saint leader Brigham Young wrote: “Educate a man, and you educate one person; educate woman and educate a village.” The impact one woman can make on the masses is indeed something to marvel at, an understated example being the mothers and aunts that shape the course of our lives. The role of women in society has transformed from homemaker to cabinet minister to leader of a nation in a Sub-Saharan African country. What reputable initiatives such as She’s The First, Oprah’s Academy for Girls, Take a Girl Child to Work and The Girl Effect are doing to shape the face of society on a grand scale, tells a tale of the importance of educating a girl. The following African women and men show how using their platforms can bring change to a community through educating and empowering another generation. From different corners of this continent, different professions and ethnicities, they’ve set out to do their part in educating a village filled with boys and girls that matter.


FEATURE

Sudan: Alek Wek

After fleeing to the United Kingdom with her family at the age of eight because of the 1991 civil war, Sudanese-born supermodel Alek Wek, now 34, decided to return home many years later. This time she travelled with the United Nations refugee agency to observe the refugee crisis in the north of Sudan, taking on the reigns to serve as part of the advisory board for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and as ambassador for Doctors without Borders in her country. Speaking to The Guardian she said, “We need better healthcare and education – and not just education for boys. Girls are dying in childbirth before eighth grade – that’s 14 years old.” She went on to say that if it weren’t for her father working on the board of education and being educated from the age of six, she doesn’t know if she would have made the same decisions in life. “I’ve heard stories like, ‘I’m going to die anyway, I might as well die, why I should even try?’ That really resonated, not knowing what tomorrow is.” With a drive to help and a passion for people, she plans on raising awareness about the 180,000 refugees in camps living on the border, and to also encourage aid assistance from the international community. “I want to help with the rebuilding process; I don’t want people to go through all that bloodshed ever again,” she says. At a time were Sudan is still trying to find its feet after independence, Wek’s resources are much needed and are bound to go a long way

South Africa: Lisa Kropman

Lisa Kropman is widely known in the business environment for opening up market accessibility for micro-enterprises in South Africa through the organisation The Business Place. Providing much needed practical support for start-ups and small businesses, their services range from providing practical information and training, to hosting workshops to enable entrepreneurs to tackle their business-related difficulties as they grow their businesses. She started this revolution from within the ranks of Investec Bank in 1997 and has been moving through the departments of the banking group, changing the organisation’s social investment and empowerment activities. During her time at Investec she headed up the bank’s Employment Equity Forum, led the Corporate Social Investment Division, and rose into operating the Entrepreneurship Development Trust (a black empowerment initiative) of the bank. Her dedication and social awareness shows how one person can put into practice initiatives that have the potential to transform a whole section of a country’s economy. For small businesses like your everyday corner store, alongside the thousands of people that owe their source of revenue to her initiative and drive, it goes without saying that she’s done well for the betterment of her country.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 45


FEATURE

Kenya: Megan White Mukuria

When most humanitarian organisations are lending a hand to support our African girls, the last thing that usually comes to mind is their hygiene. With food, healthcare and education on top of the list, menstrual hygiene is usually an afterthought, just as well as its environmental impact. When Havard graduate Megan White Mukuria founded ZanaAfrica in 2007, she had no idea what lay ahead of her. It was while she was working with the children in Kenya that she quickly realised the need and cost of sanitary pads, as well as their impact on the environment. In time she would become a social entrepreneur and a global leader on the issue of menstrual management with the launch of the first ever National Sanitary Towels Campaign. Alongside the campaign, EmpowerNet clubs were also launched that help mentor primary and secondary students. These clubs were set up to ensure that they made informed decisions regarding their sexuality and life choices, as well as building their selfesteem. Most recently, ZanaAfrica also introduced a Microfinance-for-University program to help the youth get into and through university. In Kenya alone it is reported that over 850,000 girls miss up to five days of school per month due to lack of sanitary pads. ZanaAfrica, however, prevents this from happening through empowerment and sustainment solutions.

46 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


FEATURE

Cameroon: Samuel Ghana: Ozwald Eto’o Boateng

One of Africa’s greatest football exports, Samuel Eto’o, delved into the world of charitable work in 2006 and established La Foundation Samuel Eto’o, a foundation for malnourished and uneducated children who seek aid and opportunity. The foundation set out to recruit 300 of the best players aged 10 to 13 and train them in specialised camps to help maximise their potential, with the most promising boys moving to Europe for professional careers. The players would then get an opportunity to have player-team harmony with football club FC Barcelona. The catch in this Cinderella story is that there’s a clause into all the players’ contracts, which sees a certain percentage of the players transfer fee return to the foundation, instantly giving back to the project. Speaking about his own story Samuel says, “I couldn’t have made it this far if someone hadn’t rendered the help I needed then. A certain rich man gave me the chance to play football and you can see where I am today. So it’s my turn to help those who need it to succeed in their career.” In future he plans on expanding the idea and to locate more academies across the country to offer opportunities to deprived children, giving them a platform where they can learn how to play football and make a living out of it.

English fashion designer of Ghanaian descent, Boateng is widely known for his trademark twist on the classic British tailoring style but it’s his interest investment in Africa that has left an impression on most of us. “Africa controls 50% of the world’s natural resources, in some cases 70% - so the concept of poverty [in Africa] makes no sense. And in the world, resources are key-when you balance that out with how much aid has been invested, which is billions, and of the aid money that’s been put in, if 20% actually hit the ground and got deployed, I’d be shocked. So that’s why I set up the foundation,” he said in an interview with The Huffington Post. In 2011 he founded Made In Africa Foundation alongside Kola Aluko and Atlantic Energy to support and fund master plans and feasibility studies for transformational and large scale developments and infrastructure projects in the continent. They started the foundation to provide finance for feasibility studies for African businesses and projects that are involved in the development of major infrastructure projects across the continent. In the same year they wrote a paper to the British government on policy for Africa, and campaigned against the World Bank and the African Development Bank in terms of what they were setting out to achieve. Currently, the African Development Bank has done a $22 billion dollar infrastructure bond, which has added more interest in investment in Africa than ever. “When I go to Africa, I don’t visualise it being worse, I visualise that if we did everything right, what would that look like, and suddenly it’s an amazing vision.”

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 47


Exposé

An African Truth Lerato T Kuzwayo

plummet from grace began. The age of the coloniser’s plague annexed from Africa its history which to this day remains a burnt library filled with mysteries.

A

frica-the great land mass at the middle of planet earth, the richest continent with wonders and mazes of natural amazements, the indomitable human spirit, the land of the lion, the animal royalty. The land that has been known to origin all of mankind, the mother land, home to a billion souls and each with a hundred tales to tell. Valleys, rivers and mountains and scenery of a paradise short only in the flesh to make it all of heaven. Then there is, Africa... the land of the wretched of this mother earth, the impoverished, home to hungry souls and each with a hundred tears to shed, amidst the city rubbish heaps and the draught trodden desserts and the easily corruptible spirit of a former revolutionary turned poly trickster, who fuse lies to confuse. While they are seated on the sacred thrones of holy kings and queens whose muses are amusements of the gods. So which of these is the African truth? The Africa that looks impoverished arid rural and dry on every international news segment or the Africa of Sandton sky scrapers and German Sedan Convoys?

48 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

As a place of origin Africa is the home of a myriad of knowledge, upon which great civilisations have risen. It is and archaeological monument bearing others on and beneath its surface. The story of Africa’s many beginnings are as beautiful as they are heart wrenching. This pendulum swings Africa in and out of the extremes. A rich land that bares poor people. Africans are called by many names, but our fate really began to change when our lands were called colonies. Somehow we seem to have forgotten how to name ourselves; Identities were lost. Colonisation was the thief that arrived to steal everything from people to every grain of land their eyes could reach, all things including human life became sellable and the Africans were taught to despise themselves and thus our

Africa gave birth to heroes and heroines, warrior kings and queens, leaders who rose above oppression to see salvation for their own people. Steve Biko, Kwame Nkurumah, Patrice Lumumba, Queen Nzingah, Queen Nandi, Robert Sobukwe, Oliver Tambo and great thinkers such as Cheikh Anta Diop who studied the history of the even greater Im Hotep, the great Egyptian Sage who is credited for the most of the ancient body academic knowledge. The Mother land birthed the cultural and musical genius of Miriam Makeba, Mama Afrika, Fela Kuti, Ali farka Toure, Youssou Ndor and Ladysmith black Mambazo. Along with the prodigal children such as Bob Marley seeking home through redemption songs, the humble pilgrims of Jazz, with the likes of Miles Davis, Coltrane, The Duke, Charlie Parker, Omar Sosa just to mention a few. It is the home of uBuntu and her many vibrant tongues. There are all these shades of Africa that we told about and shown, there are still shades that we have to reveal by ourselves as Africans. There may be many other perceptions of what Africa is, but what Africa will be is what we will choose for it to be. The great land with the potential to rise above all others provided unity prevails. A peaceful Africa for All Africans is the Africa I see. Nkosi Sikelela iZwe Lethu.


IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 49


financial fundis

Consumerism: Is less really becoming the new more? Lerato T Kuzwayo

Money and the financial system that preserves its positioning in society is living on borrowed time. Radical thought and an overhaul of the current financial formula seems to be the only way to fix the continuing crisis. So why the heck are we still using a broken system?

O

ver the past few years, well five to be exact, since the apparent global economic crisis named the recession, business and the individual economic behaviour has changed quite a lot, not to mention the different changes in government involvement in the economy. Plenty of questions were asked about what the reason for the recession and other economic anomalies were. Some of the responses were aimed at corrupt bankers and the large multinational corporations that control world industries.

