October/November 2014

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08 32 42 F E AT U R E S

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE

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e live in a South Africa that is there for the taking. Our previous issue spoke to exactly that.

Taking it.

So once you’ve taken it, what do you do with it?

When you cultivate something you grow it. And collaboration is about doing it together.

Let’s grow this majestic nation. Together.

Welcome to issue 31 All 148 pages are for you.

Enjoy.

LOVE

QUEEN ASANTEWAA

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PUBLISHER Gugu Madlala EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Litha Sontange EDITORIAL SUPPORT Frederik Ferreira, Nobusi Maqubela, Lebohang Morake, Karabo Motsoai LAYOUT Abel Siminya, Koos Pad FASHION Bonolo Mashilo, Nobusi Maqubela, Taariq Lenni Gasant, Dominique Billy PHOTOGRAPGHY Taariq Lenni Gasant POST PRODUCTION Spencer Holmes AWESOME PEOPLE Tami Michie, Mohale Ralebitso, Sheba Mazaza CONTRIBUTORS: Precious Simpasa, Simthandile Ford, Koos Pad, Ray Ray, Amanda Nkwinika, Mpho Moloele

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FEATURES

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AFRICA CONNECT

E X P O S E'

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A L T E R N AT I V E T H I N K I N G

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F O C U S F E AT U R E

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P O P C U LT U R E 9

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AFRICA CONNECT

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BREAKING BORDERS The same ideologies that sparked the conflict within the Great Lakes could be used to bring Africans together

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AFRICA CONNECT

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he history of the Great Lakes is permeated by violence and political mayhem. Tanzania, Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda are some of the indigenous nations that can tell the tongue-tiring stories of this naturally resourceful land.

The name itself was founded on the geographical elements of the region, with lakes Victoria and Tangayika running right through it. And for over 20 years, this glorious part of the continent has experienced a unique conflict, founded and curated on love for tribal customs and ethnic history.

They say the many wars were caused by civil, pastoral and tribal conflict. If we take a look at the Rwandan genocide, you’ll see how it introduced the world to the concept of cultural affiliation. The tribal war among the Hutus and Tutus reinforced some sense of cultural pride among the people and the ultimate need to preserve identity. And indeed, cultural association is an integral part of identity that intensifies our purpose as a collective group.

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Interestingly enough, Bantu agriculturalists highlight how the Tutus and Hutus were actually quite similar. They shared the same land, ate the same food and because of their similarities the need for cultural identification escalated. Sadly, they were separated by the same elements that made them identical; emphasising the idea that geographical identity is a concept introduced by colonial powers to divide and conquer.

Thousands of years ago, Africans placed great value on tribal affiliation.

And that tribal cohesion was based on organisation, reciprocal exchange and mental homogeneity.

These factors were far more important than strong relations through proximity.

And so, in these concepts we find our quest for peace.

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The Great Lakes represent an attempt at transnational cultivation with emphasis on how collaboration is crucial to Africa surviving post-war circumstances. The elements of the past can be moved, shaped and shifted for us to build a better tomorrow – an effecient future based on unity.

A borderless Africa needs to be nurtured and fuelled through cultural association.

It would appear that the reemergance and appreciation of art, extensive mobile communication and the efforts being made towards rebuilding a stronger sense of self would render the lines drawn on a map (the real source of conflict) as obsolete.

By Lebogang Morake

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EXPOSE

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C r e at i v i t y P ay s Studying to enter the creative industry may be the best decision any youngster can make... but it could also be a trap.

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ince the dawn of the millennium, professionals from all industries have been scratching their skulls trying to predict the best futuristic approach to business.

The transition from the industrial to the information age was certainly going to bring a major economical turning point.

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South African born Wolfgang Grulke and Gus Silber, were two of the many writers, from all corners of the globe, who collaborated and took an arguably accurate stab with their informative workbook “10 Lessons from the future”.

The text describes the three pillars that can define your success today as: Information, Knowledge and Skills.

And with the power of the Internet in the palms of curious hands, the number of secondary scholars seeking tertiary education in creative faculties should be expected to keep growing rapidly.

According to Ian Linton’s Six Benefits of Internet Marketing, the digital revolution has made it possible for small businesses to spend little to no money on advertising, while they reach a wider market. Now, in the entrepreneurial mind of a forward-thinker, this can only mean – innovation.

Starting a unique business that can grab a piece of that low-hanging market share.

Advertising, photography and fashion designing are but only a few of the popular creative industries one can explore. Year in and year out, herds of young dreamers line up outside the various campuses, eager to take their first step to blowing the world away.

Freshmen enroll, graduates celebrate and some, well, drop out. However, when most of them leave they find that they’re still ill-equipped for the demanding, pressurizing and ever-changing life of a professional creative.

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H E R D S O F YO U N G DREAMERS LINE UP O U TS I D E T H E VA R I O U S CAMPUSES, EAGER T O TA K E T H E I R F I R S T ST E P TO B LO W I N G T H E W O R L D A W AY.

Educational Consultant and Online Educator, Andrew Miller, attributes this to the educators' failure to sufficiently implement the teaching and assessment of creativity in their classrooms.

His intriguing article 'Yes, You can teach and assess creativity' touches on the reality that creative thinking is a form of cognition we can all habituate.

Linda Naiman echoes Miller’s ideology by saying, “we are naturally creative and as we grow up we learn to be uncreative”.

This should motivate all these expensive creative schools to focus more on reigniting your creative spark.

What could be the reasons for an AFDA, Vega or AAA graduate to perform prosaically in the workplace? Is it possible the institutions' main priorities are not to educate but to cash in?

As a parent, when you pay approximately R70K per annum for your child’s tertiary education, don't you expect them to at least learn how to cope with the 'real' world?

Tomorrow’s businessman/woman is more than just a suit, power walking down the corridor of some sophisticated building. They're an innovative, problem solver who understands the power of creativity when bridging relationships with consumers, employees and stakeholders to enhance business.

And this is why today, our teachers’ responsibilities should be altered slightly. They need to focus on finding the best methods to teach learners how to think creatively.

By Ray Ray

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A LT E R N AT I V E T H I N K I N G

a f r e e - m a s o n a ry pa r l i a m e n t Does this mean our government has covert agendas?

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ere’s a little history shared by Avron Jacobson, the Western Cape Freemason’s Grand Master. “Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest international brotherhood. It is, and always has been, dedicated to the moral and spiritual upliftment of good men,” Freemasonry in South Africa may not be as popular as it was around the 1900s, but this reclusive group still has a strong presence in the country today.

For instance, whether you believe it or not, the very ground upon which Parliament stands legally belongs to them. And remember, this is where the final draft of our constitution was drawn up.

So did they influence our Bill of Rights?

The first South African Freemason lodge was formed in Cape Town. It was 1772, 30 years before the actual temple was built. The Masons were so intertwined with the government of the time that Parliament used a Masonic banquet hall as their venue from 1854 to 1884.

However, in a segregated nation like South Africa, the Masonic emphasis on Brotherhood could never really live outside the white population. Hence many people believe they may be responsible for ‘planting the seeds of apartheid’.

Perhaps the most important (some might say frightening) aspect of the masons is how they still have an unspoken power in many countries. And although they insist that their teachings are aimed at creating honorable men and liberty for all, they still refuse the participation of women.

So the lingering question still remains: With such a secretive society, how can we separate fact from fiction? Does their relationship with the South African government have anything to do with the huge gap between the rich and the poor?

Can they be part of the reason why, even after decades of democracy, the land still belongs to the minority?

Simthandile Ford

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F O C U S F E AT U R E

Show or Tell The daydream crippling many journalists.

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W

e’re talking about the media. So let’s be honest. Objectivity in the mainstream is laughable.

I know it. You know it.

We all do. As an institution designed to be the voice of the people, and a watchdog for public interest, the idea of impartial journalism appears to be a fantasy. So, where does this leave the masses?

As with all things, the best place to start is usually at the beginning. In the field of journalism, all you need to understand is that unlike doctors, judges or electrical engineers - we are not members of a true professional class. There's no real “special” training or knowledge required.

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No oath to take. In fact, when broken down, news reporting is merely about absorbing and communicating what is happening around you.

In this day and age, we should realize that objectivity is futile and unconvincing. News is a matter of perception. Yet despite this, in pursuit of the unbiased, journalists such as Leonard Downie (Execute Editor for the Washington Post) still refuse to vote in order to maintain “impartial status”. But what effect does this have on his actual work?

Life experiences have an impact on our perception and interpretation of everything happening around us. It should be absurd to believe a person’s point of view won’t ooze its way into whatever they're expressing.

In 2009 the Pew Research Center for People & Press discovered that 60% of readers think news organizations have political bias. This is obviously from a widespread understanding that people are people. They write what they feel or what they’re paid to.

The big issue grasping for recognition is how words coated in cynicism along with overly subjective reporting yields revenues higher

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than anything else in print or online. Is this truly the original purpose of the press?

Consider the bad vibes business mogul Khanyi Dhlomo picked up after requesting a staggering R34mn loan from the National Empowerment Fund. Widely reported with almost everyone scrambling to elaborate on her uber-expensive boutique, Luminance, and how ridiculous it was. And yet, when she followed through and paid her debt, the newsfeeds whimpered in silence.

No appreciation for paying back the loan.

No surrendering to the fact of how ‘bad girl’ Khanyi actually did something moral and upstanding. We’re forced to wonder if anybody even knows about it…

I’m sure the mainstream was hoping she’d run off to sip cocktails from her Lamborghini on some ivory beach, swathed by an electric blue ocean.

“What's the point of being objective when you can feed your w a l l e t i n s t e a d .”

-SARAH HINCLIFF PEARSON

‘If it bleeds, it leads’ is an old mantra permeating, if not stifling, contemporary journalism. In other words, anything negative or ‘bad’ grabs a larger audience. So then, what’s the point of being objective when you can feed your wallet instead?

Bringing things back before barreling over the edge, we should still give thanks to the media for what it has achieved.

Over the years, the news that journalists have painstakingly gathered and shared has proven to be incredibly useful.

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Honest journalism has helped topple governments, highlight injustice and shape the way we see the world. Be it positive or negative, ultimately, it gave us information which made a difference. Without information, without knowledge, we are powerless.

You know it’s true – people want to be informed.

