August/September 2014

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08 32 42 F E AT U R E S

SOCIETY

AMPLIFIERS

52 64 78 BUSINESS

SELF

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

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FA S H I O N

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SOCIETY

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE

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elcome to Issue 29!

August September is a great time of year so let’s enjoy it!

We refurbished the interior for your pleasure. Enjoy it thoroughly, we did it for you.

The journalism is our contribution. Ready or not, the Evolution is upon us.

To Create Anew we must we must Fight Back with Love and Happiness. Be The Working Terrorist and give rise to The Warrior in You. Her Majesty is Africa. She is Big, Clever and Powerful.

With LOVE IMBO QUEEN ASANTEWAA

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PUBLISHER Gugu Madlala EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Amanda Nkwinika EDITORIAL SUPPORT Simthandile Ford, Boipelo Molwela, Bongani Mawonga, LAYOUT Abel Siminya, Mmabatho Letsoalo, Koos Pad FASHION Annelisa Beyi, Mzukisi, Beekay Dlamini, Sinalo Mkaza, Zime Keswa, Dominique PHOTOGRAPGHY Lenni Gasant, Larry English, Justin McGee POST PRODUCTION Spencer Holmes AWESOME PEOPLE Boipelo, Jupiter JHB, Sisanda, Joretha, Rodney CONTRIBUTORS: Precious Simpasa, Msimeki Nkatingi, Bongani Mawonga, Nolo Molapo, Thantaswa Matshobongwana Felicia Mosiane, Mofuoa Selebalo, Sumeshnee Reddy Sinalo Mkaza, Skhumbuzo Tuswa

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FEATURES

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AFRICA CONNECT

16 EXPOSE

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

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F O C U S F E AT U R E

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AFRICA CONNECT

A SLIVER OF A F R I C A N B E AU T Y Africa’s smallest nation, Gambia proves that dynamite does indeed come in small packages!

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AFRICA CONNECT

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ituated on either side of the Gambia River, the Republic of Gambia is Africa’s smallest mainland country with an estimated population of 1.9 million. Linked to the rest of the world through the Atlantic Ocean, the nation is no stranger to slavery. The capital Banjul and major cities like Serekunda and Brikama, were once CBD's for slave trading by colonialists.

Today the country's striking beauty belies its sordid history.

day. Jammeh took over the presidential seat with positive ideas that reaffirmed Gambia’s independence from colonial dictatorship. He has since employed means that have brought Gambia enough power to negotiate beneficial relationships - both within and outside Africa, encouraging development of the country’s agricultural and tourism sector.

THE ECONOMY In the midst of the many societal and economic ills that grip Africa, Gambia has proven itself to be a nation bent on fighting the good fight. Tourism is one of the nation’s most stable wealth generators, contributing 16 per cent to the overall GDP.

THE POLITICS Gambia gained its independence in 1965, after which Prime Minister Sir Dawda Kairaba Jamara took over as Head of State and Government in 1966. The nation remained under his leadership for the next 28 years, which saw Gambia become a Republic in 1970, the rise and fall of the economy, and the eventual deposition of his government by the military in 1994.

Following the military rule, the Republic came under the leadership of President Yahya Jammeh, who remains Chief of State and Chief of Government to this

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Together with neighbouring countries, Gambia is negotiating ways of improving the tourism infrastructure, the outcome of which will create employment for thousands of Gambians.

Another mainstay to Gambia’s economy is its agricultural sector, which sees three quarters of the population depending on it.

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" A W AY F R O M T H E N O I S E I S T H E R O O T S I N T E R N AT I O N A L F E S T I V A L "

While agriculture has some unexplored potential as the Republic has cultivated less than half of its arable land, the sector continues to contribute one fifth to the country’s GDP. The country’s business communities are also committed to regional integration, calling on West African States to take advantage of the many untapped investment opportunities in the country, offering transportation, telecommunications, energy and the labour force as resources for trade.

EXPERIENCE THE LIFE AND CULTURE Gambia’s tropical climate provides a blissful distraction from the everyday struggles, encouraging beach-bound lazing on those slow summer days.

A palm-fringed coastline with golden sands overlooking the Atlantic, one can hardly resist a pleasant walk and drive in resorts such as the Bijilo Forest Park and Abuko Nature Reserve.

You can also expect to experience breathtaking natural beauty at Kiang West

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wNational Park or River Gambia National Park − a haven for eco tourists!

Popular cuisine such as Benachin, Domada, Super Konja and the more familiar Chicken Yassa, are some of the dishes on the menu when visiting Gambia. Casual beach bars and formal gourmet dining restaurants offer quality service with an international reputation serving Italian, Lebanese, as well as fish and vegetarian dishes.

REIGNITING AN AFRICAN IDENTITY Away from the noise is The Roots International Festival. A cultural pot encouraging all positive thinking Africans with common objectives that contribute to their heritage, social and cultural development to come together and remind themselves of their cultural and spiritual identity. Maintaining an undiluted cultural sense, the festival reflects a true African enthusiasm…one more thing that goes to show that you don’t need to be big to do big things.

BY: Thantaswa Matshobongwana

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EXPOSE

SOCCER’S biggest bullies While we cheer and swear at every goal scored or missed, FIFA schemes and sneaks, causing havoc everywhere it goes.

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suppose there’s no better analogy to help describe the love-hate relationship many soccer fans have with the World Cup than the ‘sausage principle’, as described

by John Oliver. The ‘sausage principle’ is based on the theory that if you love something, then never find out how it was made. I suppose this is because the truths you will uncover will be so horrific, you will never really enjoy it the same way again. Well, there’s some truth to this theory because as John Oliver so candidly puts it, “telling someone about the inner workings of FIFA (the maker of the World Cup) is akin to showing them a video of a horrific freak accident, you do it mostly just to see the horrified expression on their face.” Nonetheless, although many of us enjoy the beautiful game that has grabbed global attention for decades, we can’t help but take a peek at the happenings behind the smoke screen.

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the boards members. This event sparked rumours of bribes and under the table payoffs, unfortunately such claims have become a common ocurrance. There is consistent outcry and conspiracy theories even with whomever it is that wins games and cups under FIFA.

SAME SCANDAL, DIFFERENT DAY Every four years, FIFA organises a great football fiesta in the form of the World Cup where the best soccer countries in the world come out to show each other up for a chance at being the best in the world. We can all remember when South Africa hosted the World Cup, and the euphoria that surrounded the nation in the build up to the spectacular event.

In the midst of this euphoria however, some were opposed to the idea of the World Cup and the way in which it was politically conducted, with regards to how the funds and alleged economic gains would be used to develop the country. Lo and behold, four years later, and the same outcries and grievances where heard from the Brazilian public.

The history of scandal with regard to South Africa is extensive and goes as far back as the first bid the country proposed to FIFA officials which was subsequently lost to Germany due to a single vote from one of

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JOB WELL DONE BONUS? The most scandalous of FIFA’s activities are the large bonuses received by its executive committee after World Cups.

The UK Sunday Times reported earlier this year that FIFA officials doubled their salaries to about $200,000 (approximately R2.1 million) following an ethics rule that prohibited them from receiving million dollar World Cup bonuses. The monies were deposited into a Swiss bank to which FIFA has significant control, making it easy for the committee members to dodge taxes. These allegations coincided − two weeks before the beginning of the World Cup − with the investigation by FIFA’s independent ethics prosecutor, into the 2010 vote that awarded Qatar the hosting of the 2022 tournament.

The article continues to explain how payments were made by Bin Hammam through the use of slush funds paid to Presidents of African federations that influence about four votes of the Continent from its executive representation. Bin Hammam− a Qatari who used to be a FIFA vice president− is dubbed one the most controversial figures in FIFA’s recent history and is no longer a member of the committee after being caught up in a corruption scandal surrounding his presidential campaign in 2011.

"THE MOST SCANDALOUS OF F I FA’ S A C T I V I T I E S A R E T H E L A R G E BONUSES RECEIVED BY ITS E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E .”

RUN AND HIDE! BULLY ON THE LOOSE Every country that bids to host the world cup uses the argument that hosting such an event will help stimulate economic growth. However, it is well documented that FIFA actually makes more money from the tournament than any nation ever could. Quite a number of complaints were received from business people (in host nations) whose ideas were shot down after they were found baring World Cup related products that made mention of some of the key phrases that FIFA had trademarked.

This made it hard for ordinary people to receive the economic benefits of the World Cup. Even more horrifying is the fact the FIFA generally doesn’t care about host nations’ economies or well-being, and this was no truer than in Brazil. According to a CNN report, FIFA pressured the Brazilian government to revise a law it had passed in 2003 that banned alcohol from soccer stadiums due to the significant death rates amongst fans. This move was FIFA once again proving that it consistently puts its profits over anything else as one of its major sponsors is a beer making company, Budweiser, which means it obviously had a lot to gain from having this law amended in its favour.

Try as hard as they may to paint a picture of a soccer loving and promoting “NonProfit Organisation”, all this shows is that FIFA is a world class bully that will do just about anything for profit.

BY Lerato Kuzwayo

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

MADIBA MONEY Mandela money came into circulation quietly and suddenly, Cynical Simon smells a rat…

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hen the Reserve Bank announced that the “big five” Rand notes would be replaced with new ones bearing the face of the late Nelson Mandela, the news drew mixed reactions. Some questioned why it was Mandela alone given such significance, others lambasted what they called a useless cost and some were just happy to see the man SA has long deified being immortalized.

Monarchs have always taken pride in putting their image on their coins; in fact the monarch’s visage was a guarantee of the coins value in ancient societies, an assay mark of sorts. The nerve of Julius Caesar putting his face on Roman currency was actually one of the reasons for rebellion and ultimately his assassination. The prodemocracy Senate of the time felt strongly that a living mans portrait did not belong on the coinage of the republic.

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ONE MAN LIBERATION STRUGGLE? The path to a free and fair South Africa has been long and tedious, and we remain thankful to those who fought, hid, organized, lied, rebelled and were just plain sick and tired of the status quo.

The end of The Struggle is twenty years behind us and as you’d expect that the lie of the land has changed significantly.

Street names have changed, provinces restructured, airports moved and eventually; our money rebranded.

THE US AND THE UK The American Founding Fathers’ appearance on the US currency, is a tradition that began as a show of respect for the men who drafted their constitution.

Patriots felt that it was improper to have a living man on their legal tender so much so that George Washington declined an offer to be on the first dollar bill.

Washington even went as far as to order the press and its dye destroyed because he didn’t want the imperial implication that he was personally responsible for money. It is federal law that a person must be dead for at least two years before they are eligible of this honour.

One face that gets around in currency circles, is that of Elizabeth Alexander Mary of the House of Windsor. Prior to former British colonies gaining independence, Queen Elizabeth appeared on the currency of thirty-three authorities.

Africa is no stranger to this woman’s image on our currencies, having been the head of state of no less than 21 African territories with the Bank of England serving as the Central bank. Her image was only retired after many countries gained their independence and in some cases civil war determined who would grace the money next. In many African countries the currency depicts pictures of nature, anonymous individuals or groups that are seen as symbols of the nation.

Dictators have printed themselves on their currencies as a sign of their autonomy and to cement the notion that they provide the money.

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Nelson Mandela bank notes have been in circulation for the better part of two years now, and generally this has gone unquestioned, and even warmly embraced. But I disagree. What criteria deem the late former president worthy of that honor in its entirety?

I agree that Nelson Mandela played an integral part in the birth of a democratic South Africa but it’s also a fact the he oversaw an economic agreement which is slowly coming back to haunt us; an agreement that does very little to benefit the people he is credited with liberating.

I SAY… There were many important people who contributed to the liberation struggle of South Africa, many of whom died before they could see the fruits of their labour, however Nelson Mandela is the only face of the struggle. That doesn’t feel right.

I get the sense that there is a concentrated effort to position Mandela as a Messiah.

To what ends I cannot conclusively say, but it does shock me that people such as, Steve Biko, Shaka Zulu, John Dube, Albert Luthuli, Robert Sobukwe, Sol Plaatjie, Walter Sisulu, Ahmaed Kathrada, Oliver Tambo and countless others do not warrant equal honor to Mandela.

Gil Marcus of the Reserve Bank, when announcing the currency revamp, said that it was good practice to upgrade currencies’ security features every eight years. I say that’s all good; just don’t make our bank notes look like that of a monarch's.

BY Cynical SImon IMBO/ ISSUE 29/ '14

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F O C U S F E AT U R E

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SOUTH AFRICA

a p o l i t i c a l ly e v o lv i n g

landscape Our country’s political history is both blessing and curse.

The situation calls for each individual to stand up and be counted.

Big, Clever, Powerful is a strategy that can be used by anyone.

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he words Big, Clever, Powerful inspire images of a virile, vigorous and intelligent entity - an entity that is fully aware of it’s strengths and weaknesses, and utilises both fully to get things done.

Make no mistake, shortcomings are there to force you to be effective with what you do have. Given the spiritual context that they thoroughly deserve, challenges behave as sculptor’s tools - steadily chiseling away at rock to eventually reveal a masterpiece. The past four hundred tumultuous years have moulded Africa into a force to be reckoned with - a continent burgeoning with talent, brains and endless resources.

