March/April 2015

ISSUE 34 MARCH - APRIL

ISSUE 34

MARCH/APRIL

MENTAL MOMENTUM 1

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SELF

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Editors Letter

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N THE PAGES: You will find there is quite a tenacious undertone on letting our achievements do the talking, paired and amplified with the mental momentum needed in order to remain focused. On the inverse, our fierce key features discuss land, revolutionary leaders and the evaluation on how particular transactions are not beneficial for us. However in a progressive light, the change we long to see, is within our reach.

It doesn’t take much to make a difference, it simply requires our passion, time and a call to action! Please continue the journey with us‌exciting and innovative change awaits us. Because we love her and see the potential in her womb - we invest, upscale and continue to revive her. She is Africa, she is IMBO. Sisonke Lebohang Morake

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PUBLISHER Gugu Madlala EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Lebohang Morake EDITORIAL SUPPORT Raisa Fisher, Nobusi Maqubela, Karabo Motsoai LAYOUT Caitlin White, Mfundo Mthiyane FASHION Nobusi Maqubela, Taariq Lenni Gasant, Dominique Billy MAKE UP AND STYLING Cway Maqubela PHOTOGRAPHY Taariq Lenni Gasant POST PRODUCTION Spencer Holmes CONTRIBUTORS: Dylan Berndt, Siphumele Mjamba, Kgosi Mongwadi, Ennovy Chauky, Paballo Seipei, Lerato Moleko, Koos Pad, Datje Van Reijendam, Vangi Gantsho, Salome Tsoka

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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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P O P C U LT U R E 9

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AFRICA CONNECT

MR Mugabe: Africa'S r e v o l u t i o n a ry BY: NOBUSI MAQUBELA

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AFRICA CONNECT

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lected into power in 1987 and credited with turning the then Rhodesia into what we now know as Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe will go down in history as one of the most controversial African Presidents of the 21st century. His palpable distaste for the west, the brutality faced by white farmers in enforcing his land-grab policies, and his extravagant lifestyle as leader of one of the poorest African countries, are only some of the reasons why.

Despite his widespread notoriety, the AU still elected Mugabe as their chair.

From his appointment, it follows that, although he is highly criticised by many, the liberation struggle veteran is still seen as a hero by many. For those of us who are made uncomfortable by this, it would serve us well to take a look at his appointment and policies against the mission and vision of the AU. According to their website, the AU's mandate includes ridding "the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonialism and apartheid.

“A LT H O U G H H E I S H I G H LY C R I T I C I S E D B Y M A N Y, T H E L I B E R AT I O N S T R U G G L E VETERAN IS STILL SEEN AS A HERO BY M A N Y.�

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“ I T I S A W O N D E R T H AT R O B E R T M U G A B E WA S N OT E L E CT E D A S A U C H A I R P E R S O N S O O N E R .”

In addition, it aims to promote unity and solidarity among African states.” In light of this, it is a wonder that Mugabe was not elected as AU chairperson sooner. There are few African leaders alive today who espouse Pan-Africanist ideals more passionately than he. The sad reality, however, is that the President has often pushed what could have been seen as sound views to the point of radical with his implementation.

has ruthlessly fought for the reversal of the effects of colonisation. More often than not, his extreme methods of land restitution reveal him to be as bad as those who oppressed his people in the first place. The sad thing, however, is that the intent of ensuring that Zimbabweans have ownership within their borders is as necessary as it should be in other African countries.

In his book, ‘Zimbabwe Takes Back In his long occupation of the seat Its Land’, Joseph Hanlon claims of Zimbabwean president, Mugabe that ‘6000 white farmers have

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AFRICA CONNECT

“A F R I C A N S W E R E F O R C I B LY REMOVED FROM THEIR LAND AND CURBING THE EFFECT O F T H I S O N G E N E R AT I O N S T O C O M E I S A N E C E S S A R Y E V I L .”

been replaced by 245 000 Zimbabwean farmers. These are primarily ordinary people who have become more productive farmers.’ Although these numbers may be inflated, the significance of this cannot be ignored. Zimbabweans, like other Africans were forcibly removed from their land and curbing the effect of this on generations to come is a necessary evil. A major discrepancy, being that even the white farmers who bought their land,

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fairly post – independence, suffered the same fate as those ancestors who acquired the land through forced removals. Such inconsistencies, coupled with the violent manner of Zanu PF, ensured that restitution takes place and does not provide a positive example for the rest of Africa to follow.

Although Mugabe is unable to make any drastic changes with his ceremonial role in the AU, African leaders can take this

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as an opportunity to learn something.

The need to make changes in the ownership of African countries by foreign entities should not be ignored.

Mugabe could use this lofty role as a means to alleviate his tarnished reputation by conducting himself appropriately - it would not serve us any good to completely alienate ourselves from the "Super Powers". It goes without saying that regardless of the outcome of his tenure, it will make for interesting television.

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EXPOSÉ

the land shall be shared among those w h o wo r k i t Sixty years after those words were drafted in The Freedom C h a r te r, S o u t h A f r i c a presents a homeless picture.

BY: SIPHUMELE MJAMBA

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he Native Land act of 1913 placed restrictions on black people acquiring land in the country and we cannot deny the fact that the legacy of that Act is still evident over a century later.

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EXPOSÉ

The initiatives that the present government has tried to implement have been moderately successful in addressing the contentious land ownership issue.

The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) housing initiative had barely delivered on many of its initial and ambitious promises. In his 2015 State of the Nation address (SONA) President Jacob Zuma proudly announced that just over 50 000 houses were delivered to eligible citizens in past year. This is hardly worth celebrating as an estimated 1.6 million households are still living in informal settlements in South Africa and this number continues to grow due to the fast rate of urbanisation in our cities. It is clearly evident that the demand for formal housing will always surpass what the government is able to supply at any given time.

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Another key point in his 2015 SONA was the big announcement that foreign nationals will no longer be able to own land in the country. The government will lease the land to foreign nationals on a long term basis instead of full ownership.

This was met with very mixed reactions as critics of the policy felt that this would deter potential foreign investment from the country. This is not a unique policy as several countries have restrictions on foreign land ownership and our government quite rightly feel that this is a step in the direction for encouraging local land ownership. However good the intentions of our government are, it must also be noted that placing restrictions on foreign ownership without additional subsidies - or allowances - for the local population is meaningless.

According to Statistics SA census data in 2011 there were 363000 black homeowners that were paying bonds on their properties as opposed to their 386000 white counterparts. While this number looks encouraging for the black middle class we need to remember that this is just a fraction of the black majority. This is a clear indication that class continues to be a factor in the inequalities that exist in land ownership. We cannot have a select few benefiting from the fruits of our democracy while being deluded with the ruse that our country has a good story to tell.

It is evident that a more accurate Land Audit needs to take place to give us a clearer idea of where the majority of the land is and how we equally divide it equally amongst the citizens of our country. Although we seem to have a long way to go, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It was very encouraging to hear in the 2015 Budget Speech that the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform will be implementing more effective ways in land acquisition and redistribution as this means that this will be a key focus in our government’s planning.

The truth of the matter is that ordinary South Africans of all races and classes need to have these crucial discussions. Foreign entities cannot be the majority holders in land, when so many of our own do not possess the land they were born in.

“ T H E T R U T H O F T H E M AT T E R I S T H AT ORDINARY SOUTH AFRICANS OF ALL RACES A N D C L A S S E S N E E D TO H AV E T H E S E D I S C U S S I O N S .”

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ALTERNATIVE THINKING

Is B-BBEE an i n s t ru m e n t O R A N O R NA M E N T ?

We analyze BEE and discuss its success within the business monopolies and structures. Is there real benefit in this system designed for black progression?

BY: KGOSI MONGWADI

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he early 2000's marked a watershed moment in South Africa’s neoliberal economy. A radical move was made by former President Thabo Mbeki’s administration to redress the historical imbalances created by the apartheid system.

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) - in response to the somewhat ineffective Narrow-Based BEE - was gradually introduced into the economy. Created with the sole purpose of opening up all sectors of the economy, particularly the highest echelons, B-BBEE was designed to empower all hostorically disadvantaged South Africans.