We need information to make decisions about more than what soap to buy. We need it to fulfill our sense of self and understand what is going on around us.

In the past, to find knowledge, we had to rely on the people around us. And from what they said we would form our own opinions. Eventually, with the advent of the printing press, the ‘news’ became something of an empire.

The ideal of journalism began as a way to expose the truth; a means of keeping the government in check and the people up-to-date with what may have an effect on their lives. In the end, the “noble” career of a news writer appears to have fallen into the pit of financial gain - becoming more than just a little perverted.

And now, here we are, in 2014 with information melting our eyes and seeping from every orifice as we lap it up regardless of whether it matters or possesses any kind of integrity.

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Way back in 2005, William Powers argued in The Atlantic that with the endless array of information the Internet offers, the market has become niche-driven. Basically, you get what you want, depending on which source you frequent. Pick a political or philosophical standpoint and you’ll surely find a news outlet willing to appease your inclinations.

I’ll admit that I no longer read music or movie reviews filtered through the mainstream media. I find it far more informative to read comments from social networks, tweets and such. When it comes to articles, I mostly, if not always, scroll eagerly down to the comments section in order to explore some opposing views. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s refreshing to find a 'yes' to the 'no' or a 'no' to the 'yes'.

So then, my intrepid readers, at this point you’re probably wondering what makes an article worth reading.

In essence, a good piece of believable, mildly objective journalism should SHOW us the truth and not TELL us what it’s supposed to be. It provides a narrative from which we can draw our own conclusions. The quality of a story, showing the facts and using credible sources, is critical in maintaining a diverse audience with an ample amount of perspectives - something the mainstream is more than happy to forego.

The idea of ‘telling’ a story leaves us vulnerable to the opinion of whoever is writing it. On the other hand, when we show the story through facts, other types of evidence and relevant opinions, we allow the reader to make up their own mind about whether or not to believe the words they’ve unwittingly consumed.

At this point, cooperation between the press and society should come into play. As things are, the best news in contemporary society is derived from social media. Mainly due to the fact that it provides us with a massive amount of opinions and perspectives. Meaning we can accept or deny what resonates with us.

South Africa is an interesting example of opposing viewpoints when it comes to information. After all, we are a multicultural, diverse and ever expanding nation, filled with all kinds of juicy stories. Take the homicide of Bafana Bafana’s goalkeeper and captain Senzo Mewiya as an example. The news aimed at ‘white people’ reported the incident with a fair amount of detachment, while the ‘black media’ took the same angle with far more appreciation and expression of how horrific the incident was.

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This should say something about a singular approach to a story.

What I mean by this is, we can never know the truth unless we are willing to wade through the proverbial ‘bullshit’ to discover what is reality.

At this juncture we can start talking about the importance of collaboration in the media.

Traditionally, the ‘news’ relied on cooperation with contemporary society in order to provide witnesses and valuable sources from which to bestow important information. And then, with cash becoming king, information devolved into the propagation of agendas (kind of sounds like propoganda, doesn't it?).

It is here that the information age and social media has ushered in an era from which we can disseminate fact from fiction. We have the ability and power to peruse multiple sources of information and, in so doing, create our own understanding of the truth.

With millions upon billions of people sharing their opinions, we can somehow find some truth. If not the actual, objective truth, we can still discover something that matters to us.

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Something that affects us as human beings and allows us to move forward.

When it comes to collaboration between the press and society, The Hourly Press is definitely worth a few sentences. Here's an organisation developed by Lyn Headley and Steve Farrell using Twitter's API to track popular stories of the hour based on link sharing, either from a trusted publisher or editor (sometimes even a combination of the two). Ultimately, this service filters the “noise” allowing people to see what they, and others, find important.

Headley is quoted as saying, “We're at the intersection of a more traditional, top-down editorial model and a direct democracy or crowd-edited approach,” In all honesty, the future of media is based on cooperation. Without helping each other in our quest for the truth, we have nothing more but a story crafted to put food on the table and whose table that is remains debatable.

By Frederik Ferreira

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P O P C U LT U R E

R . I . P c o n v e r s at i o n Is the digital age strangling social interaction?

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an you remember the last time you had a conversation? You might say “All day, everyday” or “OMFG! R u srs??”. And, of course, no one can dispute the amount of “convos” bouncing around in the digital landscape. Or can they?

Think about your most recent, mutually beneficial dialogue. That succulent moment which leaves you with a new insight, a sense of fulfillment and,

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perhaps, a smile. Psychologists call this exchange of ideas, The Cooperative Principle. “What is said in a conversation furthers the purpose of that conversation”. It’s a meeting of minds. A connection that powers itself purely through two people interacting.

The beauty of this fine facet of life is how we're not limited to speaking. Things like dancing, working and, yes, even sex can be a conversation all in itself.

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Strangely enough, new psychological studies have identified a rising ‘fear of interaction’.

A trait said to be subconsciously weaving its way around the web, affecting individuals who remain constantly tethered to social networks.

The evidence speaks for itself. A 16-year old American admitted online, “Some day, I’d like to learn how to have a real conversation”.

Sherry Turkle, a Professor and Psychologist at M.I.T. noted how her students are comfortable being “alone together as a tribe of one”. She also mentions how they participate in online activities whilst pretending to be paying attention. Surprisingly, she thought, they’re even able to maintain eye contact while texting/ blogging away.

EVERYBODY IS P LU G G E D I N TO A DEVICE AND PLUGGED OUT OF REALITY

The multitasking is amazing. But what is the quantity of conversation over quality?

Life is expressed through the words we share.

And it can be inspiring.

Although some would say each syllable is breathing its last breath. In modern, digital homes the increase in teenage pregnancy has been attributed to the lack of conversation.

People are plugged into a device and plugged out of reality.

It should go without saying that human relationships are a beautiful thing. After that first connection is sparked, what follows is surprising, vibrant, messy and maybe a little complicated - but at the heart, it's undeniably wonderful.

Meaningful relationships stem from having a good conversation. It’s how we develop.

Sharing ideas and parts of ourselves. Building from one moment to the next. Laughing, crying, sulking, smiling. The conversation always goes on. It will adapt and evolve. Sometimes even fall apart. But despite all this, we can confidently admit that conversation will never die. And if it does – we’re all #fcked.

By Frederik Ferreira

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SOCIETY

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AFRICA REPORT

The Business of Fa i t h It seems as though the modern trend with churches leans more towards taking advantage of people rather than offering spiritual upliftment.

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OUR SOCIETY FROWNS UPON INDIVIDUALS WHO QUESTION THE EXISTENCE OF GOD.

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amilies all around the world place great value in faith.

And while it may not be for everyone, Sunday still marks a time for the faithful to dress appropriately as they prepare to step into the Holy House.

According to the New Testament, Evangelism is about preaching the gospel. It’s when Christians become mouthpieces for God’s message, providing mercy to sinners. It’s probably one of the main reasons why Christians frown upon individuals who question His existence or make ungodly statements about the afterlife.

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Today, it seems as if people’s devotion to God, or rather their desperation to be healed, has to some extent become their weakness. Evangelical pastors have been making headlines with the likes of Pastor Mbhoro, TB Joshua and Lesego Daniel showing off their “gift” to “cast out demons” . In demonstrating their “powers”, they even make people do various, unorthodox things while they broadcast the events and earn millions in the process.

If you’ve seen the American series “The Preachers of LA”, you’ll know that Christianity has become a way of accumulating wealth. However, some pastors still believe the purpose of church lies in providing spiritual ‘nourishment’ for its members without expecting a hefty financial return.

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Ohio church pastor, Gary Fearns, explains, “I think pastors should be paid a living wage based on the average salary of their congregation, if they earn more than that, I think the rest of their money should be used to help other people,”

ARE THERE STILL MEN OF GOD WHO ARE W I L L I N G TO P R OV I D E SPIRITUAL UPLIFTMENT WITHOUT LINING THEIR POCKETS?

therichest.com's list of the highest paid pastors in the world, include Cindy Trimm, Al Sharpton, TB Joshua, Chris Oyakhilome etc. What should be noted here is how their financial prosperity is from more than just preaching the ‘word’.

It appears that being a pastor has become more of a career than a calling. And we have to wonder, are there still honest men of God who are willing to provide spiritual upliftment without lining their pockets?

By Karabo Motsoai

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ENVIRONMENT

the power of nuclear What is the future for sustainable energy and economic growth?

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room full of people. Awkward silence.

Polite smiles. Someone decides to say: “Have you heard the latest developments in nuclear energy?” Suddenly the crowd explodes with excitement – is this the right reaction?

For many of us, the words “nuclear energy” have become a source of nightmares. Nonetheless, since the 2014 State of the Nation address, the energy debate has become relevant to all South Africans – especially now with the energy crisis crippling our economy.

Relating to what the previous Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters, had to say, “countries that have a successful nuclear program have a high percentage of citizens who understand what nuclear energy is.” And the reality of the matter is most advocates and naysayers don’t actually have the knowledge to back up opinions.

What is nuclear power?

Nuclear power reactors are responsible for nuclear chain reactions. They’re fueled by uranium and IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14

used for electricity generation as well as powering the engines of military ships and submarines.

Uranium is the abundant metal which undergoes a process of division called nuclear fission. Because this process generates heat, carbon dioxide and water are used as coolants to cause the necessary steam for rotating turbines – which in turn drive generators.

The relationship between nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

Once reactions have taken place and energy is created, what remains is highly radioactive.

Plutonium may be found in the spent fuel and is the same fuel that is used for nuclear weapons.

However, the Plutonium that is found in these reactors is highly unlikely to aid in the creation of nuclear weapons.

Extracting Plutonium from residual fuel requires the most expensive and advanced technologies. Of the countries that do not already have nuclear weapons, very few have the necessary infrastructure.

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In addition, the grades of Plutonium (Pu) found in residual fuel are far from ideal for the creation of weaponry. Ideally Pu-2239 would be the necessary ingredient for mass destruction. That is not to say that it is completely impossible for the most advanced weapons to use the spent fuel found in the reactors. However, the content of Pu239 should be 88%-91% as against the reactor grade content which is less than 81%.

Once we eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons the main concern regarding nuclear power is nuclear waste. Increasing interest in this alternative power means increased volumes of radioactive waste, difficulties in safe transportation and containment. These difficulties lead to the debate with regards to alternative forms of energy in South Africa and abroad.