50 IMBO/ ISSUE 9/ 2012

There is a school of thought that sees the recession as symptomatic of the disease of industrialisation and the birth of the banking system which has led to the modern style of wealth creation riddled with corruption scandals, Ponzi and/or pyramid schemes. The industrialisation of the globe is also seen to have a direct impact on climate change and global warming, which around the time of the recession was one of the hot topics of the day. It is generally thought by most theorists, mostly termed conspiracy theorists, that the bankers and oil compa-

nies along with other industrialists are in bed together and their relationship has brought both the physical environment and the financial world to crisis point. The key question that is usually asked in such economic occurrences as the Euro-American Recession falsely named the global recession is that we begin to look at how it has affected the individual economic participant or man on the street as we are usually referred to. How does this affect the consumer on the ground, and should the idea of con-


financial fundis

sumerism be revised especially in developing countries to a more creationist one? In America the National Bureau of Economic research published a paper after the conduction of a research survey during the time of the recession, written by Michael D. Hurd, a Senior Economic Research Professor and Susan Rohwedder a Senior Economist, both at the RAND corporation, noticed the following about spending patterns during the time of the recession: “In normal times, most people should expect generally stable spending over a six month horizon to the extent that they anticipate changes, most of the changes would be positive because spending increases with age until old age. In addition, nominal spending should increase over time both because of inflation and because of increases in incomes. However, in November 2008 just 8% of respondents expected an increase in spending over the next six months whereas about 20% expected a decrease.” (Hurd & Rohwedder. 2010)

Enter the green economy or the green bubble as some may call it. There is a myriad of social initiatives such as the “Occupy Movement” which have made the link between the need to move to greener economics and the improvement of the general economic systems. The use of clean energy and the preservation of the current energy supply have been affected by such thinking, while South Africa’s official 49M campaign has also helped in curbing energy expenditure. There is more information available to consumers today about alternative energy and alternative uses of energy that seem to have sparked this shift in the spending pattern of consumers. It would appear that the financial system as it is will not be a sustainable model for the immediate future if it does not change, it is also evident that the change is mostly influenced by consumption patterns as opposed to regulations, although the National Credit act in South Africa can be seen to be one regulation created to protect consumers. One of the positive aspects of the

act is that it allows the consumer to make an informed choice between different credit providers and be more informed about the different terms and conditions that apply to lending for expenditure purposes. Fortunately because of this less people have plunged themselves into over-indebtedness and have been able to tighten up on spending. There are numerous factors involved in shaping the current form of consumerism; the financial system is after all influenced by the many different players involved in it. Our needs as human beings are also continually refined as we evolve; therefore, we find innovative ways of getting more value out of the little that we may have, maximizing potential as it were. The Smartphone is a good example of this trend, it is no longer necessary to have a diary, a calendar, a wrist watch and a laptop all at the same time, you just need a smart phone, a single device. Modern products are multipurpose entities.

IMBO/ ISSUE 9/ 2012

51


YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Selling Happiness Noluvuyo Bacela

Jessica Bonin opened Lady Bonin’s Tea Parlour in 2010 as a platform for expressing her creativity; bringing a healthy alternative to take-away coffee, through a caravan filled with take-away tea! But when it came to finances there were limitations. She says she only had two choiceseither use her savings or to get a loan. “The last thing I wanted was to take the risk of a loan and be tied into something that would keep me trapped in a system I was trying to escape, as a result I adapted my idea to the finances I did have available. “ Wherever she could collaborate and exchange she did, swapping tea to get exposure and as people saw the potential of the idea they’d want to contribute to something so unique and fun.”

Before setting out to be the pioneer of a tea and coffee evolution, Jessica studied Drama and Theatre in Grahamstown and took to Cape Town to work in film production but then felt that she didn’t want to spend the majority of her time contributing too much energy to a “job” she did not like. “I didn’t want something that was separate from my life; I wanted something that was a platform for my passions, something I could

52 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

grow with and so starting this company was a life choice,” says Jessica. A life choice that wasn’t easy as getting support from the Cape Town City Council, considering the whole idea was based around being a mobile trader, was incredibly difficult. “I was reliant on their permissions, which I never got but through adapting my passion and dream, fighting for it at all costs, I am where I am today.” In as much as tea in itself is a difficult market, to get into, there was no formula and there was certainly no market, Jessica says she had to create a market of her own which in tune gave her the freedom her business needed to grow, and great fulfil its great potential.

J

essica’s famous bohemian tea caravan is a 1975 Vintage Jurgens Caravan and has been kept in its original condition with a few additions such as shelving, modern wall paper with Indian curtains, and bohemian, vintage collectibles adding to the decor. Selling her goods from a bohemian caravan, Jessica introduced a mobile tea room to Cape Town and travels from market to market, and from festival to party spreading the tea culture.

“The best part about my job is that it is not a job - it is another aspect of my life”

With the caravan being born as a solution to limited finances, Jessica says it was difficult to maintain motivation but she knew she had to train herself to continue moving no matter what, learning that not only is no is always negotiable, but one no leads to better yes’s! With only a few people able to express their perceptions of the world, to manifest in the real what they want to experience, Jessica says she creatively expressed the way she perceived the world through Lady Bonin I have allowed the business to guide me, listening and mindfully reflecting on its elements that people respond to, it guides me and so it thrives and is best be received.”

you can contact jessica at : +27 (0)83 628 2504? ladybonin@gmail.com www.ladybonin.co.za


YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Leading the Pack Noluvuyo Bacela

Self-funding his way to the top, Jeremeo le Cordeur tells us about how he started he’s own production company to facilitate his dreams. much I’ve accomplished given my financial situation, I’ve lost money with shows, I’ve made money with shows. Sometimes you have a budget, sometimes you don’t,” he says. In everything he says it’s the passion that has kept him going and with every show he tends to pick up a few new tricks on how to manage people and to deal with different situations.

T

wenty-three year old writer, director/producer, qualified stuntman, puppeteer and actor Jeremeo le Cordeur is the entrepreneur behind Vulture Productions - a theatre company that’s produced six shows since its inception in 2010. The shows include ‘I Know How You Screamed Last Scary Movie’, ‘Dress To Impress’, ‘Pizza’s Here’, ‘Risk’ and the up and coming ‘February14th’ which will be on the February line-up at the Artscape Arena.

“I love the fact that I can take something you’ve seen a million times and completely reinvent it.”

After attaining his Advanced Diploma in Acting from City Varsity School for Media and Creative Arts and 5 months of stunt work at the Dimensional Stunt School, Jeremeo started self-funding his dream of being on the stage. The competitiveness of the industry, led him to start the company as a means to create a platform for himself and his peers, “Actors spend a great deal of time waiting; waiting for auditions, call backs and to be discovered - I wanted to showcase my talent to further my career. Now I approach fellow actors and ask them if they want to do the same but for profit share.” After holding his first show when he was just 21 with his parents’ financial support, a show that they had to bring back due to popular demand, he’s gone to greater heights but still speaks of financial burden. “To this day money is probably my one constant struggle. It’s amazing to look back and see how

But as ambitious as Jeremeo is, he insists he’s an introvert, “I spend the money I earn doing other gigs on my company or paying for the shows as I don’t go out much and I put my heart and soul into every single production.”In an industry where you learn the hard way he says there are always a few things he wishes he knew when he started out but he admittedly says he’s grateful for every single unfortunate situation, because he walked away a stronger person. From unprofessional actors whose sole aim seems to be to sabotage the show to dedicated artists that give everything to ensure a successful outcome, Jeremeo says it’s been an overall amazing experience. “To date, we’ve partnered up with WMeyer Photography to create Shoestring studios in St George’s Mall. Not only did we create an intricate creative environment for photographic stills, but it also serves as the headquarters for Vulture Productions.” Managing to always find a way to jump from one production straight into another, Jeremeo says he’s already prepping for Grahamstown and with incredible drive and a humble nature this young director is definitely someone to lookout for.

contact vulture productions On twitter @vulture_p vultureproductions@live.com

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 53


Networking

At the Speed of Dating... ...you can elevate your social life to new and lucrative heights Gabriel Francis

A year from now you may wish you had started today

54 IMBO/ ISSUE 6/ 13/2012 2013

W

hat do you do when the social world has you in tears and your bank account makes fun of you on a daily basis? Do you drop in at the local café for an overdose of chocolate coffee bliss, or drop out of the last bar you just visited. Speed Dating may be the answer, though it is easier said than done. Not only has it taken the world by storm, but it has also shaken the business world and its cohorts outright. Whether you’re looking for a new partner, business or otherwise, or simply playing the field to check out your stock options, speed dating has what you’re looking for.

First, we have organisation where dress code and payment are all prearranged and therefore take the pressure off. These “dates” usually range from about 3 to 10 minutes, obviously depending on the host of the event. The social hamsters are rotated regularly with a whistle or bell to signify their next interval or “date”. We proceed with contact information, which is only available to the participants after the event. Jason meets Amber, finds that she is amazing, and after the event decides to disclose his personal details in order to see her again. This is how a real date is then organised. If Amber however decides that John is the greatest fool in the universe, there is no match, her details are kept secret and Amber is protected from John’s idiocy.


networking

Speed dating or networking, whatever the label it has adopted, the results are nearly always the same. The event begins with a number of people all looking to further their stance in the social or business world. Throughout the “game” the “players” are forced into situations in which they would hardly ever find themselves. Thus they are coerced into finding a companion, a potential business partner or at the very least a friend or two. There are often niche events held to help a certain demographic find what they’re looking for. A business may host an event for the sake of team-building, a book club may wish to pair up their members, or a church group may want an evening of harmless entertain

ment. The possibilities are endless when you throw order and conformity out the door. Many feel that this is a new form of courtship, as well as business reconnaissance all wrapped up into one successful snowball. All participants are grouped according to age, there is time-efficiency and the structure of it all throws out the need to be nervous at introduction. A man that took part in one of these events said “The atmosphere was so calm and coordinated that I felt at home, even though I was out meeting new people.”

forward. He then goes to a networking event with the hopes of at least finding a better business opportunity. He meets a few people, none of them that will go above the level of acquaintance or even give him the light of day. Then Amber comes along, brings his world crumbling down and sends his hopes and ideals over the moon. He wants another date, she’s beautiful, sophisticated, and works for a major car manufacturer. If she accepts his contact details from the event organiser, he would be well on his way to a new and lucrative job offer, as well as another date.