The act was seen as narrow and inefficient in its implementation, as it exposed itself to various forms of abuse, such as fronting, which is what happens when a whiteowned company claims to be blackowned in order to receive the economic incentives that come with the BEE policy.

In 2007, an amendment was made to the act, which saw it open up the racial definition of what constitutes black to all people of colour - Africans, coloureds and Asians while also introducing new codes aimed at tackling the issue of fronting. Yet these amendments have only highlighted the need to pluralise power and participation in the national economy, by highlighting the underlying social cleavages that keep the economic reigns in the hands of a small section of the South African population.

" C R E AT E D F O R THE REPUBLIC’S CONSTITUTION WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF OPENING UP ALL S E CTO R S O F T H E E C O N O M Y, PA R T I C U L A R LY THE HIGHEST ECHELONS, TO B L AC K S O U T H AFRICANS."

When questioned on the tangible progress that the amended BEE has achieved, minister in the Department of Trade and Industry Rob Davies, reported that B-BBEE has shown significant successes since its first inception. He however acknowledged that they still faced numerous problems, namely the verifying of company levels

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ALTERNATIVE THINKING

as well as the serious issue of fronting.

He announced in 2013 at a New Age business breakfast that a commissioner would be appointed to receive and seek out solutions for these complaints.

The question that belies all of minister Davies’ reports of B-BBEE’s success is how he and his ministry believe that the appointment of a commissioner is the best way to approach an issue that is not only embedded in South Africa’s history, but Another major concern that Davies has also evolved into business culture and reported was the low numbers of black status quo. How can a single Commissioner industrialists. He announced that the next alter the DNA of the current economy? It strategy for B-BBEE would be to groom is improbable to believe and impossible to a new generation of industrialists who accept that this is how the story ends for would stimulate economic growth in a racist economy. What is really required, South Africa’s sluggish economy. is a solution that is entirely holistic in its engagement with all the stakeholders of the economy, which are its current white owners, the next generation of business owners, and people of colour.

A top down approach is the most inefficient approach when dealing with socioeconomic issues, the role of the government is to facilitate a discussion in which white business owners firstly acknowledge that they benefitted from an unjust system. This acknowledgement will establish a healthy channel of engagement which has yet to occur. White business owners then have to be shown the value in changing their current practices, an argument needs to be made earmarking the dangers of a racially exclusive economy.

There are clear economic benefits to diversifying the racial landscape of any economy. The only prerequisite for such an approach is the acknowledgement that people of colour deserve the same amount of voice and influence in the economy as their white counterparts.

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It should go without mention that the economy is a fickle and insecure system whenever a threat becomes apparent, the entire structure is at risk. Any percieved threats - real or imagined - are likely to have devastating effects for our country as a whole. However it has to be pointed out that the current state of affairs in the South African economy cannot persist any longer. High unemployment rates and a growing income inequality gap can be traced back to the lack of access the majority of South Africa’s population has to participate in the economy in a scalable and sustainable way - we owe to ourselves and our fellow citizens to adopt and encourage sustainable economic reform.

" W H AT I S R E A L LY R E Q U I R E D , I S A S O L U T I O N T H AT I S E N T I R E LY H O L I S T I C I N I T S E N G A G E M E N T W I T H A L L T H E S TA K E H O L D E R S O F T H E E C O N O M Y. "

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MOMENTUM: A F T E R T H E A P P L AU S E BY: ENNOVY CHAUKY

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FOCUS

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magine the feeling - that moment when you have done it and finally have reached your goals, achieving what once seemed to be just a dream.

After a big win we tend to feel hyped up and ready to take on the world. It is easy to ride the “gravy train” and deservingly reap what we have sowed, and quite rightly, we are entitled to it! You put in the work needed, the effort, the blood, sweat and some say, even the tears .It might feel like a sound track to your life is created as you walk with the beat of success. It’s easy to forget to focus on your next step - what happens after the champagne bottles have been popped and the soundtrack stops?

You already know you can do it; you can achieve your goals. All you have to do is stay motivated, stay focused. It’s easy to lose your spark and feel demotivated (yes, even after victory) but finding your way out of it is an effort needed to keep the pace moving. It might seem as if the initial enthusiasm and determination withers away and it becomes increasingly difficult to re-motivate yourself again and to pursue your dreams with renewed vigour.

“IF WE LET THE PRAIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS G VERY EASY FOR US T of motivation it’s good to look back and thank the people that pushed you and supported you. It might not seem like much but remembering how you felt could be just what you need to keep you going and to keep you focused mentally.

Maintain the pace - Rethink the process Keeping your positive and motivated state of mind is a work-in-progress and something you can’t stop doing.

Neglecting your state of mind leads to you feeling indifferent and discouraged about your situation. Constantly working on staying motivated through new challenges will help you grow not only in your career but in your personal life.

Write down your Goals

People often say how creating a to-do list will help you to stay focused and if you are like me you probably need one of them to get through life. For many people just creating a list can help them stay focused, because you know what you need to do.

When you lack Momentum: Remember A to-do list won’t just serve as a layout of what you need to do but also as a reminder your Roots of what you have accomplished - a big It’s important to remember where you part of staying “on top of your game” started and where you came from. We is remembering your achievements. couldn’t get to where we wanted to go without a good push in the right direction.

If you are feeling like you can do with a bit Attention is a commodity. It comes and goes in a flash, and while you may have the eyes and ears of the world one instant, they are sure to be fixated on the next big thing a moment later

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Keep the Pace - but Rest the Mind

SE OF OUR G E T TO U S I T CA N B E O L O S E F O C U S .”

Pacify the Ego There are a lot of mental challenges you will encounter after success and one of the biggest ones (it seems) is our egos.

We could all be victims of the “big head” syndrome when the crowds are cheering your name and you are feeling really good about yourself. Pride is a good thing, however the ego mentality could be set back in all that is meant to be achieved. If we let the praise of our accomplishments get to us it can be very easy for us to lose focus and forget that it isn’t always about the praise.

Stay in Charge - Control Mixed Emotions I’m sure we have all experienced that feeling of being on top of your game.

Sometimes the top can feel very high and the euphoria might come with a few challenges. Often times after achieving your goals or after a big win you might feel like the next step is just too far of a leap. The fear of not living up to the standards you have set is all in your mind, the trick is to get out there and push with the same intensity.

“Either you run the day or the day runs you” – Jimmy Rohn At times the strain that working on big projects can have on us mentally isn’t evident until afterwards. Feeling mentally drained is a big problem when it comes to staying on top of your game. When you have rested staying focused on your goals is easier. Being mentally drained and being demotivated go hand in hand.

Making sure we rest, is not losing the pace if we jump into the next phase with vigour and a taste for adventure.

The Keys are Within You - Be the Key There are many ways to be successful and many ways to stay successful. It is more difficult to keep your frame of mind in a positive place so that you can stay motivated. Maintaining success also comes with an understanding that material things are not necessary the message for success. We can inform people about success without trying to own a certain image. Really, it’s about staying the same but upgrading on your strengths and working on your weakness. If you have the mental formula of originality, you will most likely go far. It’s all on you, within you!

The worst thing in life is when you become comfortable in any situation, doesn’t matter how good that situation may seem it can change at any moment. When comfort sets in its easy to forget what drives you and it’s easy to lose focus on your goals.

Remember that not being complacent with what you have achieved is the only way to grow, to grow yourself mentally and to keep that momentum going.

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POP CULTURE

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In the ag e o f p o lya m o ry Intimacy is taking its adventurous course, between not just one lover, but even two or three. Times are changing and it is up to us to not judge.

BY NOBUSI MAQUBELA

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eal monogamy is so rare in the 21st century. It’s time to put it in the electric chair and bury it next to its archaic friend, polygamy. “I’d rather be a sidechick to a loyal man, than a main chick to a

cheater.”

Read it again - slowly. Would you be able to explain what it means for five marks? Well, neither would I! After stumbling upon this post on my Twitter feed, I spent about a minute trying to figure out what the heck it means. I proceeded to say a prayer for the children we will bring into this world and finally, I got to the real stuff. I started wondering if monogamy is, in fact, a thing of the past.

