December/January 2014 by Bambisana Media Consortium

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08 32 42 F E AT U R E S

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FA S H I O N

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE

he person in the mirror is the most important person in your life. Be on the same page as them and life becomes a breeze.

This issue is about looking inward, honestly and positively. Use the energies that come with ending a year and combine them with the drive that comes with starting a new one. Blessings upon your home. Welcome to issue 32. 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, Palesa Choane, Koos Pad FASHION Bonolo Mashilo, Nobusi Maqubela, Taariq Lenni Gasant, Dominique Billy PHOTOGRAPGHY Taariq Lenni Gasant POST PRODUCTION Spencer Holmes, Mmabatho Magoai AWESOME PEOPLE Jean-Lee Adams CONTRIBUTORS: Precious Simpasa, Simthandile Ford, Koos Pad, Ray Ray, Amanda Nkwinika, Mpho Moloele, Boipelo Molwela

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FEATURES

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10 14

AFRICA CONNECT

E X P O S E'

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

F O C U S F E AT U R E

P O P C U LT U R E 9

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AFRICA CONNECT

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THE BIG Six of 2014 It's been a year for big headlines for Afrika. Here's a selection of the biggest ones.

t's been another tumultuous year in Africa and looking back, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen a lot of headlines pour in. And now, for your reading pleasure, here are six stories that garnered headlines around the world and the continent itself.

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AFRICA CONNECT 1. Ebola in West Africa 2014, AKA, the year of the Ebola virus. Over 6,500 deaths and 17,000 infections have been attributed to Ebola since the beginning of the year according to the World Health Organisation, with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia the hardest hit countries. A terrible disease with an incredible strike rate, Ebola has also shown the courage of the African community, with medical workers, mostly Africans, often risking their own lives to treat the sick and infected. 2. The Oscar Pistorius Trial In a country where the majority of people are black, it was the case of a trigger-happy white sporting icon killing his white model girlfriend that hooked international media and whiteleaning media in South Africa. The Oscar Pistorius trial took place over a number of months, with the outcome being the former sponsor pin-up and widely admired athlete sent to jail for five years for culpable homicide, and a suspended sentence for discharging a gun at a Johannesburg restaurant. The verdict itself has been described as shockingly inappropriate by the country's prosecuting authorities who are seeking for an appeal. The trial and sideshow it has produced continues to raise questions of whether the rich receive the same justice as the poor in South Africa, and the continued violent crime affecting the black majority in a disproportionate manner. 3. Egypt: The Same By Any Other Name Hosni Mubarak's resignation in 2011 after 30 years in power as Egyptian president was meant to herald a new democratic dawn for Egypt. Fastforward three years and it’s almost like nothing has changed. His replacement, Mohammed Morsi, became the first democratically elected president in Egypt's history in June 2012, but the Egyptian army deposed him in July 2013 in a coup following further protests. The coup was led by the head of the Egyptian army, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Al-Sisi then gradually maneuvered himself into a position to be declared as Morsi's replacement, receiving an apparent 96% of the vote in June 2014 – And now, a former highranking military official is, once-again, president of Egypt.

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4. The Crocodile and Grace Mugabe Earning a doctorate from a university usually takes years of study. However, if you are Grace Mugabe, the wife of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, it’s possible to enrol at the University of Zimbabwe's doctoral programme in July and by September emerge with the title of Doctor. One of the more bizarre political rises in recent times; Mrs. Mugabe, led the charge for her husband's vice-president of 10 years, Joice Mujuru, to be removed from her position, earning herself a seat at the top table. However, beyond the former typist's stunning political rise is the fact that Mujuru's replacement was Emmerson Mnangagwa, a powerful long-serving cabinet minister within the Mugabe government known as "The Crocodile".. With Zimbabwe's president going on 90-years, Mnangagwa is the one to watch when Mugabe dies.

5. The #BringBackOurGirls that the world has forgotten about It was a story that grabbed the world's attention for its sheer brazenness. On the night of April 14 to 15, Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 female students from a school in the town of Chibok in Borno state, Nigeria. While over 50 later managed to escape, the rest were forced to convert to Islam and marry members of Boko Haram. Social media in particular responded with disgust, giving birth to #BringBackOurGirls, the rage directed at both Boko Haram and the Nigerian government. Mainly because the government received advanced warning of the kidnapping, yet reportedly were not able to do anything to stop it. Protests followed in both Nigeria and in the West. To date the girls haven't been found.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A T E R R I B L E DISEASE WITH AN INCREDIBLE S T R I K E R AT E .â&#x20AC;?

6. ICC drops case against Kenyatta The long standoff between the International Criminal Court and Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta finally came to conclusion at the beginning of December. Charged with crimes against humanity for allegedly being behind post-election violence in Kenya between 2007 and 2008, where more than 1200 people died and thousands more were displaced. Kenyatta, 53, the son of Kenya's founding president Jomo Kenyatta, has always maintained his innocence. The investigation lasted four years. The charges were finally dropped in the Hague based court and Kenyatta is now a man at work. The ruling begs the thought; have African leaders become so snuggled with The West that they now enjoy privileges once reserved for George Bush and co? With those headlines in your pocket you should be have quite a bit to reflect on this holiday. by Eddie Schmidt

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EXPOSÉ

The Blind SiDE of Justice “The reality is that without public participation, combating bribery is like drawing blood from a stone”. – Corruption Watch

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EXPOSÉ

he Festive season is not only for enjoyment, relaxation and family. It’s a time when corruption becomes rife. People are arrested daily and police are on the prowl to make some extra money. As citizens of the country it’s our responsibility to ensure that our law enforcers know to keep inline but, unfortunately, greed gets in the way. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, 65% of road accidents are due to alcohol abuse. This poses a serious threat to the lives of everyone using the roads whether they are responsible or not. And yet, if these drunk drivers happen to be pulled over by the cops, they can easily avoid getting locked up by making a small “donation”. The ease with which things can be purchased is critically concerning. Think of a murder like Anni Dewani's. Imagine the greasing that went on there... Since a lot of people are travelling home, border bribes also increase immensely during the festive season. The situation is so bad that one cannot pass the border without being asked if they can be “helped”. And, of course, since everyone is so desperate to get home, paying a ‘little’ fee seems like a small price. However, for those trying to avoid the illegal act, this can prove frustrating and annoying.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;THINK OF A MURDER LIKE ANNI DEWANI'S. IMAGINE THE GREASING T H AT W E N T O N THERE..."

Time and again the law has proven that if you have enough to grease a few palms then you can get away with anything. Money really is a problem solver when it comes to the laws that govern a country. When you think of Oscar Pistorious, Jacob Zuma, OJ Simpson, and Ryan Levin, it makes sense to accept that rich people can manipulate the system. The problem with this then becomes re-offending, which will more likely to occur than reformation. And the sad thing is that the media has also turned a blind eye to this trend and, instead, focus on other copy-selling topics such as celebrities. The reality is that without our help, combating bribery is like drawing blood from a stone. We need to understand our rights and to identitfy when an officer is taking chances. It may seem like an overly optimistic approach, but we have to start somewhere if we're to elimate corruption. By Karabo Motsoai

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

Dreaming of an AfriKan Christmas Kuwa na Krismasi njema. Enjoy a meal this Afrikan Christmas.

he reality for many African parents is that Westernised culture is so deeply embedded in everyday society; it can sometimes be difficult to embrace our heritage in this season of celebration. However, there still remains a unique, cultural identity that continues to re-expand and reinforce pride in African culture. So with this adaptation of outside culture in mind, perhaps now would be a good time to ask: What exactly is an African Christmas?

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Unfortunately, the African continent is rife with poverty, meaning parents have great difficulty affording gifts for their kids. And in rural Africa there aren't too many toy stores stocking bodacious Barbie dolls or remote control cars. The presents in poorer communities usually come in the form of schoolbooks, soap, cloth, candles and other practical goods. There are over 350 million Christians living in Africa - a great motivator for people to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in some way on the 25th of December.

IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE MOST PA R T, Y O U ' L L F I N D FA M I L I E S E N J OY I N G THEIR TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER It doesn’t matter how but it happens. And if you follow the Coptic Calendar as they do in Egypt, you’ll be exchanging gifts and getting merry on the 7th of January. With such a large Christian community, you’ll often find people attending Church before they go on to celebrate Christmas dinner with friends and family. This is the norm in most countries, be they religious or not. While some may forego the Church part, it’s still about the spirit of good will where the biggest gift of all is sharing a meal with friends and family. While the foundation is similar, different countries in Africa still celebrate the birth of Christ in their own way. The food we are used to eating is a huge part of cultural identity but regardless of race or creed, mealtime has always been a way of bringing people together. In South Africa, for the more the most part, you’ll always find families enjoying their more traditional Christmas dinners – sometimes even those with paper hats, crackers filled with bad jokes, mince pies, turkey and plum pudding – among other things. Compared to other countries, meal-wise, Christmas is not complete in Ghana without fufu and okra soup. For Liberia, rice, beef and biscuits are the order of the day. While in Zimbabwe, there's plenty of bread, jam and tea to eat along with their goat meat.

It’s truly inspiring that something simple such as eating dinner can have the impact that it does. Hopefully we can all agree that the whole idea behind Christmas is far more important than the way we celebrate it. Looking all around the world you can see that every culture, every nation has taken the holiday and made it theirs. This is no different in Africa. There may not be snow, Santa Claus in his sleigh, pulled across the night sky by magical reindeer with Christmas carols abound. It’s the notion of appreciating togetherness, family and friends – this is what’s important. This is what remains constant... Here's wishing you a happy, merry and Magical Christmas from IMBO In Akan (Ghana) Afishapa In Zulu (South Africa) Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle In Swazi (Swaziland) Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle In Sotho (Lesthoto) Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Kuwa na Krismasi njema In Amharic (Ethiopia) Melkam Yelidet Beaal In Egyptian (Egypt) Colo sana wintom tiebeen In Yoruba (Nigeria) E ku odun, e hu iye' dun! By Litha Sontange

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F O C U S F E AT U R E

Fa i l t h e n p r e va i l “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old but building the new.” – Socrates.

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lthough the culture of making New Year’s resolutions has become a bit of a cliché, the foundation of this principle is one we shouldn’t take lightly. For us to become active participants in shaping our destiny, we need to map out the intricate journey – the planting, sowing, watering and finally the stage we all anticipate: reaping the harvest of our efforts. I believe that as individual souls we are intrinsically built with dreams and desires which we should by no means ignore, and it’s our inner voice which helps us understand our vocation. A goal without a plan is just like a car with no wheels to drive your vision into reality. The law of attraction lays down 3 simple steps we should start applying in our lives: ‘Write the goal, visualise and materialise’.