Renewable vs Nuclear Considering the crisis at hand and its effect on the economy, it’s obvious that serious consideration towards other forms of energy is essential in finding an adequate and sustainable solution in South Africa. Wind and solar energy are popular alternatives in the place of nuclear energy.

“ C O U N T R I E S T H AT H AV E A S U C C E S S F U L NUCLEAR PROGRAM H AV E A H I G H P E R C E N TA G E O F CITIZENS WHO U N D E R S TA N D W H AT N U C L E A R E N E R G Y I S .”

These types of energy do not deplete mineral resources and are not a direct cause of pollution.

However, Dan Millar, Chemical Engineer at AMEC believes that “The main reason for the lack of considerable support for renewable energy sources is their low efficiency and energy production potential,” – whereas nuclear energy is reliable and available at all times. The obvious solution is then a combination of these types of energy for the sake of the environment, sustainable energy and of course, the economy.

If we are to use renewable energy alongside nuclear energy this massive undertaking needs to be implemented in the most efficient manner.

At the moment nuclear power seems to be our best if not only choice. And we can all agree that the energy crisis is undoubtedly a load worth shedding.

By Nobusi Maqubela

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FEEL GOOD

P AY I N G F O R MOMMY’S CRIME

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their mothers until the age of 5. Now, babies are only allowed to stay in that environment for two years.

In some prisons, the mothers and their babies mix with all kinds of criminals – which could prove to be even more detrimental to the child's wellbeing.

However, when they’re separated from their mothers, they are forced to step into an unfamiliar world which brings with it almost as much trauma.

Babies Behind Bars seems to be the best solution to this problem. It’s a Non-profit organization, founded in 2007 by Romy Titus, which recognises that prison's current form of "care" babies is not the best. Every child needs to be well cared for in order for them to thrive.

According to Lisa Vetten, senior researcher at Wits, “the babies are neither the responsibility of the department of correctional services nor the department of social development”. The outcome of this statement leads to mothers and babies facing harsh conditions (especially in winter season whereby nappies take forever to dry and warm clothing is minimal).

ccording to the latest statistics by the department of correctional services, there are at least 129 South African babies living with their mothers behind bars. And, sadly, the number keeps growing. It should be obvious that a prison cell is no conducive place to raise a child. But should a mother lose the right to bond with their offspring or does it make more sense for the prison environment to be optimized?

The venture ensures that the babies have toys, nappies, clothes and a play area. And to intensify mother-child bonds, Babies Behind Bars provides parenting classes. These minor implementations have created a homely environment for the babies, while making a warm difference in the lives of the incarcerated women.

It has been proven that prison can cause permanent psychological effects for an individual due to isolation and deprivation. Further research has shown that 80% of kids who are born behind bars or exposed to prison between the ages of 0-5 years, end up back there at some point in their lives.

Before 2008, the babies were allowed to stay with

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Thankfully, the organization has been a tremendous blessing on babies who seem to be forgotten by society.

The public’s contributions towards this effort will make the stay of infants much happier and bearable.

In the long run, this could benefit not only the psychology of these children but the mindset of the future generations as well. After all, it does take a village to raise a child.

For more information, follow the organization @babiesbehindbrs

By Karabo Motsoai.

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AMPLIFIERS

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FOCUS PROFILE

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F E AT U R E P R O F I L E

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get up and get it!

Achievement belongs to those with the courage to pursue greatness.

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I

t’s not every day that I get the pleasure of being invited to perform my journalistic duties in the home of my subject. And when we scheduled an interview with the globally educated and continentally respected, Mohale Ralebitso, that’s exactly what happened.

real thing. His professional profile commands absolute respect, dwarfed only by his commitment to active, conscious, citizenship that starts from within.

First steps towards success The sibling to three and father of two walked me through his professional life, which began as a fruit-trading entrepreneur at the age of seven! His father, an accountant, put Mohale and his brother, TC, to work from an early age and it’s the lessons from that very first gig which laid the foundations for the development of his Things began to come full circle when I walked business acumen. into a warm, purposefully curated environment, which brought with it a sense of openness and Years later, Mohale would continued his calm to my traffic-fuelled morning. entrepreneurial development, tutoring throughout high school in the USA, being a The ambience of his home captures a culturally doorman and waiting high-end tables in Long utopic excellence that made me imagine an Island NY. IMBO fashion shoot. And as our conversation deepened, the man and his home appeared An interest in political economy and governance, perfectly suited for one another. and how it could be used to change the world, led him to enroll at the City University of New His resume is loaded with Directorships, York (CUNY) where he would study Political Chairships, buyouts, mergers, launches and Science, Sociology and Psychology. (Leaving a little Ivy League education. The man is the behind the dreams of a childhood engineer with a love for impeccably finished wire-cars, complete with working head-lamps and styled, tin-can designer wheels.)

My pre-interview research listed a series of accomplishments and professional success.

When speaking to my various contacts for context, I was also met with a host of positive adjectives. So naturally, my intrigue and excitement reached fever pitch.

“ … E D U C AT I O N I S A CRUCIAL INGREDIENT FOR THE GROWTH OF A PROSPEROUS A Z A N I A .”

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Outside of a demanding curriculum, he still found time to participate in student activism by leading a number of influential campus societies where his management acuity would continue to bloom.

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H E H A S N OT H I N G BUT RESPECT AND A D M I R AT I O N F O R S TA R T- U P S A N D THE PEOPLE WHO DRIVE THEM. Following this, Mohale spent two years as a researcher with the Ford Foundation Diversity Initiative at Queens College, CUNY, during which time he worked on published studies examining the housing situation in New York City (1991-1992). Along with this he participated in a study appraising factors affecting Latino, AfricanAmerican, Asian and White youth’s performance in mathematics and science (1992-1993).

Sometime afterwards, while employed at HerdBuoys Advertising, Peter Vundla rewarded him with a rare qualification from Harvard Business School helping him achieve a childhood dream.

What matters most.

Mohale boycotted his graduation ceremony where he was to be celebrated as an iconic student leader – receiving his service recognition certificate by mail. He shared differing principles with the president and his commitment to those principles underpinned his defiance. Besides, his brother's and best friend’s graduation in Harlem (his intellectual home) beckoned.

When I began to ask for his perspectives on South Africa’s young professionals, he responded with a glowing assessment. He told me that although there’re many people without a fair chance at participation, and despite the widening divide when it comes to accessing quality education, those that are in the mix give him hope. Mohale noted how he has nothing but respect and admiration for start-ups and the people driving them.

He went on to say that South Africa is mostly on the right track. By his measure, the next five years will see the country becoming more African in every way as transport-links integrate previously excluded communities. Along with this young black voices continue to make themselves heard in arts, culture and the boardroom (despite continued efforts to marginalise them).

Mohale acknowledges that the global economy is still tender and says he’s cautiously optimistic.

He points out education as the crucial ingredient for the growth of a prosperous Azania. “…but the biggest challenge facing the government, and in fact every African government, is balancing priorities and their limited resources.” He asserts that while wastage exists there just simply isn’t enough to fix sectors like health, security, education, housing and others simultaneously and swiftly.

More importantly, he tells me, is an acknowledgement from all sections of society, including business, government, civil society and the population at large, that the responsibility to develop and ‘staunchify’ South Africa belongs to each and every one of us in equal measure.

Mohale Ralebitso is an inspiring heavy weight rooted in the African earth and cultivating achievement after achievement. He’s defining what it is to participate and transform business through #BlackExcellence. He is the spirit of IMBO in every way.

By: Koos Pad

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PROFESSIONALS

S y n e rg i z e yo u r s k i l l s

If you have the drums, find someone with a guitar. Together with them, locate a vocalist. And only then will you have a band!

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he abrupt spawning of collaborative agencies across the country – and of course, the globalized city we used to call the planet – has been almost impossible to miss. Creatives have officially taken strides away from the constrained, rigid thinking of older and more-established agencies.

It seems as if the new buzz is finding people who specialize in skills that you don’t have, creating a synergy and attacking the market from all angles possible.

Naas is the epitome of one such creative agency. As a collective, their expertise range from film, photography and design, all the way through to music and events.

An interesting element of this group of right-brainers is that they not only produce client-based work but they also spend their free time giving life to their self-initiated projects.

And indeed, when you look at Ian, Thor, Imraan and Matt you can’t help but see a bunch of young, passionate creatives who have fun getting busy. Although they are professionals, their work also seems to embody the “alternative” nature of the youth culture in Cape Town.

And again, whatever they can’t do they outsource. This then inspires those creative individuals to collaborate with others, which could also (probably/maybe) stem the eruption of another agency.

I guess with so many of these organizations coming out of nowhere, it might begin to feel like it’s that easy to run one of these agencies. But as anyone who’s walked the path would tell you - it’s definitely not.

Be sure to check out www.naas.co.za, acquaint yourself with greatness and possibly do business.

By Ray Ray

Now that’s exciting because it can give clients the assurance that they’re hiring people who love what they do.

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optimizing business

C

IMBO chats with the inspiring innovator sitting on the Director's chair at OPEN Maboneng.

ontrary to what you’d expect, as an avid entrepreneur involved in several businesses, Westleigh Wilkinson is not your stereotypical stiff boss at the office. He carries a light heart and fun charisma that personify his positive thinking.

Wilkison describes his success as a little bit of luck – being at the right place at the right time and relentlessly pursuing opportunities. He remarks how this comes with the absence of fear in risk-taking and never letting failures affect him negatively. It’s important to note that collaboration for him does not end at work. It’s a concept he also brings to other areas of his life.

OPEN Maboneng is an office space that freelancers, corporates and entrepreneurs hire to co-work in. It consists of boardrooms, offices, topof-the-range equipment and a web conference area to make businesses more conducive to productivity. “OPEN is a space where innovation is forced to go the next level”, says Westleigh.

As for the future, OPEN should become even more influential. They plan on creating more working spaces that encourage ecosystems to give people access to global perspectives – Braamfontein and V&A waterfront are the first areas where this will be activated.

He continues to ardently describe it as a creative platform dedicated to changing mind-sets and advocating unforeseen collaborations through the discussion of patent ideas, networking and the sharing of unexpected resources.

Westleigh describes himself as a conscientious believer in the power of the mind, an ideal IMBO shares. We suspect his entrepreneurial journey will continue to reflect the infectious and determined businessman he is.