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POP CULTURE

The evolution of ‘Her’ Women’s rights and the gender equality movement were the cause of death of the patriarchal construct, polygamy. 20th century women, for the most part, rejected the idea of men being unable to live with one woman. Regardless of this, mistresses like Camilla Parker-Bowles, Monica Lewinsky and polygamous men, such as our own dear President Jacob Zuma, were living proof of the fact that shoving men into monogamous boxes is an almost impossible feat.

Enter the mystical creature that is the 21st century woman. Where her predecessor was willing to forgive her cheating husband, she is finding herself a Ben 10 (young boyfriend) to play substitute. While her predecessor is sexually liberated and open to trying new things in the bedroom, she is too busy building her career to have a meaningful relationship with one man. The 21st century woman is open to never getting married, having casual sexual relations and sometimes prefers the mistress position to that of the ‘wife’.

If I take away all my home training, religious regulations and somewhat conservative upbringing, I have to ask myself, and you: “Is this a bad thing?”

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Sex is sex “There is a new STD called feelings, don’t catch it.”

This is one of my favourite social media quotes of all time, as it proposes the belief that sex and love are not mutually exclusive. The biggest problem with casual sexual relationships is that people often don’t understand that intimacy and love are not synonyms for one another.

Although sex is definitely intimate, it does not denote love. Intimacy refers to closeness, friendship or the ‘private and personal’, as per dictionary definition. Casual sex can be all of these things and if you’re not honest with yourself about that, ‘feelings’ will be caught and the mess that follows could be hazardous.

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Sidechicks on the rise The term, ‘sidechick’ refers to the mistress, whether she knows she is or not. I use this term only because it is so easily identifiable in this age of instant gratification.

I recently stumbled across a Tumblr account called ‘Sidechick problems’.

It is written from the perspective of a perpetual mistress. She shares all the wisdom she has acquired to aspiring ‘sidechicks’. In giving ‘sidechick’ rules, she details how a mistress’ name should be saved in her partners’ cellphone as a work colleague to prevent the ‘main’ (girlfriend or wife) from catching on.

In rule three, she stipulates that a ‘sidechick’ should never answer a number she doesn’t know. Furthermore, if an unknown number sends her a text, she usually responds with, “Do you have a moment to talk about our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ?”

This is done to throw the ‘main’ off.

“THERE IS A NEW STD CALLED F E E L I N G S , D O N ’ T C AT C H I T.”

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POP CULTURE

Although many people are able to live with this kind of dishonesty, as history would have it, our hearts and egos are not adept to handle betrayal. I can narrate a tissue and ice-cream riddled tale, or two. However, I can also relate to the idea of having someone to love and confide in, at home, as well as someone to be ‘friendly’ and ‘private’ with on the side. Perhaps, the solution is to separate sex and love. Where love remains exclusive to a single person, we eliminate the deceit by removing the stigma from sexual freedom. That is not to say that there is a problem with sleeping with one person, but it should also not be deemed ‘sexual immorality’ if that is not your preference.

" T H E 2 1 ST C E N T U RY W O M A N I S O P E N TO N E V E R G E T T I N G M A R R I E D, H AV I N G CA S UA L S E X U A L R E L AT I O N S A N D S O M E T I M E S P R E F E R S T H E M I S T R E S S P O S I T I O N T O T H AT O F T H E ‘ W I F E ’. "

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People have become more open to the idea of having ‘mains’ and ‘sides’, but not open enough to express these ideas, if it is not in the privacy of their homes. Cheating has become prevalent and the pain that follows it is more a backlash of deceit, than the fact that there any prudes left in the world. Now, before you all throw your toys out of your cots, the word, ‘prude’, is used very loosely for people who do not understand that monogamy is dying. If your appetite can be maintained by one person; kudos to you. If you don’t need

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sex at all, that’s also okay - I guess.

However, you must allow the rest of the world to live in a way that is suitable for them, without having to worry about your judgmental eyes.

So, as the ‘sidechick’ becomes more and more acceptable, so should the ‘sidedude’. I subscribe to the death of monogamy in an open and honest environment. We tried it - it sucks.

Let’s be monogamous with our hearts and allow nature to take its course with regards to our intimacy needs.

Whatever it is that you decide, trust me on the condoms.

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SOCIETY

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HOT LIST

ENVIRONMENT

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AFRICA REPORT

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Globanomics or looting?

Every year Africa loses more than $50bn to illicit transactions.

BY: KARABO MOTSOAI

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AFRICA REPORT

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t least 414 million Africans live on less than 1.25 US dollars per day - it would seem that financial problems keep piling up for our beloved Africa. UN reports show that fraudulent practices by governments and multinational companies form part of the main reason why Africa keeps losing value.

The African Union report defines illicit financial flows as: “Money that is illegally earned/transferred or used up, that typically originates from one of three sources: tax evasion mostly through off-shore accounts, trade misinvoicing and abusive transfer pricing”; (2) criminal activities; and (3) “bribery and theft by corrupt government officials.”

Corrupt leaders, gripping poverty and a lack of adequate support are a sad reality for Africans. Therefore, crawling out of this deep dark hole may seem to be a huge mission for the continent. Africa is resource rich, which seems to be more of a curse than a blessing, because some reliable reports pointed out that the illegal exporting of natural resources form part of the problem. Drugs, human and arms trafficking make up 30-35%, while transactions by multinational companies make up between 60-65% of the problem.

“AT L E A S T 4 1 4 M I L L I O N A F R I C A N S LIVE ON LESS THAN 1.25 US D O L L A R S P E R D AY.” IMBO/ ISSUE 34/ '15

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The flows have affected all of Africa's 54 countries, but listed below are some of the countries where flows have mostly been driven: 1) Nigeria 2) Congo-Brazzaville 3) Ivory Coast.

4) Egypt 5) Algeria 6) Libya 7) South Africa 8) Mauritius 9) Angola

The UN Economic Commission for Africa established a panel to deal with illicit financial flows in 2011.

The panel has been able to unearth roughly just how much Africa is losing. Nevertheless, it is not as easy to stop these syndicate crimes. One thing that might help alleviate or minimise this issue is support gained from other non-African countries, where the money is believed to be transferred to. This can be done via exchange of information. There is a need for a strengthened collaboration, which will

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AFRICA REPORT

make it easier to get to the bottom of the problem. Clearly, Africa is not the only continent that has this problem, but unfortunately, because Africa is still developing, these actions seem to have much more dire consequences for it. The issue has not been a top priority for developed countries. Little do they realise that the sooner Africa eradicate, or at least minimise this problem, the sooner it will not depend on aid from them. Thabo Mbeki (former South African President) put it clearly when he said, “Illicit financial flows are an ‘African problem with a global solution’.”

Powerful policy agendas that compel change, such as the initiatives of the African Development Bank, the World Bank, as well as all affected governments, need to come together to find rapid solutions before Africa falls to its knees.The African Union has suggested several legislative recommendations, which include, but are not limited to, a drafting legislation that compels change. The one that should be implemented as soon as possible is that all companies, trusts and any other financial activities must be submitted for record.

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Illicit Financial Flows has been at the top of discussion at past G8 summits (a group of eight industrialised countries - France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Russia - who meet annually to discuss issues that affect the world).This forum should not only be for government discussions, but individuals and corporations should join in to deal with these issues. It all starts with reporting from the lowest level to the highest.

“ U N F O R T U N AT E LY, BECAUSE AFRICA IS STILL DEVELOPING, T H E S E ACT I O N S S E E M TO H AV E M U C H M O R E D I R E C O N S E Q U E N C E S .�

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ENVIRONMENT

Pesticides: THE SLOW KILLER Farming is one of the biggest industries in Africa, but what effects do harmful pesticides have on human kind and wildlife.

BY: PABALLO SEIPEI

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esticides were seen as a problem solving mechanism to keep bugs from eating farmers produce, but overtime the dangerous effects of pesticides have been exposed.