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F O C U S F E AT U R E

And contrary to what most of us would think, this concept is not limited to business success. We also need to focus our attention on growing personal aspects of our lives. Relationships, healthy living and spiritual growth should take a priority in our goalsetting process as they’re more likely to produce happiness. Strategising helps alleviate aimlessness, which is why it’s crucial to start the year with an agenda. Also, it’s essential to begin the process with an honest reflection of what success means to you – a true evaluation of where your desires and passions may be shelved. This eliminates the need to impress others making it all about your own personal growth. When failing fails Spirituality, self-esteem and peace-of-mind are fragile areas of the human dynamic which contribute to building inner-strength. And according to Saberi Roy, a psychology expert, failure is one of many parasites that weaken us as people. This means that failing to embrace failure can bring about deterioration in confidence and a loss of motivation to continue or try again. The risk of having a negative reaction to failure means we stay within our expected boxes and are afraid to try anything out of societal norms. Failing ‘badly’ also means we make incorrect generalisations about the stigma of failure - basically, we aren’t honest enough to admit mistakes in fear of weakness. This pushes one to conclude that the goal in itself is not ‘meant to be’. Can you imagine the amazing ideas that don’t get done because people feel inadequate in

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their abilities?! Fortunately it doesn’t have to be this way. In the words of Narriyah Waheed, “I don’t pay attention to the world ending; it has ended for me many times and began again in the morning”. If we conquer failure, what else is there left to fear? We develop a resilience to set-backs and treat the experience as informational rather than demoralising. Manuscripts by psychological expert Dr. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, define going back to the drawing board as a means to enhance creativity. This in turn creates a higher level of self-awareness. ‘Good failing’ also means that we welcome a change in routine. It strengthens our ability to overcome weaknesses and helps refine our positive attributes. There’s a piece of wisdom from Japan known as Sankofa. It translates to “Go back and fetch it”. Looking back into the past to understand the present and build a better future. After all, learning what not to do is as equally important as learning what works. Failure, in the pursuit of something wonderful, always has a divine purpose and even in moments of a painful, personal renaissance, we can redefine the process and proceed to do it better.

“IT GIVES US THE N O T I O N T H AT ‘ FA I L I N G I S N OT A L W AY S F A I L U R E ’, I N THE LONG TERM IT I S O N LY W H AT Y O U P E R C E I V E I T TO B E ”

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F O C U S F E AT U R E

The Five blessings of Failure This is a refreshing way to perceive and handle heartbreaks, failed business ventures and/or failed expectations of self. • An expansion of heart – compassion for others who fail on their journey; subconsciously adding great ‘conquests’ to your aura, and growing through authentic interaction. • Enlightenment – understanding the mechanisms of your soul and the world. • Patience – to persevere is one of the toughest lessons to encounter. Learning to do this elegantly is a prize all on its own. • Astuteness – Put simply, if you know better, you do better. • Character – A cultured individual is to be brewed within the trivia of life, its failures and the conquering of them. Come Backs ‘’It is the examination of the details of the failures, the reconstituting of our approaches that gets us closer to success. ‘’ – Agustín Fuentes

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Raymond Ackerman After investing extensively in the growth of the Checkers brand, at the age of 35, Raymond Ackerman was unfairly dismissed for being a ‘lazy worker’. Using his severance pay and a bank loan, he bought and started the retail chain we now know as Pick n Pay. Under his leadership, and exceptional business prowess, Pick n Pay has grown from only four stores in Cape Town to one of the largest retail chains in Africa. With more than 124 supermarkets, 14 hypermarkets and 179 franchised outlets, it boasts an extensive turnover of R37-billion. Since its humble beginnings, Pick n Pay has become one of the most recognised brands in SA today. And even with the long journey of ups and downs, Ackerman remained steadfast – only stepping down from his directorship in 2010. This is when the “lazy worker” was voted 79th in the Top 100 Great South Africans. Bheki Kunene In the early years of his life, Bheki Kunene was barred from school education and spent years in and out of juvenile detention centres. However, he gathered his life together, finished his matric and furthered his studies with a degree in Graphic Design. After realising the scarcity of Jobs in his area, he founded Mindtrix Media. A web development company which specialises in the development of Apps. Kunene had a rough start to his entrepreneurial journey, days after signing with his first client he was wrongfully accused of murder. This did not deter him from dreaming and finding the courage to act. After being cleared of all charges, Mindtrix started the journey that many respect today. He has since received many accolades which include an Acacia Global Award, catching the attention of Forbes Africa who profiled him in 2014.

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Oprah Winfrey Ok, we have to go here. We all know Winfrey has had her fair share of glorified media attention. Nonetheless, she did encounter many personal setbacks that she managed to bounce back from. These include teenage pregnancy, a miscarriage and overcoming the racial hierarchy within the TV industry. Oprah was also fired from her job as a reporter due to claims that she was ‘unfit’ for TV. She stumbled upon more failure with the cancelling of many TV shows before the successful Oprah Winfrey Show - which is one of the longest running in the world. To date, the show has received 47 Daytime Emmy Awards. In 2011, Oprah discontinued the show and has since created OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) her own venture providing extensive entertainment to the masses. Winfrey, Kunene and Ackerman are but a few examples highlighting the diversity and varieties of issues which successful people stumbled upon before reaching their awardable state. It gives us the notion that ‘failing is not always failure’.

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“ FA I LU R E I N THE PURSUIT OF SOMETHING W O N D E R F U L A L W AY S HAS A DIVINE PURPOSE AND EVEN IN MOMENTS O F PA I N F U L R E N A I S S A N C E .” Realistic Succession The biggest misconception people hold onto is that success will happen over-night. Experience, however, teaches us otherwise. As with the evolution of nature, we see that pressure, chaos and hardship is important in the metamorphosis. So as you move into 2015, reflect on your failures, learn and if it’s something that contributes to your destiny give it another try - onwards and upwards. By Lebohang Morake

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P O P C U LT U R E

T h e G r e at D ru g Ru s h Rebellion, drugs. It may be the festive season. But don't let the fun fool you.

rugs have always been a major concern in society and have invaded the streets of South Africa. Today they pose an even greater threat as drugs no longer have to lurk behind shady corners. The drug enterprise is cheekier and dirtier than ever.

A study conducted throughout South Africa by the Institute for Special Populations Research identified factors contributing to rising levels of drug abuse. New factors that did not exist 5 years ago included rapid modernisation, a decline of traditional and social relationships as well as absorbant borders.

Who hit it first?

Drug ‘dabbling’

‘Cocaine on the sink and I’m so about it. I might roll up in a tank. Cause my chain came from Cuba got a lock up on the link.” – ASAP Rocky. The increased growth of idolisation has become noticeably unhealthy due to the explosion of media attention on celebrities.They influence the lifestyles of ‘pop-culturalists’ causing many to live, behave and rebel as they do. IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14

In the season of ‘living it up’- the air is reminiscent of immortality with barrels of adrenaline waiting to be utilised in chasing some crazy adventure. The offering of drugs without a flinch from the user or even the slightest reaction from onlookers is the new norm within social mingling. But is it really as simple as getting high, getting drunk and recovering the next day? Don’t let the ‘experimental buzz’ fool you, there are many reasons why you might regret it.

Financial implications

Drugs are no cheap habit; the amount of Rands lost by South Africans users every year is astounding. According to the Central Drug Authority (CDA), South African drug users spend an estimated R37 million on dagga per year, approximately R610 million on ecstasy and an astonishing R146 million on cocaine .Just the use of these drugs for a month could have a serious effect on your financial situation in the New Year.

Impure drugs

The experimental user has no idea what they are being offered and illicit drugs on the street are usually impure. Dealers mix without the knowledge of buyers, adding extremely dangerous elements such as tranquilisers, Paracetamol and Veterinary medicine used on animals. This can leave users with dangerous side effects such as brain damage, cardiovascular problems and delirium.

One pull and you’re hooked.

So maybe the plan was just about having a good time and now you find yourself craving the next hit. It’s possible, people have different body tolerance levels and some people have more addictive personalities than others. Trying to keep up with your acquaintances sometimes means you are left with the addiction when the festive is over.

DON’T LET THE ‘ E X P E R I M E N TA L BUZZ’ FOOL YO U, T H E R E A R E MANY REASONS W H Y YO U M I G H T R E G R E T I T.

Instant death

Amateurs simply have no clue. Drugs are dangerous because they are unpredictable. When a person’s metabolism cannot detoxify the drugs fast enough it can cause one to overdose. Of course, the higher the dose then the more dangerous.

What to do

The great drug rush is a societal ailment we may have no control over, especially with its new partner in crime, Pop Culture. It makes for a lethal combination. However, no matter the situation or the vibe of the party, in the end we always have a choice.

By Lebohang Morake

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SOCIETY

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A F R I C A R E P ORT

HOT LIST

ENVIRONMENT

SELF

FEEL GOOD

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AFRICA REPORT

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NA I Ja Rising Barring Boko Haram, Nigeria has had a sterling year. Her economy has surpassed South Afrika and she looks certain to keep growing!

nce known as the Dark Continent, plagued by unnecessary wars that left scars on its people - Africa was thought to be a place where indigenous inhabitants would forever be haunted by tragic events. But when we cut to the 21st century, we see a proud continent shining light in the darkness that once covered it.

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AFRICA REPORT

A new chapter The coming of the 20th century brought independence for many African countries. During the dawn of the new millennium, the Mother Land experienced what was termed ‘the African economic boom’ – large economies such as South Africa and Nigeria were starting to grow substantially. This long anticipated emergence was mainly influenced by the political and infrastructural changes that were being implemented to rightfully benefit the indigenous people of the land, as opposed to colonial powers. Financial statistics at the beginning of 2013 showed that Africa was indeed growing at a quick rate of 5.6%. Experts estimated that the gross domestic product (GDP) would rise by an average of 6% each year thereafter. Who’s winning the race? Right now, when examining the growth of the Nigerian economy, it’s not hard to see that South Africa is falling behind. Studies from 1990 to 2010 displayed how the precursor to this comes from Nigeria replacing its pricing structure. In addition, the diversification of the economy has been responsible for more than just their improved development; it’s also helped maintain growth in the non-oil sectors. And although the non-oil sectors have now grown to include sectors such as Nigeria’s famous film and music industry (Nollywood), e-commerce and telecommunications; agricultural trade and services (specifically crop production) continue to be the main drivers of non-oil sector growth. The oil sector’s growth and encouraging performance was unfortunately not as impressive as that of the non-oil sector (stumped by the disruptions arising from oil theft, pipeline vandalism and weak investments in upstream activities with no new oil finds). When considering the lucrative nature of the oil industry, this will hopefully improve in the coming years.

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Benefits to all With such growth in the economic sphere one would think that the people of Nigeria would be benefitting. Financial statistics of 2013 have, however, indicated that African citizens are the poorest in the world. Simply put, these statistics illustrate that ‘ordinary people’ are not benefitting from this boom. Creating a prosperous nation – one that is inclusive of even the poorest citizens – is what Nigeria should focus on now. Poverty and unemployment still remain at a high, posing an undeniable challenge to the economy. The benefits of economic growth have not moved down to the poor fast enough.

T H E M OT H E R L A N D EXPERIENCED W H AT W A S TERMED ' THE AFRICAN ECONOMIC BOOM'

Fortunately, the Nigerian 2014 national budget, which has just been passed into law by the national assembly, focuses mainly on creating more jobs and making economical development more inclusive. Increased integration of the poor into global value chains is essential for the reduction of poverty. Agriculture, which is largely informal, employs about 70% of the labour force – a large portion of which is poor. Adding value to this industry will create more jobs through upstream and downstream integration with other sectors of the economy. Leading to increased export revenues and, obviously, boosting the income of the poor.

Playing catch up South Africa is a resource-rich country, if we implemented stronger policies that are focused on job creation and poverty alleviation there’ll surely be some real, economic growth. A country with as much potential as ours needs to have an innovative leadership that will focus on those who are sitting without skills. We need ideas that will create a brighter future for our country. Currently, the political landscape needs to gain more sustainability, so as to attract investors. With the great economic growth of Africa still blossoming, could South Africa match Nigeria anytime soon? By Tamara Toti

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ENVIRONMENT

The New C o l d Wa r The frigid north has much to offer and may have the potential for causing greater conflict in the region.

cientists and epic disaster movies featuring A-list stars serve as a constant reminder that there are dangers, present and in the future, attached to the reduction of ice at the north and south poles.