“We’ve definitely achieved our goal for collaboration as the proximity of skills and ideas means one can overhear conversations and be a part of something great”. This has led to the growth of other businesses such as Legrand, who have gone on to make their mark in their own industry.

By Lebo Morake

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FOCUS PROFILE

dress up for the wo r l d

Laduma Ngxokolo is on a journey to global success, and he’s taking South Africa with him.

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B

e a messenger of your culture and your heritage”. Simple phrase, isn’t it? Well, maybe until you analyze the business acumen of fashion designer/business man, Laduma Ngxokolo. These inspiring words were taken from his Fashion Film, ‘My Heritage, My Inheritance’ and have since been implanted into every facet of his life.

It might be hard to imagine a fashion designer displaying the kind of business practice entrepreneurs need to emulate. However, Ngxokolo is on a mission to take his label to the world without forgetting about the impact he wants to make on the economy of his people.

Laduma started his textile designing career in 2003 at Lawson Brown High School, in Port Elizabeth. And like many other graduates from the various towns of the Eastern Cape, he pursued his BTech at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

During his studies, his sheer talent earned him first prize at the South African Dyers and Colourists Design Competition. His entry was aptly named “The Colourful World of The Xhosa Culture” – a celebration of Laduma’s own heritage. It consisted of men’s knitwear inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork and it gave him his first taste of international acclaim.

Since then, Mr. Ngxokolo has travelled the world showcasing his beautiful, unique designs. One would assume that he'd use his prize money (and profits) to import international fabrics to compete on a global scale. Alas, this unpredictable man says the success and longevity of his label lies in the belief that: “Europeans know themselves and

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are able to make and sell their own products better than anyone else. South Africans, therefore, need to get to a point where they understand that they too need to use their own knowledge and [indigenous] resources in order to be unique and pioneering on an international scale”.

Laduma believes, “the local textile industry is deteriorating” because of inferior quality and the inability to compete with cheaper, international fabrics. However, his determination to uplift the local industry brought him to collaborate with companies such as Karoo Looms and Hinterveld, from Port Elizabeth, who specialize in Mohair.

His collaboration with textile companies is aligned with his method of encouraging local designers to use local fabrics. According to him, if there’s a problem with the kind of fabric being produced, designers must then work with textile companies and assist in developing fabrics suitable to their standards.

This is “supporting the industry in its raw form” while ensuring that you have superior quality garments precisely tailored to your label's needs.

In every type of industry, you have those who complain about the lack of quality in locally produced goods. And so, Laduma is challenging entrepreneurs who are unhappy with local goods, to get up and make a change.

This is a testament to how business can use their own resources, be it capital or knowledge, to actively participate in the change that it would like to see.

BY: Nobusi Maqubela

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BUSINESS

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54 56 01 10 23 58 50 60 62 NETWORKING

TECH SHIFTERS

HOT LIST

CORDS CHOICE

AMPLIFIERS

T E C H T O D AY

SELF

FA S H I O N

FINANCIAL FUNDI'S

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THE REVIEW 53

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NETWORKING

Social Media Week Celebrating connectivity as a vital form of communication for the future.

“What have god wrought?!”

May 24, 1844, First telegram sent by Samual B. Morse.

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ithout question, there’s a great history developing behind digital communication. And, honestly, we’re fortunate to be a part of it. The undeniable focus for Social Media Week was to emphasize this virtual phenomenon as an indispensable tool for business and entrepreneurs of every kind.

Over 40 years ago, Ray Tomlinson sent the world’s first email. This formed our initial attempt at digital communication and eventually brought forth the dominant form of interaction we experience on our planet today.

You know what I meme?

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram… The list keeps growing every day.

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At its core, SMW is about reimagining human creativity - providing 26 cities on 6 continents with a podium to celebrate, communicate and connect. But most importantly, it’s a place to have fun with the future.

And so, as a prelude to our destiny, this is a productive week that leaves you inclined to embrace a clear, forward-thinking approach when considering the future of Social Media.

"We speak across time and space… May the new power promote peace between all nations.”- Sir Edgar Walton to Prime Stacked with entertainment, education, networking, hackathons, virtual hangouts, film screenings, keynote presentations and panel discussions, Social Media Week (SMW) is definitely an experience not to be missed.

Minister J.B.M. Hertzog, 1924 (inauguration of the wireless transmission system invented by Guigliemi Marconi 30 years earlier.)

By Frederik Ferreira

On one day, people from Google were explaining the best way to utilize their service for business. And on another, attendees got to soak up a lecture on storytelling – illustrating the growth of communication from oral tradition in Africa to the immense digital landscape we know today.

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TECH SHIFTERS

T O I N F I N I T Y. . !

Space Tourism is a fast approaching reality. It seems the idea of relocating from this planet to another may not be as absurd as people think…

H

istory keeps a reliable record of humanity’s relentless ingenuity and zeal when breaking boundaries previously thought impenetrable. 1876 saw the world ‘shrink’ with the first telephone, eventually shrinking even more in 1952 when we first took to the skies.

Since then, the aviation industry has evolved to meet the needs of society. And as Virgin Galactic gears up to go beyond the skies, making space tourism a reality, we should all be excited about what the future may hold.

A PLANE FOR EVERY NEED The evolution of aviation happened slowly, developing mainly to satisfy the needs of certain individuals and relative circumstance.

For instance, military planes were a common IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14

feature during war time when nations needed effective ways of obliterating ‘the enemy’.

This is when airplanes were ideal for transporting soldiers and weaponry from one nation to the next. The advancement of aircrafts built for transport progressed from the large, wooden ‘Spruce Goose’ of the Second World War to the modern, reliable planes we know today as the Galaxy C-5 and Hercules C-130.

Globalisation (and the rise of eCommerce) increased the necessity for aircraft, with more reason to transport cargo from one corner of the planet to the other - sparking a revolution in freighter planes. It all began with early air mail freighters like the Avro Lancastrian culminating in bigger, tougher freighters such as the Airbus A300 and Antonov 225.

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As the industry continues to mature, air travel has become the safest and most reliable means of getting from point A to B. The National Safety Council in the U.S provides statistics illustrating how 1 in 7,229 people die on an aircraft compared to the 1 in 749 fatalities of pedestrians - meaning you have more chance of meeting your maker while walking down the street than jet-setting across timezones.

BEYOND THE SKIES Today, our need to explore the vastness of outer space has inspired a multitude of organisations such as the X Prize foundation, encouraging innovative ways of making commercial spaceflight a reality. In 1995, the foundation offered a $10mn prize for any NGO to, “launch a reusable manned spacecraft into space twice within two weeks” - a total of twenty-six teams entered the Ansari X Prize. The winning spacecraft being the SpaceShip One. The organisation motivated the founding of Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, which inspired the development of SpaceShip Two (SS2) - a collaborative effort between Scaled Composites and Virgin Galactic, pioneering commercial space travel.

The SS2 is a suborbital, air-launched spacecraft, designed for space tourism which Virgin Galactic will use to whisk ordinary individuals on an hour and a half trip into space and back provided they have a quarter of a million dollars to spare.

VIRGIN GALACTIC WILL WHISK ORDINARY INDIVIDUALS ON AN HOUR AND A HALF T R I P I N T O S PA C E

LIFE BEYOND EARTH? With space travel on the verge of becoming an everyday norm, we can confidently speculate what the future looks like. Perhaps we might start colonising the moon and begin our exodus - possibly leading to the discovery of new, unknown minerals on other planets, which may be capable of curing the most stubborn of diseases plaguing our world.

Only time will tell how far innovators will push the bar as we accelerate towards the uncertain and unexplored fascination of the cosmos.

By Amanda Nkwinika

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T E C H T O D AY

Holding hands for better business‌ In order to survive, organizations have no choice but to adjust to contemporary culture.

I

f you work in an industry that demands effective time-management and production, then you’re probably familiar with Collaborative Working Platforms (henceforth known as CWP).

If not, allow me to alleviate your ignorance by shining a light on an important aspect for improving your business.

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According to Charlene Li, the founder of Altimeter group, collaboration drives business in a number of ways. It encourages sharing in order to capture knowledge, enable action and ultimately empower people – increasing employees’ efficiency, productivity and taste for innovation.

Nowadays it’s hard to find an office or workspace where people don’t need Internet connectivity to work (or whatever it is you do). To move past the obvious and state the relevant: CWP is essentially a different way of using Social Media. It’s like an intranet.

Not a tool, a platform.

To name one amongst hundreds, a particular initiative such as Podio.com allows for businesses to eliminate the streams of emails we’re all accustomed to hating. It’s a singular space to manage, communicate, share, work and track progress.

CWP IS E S S E N T I A L LY A D I F F E R E N T W AY OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA.

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Last year, the McKinsey report proposed that 75% of enterprise level organizations would adopt social collaboration. Today, we’re moving well past that statistic. All this making one thing for certain – CWP is essential in the future of how business is done.

Imagine this, if you will: an architect needs help with his mock-ups and drawings.

And so, he sends a request through the Collaborative Working Platform. A colleague (local or international) picks up the request and helps with productivity and insight. This isn’t limited to one person, anyone involved in the business is given the ability to actually be INVOLVED. Think about it – computers are widespread in the business community and usually, if not always, they’re interconnected. And so, if you want to improve efficiency, achieve goals faster and drive the growth of your business, Collaborative Working Platforms are your way forward.

WITH THE DAWN OF G L O B A L I Z AT I O N , C O L L A B O R AT I O N H A S NEVER BEEN MORE I M P O R TA N T

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Now I feel comfortable mentioning a little issue that will most probably have an effect on your business becoming an industry maestro.

Collaborative Working Platforms are useless without a shift in thinking and values. With the dawn of globalization, collaboration has never been more important. And if you can’t get with it, then you better get out.

This innovative approach to business has been designed to get people actively involved in a common task to achieve goals.

That’s the long and short of it. Organizations such as NASA, KPMG and Beats by Dr. Dre already use this post-modern approach. So, if that isn’t convincing enough… You may just be insane.

By Frederik Ferreira

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FINANCIAL FUNDIS

F o r p ro f i t or for people The great debate surrounding the South African Reserve Bank has been focused on transferring ownership into the hands of the people.