South Africa in particular is undoubtedly going through a state of flux, following the relatively recent constitutional process that has led to a complete, and oft-startling metamorphosis of our political landscape. The transition has been difficult, but it is hard to deny the change brewing within and outside citizens as a result - a taking of the ownership of what makes us Big, Clever and Powerful. We as a people are wholly responsible for the direction that our country and continent takes - and it is up to us to make bold, purposeful strides.

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EVER FORWARD One word that could be used to describe South Africans is “militant” - we are a nation of protesters, of warriors and izinDuna, and our history is peppered with various accounts of tribal and political clashes. We are a vocal and effective people when called to action, strikes often being our “weapon of choice”. Granted, these strikes are a less potent alternative to the acts that uMkhonto We Sizwe and similar organisations were capable of delivering back in the day, but this continuous trend proves that we are not afraid to demand what we as citizens feel is our due.

Our political parties recognise this drive and have learnt to manipulate and capitalise on it. Over the years, citizens have picked up on the severe imbalances inherent in our country’s economic structure, and are learning that looking to their current and past leaders for justice is unrealistic and quite frankly, bordering on delusional. The revelation that following political parties blindly and without question is unwise, is a reality that is starting to sink in - after all, it is said that insanity is “doing something over and over again and expecting different results”.

The people have grown weary of the state of our nation’s affairs, and this has made for the perfect incubator - an opportunity to bring to the fore a political party claiming, like all the others, that they have it’s followers best interests at heart. What sets this party apart is it’s seemingly earnest campaign in support of the disenfranchised. What many fail to realise is that what the proletariats of South Africa lack in finances, they make up for in sheer human capital, in tenacity and in the sort of creativity that is borne out of having very little. The Economic Freedom Fighters more popularly known as the EFF and headed by the ever-vocal Julius Malema - seem to have picked up on this convenient fact, and in a matter of months, have sky-rocketed to the top of our country’s political popularity hierarchy.

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REALITY CHEQUE Twenty years into our democracy, it has become achingly clear that the restructuring of our country’s economic workings is taking place too slowly - if at all.The 3rd most unequal country in the world, very little redistribution of wealth has taken place within our society - with the top 10% earning up to 110 times more than their bottom counterparts. Enterprising and resilient, this bottom 10% has realised that frequent service delivery protests are ineffective, and have decided to take matters into their own hands in a more sustainable and efficient way - using the enemy’s methods against itself.

The swift manner in which the working class has gravitated towards the EFF, indicates the critical demand that the this party needed to supply. Contrary to popular belief, the poor are often rendered helpless not because they are apathetic or too lazy to do anything to do anything about their situation, but because status quo has rendered them impotent.

It is indeed incorrect to refer to the poor in South Africa as the working class. Our unemployment rate comes in at a final tally of 36.2% - with only 36.8% of black South Africans making up our national staff complement.

A redressing of this this sorry state of affairs is sorely needed - and the EFF manifesto promises to correct it - with calls to redistribute our country’s considerable mineral wealth and correct our nation’s employment model where Affirmative Action & Employment Equity couldn’t.

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“WE AS A PEOPLE ARE W H O L LY R E S P O N S I B L E FOR THE DIRECTION T H AT O U R C O U N T R Y A N D C O N T I N E N T TA K E S .”

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MAN OF THE HOUR His outspoken personality and Marxist philosophies have made Julius Malema, or “Juju” as he is affectionately known, a firm favourite in our country’s political landscape.

After achieving a meteoric rise to the top of the ANCYL, his abrasive personality and frank approach to questioning the status quo, ultimately turned the ANC and it’s subsidiaries against him. A subsequent expulsion from the party seemed to spell the end of his political career, however after a few rocky months he managed to return to the podium with an even bigger and more loyal following.

Julius’ leadership skills make him a powerful force within the political landscape. His ability to inspire action out of the masses has never been in question. This became evident when he and his former ANCYL comrades founded EFF as a political alternative that sought to redress economic ills that continue to be suffered by many. His proactive nature and ability to relate to and appeal to the masses, has given him the power necessary to effect sustainable change.

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UMHLABA WETHU Our country’s means of production are still owned by an elite minority that has no intention of handing our country’s resources over. The proletariat finds himself even more enslaved by our global economic system - once sucked into our country’s labour structure, it is almost impossible to find his way out unscathed. The EFF’s declaration that it believes the land that it’s followers live on is theirs - and that they should be free to live off it - has garnered the approval of many.

In the backdrop of high unemployment levels, poverty, aligning education and health system, the EFF’s manifesto focuses on the following, amongst others: EMPLOYMENT The EFF believes that all jobs in South Africa should be permanent and should it be elected into power, would ensure that there is a legislation that ensures some job security.

In light of the volatility of the economy, both locally and internationally, one comes to understand why this kind of point may be appealing. Still on the issue of employment, the EFF also seeks to raise the minimum wage to R4 500 for every working South African.

This can be viewed as the party’s way of dealing with the widening socio-economic gap.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION The practise of hiring “token” black people that go onto company boards just to meet the affirmative/ BEE quota is no secret. Looking at it objectively, this practise is doing more harm than good for the cause of economic freedom because it gives the illusion of transformation when in actual fact nothing changes and ownership and subsequent control of the country’s wealth remains in the hands of the few. The issue that has undoubtedly received support and led to the EFF becoming the second largest opposition group in the country is the nationalisation of mines and land redistribution issues. A strategy that promises to have a positive impact on the economy and transform it positively should it be implemented effectively.

“ W H AT S E T S T H I S PA R T Y A PA R T, I S I T ’ S S E E M I N G LY E A R N E S T C A M PA I G N IN SUPPORT OF THE D I S E N F R A N C H I S E D .”

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POWERFUL MINDS While Julius may be the big personality that makes the EFF tick, Floyd Shivambu is the charming and on-the-ball guy of the party.

Now Chief Whip of the EFF, Shivambu was also part of the ANCYL before they got expelled. As former spokesperson of the party, Floyd exudes an air of alluring intelligence that allows one to be at ease with regards to being a part of the party.

Calm in his approach yet wise and thoughtful in rhetoric, Floyd is an open supporter of communism that can substantiate and back up any and most of the claims the party makes.

As former Wits student and heavily involved in student politics, Floyd was also a political editor and has since returned to Wits on a full time basis to pursue a master’s degree in politics. Upon the inception of the party a little over a year ago, he was responsible for the Policy development of the party as well as research and political education.

Certainly forming the intellectual backbone of EFF, Floyd gained his experience as researcher for the South African Communist Party (SAPC) and later the policy coordinator at the Chris Hani Institute.

South Africa got a glimpse of Floyd’s candid and charming nature in parliament when he gave the EFF’s response to the State Of The Nation Address. In his speech, Floyd spoke about unemployment in South Africa and also explored the many avenues the EFF would pursue to help alleviate this problem. However, most memorable was him highlighting how the Department of Trade and Industry could not set into motion

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any kind of change since they did not have any control of the industrial inputs. His indepth analysis of the state of the nation and dissection of the widening socio-economic gap between the rich and the poor reflected a leader that had taken time to understand the theories and philosophies he espouses. By comparing this trend (unequal distribution of wealth) with that of Brazil −which was at one point was considered the most unequal society in the world− Floyd highlighted another possible solution that the EFF would implement should they be in power. This reflected once again, his contribution to this organisation and ensuring that it has a clear, solid and clever strategy to shaping the society it envisions. Floyd’s rich mind and intellect has helped shape the policies that govern that party and as a definite working terrorist himself, he has certainly been a formidable force that has contributed to the making of the now steadily growing EFF.

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WOMAN UP! Another ex-ANC member to leave because of grievances and dissatisfaction with the ruling party and how it is organised and managed is Magdalene Moonsamy; very vibrant and passionate about politics since her involvement from her teenage years, Magdalene is now the EFF’s Member of Parliament at the National Assembly.

Her feistiness and zeal saw Magdalene becoming the EFF’s “spin-doctor”. Every good organisation that is doing something to shake up the structures we have become accustomed to is bound to deal with all kinds of media attention that does not present it in the best light to the public.

In the same light, having a good spindoctor and someone who can handle and put out the fires is of outmost importance.

Magdalene continuously contributes to the party by ensuring that everything is handled in a positive and decent manner, ensuring the party’s credibility remains intact. Making the party run smoothly behind the scenes, Magdalene’s contribution to the organisation is necessary by any means. While some might see the EFF as an organisation of radicals that are disrupting parliament and getting people fired up on matters they really should be keeping quiet about, truth is one cannot ignore the power and potential at the centre of this organisation. In the short space of just approximately 12 months, the party has gone on to become the third largest opposition party in the country, something that has eluded so many other parties that have been playing in the political arena for years. The quintessence of fearless working terrorists, the party and its affiliates are constantly expressing the discontent with the status quo and are continuously working towards changing it. Regardless of how radical and uncomfortable issues of land redistribution with no compensation may seem, or issues of nationalisation and affirmative action, the EFF is facing them head on and making clear the vision they have for South African socio and economic climate. Big personalities, clever strategy and powerful minds, the EFF will evidently be here for a while.

BY: Maru and Amanda

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P O P C U LT U R E

WE OUT’CHEA GETTING IT! There is a raging desire among young people to #hustlehard, #staywinning, and make sure errebody knows it.

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he internet has brought with it many different trends since its inception. Phrases quickly became abbreviations as ‘LOL’ and ‘BRB’ became the cornerstone of everyday cyber conversation. Just as we were coming to terms with that fact, ‘part words’ sneaked in inconspicuously and ‘totes’ and ‘probs’ became the new way to seem cool while under the illusion of conserving time as you speak. The social media craze however, created terms that are a bit more complex and a little more telling, yet just as interesting. Anyone with a Facebook or Twitter account has had to deal with status updates that are garnished with phrases like “team no sleep”, “beast mode”, “we out’chea”, “no days off”, “sgetit” and so on, that bring to attention, the efforts of the modern day ‘hustler’.

Words are a powerful thing. It’s not just that they help us communicate with our fellow homo sapiens, but they generally also reflect the mental state of the speaker and this got me pondering about two things: why these particular words sneaked into this particular generation’s lexicon and why they keep changing every other day.

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“WORDS ARE A POWERFUL THING” SEEKING IMMORTALITY A friend of mine raised a good point when I brought to her attention the use of these words by almost everyone on social media.

In as much as these words are telling of the fact that the person saying or writing them is making moves and working hard as an independent or “hustler”, they also reflect a mental state that reveals the desires of the speaker. So for her, when she reads “no days off”, all she hears is “I am working hard because I want to become something in a world full of nothings, and sincerely hope that my existence will be worth something.”

AIMLESS EFFORTS I let the thought take root in my mind for a minute and it sort of made sense. For a whole generation to be fixated on “hustling”− in the sense that you work independently to build something more than just a business but rather a living and breathing brand− is telling of the mental desire of that generation.

If you think about it, this generation is born of war survivors and oppression slayers. The previous generations fought common and visible enemies in order to achieve common goals of freedom, self-determination and

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human advancement. The most devastating diseases and pandemics that brought them to their knees were annihilated by amazing medical discoveries such as penicillin and the like.

This is maybe too much pressure for one generation to handle. As beneficiaries of a “better life”, perhaps we feel the need to be a generation that also leaves an intriguing chapter in the books of history. But with the lack of a visible and common enemy that helped those before us organise so well, we instead try hard and work hard and create hard and every step of the way remind everyone else that we “don’t sleep” and are “out’chea getting it”. And so these words come and go, replacing each other because whether you say one or the other, the resounding message is the same, and that is that you are not squandering your time but are making moves.

Whatever the case may be, I’m still keen to see how far we will take this, and which word will be the new flavour of the month in a week or two.

BY: Amanda Nkwinika IMBO/ ISSUE 29/ '14

SOCIETY

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A F R I C A R E P ORT

HOT LIST

GREEN ZONE

SELF

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FEEL GOOD

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AFRICA REPORT

EBOLA: THE SILENT P L AG U E ?

A recent flurry of media coverage has forced the greater public to realise and consider the fact that the Ebola Virus may be a lot more pernicious than originally thought.

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bola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF) or Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as it was formerly known - is a disease that for the most part, has been completely shrouded in mystery. Very little is known about it, and over the years we have settled into thinking of it as something that only occurs in West Africa, and at very erratic intervals. Deriving it’s name from the Ebola River in Kinshasa where the first outbreak took place, it was discovered

by Microbiology Professor Peter Piot in 1976. Piot made the revelation when testing the blood sample of a Congolese nun thought to be dying from the former pandemic, Yellow Fever.

Interestingly, Ebola and Yellow Fever share the same symptoms; fever, muscle pains, headaches and kidney problems.

However, that is where all comparison ends, as Ebola continues to take on a far more sinister shape.

THE PERFECT STORM Ever since it’s discovery, it has been painfully apparent to those within medical communities - and in particular virologists - that Ebola is an epidemic waiting to happen. Highly contagious and with a mortality rate of of up to 90%, it is the stuff that apocalyptic movies are made of. Sharing it’s place on the throne of deadly viruses with Rabies, once detected, neither one of these diseases can be cured.