Imagine yourself in Jason’s shoes, going about his daily business without the right companion or business partners to drive him

This is that speed dating definitely has its perks.... nudge.... nudge.... wink.... wink... Anyway, it would also make for an interesting story if all socialising and business ventures were stemmed in the world of Speed Dating, and Networking. So go ahead, set forth and conquer because as Karen Lamb, a renowned author, says “a year from now you may wish you had started today.”

6/ 2012 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 5555


AFRICA CONNECT

Tanzania, an African utopia Chido-Vanessa Dandajena In addition to the effects of gender stratification, Tanzanian youths are burdened by three primary challenges, namely, staying healthy, achieving a sustainable income and participating. The youth are highly marginalized from the decisions that affect their future resulting in a lack of accountability and motivation. The state of Tanzania’s youth development, economic and socio-political conditions are easily and often foreshadowed by its lucrative and thriving tourism industry boasting thirteen national parks, twentynine game reserves, forty controlled conservation areas and marine parks and home of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.

C

rystal beaches, expansive skies and sensational sunsets are what come to mind when one thinks of the Tanzanian utopia. It’s hardly a wonder why Tanzania is on the list of the most coveted holiday destinations in the world. Alas, behind every paradise there is a community of labourers working to maintain its gardens.

the following year similarly, Zanzibar on the 10th December, 1963 becoming the People’s Republic of Zanzibar after the revolution. However, cooperative political ties between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania have been significantly weakened after four decades of transition.

dating AND marriage While dating is practiced in much of the world, Tanzania is an Islamic faith based nation and so pre-marital relationships of any kind are socially looked down upon and forbidden. However, regardless of societal ‘norms’, the youth of Tanzania yearn for an opportunity to experience adolescent love.

the social perspective the revolution Located in Eastern Africa, what is now recognized as the Republic of Tanzania is a conglomerate of two previously sovereign states, Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Tanganyika became a sovereign state on 9th December 1961 and became a republic

56 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

Gender roles have largely influenced the social construct in Tanzania revealing an unequal society in which men have dominance over women. Such inequality is so deeply engraved in society to the extent that men are given the advantage in the control and acquisition of resources, production and distribution of land, livestock, tools and even children.

Through the globalization of media and Western culture, the youth find themselves confused by what they’ve been taught and what they see in the world. Although Tanzanians sometimes face a limiting socio-political system, the warmhearted spirit of its inhabitants, the evocative mix of people and cultures create a polaroid of unforgettable memories.


AFRICA CONNECT

My neighbour from Tanzania ''The Other Side of Paradise'' Chido-vanessa Dandajena

A personal look inside the socio-economic factors effecting the youth, the lifestyle and culture of the much loved Tanzania from the perspective of a native. IMBO: Would you return to Tanzania and work/settle there? Why? Why not? Bernard: “Right now I would not because the currency that side is lower, so the salary I would get this side as opposed to that side would be greater, unless I start my own business.” IMBO: “I love Tanzania” in Swahili? Bernard: “Napenda Tanzania”

IMBO: Where in Tanzania are you from? And how long have you lived there? Bernard: “I am from Dar-Es-Salaam, Ukonga/Madafu. I’ve lived in Tanzania for 6 years.” IMBO: What was it like growing up in Tanzania? The general lifestyle? Bernard: “Very busy and hot. You always have to prioritize your time efficiently because of the public transport system which adds to the traffic on the roads.” IMBO: Why did you decide to move to South Africa? Did the socio-economic conditions have any influence on your decision to emigrate?

Bernard: “My father got a job offer to come to SA, so the whole family moved with him.” IMBO: What, in your opinion, makes Tanzania unique? Bernard: “The fact that it’s one of the only countries which still has indigenous people and animals living in the wild.” IMBO: What are the social ills facing the Tanzanian youth? Bernard: “A lot of children run away from home and end up on the streets as a result of abuse and intensive child labour.” IMBO: What, in your opinion, is Tanzania’s contribution to the world at large? Politically, culturally or socially? Bernard: “We are the only country in the world which has tanzanites and supplies these precious stones to other countries. The people there are also very welcoming and friendly, an example of unity to the rest of the world.”

Z

anzibar is one of the most lucrative tourism destinations on the continent and boasts an array of scenic views and beautiful beaches. Despite its astounding aesthetics, a brisk walk from the breezy beach is a community of ordinary people living, working and effected by the socio-economic factors of the country. IMBO interviewed Bernard Chizi, a Tanzanian student, dancer and model living and studying in Johannesburg to get a first-hand perspective on what it’s truly like to be brought up in Tanzania, on the other side of paradise.

“A lot of children run away from home and end up on the streets as a result of abuse and intensive child labour.”

IMBO: “Interesting/fun facts about Tanzania?” Bernard: 1. Time is very different. Work days start at 6am and is called the first hour. So When they say church starts at 10 (the tenth hour) it actually means 4pm. 2. The traditional food is Pilau rice which is cooked with a lot of spices for special occasions and celebrations. 3. The Masai are probably the most wellknown of Tanzania’s tribes and inhabit the northern regions of the country. 4. Traditional Tanzanian music stretches from traditional African music to the string-based taarab and more. 5. The traditional dance is called Ngoma which means drums and teaches social patterns and values. IMBO: “What are five important things to keep in mind when visiting Tanzania?” Bernard: 1. It’s really hot. 2. There are a lot of mosquitoes 3. Do not drink the tap water or you might get typhoid. 4. We have some of the best game reserves in the world. 5. If you are a woman, to not wear clothes which are too revealing.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 57


Campus connect

Do Learners go to South African Tertiary Institutions with an Intention of Adding Value to Africa? Sifiso Ndaba

is it not time that international bodies like the United Nations impose ‘Brain Gain’ taxes to the nations that are benefiting from Africa’s ‘brain drain’?

58 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

L

does not feature in his big dreams because Africa’s prospects are not as attractive as Western Europe or North America. And the reality is that he is not the only one echoing these sentiments.

A friend of mine, Xolani, from Umtata is doing extremely well in his Masters in Civil Engineering. He is funded by the South African government for the duration of his studies, and he is looking forward to start working next year-but he does not want to work in (South) Africa. His reason is that Africa

To appreciate the gravity of this issue, one needs to look at the estimated statistics from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Africa loses over 20 000 professionals annually to other continents and, it is also estimated that 300 000 professionals from the continent reside outside Africa. But, what are the factors that really chase people away from our beloved continent?

wando is a medical student in one of the top medical schools in South Africa. He wants to graduate and work in a rural hospital, in his hometown of Umtata in the Eastern Cape to improve the ‘Patient: Doctor’ ratio. He is mindful of the reality that the continent is in desperate need of medical professionals.


campus connect Well, maybe before I get into the formidable task of critically discussing these reasons, it is imperative that we remind ourselves of the role of tertiary education. Tertiary education is important for the creation and the application of knowledge, as UNESCO succinctly puts it. Lived reality suggests that countries with a better educated citizenry are more equipped to deal with (new) challenges, particularly the challenges that hinder economic development. So why does Xolani want to leave the continent that desperately needs him for socio-economic and political development? When one subjects such a matter to a rigorous comparative analysis, we cannot ignore the fact that Xolani is going to earn a higher income overseas, accumulatively, compared to the income Lwando will earn in Africa. Moreover, Western countries have substantial funds for research and other facilities. The African continent is still characterised by social unrest, political conflicts and wars, compared to the relatively politically stable countries of the West. Furthermore, a large part of Africa is still experiencing unsatisfactory basic living conditions and lack of infrastructure, compared to the West. The irony is that, Xolani is a Civil Engineer, and therefore should be assisting in the development of infrastructure in the continent where it is most needed, but unfortunately, this is not the case. And lastly, Xolani’s attitude towards Africa is that there is a lot of discrimination

Xolani would have contributed to the African Gross Domestic Product (GDP), if he were staying on the continent. Do learners go to South African tertiary institutions with an Intention of Adding Value to Africa? There is not one answer to this question, as some like Lwando go to tertiary institutions with an intent of adding value to the continent, and some do not, as per Xolani’s case.

in appointments and promotions in Africa, compared with relatively meritocratic and transparent western countries. It goes without saying that the consequences of this ‘brain drain’ is devastating for the continent, as it reduces the number of creative people like entrepreneurs and academics which the continent desperately needs. Even more devastating for Africa is that emigration of skilled people increases dependency on foreign assistance and the continent loses out on the income tax that

For those who go to universities with an intention of adding value to Africa’s development, who are doing it for the love of Africa, the public and the private sector of their respective countries, needs to incentivise them, especially the professionals that fall under the category of ‘scarce skills’. For example, the South African government provides heavily subsidized accommodation to the newly graduated medical professionals and indeed, this does encourage them to stay in the country. And for those who come to South African universities and emigrate to other continents once they have graduated, the private sector and government needs to work together and address the (above mentioned) conditions that encourage people to emigrate. Furthermore, is it not time that international bodies like the United Nations (UN) impose ‘Brain Gain’ taxes to the nations that are benefiting from Africa’s ‘brain drain’? And use that money for socio-economic development of the continent? I think the time has come. Sifiso Ndaba is a Coordinator, Student Governance; SRC Student Assembly at the University of Cape Town

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 59


LIFE SKILLS

A Peace of Your Mind Chido-Vanessa Dandajena

“M

ental health and mental well-being are fundamental to the quality of life and productivity of individuals, families, communities and nations, enabling people to experience life as meaningful and to be creative and active citizens” reads a 2005 World Health Organisation document. When the stresses of life come to a head, it’s easy to neglect one’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Your emotional health, however, is just as important as your physical fitness. An imbalanced lifestyle can have a spiraling effect on the quality of your relationships, self-esteem, health, and general state of wellbeing. Emotional wellbeing is beyond just being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. If anything, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics if both body and mind are taken care of. As a young person, emotional wellbeing, or its more sophisticated term, emotional intelligence, is paramount to your ability to cope with life’s challenges, learning and applying yourself fully. Recent research conducted in various schools indicates that when students and staff have a positive outlook on

Limit your alcohol intake-

life and themselves, there is an increase in and avoid performance levels. Poor emotional health, cigarettes and other drugs. then, would be the opposite: a lackluster attitude in one’s inner and outer lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy mental and emotional state doesn’t have to be rocket science. So how can a person improve their state of When taking into consideration the benefits emotional and mental health? A number and advantages of a healthy mental and of factors play a part in improving mental emotional state, it certainly is worth the efhealth. Simple and key adjustments can fort. Those who maintain a somewhat stable be applied and improved upon daily to in- and healthy emotional/mental state, enjoy crease your emotional and mental wellbe- the benefits of: ing, such as: A sense of contentment. it’s important to take A zest for life and the ability to laugh and care of your body, which in turn takes care have fun. of your mind. The ability to deal with stress and bounce ditch the back from adversity. chips and rather snack on something or- A sense of meaning and purpose, in both ganic. their activities and their relationships. No pain, No gain. The flexibility to learn new things and adapt every day, but to change. make sure to use sunscreen on a daily basis A balance between work and play, rest just as well. and activity etc. The ability and maintain fulfilling relation ships. Self-confidence and high self-esteem.