O

ne thing that most people know, or should know, about the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is that it’s one of the few privately owned government institutes in the world. The lingering issue highlighted by political parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is how the institute should be state-owned in order to serve the best interests of South Africans.

Formed by the South African government in 1921, based on the United Kingdom’s Reserve Bank model, a distinguishing factor of the establishment is how it was privately owned.

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Despite all this, the SARB is still held accountable by the government for any and all action it takes.

A soothing fact about the SARB is how the heaps of shareholders grasp absolutely no power when it comes to decision-making or how the institute is managed. Besides this, the nationalization of the Reserve Bank is a near impossible task when considering how the government owns less than 1%. Were the government to request nationalization, they’d have to hope the privately owned organization would approve.

Currently, there are 660 shareholders who receive a dividend of R0.10 per share every year. The remaining profit goes straight to the

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ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS A RESERVE B A N K M AY B E B E P R I V AT E LY O W N E D I S T O TA K E S O M E PRESSURE OFF OF THE GOVERNMENT…

government. As things are, the SARB has a board of directors consisting of 14 people where half of the members are appointed by the President and ordinarily includes a governor and three deputy governors who are full-time executive members along with three part-time directors - reinforcing their influence in running the SARB. Along with this, the government has de facto control through debt funding.

Patrick Craven, Spokesperson for COSATU is quoted as saying, “Kganyago (the newly appointed chairman) must insist that the SARB be nationalised. “ Being one of the few privately owned government organisations in the world, Craven insists, “it is totally unacceptable that such an important institution should be privately owned and answerable to shareholders rather than to the government elected by the people of South Africa.”

With all this in mind, according to Section 31 of the SARB Act, the governor of the SARB must

submit annual reports to the Minister of Finance along with relaying any and all information regarding monetary policy. This brings us back to accountability and how the government still has some influence over how the SARB is run. Meaning Craven’s disagreement with the regulation is a moot point.

One of the main reasons a Reserve Bank may be be privately owned is to take some pressure off of the government when it comes to maintaining a stable economy. While this isn’t an ideal situation, certain countries have to deal with a plethora of problems outside the realm of economics.

As a matter of national interest, logically, this should indeed be considered unacceptable.

Yet the benefits of having a privately owned, government run institute appears to be about the alleviation of various concerns. And with South Africa being a relatively young Democracy, we can all agree the government could do with some help in order to keep the economy operating at a satisfactory level.

By Frederik Ferreira

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THE REVIEW

COCA-COLA BRINGS HAPPINESS TO THE R A I N B OW NAT I O N Cheers to great advertising!

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O

n the 27th of April 1994, millions of people marched to voting stations with hopes for a brighter future. It was the dawn of our new constitution. One that would lay down the foundation for all South Africans to live in harmony.

This year, Coke reminded Azanians about the day they took the vow to co-exist like the colours of a rainbow.

“In the lead up to Freedom Day, we wanted to go further than reminding South Africans of our heritage. We wanted to create a symbol of our diversity and celebrate the fact that as a nation we have come so far” – explains Sharon Keith, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola SA Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB) brought this fantastic idea to life with the help of a technical team and an international rainbow maker. They captured the sunlight at a specific time, released showers of recycled water and produced an awe-inspiring masterpiece that was awarded four international accolades – including a gold award at the well renowned Cannes Lions Festival.

People couldn’t help but try and get a better view. And as they filled the open space around the famous CocaCola billboard happiness was definitely in the air.

By Karabo Motsoai

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SELF

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WELLNESS

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LIFE SKILLS

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E D U C AT I O N

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CAREERS

T R AV E L 67

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WELLNESS

C AU G H T O N T H E W E B The mere thought of being unable to conncet to the internet can send quivers down the average person’s spine. And for some, that’s not where it ends.

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Activities such as online gaming, social media and shopping are said to be some of the main causes. [On other news: South Africa’s internet usage is measured at 0.85%.]

In China, the cost of treatment ranges from $1,000 to $14,500 - with the period of rehabilitation varying between 30 and 90 days. The rehab centers take on a militaristic approach; their patients are admitted to institutes operated by people with little to no training in health care. Some of the centers function like drug rehabs – there are group or family sessions, all trying to encourage social interactions.

The journey towards recovery involves taking part in daily exercise and therapy, while sometimes receiving prescribed medication.

So far, at least two deaths have been reported.

T

he new drug spreading throughout the world is – internet. Yep. Some of us don’t get enough satisfaction from just looking up a word or watching a cool clip.But it gets scary when you learn that a lack of browsing, blogging or posting can actually arouse serious withdrawal symptoms for webaddicts. And even more frightening when you realize that these symptoms – restlessness, aggression and uncooperativeness – are similar to those experienced by drug addicts craving a fix.

The idea of “Internet addiction” has always been a looming issue.

In 2008, China felt the need to take the first step and address the problem by implementing rehabilitation systems. And as projected, more centers continue to pop up throughout the entire country. When you consider the fact that China has the highest internet usage in the world (21.3%), this should come as no surprise.

Because of the limitless nature of the internet, fantasy is preferred over reality.

Author Joanne Black insists; “we have become so organized around technology that we have almost forgotten what it’s like to talk to people”. With this in mind, it certainly seems like many of us have become so distracted that we can’t be bothered with the world around us.

To elaborate on the severity of this new form of addiction, Nassim Nicholas Taleb writes; “The difference between technology and slavery is that slaves are fully aware that they are not free”. The Internet, if not used carefully, can have a hold on us from which we cannot easily be emancipated. It’s great to collaborate online for a good cause but, as we have seen, having a one-on-one discussion provides us with greater insights and the potential for successful collaboration.

In the end, where do you draw the line when it comes to switching off that screen? [How much effort does it take to tear yourself away from the fantasy/reality of the Internet?]. And then ask yourself this: Wouldn’t it be better to experience life by participating physically and whole-heartedly with other people?

By Karabo Motsoai

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LIFE SKILLS

Shut up and Listen!

In the wise words of Mark Twain, “If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two tongues and one ear.”

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t’s a simple exercise. All you have to do is play your part. I mean, if we’re having a conversation and I’m the one talking – it only makes sense if you listen. Don’t just hear me out. Listen to what I’m saying. Pay attention to how I’m conveying it, so you can have a holistic understanding of the message.

It’s an art they say. And they’re absolutely right.

It is said in the unwritten laws of Ubuntu, “I am because we are. Because we are, therefore I am”. This substantiates the fact that we’re interdependent, while bringing to the surface our need to collaborate. And, of course, implying how our prosperity as a collective lies in the amount of respect, patience and understanding we have for each other.

As we all know (or at least should know by now) humans are social beings. And with that in mind, deciphering the significant role communication plays in our fundamental existence should be fairly remote from grasping the theories of quantum physics. People need other people, not only as a shoulder to lean on or a stepping-stone towards success. We need each other to survive.

Essentially, improved listening skills don’t only enhance communication, they strengthen relationships and can ultimately improve one’s life. While, on the contrary, failing to listen properly can lead to misunderstanding and eventually conflict. So how do we make sure you know exactly what to do when you flip this page and move on with life? - We have to expose you to the different aspects of communication.

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DON’T JUST H E A R M E O U T. L I S T E N T O W H AT I ’ M S AY I N G .

When participating in social interactions you need to be constantly aware of what is being communicated both verbally and nonverbally. This alludes to the idea of paying close attention. And there are many ways of doing this – from keeping eye contact, avoiding distractions to straight-up focusing. But anyway, being conscious of verbal and non-verbal communication is all about reading between the lines. This doesn’t imply that people generally speak in idioms, it merely sustains the fact that you should listen out for ideas instead of hearing the words (meditate on that for a second).

A wise voice once said, “The main problem with the world is how people listen to respond and not to understand. We don’t give the next person a chance to express themselves fully before imposing our ideas on the topic. And in order to progress in this new globalized city (Earth), we need to be eager to collaborate. We have to want more than what we know. We need to be absolutely present and welcoming at all times.

And ultimately, before we voice ourselves – we need to listen!

By Ray Ray

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E D U C AT I O N

New School Exploring the benefits and disadvantages of using technology in the classrooms

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T

oday learners pack their ipads into a pocket sized bag for the “back to school” experience; and cringe in class when they realise that the charger is still plugged in at home.

Welcome to the new school! A true digital experience that would’ve been hard to fathom 12 years ago – a time when the idea of pupils using gadgets in the classroom would’ve made a good joke. But today, schools are looking to exclusively divert to digital methods of teaching and interaction.

Yael Marx, an educator at St Mary’s all girl school in Johannesburg, explains how the ipad can be utilised for extremely beneficial purposes, “St Mary’s has moved their whole library system into a digital library where learners can download a book onto their tablet.” She also adds that programmes such as Limu can be added to submit assignments and how the same programme can be linked to plagiarism sites to monitor work.

According to an IschoolAfrica study, 120 primary and secondary schools in South Africa use ipads. There’s growth in the usage of digital instruments in schools, with more than 4000 devices reaching students and teachers in rural developments and townships. So it comes as no surprise that a school like St Mary’s has a goal for a paperless system by 2015. They have already purchased 60 ipads to incorporate a floating library.

Today, it allows teachers to use software such as ActivInspire to load images, videos, graphs, maps and illustrations for collaborative teaching methods in the classroom.

Yael Marx gives an example on how she uses the software in conjunction with her smartboard, “ActivInspire allows the teacher to present a learner-based lesson to the class whereby the learner can lead. The teacher prepares the lesson in advance and guides the lesson in the correct direction – instead of becoming the instructor of the lesson.”

Although Marx would recommend the use of technology as a way to encourage interaction in her classroom, she stresses that a medium should be found in order to keep the traditional culture of interaction.Her main concern is that her students will lose the skill of writing and one can’t help but meditate on that thought. Is total exclusion of traditional methods a good idea?

As Paulo Coelho eloquently puts it, “Do not confuse the teacher with the lesson, the ritual with the ecstasy, the transmitter with the symbol itself”. The learning process does not lie in the technology but in the essence of a valuable lesson and I fear this new school era - will miss this golden rule. Whatever the perspective may be, IMBO can definitely agree on one thing: Children are the best investments a country can make.

By Lebogang Morake

Although Smartboards are not a new concept to teaching methods, over the years they have undergone much digital enhancement.

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E n g ag e .