In the Arctic, a knock-on effect of global warming’s “big melt” is how new territory has become more accessible and open to exploration, with petroleum companies expressing great interest of what is supposed to be buried below. And these apparent gifts that lie below? Around 30 percent of the world’s untapped natural gas reserves and 13 percent of the world’s untapped oil reserves, so estimates the US Geological Survey, one of the leading agencies of its type in the world. From the petroleum companies’ point of view, that 13 percent equals around 160 billion barrels of oil. With a number like that, you could probably walk into the board room of Shell or BP and feel the thick atmosphere of greed.

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The question is: who has claim to what, and how are these claims decided? Denmark, Norway, the United States, Canada and Russia all have formalised claims in the Arctic. These claims are based on international law, allocating each of them exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of 370 kilometers each along their coastlines around the perimeter of the Arctic. Beyond the EEZs are international waters, while the seabed past the EEZ along with verified extensions of the continental shelf (mightily called the “heritage of all mankind”) are all administered by the United Nations International Seabed Authority (UNISA). Making this diplomatic cocktail more potent is UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Upon signing and ratifying UNCLOS, the five EEZ nations in the Arctic were granted a 10-year period for making claims to the extended continental shelf. If their claims are verified, it gives them exclusive rights to the resources that lie below.

Norway, Canada, Russia, and Denmark have all launched projects to justify their claims beyond their EEZ, having ratified UNCLOS at various points over the last 20 years. The United States, on the other hand, has not yet ratified UNCLOS. As one of the world’s largest consumers, and rising oil producers (strange but true), it’s a curious laziness on America’s part. Maybe, just maybe, they’re already using the approach of There Will Be Blood’s Daniel Plainview, whose insanely long straw drank everyone else’s milkshake…sluuuuurp.

“ 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 .”

While the diplomatic cocktail of UNCLOS, EEZs, and UNISA (pun not intended) seems to get everyone nice and jolly at the Arctic bar, Russian President Vladimir Putin's less than friendly relationship with the West in recent times raises serious concerns the unclaimed Arctic could cause conflict between the competing nations. It’s mildly comforting that the Arctic heavyweights have made a plan, since conflict in a frozen wasteland is not the most economical way to do business. They signed the 2008 Ilulissat Convention in Greenland, ensuring that if an argument arises over a claim, the competing parties have to sort it out on a bilateral basis. An example, a slap-tickle version anyway, of what the convention seeks to defuse is Hans Island, a 1.3 square kilometer piece of land between Ellesmere Island and Greenland in the Nares Strait. Claimed by both Canada and Denmark, the island is virtually cut in half by a treaty between the two countries (lol?). We should be happy that they have not yet built a wall. In the 1980s there were reports of the Danish military planting its red-and-white Dannebrog flag and leaving a bottle of Schnapps when visiting the island. Whenever the Canadians arrived, they would pull out the Danish flag, replace it with their own and swap out the Schnapps with a bottle of Canadian whiskey. While the two countries had negotiated a more exact border description in November 2012, the dispute remains ongoing. At this point we’re allowed to wonder about whether there is a very large quantity of Danish Schnapps stored somewhere in Canada. By: Eddie Schmidt

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FEEL GOOD

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Field Band F o u n dat i o n Bringing people together and reinforcing the pride and positive devlopment of the nation's youth.

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he profound thing about sound is its inherent ability to bring people together. Rhythm, syncopation and overall melody appeals to everyone, even if they say it doesn’t – we know it does.

“Music for Life” is the slogan for the Field Band Foundation (FBF)– an appropriate one considering how the initiative has been aiding young people through the empowering effect of music and dance. In 1996 the Field Band Foundation brought the marching band concept to the disadvantaged. The aim was to address a number of issues affecting South Africa as a whole. Working off the long tradition of brass music in the country, it has embraced and added to a defining aspect of modern South African culture. Can you hear the steel drums; the brass sweeping through with percussion and marimbas all combined with the colourful attire and incredibly well coordinated movement across the field?

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Herman Mashaba, Chairman of the Foundation’s board explains, “The Field Band Foundation is not just an arts or life skills programme. It goes far beyond that – it uses the arts as a catalyst to equip the country’s youth to be responsible, empowered and confident citizens.”

THE POINT IS TO H E I G H T E N SELF ESTEEM, ENLIGHTENING T H O S E I N V O LV E D. . .

Essentially, the FBF was created in order help the underprivileged. At the moment, the foundation has been teaching lifestyle skills to over 2,500 kids in depraved areas. Added to the music side of the FBF, kids are able to receive general education in social development along with specific lifeskills training such as a greater understanding of issues affecting their community such as HIV/AIDS among other things. Along with all this, the foundation is associated with scholarship programs in Norway and the United States. The goal being a means of providing the kids with a chance to see the world, gain new perspectives and return with a wealth of knowledge. Overall, the point is to heighten self-esteem, enlightening those involved by teaching the application of oneself towards a goal, to instill competitiveness, teamwork and discipline. It provides confidence through the power of purpose through music. The harmony is an audible and visual experience, creating a glimpse of hope and improved living. It’s beautiful, it’s expressive - it’s the Field Band Foundation, marching towards a future where lives are changed. By Frederik Ferreira

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AMPLIFIERS

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

50 52

PROFESSIONALS

FOCUS PROFILE

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

WO R K H A R D AT I T ! Size Mzimela has worked in South African corporate for near 25 years. We toast her effort and achievement to date.

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

henever the name Sizakele Pertunia Mzimela comes up, the next words that come to mind are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;South African Airwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. We can easily label her the comeback kid, or rather woman, as she keeps surprising us and exceeding expectation in whatever she does. In my quest to acquaint myself with the lady in question, my initial research revealed her to be first and foremost a mother and a wife, which says a lot about her values and principles. Her profile precedes her and it is no wonder that many esteemed and established people value and respect her.

The South African Airways partnership with Emirates, Israel airlines and Ghana airways are some of her achievements. By the end of the year 2000 she had become regional manager for Africa and the Middle East. During her reign, Sizakele became instrumental in the success of the airline in those regions. The next obvious step for her was to become the executive vice president of global passenger services, which happened back in 2001. From then onwards she took over global sales and the voyager portfolio as well as heading up the direct sales channels.

Siza (as she is affectionately known) started her career at Standard Bank in 1991, working in the small business and retail division. She went on to join Total in 1994 as a corporate planning analyst, managing capital projects. Finally, she made her way to South African Airways in 1996 as a research analyst, analysing route and passenger forecasts. Her outstanding work ethic saw her being promoted to manager for market development where she soon became a senior manager in that department.

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DURING HER REIGN, SIZAKELE BECAME I N S T R U M E N TA L I N THE SUCCESS OF THE AIRLINE IN THOSE REGIONS

FROM THEN ONWARD SHE TO O K OV E R GLOBAL SALES A N D T H E V O YA G E R PORTFOLIO

Siza finally caught the spotlight when she became the first female CEO of South African Airways in 67 years, which had previously been riddled with bad publicity after Khaya Ngqula got fired on corruption charges. Siza truly had her work cut out for her. The company was not doing so well financially and yet she managed to quickly turn it into the fastest growing regional airline carrier in Southern Africa. It is clear to see that success belongs to those who are truly willing to work exceptionally hard. Siza is no different, having studied for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics, which would prove to be the best decision she made. Her hard work, dedication and education became the foundation for her to become one of S.Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top influential women.

These days, Siza, is making waves with her new endeavour Blue Crane Aviations. She is not only one of the founders but also the executive chairperson. In addition, she is an acting board member of SA Tourism, giving her a better insight into what gaps need to be filled. We can only expect great things from Fly Blue Crane. One thing we can take from Siza Mzimela is that winners are those who try and fail, but keep going rather than failing and giving up. By Karabo Motsoai

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PROFESSIONALS

z e ro l i m i t s

A young and versatile entertainer out to get hers and yours if you’re sleeping

am Lehoko, or rather Sammy Sosa, is the voice of confidence. All understandable considering how the 24-year old East London native is one of the hottest DJ’s at YFM. And so, naturally, we wanted to know a little bit more. Watching the ball roll. At the age of 21, this motivated young lady made it ‘big’ by owning a photography company she called – SMLPHOTOGRAPHY. All while hosting The Off-Ramp - a Tuesday and Thursday radio show on UCT radio 104.5fm. Besides being on YFM, Sam managed to land a spot in the Club 808 family where she delivers the weekend gig-guide alongside DJ Mo, Flave and Nonhle Theme – Quite a way to kick-start a career, right? As typical as it may sound, if there’s anything you need to know about Sam is that she’s game for almost anything. She admits that in the coming years she would like to focus on one career path. However, she just can’t decide whether it will be music, photography, radio or television (talk about options). Either way, it's all freedom of expression.

Ultimately, she would like to see herself being listed among the more established individuals in the entertainment industry, while still enjoying the things she’s most passionate about – radio, emceeing, photography, family and friends. Tuning up Sammy spent her formative years in the UK, returning back home to South Africa in 2004 for primary school. Her love and passion for entertainment and the performing arts started when she was only 13 years old. It was no surprise when she ended up studying drama at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. There she discovered her passion for photography, taking on another three year course, further adding to her tertiary education. Sammy Lehoko is not willing to back down from anything. Her ambitions still ride high above the clouds. And at the heart of it all, she is a firm believer that family is the most important thing to have - especially now with a cute baby and a handsome pilot for a husband. It goes to show that if you’re not afraid of exploring your abilities to their full extent, there’s nothing you can’t do. By Athule Ndindwa

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Aw e s o m e A f r i c a

Ntokozo Botjie from TransAfrica Radio shares a little of himself, his work and his vision of the future.

This is where the power went off, leaving us in the dark with a few chuckles to fill the void of inconvenience. But despite the loss of power, and the pressure of hosting his own radio show an hour after the interview wrapped up, he continued to personify a cool, calm and collected Station Manager.

At 24-years of age, Ntokozo admits an intrigue with the medium that stretches back in memoriam. He relates how he was Initially rolled up with an interest in Sound Engineering where he created jingles and cleaned up audio. Music was his passion and he sought a way of helping aspiring artists to record and master broadcast quality material.

Unhindered by the sudden loss of illumination, we continued our conversation. At this point I had to ask what he’d be doing if not managing a station and hosting a radio show, “I’m more of an artist than anything else. I feed off art.” He goes on to say, “That’s where I’d be. I’d be doing something weird”. At the heart of it, Ntokozo Botjie is creatively charged and embracing a path allowing for self-expression as he tries to have a positive impact in the lives of others.

t’s unavoidable. It’s everywhere. Radio saturates the body, mind and sometimes even the soul with a variety of reverberations. Maybe it’s music. Maybe it’s a humorous satire or a deep and meaningful reflection on current affairs. Regardless of the content, everyone experiences this form of expression and most often than not, it changes their lives.

When it came to radio, he sort of ‘fell’ into the role of Station Manager. He had previously hosted a radio show on the now defunct Rock FM but was eventually scooped up by TransAfrica Radio after they listened to his folio of work. Needless to say, they were impressed. “To me, radio is like an album. You have track one to track twelve. And so it has to be synchronized. It has to be smooth.” – in other words, for Ntokozo, radio is telling a story that people can connect with. Maintaining a voice. An identity that reveals and demonstrates who the station is and what it’s all about.

His spot on TransAfrica Radio ‘Awesome Africa’ airs every Sunday from 2-4pm and focuses on positive development in South Africa and the continent as a whole. As the name suggests, the show tries to reignite pride in this continent we call home. “I live in the now” is a defining factor for Botjie – a snippet of insight into what it means to be a Station Manager. For Ntokozo life and work are one. He never shuts down and continues working come rain or shine… or the loss of light. By Frederik Ferreira

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FOCUS PROFILE

R e k i n d l i n g e d u c at i o n We got the opportunity to pick the brain behind Rekindle Learning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rapelang Rabane.