There are currently five official types of Ebola virus, with the most dangerous of the species, Zaire Ebolavirus causing the most deaths at a fatality rate of over 83% over 28 years. Contrary to popular belief, Ebola outbreaks have not been isolated to Africa - a Filipino strain called EbolaReston has been found to afflict animals only, with antibodies being detected in a few human cases.

“ H I G H LY C O N TA G I O U S A N D W I T H A M O R TA L I T Y R AT E O F O F U P T O 9 0 % , I T I S T H E S T U F F T H AT A P O C A LY P T I C M O V I E S A R E M A D E O F.” IMBO/ ISSUE 29/ '14

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JUNGLE FEVER Recently took a trip West Africa, and worried that you might have brought home a lot more than souvenirs? If you’ve been back longer than three weeks you have nothing to fear - the incubation period is anything between 2 - 21 days.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and reduced functionality of the liver and kidneys. Similar diseases such as Malaria, Cholera and Lassa Fever need to be excluded, so it is imperative to not self-diagnose and panic!

The most recent outbreak is contained within Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and has led to at least 700 deaths in 2014 - the largest since it’s discovery nearly 40 years ago. Highly contagious viruses usually spread at an alarming rate over the incubation period and Ebola is no exception - statistics show that the affected regions have an infection rate of 25 people each day. The Index Case model dictates that the infection rate will increase exponentially unless contained, and quickly.

Common carriers of the Ebola virus are fruit bats, monkeys - and pigs on occasion. Once transmitted to human beings, contagion takes place through direct contact with bodily fluids. The relative ease in which infection takes place has led to wide-spread panic worldwide, with many newsagents speculating wildly that spread of the disease could mean the beginning of the end for the human race.

THE TRUTH ABOUT EBOLA Ebola seems to have sprung up in a convenient little nook and called it home. Luckily for the rest of the world and not so much for the locals it found there, “home” was small undisturbed villages within and around Zaire. The startling speed with which the world has embraced technology and all the benefits attached to it, has led to our becoming a much more unified and “smaller” global community. Whilst that has meant ease of communication, collaboration and travel, it now also means that we are a lot more vulnerable to diseases that are given the opportunity to cross borders.

The latest outbreak gives us an opportunity to re-introduce the concept of quarantine into our continent, despite the population boom. Calm and careful study of this disease will arm us with the knowledge necessary to wipe Ebola and other diseases out once and for all, without having to rely too heavily on the West for guidance.

BY: Foxy Brown

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GREEN ZONE

C H I NA ’ S M AG I C TOWERS Incredibly pink, incredibly tall; the Phoenix Towers of China are set to become the world’s tallest and most environmentally friendly structures.

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hen one thinks of China and its environmental issues, images of people wearing surgical masks, cancer villages and heavily polluted cities tattoo themselves onto the mind. According to a report published by the World Bank, 16 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world can be found in China. Couple that with the rapid industrialisation, population growth, desertification and deforestation, and it suddenly makes sense why China is- and I mince not my words- an environmental disaster. Popular belief and news reports will have us believing that the Chinese government is noticeably lux and stubborn when it comes to heeding calls to do something about the state of the environment, but maybe that might not be the whole truth.

FIGHTING KARMA? In what might seem like an innovative way to fight karma, the Chinese government commissioned British architectural firm Chetwood Architects to design what is to become the world’s tallest structures in the world− The Phoenix Towers.

The iconic height of these towers will not be the only interesting feature about them. Set to be built in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the Phoenix Towers (which are set to be remarkably pink) will be the most environmentally friendly structures in the history of the world. This, I suppose, is China’s way of giving back to the environment they have devastated for nearly two decades, all in the name of economic growth and prosperity. This is a bold and audacious move.

The concept for the towers is one of balance, the yin and yang. A representation of the duality of Chinese culture/tradition, the towers are named after mythological Chinese Phoenix birds− Feng (male) and Huang (female), with the taller structure representing the masculine bird and the other the feminine.

COLOURS AND SHAPES The unique and unusual colour of the towers is but one of their stand out features. According to the team tasked with designing the towers- which resemble stalagmites- the bright pinkish colour is inspired, allegedly, by the spectacular sunsets that are a familiar sight in the Wahun province.

Wahun is known for its many lakes and the towers will be integrated into the regions eco-system… for a reason. Sucking up the air that passes over

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the lakes of Wuhan, the Feng tower will then use this air to cool itself down plus turn the massive turbine located within. In addition to this, the many solar panels (photovoltaic cladding) that will line the Feng tower will also provide electricity to both towers, a sustainable option given that the Huang tower will house the public and be used as green commercial space.

The bounds of innovation and sustainability are stretched even further as the towers will have the capacity for water and waste recycling as well suspended air gardens. The towers will act as a filtration system that will purify the water in the lake- essentially making the structures a living, breathing organism, working in tune with the environment and not in spite of it.

SYNERGY The towers are still awaiting final approval from the Wuang mayor. The towers are supposed to be a blue print for future high rise buildings to be constructed in China in an attempt to undo the damage caused over the years by China’s rapid industrial expansion.

The Japanese on the other hand, have long understood the importance of integrating nature into their infrastructure. From their minimalist homes, to their earthquake proof high rise buildings, the Japanese are doing their best to work hand in hand with nature and by extension their environment; and it seems China is taking a page off of their book.

GREEN AFRICA In the same vein, but on an exponentially smaller scale, eco-friendly buildings are beginning to catch on all around the continent of Africa. This is more out of necessity, than by any attempt to comply with a “bill” passed at a G8 summit. For example, in Lagos, Nigeria, lives an architect by the name of Kunle Adeyemi. He has designed what he calls The Floating School. The school floats on a river, and is kept afloat by 256 plastic drums. The school was designed and built in such a way that rain water will be collected and used to flush toilets.

It’s exciting to witness the growth of green technology and architecture, and by the look of things, perhaps we might just still have a chance at saving our world.

By: Mofuoa Selebalo

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FEEL GOOD

with ppt scholars are in it to win it Peak Performance Tutors see opportunity to affect positive change where many see a hopeless wasteland.

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orget religion and politics, I say, if you want to effectively spoil a good dinner party, bring up the issue of the national pass requirement which has been set at a record-breaking 30%. Yeah sure, the Matric pass rate shot past the 75% mark in 2013, but really, all that means is that most of our recent matriculants are familiar with only 30 per cent of what they have been taught. Now THAT should leave a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.

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In the midst of all the chaos, Angel Khangale and Anele Pasiwe saw an opportunity to help create a knowledgeable South African youth and so founded Peak Performance Tutors (PPT)− an innovative tutoring service that offers one-on-one tutoring and learning in an effort to help junior and high school students reach their potential. Founded in November 2012, PPT lends a helping hand to students as they navigate the treacherous academic waters of high school by linking them with young and well-versed tutors in and around the southern suburbs of Cape Town. Not only that, through perceiving a lack of preparation and guidance from students who leave high school, the organisation also offers a one-onone career development coaching and mentorship programme that helps students foresee and plan for their future after high school.

IMBO sat down with these young entrepreneurs and CPUT students to find out more about their passions, motivations and of course, PPT. IMBO: How did it all begin? What inspired the vision for this type of organisation?

PPT: We are products of the tutoring system ourselves. As former SACS students, we needed tutoring back then but the kind we received had certain elements missing and we didn’t really get the help and knowledge we were looking for. That’s when we decided to be the ones to offer these elements. It is this gap in the market− for top end tutors that understand the curriculum and translate the knowledge to inspiring students− that we wanted to fill.

IMBO: How does PPT ensure that all their tutors are able to offer this quality service?

PPT: First, all our tutors are sourced from local universities and because they are fresh out of high school, they still have a fresh understanding of the curriculum. Students benefit more from these young tutors because they are able to impart their knowledge in a very relatable and understandable manner. Also, we constantly do phone call checkups to all three parties (students, parents and tutors) to ascertain how they are finding the services. We always work closely with all three stakeholders to ensure that they are consistently satisfied.

Communication and feedback is of outmost importance to us.

IMBO: For which subjects can students receive tutoring assistance?

PPT: The subject options we offer tutoring for include− but are not limited to− Science, Maths, Accounting, Xhosa, French, Afrikaans, English and Biology. Our tutoring packages are not only affordable, but they are also tailor-made to suit each individual student’s needs.

IMBO: PPT’s mission is to deliver an equal educational foundation. Why is this an important core value of the organisation?

PPT: We have come to the realisation that education is the key medicine to ignorance and a main driver to a more united and prosperous nation. It is to that effect that we are taking matters into our own hands to break down the boundaries and foster a tutoring service that will grow in leaps and bounds.

At the end of the day, every student, if given an opportunity, can achieve great things, and we seek to nurture that.

IMBO: What are the major challenges that the organisation faces on a day to day basis?

PPT: As a young service provider and young entrepreneurs in the education sphere, our biggest challenge is gaining the trust of our clients, partners, students and beneficiaries. Nevertheless, we have been proving our abilities to deliver and meet out task and goals. We want our efforts and results to speak for themselves.

IMBO: What does the future hold for PPT? PPT: PPT seeks to continue contributing to society by creating a sustainable and knowledgeable South Africa, that’s the vision we have for the organisation.

This includes being the best and most innovative educational service provider in the Western Cape, ensuring that our students produce the best and quality performance in and out of school. PPT will be working closely with Communiversity to provide quality supplementary education that students can benefit from.

These young entrepreneurs are not only driven and focused but as students themselves, exude a confidence and determination to do something about the state of our education. IMBO salutes these young change makers and we look forward to seeing the organisation grow and many benefiting from it.

By: Amanda Nkwinika

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AMPLIFIERS

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

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PROFESSIONALS

FOCUS PROFILE

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

WHEN A S P I R AT I O N MEETS S T R AT E G Y Yusuf Randera-Rees inspires his peers at large by proving that any big idea, when met with clever strategy can result in a blindingly powerful force.

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ituated in the Constitutional Hill precinct, I made my way to the Awethu Project offices not quite sure what to expect. My interview with co-founding CEO, Yusuf RanderaRees, was scheduled for 08:30 and I arrived forty-five minutes early, just to scope the place out, get an idea of the culture and people led by this incredible social entrepreneur. Like any organisation proud of the incredible work it does, the reception area’s walls were lined with images and articles of the Awethu team, its entrepreneurs and all the awards and accolades they have accumulated over the years. It felt like history laid out haphazardly for you to witness, as you got a glimpse of the passion and zeal that runs through the space on a day to day basis.

The first thing you will notice about Yusuf himself is his analytical nature. A man who doesn’t really say much but listens intently, you can almost see his mind working at a supersonic pace, probably planning, strategizing or scouting for unconventional ways to make his business- and those of others- work.

“BUSINESS IS A VERY QUICK AND EFFECTIVE R O U T E TO AC H I E V I N G S O C I A L C H A N G E .”

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FINDING THE PERFECT BALANCE A graduate of Harvard and Oxford University, Yusuf has always had social entrepreneurship and social change as a central theme in his life.

During his stint in the US, he founded two nonprofit organisations that were supported by the International Finance Corporation and UN AID. It thus came as no surprise that upon his return to SA in 2009, he decided to bring Awethu to life − an idea and business plan he had developed while at Oxford. Asked why social entrepreneurship is something he can’t shake off, Yusuf explains that he is most passionate about social change, and that this is a result of his background.

However, what makes Yusuf so remarkable and his endeavours successful is the strong belief he holds, that business (another passion of his) is a very quick and effective route to achieving social change and achieving the social outcomes that one wants. That idea resonated with him when as a young boy; he saw a billionaire US presidential candidate use his own money, attained from years of business, to try to get social outcomes while the other candidates had to convince other people to support their cause. It is in understanding that business can be a tool for social change that Yusuf was able to build Awethu into a formidable and life changing organisation.

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A POWERFUL VISION FOR SOUTH AFRICA Any man who takes on the responsibility of changing the status quo and rises to the challenge of actively shaping society is a man that is working off of a powerful vision for that society. For Yusuf, this vision is building the type of society that Nelson Mandela, and leaders of that generation, would be proud of. A life changing entrepreneurial incubator, Yusuf believes that the Awethu Project is a manifestation of what is possible when one allows every individual in a country to realise their potential. According to him, one can’t ask for much more than that a country gives every person a chance to do what they are capable of doing as long as they are willing to put in the work. Although we might like to believe that hard work always pays off, for Yusuf, this is not always the case, especially in South Africa.

“Many people work hard and they don’t get a chance to do what they are capable of doing.”

ASPIRATIONAL WHAT?!

Although it's a brilliant and wonderful business idea, Yusuf admits that he and his partner had trouble raising capital for the Awethu Project in the beginning, and perhaps this was because of how ambitious it seemed. “The first time we pitched Awethu was in a business plan competition at Oxford, the biggest business plan competition in the UK and we got to the finals and we thought we had done a

great job and that we were going to win” says Yusuf. “However, the panel− of nine white English people− told us that the idea was too aspirational and the winner was the other business.”

Notwithstanding, Yusuf has proved that ambition, when met with substance and backed up with hard skills, can result in a wellfunctioning and life changing organisation.

“Success in business is all about substance, forget the razzmatazz and find two things of substance, number one your passion (and passion must align clearly with ability) and the other, application. I think the problem with young people today is that they are not backing up social aspirations with hard skills, and that’s the key part. It is naïve if you just talk about “we are going to change South Africa” but you don’t understand the levers that you are going to have to pull.”