Serious consequences to inhaling and handling pesticides have been reported and monitored. These dangerous results include killing a large number of helpful animals, cancers, birth defects, learning disabilities and difficult development of growing organs. These organs include the brain, reproductive organs being altered in the long term or in permanent ways, acute

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and chronic injury to the nervous system and lung damage. Thousands of people each year report to the poison control centres and emergency care clinics after being poisoned by pesticides. With farming being a big industry in SA, it’s important to note that exploitation and harsh farming conditions make the poisoning epidemic more in numbers than recorded.

It's important to note the rate of the cancer in the Eastern Cape is six times higher than the national average caused by a high occurrence and careless use of pesticides? The Eastern But why exactly are farmers still using Cape has an alamingly high rate of toxic pesticides with such drastic oesophageal cancer. implications for their workers and families? Many can tie this to ignorance of other safe and effective pest control measures or a drastic need to make profit. The misuse or the absence of " S E R I O U S C O N S E Q U E N C E S health measures such as masks and effective farming equipment is another TO I N H A L I N G A N D issue directly linked to exposure.

HANDLING PESTICIDES Have you ever taken a moment to digest the fact that pesticides may be a H AV E B E E N R E P O R T E D big part of our lives without us realising A N D M O N I TO R E D. " it? They may have been recognised as being excessively used in agricultural fields, but when dissecting the areas of use, we find they might be used in our homes, school yards, work places,

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ENVIRONMENT

" W E C O U L D E V E N L E T N AT U R E TA K E I T S C O U R S E B Y S U P P O R T I N G BIOCONTROL AGENTS SUCH AS B I R D S A N D O T H E R P E S T P R E D AT O R S .�

hospitals, golf courses and any public place with a garden or field to maintain.

Organophosphates: effects on animals Organophosphates and carbamates are the main perpetrators to the discomfort of animals as they affect their nervous system. These chemicals prevent enzymes from breaking down which increases nerve impulse transmission - ultimately leading to a failure in the nervous system. The respiratory muscles are affected causing paralysis, which is often the cause of death for animals in contact with pesticides.

Before death, the animals may behave abnormally and alter the animals’ ability to survive and reproduce.

Pesticides and bees are another deadly

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combination for these honeycombs.

Bringing contaminated pollen and nectar to the beehive has meant that commercial bee hivers have lost half their bee colonies over the past decade.

Nitrogen fixation Nitrogen fixation is crucial for the development of plants and when pesticides are used, it penetrates through the soil and hinders growth.

The fixation cannot occur when pesticides such as DDT, methyl parathion and Pentachlorophenol are proven to interfere with chemical signalling. Add all the decrease in nitrogen and the disturbance of chemical imbalance and we have an unfortunate effect on plants. Affecting

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their growth period, causing a lot of plants die and take all the necessary carbon dioxide along with them.

Alternatives Organic foods have pesticides too, but these pesticides are from natural sources. Using synthetic pesticides is not the only option, many farmers are advised to use manual removal, heat application, covering weeds with plastic bags, removal of pest breeding sites, maintaining healthy soils that breed healthy and cropping native species that are naturally more resistant to native pests.

We could even let nature take its course by supporting biocontrol agents such as birds and other pest predators.

Integrated Post management (IPM) is encouraged to use as an alternative when others are deemed ineffective.

IPM causes less harm to humans and

the environment.

Biotechnology is also a method to explore, where strains can be genetically modified to increase their resistance to pets. The creation of glyphosate resistant strains was developed in 2010 in the US, 70 % of corn, 78% of cotton and 93 % of all soybeans were resistant to glyphosate using this method. The dangers of pesticides have been exposed for a while and yet farmers continue not to take heed and use alternative methods.

We need to educate or consult those around us in order for them to make informed decisions. Always monitor the usage in your community and take an interest in your children’s surroundings. Pesticides kill slowly and silently.

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FEEL GOOD

T h e Wa r r i o r s of change While we reflect on human rights, we look upstream to Kenya.

BY: LEBOHANG MORAKE

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here was a bag of sugar. I asked my mama ‘why is there sugar?’ She wouldn’t answer me. I knew I was being sold to an old man for marriage and I would be cut.” – Seline, 12 years old.

The social and economical issues in Kenya are deeply intertwined with traditional and social stigmatisation, along with male dominated ideologies which cripple the community. I truly wish this was a harsh overview on this rich and beautiful land, which has so much to offer – but sadly it is not.

HIV/AIDS, FGM (Female Genital Mutilation), domestic abuse and childhood marriages remain an extreme dark cloud for this otherwise exuberant region. All of these concerning issues affect the health and safety and the potential of the Masaai people. It was a well-known Masaai philosophy that became the seed in which an aspiring cricket team would be born, ‘“The eyes that that leave the village, sees further than the eye that stays. “ IMBO/ ISSUE 34/ '15

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“THE MASAAI CRICKET TEAM M O T I V AT E C H A N G E A N D S U P P LY T H E M S E LV E S A S A T E S T I M O N Y O F D E F Y I N G T H E S Y S T E M .”

Maasai Warriors

Warriors expresses just how much participating in the sport has helped It all started a few years ago, when him with the Masaai mission , “ Being young boys from the Masaai village in cricket gave me the confidence of who had never held a cricket bat going against the community, some of decided to do something about the the elders might not take it positively pressing issues of their homeland. but you have to go against their They developed an idea they believed wish and tell them their ideologies would help break the vicious cycle of are no good. “ The Team continues abuse and mental weakness; making to express just how education and cricket their claim to change. Without change are the only way forward a cricket pitch, they refined their if the community is to strive. sporting capabilities and set one goal for themselves: making it to the Lord’s Other than empowerment through cricket ground to compete in a global sports, they advocate for development championship event for amateur projects in the community .These squads around the world. development projects include Sonyanga Ole Ngais, the captain of the team explained in a documentary specially formulated to create awareness about their initiative, why it so important for the team to succeed.

‘Children are always going to need idols, people to look up to. And I think this is a great way of doing that”, Ngais further mentions that through this platform they are simply helping carrying a torch. Since they have begun, thanks to the helping hands of sponsors, they have made it to the England grounds and now sport a state of the art cricket pitch donated by the British cricket association. Creating a lot of spark and interest, partly due to the fact that they have abandoned the traditional cricket attire and insist on wearing their traditional Masaai dress.

They say this is done to uplift and be a beacon of hope for their community.

In the documentary, a member of the

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dissolving alcohol wells to reduce alcoholism, HIV/ Aids education, spreading campaigns on anti- male domination at schools, clinics and essential areas within the community.

The Masaai cricket team motivate change and supply themselves as a testimony of defying the system.

They continue to encourage human rights for women and children of the community, who barely have a right to their own bodies. They have a long way to go however, their aim is to get better, compete on a larger scale and find more efficient ways to empower the Masaai people. The mission is steep one but we (the people of Africa) are bricks that lay the foundation for those that come after us and it’s crucial to remember a community is only as good as the hands that build it.

For more information on the Masaai Cricket team, go to: http:// maasaicricketwarriors.co.ke

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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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FEATURE PROFILE

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MEET THE CEO WITH AN U N C O N V E N T I O NA L TWIST Abey Mokgwatsane speaks to us about his passions and continuously engaging South Africans through brand campaigns.

BY: LERATO MOLEKO

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he distinguished marketer attributes his success to the humility and work ethic he acquired as a boy, growing up and working as an assistant in his parent’s shop in Mabopane, Pretoria. “I learned from a young age that a person with R5 can bring equally the same value to me, as a guy purchasing for R50”.