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ou know you’ve made it when the likes of Oprah Winfrey, CNN and Forbes start paying you lip service. Rapelang Rabana is one of few who can say they’ve been featured by all the media platforms listed above. As things are, she is a young, motivated woman who does not let fear and doubt prevent her from redefining the status quo. With a talent for recognising gaps in the market and capitalising on it, in 2013 she started ‘Rekindle Learning’ after leaving Yeigo Communications. ‘Rekindle’ is a mobile learning aid helping students study in bite-size chunks to ensure effective retention of information. Rabanae states, “In studying, the key to retention is not in once off retrieval but repeated retrieval. “ Tell us a bit about who you are and where you’re from. I was born in Botswana where I spent the first few years of my life. I finished my primary and secondary school in Johannesburg and then went to study at University of Cape Town and continued to live in Cape Town. My parents are both remarkable people of exceptional achievement despite a very poor upbringing. My father qualified as a professional Architect (while my mother became an Electrical Engineer. They have taught me the value of hard work and excellence and how that can take you anywhere you want to go. After being at the forefront of Yeigo, what have you learned and how as it affected your venture concerning ‘Rekindle’? I have learned that young, local entrepreneurs and innovators play a huge role in delivering solutions for the African continent, and that the typical assumptions that technologies will always come from the West are deeply flawed. Indigenous ideas are contextually relevant - they are created by people who live the experience and just observe.

What inspired you to become such a confident speaker and a fierce business woman? The extraordinary privilege of seeing ideas you have worked on manifested into reality, after it all started with just a thought. It always makes me smile, that all I had in the beginning was a thought – and how incredibly powerful human thought, the imagination and discipline can be, when backed by persistence. Since starting Rekindle, have there been any challenges along the way? The challenges at the beginning of every new start-up are different but also much the same. You have a general idea of where you want to go and you have to take a number of small steps to refine the business idea and find a compelling value proposition that customers will pay for. It is particularly challenging because all you have is a hunch, an instinct that there may be something here and you have to keep going forward with little validation at the start until you make a breakthrough. What would you like to see Rekindle become some day? In the next 10 years I see Rekindle Learning as a centre of learning enabling people to build knowledge from the palm of their hands. From school children to young high school graduates needing new opportunities to entrepreneurs and women farmers. A final piece of advice for anyone interested in starting their own Internet endeavor? …learn to trust your intuition and pursue the areas that interest you most. Software and technology is all about creating something from your imagination. Don’t try to be like others. Use your own unique perspective of the world to generate ideas and don’t be afraid to pursue those. You must be able to come up with an idea and trust yourself enough to pursue it. Truly, Rapelang's unwavering desire to create a meaningful impact in the lives of others has seen her become the success that she is today. Her passion shows through in everything she touches and she is definitely one woman to keep an eye on when it comes to changing the status quo in the IT sector. By Karabo Motsoai

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BUSINESS

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56 58 01 10 23 60 50 60 64 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

THE REVIEW 55

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NETWORKING

D i s c ov e r f r e s h films First Wednesday film club is bridging the gap between local talent and their audience

n the idealistic words of Steven Spielberg, “You shouldn’t dream your film, you should make it.” The sad reality however is that talented filmmakers who have not made it into the mainstream, like Spielberg, don’t have the luxury of knowing that their films will be viewed anywhere outside of their family’s living room. This reality is more hard-hitting for African filmmakers. Enter First Wednesday Film Club. First Wednesday Film Club was started by acclaimed directors John Barker (Bunny Chow) and Ziggy Hofmeyr (31 Million Reasons) in 2004. Started on the premise of not relying on the mainstream movie circuit to discover or showcase local talent. Boasting an audience of 150 – 250 people , attendees are enticed by the chance to view some quality, local films.

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" YO U SHOULDN’T D R E A M YO U R F I L M , YO U SHOULD M A K E I T.”

What to expect? Prior to viewing the film, attendees can buy a range of refreshments whilst being privy to cool jams and great conversation. A convivial Akin Omatoso introduces the audience to the film and its’ creators once everyone is seated. The films that are screened are from a variety of genres, but always of superior quality. Fortunately, independent filmmakers do not fall under the pressure of overusing storylines and themes, as per organizer, Katarina Hedren, because of not having to worry about falling in line with the mainstream circuit. Hedren also mentions that there is a lot of talent in Africa and firmly believes in the fact that these films need a platform and audience, as encouragement for her involvement in this initiative. Omatoso and Hedren watch every film before it is allowed on this stage, as they have the desire to maintain a high standard of films that will suit their audience.

After the screening, audience members have a Q&A session with the director or producer of the film and are even able to see the cast if they are available. As if the film club was not enough of a pleasure to attend, the Q&A session is followed by refreshments and snacks on the house. As a fan of the club, I can safely say the screening on the first Wednesday every month is not for networking filmmakers only. If you have ever been to the movies and realized you know exactly how the movie is going to end, take a sho’t left to Atlas Studios and unwind to some superior local talent. As per their website, “What started as an initiative aiming to encourage young filmmakers to share their work, be exposed to films of different genres, network and be creatively inspired has grown to become an institution.” Screening takes place at 19:30 at Atlas Studios in Aukland Park on the first Wednesday of every month, excluding January 2015. Wednesday, 4 February, is a date! By Nobusi Maqubela

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TECH SHIFTERS

ALIBABA REVOLUTIONIZES ONLINE SHOPPING Transforming retail therapy to a simple click and swipe.

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“THERE IS AN E S T I M AT E D 1 2 0 MILLION PEOPLE WHO SHOP ON ALIBABA SITES E V E R Y D AY ”

ccording to statistics of internet usage across the globe, China has at least 600 million active users, ranking them among the highest in the world. Creating the perfect platform for companies such as Alibaba.com to become multi-billion dollar empires. Started in 1999 by Jack Ma, it was aimed at helping companies order goods from Chinese vendors. They have since launched their sister sites Taobao, Tmall and Alipay (Chinese version of Pay Pal). Alibaba is essentially a free online shopping website which connects consumers and businesses. The company has at least seven million merchants selling just about everything. There is an estimated 120 million people who shop on Alibaba sites every day. Earlier this year, Alibaba partnered with Australia in an effort to connect the continent’s businesses with the Chinese market.

All quite amazing when considering how Jack Ma, a former teacher, started working from his apartment to develop the website. Now he is China’s richest man with a net worth of $25 billion. Ma owns a 7.8% stake in Alibaba and a 46% stake in the Alipay electronic payment affiliate. His company has created jobs for at least 25 845 people. . The site is estimated to have made over 9 billion on ‘singles day’ which is very similar to the USA's black Friday. Singles Day is about celebrating being a single person as well as about buying gifts to approach your potential lover. Alibaba has also experienced its fair share of problems, recently being accused of peddling counterfeit products. But the company is fighting these rumours and have spent millions trying to defeat the charges regarding the buying and selling of fake items. However for as long as the internet exists things like piracy, fraud and counterfeits will not disappear. Now we can only wait and see if the next big revolution to change the online shopping sphere can be conquered by somebody besides Alibaba.com. By Karabo Motsoai

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T E C H T O D AY

S m a rt L i v i n g Soon we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to leave our chairs.

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e all admire the gadgets that make our lives easier. Even more so now that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all connected through the click of a button. This allows us to know everything happening around the world in just a few minutes. At the moment, the new trend in technology has been leaning towards controlling absolutely everything in our lives. All this made possible thanks to the wave of connectivity called singularisation. With this said, one question remains prominent: Is this awesome technology making our lives efficient, smarter and more productive or is it driving us to lazy land?

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T E C H T O D AY

While the ‘fast life’ may seem desirable, it’s still, debatable how much these smart devices have changed our lives and whether or not it’s actually a good thing. Some will argue that we depend on our smartphones, turning us into addicts of sorts. The difference between being addicted to your smartphone compared to some hardcore street drug is easily recognisable. Smarter living helps us accomplish tasks and do almost everything with one hand. And yet, others note how this kind of technology might make us slackers who never want to leave the bed. Tablets are one of the fast growing technologies to impact our lives in a number of different ways. These all-in-one devices have taken the world by storm. And why not? The tablet is an easy to use, intuitive piece of technology which has the ability to connect with just about anything. We can pay our bills, buy movie tickets or make reservations. There are fridges that text you when the milk is low. Televisions you can control with your smartphone. It’s all quite something – being able to do everything in one space. It seems that the evolution of technology is giving people a taste for convenience. And who knows what responsibilities our smartphones will take on in the future. Maybe they’ll do all the shopping, run us a hot bath or turn on the kettle and maybe even feed the dog.

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MOST OF OUR D A I LY N O N - D I G I TA L C O N V E R S AT I O N S CA N N OT L A ST LONG WITHOUT ANY TECHNOLOGICAL INTERRUPTION.

Essentially, our lives will eventually be run by robots who do everything for us while we sit and enjoy the latest episode of our favourite TV show. While singularisation may seem like a good way to improve your life, it will probably end up escorting us to a place where we can do everything while also doing nothing.Ask yourself: is this truly smart living? Or is it just a smart way of living the lazy life? By Paballo Seipei

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FINANCIAL FUNDIS

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Plant the seeds to financial freedom Don't gamble on your future when you can take manageable risks on stock.

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OLO” (You Only Live Once) is one of the mottos of our generation. As true as this may be, it should allude to living the best quality life possible as opposed to the wreckless lifestyle it seems to denote. Tomorrow may not be guaranteed, but not making preparations for the future means when tomorrow comes, it could be a very sad day. Stock investor and businessman Peter Lynch might have exaggerated when he said, “Everyone has the brainpower to follow the stock market. If you made it through fifth-grade math, you can do it.” But with all the resources and information available, investing in the stock market has become a very accessible ‘sport’. Stocks 101 Companies issue stock for many reasons. They serve the purpose of raising funds externally, allowing ownership of a public corporation to be shared amongst many investors. This results in those investors (you) receiving a stock certificate as proof of their stake as one of many owners of the company. The two main types being Common and Preferred stock. No gold stars for the person who guesses that common stocks are the most abundant. They have the highest risks and the prospect of higher earnings – as dividends are paid according to profits.

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E V E RYO N E H A S T H E B R A I N P O W E R TO F O L LO W T H E STO C K M A R K E T. I F Y O U MADE IT THROUGH F I F T H - G R A D E M AT H , Y O U C A N D O I T.

Stockbrokers act as agents while also providing an advisory function during the process of stock trading. Bryan Adams (2014 Financial Planner of the year finalist) defines this function as, “understanding people and their unique set of needs” because “only then can we suggest solutions that help people merge their money with their life in a way that adds tangible value.” For the tech-savvy, there are a number of online companies who can assist you. Standard Bank, PSG and First National Bank are among a long list of these platforms - many of them offer training courses and debit order options that are suitable for just about any pocket. Decisions, decisions, decisions… Once you’ve chosen your advisor they’re likely to tell you that one of the keys to successful trading is a diverse portfolio. In other words, making sure you have investments in different sectors will eventually prove beneficial.

Preferred Stocks usually have fixed dividends. Although investors of preferred stocks have the disadvantage of not benefiting as profits increase, they still have their advantages. In the event of liquidation, preferred stockholders must be paid off before common stockholders. However, this type of stock can be resold (or callable), which means that companies or other investors can buy them back at any time. In simple English, the stock market is the web of transactions that facilitates the trading of stock and the stock exchange is an entity whose focus is to motivate these transactions. The latter, therefore, provides services to facilitate trade between buyers and sellers. Getting started Nerine Visser (head of Beta & EFTs at Nedbank Capital) believes, “with just a little education, anyone can gain the necessary confidence and skill to manage their own money.” One would imagine it’s an expensive and complicated venture – but really, all you really have to do is invest as little as R300 per month.