An inspiration to young and well-versed entrepreneurs alike, Yusuf is a tactical and passionate working terrorist that is actively changing society as we know it.

The Awethu Project business incubation and growth platform is the result of Big ideas, clever execution and powerful leadership.

BY: Amanda Nkwinika

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PROFESSIONALS

SOLAR POWER MAN Started from the bottom

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t just 28 years old, Patrick Ngowi is one of a handful of pioneering Africans to have clocked a Million. His company, Helvetic Solar Contractors Limited, is the first and only company to cater to solar energy needs in the Northern part of Tanzania. Helvetic Solar Contractors Limited has been named the ‘Fastest Growing And Number One Company’ for the year of 2012 - 2013 by KPMG East Africa. In addition, the Future Awards have nominated Patrick for the ‘Africa’s Young Person of the Year’ award.

TASTE FOR SUCCESS It began at an early age for Patrick. Early in his teens, he developed an appetite for business and success. He was in high school when his mother loaned him a small amount of money to start up his first business, which set the beginning for many more entrepreneurial ventures.

Having grown up in Arusha, he noticed that his hometown had a lack of airtime distributors, and that this left people with no choice but to travel long distance to shopping centres, just to purchase airtime vouchers. He used the money he received from his mother to purchase airtime vouchers to sell to the public. It is through this venture that Patrick learnt many lessons about the ups and downs of the trade, and this helped prepare him for his future ventures.

market – a lack of affordable ones.

Soon, he began traveling to Asia to purchase cheap cell phones to sell at a price cheaper than those being sold at the time in his country.

FIRST THINGS FIRST Coming from an academic family, education played a major role in Patricks’s life. During his early years as an entrepreneur and high school student, his parents insisted that he complete his studies and push aside all thoughts pertaining to his business. Patrick obeyed his parent’s wishes, and abandoned all business endeavours.

During his time in tertiary and following the abandonment of his cellphone business, he developed an interest in solar energy and the impact it would have on his country.

Fortunately, Patrick was able to fuse his love for China and solar energy, and by using the money he had earned from his previous businesses, enrolled himself into Denzhou University, in China, where he studied further about renewable energy.

Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, what has ensured that all Patrick’s businesses remain successful is the fact that he saw an opportunity and seized it. His story proves that you are never too young to become an entrepreneur.

BY: Anthea Adams

In addition to his airime business, Patrick spotted another gap in the cellphone

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K H AY E L I T S H A ’ S B I C YC L E H E RO Inja yomshova

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efore social entrepreneur Sizwe Nzima began his delivery service, residents of Khayelitsha had to wake up as early as 4am, to begin their long journey to clinics and hospitals to collect their monthly chronic medication.

Unfortunately, these people, some very ill, would more than likely have to deal with extremely long queues for excruciatingly long hours. These conditions often compromised their health.

GREAT REWARDS THROUGH HARDWORK The work Sizwe has done thus far has seen him being featured amongst five other South Africans in the Forbes’s 30 under 30.

It is as a result of having experienced these time-consuming queues himself each time he had to collect his grandparents’ medication, that the idea for Iyeza Express was born.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Sizwe has many hopes for the future of Iyeza.

He says that soon, it will be able to render services not only to the residents of Khayelitsha, but also those in neighbouring areas.

Today, Iyeza has brought great relief to the residents of Khayelitsha as it collects medication from hospitals and delivers it to their doorsteps.

Sizwe’s delivery service operates from two main hospitals in Khayelitsha; where close to 7000 patients collect their chronic medication.

STRONG BEGINNING It all started when Sizwe attended the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development. As part of his coursework, Sizwe explored the idea of Iyeza Express, and refined it into a sound business idea that saw him being awarded the best entrepreneurial student prize worth R10 000. This money helped him kick-start his business which has since received more funding. With a R100 000 investment from the SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards, Sizwe was able to develop his business further by acquiring more bicycles which then meant he could work with more people and have a greater impact in his community.

Currently in talks with the Department of Health about subsidising the project, Sizwe is working through the regulation and procedures of distributing the medicine. He firmly believes that everyone has the right to good health regardless of where they live.

The vision is that Iyeza Express will grow into a formidable business that will be able to alleviate unemployment in his community.

He has already grown the initially one man operation to include four more people, who collect and deliver medication for the sick at least twice a month, at a cost of R10.

FINAL GLANCE Sizwe’s innovative idea to deliver medication to residents has brought great relief to the already pressurised health system. Due to his tenacity, courage and the many skills learned at the Raymond Ackerman Academy, Iyeza Express will be expanding to other areas. Sizwe Nzima is a true example of how pursuing your idea, unconventional as it may seem, can help you and the people around you prosper.

BY: Anthea Adams

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FOCUS PROFILE

WO M A N O F P OW E R

T RY P H O S A R A M A N O Tansforming the financial sector one woman at a time.

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n the midst of an ailing economy, Tryphosa Ramano is a formidable woman who is making substantial moves in the financial sector. Setting a positive example and leading the way for young financial moguls in the making, Ramano is the quintessence of a modern day wonder woman.

and expertise as she served as Chief Director of asset management at the National Treasury. It is in this role that she undoubtedly demonstrated her intense experience in leading and directing company strategy, including financial and strategic planning, corporate governance reform, industry analysis and corporate restructuring.

FEMALE LEADERSHIP, FEMALE MENTORSHIP History continues to prove that women are great multi-taskers and Ramano is yet another manifestation of this reality. As current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Company, she also serves as a NonExecutive Director of five organisations, including the Airports Company, Sasria Limited and Real Africa Holdings Limited amongst others.

AFRICAN REPRESENTATION While the female demographic is under represented in the financial sector, so too is the black population in general. It is for this reason that organisations such as the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP) are necessary if any kind of transformation is to happen in that industry. As President of ABSIP; Romano once again proved her determination to transform the financial sector. Founded in 1995, the organisation was established to deal with the lack of representation of "black professionals in the securities and investment industry".

The organisation also serves as a platform "to address the aspiration of those in the industry and creates a forum for professionals to exchange information and ideas".

As a woman working in the largely male dominated financial sector, Ramano has always pursued transformation within this sector through the positions she has held throughout her career. One such position, which she used as a vehicle for this transformation, was as CFO of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings Limited (WIPHOLD)− an organisation very close to the values she espouses. WIPHOLD is a fully black female owned and managed investment company, whose sole aim is to empower black women in the mining, financial services and infrastructure industry.

With over 200 000 beneficiaries, the organisation uses a business model that integrates development and empowerment into its vigorous business model. During her time as CFO, she not only led the organisations financial operations, but also played a significant role as a trusted mentor.

“I am very passionate about the mentorship of women, I believe mentorship creates professionals [that can grow an industry],” says Ramano in an interview with ABN Digital.

GRABBING HOLD OF THE STEERING Ramano has displayed exceptional leadership abilities in her management of multiple responsibilities throughout her career. The public sector has also benefited from her skills

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GOING BACK TO NURTURE Illustrious career aside, Ramano still has her heart set on seeing the community that helped her flourish prosper. Born and raised in Mamelodi, Ramano currently runs a career guidance program for high school students from her alma mater − Vlakfontein Secondary School. With her mom and grandmother as role models that instilled a sense of community and familial values in her, it comes as no surprise that she has chosen to continue that legacy for her community’s youth.

“We are no longer are in the townships, and children are missing role models, and that’s why going back to the townships is essential”, says Ramano. “Giving back is embedded in most African cultures” - doing it big and showing immense smarts in her strategy and execution, Ramano is indeed, a woman of power.

BY Simthandile Ford

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BUSINESS

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54 01 56 10 23 NETWORKING

HOT LIST

CORDS CHOICE

TECH SHIFTERS

AMPLIFIERS

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FA S H I O N

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FINANCIAL FUNDI'S

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NETWORKING

BMC’S BUSINESS BRIEFING Discussing transformation in the media advertising industry, the Business Briefing saw Cape Town’s media professionals engage on the why’s and how’s.

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usiness talks and seminars have become a very popular and effective way for professionals in various industries to interact and share information. In the last two IMBO issues, we have looked at two rapidly growing networking models: HookUp Dinner and Bright Talks. The former better suited entrepreneurs and the latter, the advertising and marketing folk. These platforms are nonetheless a reflection of the growing culture of the business talk.

More and more professionals are realising the value of forming solid and meaningful business relationships, as well as how collaborative thinking and strategy contributes in the transformation and growth of their respective industries.

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THE BUSINESS BRIEFING On June 25th 2014, Bambisana Media Consortium (BMC) hosted a high impact business briefing that saw Cape Town’s media industry engage in stimulating conversations pertinent to the transformation of the media and advertising industry. Attended by advertising agency professionals, brand managers, bloggers and musicians, the briefing offered an earnest, inspiring and engaging discussion about the role industry professionals can play in transforming an industry that to date still remains largely unchanged.

Transformation of any kind can never happen without the endorsement and wholehearted encouragement of immediate stakeholders therefore the Business Briefing served as the vessel addressing how positive change can be initiated and sustained.

WHO SAID WHAT? The 90 minute briefing featured three short, insightful talks by Ross Chowles (The state of transformation in media and advertising), Gugu Madlala (An introduction into the values and the value of IMBO) and Ill Skillz (A contextualized a capella reading of the Single 7’S CLASH: An insight into the Gen-Flux brain). Guests in attendance included Kevin Aspoas of The Jupiter Drawing Room, the Design Indaba marketing team, Gwen Ironsi of Pamberi Communications and Butterknife PR, to name a few.

WORD ON THE GROUND According to Dominic Billy of BMC, transformation is the natural progression of life and earth and the media and advertising industry are making moderately steady progress.

Notwithstanding, the media and advertising

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industry remain predominately white despite legislation mandating the “blackening up” of corridors within traditional large media houses.

Transformation definitely needs to move at a faster pace, however - taking a more pragmatic approach seems to the fine line that needs to be trod to ensure sustainable and deep transformation and growth.

The Business Briefing was instrumental in the revelation that critical conversations cannot be held in isolation and consistent effort is needed to grow the professional community and bridge the gaps.

VANGUARD ON THE RISE BMC is indubitably a media organisation showing increasing potential to liven up the media landscape in South Africa both in terms of content and real estate value. There is also an opportunity for brands to partner with the company, and to essentially fund a movement that has a place in the hearts of the thinking demographic.

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE From the talks and engagements that took place at the Business Briefing, it is evident that the urban youth demographic in South Africa is moving ever closer to Gen-Flux than the industry can even begin to anticipate. The market is agile and innovative, and the urban youth’s passion to excel sees them frustrated by the reality of being excluded in mainstream culture. This highly sought after transformation, is a bound to happen work-in-progress, and it is the facilitation of talks like these that will help shape and define the rules and course of action.

BY Foxy Brown

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TECH SHIFTERS

E VO LU T I O N O F S M A Rt

THE HISENSE PHABLET As we slowly trade in our old and basic smartphones for phablets, the new Hisense Maxe X1 is most definitely the one to have.

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he smart phone revolution has undoubtedly taken the world by storm. Whether you’ve tried to resist the movement or not, smartphones have gradually become gadgets none of us can do without. Going back to a life where we can’t receive e-mails on our phones and reply on-the-fly, mouth off on various social networks, or even indulge a random “selfie” moment is something I personally don’t even want to imagine.

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BRAND SPANKING NEW Just as we were adapting to a life dominated by smartphones, Hisense decides to throw a spanner in the works with its new MAXE X1 Phablet. The Hisense MAXE X1 Phablet is a creative mashup of smartphone and tablet, that should give competitors a run for their money.

Phablets will positively be on-trend within a couple of months - because let’s admit it - we all like being ahead of the pack. Leading tech companies including Hisense, HTC, Sony, LG and Samsung have released Phablets. So far no one has matched Hisense.

Hisense is a brand we know for so much more than personal technology; this is a brand that’s given us great fridges, microwaves, televisions and more. It is to be expected that when they produce personal technology it will be this good.

The brand has shown itself to be an agile and creative, successfully and seemingly effortlessly upping the stakes in the highly competitive smart device arena.

CRUISING IN THE PHAB LANE What makes the MAXE X1 stand out from the rest, is the fact that it has “the sophistication of a sleek and trendy phone but the dimension and display quality of a tablet.” Unlike other Phablets already in the market that are distinctive in their awkwardly large dimensions, the MAXE X1 is only slightly larger than the average smartphone at a sexy 6.8 inches, and with full HD capabilities.

Low on bulk but not features, the MAXE X1 also packs impressive camera capabilities with a 5.0 Megapixel front camera and 13.0 Megapixel back camera. The ‘selfie’ craze will be that much harder to resist, with a built-in photo-enhancer in the form of a blue glass-light filter in the back camera.

GO-GO GADGETRY For your convenience, the MAXE X1 comes with a remote that looks similar to an old version of a cell phone but is however, a Bluetooth device with a dial-pad. This remote device allows one to answer calls and respond to SMS texts without having to rummage through your handbag at inconvenient places.

According to General Manager of Hisense South Africa Ebrahim Khan, Hisense has aggressively targeted the smartphone market in South Africa since 2013 when they released the Prime 1 phone last year, and the mid-level Hisense Infinity Pure 1 device soon after. The MAXE X1 competes comfortably and poses a challenge to its peers.