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W

hen it comes to business operations and lifestyles around the world, technology has become a major factor in changing the way we live. Besides having a lasting effect on society, an outcome has been the creation of new career paths - enabling a more efficient and effective workflow, the upshot allowing for a surge in specialized careers.

The traditional approach in advertising relied on the efforts of a Media Planner. But with advent the of new communication channels via the Internet and Social Media, the business market eventually identified the need for a Channel Planner. .

Adschool.co.au defines the key outcomes of Channel Planning as, “The right message, at the right time, in the right place: an understanding of lifestyle, attitude and behavior…” This implies you’ll learn about people and how they think, the institute goes on to say how this career leads to, “…more powerful audience engagement and therefore a better marketing result.” - This may feel like a mouthful, but basically it’s an important aspect when determining the target market an organization should invest in.

Aspiring Channel Planners can get into the field by acquiring qualifications in Advertising, Corporate Communication, Strategic Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or Media Studies from institutions such as the University of Johannesburg, Witwatersrand University, University of Cape Town and Boston Media House, to name but a few – From this you can see the options are quite broad, making it easy to find a way into the pastures of Channel Planning.

The position offers a chance to determine where and how brands can best utilize their market when spending money. At the same time, the demanding aspect of this career requires constant awareness of statistics regarding the most appropriate medium to maximize their Return On Investment (ROI) – so expect to be flooded with information (which is never a bad thing).

In the end, this career requires an understanding of people while discovering the best method and means of reaching them.

All that’s left to be said is: if you want to make friends (perhaps some enemies) and influence consumers, you should seriously consider a career in Channel Planning.

By Keleabetsoe Rammopo

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T R AV E L

a V oyag e o f A p p r e c i at i o n

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he sun is stretching further across Southern Africa as the days draw closer to the festive season. This is the cue for many to get out of their comfort zones and embrace the opportunity to pack a bag and explore.

At this moment, heaps of questions confront us: Where can I go? What means of transport will I be using? Where will I sleep? How much will the trip cost me?

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This is where BazBus comes in, a service that answers all those bothersome questions.

It offers you the opportunity to simply hop on and hop off at a selection of backpacker destinations around South Africa. Seasoned backpackers, and those still cutting their teeth, even have the option to change buses as they please. As many times as they want.

Wherever they want. No time limit.

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The BazBus travels in each direction between Cape Town and Johannesburg/Pretoria with stops along the coast. It’s a journey taken on a semi-luxury bus, seating only 22 people.

This unique travel service uncovers the charm of Mzansi, revealing a diverse nation where you can experience adventure, sport, nature and wildlife. Travellers can visit the Kruger National Park, Table Mountain and heritage sites while also “paying it forward” in communities as they trek across the Garden Route. At the end of the day you can either pitch a tent and camp outside or sleep at a backpacker hostel.

The ticket prices differ depending on which route you choose. Whether it’s one-way or return. A single individual can have a 7-day travel pass for R2 100 with an additional R80 fuel levy being added to all ticket prices over R700.

Essentially, BazBus offers you a chance to explore your country and appreciate what it has to offer. Inadvertently proving we can always find beauty inside our own borders. After all, South Africa is at the apex of a continent steeped in some of the most beautiful, natural features known to the world.

No more questions. Pack a bag!

By Mpho Moloele

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FASHION

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HOT LIST

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CO-ORDS CHOICE

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H OT L I ST

BabaTunde Five panel cap R200

Himeros Pink chiffon Bikini P.O.R

Five8ths Brown Long sleeve patched shirt R1500

HOT LIST Cool off with fashion forward bikinis and trendy bucket hats!

Collab Printed Capri shorts R350

B Mashilo Embellished denim hot shorts R150

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Gillesby Black Leather bucket hat R400

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CO-ORDS CHOICE

Put a strap on it

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ight fitting dresses can be such a mission!

The problem with our LBD’S (little black dresses) is that they often require uncomfortable, suffocating undergarments that pinch the life out of you.

How could anyone possibly be expected to walk like a boss babe when the spandex tights and corset bustier are, literally, hogging the stomach and hips just to make everything look toned?

Well... Herve Ledger has finally put an end to all this fashion madness with the famous “Bandage dress”.

The name says it all. It repairs what has fallen out of shape.

The figure flattering frock smoothens out the shape of your hips, while the bandage strips mould and adapt to the wearers body. Made from Jacquard, stretch satin and spandex, it is the ultimate package.

Long sleeve, midi length, tight fitting, below the knee or open back – this is the season for you to find a design that complements what your momma gave ‘ya!

Pair it with 10-inch killer heels and have that Herve Ledger runway look you’ve been longing for!

By Bonolo Mashilo

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TJDR 55877

He knows he’s guilty, why is he wasting our time?

POWER Lunch caller

Lunch time with Azania and soul food is on the menu. A delicious serving of scandal, heart-to-heart conversations and inspiring South African stories. Just a warning though, sometimes the truth is hard to swallow. For your daily serving of laughter and tears, tune into POWER Lunch: Weekdays from 12pm to 3pm.

98.7 FM Pretoria/Johannesburg • 103.6 FM Johannesburg South/Soweto • 107.2 FM East Rand • 104.4 FM Vereeniging/Vaal

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SPREAD

Travelers' Voyage out your comfort zone. Be seduced by your surroundings. Let your clothes be your ode to Mother Nature.

Bridget :white crochet top: Forever New lime green pants: Tuello Nguyuza Joe: Brown shirt: Five8ths Pants: Collab

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Themie: khakhi shirt: five8ths pants: Stylist's own

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Bridget: Printed Jacket: Collab white crochet top: Forever New Pants: lime green pants: Tuello Nguyuza Shoes: Stylist's own

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Bridget :Metallic jumpsuit: Tuello Nguyuza Shoelace Neckpiece: Tuello Nguyuza Black boots: Collab

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Yonela: Blue Lace Dress: Bonolo Mashilo

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Themie: Man dress shirt: Collab Pants and shoes: Stylists own

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Yonela: Lime polka dress: Tuello Nguyuza

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Themie: White mandarin collar shirt: Bonolo Mashilo Five Panel cap: Baba Tunde

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Bridget: Printed sheath dress: Collab Neckpiece: Theo Gillesby Black heels: Stylist's own Leather Sling bag:Theo Gillesby Themie: white mandarin collar shirt: Bonolo Mashilo Five Panel cap: Baba Tunde Brown Boots: Stylist's own

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Bridget: Blue sequence Jacket: Tuello Nguyuza White bandage swimsuit: Himeros Black stiletto heels: stylist's own

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Yonela: Black high waist swimsuit: Himeros Black Mesh skirt: Bonolo Mashilo Umbrella: Baba Tunde Hand jewellery: Pea by Omphile

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Yonela: Black high waist swimsuit: Himeros

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Bridget: Blackswimsuit: Himeros Neckpiece (worn on hand): Theo Gillesby Headpiece: Serati By Ditiro

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Yonela: Pink chiffon bikini: Himeros Sunglasses: Collab Joe: Pink Printed Capri shorts: Collab Sneakers: Nike

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Joe: Pink Printed Capri shorts: Collab

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Joe: Pink Printed Capri shorts: Collab Bucket hats: Conscious Bucket hat: Collab Yonela: Pink chiffon bikini: himeros Midi Rings: Pea By Omphile Bangle: Pea by Omphile Themie: Bucket Hat: Collab Black Pants: Stylist's own

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Stockist details Baba Tunde: 011 888 9667 Five8ths: 072 236 5907 Himeros: www. Himeros.co.za Theo Gillesby: 071 208 4410 Ditiro mashigo: 076 325 1161 Bonolo Mashilo: 076 075 7731 Collab: 076 106 8885 Tuello Nguyuza: 076 406 5510 Sibusiso Ngwenya: Conscious 084 074 0752 Pea accessories: 073 032 0111 Mary Silabela make-up: 073 245 6202 Sarah Nkomo Moeng Hair: 073 881 0912

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F A S H I O N F E AT U R E

Fa s h i o n G e t s a M a k e ov e r The industry is creating a revolution by seizing the opportunity to grow through collaboration.

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hanks to the booming trend of cooperation, the days of a competitive industry in fashion are all but long gone.

It seems the modern approach has department stores, stylists and fashion houses coming together as they manufacture a revolution.

If you know anything about fashion, then you understand the important role creativity plays in such an irregular industry. You should also have an idea of how quickly brands can die – in the popular words of Heidi Klum, “…one day you’re in and the next day you’re out”.

It’s a cutthroat business where acclaim for good designers hasn’t been translating financially. This results in a need for these fabric-savvy creatives to develop their business acumen to ensure a sustainable income without sacrificing production quality.

Historically, aficionados would attend fashion events/showcases while having no idea where they could actually purchase the stunning, Proudly South African gear.

Putting together these showcases is an expensive undertaking and the industry’s survival would not have been possible without effective methods for promoting products to consumers.

The Young Designers Emporium (YDE) can be crowned pioneers when considering effective collaboration in South Africa.

With their aim of “showcasing the latest in SA design” – YDE has successfully been the home of many designers. Khosi Nkosi, South African Fashion Week designer, is one of those many individuals whose success can be attributed to this platform.

As things are, YDE reserves exclusive rights to your brand once they agree to stock it.

This brilliant model has formed a means for designers to create collaborative boutiques with the advantage of not restricting retail opportunities.

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Cape Town fashionistas are well-versed in Mungo & Jemima’s exquisite offerings. This store is the brainchild of fashion veterans, Kirsty Bannerman (designer of Coppelia) and Marian Park-Ross (GOOD). Store goers and online shoppers are treated to beautiful hand-picked garments from some of South Africa’s biggest and best designers. Brand names include Coppelia, GOOD, I Love Leroy and Selfi, to name a few, while accessories buffs rave about labels such as Lalloo, Pichulik and WAIF. Another delightful example of collaborative boutiques is Mememe. Fashion designer Doreen Southwood collaborated with Milisuthando Bongela (acclaimed blogger, journalist and advocate for SA fashion) for the Johannesburg installation of this boutique - due to Jozi fashion enthusiasts wagging tongues at the diverse range of labels, such as Doreen Southwood, Babette and Adam & Eve at Mememe Cape Town.

This new trend in fashion not only serves the purpose of keeping consumers thrilled, but also opens doors for designers in an industry infamous for being virtually impossible to penetrate.