Getting enough rest -

learn about good nutrition Exercise Get a dose of sunlight-

It’s important to not neglect and avoid paying attention to your body, feelings and needs. It all boils down to the basics of life: Learning to forgive and forget, letting go of things you can’t change, as well as appreciating yourself and those around you. Making time for yourself and those you love is just as important, and when all else fails, you can always take a huge dose of the most effective medication known to man laughter.

60 IMBO/ ISSUE 3/ 2012


CAREER ADVICE

A Sweet Tooth for Trade Chido-Vanessa Dandajena Chocolatiering is a specified field that not only requires theoretical but also intense practical education and dedication. Honest Chocolate is a chocolate-making company in Cape Town co-founded by Anthony Gird and Michael de Klerk. The company prides itself in manufacturing hand-made, raw chocolate that is crafted with care and consideration. Anthony, being the obvious chocolate connoisseur that he is, gave IMBO Magazine an inside perspective on the industry.

what are the most attractive features of being a chocolatier? You get to be creative with the worlds most loved food; that’s fun.

Wwhat inspired you to follow this career path? I always wanted to create my own products and have my own business. I stumbled onto raw cocoa powder as part of a healthy diet and then started making chocolates from it, people loved them and then it grew from there.

Wwhat does chocolate mean to you? It’s a medium to express myself, but it also represents comfort and indulgence.

Despite the worldwide popularity of chocolate, the chocolatier’s profession is one that is largely overlooked in South Africa.

what type of person is most suitable to take up chocolate making? Anyone! But you need patience and thoroughness to work with chocolate, especially the way we do it: old school style.

what is ‘old school’ style? It is about hand tempering the chocolate on a granite slab table top and hand dipping each chocolate bonbon.

what is the luxury chocolate making industry like in south africa? It’s grown over the last 2 years. A few great local brands have popped up and a few large foreign ones have come in. I encourage people to buy local and hand made.

how does the chocolate making industry survive past Vvalentine's Dday? People always eat chocolate! Our chocolates are great gifts so people buy them for all occasions.

5 fun facts about chocolate Fact 1: People spend more than 7 billion dollars a year on chocolate. Fact 2: Chocolate does not cause or aggravate acne, this is a myth. Fact 3: Dark chocolate is most popular among men. Fact 4: The largest chocolate bar ever manufactured was in Italy in 2000 and the bar had a weight of 2268 kilograms. Fact 5: More than twice as many women than men eat and crave chocolate.

IMBO/ ISSUE 3/ 2012 61


Alternative Thinking

The United States of Afrika Lerato T Kuzwayo that have a vested interest in minerals on the continent. Some have said this to be a conspiracy though over the course of recorded human history, wars have been fought over economic resources, and anyone who understands world history understands this. And this was seen in the recent war in Iraq clearly inspired by what has been described as America’s thirst for oil. Recently in a discussion we had at leadership forum with some of Afrika’s youth, it was mentioned by someone that the link between conflict and resources is what needs to be noted when speaking of conflict areas such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.

P

an Afrikanism has been believed to be the solution to most of Afrika’s problems, such as poverty, health and hunger which are all entangled in Afrika’s state of politically controlled mal-development.

pan afrikanism - what is it and what does it mean to the growth and development of the Afrikan? It is without a shadow of doubt that Afrika’s current problems are a result of colonialism. The legacy of which has left post independence political powers to pick up the pieces and raise Afrika to being a well developed and functional economic part of the global world. Afrika is riddled with plagues of hunger, poverty and disease, to which Europe and America react with aid and loans and other vehicles of the global economy that seem to some a neo-colonial system that actually aims to

62 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

continue a system of colonial dependency. Amongst the most famous to make such statements are the former State president of our country Thabo Mbeki, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and the Late Colonel Muamar Gaddafi. They have at some point or another advocated for a United States of an independently sustainable Afrika that can function in totality as a diplomatic reality and an autonomous political and socio-economic realm even in the presence of Globalisation. Others who have spoken of this idea are late greats such as Kwame Nkurumah, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, and Steven Bantu Biko, except for former president Mbeki and President Mugabe, the others mentioned here are all late. In this way and others we may see how the idea of united Afrika is constantly being made impossible not by any kind of chance or some uncontrolled coincidence but by seemingly visible financial element

You may be thinking to yourself that the issue of pan Afrikanism is being vaguely dealt with here, though it should be noted that one cannot speak clearly on pan Afrikanism without first explaining the historical context that has led to the conception of the idea. How exactly will a united Afrika solve the stated problems? Well, firstly a united Afrika that can have the limitations of its borders better regulated will allow for more simplified trade intra-continentally. Conflict resolution will be dealt with as a clearly and exclusively Afrikan matter where the best choices will be made for Afrikan people and Afrikan business interest as opposed to the current system that bows to western oligarchy. This would put an end to the economic mal-development. Which leads us to the second point of economic unity, if all the resources found in Afrika are sourced to profit Afrika then all of Afrika would be better off economically. A unified Afrika would also make obsolete the idea of xenophobia. There would be recognition of each member and descendant of the continent to be Afrikans. A shared continent would also make cross continental travel easier. A hungerless and socio-economical with no conflict Afrika is one that only Afrikans can build in unity.


FEEL GOOD

It`s about that time! Noluvuyo Bacela and Siyabonga Sibaca

Faint sounds of a birdie’s melody in the background, public display of affection (PDA) all over the place and roses in full bloom, you guessed it- it’s Valentines! What’s funny about this whole setting is that we’ve just come from a time where breaking up with that same person was the “in” thing. A time where relationships and love were the distant cousins to drunk-texting and booty calls that just happened to be one of the main reasons why the bells jingled in the first place... But now, as Valentine’s Day approaches, love is treasured, and somehow just keeps on flourishing.

L

ove is in the air and it’s making the Fifty Shades of Grey last year brought most of us (if you’ll excuse the pun) a distant memory. Hopefully, you are as clued up on popular literature as you are on popular culture for only then will you remember that this was one of 2012’s runaway New York bestsellers that essentially published the hazy way we, young people see “romance” and relationships. A book that wasn’t really up your alley- now was it? To jog your memory, it touched on what a woman in her, let’s say early 20s, fantasizes about- her ideas of love and romance, swooning and so forth- things that a man could really find handy especially at a time like this. A time where looking at life through rose-tinted glasses is encouraged; where talking to birds and kissing balloons with a

man’s face scribbled upon it is not frowned upon. This is actually the only time of the year where you can have your own Bollywood moment with the flowers slowly falling from the sky in a theatrical arrangement and breaking out into song with no-one judging you.

It may be purely coincidental but it just seems rather amusing that this also coincides with a time for expressing apologies for bad behavior either through flowers and ridiculously delicious confectionery. Some book romantic getaways and buy expensive jewellery to ‘express’ their love to one another with a few rose petals lying around.... Meanwhile in the Good Books it says that Love is patient and that its kind and obviously goes on for a few verses but in actual fact they don’t touch on anything tangible. The thing is at the end of the day (Valentines’ day, to be specific) what really matters is the thoughtfulness and appreciation during the course of the relationship. And as history has proven time and time again, love is something magical, a ‘trick’ that magicians also fall for. It’s the glue that keeps peace while connecting individuals - whether it’s through a family and/or friendship. As the month unfolds and the 14th passes by, swiftly – let’s not completely wipe out the fragrance that the Month of Love has embraced us with. And, if you find yourself singing along to Mariah Carey’s rendition of “I wanna know what love is” remember you can always go back to literature.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 63


OPPOrTUNITIES

Internships Research Internship Programme Research internship for 2013 at a small research firm specialising in economic development, business case studies and monitoring and evaluation. A Bachelors degree in economics and related fields is preferable. Candidate must have excellent written skills, fluent in English and able to speak either Xhosa or Afrikaans HOW TO APPLY: Please contact Leigh-Ann Leibbrandt from FEM Research Consultants on 021-447-4350 or at admin@ femresearch.co.za

Broadcasting Internship Newsclip Media Monitoring is seeking a dynamic individual to join the team. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Summarising news bulletins, talk shows, business programmes, interviews, etc. into a readable synopsis that contains key information; Accurately translate broadcast coverage into English; Completing daily priority work according to set times; Study and be well versed with brief information of existing and new clients; Process transcripts/translations as and when necessary. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Proficiency in Swati, Tsonga, Venda, Nedbele, Pedi; A Degree/Diploma in media studies and/or communication; Typing speed of 45 w.p.m.; Strong communication skills (verbal and written); Strong administration skills; Attention to detail; Accuracy HOW TO APPLY: Please send CV to recruitment1@newsclip.co.za

SEO Analyst Internship Blue Magnet Digital Solutions is providing an internship opportunity to become a qualified, trained and experienced SEO Analyst.