Investing in top companies such as MTN, SABMiller and Sasol, mitigates risk as these organizations are established and research material is readily available. However, investing in smaller companies, although a greater risk, increases earning potential. These companies have the space to grow at a more rapid rate. Nonetheless, keeping investments of smaller companies at less than 15% of your portfolio is always advisable. It’s also important to decide if you plan to be a long-term investor or if your role in the game of stock is that of a trader. As profitable as it may all be, this is a risky business and true to Suze Orman’s words, “one should never invest emergency money in the stock market.” However, if you can find a satisfactory amount and expert institutions/ people for advice, getting involved in the stock market can be quite lucrative. There will be good days as well as the converse. But it’s not how wrong you are that matters; what counts is how much money you make when right and how much you don’t lose when wrong. So go forth and prosper… By Nobusi Maqubela

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THE REVIEW

The future of a dv e rt i s i n g : “Recollection” Creativity, dedication and a passion for communication can take you a long way.

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HOW IS C R E AT I V I T Y MEASURED?

alking through the corridors of AAA filled me with hope… Hope that the same would happen to me. I’d get in there and make history, digest all I could, go out into the world and overwhelm my employers with out-of-this world thinking. This begs the question: how does one manage to get it right? Is getting a test score of damn near 100% the cosmic sign that we all seek? Is it the odd, yet modest, positive commentary you get from your lecturer as reassurance that, yes, you’ve undoubtedly stepped into the right industry? How is creativity measured? Every year the Loerie Awards see a colourful migration of creative people heading towards the City of Cape Town. A sophisticatedly puttogether ceremony. One that tells stories of beautiful work that sometimes changes the lives of everyday people. These awards honour the South African, and African, creative industry with rewards in categories ranging from communication design, marketing leadership and innovation, radio communication, media innovation all the way to digital and interactive communication. The Loeries also put the creative mavericks of the future (students) at the centre of their award system with categories for young, up and coming creative minds. This year, two AAA students fought their way ahead of the line. Shana Siveright (Art Director) and Melissa Fontini (Copywriter) managed to scoop a Gold Loerie award in the Student Digital and Interactive category for their work titled “Recollection”- an online website for a hospice store.

The online shop is a collaborative effort by a number of charities who benefit from the proceeds by putting hospice stores online. Many of you may be wondering what the future holds for these two right-brainers since they’ve now earned themselves a bright star on their portfolios. Well, with such an auspicious accolade, they’re at least able to knock confidently at any agency door, knowing their work will do most of the talking. This gives them a significantly solid advantage. The digital and interactive category is still one of the most difficult categories to bag an award for, mainly because it’s shape-shifting. Technology gets better and crazier all the time and there are no longer any boundaries. As Arthur C. Clarke put it “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”. Marketers and advertisers are constantly trying to find ways to re-create and re-live experiences from the past and future, through the click of a mouse. We need more students to think about these experiences and how they can help connect consumers with different brands. So a standing ovation is well deserved for Shana and Mel. And with this, we should appreciate and salute those who allow the creative rhythm to take over their lives as they unlearn the world, creating new perspectives and changing the way we think. By Goitsemang Chiloane

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SELF

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WELLNESS

LIFE SKILLS

E D U C AT I O N

80 82

CAREERS

T R AV E L 71

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WELLNESS

I n t e r n a l m a k e ov e r

Society places great emphasis on looking good. What about feeling great?

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he festive season is a time we all try avoiding the redundancy of last year’s trends. Women sit amongst their girlfriends to extensively discuss their makeovers, while men huddle around and talk about the latest sneakers on the shelves and mentally tick them off their list of things to get. Everyone is out to make sure they look good and even engage in a little friendly competition. Let’s not forget the element of ‘festive instagram’ heightens the makeover frenzy with our new hairdo making an appearance, along with an outfit to keep our followers ‘liking’ away And of course, couples who suffer from ‘Couple Swag’ syndrome will drop in their newly purchased his and hers Versace footwear. Sure, the bank balance deteriorates but at least we show up to the party looking dapper and get noticed. And besides, isn’t it exhilarating getting gratification from our peers? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for putting your best foot forward and some things are well deserved after a year of hard work. Then again, if the physical human form is the only part of your identity getting replenished there’s a chance the equation to the human soul will never get equalised.True happiness and contentment with self can never be realised in the material elements of life (face value). We are spirit, mind and body and it’s essential we pay attention to other parts of us petitioning for a makeover. Internal Awakening Settle down. Light some candles. Block out the mental noise and escape into your own multiverse just for a second.What do you see? Do you see yourself outside of the human form? As spiritual gurus continue to remind us ‘We are not a body. We have a body. We do not have a soul. We are a soul.’ The problem is, we dress the body and leave the soul in destitute. Personal growth is not entirely dependent on age. We don’t grow in years (as the year is only an estimation of science) but rather in spirit. In order to grow in spirit we need to assess the spiritual fruits we lack and continue to cultivate those we do have. These fruits are elements such as divine love, understanding, unselfishness, patience, emotional intelligence, anti- ego perceptions and personal

honesty.Upgrading these elements means there is a balance within the internal and external, the ancient Greeks refer to it as Kalon - referring to a beauty which is more than skin deep. Change the retail store Pray – When we create a spiritual doorway through conversations with a pure, higher energy, it allows us to see things in the spiritual realm that might be holding us back. We receive epiphanies in prayer and receive solutions transported through the subconscious. Fitting room dynamics Write – When we write, we often invite ourselves to reflect and diagnose a lot of issues we might have. This makes us more alert concerning areas which need a makeover or should revisit. It leads to the understanding of self, finding out what works for you and what doesn’t. Rising higher Meditate -To meditate simply means to spend time with yourself using the power of now. The trick is to create a pure space in which to do this. Just be aware of the soul and rise (travel) above the physical space you are in. This helps us understand that the internal makeover process should truly be connected with the soul. Receipts Reflection– This venture known as life is one we are never truly done with. Meaning the results of the internal makeover is a lifetime of work. There’s no quick fix. Personal reconstruction is a beautiful experience, you pick out what you need, leave the emotionally expensive items behind and create a new spiritual identity. Next time around We all deserve to look great, feel great and encompass our existence with a well fed soul. Are you giving yourself an internal makeover this festive? The next time you pick out a fancy dress or pair of shoes, think about the ‘as within, as without’ concept. Let those around you see more than the physical change, let them discover a better holistic individual fused with ‘inner swag’. By Lebohang Morake

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LIFE SKILLS

S u rv i v i n g t h e s i l ly s e a s o n Beyond the wine, sun and intentional sloth there lies a number of pit-falls that can undercut even the best of holidays… Be prepared.

t’s a time of endurance, where patience and resilience separates the winners from the losers, the chumps from the champions, the Dane Cooks from the Chris Rocks of this world.

This is not a description of boxing or playing soccer at 2pm in Upington during December. Rather, I refer to a time that carries the misnomer of the festive season, and is more appropriately called “the silly season” because, well, it can often do more harm than good. That’s just plain silly, no? The irony of having a good holiday is that some form of work goes into it, be it getting the right car, finding the right accommodation or giving yourself enough time to truly relax. With that in mind, remember the following as you move through the silly season and its several invariable pitfalls. IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14

Alcohol and diet Rivers of alcohol and greasy midnight munch time - Healthy people working hard to be in top physical form often returning to work in January heavier than before is not an unfamiliar tale. You know the excuse: “I’ve worked hard all-year, so I deserve some gluttony” - this is arguably the rabbit hole people fall into when on going on sabbatical. Remember, your body can only consume so much before it reacts which can be anything from additional weight to a loss of energy. Downtime is a very important part of leading a happy life, but tools like alcohol and ‘unhealthy’ meals that help us ‘let go’ and relax should be used in moderation. A small dose of exercise is always a win, and in-between the Christmas lunch/dinner and New Years parties a glass of water between drinks goes a long way.

Shopping Shopping during the silly season is like one of those obstacle races quite in vogue with people who have too much energy. You end up covered in mud, cuts, bruises, and aches of all kinds the next day, all while trying to convince yourself that you had a “good time”. However, like spandex cyclists three abreast on a one-lane road, silly season shopping is sometimes impossible to avoid. So if you are going to do it, steer clear of big malls and outlets if possible (I’m looking at you Gateway, Sandton, Cavendish and Maponya). If you have to go to a big mall or outlet, try doing it at a time when everyone else might reasonably be doing something else – the unicorn time. Admit it, the earlier you get this onerous task done, the better.

Holiday traffic Beyond the economic benefits of the annual migration to the sea for the silly season, roads that are normally not so busy become congested, while parking spots once infrequently used are suddenly turned into a rampaging free for all. This causes anger and impatience in South Africa’s coastal towns and tourist hotspots along with roads leading to the sea and other popular destinations in the interior. However, with more than 1000 people killed on South Africa’s roads every silly season, it’s more than a good idea to avoid being caught up in the carnage. Be patient, get your car serviced, follow the rules of the road and don’t act like a fool. You will get there. Drinking and driving, if you don’t know it already, is a very, very stupid idea.

Epilogue: Avoiding financial ruin With all these activities comes the inevitable emancipation of the wallet. Christmas bonuses, if you got one, are extinguished in the rush to feed the holiday hunger. There will always be some form of expense, but the silly season is two months of 12 at best, so spend and save accordingly. Unlike sports movies featuring Kevin Costner, the glory of excessive holiday spending is temporary while the pain (and debt) is long lasting. Epilogue If it makes you feel better, I have crash tested this Ron Swanson-style wisdom on myself, and while not entirely always successful (I mean... Dennis Quaid doesn't nail it every time). So far, they've helped to ensure I return from my travails not in complete shambles. And so, IMBO wishes you all the best for the holiday season, have fun, be responsible and travel safely. By Eddie Schmidt

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E D U C AT I O N

I f yo u â&#x20AC;&#x2122; r e n ot l e a r n i n g , yo u â&#x20AC;&#x2122; r e not living. The festive season means taking a break from big educational institutions so we can actively do a bit of learning on our own terms.

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e all anticipate the festive break; it calls for a time in which we can do absolutely nothing. It allows us to sit and vegetate in front of the TV without the fear of being ‘side-eyed’ by our house mates because we refuse to move unless it’s for a walk to the fridge. This is all very well and good, until the ‘couch potato syndrome' creeps in. If you don’t want this to be your ritual inbetween parties and social mingling- there’s hope. We all know the brain can get lazy and so does our entire mental psyche, affecting our motivation to jump confidently into the year ahead. Why not prepare and consider other ways in which to expand our knowledge? When universities created the online method for students interested in fast and time effective programmes, they were onto something. After all, necessity is the mother of invention. Unisa, Damelin and a few other prominent online institutes have allowed students to get accreditation thanks to the constantly evolving Internet. You can now submit assignments online, download the lesson for your personal perusal and even get involved in some online tutorials. Besides all this, after deciding on a particular course, it’s important to discover what awaits you in the professional world. Seeing as, in the end, experience is the best teacher. Internships: The festive season is an amazing way to get your foot into the professional field, whether you’re taking a gap year or just anxious to get started on your career. Sites such as Salearnerships.com, Puffandpass. com and Careerplanet.co.za allow for the student to explore vacation jobs and internships over the festive season. This is a huge benefit for graduates who, when completing their studies, do so with additional skills under their belts.