With a superior operating system, high features and a sleek exterior, the MAXE X1 is the device to get your hands on if you want to stay ahead of the curve!

BY: Amanda Nkwinika

HISENSE MAXE X1 KEY FEATURES: Android 4.4 KitKat OS . 6.8” Full HD 1080P Screen . 4G(TD-LTE/ FDD-LTE/WCDMA/GSM . Superb front and back cameras (rear:13M+flash; Front: 5M) . Anyview cast and Remote control . MSM Snapdragon 2.3GHz Quad-core processor . Superb sound effect with Dolby . Bluetooth Portable Phone (optional) . Motions control and Air gestures control . USB OTG – Connection to and from other devices using USB without having to connect via PC . MHL – Mobile HD Link allows connection to any HD TV (audio and video)

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T E C H T O D AY

O P E R AT I O N C L E A N - U P

P L A N E T E A RT H Technology, being the technology is now being used to circumvent the effects of rampant consumerism.

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uring the past century, we as a human community have taken little care of our planet. Cleaning up and preserving were distant thoughts for decades and decades. The human community ran amok and treated Planet Earth like it could be replaced.

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MOTHER NATURE’S WAKEUP CALL It’s projected that by 2030, climate change will cost the global economy $700 billion annually, that’s almost the same amount that South Africa has generated in GDP since 2012. Climate destruction is a way of life for our current society.

In our own South Africa, air pollution from burning fossil fuels leads to the death of 300 people a year and hospitalizes a further 119 000.

Statistically speaking, every South African loses 67 working days in his or her lifetime as a direct result of pollution.

“ H U M A N A C T I V I T Y H A S P L AY E D T H E BIGGEST ROLE IN THE ALARMING INCREASE OF CARBON DIOXIDE AND O T H E R H E AT- R E TA I N I N G G A S E S .”

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A THREAT TO SECURITY Let’s go through a scenario for a minute: You’d like to build a home, where you’re going to raise three kids with your spouse.

Common sense would dictate that you build this house somewhere your family won’t be getting fished out from deep and devastating waters by emergency servicemen after a typhoon. Simple enough, right? Well not with climate change that directly impacts the terrestrial landscape.

Although the concept of climate change is not without precedent historically, since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, human activity has played the biggest role in the alarming increase of Carbon Dioxide and other heat-retaining gases. It’s not all doom and gloom however - this foreboding message has not fallen on deaf ears. Here’s a look at some innovative ways in which different countries and businesses are fighting pollution.

MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH Fast-forward to the year 2017, when the UK-based architecture firm Chetwoods predicts that their 1000 meters tall grand masterpiece - the Phoenix Towers - will be complete. The towers, two pointy structures in the Chinese town of Wuhan, won’t be yet another skyscraper in Asia’s imposing skyline. Covered in a photocatalytic “smogeating” coating, the self-cleaning building will help reduce air pollution and set quite a precedence in a country notorious for its horrendous air quality.

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“ H E R E ’ S A L O O K AT S O M E I N N O V AT I V E W AY S I N W H I C H DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND BUSINESSES ARE C O M B AT I N G P O L L U T I O N .”

THE INNOVATION HUB Established in 2001, The Innovation Hub (TIH) is a community of companies aimed at growing forward-thinking partnerships in key sectors such as Information and Communications Technology, Biosciences, Green Technologies and Industrials. It opens opportunities throughout the year in the form of the Gauteng Acceleration Programme (GAP) competition, whose entries open throughout the year. It provides successful candidates with access to more than R3million in startup capital and incubation services.

Mellow Cabs, which is in the final stages of developing electric micro-cabs by the same name, is a recent beneficiary of the competition. Mellow Cabs are the only vehicles of their kind that hold a full international road worthy status, and are completely manufactured in South Africa.

POLLUTION FIGHTING BILLBOARDS The University of Engineering and Technology of Peru, has been on a much-anticipated mission to convert billboards into useful, nature-friendly structures that could help alleviate some environmental issues as they generated capital - a sustainable moneymaking model that will gradually make it’s way into everyday life. The University has successfully created billboards that are able to convert air humidity into drinkable water. The Billboards are said to be capable of purifying close to 100 000 cubic meters of humid air daily, whilst also releasing the resultant clean, dry air back into the environment.

BY: Skhumbuzo Tuswa

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FINANCIAL FUNDIS

THE BILLING EVOLUTION

Billing models in the advertising industry have evolved over the years. The reality in the industry today, is that the pinch is upon us.

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here was a time in advertising where budgets were almost limitless, and agencies were well trusted and loyally patronised by their clients.

Client would succinctly brief on vision and objectives, and then confidently let agency take it from there. The key to reporting was perception based Return on Investment. Times have changed and here is how.

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“THERE ARE A NUMBER OF B I L L I N G M O D E L S T H AT C A N B E N E G O T I AT E D T O D AY T O E N S U R E T H AT B O T H C L I E N T A N D A G E N C Y A R E H A P P Y.” NO LONGER WIN-WIN The supply and demand relationship in the advertising industry is a complex one, because it is essentially about trying to place a value on one’s creativity and intellectual property - and subsequently paying a fee for it. According to Trudy Miller − a General Manager at one of SA’s biggest agencies − historical models of billing worked in favour of the agency. This is because clients would have an idea of what they wanted, send out the brief and the agency would bill them as they saw fit. In the 90’s however, clients began to review their budgets as it became more apparent that they were getting the short end of the stick. Clients began to “understand the financial structure of the agency and ensure that their budget and the scope of work was defined in order to progress with a model that is fair,” says Trudy.

A CHANGE HAS COME Due to the fact that no two clients are the same, there are a number of billing models that can be negotiated today, to ensure that both client and agency are happy in their professional relationship. The Commission Based Model, although an “old model”, is still used by some clients today. In this model, full service (strategy, media and buying) agencies could expect to gain about 16.5% on media, and between 20% – 25% on all production.

One of the newer models being utilised is the Fee Based Model, in which the agency fee is separated from the media budget. Based on the scope of work, clients and agency can negotiate terms at the beginning of the fiscal year, and subsequently work off the agreement. “This model looks at resources required by each department. This fee is based on actual salary

costs, plus an agreed overhead per cent and margin per cent. The fee is then charged monthly.

It's is important to state detailed scope & phases on the plan,” explains Trudy.

For once off clients that don’t have a standing relationship with the agency, the Project Fee billing model is often used. The agency develops a resource plan based on activity, and in some instances, a client that has not provided a detailed brief will have his requirements and requests catered to nonetheless. Due to the fact that the two entities don’t have a standing relationship, clients can be expected to be billed significantly more than if it were a long-term relationship.

This is a blatant attempt to incentivise the client to come on retainer.

IMPACT ON CREATIVITY? One would be forgiven for thinking that the more money a client throws at an agency, the better the quality of the delivered product. One major argument for this would be that with more cash in the agency’s reserves, executives are more inclined to work harder in order to deliver on the money’s worth. Perhaps a more plausible reason would be that money allows for the agency to source quality materials, outsource the best services, and hire exceedingly talented creative talent.

Whether or not these “newer” billing models impact on creativity is a debatable issue. A significant factor that impacts on creativity nine times out of ten, is the client-agency relationship.

When client and agency don’t see eye to eye, and the client places too many unnecessary and unreasonable boundaries, it inevitably hinders creativity and the quality of services produced.

BY: Amanda Nkwinika

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G E T T I N G B AC K u p The resolution wagon will occasionally fall over but that doesn’t mean you have to accept defeat, get up, put it back on road and keep it moving.

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hether in the New Year or at a major turning point in one’s life, we all make resolutions that we vow to keep, in our quest to become better, newer, shinier individuals. However, life’s unpredictability often sees many of us fall back to our bad habits, or simply slacking when we know we shouldn’t be. Fret not though, as here are simple yet effective steps that should help you get back on that wagon.

SET SMALL, ATTAINABLE GOALS “Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a single, overwhelming goal on January 1st can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important, and [thereafter] working towards it, one step at a time.”

KEEP IT REALISTIC When you make your resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that you will stick to them throughout the year, especially if they incorporate healthy behaviour into your everyday life. It is better to make resolutions you think you can keep, and can actually visualise a path to achieving. If your aim is to exercise more frequently, scheduling three or four days a week at the gym instead of seven, is a lot more realistic and attainable.

If you would like to eat healthily, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt. This is much more beneficial and healthier than sticking to a strict “cardboard” diet.

Unhealthy behaviours usually develop over the course of time; therefore replacing unhealthy behaviours with healthy ones requires time too. The biggest mistake most people make, is to completely overwhelm themselves by trying to reassess and fix everything in their lives all at once, instead of working towards small, incremented changes.

THE ILLUSION OF PERFECT Perfection is unattainable, minor missteps when working towards your resolutions are completely normal. One should not give up completely because they slept in instead of waking up at 3 am to work on their new business plan, like they had been for the past week.

The idea is to work towards your goal, consistently - easy does it.

IF NEED BE, GET SOME HELP Accepting help from those who care about you and are willing to help and listen, will strengthen your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolution. Psychologists are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body, and can offer strategies as to how to adjust your goals so that they are reachable and sustainable.

By: Precious Simpasa

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LIFE SKILLS

integral to maintaining t h e l i b e rt y o f a n y “ f r e e � s o c i e t y.

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itizen Participation in communities can be traced back to the time of Plato's Republic, where Plato's concepts of freedom of speech, assembly, voting, and equal representation were status quo. These ideals now form the basic pillars upon which most governments are established. Ergo, citizen participation is the essence of democracy. It is a process which provides individuals with a platform to influence and have their say in public decisions, and has been a component of the democratic decision-making process in many countries, and empires, since time immemorial.

The very roots of citizen participation can be traced to ancient Greece as well as Colonial New England.

PARTICIPATE! In any level of governance, district, provincial or national, citizen participation is necessary to check and balance political activities, as it justifies and grants full access to the benefits of a democratic society. Negative examples of unchecked political behaviour include partisan political favours, pork-barrelling and nepotism.

Thus, having citizens participate in the decision-making process reduces the likelihood of community leaders making self-serving decisions - thus reducing the rise of corruption within governments.

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“ C I T I Z E N PA R T I C I PAT I O N I S I M P O R TA N T T O C H E C K AND BALANCE POLITICAL A C T I V I T I E S .”

Moreover, additions or an amendment to legislation is something all citizens need to keep abreast of with, for obvious reasons. It is for the same obvious reasons that citizens ought to participate in their governance structures, and engage with said additions or amendments. Participation of this nature ensures that we come to a place of understanding them and what they actually mean as they get phased into our everyday lives.

An example of active citizen participation at work, is the uproar incited nationwide when the e-tolls were passed, and the subsequent measures made against the effectiveness of the “fraudulent” implements. These acts of sincere and robust public resistance have posed yet another challenge to the already beleaguered e-toll system. It boils down to the saying that "laws and regulations are only as good as they are governable" - indeed, the GFIP’s e-toll plan has been rendered ungovernable.

The government now has the opportunity to reconsider legislation, despite the bill having already been signed by the President.

ARM YOURSELF Knowledge is power; the easiest way to participate in governance structures is to educate yourself about their purpose. What better way to check whether or not they are on the right track, than to judge them against their own benchmark? Logic dictates that we cannot possibly know that our rights are being

violated unless we know them to begin with.

So read the paper, do some online research and join online forums that discuss issues pertaining to that particular governance structure or piece of proposed legislation.

Some people engage with their governance structures through active protest, especially in instances where they feel that their voices are not being heard. We saw this happen on numerous occasions with the e-tolls saga, when many took to the freeways to voice their dissatisfaction. We saw this same strategy again a couple of years before when the controversial Secrecy Bill was put on the table for discussion. Another effective option is the signing of petitions as a way of participating.

GET YOUR MONEY RIGHT Essentially, in order to be participative citizens, individuals organize themselves in order to implement changes by joining social network groups, attending open platforms for airing views and so forth. It is also fundamental for members to design an efficient and practical budget as well as a capital investment plan, to ensure their cause is effective and in constant motion.

BY: Precious Simpasa

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Here’s a closer look at the elusive faces behind some of SA’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning.

I’m pretty sure a lot of varsity students will understand when I say that vice-chancellors are those mysterious individuals you see in your first year of varsity - and only on Orientation Day - and again when you graduate, as they shake your hand momentarily. Sure, you may read about them now and then in the media when your institution is in hot water but aside from that, vicechancellors remain pretty elusive creatures.

WHAT THEY DO? Don’t let the fancy title intimidate you, vice-chancellors are essentially “university principals”− and in some cases are referred to as such. According to the University of Cape Town’s website, vice-chancellors are “accountable to Council for the leadership of the university as a whole, and for determining the university's strategic goals and ensuring their implementation.”. This means that the running of the institution, its academic standing, financial health, transformation and social justice interventions, are all responsibilities of the vicechancellor.

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DR MAX PRICE: UCT Appointed as Vice-Chancellor in 2008, Dr Price is a medical doctor and prior to his appointment, spent some time as an independent consultant in the fields of health policy, human resources for health and medical education, amongst others. He spent 10 years as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, and was also a member of the Wits executive team. Amongst his many qualifications, accolades and achievements, Dr Price also co-founded SA’s first universityowned private teaching hospital− the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.