64 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: He or she will focus on the following core SEO tasks on websites: crawlability, rankability, content marketing, usability and conversion optimisation, measurability. INTERNSHIP PROGRAM INCLUDES: SEO Certification (Certified SEO Professional)]; Six months practical hands-on training; Opportunity to become an SEO Specialist and/or Trainer. KEY REQUIREMENTS: An above-average aptitude and interest in Google, the Internet and in particular 'what makes search engines tick'; Must be able to grasp technical concepts quickly; Must be completely passionate about wanting a career in Search Engine Marketing; Should be methodical, but should know how to prioritise; Should be comfortable presenting findings to clients (in other words, must be a bit of an extrovert). HOW TO APPLY: Please contact Gillian Meier from Blue Magnet Digital Solutions at 082-389-8282 and/ or gillian@bluemagnet.co.za

Internship at Online Media environment Apurimac Media is offering an exciting position in an online media environment for an intern in Johannesburg and Cape Town. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organisations mission; Manage and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of support services (HR, IT and finance), Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence; Managing of events, travel, and daily diaries; Managing of administration and updates; Heading the fun and entertainment committee. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Marketing degree or diploma desirable but not a pre-requisite; University graduate; Advanced MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint advantageous; PLEASE NOTE: if you have not been contacted by 23 February 2013 please consider your application to be unsuccessful. HOW TO APPLY: Please contact Liezle Poole from Apurimac Media at liezle.poole@apurimacmedia.com


OPPOrTUNITIES Creative Internship Programme NATIVE is a full service digital agency with a difference looking for a dynamic individual to join their Creative Internship Programme in Cape Town As an intern at Native, you'll get the opportunity to work on a broad range of projects across SA's biggest brands. You'll collaborate with some ‘incredible’ talent and be guided by an ‘award winning’ creative team. KEY REQUIREMENTS: You must be hungry for growth and learning, have a passion for ideas/design/copy and (ideally) have a tertiary qualification within a creative field. HOW TO APPLY: Please forward your CV, cover letter and portfolio (PDF or URL) to intern@native.co.za Include [INTERN] in your subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Apprenticeship Toyota is currently recruiting for apprentices in Durban, in the following disciplines: Electrical Engineering, Fitters, Tool, Jig and Die makers. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Successful candidates will be trained in various technical disciplines for a contractual period; he or she will be placed in an hourly position for the duration of the apprenticeship. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Mechanical Trades - NTC3 or Technical Matric with Maths, Engineering Science, Technical Drawing, Strength of Materials, Mechano Technology, Workshop experience and a trade related subject (electrical trade theory); Electrical Trade - NTC3 or Technical Matric with Maths, Engineering Science, plus one of the following subjects: Electro – Technology, Logic Systems, Workshop experience and a trade related subject (electrical trade theory). PLEASE NOTE: There is no guarantee of a permanent placement at the end of the apprenticeship; Placements will be vacancy driven HOW TO APPLY: Please visit http://toyota.erecruit. co.za to register and apply

Research Internship The Centre for Health Policy situated within the School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is seeking a Research Intern. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Successful candidates are highly motivated, have strong interest in health equity and social justice; Passionate about research, with some prior experience and an eagerness to learn new methods and approaches. Have a relevant Master’s degree (e.g. public health, sociology, political science, development studies) and knowledge of public health, health systems or health policy will be an advantage. Only permanent South African residents should apply. HOW TO APPLY: Please contact Jackie Roseleur on 011-717-3445 or jackie.roseleur@wits.ac.za. Please send CV, cover letter, certified copies of degrees/diplomas; a short piece of recent written work, or publication, on which you are the first author.

Compliance Management & Market Research Internship The Star Alliance Corporate Office comprises Media Relations, Internal Communication, Airline Membership Liaison and Compliance Management & Market Research. As an intern you will be provided with insight into all business units within Star Alliance. KEY REQUIREMENTS: University student or recent graduate in business administration, airline or airport studies or international management or an extraordinary and gifted person with the right skill set; Strong familiarity with MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint, SPSS knowledge is an advantage; Intercultural and interpersonal communication skills and team spirit; Valid Work Permit for Germany. PLEASE NOTE: Start date: 1 April 2013; Duration: 6-12 months; Location: Frankfurt Airport Centre, Frankfurt/ Main, Germany HOW TO APPLY: Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@staralliance.com

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 65


GENERAL JOBS OPPOrTUNITIES

Jobs Junior Writer/ Journalist Integrated Media is a publishing company in Cape Town looking for someone with a passion for writing and mountain biking. You will be required to start as soon as possible. REQUIREMENTS: Must have relevant qualifications; ability to write well researched and interesting features; must be a regular mountain biker and have biking knowledge; must be prepared to represent the publication at various events after hours; own transport is essential. HOW TO APPLY: Please send your updated CV and recent photograph to Julia from Integrated Media at jobs@integratedmedia.co.za Please note if you haven’t

Junior Online CopywriterCoordinator HomeChoice is looking for a Copywriter in Cape Town to develop effective sales copy to maximize sales and meet campaign objectives. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Drafting copy for a number of direct marketing channels, including emails, sms, banners, viral campaigns etc; monthly website and mobisite product page updates; participating in group conceptualisation; Ensuring work is error-free from creative proof stage onwards; Ensure excellent flow of logic in both copy and layout. KEY REQUIREMENTS: A bachelors degree in either or English, Journalism, Communications, Advertising; Computer literate in InDesign and MS Office suite; Innovation, Adaptability and Initiative; High stress tolerance/resilience; HOW TO APPLY: Please visit http://homechoice.mcidirecthire.com/External/OpportunityDetails.aspx?ref=114&Media=Biz Community 66 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

Creative Hub Manager The Creative Hub Manager will lead Santam’s creative hub in Cape Town providing marketing services to the business. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES include directing and managing the delivery of all internal design work as well as corporate events and sponsorships. KEY REQUIREMENTS: A diploma / degree in Advertising, Design or Marketing; At least six years’ experience within an agency environment and/or related corporate experience; Proven experience in planning and executing outstanding corporate and/or promotional events and sponsorships; Creative, innovative, can work independently and under pressure towards strict deadlines. PLEASE NOTE: The job policy Employment Equity position, Disabled position HOW TO APPLY: Please visit http://www.santam.co.za/about-us/ careers/career-opportunities/

Social Media/ Digital PR Coordinator Associated Media Publishing situated in Cape Town requires a qualified and skilled Social Media and Digital PR person to monitor and coordinate activity across all AMP digital projects including online and mobile. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Online reputation management including working with the PR manager in planning and implementing strategy; monitor various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc...; Research and reporting; content creation and distribution; work at events including live updating dating of social media accounts. Relevant tertiary qualification in PR & Communication; 2 years experience; strong communications skills including verbal and written; High level of organisational and effective time-management skills; Understanding of how to integrate and build brand awareness into social networks; Video skills will be advantageous. HOW TO APPLY: Please visit www.assocmedia. co.za/careers Please note the job expires 12 February 2013.


OPPOrTUNITIES Assistant Accountant Design School Southern Africa is looking for an Interior Design Lecturer in Durban. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Must have an honours degree in related field; Must have direct experience from working in the field of Interior Design; Presentation/lecturing/ teaching skills; Design software skills (3D Studio max, Adobe, Flash etc) HOW TO APPLY: Please contact Paula Eaton from the Design School Southern Africa at 082-550-2355 and/ or paula@hrimpact.co.za

Events/ Function Coordinator An events company in Johannesburg is seeking an Events/ Functions Coordinator KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Concept management/ creation/proposals; Manage the procurement and delivery of all operational equipment/stock/staff; Gather details of the event via a post mortem to ensure that all learning’s may be incorporated into future events; Lead direct team members to ensure that they understand the strategy, goals and requirements to achieve targets for the Private Label BU; Build relationships with all employees within the company to ensure effective collaboration as and when required. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Event coordination and management; Detailed knowledge of the hospitality industry within a five-star environment/brand; Microsoft Office - suite with excellent excel skills. HOW TO APPLY: Kgalalelo Kalauba from The Forum Company at recruitment@theforum.co.za

Bursaries SAA Pilot Cadet Training WHO CAN APPLY: Whilst the group of cadets will be wholly representative of South Africa– s diverse population, the main focus is to open doors to a career that was historically closed to previously disadvantaged individuals. Matric Certificate or relevant qualification (SAQA accredited). Compulsory Mathematics or Statistics 101 and English, coupled with one of the following: Physical Science or Computer Science (D symbol), South African citizen. Preferably up to 25 years of age. At least1.60 metres tall. Medi-cally fit. Training programme is totally free of charge. The cadets are accommodated at appropri-ate venues conducive to training. All transport, meals, accommodation and study materials are provided as required. SERVICE CONTRACT: All trainees must be prepared to undergo vigorous training (free of charge) for up to two years. This includes preparation training which takes place over 4 months. CLOSING DATE: SAA places advertisements in national newspapers twice a year. However, an application form and further details can be obtained from the website: HOW TO APPLY: www.flysaa.com then go to About SAA

SA Society of Crop Production WHO CAN APPLY: Undergraduate and postgraduates wishing to study Crop Production (Agronomy / Crop Science) at any South African university at a value of R10 000. CLOSING DATE: 15 March ADDRESS: SASCP Secretary, Department

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 67


OPPOrTUNITIES Agronomy, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 3. CA Bursary – Deloitte & Touche (for undergraduates) WHO CAN APPLY: Students with good marks who are currently studying full-time towards a Chartered Accounting qualification at a SAICA accredited universities offering an undergraduate and postgraduate Chartered Accounting qualification (See www.saica.co.za for details). SERVICE CONTRACT: Candidates will have to com-plete a 3-year traineeship with Deloitte. PLEASE NOTE: Only online applications can be submitted at - www.deloitte.com. You can also call (011) 806-5000 CLOSING DATE: 15 September for study in South Africa; 15 February for international study - both dates for return of forms ADDRESS: National Arts Council of SA; P O Box 500; Newtown; 2113 WEBSITE: www.nac.org.za E-MAIL: info.@nac.org.za