By learning a sense of community as an alternative to the pursuit of individual success, designers are on the path to uplifting South Africa’s fashion industry.

And with this great leap forward, fashion design is slowly increasing its appeal as a sound business choice.

By Nobusi Maqubela

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F A S H I O N F E AT U R E

fa s h i o n trending The journey to global success is only the beginning for those willing and able to evolve in the fashion industry.

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he continent’s fashion industry is on the rise. With increased acclaim at home and abroad, more fashion designers are looking to Africa for fabrics, materials and inspiration.

And in the process, shaking up catwalks all over the globe. There has never been a better time for designers to come together and exploit this interest.

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Punk & Ivy, an original African brand, uses beautifully detailed fabric to make distinctive and stylish pieces. Their products range from funky, ready-to-wear clothes all the way to custom-made suits that will fit any preference and budget. This style haven stocks trendy African labels such as Misshape, Babatunde and Urban Mosadi - to name a few. In addition, their hip paraphernalia are made purely from African textiles.

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P U N K I S B O L D, AU DAC I O U S A N D E D G Y, W H I L E I V Y I S A M O R E DEBONAIR STYLE.

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The name itself was inspired by the 1980s punk and ivy styles. Punk is bold, audacious and edgy, while Ivy is a more debonair style, illustrating the eclectic nature of the brand.

Besides the Gods of Fashion, Punk & Ivy have the youth of Bangkok to thank for the inspiration behind their brand. The pair was struck by the mobility of the city before being stung by the entrepreneurial bug. Thus Africa’s first mobile boutique (‘motique’) was born.

The groundbreaking digital marketing specialist, Bianca Miles, along with designer/GQ Best Dressed Man of 2012, Khaya Bhubesii Sibiya, decided to use a Dodge Motorhome for increased accessibility. Now fashion enthusiasts who covet these stunning garments are not confined to geographical location or trading hours.

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Without a doubt ‘Collaborative boutique’ has become the new buzz phrase in fashion. And the design duo behind Punk & Ivy is a remarkable example of what innovation and teamwork can accomplish.

The ‘Proudly African’ theme is a motif for the way business is practiced in and around the entire concept of Punk & Ivy. In the words of the founders, “Being proudly African is a consciousness that we believe every creative on the continent should embrace.”

Looking at the brand’s mission and positioning one would never imagine them having much difficulty finding keen investors who want to support their revolutionary ideas and chic threads.

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Because we live on a continent overflowing with superior materials such as genuine leather, Punk & Ivy have rejected the convention of importing international textiles. And they still provide beautiful, quality clothing. To motivate their ideology, the duo expressed that, “Being aware of what we use, how we produce and the impact it has on our positioning to the world is essential”.

It’s hard to ignore this stylish brand - especially when considering their support of the local industry and the positive impact they’ve had thus far. Every aspiring designer and entrepreneur can draw on the tenacity that the pair has shown in order to persevere and uplift the African continent. When you think about fashion, passion or pride, think: Punk & Ivy.

“ B E I N G P R O U D LY A F R I C A N IS A CONSCIOUSNESS T H AT W E B E L I E V E E V E R Y C R E AT I V E O N T H E CONTINENT SHOULD EMBRACE”

BY Nobusi Maqubela

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ENTERTAINMENT

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T H E G A L L E RY

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INDULGENCE

134 F E AT U R E

140 REVIEWS

144 NITE ZONE 129

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THE GALLERY

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Taminess: Priceless P o rt r a i t s

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ami Michie refers to her art as a unique blend of styles that can be inspired by any environment. She started her portraiture as a means to support her art direction, and the unique thing is how she refuses to use artificial lighting for any of her imagery. Portraits, as fine arts, are known to enhance the viewer’s ability to see the moods and expressions intended by the exhibitionist.

And Tami’s gallery depicts this elegantly.

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INDULGENCE

Cooking dreams

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our stomach is growling.

You’re unsure of whether or not you can tame the beast inside of you. Suddenly, your tongue starts twitching. And then, in the distance, you see a bright red VW Kombi. It’s not a mirage; it’s Vuyo’s Kitchen.

This mobile haven for the hungry is the result of months of research along with many sleepless nights. Amidst it all, founder/owner, Miles Kubheka, applied his creative mind to bring us this new and flavourful experience.

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When people mention Vuyo’s Kitchen, they think about a diverse menu reflecting the colorful culture of South Africa. And why shouldn’t they? Food is, after all, an important part of life, proven to be a defining aspect of personal identity, culture and national pride.

The way things are, Kubheka started Vuyo’s Kitchen as a fully functioning restaurant in Braamfontein. Maintaining a comfy and casual atmosphere, they continue to serve some interesting twists on your favourite, truly South African meals. Take a quick glance at the Menu and you’ll see what I mean. Not only is it reasonably priced; it’s filled with a variety of tasty choices. Some familiar, while others are a little more unique.

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For instance, nothing but satisfaction awaits those who choose to munch on the Vetkoek (or Amagwinga) made with mince and relish – just the way “Untie” used to make. Also on the mouthwatering menu is Potjiekos and iKota (Bunny Chow) filled with boerie or steak made from beef or lamb. And obviously, it wouldn’t be South African cuisine without some boerewors, right? And on that note, look out for the pimped out the Beeg Dreamer Boerie – which comes with an array of toppings: chakalaka, mushrooms, salsa, gherkins and more.

I can hear your tummies rumbling already.

All in all, there are dishes that only a few can resist which is why Vuyo’s Kitchen an ideal place for tourists keen on savouring the flavor of South Africa.

In the past ten years, Braamfontein has been subject to a great deal of positive change. The precinct now boasts a great many restaurants, bars, cafés, nightclubs and the list goes on. It’s the ideal spot for hipsters to do their thing, city slickers to get in touch with their surroundings and anyone else looking to expand their appreciation for the city of Jozi.

Businesses like Vuyo’s Kitchen are leading the way with innovative, tasty choices from ordinary to extraordinary.

“Ultimately,” Miles says, “It’s about the food we serve.” And, Mr. Khubeka, we thank you for it.

So, next time you’re in Braam or simply want to be a part of this new and totally scrumptious experience, hit up Vuyo’s Kitchen and satisfy the growling beast in your belly.

By Frederik Ferreira

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INDULGENCE

Tuck into the Bannister A destination for anyone in the mood to experience the finer things in life.

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here it is, standing in all its glory on De Beer street in Braamfontein. A fairly new hotel situated comfortably next to the hub of high-traffic establishments such as Kitchener’s and the Great Dane. The area is constantly bustling with activity, welcoming people from all walks of life. Braam itself has become the epicentre for Johannesburg’s creative melting pot –

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ranging from freelance photographers, CEO’s and everything in-between.

Andrew Bannister is the man who owns the location, along with his family and some close friends. He highlights how they rely mostly on word-of-mouth to advertise their business, targeting the young-at-heart who seek refuge in the concrete jungle of Jozi.

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“PEOPLE SAID I W A S C R A Z Y, T H E NEIGHBOURHOOD WAS D E T E R I O R AT I N G A N D AT TIMES I THOUGHT I WAS C R A Z Y T O O .”

Expectations The hotel also has its own restaurant which is spacious and comfortable, offering several great vantage points of the city. Guests are invited to fill up on delicious culinary creations while watching the city go by. As for the restaurant, it currently only serves lunch and dinner every Tuesday and Saturday but is close to other restaurants like the Smoke House Grill if your taste buds are in need of gratification.

The establishment is friendly, feisty and caters well to the young-at-heart. So, if you love a good meal and submerging yourself in one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant locales, you should probably get yourself down to The Bannister Hotel in Braamfontein.

Author: Precious Simpasa Check them out on Facebook: The Bannister Hotel and Twitter: @bannisterhotel

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F E AT U R E

L ov e yo u r d r e a m s .

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Tebello Motsoane – half fan, half amazing.

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hen ShowLove first came into the party scene it transformed the Johannesburg nightlife completely. Today, 7 years later, the founder, Tebello Motsoane (aka Tibz), is making his way towards being a veritable Hip Hop tycoon.

Inspired by a love for music and fashion, Tibz, decided on merging the two concepts to create sensational Hip Hop parties with an air of sophistication. This Jozi native, who grew up in Katlehong, has so far developed his brand to reflect each of his passions – fashion, music and sport.

If you haven’t heard of ShowLove, you better get out from under that rock. And even if you don’t, you’ll still be bombarded by the talented artists Tibz manages. He has a wide variety of talent under his fashionable belt, from pop-star Chad Saaiman, 5fm DJ C-live to SA’s Prince of Rap, AKA. Did I mention that Tibz shares ownership of the trendy nightclub, Sway?

Anyone from Jozi can tell you that if you’re hoping to meet some celebrities, you can’t go wrong with this glitterati-packed venue. On a really good day, you might bump into stars like Kelly Rowland, otherwise there’s a bunch of other celebs that constantly visit this thumping locale.

In 2014, Tebello became associated with ShowLove Entertainment’s Hip Hop events, brand activations and its lovechild, the ShowLove record label. It doesn’t stop there. He also owns an events company, Upscale Concepts, handling occasions such as weddings and gala events. And just when you thought his plate was full, Tibz, is also a shareholder and Marketing Manager for South African street-wear brand, Head Honcho.

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" YO U N G PEOPLE N E E D TO B E C R E AT I V E IN THEIR BUSINESS CHOICES"

M OTS OA N E I S A N O TA B L E EXAMPLE OF W H AT C A N HAPPEN WHEN MERGING PERSONAL PA S S I O N W I T H DRIVE AND ORIGINALITY

“Money’s awake so we don’t sleep”, is a line taken from the song: No Sleep (All Love album).

The phrase is in many ways the embodiment of Tibz’s work ethic. The album itself is the collaboration between Miller, ShowLove Music and Motif Records. It features household names such as Cassper Nyovest, Reason and HHP as well as some of the country’s biggest producers.

Let’s all say it together – MOGUL IN THE MAKING. Although Tibz shows respect towards us mere mortals, who are stuck working the eight to five grind. He maintains the belief that the value of entrepreneurship in relation to South Africa’s economy is of great significance, he encourages young people to venture into private enterprise to counteract unemployment, “whatever field you are in, you should eventually aspire to own the business or venture out on your own.”