Student Jobs Student jobs include promotions, marketing gigs and retail store employment may seem fairly ordinary. But there’s nothing ordinary about students dabbling in something new and learning about the principles of marketing and sales within the different industries. These are perfect for University and High school scholars who want to learn about business and/or the retail and trade industry. This knowledge just might come in handy as a graduate in the future. Plus it’ll look great on your Curriculum Vitae. Innovation • Get started on expanding your resume. If your heart is into teaching, think of ways to utilise that passion. You can tutor the neighbour’s kid who’s struggling with accounting and start your own ‘off season’ education trend within your community. • How about some self defence classes? You never know when you might need the skills in order to defend yourself and attack a perpetrator. But it also means you feel empowered while having yourself a good time. A definite win/win situation. • Building a CV has never been as fun or interesting as it is now. So why not apply to art galleries and quirky book stores who need assistants - expanding on your literary and artistic knowledge and skills. • Off season learning doesn’t have to be a tiresome pen and paper experience. It relates to anything worth learning. Meaning you don’t need to be awarded a diploma at the end of your educational sophistication. As I mentioned earlier, learning isn’t restricted to books, taking notes and passing tests.The best system for learning happens to be through experience and in learning the system.There is no better time than now. So get out there and explore all avenues of interest, refine your skills and be the best in every which way you can. By Lebohang Morake

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CAREERS

Mood in Motion “Colour is the mother-tongue of the subconscious” Carl Jung (1875-1961)

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o then… Colours titillate you. Rainbows mesmerize you and the vibrancy of our visual existence brings you nothing but joy. You love how green the grass is, how comforting the azure heavens can be. You marvel at how grey skies or bright sunshine affects people’s mood. There’s inspiration in everything and an added appreciation for the world around you. If this is the case, perhaps being a Film Colourist is a career worth considering. Something of an unsung hero in the industry, film colourists have so far garnered little to no reputation. And yet, if you ask any director or cinematrographer, they’ll admit that this career, the hero of hue, the king of contrast, is vital when adding to the creative scope of any project. All by enhancing the visual detail of a story with a dab of colour here, adjusting the tint there. A little bit of contrast, less gamma, more brightness. Basically, you’ll have heaps of things to fiddle with. A good start for getting into this career is to have a deep appreciation for the colours of life. Tom Reiser, Film Colourist at EFILM in Hollywood remarks how people who want to do this sort of job should, “…look and observe everything. Go out in nature, in crowds, just look at everything in different lights.” Sounds awesome, right? Then again, most film colourists will tell you the hours are exhausting both physically and mentally. The upswing being how the outcome can be awe-inspiring and, in the end, quite rewarding. It’s a chance to help tell a story by giving it more character and, in most cases, a unique ‘feel’ simply by fine-tuning certain optical aspects. If you must know, the first colour films were released in 1935. Originally, these films were made with three-strip colour palettes, used to

give us movies such as The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Gone with the Wind (1939). The use of colour grading helped alter and enhance the narratives of these films, implementing a look and feel reflecting the tone of the respective flicks. The impact this career has is clear to see in the washed-out green hues of The Matrix or the gritty colours and heavy contrast in Fight Club. And of course, lets not forget the overtly eye-catching visuals of Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate factory where things just seemed to pop out at you. All these films grip their audience by adding more character, distinguishing them from just about every other production. Colouring a film with life, love, death, misery, hope, angst, a dirty feel, a clean hue (throw in other adjectives as you please) forges a connection. It’s about helping the film grab the attention of viewers so they’ll engage more with the story being told. Expect discussions, suggestions and hundreds of opinions when it comes to working on a project. The director, cinematographer, director of photography and producers will always have a say in how things are put together. In other words: be strong. The truth is that colour can sometimes, if not always, be a crucial element in the creative process. It can be magical and it can be frustrating. But the reward of the finished product is always worth it. And so, if you’re predisposed to adding more value to the visuals of the moving image, then this colourful career in film may be the perfect option - all you have to do is try. By Frederik Ferreira

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T R AV E L

from the south to the centrE There’s always a road – why not take a trip?

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Once you’ve arrived, be sure to check out the Congo River, the second largest in the world, as it streams through the entire country. There’s a multitude of ways to enjoy this beautiful source of life. As a tourist you can choose between a private speedboat to cross or perhaps sink into the culture by sharing a ferry with the locals.

With all this in mind the only thing you should ask yourself is “Where should I go?” Well, here’s a suggestion.

It's about exploration and appreciation. We often take for granted the opportunities around us. And when it comes to travel, we'd be better off by stepping out of our comfort zones.

Trek from one part of the continent to the other. Hit the road from the South of Africa all the way across to the Centre. Destination? The Democratic Republic of Congo.

There’s always a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. When you really need to discover yourself, perhaps you should try discovering everything else around you first.

The capital city, Kinshasa, is the world’s second-largest French speaking city after Paris. The indigenous dialects spoken by the locals are Lingala, Kiswahili, Kikongo and Tshiluba.

By Mpho Moloele

dmit it, going on a road trip with family or friends can be great! You have the option of making a stop, wherever and whenever you want. And although you can’t dismiss the importance of the destination, it’s all about the journey. So get out there and get in touch with nature. Feel, smell, listen and don’t forget to take a picture.

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FASHION

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HOT LIST

CO-ORDS CHOICE

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H OT L I ST

Arrow Blue check shirt P.O.R

Ozlo Denim crop top R480

S H O P S M A RT Be double cool and get items that look great while playing in December and awesome while working in January.

Ozlo Brown harem pants R349

Ozlo Olive chinos R400

Forevermine jewelry Green beaded neckpiece P.O.R

Forevermine jewelry Pearl neckpiece and bangle P.O.R IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14

In Greek Mythology, NYX (niks) is the GODDESS OF THE NIGHT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she rules after nightfall and is a symbol of beauty and power.

NYX Cosmetics was created in 1999 by Toni K., an entrepreneur with a background in the beauty industry. She had the vision to develop a quality line of color cosmetics inspired by the goddess, NYX, which is available to both professional makeup artists and everyday women. She serves as both founder and Chief Creative Officer for the NYX brand. She travels the world to conduct research and finds inspiration for NYX products, combining beauty and power with:

s 3OPHISTICATED MODERN INNOVATION s 0ROFESSIONAL GRADE FORMULATIONS s #OLOR PALETTES STRAIGHT FROM THE RUNWAY s 5LTRA MODERN PACKAGING AND STYLE STATEMENTS s !PPROACHABLE PRICE POINT FOR ALL CLIENTS

!CCESSIBILITY IS THE KEY TO .98 In addition to being affordable:

s .98 WAS DEVELOPED FOR ALL SKIN TYPES s 4HE VAST RANGE OF COLOR CHOICES WORKS FOR all skin tones and ethnicities

s 0RODUCT POSSIBILITIES AND COMBINATIONS support the potential to create any look â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from natural to dramatic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and allow any artistic vision to come to life

NYX is available in over 60 countries, with both shop in shop installations and freestanding stores. NYX is proud to be able to continue to present the world with constant innovation and quality which set it apart in the world of fashion and beauty.

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CO-ORDS CHOICE

the power suit

ressing like a man is definitely on every fashion obsessed woman's to do list. The androgynous trend hit us hard in 2013 and it still has a presence on runways and red carpets the world over. For some four hundred years, suits of matching coat, trousers, and waistcoats have been in and out of fashion. The tailored suit is one trend that comes and doesn't go; it just keeps redefining itself, same suit dashed with a personal touch. When shopping for a power suit, it's a good idea to seek one of good quality which fits perfectly. It's no secret that clothes aren't free and that is why they need to be used to their full capacity. Back then, black, tan and navy would be your best bet when making an investment, but colors have taken over and trend setters are running with the idea of a brighter suit. The white power suit expresses the idea of an unapologetic, fashion forward approach. Ditch the typical high collar silk shirt for a bustier or crop top, throw on matching accessories and leave the blazer unbuttoned for the festive season. Once the seasonal insanity is over, project a sense of self-worth and authority by pairing it up with a crisp white tailored shirt and matching pointy heels. Cropped or corporate, own your power suit. By Bonolo

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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

Newspaper print dress - Galaletsang Senne White blazer – Bonolo Mashilo Shoes – Models Own

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SPREAD

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Cape – Tuelo Nguyuza Crop top – Tuelo Nguyuza High waist pants – Ghelideli. Shoes – Stylists Own. Earrings – Stylists Own

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Peplum top – Ghelideli Denim jeans – Models own Flared silk skirt – Bonolo Mashilo White all-stars- Converse Models earrings- Stylists Own

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Orange dress- Tuelo Nguyuza Brown Harem pants –Oslo Pearl neckpiece and bangle piece – Forevermine Jewellery Egyptian glass neckpiece – Stylists Own Denim shorts – Faith Kgaphola Necklace – Forever Mine Wedges – Models Own

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Pink bow sheath dress - Ghelideli Pink bag - Stylists Own

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Cape – Tuelo Nguyuza Crop shirt – Ozlo. High Waist Pants – Ghelideli. Shoes – Call it Spring. Necklace A – Forever Mine Neckpiece B – Stylists Own

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Double Slit dress – Ghelideli Atlas Waistcoat- Galaletsang Senne Head chain – Ozlo Shoes – Models Own Denim shorts – Faith Kgaphola Head chain – Ozlo

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White cut-out dress –Stylists Own Black leather shoes – Stylists Own

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White sheath dress –Bonolo Mashilo Black stilettos –Models own

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Orange sleeveless coat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuelo Nguyuza Navy mini dress- Bonolo Mashilo Orange and cream point shoes- Call it Spring

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F E AT U R E S

B AC K TO B L AC K The popularity of a colourful, culturally rooted Afrikan fashion trend is bringing the best out of traditional weddings.

1 Saturdays is finally upon us and this means a lot of different things to different people – rest, parties and of course, WEDDINGS! If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a couple tie the knot, you’ll probably be surprised at how traditional African apparel has made a formidable comeback at these auspicious occasions. Award winning author/journalist, Adam Levin says by wearing clothes we “subconsciously interpret the weight, texture and story of a piece of cloth.” So, what does the reemergence of traditional gear actually mean?

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F E AT U R E S

For the most part, designers all over the continent seem to have remembered traditional fabrics only after the West acknowledged our existence. Over the past few years, global catwalks have not been complete without a burst of African print from Balenciaga, Moschino to the late Oscar de la Renta. Nigerian born, London-based designer Duro Olowu’s distinctive pieces cannot be divorced from his heritage. Although his art can be described as multi-cultural, his “Afro-chic” aesthetic borrows stimuli from the various shapes and colours of the Mother Land. Moreover, Boxing Kitten, made popular by style goddess Solange Knowles, makes use of Ankara fabric from western Africa. The label’s designer, Maya Lake, cites her inspiration as the inherently African attire worn by the African-American Black Power movement of the 1970s. Although these designers separate themselves from purely African musings, the continent can never be completely dissociated from their success. And with our fabrics and designs making waves intercontinentally, we’re left with the question – Is there space for African designers on this ship or is the market already flooded?

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African fashion by African designers The proudly African renaissance is upon us. Designers have begun looking around and within for inspiration. Bongiwe Walaza can be named the current South African whiz kid in this regard. The Eastern Cape native articulates her inspiration as being “where she comes from, (Mqanduli, near Mthatha) as well as everything happening around her now”.

BY WEARING C LOT H E S W E “ S U B C O N S C I O U S LY INTERPRET THE W E I G H T, T E X T U R E A N D STO RY O F A P I E C E O F C L O T H .”

She joins a host of labels whose business success has been tumultuous, from the Sun Goddess’ to iGugulam and Shifting Sands. These designers challenge Duro Olowu’s notion, “a lot of African designers are not making things that come from the heart” seeing as they continue to add a modern twist to the traditionally African patterns and textiles they’re fond of. The achievements of these labels are a testament to the desire of the African people to wear clothes that speak to their own culture. This has led; at least among the 'affluent black middle class', to the resurgence of traditional weddings. So, will the trend of celebrating the importance of traditional weddings have any social impact? Perhaps expecting a cultural revolution is idealistic. But if one lends 5 minutes of thought to their culture, as they wrap themselves in their God’s Grace Wedding creation, we can safely say that we’re moving in the right direction. For now, a worthwhile consolation is the effect that this trend has had on the confidence and economy of African fashion. By Nobusi Maqubela

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

shifting wedding c u lt u r e Meet the innovative designer behind Shifting Sands Sanette van Schalkwyk and her vision for the future of wedding fashion.