Elementsix WHO CAN APPLY: Undergraduate, full-time students of Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics or Mechanical Engineering CONTRACT: It comes with a service obligation towards Element Six (Pty) Ltd CLOSING DATE: 28 February 2013 HOW TO APPLY: Forward applications, CVs, academic records. Correspondence only conducted with short listed candidates. If no reply within 30 working day consider application unsuccessful ADDRESS: Bursaries Department P O Box 561 Springs 1560 E-mail: recruitmentzapro@e6.com Fax : (011) 812-9352

68 IMBO/ ISSUE 9/ 2012

The Office of the Auditor-General WHO CAN APPLY: Scholars with a matric exemption and intend studying towards a chartered accounting qualification REQUIREMENTS: Minimum C symbol for maths and Eng’lish (HG). Favourable AARP scores will be taken into consideration SERVICE CONTRACT: Three-year training con-tract on comple’tion of degree CLOSING DATE: Apply Bursaries for 2013 online ADDRESS: Office of the Auditor-General PO Box 446 Pretoria 0001

ARCELLOR MITTAL (ENGINEERING) WHO CAN APPLY: All those interested in full time undergraduate studies in BSc Engineering at selected SA universities. Grade 12 with university exemption with at least 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science. REQUIREMENTS: Merit and previously disadvan-taged. SERVICE CONTRACT: You’ll be expected to serve one year’s service for each year of study CLOSING DATE: 28 February 2013 ADDRESS: Resourcing Officer Training CoE P O Box 2 Vanderbijlpark, 1900 Fax: (016) 889-3300

SA Veterinary Foundation WHO CAN APPLY: Students wanting to study Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria CLOSING DATE: 31 March 2013 ADDRESS: South African Veterinary Foundation, P.O. Box 25033, Monumentpark, 0105


OPPOrTUNITIES MICK LEARY EDUCATIONAL TRUST BURSARIES IN SOUTH AFRICA FIELDS AVAILABLE: All degree areas WHO CAN APPLY: Previously disadvantaged stu’dents with epilepsy

Charles Bryars Scholarship Bursary WHO CAN APPLY: Music students above practical Grade 7 audition for the bursary. CLOSING DATE: Auditions are held in April APPLY TO: NMMU School of Music TEL: (041) 504-4235

REQUIREMENTS: Must be prepared to partici-pate in epilepsy awareness programmes and act as role models.

IDC (Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited)

CLOSING DATE: N/A however most Mick Leary 2013 bursary applications are still open. ADDRESS: c/o Epilepsy South Africa PO Box 73

WHO CAN APPLY: Matriculants with at least a C symbol especially In Mathematics, Physics and Accounting is prerequisite for first year students. CLOSING DATE: 31 July 2013. If you have not received feedback within 30 days, please consider application unsuccessful. ADDRESS: The Secretary, IDC ; Bursary Committee; IDC of SA Limited; P.O. Box 784055; Sandton; 2140

MEDICAL EDUCATION FOR SA BLACKS WHO CAN APPLY: Students who are African, Indian and Coloured studying towards a MBChB and other healthrelated courses. The award is given to students under the age of 25 and is based on financial need. Students studying at Wits, Durban, Natal (Medical), Stellenbosch, UCT, MEDUNSA. Please note that those who apply to the University of Natal Financial Aid are automati-cally considered for a MESAB bursary, but must not make special application to the Registrar. CLOSING DATE: Check with the university ADDRESS: Medical Education for SA Blacks (MESAB) Apply to university

IMBO/ ISSUE 9/ 2012

69


OPPOrTUNITIES MTN Accounting Bursary WHO CAN APPLY : Current matriculants or university students wanting study towards a Charted Accounting qualification. Grade 12 students must have a 60 percent aggregate in both Mathematics and Science as well as for Civil Engineering, Construction, Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost and Management Accounting, BCOM SERVICE CONTRACT: Employment contractual obligation of one year for every year of bursary funded. CLOSING DATE: 15 June 2013 ADDRESS: MTN Accounting Bursary, c/o Career Wise (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 30632, Braamfontein, 2017 or got to: www.careerwise.co.za

Sasol Limited (Computer Science) WHO CAN APPLY: Students who are studying towards a Computer Science/ Informatics qualification. SERVICE CONTRACT: Employment contractual obligation of one year for every year of bursary funded. CLOSING DATE: 31 May 2013 ADDRESS: Bursary Administration, Sasol Limited, P.O. Box 5486, Johannesburg, 2000

Attorneys Fidelity Fund WHO CAN APPLY: Students studying towards a BA (Law), BCom (Law), BProc degree or a similar qualification or have successfully completed the first 2 years of the 4 year LLB curriculum at any South African

70 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

university. The award is given to those students who are in financial need and/ or have achieved outstanding academic results. CLOSING DATE: 15 August 2013 ADDRESS: The Operations Director (Bursaries), Attorneys Fidelity Fund, P.O. Bix 3062, Cape Town, 8000 OTHER DETAILS: Tel – (021) 424 5351, Email – attorneys@fidfund.co.za, Website – www.fidfund.co.za

Allan Gray Fellowship Programme (Science) WHO CAN APPLY: School leavers wishing to pursue undergraduate studies in Science at the following institutions: Wits, UJ, UCT, NMMU, Rhodes, University of Pretoria. Applicants must be citizens of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana or Swaziland REQUIREMENTS: A minimum of C in Mathematics in Matric. CLOSING DATE: 30 June 2013 OTHER DETAILS: Tel – (021) 446 7800, Website - www.brightsparkswanted.co.za

Mittal Steel Engineering Bursary (Matric) WHO CAN APPLY: Candidates currently in Matric who have obtained at least a C symbol in Grade 11 for both Mathematics and Science. And at least a C symbol for the rest of the subjects. They must intend to study at any South African university offering Engineering. CLOSING DATE: 3 April 2013. A complete CV with Grade 11/12 results ADDRESS: Employment Equity & Development Bursar, Recruitment CEO, Mittal Steel SA, P.O. Box 2, Vanderbijlpark, 1900 OTHER DETAILS: Fax – (016) 889 3300, Email – recruitment@mittalsteel.com


IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 71


sport

True character reveals itself in the face of adversity Mawetu Matyila

As a country, we have been fortunate enough to have a long list of heroes that have flown our flag high, however, as fate would have it, in our athletics’ division it has been a low-hung story. Fortunately, that was before Castor Semenya came along.

S

outh Africa is a land filled with incredible people; people with different kinds of talents and abilities that go on to receive global recognition and Mokgadi Castor Semenya has been blessed enough to be one of those people. Hailed as the Queen of the 800m track by the South African sporting body, Castor brought women’s athletics back to life and has been a game changer in women’s athletics after bursting onto the athletics

72 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

scene at a pace that had seemed almost impossible in middle distance running. The 22 year old, trailblazer from the small village called Ga-Mashlehong in Polokwane started participating in athletics at school but only took the sport seriously while studying at the University of Pretoria. The country started taking note after she made it onto the international circuit with the 2008 world junior championships and

winning a gold medal in the same year at the Commonwealth Youth Games. With that hype of a newly discovered South African superstar athlete, she set out on a record breaking spree in the African junior championships where she won both the 800m and 1500m races smashing her personal best by a whole 7 seconds in less than 9 months. In doing so she broke long standing African records previously held by Zelda Pretorius and Zola Budd.


sport

While on a record breaking roll, in August of 2009 Caster blazed through the 800m world championships with a blistering time of 1:55.45 in the final making her the fastest 800m female athlete of that year. After being crowned the champion, and giving South Africans across the country reason to unite and celebrate, the dreaded scandal came out. Questions about her gender and or possible drug use surfaced, tarnishing her image. The International Association of Athletes Federation (IAAF) released a statement saying it was “obliged to investigate as these sort of dramatic breakthroughs usually arouse suspicion of drug use” and from then onwards Caster’s career was littered with speculations all round. There were gender and drug tests while the media attention grew rapidly, and was mortified headlines after headline. The way in which the IAAF handled Semenya’s case upset politicians, commentators, activists and a number of athletes as the controversy was characterized as racist aswell as affront to her priva

cy and human rights. Because of this, Caster was unable to compete in the Yellow Pages Series V track in March 2010 and a field event in Stellenbosch as she was still awaiting IAAF results. Four months later, Caster was back to winning ways on the track with two minor races in Finland just 9 days after she had been cleared by the IAAF and it seemed that things were looking up again for Caster. She was included in the annual list of “50 People That Matter” published by British magazine, New Statesman recounting the past events in a positive light. She was praised saying that she had “unintentionally instigated an international and ill tempered debate on gender politics, feminism and race, becoming an inspiration to gender campaigns around the world”. In high spirits, she’s gone on to win a silver medal in the 800m at the 2012 Olympic Games in Britain with a time of 1:57.2 seconds where she managed to pass 6 competitors in the last 150metres

to take Gold. Back home though the news wasn’t welcomed well - she was accused of and questioned about the possibility that she had thrown the race. In true Caster strength, she smiled and shrugged it all off with grace in her reply to the questioning where she simply congratulated Mariya Savinia for being the better athlete on the day. With the guidance of her trainer and the support of the whole South African Nation coupled with commitment, this champion is set to win more gold medals for South Africa. Considering that she was honoured by South Africa and chosen and to carry the country’s flag during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics held in Britain, its clear that Castor Semenya carries our pride with every stride she makes on the track.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 73


TRAVEL

The seductive magic that is Chiang Mai Haylee Beth Maltz

While some cities win you over with their god-like mountains and infinite blue waves, Chiang Mai - a 700 year-old city in the north of Thailand - draws you in tenderly with whispers of charming tales in your ear... almost like a timid seductress in the shadows.