PROF ADAM HABIB: WITS Having joined the Wits team a little over a year ago, Prof. Habib is a Professor of Political Sciences. A key leader in political studies, he is a well-published researcher with a main focus on themes of development, democracy and transformation, and he credits Karl Marx and Leon Trotsky as his major influences.

Prof. Habib has served as Deputy ViceChancellor for Research, Innovation, Library and Faculty Coordination at the University of Johannesburg. His expansive experience in the field of transformation played a crucial role for UJ, as he played an important part in transforming the university during the nationwide merges of tertiary institutions in 2005. Habib has quite an illustrious past - in the past he'd been barred entrance into the United States for alleged terrorist activities.

In 2010, the then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, signed a document lifting the ban.

PROF MANDLA MAKHANYA: UNISA Prof Mandla Makhanya took on the position of Principal and Vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa in January, 2011.

With an unrelenting belief that leadership and love are inseparable, he is described as a people’s person. According to the UKZN website, Prof Makhanya is a sociologist by training and practice, and has been dedicated to the practice of servant leadership. He previously occupied the position of Pro Vicechancellor of UNISA and because of his impeccable leadership abilities; it came as no surprise when he was promoted to his current position.

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“THOSE MYSTERIOUS I N D I V I D U A L S Y O U O N LY S E E I N YO U R F I R ST Y E A R O F V A R S I T Y.” PROF MALEGAPURU MAKGOBA: UKZN Prof Makgoba is an internationally recognised molecular immunologist, public health advocate and physician. He was appointed vice-chancellor of UKZN in 2002, and became the very first black vice-chancellor of the institution. He has served as President of the Medical Research Council of South Africa and in the leadership of the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Principal of the institution that gave SA its youngest doctor, Prof Makgoba is a recipient of the Caring Physicians in the World award, awarded by the World Medical Association.

PROF IHRON LESTER RENSBURG: UJ Like Prof Habib, Prof Rensburg also played a crucial role in UJ’s formidable merger in 2005. According to the university’s website, he is widely known for his policy, strategy, leadership and managerial skills, ably demonstrated during his stewardship of South Africa’s post-apartheid education policy, legislation and programmes. He has served as Deputy Director General of SA’s Department of Education, and holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in International Development Education from Stanford University. He also served as chairman of the Southern Africa Broadcasters Association, and - as if that wasn’t enough - founded the African Broadcasting Union.

DR PRINS NEVHUTALU: CPUT Dr Nevhutalu was appointed as CPUT’s vicechancellor in 2013, but has pointed out that he has “travelled a journey of a thousand campuses” to get to where he is. He served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for research, innovation and partnerships at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2006, and briefly as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for teaching and learning at UKZN in 2013. Dr Nevhutalu holds a PhD in Biological Sciences obtained at the Northern Illinois University in the US. BY: Sumeshnee Reddy IMBO/ ISSUE 29/ '14

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CAREERS

SE POWE R O R The love for horses can H transcend into a career that is rewarding all on its own.

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H

orses are undoubtedly one of humanity’s most cherished creatures. For millennia, they have provided a reliable form of transportation, entertainment - and even companionship during times of battle. Whatever purpose you might intend to use them for today, every horse needs to be trained and domesticated - and it is the horse trainer who knows how to do this best.

GETTING A HORSE READY Horse trainers are people who train horses for races, rides, shows or work. Training involves helping them exercise, feeding them and talking to them in an effort to get them used to human contact. Horse trainers get horses welladapted to wearing saddles and bridles and also work with horses to correct behavioural problems or issues related to abuse or other trauma.

In horse racing, a trainer prepares the horse for races with the through regular and vigorous exercise, determining which races it is most suitable for, and preparing it for races. Leading horse trainers can earn a great deal of money from a percentage of the winnings that they charge the owner for training their horse.

Outside horse racing, most trainers specialise in a certain equestrianism skills such as show jumping, reining, rodeo and other sport horse disciplines. There is a wide variety of horse training methods that are used to train horses, and some fields can be very lucrative - but this usually depends on the value of the horses once they are trained.

Another determining factor where earnings are concerned, is the prize money that is made available through competitions. As a rule though, most horse trainers earn a modest income which often requires supplementation from a second job, or additional horse-related business such as horse boarding or riding lessons.

SIGN ME UP! Requirements for horse trainers are that the individual should have some experience working in stables or as horse groomers and proficient riding abilities. Knowledge of horse husbandry is often mandatory, and some horse training positions even have weight requirements.

Most horse trainers start out as horse trainer apprentices where they perform stable chores, exercise horses, feed and groom them and any other duties their mentors ask. Completing an equine studies program, which is offered by some colleges, is another way horse trainers learn the required skills. Courses may include horsemanship, equine anatomy and physiology, facility management, equine behaviour, animal ethics and welfare, equine nutrition and equine diseases. The Equestrian Academy of Cape Town (EACT) offers Equestrian Career Courses privately and also doubles as a high school for those who want to start planting seeds for their future.

To become a horse trainer, you should have at least six years’ experience working with horses, and if you wish to train horses to compete at race meetings; you need to be licensed by the relevant equestrian body and in this case that would be the South African Equestrian Federation. There are no specific secondary education requirements for horse trainers however; three years of secondary education can be useful.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE EXPERT Sean Tarry has risen rapidly to the high ranks of South African thoroughbred race horse trainers in recent years. He has saddled multiple Grade 1 winners including Pomodora (2012 Vodacom Durban July) and firmly believes in top-class service and advice to his patrons.

Drop him a mail seantarry@mweb.co.za BY: Precious Simpasa

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the Hashemite Kingdom of j o r da n A nation of all kinds of abundance and filled with warm and welcoming locals, this country has taken it’s name - which means “to flow down” - a little too literally!

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ordan - a country quite interestingly sandwiched between Israel and Saudi Arabia - emerged from WWI after a tug-of-war over West Asia between Britain and France. It became an independent sovereign state in 1946 to be later known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan in 1948, with King Abdulla holding executive and legislative power through a constitutional monarchy in 1999. Its population of 6.5 million has the highest proportion of skilled workers with only 13% living under the poverty line.

Islamic in culture and regarded an upper middle income economy whose main industries are clothing, phosphate mining, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, inorganic chemicals and vegetables among others, Jordan owes its stable economy to the country’s developed banking sector that attracts investors worldwide. As a result, it enjoys an impressive annual economic growth rate of 7%. With its cities ranking 35th in the world’s best infrastructure, Jordan is the most globalised nation in the Middle East, but is also the most expensive to live in.

The nation owes this development to the privatisation of previously state owned industries and the liberalisation of its economies.

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ABODE OF THE WEALTHY Purported to be the ancient home of Kings dating back to biblical times, the ruins of Roman cities and sites that bear historical accounts of Jesus Christ, Herod, John the Baptists and Moses are among the most salient spiritual attractions for travellers. Not solely dependent on these lost cities to entice and captivate, Jordan boasts modern and culturally diverse cities, along with endless deserts that stretch seemingly endlessly onto the nation’s gulf and the famous Dead Sea - 400m below sea level. Home to salts and still waters used in the production of world-renowned oils and skin products, Jordan is truly a magical nation of abundance.

FANCY A HOLIDAY? Considered to be one of the top ten safest countries world-wide, visitors are nonetheless urged to keep away from the Syrian border, to avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations to ensure a trouble-free visit.

Jordanians are quite a welcoming people that are more likely to care for than avoid their visitors. They respond warmly to a wellintended greeting, extending a hand shake, a kiss on the cheek or even an intimate conversation that allows for the exchange of photographs of family, friends and so forth.

So don’t worry, probe further, and who knows?

You might score yourself an invitation for a cup of coffee, tea, or even dinner. However, a little coyness won’t hurt - refuse offers at least three times before you accept.

Jordanians are a people that take pride in their hospitality and warmth and so, expect to be fed more than you can handle. When sharing a cup of coffee or tea with them, be sure to tilt the cup sideways once you have had enough, otherwise, you will find yourself drinking till you drop.

HOW TO SPEND THAT JORDANIAN DINAR The stupendously scenic Wadi Rum valley, Madaba shopping sprees, the Red Sea and the Red Desert are amongst the numerous attractions drawing tourists to Jordan.

At a rate of R15.11 for one Jordanian Dinar, recommend activities include taking a ride on the Arabian horses, mountain hiking or simply going for a scuba dive at Aqaba Living Waters.

A delightful alternative would be to simply enjoy a lazy day filled with therapy at the still waters of the Dead Sea. BY: Thantaswa Matshobongwana

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FASHION

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H OT L I ST

Check Wool Poncho Woolworths R999

Bluem Double collar shirt Zando R219

Leopard trim beige gloves Funky Fish R179

Washed Midnight Jeans Woolworths R649

HOT FA S H I O N LIST

CM Paris Ankle Boots Zando R549

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Metallic chrono watch Woolworths R499

Luciano Rossi leather boots Luciano Rossi R419

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Hudson Dandy straight leg jean Zando R2 599

In Greek Mythology, NYX (niks) is the GODDESS OF THE NIGHT – 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 – from natural to dramatic – 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

FAU X C OAT CHIC!

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s the last remnants of winter cling on for dear life, do not be fooled into thinking it’s time to pack up the winter gear just yet. Those potentially deadly winter chills are still a serious threat.

My co-ord’s choice for this month has to be the Faux Coat. This chic fashion item is not only a fashion must but it is warm, stylish and pairs well with almost anything in ones closet. From a sexy pair of torn jeans to a pencil skirt or leggings, this fashion pick is a nice way to finish off any outfit. The versatility of a faux coat means you can get one with or without sleeves and in the many different colours it comes in. Whether in bright colours such as pink, green or purple or the darker shades such as grey or black, faux coats are an essential item for all closets that add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Rock it with a pair of All Stars, knee high boots or a sexy pair of heels and you are good and ready to hit the streets! So who says you can’t look fabulous in winter? Keep Warm.

BY: Beekay Dlamini

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Push the boundaries, tastefully.

Be daring and allow your wardrobe to assert your persona.

Be distinct and precise; when constructing your looks. Let your fashion exemplify your spirit.

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Opposite Page. Emma - Long Dress

: Metropolis ; Shoes : Vintage and

the city Andi - Vintage Cape : Wen dy’s ; Oversized blouse : Metropolis ; Sho es : Model

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Opposite Page. Jacel- Sh irt - Markham, Denim Pants Markham, Boots - Model, Suspenders - Wendy’s Marlon - Jersey - Markham , Shirt - House of Monatic, Pants - House of Monatic, Shoes - Stylist

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Silvia - Headpiece : Swagger Diariez ; Blazer : Metropolis; Vintage dress: Wendy’s; Vintage blouse : Wendy’s ; Belt : Wendy’s ; Gloves : Wendy’s ; Shoes : Model Jacel: Coat - House of Monatic , Shades - Stylist , Dress shirt - Swagg er Diariez , Pants- Swagger Diariez , Shoe - Stylist

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Opposite Page. Emma- NY dress: Metropolis ; Boots : Model

Cecilia - Gold Pants - Sihle ; Silver Blazer : Sihle ; blouse : Wendy’s

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Opposite Page. Andi - Gold Head piece : Swagger Diariez ; Gold Suit : Sihle Silvia - Shades : Stylist ;

Blazer : Swagger Diariez ; Dress: Metropolis ; Shoes : model

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Jacel: Blazer: House of Monatic, Shirt - house of Monatic, Pants - Markham, Shoes - Stylist, Tie - Swagger Diariez Marlon: Polo neck - Markham, Blazer - Markham, Pants - Markham, Boots - Model.

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Cecilia Bla Piece : V ck Long Coat : Sw inta agger Dia rie : Metropo ge and the city ; Shoes : V z ; Dress: Metrop lis ; Reco o rd Head piece : S intage and the city lis; Head wagger D E m ma - Dre iariez ; Sh ss oes : Mo del

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

A TOUCH OF SOMETHING C R E AT I V E !

Boundary pushing creativity is what the fashion industry is known for, but these innovative brands are taking it to a whole other level.

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he fashion industry feeds off of innovation. In a nutshell, it is an industry that’s constantly competing with itself to take both it, and the rest of society to the next level in terms of aesthetic and design. With the scientific discoveries and technological strides companies have made in recent years, the doors to a new world of endless opportunities have been thrust open, and designers in various departments and markets are starting to design and execute their visions using a vast array of interesting and sustainable materials.

INNOVATION IS THE WORD Ever since American politician Al Gore brought the inconvenient truth of the state of our planet to our attention, environmental sustainability has slowly taken the forefront in popular culture. In recent years, sustainability has become a IMBO/ ISSUE 29/ '14

priority in the fashion industry. This could be seen as a way for the industry to seek salvation for its previous crimes against the environment, like animal exploitation to make fur coats, or the multiple sweatshop scandals and the excessive amount of pollution from the production of textile.

Designers are getting really creative with recyclable materials, with an increasing usage of sustainable production methods.