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f you go to any part of the world and ask a young lady to describe her dream wedding, she probably won’t tell you the colour, because it’s obvious – white. The reality is that ‘white’ is not used here to simply describe a dress, but rather the wedding and culture surrounding it i.e. Western. Sanette van Schalkwyk, designer of Shifting Sands is one of the chicest causes of the ticking time bomb under this archaic concept. We reveled at the chance to speak to this design virtuoso.

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F A S H I O N F E AT U R E Please tell us a bit about your cultural background? I am a born and bred “Afrikaans Boeremeisie” from Bloemfontein who grew up next to her Grandmothers sewing machine. On my grandmothers side I had Aunts and Uncles who were tailors, so I developed a love for fabric and sewing at a young age. My mother’s creativity and love for beads nurtured my love and inspired me to study fashion design and live my dream. How did you get into the business of designing wedding dresses? I started my first factory and design business 30 years ago, supplying boutiques all around South Africa with special occasion dresses and mother of the bride garments. We expanded into evening wear and white wedding dresses and 14 years ago realizing my true passion I started Shifting Sands specializing in Traditional African Wedding dresses. For me as a designer I can live and breathe my creative passion easier through traditional garments, it is almost like a natural flow of creative energy. I love every moment. Is there a difference in the way that people perceive traditional attire? The current perception is that the traditional garment should be cheaper than the white wedding dress. I do have customers that merge the traditional wedding and the white wedding, and they normally are prepared to spend more on the main dress. My dream is that one day in the future African people would embrace their cultures with so much pride that the white wedding is replaced with only one ceremony and this will be done in glitz and glam African Chic What are your biggest business challenges? A major challenge is the lack of education, on the part of consumers, with regards to the workmanship and financial implications of quality traditional attire. In addition, finding trained staff and seamstresses who have a passion for construction and perfection is extremely difficult. And obviously, in an ideal world we would be able to eliminate bad Shifting Sands copies and copycat “designers”

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M Y M OT H E R ' S C R E AT I V I T Y A N D LOVE FOR BEADS NURTURED MY LOVE AND INSPIRED ME T O S T U D Y FA S H I O N DESIGN AND LIVE MY DREAM.

There is a trend with more and more people wearing traditional attire, why do you think this is? Firstly, I think it is the best trend ever! We should embrace our rich culture, our amazing beading, the wonderful and vibrant fabrics and colours of Africa. I think for the first time in a while, Africans are proud to wear their traditional garments. And I do believe that the creative and modern way of using traditional fabrics and beads has brought a new energy to an old concept. This has helped to spark this new trend. What would you say are your biggest achievements as a business? I was nominated for a Mbokodo Award this year. It was an honor to be acknowledged by The Department Arts and Culture for the hard work and passion that I have invested in this industry in the last 30 years. Where do you see Shifting Sands in the next 5-10 years? Shifting Sands will be internationally known for our creative African inspired garments. In Africa, we strive to be the number one choice for bridal wear (to become the Vera Wang of Africa). And to prove to the world that getting married in a traditional dress can be more glamorous than a boring white dress. What are the channels that one can use to acquire Shifting Sands attire? I work by appointment only from my Studio in Bryanston to give my customers the personal attention they deserve. Each garment is designed to the individual specifications of each customer. We also have an online order option for my international customers that are unable to travel to SA. The consultation and concept designing is done via Skype, and the dress is then custom made and couriered to the customer. Next year I am also launching a special occasion range for customers attending weddings and functions, and this will be available at selected boutiques and online.

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THE CURRENT P E R C E P T I O N I S T H AT THE TRADITIONAL GARMENT SHOULD BE CHEAPER THAN THE WHITE WEDDING DRESS. Shifting Sands is changing the way African weddings are kitted out. From merging the African and Western apparel, to making traditional couture so inspired that it threatens the very existence of Western dresses. And as an African, a fashion fanatic and a believer in diversity, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more excited! By Nobusi Maqubela

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ENTERTAINMENT

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126 F E AT U R E

132 REVIEWS

136 NITE ZONE 121

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THE GALLERY

Out in the wild

ne shot. Two shot. Don’t flash. Every move is crucial when documenting wildlife. You have to stay ready. Wild life photographers partake in capturing more than images, they’re an important part of preservering a species that may be a phantom in only a few decades. In Sandra’s case, being born in Hampshire (Southern England) meant there was an instant fascination with the diverse species in SA. All it took was an SLR camera and she was hooked! ‘It’s the anticipation.’ She says, not forgetting the value of patience. And in her work we see a perfected reflection of love. Contact her at: sandra@nerspace.co.za

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INDULGENCE

F e e d yo u r soul The Nanaga Experience – A feast for the senses

he N2 between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth is home to one of the Eastern Cape’s best kept secrets, Nanaga Farm Stall. This gem can be found at the intersection of 3 major routes: the N2, R10 and R72. Only 20km’s from Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari Game Reserve. If you have never stopped here for a delicacy, cancel your flights - it’s time for a road trip! The Nanaga story The conception of the farm stall is as sweet as their homemade jam. Johannesburg native, Lynn Lakes, moved to the area after she married dairy farmer, George Lakes. Lynn started off selling cabbages from her car to passersby. The young business became so popular that Lynn urged her husband, George, to build her a small stall - which has been a traveler’s treat for almost 50 years now.

GOOD FOOD MADE WITH LOVE IS U N PA R A L L E L E D . . .

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Nanaga became famous for its homemade pies, jams and fresh juices. Owing to its steady success, the stall has grown to incorporate a restaurant and butchery on their stunningly beautiful, untouched land. Their website explains, “the true essence of country living, the fresh, clean air and enchanting ambience is what Nanaga is all about.” Made with love During the festive season Nanaga is open from 8am to 6pm, excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day. They offer an extensive breakfast and lunch menu for all needs and tastes. If you are on the run you can catch one of their delectable pies, which include the steak, spinach and feta as well as cheese and bacon as traditional favorites. The more adventurous palate will enjoy their famous lamb and mint pie as well as venison or wild boar pies. It’s almost guaranteed that if you indulge in any of these scrumptious pies, you will never eat a pie from anywhere else again! If possible, make a little bit of time during your trip to experience their restaurant – be it for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dessert with a twist. Their glazed lamb chops are bucket list worthy along with the delightful quail egg salad for those with a penchant for greens. A house favourite is their “Potjies umngqusho” - mouth-watering lamb knuckles, samp and beans, together with a traditional favourite – roosterkoek or irostile.

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“THE TRUE ESSENCE OF COUNTRY LIVING, THE FRESH, CLEAN AIR AND ENCHANTING AMBIENCE I S W H AT N A N A G A I S A L L A B O U T.” Roosterkoek is a homemade, slightly charred breadroll, cooked on an open burner. This is an age-old recipe worth trying for those who enjoy baked goodies. You can also try just the roosterkoek with one of the various fillings. These include biltong and cheese or mince and cheese, although it is just as scrumptious covered in butter with or without jam. The tastebud tantalizers at Nanaga are absolutely endless; it would need its own magazine to truly give it justice. On your way out, make sure you grab some pineapple chutney, one of their wellknown jams, pickles or biltong from the butchery.

All those who have visited Nanaga would agree with the owners in saying, “when we look at the farm stall, nestled against a background of rolling hills, cows grazing in the adjacent fields, we have a wonderful sense of belonging and peace” Whether you’re a city slicker in need of a getaway or a country bumpkin - good food made with love is unparalleled, especially when enjoyed with the beauty of nature as your backdrop. By Nobusi Maqubela

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INDULGENCE

A Feast fit for a King Visit the affordable haven that is Thailand and explore a Royal Thai gastronomic experience.

hailand is a country as much revered for its culinary delights as its breathtakingly gorgeous beaches and with more a little more notoriety it’s ladyboys. One could easily describe this popular holiday destination as a modern-day Babylon gluttony-inducing edible treats, sex tourism and endless shopping sprees are quite literally the order of the day.

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With its friendly atmosphere and even friendlier locals, the “land of smiles” as it is colloquially known, is an irresistible escape from the hustle and bustle of life’s demands come December time. Ice cold drinks, delectably seasoned, grilled chicken and fresh fruit stalls line the streets with prices at a steal per serving - making it a near impossible challenge not to eat the day away!

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Nom Nom Nom Fancy yourself a gourmet? Figure that a meal consisting of strawberry soda, fried squid and pad thai (Thailand’s quintessential dish made up of stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, shrimp & tofu) doesn't quite test your taste buds’ mettle? A Khantoke Dinner would be right up your alley. Traditionally a feast reserved for royal subjects on very special occasions such as festivals and holy days, this is a meal of epic proportions - Thailand’s “seven colours” if you will. Brace Yourself Three words: “come really hungry!”... As soon as you are ushered to your seat, you are bombarded with a variety of tasty Northern Thai dishes. First up is a bowl of clear lettuce soup served with sticky rice. Just as you begin to dig into your starters, a Khan Tok - meaning a low round table - is placed in front of you, laden with an overwhelming range of delicacies. Not confined to a figure of speech, this spread allows you to “feast your eyes”. This dinner would probably be best described as a personal buffet. Bowls filled with a wide range of dishes are quickly refilled as soon as your spoon scrapes the bottom. A bowl of minced pork cooked in tomatoes goes well with the famous Asian starch, steamed rice. It won’t be too long before you start eyeing the crispy deep fried chicken, of course. Surprisingly well cooked chicken is a popular dish in Asia. To balance things out, healthy servings of steamed, stir-fried and raw vegetables are provided. For those with an adventurous palate, bowls of crispy pork skin and sticky sweet rice noodles are also part of the mix.

THREE WORDS “ C O M E R E A L LY HUNGRY!”

Thai food has always been a popular option for takeout or a tasty dinner option with family, friends or that special someone. So what could be a better idea than actually taking a trip across the planet to try a meal in its natural environment? If you have the time and appetite for adventure – then I strongly suggest you try this experience of Thai food with an experience in Thailand. By Boipelo Molwela

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F E AT U R E

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B e at e n b e rg undefined With the release of their album, a string of number one hits, The Bergs might just end the year off with a bang.