It’s her soft power that pulls you in, offering a refuge for wondering souls and a whisper of home.

74 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

M

y story is pretty simple and round here, somewhat of a cliché. There I was, back packing around Southeast Asia with a beautiful South African man by my side when three months later, it was clear this was a place I needed to explore further. So I bid farewell to my love and did what all penniless, native-English speakers do when they find themselves falling in love with Asia: I started teaching English.

Tourists flock to Chiang Mai, particularly in high season, which is between October and February. The tourist attractions here are greatly diverse and at the top of the list are the city’s iconic temples. Over 300 temples pattern the land, some of them as old as the city itself. Chiang Mai’s culinary delights are equally varied and will get you drooling in no time, from Thai favourites, like spicy som tam (green papaya salad) and tasty pad thai, to the endless street food that calls to you at every corner.


TRAVEL

For boerewors lovers, you won’t walk too far without finding a fat piece of meat on a stick. As for health-freaks, don’t despair: Chiang Mai boasts an amazing array of vegetarian restaurants and an endless selection of exotic fruit. Chiang Mai is also a centre for alternative living and healing practices, with a holistic hub of massage, yoga, dance and meditation spaces. It could be argued that Chiang Mai is Thailand’s massage capital. And if it’s wild you looking for, her nightclubs and bars will keep you up all night. The live music scene boasts some of the best bands in Southeast Asia. If that’s not alternative enough, ink yourself all over at one of her many tattoo parlours. Chiang Mai gives you permission to radically explore yourself in ways that other cities in Southeast Asia don’t. However, despite the tolerance and even encouragement of alternative culture, Thailand’s strange juxtaposition is that she is also rooted in the conservative traditions of Buddhism, so there are a few things one has to keep in mind.

Affection between opposite genders is generally frowned upon in public. Holidays like Valentine’s Day are celebrated here, but not with the same flash and bang as in the West. At the same time, homosexuality is openly accepted from a young age. And don’t be alarmed when you see hot, young Thai women on the arms of vrot Western oupas - a legitimate relationship, or the result of a rent-a-girlfriend purchase? One can only wonder.

Here are some general rules of conduct: dress appropriately when entering temples, don’t put your feet up on surfaces or touch people on their heads. Out of courtesy, greet the locals in their language: sa-wadee-ka (for women) and sa-wa-dee-kap (for men) will get you started.

Coming from a land where crime is commonplace, it is a great relief for me to live in a town where I know I am undoubtedly safe. I can leave my bag in a restaurant unattended, or cycle the streets at night without the slightest fear. Once more I think it is the Buddhist tradition that keeps things in place: “saving face”, keeping your dignity and self-respect intact is of top priority. On the whole, the Thai peoples shy away from conflict, confrontation and, naturally, crime.

Chiang Mai’s attractions could be listed ad infinitum - elephant parks, trekking, traditional crafts, wonder-filled markets and winding lanes. The warm climate is a huge plus, as is the affordability of living here. But I feel these are merely superficial reasons why people are drawn to this town. There is something far deeper: an indefinable magic that weaves itself into the daily synchronicities, mouths on the verge of a smile and people hungry to connect. This essence tempts you to stay on ever longer, and before you know it you’ve been converted from traveller to resident overnight. It’s her soft power that pulls you in, offering a refuge for wondering souls and a whisper of Home. Haylee Beth Maltz is a South African living in Chiang Mai. She travels, writes and travels.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 75


Green Zone

Green design Tlholo Modiba

With our planet and very existence held hostage by dwindling resources and suffocating CO2 emissions, we need a bail out and we need it quick. If green design and the sustainable development philosophy can bail us out… then ink the pen! Let’s sign the dottted line.

76 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

L

ook, I’m just going to put it out there: If you haven’t heard of green design by now you deserve to be shot, in the foot, with a gun that shoots glass marbles (100% recyclable), repeatedly. So maybe you’ve heard the term, and if it triggers a palette of various shades of blues and yellows mixed on Adobe Illustrator, congratulations, you are completely misguided. Let’s catch you up a little shall we? Obvious stuff first they say.

Our planet is in crisis mode, environmental crisis mode that is. Our planet’s environmental crisis is characterized by three major themes: rapid growth of the human population and its associated economic activity; the depletion of both non-renewable and renewable resources; and extensive and intensive damage caused to ecosystems and biodiversity. Part of the environmental crisis is an issue of inappropriate design – consequences of how our civilization’s developments have inadequately integrated ecological concerns into planning. It is on this backdrop that the sustainable development philosophy has come to the forefront of the world development stage.

Green design forms a part of the philosophy of sustainable development that is aimed at sustaining the human enterprise on planet earth. It’s a design model built with, and based upon, the principles of social, economic and ecological sustainability. None defines green design as simply as Sim Van de Ryn, a sustainable architect, who summarizes green design by saying: “most of it involves a different way of thinking of a relationship with nature.” Green design deals with the sustainability of: the endeavor of families, neighborhoods, and cities; the construction of buildings that decrease resources use and environmental damage to the possible degree; manufacturing

“most of it involves a different way of thinking of a relationship with nature.” – Sim Van De Ryn


green zone

emulate natural ecosystems: This is achieved by designing towards an integrated system of economic and ecological activities, and also accommodating the natural regime of ecological factors. certifiably green products; organic production of foods and other renewable resources; the maintenance of indigenous biodiversity; and the integration of these activities within ecologically planned mutualisms. The principles of green design are rigidly based on achieving the aims for which this arch in sustainable development was conceived to address. There are seven principles of green design as identified in an article by ShuYang, Freedman and Cote (2004):

meet the inherent needs of humans: Humans must be able to engage in livelihoods and have acceptable standards of living.

move towards resource sustainability: Sustainable human economies must be built on the calculated use of renewable resources, which are capable of regenerating after harvesting and can be potentially available for many generations (e.g. timber).

maintain ecological integrity:

Integrate human activities with the structure and dynamics of natural flows and cycles of materials, organisms and energy.

protect natural habitat: Sustain species and natural ecosystems by carefully separating and designating protected areas that are not intensively used for the human economy.

increase environmental literacy: Green design is the work and effort of entire communities – entailing cooperation among designers, governments, business, and citizens. This being said, an increase in environmental literacy across all sectors is necessary for green design to be successfully implemented. Needless to say, the benefits of green design are not only innumerable, but also critical in bailing us out of this crisis that we have brought upon our suffocating planet and ourselves. Green design accumulates little “natural debt” and goes one step further by still allowing people to have comfortable and equitable lifestyles while conserving ecological integrity. Green design contributes to the wise usage of resources, both renewable and non-renewable, and in this way is beneficial in the sustainability of the human enterprise.

Green design speaks to the future, the future of the human race and our planet: “[green design is] meeting the needs of the current generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (www.humanaturearch.com). Paradoxically, though sustainable development began to be advocated in the ‘60s and fiercely came into the spotlight in the 21st century, green design has been ever present in African civilizations. Maybe not in the formal sense, but people here were living off the land since way back and continue to do so by way of subsistence farming. Green design is reflected in many building designs in Africa, where local materials are used in construction and buildings are situated in areas that optimize heating and cooling. Guess sometimes you’ve got to look back to go forward yeah?

references: Shu-yang, F., Freedman, B., & Cote, R. (2004). Principles and practice of ecological design. Environmental Reviews, 112(12), 97-112. www.humanaturearch.com

info bar: * Green design is also known as eco-design or sustainable design. * Principles of green design can be applied to architecture, urban planning, as well as product design, among a range of other areas. * There are some corporations that ‘green wash’ their websites and annual reports to appeal to sustainable development supporters, whereas the corporations do not apply sustainable development principles in their business practice.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 77


GADGETS

Safari asinawari, we got this... Lindile Ndwayana

8 gadgets, and your beloved Africa make for a relationship that remain ever exciting, as long a you have enough memory.

1

sky-watcher equinox 120

W

ith Africa's unspoilt skies, viewing the heavenly bodies through the Sky-Watcher Equinox 120 is what dreams are made of. Featuring a generous 120m aperture, 900mm focal length, and Sky-Watcher's best in class Metallic High-Transmission Lens Coating; this gadget will bring the Universe closer to you.

2

nikon coolpix p510

Y

ou cannot experience the African landscape without the Nikon Coolpix P510 digital camera - never! This latest Nikon sports an impressive 42x optical zoom, a 16MP CMOS Sensor along with wide-angle super-telephoto lense, fullHD in stereo and a sensational high-resolution screen. Perfect for shooting everything between Signal Hill and the pyramids of Giza.

78 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


GADGETS

3

sony bloggie live

A

ll of a sudden you'll be, “Reporting live from the Namib Desert, look at how amazing those scales are on that Desert Viper...!!” This futuristic continuation of the Flip cam boasts a hard-to-beat 12.8 megapixel camera, Sony’s industry acclaimed lenses and wireless connectivity. Sure, you could do this on a leading smartphone, but this is just too stylish.

3

4

steiner's binocular laser rangefinder

B

ring out the National Geographic fanatic in you while treading carefully through the Semien Mountains of Ethiopia with Steiner’s Binocular Laser Rangefinder. This compact device sports a Class 1 laser rangefinder that can go up to 1,5 km. These unique military-grade binoculars offer the most powerful binocular magnification possible.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 79


GADGETS

5

sony ericsson xperia acro s

I

f you get eaten by a crocodile while crossing the UThukela River at least the Sony Ericsson Xperia Acro S will live to tell the tale. It meets the highest standards of waterproofing and comes installed with Android Gingerbread. It’s a high end smartphone for an adventurous soul.

6

fortis mars 500 chronograph

S

o tough its worn over the space suit” So it may not look like your typical gadget but but an updated, sophisticated, Expressionist era device with an edge. This watch comes with a 42mm titanium case and an Incabloc shock absorber. And if you plan to cross over the Kei River, you’ll be glad to know it’s water-resistant 200m deep.