The importance of young people as pioneers shouldn’t be understated.

Entrepreneurship is crucial, but more importantly, instead of venturing into saturated fields, young people need to be creative in their business choices. Motsoane is a notable example of what can happen when merging personal passion with drive and originality.

If you have the vision and put in the effort, everything else will fall into place on your journey to success.

By Nobusi Maqubela

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BUSINESS

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WELCOME TO IMBO

t was a wet Wednesday in the middle of Spring. Motivated business minds, from various industries, swerved through peakhour traffic to gather in a cozy bar at the famous Jupiter House. Now anyone who knows anything about advertising will tell you – this is a venue known for producing excellence. And that’s exactly what was on the IMBO Business Briefing menu.

Although the attendees didn’t take up all the seats, the spacious room was packed full of excitement, curiosity and character. As the invitation had offered, it was a fertile platform for critical conversations over nutritious snacks, wine and smooth Black Bottle whisky for some rain-escaping warmth. But of course, the mingling wouldn’t have been fruitful without the thought-provoking presentations delivered by our three well-versed speakers.

Haydn Townsend laid a profound foundation which captivated the audience, keeping them enticed for the rest of the evening. After providing a quick, intricate analysis of South Africa’s economic state, the strategic genius within him couldn’t help but complement it with an indubitably viable solution. So with all the experience money can’t buy, he reminded the young – some only as young as their optimism allows them to be – businessmen and women of the power they have to build the successful nation their grandchildren will be proud to live in.

What I took home from his talk was the fact that our 20 years of democracy have barely brought any change to the general standard of living. The rich are getting richer, while those who occupy the bottom of the food chain are still finding it difficult to climb the ladder.

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However, he stressed, as skilled professionals and entrepreneurs we can improve the value of the rand by collaborating effectively.

IMBO’s very own innovative publisher (and founder), Gugu Madlala, took this theory into practice almost immediately. He first introduced the guests to the magazine, showing them the progress we’ve made on our journey – since conception. Those who had never heard him talk were quick to realize that he doesn’t need to wear his clothes inside-out to get attention. His intelligence and passion give purpose to his superfluous energy. And as he chauffeured the crowd through IMBO’s values he didn’t hesitate to touch on the business benefits that come with liaising with us.

To wrap up the briefing, the final speaker, Ross Drakes, had the responsibility to shed some light about the boundless reality that determination can create for you. In substantiating this he shared a few pieces from Nice Work’s (his out-of-the-box agency) imaginative portfolio and invited everyone to the Creative Mornings that he hosts once every month. Although he has enough wit and charisma to steal the spotlight from anyone, it was his presentation that inspired the motivated members of our audience to at least think about taking a leap to the future they seek.

Of course it will be different the next time around. It can only get better. So come along if you’re looking to add value to your career.

By Ray Ray

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ART

G e t yo u r s e l f s o m e s t r e e t c r e d

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uka Gauteng! The time has come!

And the excitement can’t be overstated! Only the coolest event for South African street and urban culture, STR.CRD (or “street cred” to the uninformed) is hitting the Maboneng precinct, from the 7th to the 9th of November.

This 5 year old phenomenon is spreading like wildfire with plenty of reasons not to miss out!

gain the most followers. And the winner will be crowned “Mzansi’s Most”. .

It’s the exposé for local music, fashion, art and sport, inviting young entrepreneurs to introduce their brands, providing them with a platform to grow into a sustainable business.

If you’re the sporty-type – or would just like to watch some strong men sweat – you too are catered for. Basketball aficionados will be showing off their skills on the court. And those who prove their worth will snatch the opportunity to play in the Full Court 21, World Finals in New York.

This event has become the official face for South African street culture, boasting a versatile array of talent and other forms of entertainment. These include experienced graffiti artists showing off their skills to a live audience, sneaker-swapping exhibition stands as well as all kinds of photography, fashion and street ball.

Seeing as “This Is Africa”, we’ll never forget the music. The festival will feature musicians from international music duo Electric Punanny to SA artist Lazi Mathebula. And of course, one of the loudest voices defining urban youth culture, BEEN TRILL, will be in attendance.

This remarkable art collective and DJ crew have been making waves the world over with their authentic sounds and images. And these are but a few performers from the stellar lineup of local and international talent.

Those unable to witness this magnificent event needn’t fret. The Blogger Duel is there to ease your fear of missing out.

Four crews of acclaimed bloggers from all over the country will be competing to

If you’re looking to learn something new, don’t panic, Edson Sabajo, founder of Patta, is hosting a master-class for a selection of local brands. It’s a fantastic opportunity to soak in the wisdom and insight from one of the world’s leading fashion experts.

The reach of STR.CRD, both locally and internationally, is most definitely on the rise.

With the founders already making plans towards expanding this awesome event throughout the country, and continent, the opportunities for all kinds of success are abundant for anyone in the creative industry.

This diverse festival shows how divorcing a country’s street culture from its heritage is impossible.

It’s an exciting springboard for the artistic to showcase their talent and the youth to be inspired. So if you’re looking to get in tune with the streets, you know what to do.

For more information checkout: www.facebook.com/STR.CRD @STRCRD

By Nobusi Maqubela

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BOOKS T h e D e s t ru c t i o n o f B l ac k C i v i l i s at i o n

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f you want to know the real, unadulterated history of humanity, strap yourself in for an intense 400page excursion.

The words of this mind-expanding exploration maintains the tone of a thoroughly researched academic study – the content is eloquently written, incisive, pragmatic and sometimes illustrated.

It’s an honest attempt at breathing new life into the pride of Africans displaced

by Western culture. And above all else, it awakes readers to things they may have taken for granted.

For example, I had always believed Democracy originated in Ancient Greece – But now I know that all Greek philosophers

studied in the Ancient Egyptian city of Kemit This is by and large a positive read. Far from a rant or cynical attempt at blaming or glorifying any aspect of any culture until your eyes bleed. And that’s always refreshing.

After the last page. I could only sit back and take a deep breath. Some of it was hard to swallow but, all-in-all, the amount and detail of the information was incredible.

I’ll most definitely be reading it again to make sure I didn’t miss out on anything.

I suggest you do the same.

By Frederik Ferreira

[ 1 0 ] l e s s o n s f ro m the future

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his is the holy grail for ‘havenots’ to transform themselves into ‘haves’. It’s about motivating the world to take advantage of the openness and inter-related forces of emerging economies. ‘Ten lessons from the future’ proliferates innovation, introspection and empowerment using humour, consumer rants and references to cultural revolutions.

However, they do get carried away with bridging the gap between science and new age technology – which may deter certain readers rather than providing a captivating essence for the various topics. And in my opinion, it might be the anti-climax to this carefully curated manuscript. Nonetheless, when considering the importance it might have towards the concept of future development – it can be forgiven.

While flipping through the pages, you’ll soon discover why this comprehensive book is packed with tools you need. Grulke and Silber are vigorous in emphasising the fact that “not every revolution is accompanied by scenes of violence or transmitted in real time”. And they’re absolutely right.

But hey, who knows what the future holds?

That unknown place of possibility is slightly unveiled through this magnificent manual for the future.

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By Lebo Morake

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MUSIC O k m a l u m e ko o l k at H o ly O x yg e n

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imiso a.k.a Okmalumekoolkat, has been under the Hip Hop radar for a while now. According to him, it’s been by choice – a means of not compromising his art. And after listening to the uncompromising style and message Holy Oxygen offers, one can easily appreciate this approach.

The album features raw beats made with pots and pans along with bandit kasi style lyrics. Clearly, Holy Oxygen is for the cultured Hip Hop listener with an eclectic taste - someone who loves a good time infused with intense stimulation of the mind. One thing is for certain: it’s unlike anything in SA today.

Malume offers his heart and soul with tracks such as ‘Allblackblackkat’ - the lyrics demanding the attention of those with the conscientious spirit of a warrior.

Finally, the track ‘ijusi’ carries the kind of sensationalist beats that gets the dance floor packed with excitement. It transports us to a space where art is the most important factor, more so than the actual voice of the album.

After marinating in Holy Oxygen, there’s no disputing it was stitched together with good intent. Make sense? Well, if not, I suggest you don’t take my word for it – find out for yourself.

By Lebo Morake

SZA S u bu r ba n L ag e r

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t took only six months after releasing her 3 mixtapes – S, Z and A – for 24 year old Solane Rowe to bless us with new school blues. Suburban Lager embodies a languor style that holds its own ground amongst the infamous TDE sound.

It’s for the isolated hippie who constantly moves in-between social conspiracy theories and the ideals of love.

The unique TDE steez is not lost as her delivery and content is definitely for the lyrically-astute. SZA also touches on the complex issues of religion with songs such as Omega and Babylon (featuring Kendrick Lamar).

This ten track audio journey can seem a bit emotionally unstable as it’s a body of art representing more than one focus.

In tracks such as Warm Winds and Sweet November – which make for a poetic umbrella in a sea full of melancholic rebellion – she iterates a strong mind with a fragile soul. Whereas Hiijack, my favourite, moves a delicate space and a thorn-ridden bed of unorthodox. But it works.

By Lebo Morake

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NITE ZONE

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Ascension: T oya D e L a z y

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he dress code was “dandy”. The vibe was almost indescribable. The multi-faceted Toya Delazy (inimitable singer, pianist, performer and dancer) launched her new album! Whoop! DJ’s were spinning old school 90’s tunes and chart topping grooves.

And when it came to main act, people were giving physical expression to ‘Forbidden Fruit’ and the crowd was more than ecstatic to be soaked in the sounds of the never before performed ‘Why Hate’.

KONG was reverberating with tremors of mindmelting music as the style and groove of the crowd reflected the raucous rhythm. We’re still wondering if the party ever stopped.

By Frederik Ferreira

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Work

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4th floor Mainchange Building 20 Kruger Street City & Suburban Maboneng Johannesburg 2094 +27 10 900 2000 openworkspaces.co.za

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“Scaffold to Heart”: acrylic paint on masonry wall, 6 m x 4 m, Lorenzo Nassimbeni (2012), concept : Elena Rocchi, Architect.

OPEN is where creatives, leaders and professionals come together in an inspiring and diverse space.

Whether you’re an individual or business, explore the new frontier of free and open thinking set in the Maboneng Precinct.