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F E AT U R E

here’s something alluring about the humble personality of newly discovered talent. Maybe it’s the pure element of understanding grace, the surprise of the relentless praise and discovery of just how many people resonate with their art. Whatever the reasons, it’s impossible not to pay attention to Beatenberg, They instantly won the affection of the masses when the video of the unlikely collaboration with DJ Clock hit music channels in South Africa. The hit Song (Pluto) made some serious waves, giving them a total of 4 nominations at the most recent Channel O music awards. Apart from the catchy tune, I can’t help but admit that my love affair with the Bergs was solidified when I saw them ‘jive’. Beginnings Matthew Field, Ross Dorkin and Robin Brink fuse the suburban living experience with African inspired melodies. Although they’re from Cape Town, the dynamic trio have received major acclaim in Joburg. But still insist the Mother City is where their heart is. Contrary to popular belief, Beatenburg didn’t attain success overnight. And, in fact, music was far from an impulsive choice. Destiny played its hand when while pursuing their music degrees at UCT, their paths crossed and an instantaneous musical ‘bromance’ was formed. Since then, they’ve played together for six years quietly brewing their majestic presence in the Western Cape entertainment scene. Another quirky fact about this trio is they each played in High school bands; so it’s safe to say the path way to success was paved early on. A box we disagree with They relentlessly describe their sound as pop, which is surprising coming from a bunch of ‘hippy’ folk who infuse an undeniable African flavour into their sound. One thing is for certain; these guys belong to no fixed box. Everything we have heard from Rafael, Chelsea Blakemore, Southern Suburbs and Pluto is more reminiscent of the new age African stirfry (mix masala). And it works – (i.e. see Johnny Clegg). IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14

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‘ ’ T H I S S O N G TA K E S Y O U FA R A W AY, T O A N O T H E R P L A N E T. SO WE HAD THE IDEA TO CA L L I T P LU TO, AFTER THE MOST D I S TA N T P L A N E T.’ ’ B E AT E N B E R G

They do, however, wish to put some more energy into exploring jazz, South American styles and... honestly? I don’t think there’s anything they can do badly. They might have only just begun (making a mark in the industry that is) but they carry a certain appeal that one associates with experienced musicians. Atypical Influences With every artistic journey, there are people who change the game and inspire us to do the same. And guess who made Beatenberg’s list… Black Coffee. They share an admiration for his (humble) attitude and musical scope. Internationally, they are influenced by jazz drummers such as Antionio Sanchez and Brian Blade. It’s hard not to admire the diversity they carry in the outlook of the world and the value they place on artistic influences within their respective territories. Probably why their sound is so unique. Team - Berg Working out the intricacies of the production process of a three member band is not as complicated as one might assume, infact Beatenberg make it sound pretty harmonious. Matthew is the writer while Ross (bassist) and Robin (drummer) are extensively involved in production. The trio thoroughly enjoyed the experience of recording their first album with Universal, at the Sunset studio in Stellenbosch, and apparently the enchanting view helped the process. The Hanging Gardens “If there is a single unifying concept, it is simply in the title. On a scientific theory it’s creating an environment for songs that have already been written to be understood together. And also anticipation for songs we still had to write at that time.” – Beatenberg, articulating their philosophy through the title of their album. By Lebohang Morake

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BOOKS D o i t yo u r s e l f christmas

he festive season has begun and unless you enjoy spending lots of hours at stores, trying to figure out what gifts to buy, I suggest you don’t overlook this book. Take some time to yourself, sit down and go through Mabel van Niekerk‘s Homemade Gifts – you’d be surprised at how it helps spark other DIY ideas hovering in your genius brain. The refreshing thing about this book is the variety. It covers everything from making bracelets, fantasy boxes for kids, promise cards, blankets, confectionery, wall hangings, cushion covers and Christmas baubles. Personally, I enjoy the fact that

the instructions are easy to follow and almost just as easy to implement – plus it includes reference pictures to guide you with your projects. If you’re anything like me, you probably love cutting costs. And if so, this book is clearly for you. The best thing, however, is not only the saving aspect. It covers great ideas which promote quality family time, bringing about more satisfaction and pride than you’d get from buying gifts at a shop. So if you don’t want it for yourself, I’m sure you know someone that would appreciate it – Merry Christmas! By Karabo Motsoai

Strandveldfood

s far as cookbooks go, Strandveld food by Kobus van Der Merwe and Jac De Villiers is something of a story. The setting is the Western Cape and the theme: naturally gathered or self-caught ingredients. Living and cooking the how we used to way, way back in the day.

The dishes traverse continents and palates of every kind. Although majority of the recipes are related to the glorious offerings of the ocean, the authors still provide some interesting if unorthodox recipes using ingredients such as Flamingo breast. Sounds interesting enough to maybe have try, doesn’t it?

Strandveld food tells the story of two men on a trek through the vast amount of sustainable ingredients available on the West Coast. It’s almost like a journal, documenting a personal history with certain meals, reflecting on current food trends and interspersed with moments of reminiscence.

In this day and age, cookbooks have evolved to the point where they’re no longer a collection of recipes. Rather, they take you on a journey where you discover a narrative that’s nourishing, absorbing, flavoured and quite insightful. With Strandveld food , you can expect this along with a whole lot more. By Frederik Ferreira

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ART

TRENDING IN THE SOUTH

he heart of Soweto (Soweto Theatre) was the designated setting for a colourful and exciting three day event. With all the excitement, IMBO couldn’t help but head down to the show’s finale to give you our own fashion forecast exclusive... Kicking off on the 26th of November, Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) came back with a stylish vengeance this year. Partnering with Darling, Rhythm City and Soweto TV, it invited a diverse cultural group of designers from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Botswana and upcoming designers from Soweto to showcase their autumn/summer collections. Soweto fashion week started in 2011 by Stephen Manzini. He wanted to put South Africa’s fashion on the map. One other main reason for this was that he wanted to ensure that designers, who could hardly afford to be in big fashion shows, could still get a platform to showcase their work and prospectively pervade the international market. Stephen states, “One truth holds for most of the designers; the South African fashion industry is tough to crack with minimal resources.” So far, SFW has gone beyond their initial vision and now also includes designers from outside of South Africa. Collins started the show elegantly with an impressive bang (bold textures, patterns and flawlessly stitched garments) with Flora & Tapiwa, Tapfumeni, Temi Aboderin and Limba following with their unique collections.

They all brought a special balance of innovation and tradition to the stage, combined with the variety of models showing off the garments – it was truly a unique experience compared to the stereotypical elements of high fashion we’re all used to. SFW visually related a healthy story on body image in South Africa. And if this isn’t a real reason to love self-regulating shows, I don’t know what is. SFW also brought along the mother and daughter duo behind Lanshongwe Jewellery for the finale where they showcased their bold and Afrocentric designs - distinctly suitable for the modern African while still keeping up with international jewellery trends such as the body chain and ear hoops. To close off this auspicious three day event, LIMBA energetically presented daring lingerie, swimwear accessories and bold evening wear for the autumn/summer theme of SFW which, admittedly, was one of the best collections of the show. Over all, it was a pleasant experience, filled with fashionable divas, just the right amount of entertainment and a good celebratory energy. One thing is for certain, we can’t wait for the winter SWF of 2015. It’s sure to present us with something special. Afterall, it’s Soweto Fashion Week - we can only expect bigger and better things! By Lebohang Morake

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SCREEN f u ry

iolent, abusive, grey and most times grisly, the story revolves around the tank crew of the eponymous death machine, FURY.

Each member is tremendously different from the next; the only thing that seems to pull them together is their obvious and unspoken respect for the commander, Don ‘Wardaddy’ Collier (Brad Pitt). Essentially the film offers a contrast between the relationship of the crew inside and outside the tank. It’s a statement about how war can bring together the most divergent of people. Outside of the tank, the crew of Boyd ‘Bible’ Swan (Shia Leboeuf), Trini ‘Gordo’ Garcia (Michael Peña) and Grady ‘Coon-Ass’ Travis (Jon Bernthal) are offensive, cold and entirely

distinguishable from one another. The only thing they have in common is their duty as a tank crew. Something of a character study, with no discernable plot, the most interesting aspect is the relationship this group of individuals has. When they all mount up in the armoured machine of death, they become even closer than family. They rely on one another to stay alive. They care about each other on a deeper level and the change in character is most compelling. It’s inspiring, horrifying and an overall enthralling examination of the lengths and change people go through when fighting for their lives in a war they didn’t start. By Frederik Ferreira

Gone Girl

n American thriller adapted from the 2012 novel by Gillian Flynn and directed by David Fincher (The Social Network, Fight Club, Se7en) this film will resonate on an emotional and psychological level as it examines dishonesty, the media and how economics affects marriage and appearances. The plot revolves around Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) who has been surrounded by an intense media circus after the mysterious disappearance of his wife, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike). It’s a journey that has you fixed to your seat, melting your mind and leaving you with more than just a few questions. In many IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14

ways you’ll be afraid to keep watching but unable to tear your eyes from the screen a constant characteristic of David Fincher’s directing style. Along with a painstakingly constructed mystery, those with the daring to delve into this adaptation of a world-renowned pageturner will be rewarded by the elements of realism extracted from the actor’s portrayal of what are very deep and complex characters. If you enjoy something different, dark and heart wrenching in its own way, Gone Girl is more than worth your while By Frederik Ferreira

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MUSIC the SOIL NOSTALGIC MOMENTS

fro-pop fans need not hold their breaths any longer – The Soil is back just in time for the festive season. The follow up to their debut album “Sedilaka” urges your body to move with a more mature twist to their original sound. One of the most significant aspects of this project is the wide range of issues it touches on. “Nostalgic Moments” includes some beautifully written jams for lovers. Susan featuring Khuli Chana is right up the alley of the starry-eyed. In the dreamy opening verse, the lyricist tells his lover “imile inqondo yam andikwazi no’sebenza” which, when translated, loosely describes

his inability to work when he’s thinking about her. The trio’s success and talent has brought about the opportunity to collaborate with musical giants Ladysmith Black Mambazo producing ‘Hamba Uyosebenza’ which is set to be a cross-generational favourite. Without a doubt “The Soil” has crossover appeal. It’s virtually impossible to hear their sound and not tap your feet at the very least. However, it seems what they have in talent, they lack in innovation - although there are definitely signs of growth and stronger cohesion. By Nobusi Maqubela

b r e n da fa s s i e G r e at e s t h i t s

n the famous words of Oscar Bonginkosi Mdlongwa (better known as DJ Oskido from the legendary BOP), , “ng’khule, ng’khule ng’maemla uMaBrr!” (roughly translated as: I grew up listening to MaBrr) - I’m sure most of us resonate with this experience. Brenda Fassie’s Greatest Hits is packed with South Africa’s favourite sing-alongs. Songs like Vulindlela and Thola Amadlozi are just two examples of how she manages to capture her heritage while creating phenomenal art to entertain all corners of the world.

Now, as I’m listing to these classics I know you’re sitting there thinking of the many others that I’ve left out. You probably even started humming their tunes. But let’s just say for the month of 31 Saturdays, I can’t think of a better Weekend Special. And if you want to reflect on SA’s greatest talents you can’t forget MaBrr… May her soul rest in paradise. By Ray Ray

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NITE ZONE

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S pac e I b i z a 25 year A n n i v e r s a ry

his year Space Ibiza commemorated its 25-year anniversary of creating the world’s best music and parties by visiting 25 cities around the world – including Johannesburg. The world’s most-awarded club returned to South Africa for a night of entertainment at Newtown Block Party, Carfax on 29 November 2014. Presented by Space Ibiza and G&G Productions, in association with 94.7 Highveld Stereo, the Space Ibiza 25 Anniversary Tour transformed Newtown into the essence of Space Ibiza: 12 of the world’s best international electronic dance DJ's and some of SA’s top local electronic music talent. Two dance floors – and one massive block party! With its official tour, Space Ibiza’s intentions were to transport its whole atmosphere of the White Island to Johannesburg: with top performances, world-class production and lighting in an incredible venue, infused with the genuine feel of its Space Ibiza origins. It turned out to be less of a party and more of a celebration! By Taariq Lenni Gasant

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Work

OPEN is more than just an office.

Make OPEN your home for work. Step into a comfortable, technologically advanced office where people come together to be inspired, share ideas and create new opportunities. OPEN offers made to measure memberships for individuals and companies and even flexible, walk-in day use.

Meet OPEN has ideal spaces for your meetings, workshops and training sessions, big or small. Our meeting rooms include: 3 multimedia and web conference equipped boardrooms, 2 workshop/ training rooms, an innovation space, 4 informal meeting/working rooms.

Experience OPEN offers a different, ideal environment for your conferences and events, with various large and small, edgy spaces broken up by a 9-hole putting green and beautiful views. OPEN can host up to 150 people for an event: our putting green turns into a large presentation area and our rooms around become ideal break-out and workshop spaces.

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.