South African designers have no intention of falling behind this time. Even though it isn’t as commercial yet, local fashion creative’s are flexing their creative muscles, and are venturing into the world of innovative design, most of which has a largely focusses on environmental sustainability. The following designers have found innovative ways to make your closet more fashionable while minimising its carbon footprint:

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EARTH CHILD Earth Child was created to meet the demand for an environmentally responsible range of fresh and stylish kids’ clothing in South Africa. All merchandise is made from natural materials and designs.

E’YAKO GREEN E'Yako Green is a company that sources, manufactures and supplies environmentally friendly corporate gifts and clothing. Their focus is on locally manufactured quality products that are recyclable and reusable, and enable companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Using South African waste material such as polypropylene grain bags; PVC billboards; banners and even paper and plastic, E’Yako Green makes trendy sling, document and laptop bags etc. The bags are available in a wide variety of inventive patterns and colours, that can be paired with a wide selection of outfits.

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VERNAC Vernac is a local brand that “aims to celebrate Africans in the Diaspora as well as the rags to riches of the previously disadvantaged.” Using the same material characteristic of the infamous “mashangaan bag” used by many Africans carrying large loads across borders, the brand has fashionably transformed this plain-old carry bag into chic “Jimmy Comes to Jo’ burg” backpacks, sweaters and laptop bags that a lined with a leopard print interior and leather straps. Vernac − thus named to signify the vast number of indigenous languages spoken by the disadvantaged from all over the world− has definitely given an old African classic a fresh and innovative spin.

ILUNDI Illundi is a South African brand that is undoubtedly head and shoulders above the rest in the handbag and clutch industry. Specialising in handbags, sling bags, clutches and accessories; the brand uses the finest full grain vegetable tanned cowhide sourced from tanneries within South Africa. This form of tanning allows the “leather to continue to absorb water and oils throughout its lifetime, developing a rich dark patina with use.” While ordinary bags age and lose their flair with time and use, Ilundi bags− like a fine wine− improve with age and over time, leave you with a personalized genuine leather accessory. Maybe it’s the fact that all the bags are hand sewn and every hole and pattern hand crafted, or perhaps the fact that they used waxed thread which ensures extra durability, Ilundi is a one of a kind brand attaining a reputation that many other brands can only dream of.

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QUAZI DESIGNS For most of us, an old magazine − especially those ridiculously thick fashion one’s − make for fantastic coasters and sometimes even door stoppers.

Quazi Designs is an avant-garde craft company that is turning these 120 plus pages of out-dated fashion spreads into stylish and fashionable accessories. I kid you not, this team of creatives is creating amazing pieces incorporating varied aesthetics from African to high fashion editorials. Using innovative and interesting techniques, they work day and night to develop, discover and create beautiful new textures and materials.

BROTHER VELLIES Brother Vellies was founded by Aurora James with the goal of introducing the rest of the world to her favourite traditional African footwear. Their products are handmade in South Africa, Kenya and Namibia. Brother Vellies creates boots, shoes and sandals in styles that they believe maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts using recycled car tires on many of their sandals.

If these brands are any indication, there is still a lot of innovation that can be expected from the fashion industry. Locally, the innovation bug is spreading, and all we can hope for is even more amazing designs from our fellow South Africans. Learn more about these brands’ innovative designs by visiting their websites. www.earthchild.co.za / www.eyakogreen.co.za / www.vernac.co.za / www.ilundi.co.za / www.brothervellies.com

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PSST!

LO K I OV E R H E R E !

A fresh streetwear brand with a twist, LOKI is bringing individuality back to the local streetwear market.

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t’s hard to pin point when the first bona fide streetwear brand popped up. For the longest time, most of us had to make do with what the big retailers and designers offered, when all we wanted was fashion that was an appealling cross between practical, European fashion trends and the Tumblr “cool kid” hippie look. Whatever the case, it’s safe to say that streetwear brands started to gain popularity in a time when people were just looking for funky, youthful, unique, comfortable and versatile clothing.

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Since then, streetwear brands have spread like wild fire, particularly in the South African fashion industry. Their biggest selling point has been the fact that they appeal to and reflect the style, of on-trend young professionals. Like anything cool that has ever been created, streetwear brands have caught on a little too well − you literally find them everywhere. This has inevitably made it a struggle to find labels a distinvtive edge that sets it apart from the rest; one that takes streetwear to the next level, without having to rely too heavily on hype to make it stand out.

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“ T H I S B R A N D S E T O U T TO P R O M OT E I N D I V I D UA L I T Y IN THE LOCAL STREETWEAR MARKET” IN COMES LOKI CLOTHING. LOKI is a local streetwear brand straight out of Cape Town which was founded in 2012. Robin Beckett, Cheslyn Paulse and Elton Dick are a trio of long-time friends who, after seeing a gap in the SA streetwear market, decided to start LOKI. With a lot of dedication, hard work, perseverance and patience, they have managed to make it this far. They all have their respective day jobs to keep the lights on, but that doesn’t mean they do not work insanely hard to grow and make their brand a success with a lot of self-motivation and mutual support.

This brand set out to promote individuality in the local streetwear market and this is highly appreciated since, like previously mentioned, everyone’s starting to get lost in the clutter of brands just trying to make sales. Their hope is that this message and emphasis on individuality gets translated into everything they do and is appreciated by everyone that crosses their path.

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LOKI FOR WHO? LOKI’s customer base is largely made up of − but not limited to − males between the ages of 16 and 30. The clientele is very diverse, ranging from college students to corporate executives and professionals.

The unique style and wide variety of the line draws people from all walks of life.

Their product line features T- shirts, crew necks, shirts and shorts.

LOKI ensures that their designs are in line with the latest trends that appeal to their target market but with their own twist.

Almost every other brand competing in the same market produces their pieces in bulk which in-turn, floods the commercial market, thus minimizing the opportunity for any consumer to even be the slightest bit different from those around them.

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“ T H I S B A S I C A L LY M E A N S T H AT T H E R E A R E O N LY 4 OF EACH GARMENT IN E A C H S I Z E .”

WHY LOKI? What sets LOKI apart from other brands is their insistence on individuality; they try to ensure that their line won’t leave their consumer blending into the background when they wear it. To do this, they not only make sure that they only produce high quality garments at all times, but also ensure that they do not create more that 4 garments that are 100% identical. This is to further ensure that their followers can express their individuality within their brand.

Finally! A solution to the ever so annoying and way too common “we showed up at the party in the exact same outfit” conundrum.

The trio are currently working on producing new pieces for their winter collection, including some hoodie looks set to roll out early August. They have also expressed interest in creating a women’s wear line in the future. See more of their apparel at lokiclothing.co.za.

To get your hands on their gear, they are available on the ZAXL online store and their items are priced from R190 to R400 with delivery across all South African cities.

BY: Felicia Mosiane

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ENTERTAINMENT

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T H E G A L L E RY

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INDULGENCE

126 F E AT U R E

128 REVIEWS

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THE GALLERY

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MAX MOGALE

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aving just returned from an exploratory trip of India in an effort to tantalise and reinvigorate his creative palate, Max has once again flexed his creative muscle as he immortalises the beauty and nuances of the spiritual land. Inspired by “‘brain food’; The ellipsis of life; The unknown”, he feeds his enduring creative curiosity, captures what he likes and that is enough for him.

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INDULGENCE

CAPSCIUM R E S TAU R A N T DURBAN’S BIG TASTY Fight off the winter chills with scrumptious curries from the Capsicum Restaurant at the Britannia.

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nown for its warm, comforting ambience; and for serving the best curry in Durban, the Capsicum Restaurant − part of the Britannia Hotel − has seen their business grow remarkably over the last decade.

Every day during the lunch hour rush, the Capsicum Restaurant has its hands full as the Britannia Hotel parking lot reaches full capacity. Diners line up to get into the restaurant and get a taste of its delectable and famous curries and bunny chows. Locals, businessman, and even international diners, traveling from countries such as India, Canada, London and Australia, support the Capsicum. In addition, the restaurant has not only managed to tantalise the taste buds of food critics and amateurs alike, but it has also managed to attract the attention of the media, which has seen it receiving favourable reviews in several publications and television shows.

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However, this phenomenal restaurant was no overnight success. Its history dates back to the 19th century, and evidence of this lies in the design of the hotel. This hotel and restaurant prides itself in its rich fusion of its old and new character, captured in its magnificent architecture.

LOOK AND FEEL The Capsicum has been recognised for its radiating history and warm space, manifested in its eccentric look. As soon as one steps into the restaurant, the charming and titanicesque chandeliers− that hover elegantly over the tables− become apparent. The neutral coloured décor effortlessly matches the walls with the tables, creating a palatable warmth that envelopes the room. The tables themselves stand spaciously across the room to ensure free movement from one to the next, yet remain close enough to ensure a familiar cosiness.

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“ D I N E R S L I N E U P TO G E T I N T O T H E R E S TA U R A N T … ”

The restaurant has comfortable seating with tiny candles to add the extra mellow light and the walls are lined with framed abstract art pieces that play well with the neutral colours.

Also, one will find several other curries just as amazing. With the chicken, tribe, beans and trotter curry also on sale, one can expect the same level of goodness all around.

FOOD Many have marvelled at the spicy and tasteful magic of the Capsicum restaurant’s dishes. The restaurant is not only popular for its curries but for its scrumptious bunny chows too, which have been on the menu for over thirty years, with a thousand sold every week.

BEST FOR This venue is great for those Durban vacations where you feel like a hearty lunch or dinner with friends.

The restaurant has the capacity to house large groups, which is great for their occasional buffets.

As you can imagine, the food at the Capsicum is at great demand, and therefore the speed of their service does not match well with diners who are starving or in a hurry, but the wait always proves worthwhile.

The most popular item on the menu is the mutton curry which is credited to the genius and magic touch of the chef, special cut meat and homemade masala spice.

The succulent mutton curry is made up of several ingredients; namely masala, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks.

There is no doubt that the reason why the Capsicum is held with such high regard is due to its amazing food and it is definitely a justifiable reason.

BY: Anthea Adams

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INDULGENCE

SCOTCH WHISKEY E XC E L L E N C E

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Leading single malt Scotch whisky unveils prestigious new 26 Year Old expression.

ot a drink for the faint hearted, Scotch Whiskey has always had an air of class and sophistication attached to it.

The most indulgent of all liquid courage, Glenfiddich is set to release a Whiskey that looks to bring tears to any connoisseur’s eyes. Matured exclusively in American Oak Bourbon casks for a minimum of 26 years, the World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch whisky Glenfiddich, releases its latest expression, Excellence 26 Year Old. The release marks a distinguished addition to the family run distiller’s collection of rare and prestigious whiskies.

Glenfiddich, The Balvenie range of handcrafted single malts and Grant’s as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry, Milagro Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey.

AGE OLD FAMILY DISTILLING William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded

by William Grant in 1886. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky. These include some of the world’s favourite single malts, namely

The Excellence 26 is distilled in oak casks previously used to mature American whiskies and specially imported to the Dufftown distillery; thus imparting a unique and distinct flavour.

SINGLE MALT EXCELLENCE The Glenfiddich Excellence 26 Year Old has a rich golden colour that will titillate the senses with soft and delicate notes and a beautiful floral character. Hints of spring blossom, violets, sweet peas and a subtle green leafiness can be expected even before the masterpiece touches the palate.

With a vibrant flavour and a compelling balance of dry tannin and soft brown sugar vanilla sweetness, the deep oak flavour with hints of spice and liquorice

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“EXCELLENCE 26 YEAR OLD HAS A RICH GOLDEN C O L O U R T H AT W I L L T I T I L L AT E THE SENSES WITH SOFT A N D D E L I C AT E N O T E S AND A BEAUTIFUL FLORAL C H A R A C T E R .”

gradually builds and ends off with a deep and complex finish.

THE PROCESS This whiskey is the first single malt from the Speyside distiller to use Bourbon casks throughout the entire maturation process.

Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman commented: “By maturing this expression exclusively in Bourbon casks we’ve created a beautifully intense flavour, reflective of the relentless passion we have for producing incredible single malts.

With notes of lush vanilla, light oak and spice our 26 Year Old, while a new expression, remains true to Glenfiddich’s heritage of producing fruity, floral and deeply flavoured whiskies. We believe it to be one of our most desirable expressions yet, making ‘Excellence’ a truly appropriate name.”

Presented in an elegant glass bottle with delicate gold lettering, Excellence 26 is finished with an oak stopper reminiscent of the Bourbon casks in which it matures.

Packaged in an opulent purple presentation box, with an intricate embossed design inspired by the patterns made on wood cuts from the American Deep South.

This special whiskey will be a prestigious addition to the collections of single malt aficionados everywhere.

Available from October 2014, in luxury whisky retail outlets and premium establishments, Glenfiddich Excellence 26 Year Old has a recommended retail price of R3499, 00.

BY: Emma van Braningen

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F E AT U R E

FUTURE SOUNDS OF MZANSI Capturing the making of a new, “futuristic” genre, Future Sounds of Mzansi is an astute cultural exploration into the past, present and future of the South African music scene.

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outh Africa has a rich and diverse cultural tapestry that has played a major role in the music industry for years. We are a people that turn to song in times of despair, sorrow, joy, hardship and about every other time we need to express ourselves. We attained international acclaim during the apartheid era when musicians such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela were in exile and told the stories of their oppressed brothers and sisters back home.