80 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


GADGETS

jeep wrangler unlimited nautic concept

7

w

elcome to the future! This will be the Unlimited Nuatic; a Jeep Wrangler. We’ll know it as the ultimate performer when it comes to bumpy terrain, while it will also sport a 2.8-litre CRD (Common Rail Diesel) engine that delivers 200 horse-powers. Add a leather, wooden trim interior and crusing the continent will be a fivestar experience.

8

zero helicopter

F

or now this is just a figment of designer Helio del Amo’s imagination. It’s anticipated to be minimal in design and ultralight in weight . It should be perfect for a nice flight over the plains of Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve in the DRC.

GADGETS IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 81


REVIEWS

books

african titles of the age Gabriel Francis

Things Fall Apart By: Chinua Achebe

C

hinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart is a wonderful book that shows us the troubling past of Africa and how tradition and colonialism have fought furiously to gain control of Africa’s heart. In the novel we are shown that these battles for power are not always easy to follow. As the story begins, it focuses on Okonkwo, the protagonist and village leader, as he enjoys the respect and power given to him by his people. After defeating Amalinze “the Cat” in an aggressive wrestling match, Okonkwo’s fame rises considerably and in turn paves the way for his downfall. When the village acquires a young boy and girl, Okonkwo takes the boy as his own, soon finding him to be an ideal son. This is the turning point, and as the title of the book suggests, things literally begin to fall apart for Okonkwo and his family. A challenging read if ever there was one.

82 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

Petals of Blood Half of A Yellow Sun

By: Ngugi wa Thiong’o

F

or those looking for something gritty while deep in political fiction and the memories of Africa’s power struggles, Petals of Blood is a book to pick up. Ngugi wa Thiong’o brings the reader to the village of Ilmorog, Kenya where three people have just died as the result of a devastating fire. The novel opens with the arrest of the four main characters, as they are suspected of arson. A suspenseful detective story ensues as the reader follows these men and women through police interrogations, total disorientation, as well as multiple timeshifts revealing their respective natures and tracking their initial journey to the village. The novel serves as a bitter account of how capitalism and its caustic, alienating ways have affected traditional Kenyan society. It is because of this sensitive content that Ngugi, as he is known, was imprisoned by the Kenyan government. This is no doubt reason enough to give the book a read.

By: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A

mbitious, empowering and masterful are the words that spring to mind when thinking on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 2006 novel, Half of a Yellow Sun. The setting for the novel is Nigeria at the time of the Nigerian-Biafran war in 1967-1970. Following four people as war rages on, the book jumps back and forth to events in the early 1960s, and then ahead to when the war takes place. During these phases, the characters are introduced and the reader is quickly exposed to the confusion of ethnic obligation, moral responsibility, and how the vexing power of love can often throw things into an uproar. Half of a Yellow Sun is a journey of emotion, as well as rediscovering the barriers of basic human faults which often complicate life in the simplest of ways. The reason for its success is that it transports the reader to the forefront of Nigerian life during the 1960s, which is why it should not be missed.


REVIEWS

music

what the heart wants is this Baphe Phukwana

Carly Rae Jepsen Rihanna Unapologetic

B

arbadian native and Def Jam's "Diamond" girl, Rihanna dropped her 7th studio album "Unapologetic” in November 2012; it is a follow up to her 2011 album "Talk That Talk". The album includes guest production appearances by European DJ David Guetta, The Dream and StarGate. Unapologetic debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 becoming Rihanna's first number one album on the chart and best-selling debut week of her career. The same album was preceded by chart topper "Diamonds" which peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, in addition to topping charts in fifteen other countries worldwide. The album also features guest vocals from Chris Brown, Eminem and Future.

K

Kiss

iss is the second studio album by Canadian recording artist Carly Rae Jepsen. The album which was released via Interscope Records has became Jepsen's first internationally released album. Kiss is preceded by the global anthem "Call Me Maybe", the single was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in over fifteen countries and garnering over 300 million views online. The second single of the album "Good Time", a collaboration with pop group Owl City, also peaked in the top ten. Kiss will wipe away any thoughts you might have of Carly Rae Jepsen being a one hit wonder and it proves her staying power as an international pop artist.

Kaya Move (Single Review)

S

outh African Idols' graduate Khaya Mthethwa made history, by becoming SA's first black contestant to be crowned SA's Pop Idol. Soon after earning the title, the Durban born star kept the ball rolling and dropped his debut single "Move", an R&B influenced track that saw Khaya shifting from the pop mould and delivering a more soulful sound. The single has also earned Khaya a Metro FM award nomination for his debut album "For You" in the catergory of ‘Best Album’. For winning the eighth season of Pop Idols, Khaya walked away with R500 000 and a lucrative recording deal with Universal Music.

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 83


REVIEWS

movies

oscar winners & a date winner Nastassja Dowman

F

Lincoln

inally Spielberg has a new release in a movie about one of the greatest leaders in recorded history, Abraham Lincoln. The film focuses on Abraham Lincoln in the passage of his life where he loses a fiancé and two sons but goes on to face America’s bloodiest war and fight for the freedom and rights of African-American slaves. The film captures his race against time to get votes for a new constitutional amendment to be passed which will see to the abolishment of slavery. Our hero is faced with a conundrum in that should the war come to an end the various states would return home and rebuke the new amendment The film greatly amplifies the “Catch 22” scenario of whether to lose more lives in the ruthless war or see a never ending apathy towards American slavery.

84 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013

Movie 43

A

shocking comedy only for the thick skinned. It’s a movie consisting of twelve story lines each being directed by different directors and a list of actors from here to Mars. The great thing about this is that at least one of your favourites are bound to be starring! From Mrs MTV Trail Blazer, Emma Stone and Kill Bill’s Uma Thurman to classic hotties Halle Berry, Gerard Butler and Hugh Jackman. With all these stars it’s obvious it was no walk in the park, it took 4 years to shoot because they had to wait on the availability of certain actors. The directors certainly had a particular goal in mind when they cooked up this hilarious controversy. Watch it because it’s going to shock you, then you’re going feel offended but then you’re going to laugh your butt off and crave the next punch line!

Zero Dark Thirty

T

he greatest man hunt story in history! Just two years ago he was found after Obama ordered a covert operation for his capture, his name was on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list. The greatest man hunt in history was in full force and he was the target. Osama Bin Laden’s capture was publicised all around the globe but the moments leading up to the event are still a controversial secret. Starring Jessica Chastain as Maya - the CIA agent ordered to track down Osama and acting alongside her is Joel Edgerton who plays the Squadron Team Leader. The journey is pieced together as we watch how a treacherous mission unfolded and developed. The film is directed by Hurt Locker’s Kathryn Bigelow. Zero Dark Thirty takes thriller to a whole new level.This looks a sure bet for the Oscars.


REVIEWS

festival

the island rises again Market Theatre

T

tigone and John is a more reluctant performer, who has an eye on his impending freedom. Recent reruns of classic South African plays at the Market – including Siswe Banzi is Dead and Woza Albert! – have proved that there is a huge audience for these plays – especially as interpreted by the new generation of theatre practitioners. The Island is just as resonant in today’s South Africa as it was when it first appeared – as we are still doing battle in our contemporary democracy for freedom of expression, and how that might be at odds with the dignity of the State. Authors: Athol Fugard, John Kani , Winston Ntshona Director: John Kani Lighting Designer: Nomvula Molepo Set & Costume Designer: John Kani Stage Manager: Thulani Mngomezulu Actors: Atandwa Kani & Nat Ramabulana Season: 16 January – 24 March 2013

Photographer: Rulphin Coudyzer

The world has changed very significantly since this play was first performed in 1973, when it was illegal for three playwrights to meet, let alone collaborate on a rebellious piece of literature. But through the creation of this brilliant two-hander, Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona brought to life a tale that took the world by storm and helped to persuade America to impose sanctions in South Africa. The Island tells the story of two prisoners on Robben Island, John and Winston, who are rehearsing a performance of Sophocles’ Antigone. When John learns his sentence is being reduced, the men’s friendship is tested. The play explores the parallels between Antigone’s fight against political and patriarchal boundaries and the imprisoned men’s fight for dignity. The Island stands as a testament to the resiliency of the human heart, spirit and beliefs. This time around, the play will be performed by a new generation of brilliant actors: Atandwa Kani, who was last seen at the Market in The Miser, will play John; and Nat Ramabulana, last seen in The Girl in the Yellow Dress, will play Winston. John is a dreamy idealist, desperate to make a success of their two-man production of An-

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 85


Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse Kirstenbosch Sun 17 Feb 2013; 17h30 R80 - R110

Jimmy Nevis LIVE! Baxter Concert Hall Sat 02 Feb 2013; 19h30 R150 – R450

Red Hot Chili Peppers Cpe Town Stadium Tue 05 Feb 2013; 19h15 R215 – R615

World Orchestra Endler Hall, Stellenbosch Fri 15 Feb 2013; 20h00 R125

Music Comedy Lifestyle

86 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


The Chester Missing Road Baxter Golden Arrow Studio Tues 12 Feb 2013; 20h15 R90

Celebrating The Communiversity Baxter Concert Hall Tue 05 Feb 2013;19h00 R150 – R259

The Three Little Pigs Baxter Theatre 16 Jan - 9 Feb 2013; 20h15 R60 - R85

Jou Ma Se Comedy Club The River Club The River Club Thursdays; 20h00 R35 - R70

Ajax Cape Town v Bloem Celtic Cape Town Stadium Wed 20 Feb 2013; 19h30 R40 – R80

Design Indaba - YDS CTICC, Auditorium 2 Wed 27 Feb 2013; 08h15 R1490 - R1680

Hands On Harvest The Robertson Wine Valley 22 – 24 Feb 2013; 10h00 R50 -350

Design Indaba 2013 CTICC 27 Feb – 3 Mar 2013; 10h00 R40 - R70

IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013 87


88 IMBO/ ISSUE 13/ 2013


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.