Mokgwatsane has always approached challenges with a big picture view, starting off his career as an intern at

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the VWV Group while completing his marketing degree and then later taking over the reigns as that company’s C.E.O. He comes alive when he speaks of his career which is characterised by some of the most pioneering brand engagements, including being the brand manager of Castle Lager and overseeing Castle Loud, a multimedia channel music platform, that not only gave South African artists an amplified voice, but also set the precedent for all music platforms in the country. “We wanted to create a sponsored media

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FEATURE PROFILE

platform to connect young adults with their favourite musicians, because we knew there were the likes of Oskido who were big on YFM, and could now be seen on TV, yet were still unknown elsewhere in S.A. We had to approach the platform with a view to bringing it alive on the ground, through events “It’s never been work for me, but and plug them into other radio stations there is a lot of pressure in leading an around the country.” agency that has a reputation which has been built by giants like Robyn Putter, Ever one to stay cool under pressure, the former Worldwide Ogilvy board Mokgwatsane knows the importance director and Nunu Ntshingila, who of a work-life balance, doing what he achieved 15% growth year on year does best while dressed in a t-shirt and in her term, while being the agency’s jeans, contrary to the traditional view first black C.E.O and also happened of double-breast suit wearing bosses. to be a woman. So we can’t be the He acknowledges the importance of generation to come around now and being fully focused on a quality output, reverse those gains”. but also believes that one should always have fun while doing so.

Despite being at the helm of one of the most celebrated communications agencies, Abey claims his motivation for working at staying at the top is always working as though he and his team are the underdogs. They try to keep their entrepreneurial flair by behaving as if they’re in catch up to the guys that are number one. When

“THE FUTUROLOGICAL C.E.O H A S G R E AT P L A N S F O R T H E F U T U R E O F S . A M A R K E T I N G .”

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asked about his biggest failures, he shares that he hasn’t experienced that as yet, and hopes that he’ll never have to, but also acknowledges the importance of learning from small inevitable failures and moving on.

One can’t really argue with this, as the proof is in the numerous awards and praises the young C.E.O has been showered with over the years.

When he’s not working at achieving “twin peaks”, Ogilvy’s global yardstick for measuring successful work that is both ground breaking in its creativity, but also effective, Abey also DJs in his spare time. He shies away and jokingly says “Not many people know that I do it, maybe because I’m not so good.”

The futurological C.E.O has great plans for the future of S.A marketing, and says he wants to see an era where digital and creative live side by side, with design being equally involve in user journey mapping and coding.

Only time will tell when that will happen, but we can be sure that the hands on leader will be there to pioneer the way.

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PROFESSIONALS

K e m i s t ay s putting in t h e wo r k Changing the face of football in South AfricaKemi Motladi has his work cut out for him but he is more determined than ever.

BY: DYLAN BERNDT

H

aving started from inside the beautiful game as a junior PSL football player himself, Kemi says he began his enterprise, Kemi Top Sports, after noticing how many young players he knew and grew up with had completely fallen off the map. That was a major sore point for him, and he was keen to see things change.

Kemi decided to take a systematic approach, identifying the problems players have on a personal level and ensuring that young stars don't fade away. He deals with players on a one-to-one basis as he convincingly insists the nature of his job is all about people, he tells IMBO.

them. I also attend as many games as possible that the players are taking part in during the week and weekends".

The other aspect of his business lies in fostering relations with stakeholders and potential sponsors and relationship partners that ring true to the player's profile and personal "brand". That requires a deep sense of integrity he says. "Dealing with people is a very vital part of my job and some of the core values that I insist on are honesty and integrity because we are in an industry where that is everything"

Honesty and openness, he says, are at the core of his success, and have helped him to overcome many road "On a weekly basis I spend lots of blocks. "Some of the challenges one time meeting up with the players that faces are - for one - getting one's name I manage to discuss various concerns out there in the industry and getting they have. And to keep track of their potential clients to trust you and goals and path we have set out for believe that you know what you are

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doing even as a young man. Likewise, with the various teams and sponsors."

This approach of openness has taken Kemi Top Sports to great heights. The dream has grown in leaps and bounds and today Kemi Motladi has a growing reputation, with a number of players already signed players to Kaizer chiefs.

It all started with a will to help his friends, and this is exactly the same thing that keeps him motivated today .He says " I stay motivated knowing every day that I am making a difference to someone’s life because I know that some of these sports players are bread winners for their families."

All of which goes to show, that if you have the motivation to make a positive change, and the sincerity to follow through on your childhood dreams, it's possible to accomplish anything.

“ I S TAY M O T I V AT E D K N O W I N G E V E R Y D AY T H AT I AM MAKING A DIFFERENCE T O S O M E O N E ’ S L I F E .”

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PROFESSIONALS

the sting behind the cobras Marc Anthony : Meet the man behind the fitness BY: KARABO MOTSOAI

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or Marc Anthony being a fitness trainer was never part of his dream growing up. It was a chance encounters which lead to him realizing his destiny, something only to be described as serendipity. “I got into intense fitness after I got a knee injury and had to spend a lot of time trying to get it back in shape. “My interests lied in design particularly fashion, but that dream never came to fruition” says Marc.

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His Journey into the fitness career started about 5 years ago and it took him a year to become a fully qualified trainer. “I love what I do and I take each day and its challenges as they come. Like everyone else some days are harder and nothing gets you motivated more than knowing that you are making a difference each day.

The love and zest for what he does is something that got him to stand out while competing for the Cape Cobras job with tough competition of over and above experienced fitness doctors. “It was not a job I applied for, I was spotted while training and asked to come for tests and interviews, after trial training with the coach and the team, I received news that I made it.‘’ In only a period of two years, through He is a firm believer in second chances hard work and sweat, Marc has and this was after his way of life got accomplished what a lot of us would him face to face with a judge in court. only think to put in a 10 year plan. Standing at cross roads, Marc decided He is not only a personal trainer to to follow the advice of the judge who individuals but he is the fitness and gave him a second chance and told conditioning trainer for the Western him to make something of his life. A Cape cricket team, affectionately decision the judge has not lived to regret. known as the Cape Cobras. His demanding schedule sees him waking Marc usually gets time to relax in the up at 5 am each and his day usually weekends. As part of purging out the ends at 9 pm, dealing with more than negativity that has consumed most of a handful of people with different his childhood life, he uses his spare personalities. time to take regular walks, or jogs to reflect and plan his week.

The cruel and harsh reality of growing up in a gang infested neighborhood in If there is anything to learn from Cape Town is what ultimately led to Marc’s story is that no matter what the then very young Marc joining that your past, the paint brush is always in lifestyle at the age of 12 years. Many your hands to start afresh and repaint have not been able to live and talk a beautiful story. A story that will not about how they got out. only inspire others but also that will bring happiness in your life, which is the ultimate success.

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FOCUS PROFILE

Too legit to quit: Branding it the r i g h t way .

A rare entity who personifies positivity and passion – Ocean is a personality that has a huge bearing on corporate success.

BY KOOS PAD

I

was pleasantly surprised when I called Ocean Ngobeni, the national brand manager of one of Edcon's golden eggs…Legit. Having never met, I asked her to make time for an interview on short notice. She politely accommodated IMBO at the first time of asking. I then begun my customary research and found very little - very strange, I thought - for someone who’d been successfully growing and expanding the same brand year on year for six years and counting.

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When we arrived at what I can only describe as the slickest building I’ve seen in old Johannesburg, complete with mini mall, restaurant and a whole lot of other features I didn’t get to see; we found the place buzzing with activity. There was even a One Direction activation in the foyer!

Ocean, who’d arrived early to work found us already signing in at reception (our approach to beating the morning traffic) and swiftly claimed us as hers - making our mini induction that much smoother.

Instinctively you realise she’s a very stylish and friendly woman who is visibly having the time of her life through her career.

She arranged that we sit in the visual merchandising office of the Jet team and began to fully engage us.

By now I had accepted that a lot of what she was to tell me would be unique and so when we got into her background it was no surprise that she was an IT graduate. She then become a producer for finance driven content at SABC, moved to Beachhead Media and eventually ended up at Investor Relations where she worked under her friend and mentor Jennifer Cohen. Four years into that journey, Beachheads’ key client - an Account Director - couldn’t deny her talents any longer and headhunted her.

She and Edcon entered into negotiations, and soon Ocean left the business to take over Legit.

She tells me that when she came into the brand it was lost and quiet. After auditing the business she set her sights on making Legit the first point of call for the young female shopper. She developed the ambassador strategy now eminently associated with the brand by bringing in Noni Gasa as the first such ambassador.

The move worked big time and she’s gone on to leverage big names like Gavin Rajah and David Tlale through the strategy. It also helped launch careers by bringing in people she believed in, like a young and then relatively unknown firebrand Bonang Matheba.