The road to democracy produced a new breed of musicians who were influenced by American hip hop, house, funk and R’nb. Pioneers of the soundtracks that flowed through South Africa include Arthur Mafukathe, Boom Shaka, Brends Fassie and many more.

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THE BEAT IS ALL WE KNOW The social climate in South Africa is constantly evolving and now we see genres such as kwaito, house and hip hop being fused to create a postapartheid sound that is indigenous and futuristic. As an avid ‘groover’ and one who loves good music, I’ve always been into underground music such as deep house, afro soul, hip hop, jazz and more recently post-dubstep and some other fusions that I am yet to name. Many of my peers can’t relate so I’ve sometimes had to be in compromised party situations.

According to my party standards, I’ve had to jam to mainstream, which isn’t always bad but not my number one preference.

I was pleasantly surprised one night last year when I found myself in front of the RedBull stage, at Oppokoppi dancing my heels off to one of my all-time favourite DJs. This is after dancing to some other DJ who played music that I related to, but could not name. That was when I first got exposed to the ‘future sound of Mzansi’.

Future Sounds of Mzansi is a documentary that bids an astute cultural exploration into the past, present and future of the South African music scene and its multiple sub-genres.

Spoek Mathambo, a “futuristic sounder” from Mzansi, experiments with his music and is passionate about the direction the industry is going to take. He explains that although we are still a country drenched in poverty, crime, and injustice, we still party like our lives depend on it. “From the sounds of deep house to glitch hop, kwaito - house, township tech, sghubu sapitori; durban qhum, daintily melodic electronica to dubstep, super-fast khawuleza and shangaan electro, the groove is thick and infectious”.

“THE GROOVE IS THICK AND I N F E C T I O U S .”

IT’S A CRAZY MASH-UP! Spoek is excited about SA’s current musical environment, and that’s why along with Lebogang Rasethaba, they shot a documentary that sought to

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explore, express and interrogate South Africa’s cultural landscape. Twenty years into its democracy, their collaboration embraces electronic music genre and is a nod to its emergence and significance as a staple of Mzansi popular culture.

“Yes, electronic is booming and the nation is marching to its own beat” says Spoek.

Spoek is a vanguard of a new wave of African artists with a fresh take on Afrofuturism. His distinct vision of electronic music is exposed on Future Sounds of Mzansi. Future Sounds is a compilation defined by an ‘urban’ mixture of international sounds – hip hop, electro, dubstep – with home grown South African house music influences. Artists such as, Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Christian Tiger School, BIG FKN GUN, Julian Gomes, DJ Spoko, Ruffest, DJ Mujava, Nozinja, Okmalumkoolkat, Zaki Ibrahim, John Wizards, Jumping Back Slash, Mash.O, JakobSnake, Richard The Third (aka Maramza) and so many others are featured in the documentary.

SLIP ON YOUR DANCING SHOES It’s now more exciting than ever to be a part of the change, that is shaping the music industry into many unimaginable forms. Our forefathers were fearlessly and proudly South African, pompously party rocking; proudly futuristic and intercontinental stake raisers. The future looks awesome, blindingly beautiful and is bursting at the seams with youth energy and talent that you and I are a part of.

“YES, ELECTRONIC IS BOOMING AND T H E N AT I O N I S M A R C H I N G TO I TS O W N B E AT.”

Future Sounds of Mzansi premiered at The Durban International Film Festival in July. Cape Town and Johannesburg will follow at the beginning of August.

Here’s to many more amazing artists working to give our restless feet home grown tunes.

By: Sinalo Mkhaza

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BOOKS THE QUIET VIOLENCE OF DREAMS - SELLO K. DUIKER

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he second offering from the late Sello Duiker, The Quiet Violence Of Dreams is set in Cape Town's cosmopolitan neighbourhoods such as the Observatory, Mowbray and Sea Point; where subcultures exist and alternative lifestyles are mostly tolerated.

while sharing an apartment with an exconvict. It’s not long until he loses his waitering job, and is forced to find work at a male massage parlour under the pseudonym Angelo. It is here that the novel begins exploring Tshepo’s coming of age regarding his sexuality, as well as the need for one to find a place in the world.

The story follows protagonist, Tshepo, who is a student at Rhodes University.

He is admitted to a Cape Town mental institution after having an episode of 'cannabis-induced psychosis', and after an attempted escape, is returned to the hospital to complete his rehabilitation .

Following his release, he is forced to stop studying and starts working as a waiter

The novel challenges ingrained myths about masculinity, black male sexuality, urbanised Africans and also offers a riveting exploration of the impact of dysfunctional personal histories. Thsepo’s struggle opened up many questions within me and the story can be purchased at any exclusive books for R 272.00.

BY Precious Simpasa

A M E R I C A NA H C H I M A M A N DA NGOZI ADICHIE

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irmly establishing her place as our generation’s most brilliant and prolific writer, award winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie exceeded expectations with her third and most notable novel, Americanah.

The story follows Ifemelu and Obinze who are young and in love when they depart a military-ruled Nigeria for the West.

Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, is forced to come to terms with her black-ness in a world where she is the odd one out. Obinze had hoped to join her, but a post 9/11 America seemed closed to him so he instead plunges into a dangerous life in London.

They reunite fifteen years later in a newly IMBO/ ISSUE 29/ '14

democratic Nigeria where they reignite their passion for each other and for their homeland.

Americanah is a story of love and race and the difficult choices and challenges the lovebirds are faced with in the countries they come to call home. A well told story that takes place over the backdrop of Nigeria’s struggle for independence and a post 9/11 America and paints a picture of love, loneliness and finding one’s identity.

Chimamanda was awarded the Orange Prize for her second novel− Half Yellow Sun. She has also won the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2010 MacArthur “Genius” grant.

BY: Precious Simpasa

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ART

A N A RT S A N D C U LT U R E C L A S H !

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hether an aspiring poet or hip hop head, or perhaps you would like to see who took over the stage after the Lion King, the Jo’ burg Arts Alive International Festival is the place to be this September!

A 22 year old music, dance, theatre and visual arts celebration that has become the highlight of many calendars, the festival promises to turn Johannesburg into a vibrant and lively spectacle for over a week. The festival looks to bring entertainment and an exchange of cultures through artist and audience interaction while exposing hidden talent and tantalising lovers with creative art forms from local and international artists.

JO’ BURG− AN ART CITY It all began in 1992 when Arts Alive identified a need for the recognition and appreciation of the arts and culture. It has since employed concepts that have seen scattered art communities come together under one umbrella to share skills through exhibition and performance.

31 August - 10 September 2014 will mark the 22nd anniversary of the festival while proudly celebrating an attraction of over 20 000 fans and the success of events such as Jazz on the Lake, The Newtown Music Festival and Mother of All Eating.

BRINGING THE ARTS TO THE PEOPLE Streets and parks will be a buzz of social, economic and cultural diversity offering dance with the Stepping Stones, a visit to the world of puppetry by Ouanzhou or a day at the FNB Jo’ burg Art Fair for an experience of some of the world’s best fine & visual arts.

An entertainment extravaganza of over 36 events featuring more than 16 international artists and over 20 local artists, this festival redefines and redecorates the city of Johannesburg, contributing to the appreciation of local and international creativity and talent. A vision that has come to life thanks to the 21 years of quality platform and display, Jo’ burg is now a cultural capital with a proven ability to host world class events.

A GIFT FOR THE PEOPLE Be a part of the city as the Johannesburg arts and culture scene grows into an internationally acclaimed society that will draw an audience from all walks of life with a conversation and celebration of artistic expression and heritage. Come accept your gift from the artists, actors, directors and musicians and enjoy poetry, dance and music at the Bassline, Shikisha, Sophiatown and Market Theatre. Or simply bring your picnic basket, your family and pet for a chill at the park with Jo’burg Arts Alive.

BY: Koos Pad

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MUSIC CHRISTIAN TIGER SCHOOL – C H RO M E TA P E S

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ape Town based production duo, Christian Tiger School have hit back with their sophomore album, Chrome Tapes. Continuously developing their own brand of “dream-hop chillwave psychedelia”, the duo has once again got hipsters all around the world jamming to their richly unique sound.

The duo, comprised of Luc Veermeer and Sebastian (Seb) Zanasi, has been satisfying hipsters’ creative and musical desires for quite some time. Their hard-hitting freshman album - The Third Floor was released in 2012 and received unimaginable love from deep underground music lovers.

I must admit, I didn’t know about the duo until a few months ago and since giving their creations a listen, have since been flipping internet archives for anything and everything they’ve worked on.

Chrome Tapes - the first release of a four-part music series - was released in February at the Assembly in Cape Town in cassette tape format. Proper old school! The event line-up featured the likes of Damascvs, DJ Zharp Zharp, THIBO TAZZ and Fever Trails to name a few. Johannesburg also got a taste of the good stuff, when the duo made its way up to Kitchener’s in Braamfontein, with supporting acts from electronic music legends Jab-a-Jaw and Felix Laband.

Keeping true to their plan, Chrome Tapes will only be available online after their four part music series is complete and released. When exactly is still uncertain. ‘Blogosphere Mayan’s’ are predicting a nine month wait, but I can neither confirm nor deny. In the meantime, get yourself a cassette tape copy of Chrome Tapes for just R100.

BY: Bongani Mawonga

ILL SKILLZ – N OT E S F RO M T H E NAT I V E YA R D S

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ote from the Native Yards: Press Play.

The first thing you’ll hear: “ILL SKILLZ IS BACK!” and this is indeed the case. Back with their second album, ‘Notes from the Native Yards’, Ill Skills has finally put an end to the five year wait. Released in November 2013, the 18 track masterpiece takes you on a nostalgic journey the duo has been through since their inception in 2005. The album samples amazing beats from the 90’s and early 2000’s, that the crazy hip hop head will appreciate. Tracks such as “To the Beat Ya’all” and “Yesterday” have been causing excitement amongst hip hop connoisseurs.

Born and bred in Gugulethu, Uno and Jimmy Flexx’s rap lines carry fluent rhymes that will have you thinking. Uno identifies himself as more of a Jazz musician, whereas Jimmy Flexx carries intense IMBO/ ISSUE 29/ '14

and powerful vocals. Their debut album, ‘Off the Radar’, was released in 2007.

It was only when major TV stations such as MTV Base and Channel O picked up their music that the masses took notice.

Since then, the duo have worked with major artist and performed at major music events such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Their antimainstream approach has led to their having a strong under-ground following in the South African hip-hop scene. It is for the very same reason that they have amassed such a loyal and growing fan base that is enticed by thoughtful and conscious musical content.

BY: Bongani Mawonga

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SCREEN BETWEEN FRIENDS (ITHALA)

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etween friends (Ithala) is a stylish South African romantic comedy, presented in isiZulu and English. The film follows the lives of five college friends, who reunite seven years after their college graduation, at a remote South African game lodge.

The captivating film premiered at the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), and features a vast and remarkably talented South African cast from the likes of Siyabonga Twala, Thapelo Mokoena, and Mandisa Nduna to Morne Du toit, Lihle Dhlomo, Dumisani Mbebe and Amanda Du Pont.

Winston (Dumisani Mbebe) books rooms for everyone at an upmarket game lodge, owned by his

father. Keen on bringing old friends from university together for a reunion, he soon learns that it won’t be all fun and games. The film is packed with drama. The friends share old and dirty secrets which resurface, inevitably bringing feelings of anger and resentment within the group. The plot also explores issues of traditional versus modern South African values.

A story of love, lust, friendship, betrayal and heartache - Between Friends brings to life the effects of time and festering secrets. The film is set to be released this year on the 15th August. This film was created for you.

BY: Bongani Mawonga

CHRISTIAN T – t IhGeE R f oSrCgHoOtOtLe n C Hk R iOnMgEd T oAmP E S

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he Forgotten Kingdom is a South African independent feature film, that is co-written, produced and directed by Andrew Mudge. The film was shot in parts of Lesotho and Hillbrow, and is the first award-winning Sesotho feature film. With a star-studded cast, the movie features Lillian Dube, Nozipho Nkelembe, Jerry Mofokeng Moshoeshoe Chabeli, Jerry Phele and Zenzo Ngqobe.

The Forgotten Kingdom is about a ‘father and son relationship’, only this time the father is deceased.

The film tells a story of an estranged Atang Mokoenye (Zenzo Ngqobe), who is also deeply angered and comes to the big city with his father following news of his mother’s death. The young man is poisoned

by lot of bitterness regarding his relationship with his late father; believing that he brought him to the ‘big city’ only to abandon him.

Orphaned and alone, Atang is left to defend himself from the gruesome mayhems of the street life of Jozi. Still young and unforgiving, Atang is left with no choice but to leave the slums of Johannesburg and embark on a journey back to his native land, Lesotho, to bury his father.

The Forgotten Kingdom is a gripping coming of age film that explores themes of resilience, loss and finding one’s identity.

BY: Bongani Mawonga

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NITE ZONE

CHEZ NTEMBA: Future M s w e n ko

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he 25th of July saw saw a smattering of new school South African hip-hop heavies turn it up at one of Cape Town’s most reliable clubs, Chez Ntemba. Kid X, Riky Rick and Da Les raised the roof on an intelligent Blackberry activation.

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Work

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

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

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

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