“A F T E R A U D I T I N G T H E BUSINESS SHE SET HER SIGHTS ON MAKING LEGIT THE FIRST POINT O F CA L L F O R T H E YO U N G F E M A L E S H O P P E R .”

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FOCUS PROFILE

“ S H E B E L I E V E S T H AT T H E E M E R G I N G FA S H I O N INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA IS BY MEASURE O F TA L E N T, G L O B A L LY C O M P E T I T I V E .”

Clearly she has a passion for the industry and I ask her to share her thoughts on the space, young designers, growth opportunities and other things she deems important and worth discussing.

She explains that as a brand it’s all about the customer. By putting the customer at the centre of all thought and action you ensure that every touch point of the brand makes the customer feel important, catered for and loved - a pretty-much subconscious process. In terms of brand operations, she believes that it all starts with the buyers. By giving them the relationship and support they need, she ensures that the brand is on trend and carries a powerful market perception. This creates a continuous symboitic loop back into the Legit consumer.

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She believes that the emerging fashion industry in South Africa is by measure of talent, globally competitive. However, she hazards that there is a nasty trend that she has picked up on whilst collaborating with young designers and assisting them with a shot to the big time. She has observed a nature of arrogance, and lack of insight in an industry where one has to make their bones and work their way top the top.

Where to from here for a women who has smashed her KPI’s and built a category leading brand? She has her sights set on the Africa expansion. She’s recently opened a few SADC stores, and wants to penetrate the greater continent - starting with Ghana. She’s committed to the Legit brand, and still super passionate about riding the Edcon corporate ship. In closing, she shared some interesting insight and sneak peeks about what we should expect from Legit in the coming months.

What I’ll say is… Be prepared for a shopping incursion and more novelty from Ocean.

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BUSINESS

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TECH SHIFTERS

HOT LIST

CORDS CHOICE

AMPLIFIERS

T E C H T O D AY

SELF

FA S H I O N

FINANCIAL FUNDI'S

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THE REVIEW 63

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NETWORKING

THE MINING I N DA B A Shared Resources, Shared Values and Shared Benefits, IMBO gives you the inside scoop for all the mining and economic forecasters.

BY: DATJE VAN REIJENDAM

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eople were preparing for an exciting week ahead, as they registered for the 21st Annual Investing in Africa Mining Indaba™ at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Delegates from 110 countries and regions across six continents collected their entry passes to attend the conference from the 9 - 12 of February. The Mining Indaba is a professional conference - the largest of its kind - dedicated to the capitalisation and development of mining interests in Africa.

Every year, the Mining Indaba hosts over 7000 internationally respected, and influential professionals in Africa’s mining industry.

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“ T R U ST I S E A R N E D – N OT T H R O U G H W H AT C O M PA N I E S S AY – B U T R AT H E R T H R O U G H W H AT T H E Y D O A N D H O W T H E Y D O I T. – D R . V E N P I L L AY ”

This year, the event had keynote addresses by distinguished speakers, such as Mineral Resources Minister, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, Tony Blair (former UK Prime Minister) and global economist, Dambisa Moyo.

Some profound insights and remarks were made by Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi, advocating for progress, in that they are leaving no stone unturned in providing a stable environment for the industry to grow. Tony Blair also pointed out how “Relationships are changing from independency to partnerships, and the biggest challenge for Africa is effective governance.”

Panel discussions took place with themes, such as ‘Maximising the Impact of Extractives for Human Development in Africa’, ‘Unlocking Greater Shared Value for all Stakeholders in the Mining Sector’ and ‘Why Africa, Why Now’.

Photographer: Anthea Davison

They also looked into the importance of how mining companies should look into how they can make an important collective influence on the mining community; that they should be accessible and give a voice to the voiceless.

Key challenges in the mining industry are limited local content, capability and financing constraints. Improvements include using local content for human development, such

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NETWORKING

Photographer: Anthea Davison

as Local Enterprise Development (LED), local Supply Development, local training skills/Capacity Development and Education.

During the ‘Why Africa, Why Now’ panel discussion, Ashish Thakkar said, “When people ask me when is Africa going to catch up I answer, we are not - we will lead the way.”

On Thursday, the focus was on Sustainable Development, organised by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).Many attended the conference, including members of the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI), which runs concurrently with the Mining Indaba. Community representatives, activists, civil society and other interested stakeholders from across the African continent.

H.E. Graça Machel, President of IMBO/ ISSUE 34/ '15

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the Foundation for Community Development (FCD) and Dr. Anthony Hodge, President of ICMM had a keynote conversation on African Mining in 2030 ‘Harnessing the Transformative Potential of the Mining Industry’.

Machel affirmed that we have to change the way we do things and should not do business as usual, where companies are focusing on growth and profit and less on sustainability.

She added that dialogues between investors, government, workers and communities, where everybody invests and commits to a common outcome – is more ideal.

During the panel discussion on

‘The Building Blocks of Trust – How do Communities Make Sense of a Company’, Dr. Ven Pillay, Vice President of Sustainability: Community of AngloGold Ashanti said, “Trust is earned – not through what companies say – but rather through what they do and how they do it. Power lies with the company.

They promise a better way of life. And have access to information and skills to negotiate benefits. Communities are relatively powerless. They trust in the companies and hope for a positive outcome.”

conversation with Industry Leaders Dr. Hodge concluded with a eminent closing, “The question is, how do we think outside of the box; how do we change the way we think, so that we can learn our way to the future most effectively? I tell you something no one has mentioned this before. I think the mining industry should stop sitting in rooms talking to itself and convincing itself that they know all the right answers, and get young people in the room, who have not been there before. One of the wonderful things is that, in South Africa, there are more young people involved in the mining industry than in many other countries in the world and that bodes very well for the future.”

At the end of the High-Level Panel

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TECH SHIFTERS

P E R S O NA L I S E D A DV E RT I S I N G MAKES AN APPEARANCE New Advertising might be a fun beep - or an annoying distraction associated with telephonic sales‌you decide.

BY: KARABO MOTSOAI

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T

echnology has created a Pavlovian culture of constantly trying to keep up with new technologies. Gone are the days when you would walk anonymously into a store - and subsequently leave without a trace. The only thing that stood in the way of your peaceful shopping or browsing, would be the occasional interruption from over-eager store assistants - or the uncomfortable gaze of overzealous security personnel. Thanks to New Technology, we now have to deal with an incessantly buzzing phone advertising the latest special or discount.

“ T H A N K S T O N E W T E C H N O L O G Y, W E N O W H A V E T O D E A L W I T H A N I N C E S S A N T LY B U Z Z I N G P H O N E A D V E R T I S I N G T H E L AT E S T S P E C I A L O R D I S C O U N T.�

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new advertising technology, allows vendors to collect every user's media access code (MAC) address. Every phone has a unique MAC address, allowing companies to decipher data and predict consumer behaviour.

Companies that have adopted and implemented this technology, include Starbucks, Nordstrom, Cabela's - it's only a matter of time before it spreads over to our side.

Real time advertising has moved from online and now straight to your phone.

Well, that is if you are the type to keep your wi-fi on for updates - or for the ever-elusive free internet at the mall.

As soon as you walk into a store, you receive ads on your phone through their wireless network. The sensors track your movements around the store and record trends - such as how frequently you visit the store, which departments you visited and how long

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you stay there. This invaluable data helps them predict marketing and advertising campaigns, with regards to what consumers spend on and are interested in. It works in almost the same way as real time online bidding advertising, whereby as soon as you click on a webpage, you get ads relevant to what you are browsing.

With this move in technology, it is only a matter of time before this type of advertising is moved to other mediums.

In the near future, we will be bombarded with advertising everywhere we look.

A lot of companies are converging towards using this way of advertising.

It is cost effective for them and they are able to get a market analysis, which is spot on. If the store has surveillance, it will also be easy for them to collect information, such as age, ethnicity, gender, demographics, etc.

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There have been concerns that we will get Minority Report-style products, which will know your name, reveal your purchase history and visiting habits. It is both a good and bad prospect, since one can accrue discounts or loyalty points - but the invasion of privacy is a paranoia-inducing and annoying reality. Luckily, if you aren’t down for this concept, theres a simple enough solution - switch off your smart device's wi-fi when out and about.

" I F T H E STO R E H A S SURVEILLANCE, IT WILL A L S O B E E A SY F O R T H E M TO C O L L E C T I N F O R M AT I O N , S U C H A S A G E , E T H N I C I T Y, G E N D E R , DEMOGRAPHICS."

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TECH TODAY

BMW’s I3: A Quirky delight for P ro j e c t i Quirky electric car offering brings alternative energy seekers joy.

BY: LERATO MOLEKO

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odern civilisation’s interest in electric cars only really took off in the 1970s, when fuel prices skyrocketed to an all-time high. Scientists and carmakers came to a realisation of the inevitable drying up of the earth’s oil reserves - with automobiles finding themselves at the centre of pollution scandals. This has opened up an opportunity to create hybrid and fully electric vehicles. These vehicles are designed to operate off a cleaner and more efficient fuel source.

‘Hybrid' cars have been a success story in South Africa and the world over, after a few unsuccesful attempts at running fully electric vehicles proved unsuccessful - mainly due to the lack of infrastructure to support a world of electric cars.

Enter the BMW i3, from the carmaker’s "I" project. This fresh new take on ecofriendly travel will hit South Africa

“THIS FRESH NEW ANGLE O N E C O - F R I E N D LY T R A V E L WILL HIT SOUTH AFRICA IN MARCH 2015 WITH TWO OFFERINGS - THE S TA N D A R D I 3 , A N D I 3 R E X .” in March 2015 with two offerings - the standard i3, and i3 REX, which features an additional nine litre petrol engine.

The i3 can accelerate uninterrupted from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and has a top speed governed at 150km/h.

Previously known as the Mega City Vehicle (MCV), the car was built using lightweight materials with the aim of making travelling through congested cities more efficient. Sustainable energy usage was key in creating this car, as even the manufacturing plant in Moses Lake Washington D.C runs only off locally produced hydroelectricity. The i3’s interior has the sustainable design treatment, and feature seat covers made of 34% PET recycled fibres.

Electric cars traditionally aren’t long distance carriers, and BMW claims that the i3 will do a distance of 160km with a fully charged battery. That should be enough to cover your weekly commute to and from the office, with maybe a few carpool trips to fetch the kids from school.

Where’s the "filling station", you might ask? The i3 comes standard with a fast charging "i-wallbox" for home charging over a period of eight hours.

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A full charge doesn’t add dramatically to your electricity bill - a full charge is estimated to cost between R25 and R30.

The i3 is about to enter a notoriously design-conscious market - BMW will have to do a lot to convince South Africans to buy this quirky new car that has no real resemblance to its double kidney grilled cousins, and a starting price of around R525 000.

There also seems to be a bit of a contradiction in terms of the efficiency of electric cars, and the power production required to run them. We create electricity primarily through coal mining, which brings harm to the natural environment to a certain degree. Can this car ultimately fall under the ‘zero emissions’ bracket ? Then, there’s the question of affordability. It seems a bit irrational to want to buy a car for driving around in the city at half a million rand, and still have to factor in a battery charge before you can take it for a spin.

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“ T H E I 3 C A N A C C E L E R AT E U N I N T E R R U P T E D F R O M 0 TO 100 KM/H IN 7.2 SECONDS, AND H A S A T O P S P E E D G O V E R N E D AT 1 5 0 K M / H .”

This might not be the ideal ride for the ‘first-jobber’, nor the ideal twentyfirst birthday present, but rather a automobile for the select few early adopters - with a wallet as big as their love for conserving the planet in style.

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FINANCIAL FUNDIS

Enterprise Supplier Development Enterprise Supplier Development is a concept that was created for all the small business, with a focus on black owned businesses.

BY: KELEABETSOE RAMMOPO

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”ESD WAS IMPLEMENTED WITH THE I N T E N T I O N O F C R E AT I N G J O B S , DIVERSE SUPPLIER CHAINS AND P R OV I D I N G F I N A N C I A L S U P P O R T TO S M E ’ S .”

E

D was implemented with the intention of creating jobs, diverse supplier chains and providing financial support to SME’s. They create jobs in a way that if a company outsources to a small enterprise, they create a job for that particular business by supplying enough resources. These resources include human resources, in order to carry over the job and deliver quality products on time.

For example if Nike needs to manufacture 4 million of their new range of sneakers and they outsource to a small enterprise in South Africa that can produce 3 million, that

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enterprise will need to hire more people and acquire more equipment to produce the required quantity.

ED also creates diverse supplier chains in that it challenges the monopolistic industries by creating more suppliers, e.g. Telkom used to be a monopolistic telecommunications company in South Africa, but now there are other providers such as Neotel, Cell C and MTN. This creates a variety of suppliers to choose from. ED provides financial support to SME’s that need assistance in order for them to survive the first few stages of business growth such as incubation.

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FINANCIAL FUNDIS

South Africa’s change from ED to ESD Recently, ED became ESD in South Africa, the reason for this is that although Enterprise Development bridges a gap between business and the procurement of suppliers - much attention is needed in providing services for the developing enterprises. Attention is now given to the enterprises that have developed and are successfully supplying to other entities separately.

According to the B-BBEE Code number 400 in page 74 “Supplier Development is Enterprise Development that happens specifically in the supply chain of the measured entity”. This measured entity is applicable only to the businesses that qualify. In order for businesses to qualify they need to have progressed from the enterprise phase to the supplier development phase.

The Enterprise Development phase is for all entities that are in need of financial and general support, they are 51% black owned and need to be pushed in the right direction to succeed. However the Supplier Development phase is where all the business that are financially independent also embody characteristics such as an annual turnover of less than R50 million and are still 51% black owned.

At this phase, these enterprises are now liable to assist the Enterprise Development business by contributing 2% of their Net Profit After Tax to Supplier Development, 1% to (NPAT) to the Enterprise

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Development. Allowing them to get 15 full points on their scorecard in return included in the total B-BBEE ESD points.

“THE ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PHASE IS FOR ALL ENTITIES T H AT A R E I N N E E D OF FINANCIAL AND G E N E R A L S U P P O R T, THEY ARE 51% BLACK O W N E D .”

How does this change affect SME’s?

A small to medium enterprise is provided an opportunity for growth in ESD. Businesses in the Enterprise phase get the opportunity to supply to other companies which means there is an opportunity for growth. While in the Supplier Development phase there are opportunities in creating jobs and increasing the effect of B-BBEE in the country. Another visible effect is the B-BBEE Score card, as ESD accounts for 40 points out of 105.25, which is the majority points compared to how other points are distributed. The enterprise needs to make sure however, it meets the above mentioned criteria.

How can you make the most of ESD? A small enterprise starting out can make the most of ESD by looking to get financial assistance as well as assistance in supplying more clients.

Medium enterprises can also look into seeking suppliers that are in the ESD programme which will provide points on the B-BBEE scorecard.

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THE REVIEW

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Insurance, one up on the game?

As the saying goes, time is of the essence. This came through beautifully in Dial Direct's product repositioning.

BY KARABO MOTSOAI

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s human beings we are people of habit and we like to somewhat have control in certain areas of our lives. Imagine you are on your way home and someone slams into you. The thing that will stress you the most is the time spent trying to deal with that situation more than the cost behind it.

In most instances insurance companies move towards sending a message of cost efficiency, or planning for the future which so far (in my opinion) has not brought substance. Insurance commercials are constantly drilled into our heads on a daily basis, I can even recite with them while the ad airs, and I am not even slightly moved to think about the message afterwards.

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Truth of the matter is, we all know about difference insurance companies as we are constantly bombarded with adverts. We all know how we shamelessly dodge calls from insurance sales people as it becomes too much of a hassle – as important as it is.

Dial Direct decided to do a brand reposition by breaking away from the clutter of messages we normally receive. Going with the approach less used by insurance companies.

However Claims that their process of getting you covered can be done in nothing more than 8 minutes, still needs to be proven.

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Their most recent commercial called the notebook is about a young boy who after seeing how chore filled and stressful mom’s schedule - decides to take over some of them. This is done so that she can be able to attend his school play. It portrays the typical lives of most mothers who works and have kids to take care of at home.

What I got from the ad was “Let us save you time so you can spend it on the things that matter the most”, which is quite different from what we are used to seeing. Plus the ad is enjoyable to watch; the somber mood that has been created as well as the acting definitely pulls at my heart strings.

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The human approach seems to be trending in the advertising field because ultimately it works. Think about it, what gets more attention than an ad that gets you connect with your emotions? If it can make you laugh or make your eyes glossy, then the job is done. Might we also add that Suzelle, a successful DIY YouTuber perfectly portrays the single mother who is clearly exhausted from her full life. The agency that is responsible for this excellent repositioning is Joe Public.

Their aim was to provoke people’s thoughts through emotions and it worked perfectly.

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SELF

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WELLNESS

LIFE SKILLS

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E D U C AT I O N

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WELLNESS

C R E AT I N G A B A L A N C E T H RO U G H M I N D OV E R M AT T E R Thinking has the ability to take up a lot of our energy. Find ways to balance out your negative and positive aura.

BY: LEBOHANG MORAKE

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"

The greatest discovery of any generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their minds." - Albert Schweitzer.

the resilience needed to conquer a fear, an internal inferiority complex and the simple gesture of perception.

We don’t have the power of creation, or the kind of majestic power that gives us control Consciousness is the quality or state over our destiny. But the source of life gave of awareness that awakens the internal us one vital weapon, as overstated as one frequencies transmitted ‘to us by us'. If we might think this theory is - the power of the are on the pursuit for fulfilment, this might mind. Pay attention and let this suggestion be the key to a healthier perspective on life resonate within you. All that we have to By thinking that we have a direct influence focus on is the ‘conscious efforts to be on the outcome of our feelings - emotions unconsciously fulfilled’. This is a simple and destiny - does not allude to the gesture that actively requires us to focus ferocious belief that we are, in fact, gods. on the positive; with the sentiment that the Surely, it's not that dramatic of a gesture physical outcome of our reality may reflect as many claim it is. The way we think in just that – positivity. a challenging circumstance may influence

“A P O S I T I V E I N W A R D PERSPECTIVE R E I N V I G O R AT E S T H E M I N D A N D S O U L .”

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WELLNESS

“ I T C A N B E S A I D T H AT T H E R E I S A S U B T L E T U S S L E B E T W E E N N E G AT I V E E N E R G Y A N D P O S I T I V E E N E R G Y, F I G H T I N G T O F E E D U S M E S S A G E S .”

Filter the bad; bring forth the good

and soul - most likely causing a positive change in energy and shifting the way the Naturally, as humans we tend to be universe responds to us. restless, agonized, and cannot be at rest Usher the progress in. "We are what we until our mind is at peace. If we filter all attract. Mind, body and soul. When you the worry and negative self-commentary, think you can’t - you won’t. Turn your we get the chance to redirect some thinking around." - Alexandra Elle. positive reinforcement instead. This is the It can be said that there is a subtle tussle filter process, where we sift the negative between negative energy and positive thinking before it cultivates a room in our energy, fighting to feed us messages. subconscious. In simpler terms, a positive What we need to do is usher the positive inward perspective reinvigorates the mind thoughts, bring them to the forefront and

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“ Y O U A R E T O D AY W H E R E Y O U R T H O U G H TS H AV E B R O U G H T YO U A N D YO U W I L L B E TO M O R R O W W H E R E Y O U R T H O U G H T S TA K E Y O U .� make sure our enlightened subconscious serves as our homepage. It may seem a heavier task than the simple gesture. As it requires us to be consciously present at every moment before it can be a natural way of being.

It further ushers us to attack the negative processing of thoughts consciously. Think of your thoughts in relation to their relationship to other things - people and objects - could

you honestly view them as healthy? These are the factors to manage. Wellness is the fixing of an internal relationship with your perception.

Remember, you are today where your thoughts have brought you and you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. Think wisely, respond positively and filter good energy for a great perspective on your existence.

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LIFE SKILLS

N av i g a t i n g yo u r d i g i ta l persona Managing one’s digital footprint is something few people received the manual for. Others prefer to give an afterthought and many will have to learn the hard way.

BY: NOBUSI MAQUBELA

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O

nce upon a time, we lived on planet Earth; completely unaware of what the nerds were plotting.

Unsuspectingly, as we were we went to bed and woke up the next morning, we found that we had been teleported to the world of social media. This world came with likes, retweets and so many other possibilities to feed the narcissists within us. What we didn’t realise is that we all rushed to sign up and download the applications.

was the butt of a worldwide trending hashtag (#hasjustinelandedyet). Before you measure your own digital footprint and think this could never happen to you, it’s wise to be aware that this amazing feat was achieved with less than 500 Twitter followers.

The reality is, we have wisened up over the years. We keep our Instagram accounts private, don’t accept Facebook friends we don’t know, and a very annoying few of us don’t use our real names on our accounts. What we don’t As we punched in our names, email addresses consider, however, is that the pictures we and birth dates, few of us considered the use are our real faces. Our friends have other impact that our future posts, party photos and friends who see our tweets when retweeted, acceptance of strangers as friends, could have and the bottom line: there is no such thing as on our lives outside the world of coveting privacy on the ‘interwebs’. ‘likes’. That is until we read about the many people who almost ruined their lives with a You thought you lived in a free world? Wrong! cavalier social media post.

No matter how private or small you think your digital presence is, the best advice is to imagine The digital era has seen many, very public that the whole world would see your post. If errors in judgment, but none sticks in my you’re okay with that, post away. However, if mind like that of Justine Sacco. Sacco was a you want people to recognise you (‘people’ is PR executive at InterActiveCorp (IAC), who used loosely to include friends, parents and was sent by her company to do some work in future employers), you should mirror your social Cape Town. Before boarding the 11 hour flight, media posts.The worst thing that could happen she tweeted, “Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get is those people referring to you as Justine AIDS. Just kidding. I’m white.” By the time she Sacco’s father did, that is; “A f*ckin idiot.” had landed in Cape Town, she had lost her job,

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EDUCATION

ALUMNI BY DEEDS University communities that have formed part of our everlasting memories, are a great place to carry a legacy.

BY KARABO MOTSOAI

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e have seen the likes of Patrice Motsepe, and more, who give back to their communities through social programs, food drives and economic empowerment. What about taking a different approach, such as alumni giving back to their universities?

Almost every university encourages past students to become alumni and contribute towards the betterment of the university. The University of Johannesburg has formed the Alumni Dignitas Award, which celebrates and recognises individuals who have contributed towards the institution, therefore encouraging the culture to give back to the institution too.

We might not realise it, but alumni funds go towards development for future generations, which might include our own children or other family members. It is important to not turn your back on something that contributes to the state of national education, and has, in fact made an immense difference to your experience as a current or former academic.

A lot of people ignore the call to become alumni due to automatically thinking about monetary contributions; however it is not always the case. For instance, universities host career days. Going there and giving talks to students, who are studying what you are doing, will give them a fresh perspective and motivation. In our last year of University, a group of people already in the field of journalism came and spoke to us about their experience. Emails and numbers were swapped in order to keep tabs on progress and job opportunities. It personally gave me the courage and hope to persevere.

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One such success story is the Witswatersrand University in Braamfontein - or "Wits" as it is affectionately known. Not so long ago, the University got a state of the art research lab with some help from IBM, the involvement of alumni, government and industry. The Wits university alumni include science and health field experts, who have contributed immensely to the development of the university.

A notable US example is a couple by the name of Jim (74 years old) and Carol (75 years old) Mounier, who met at the University of Illinois some 30 years ago. After retiring from their respectable careers the couple decide to RSVP to an alumni event at the University where they would change the lives of the current and future students.

The couple donated a scholarship for student athletes as well as constructed a golf training center, the largest gift the university has ever gotten by far. Not only did they give back to their university, it will always be a long lasting gift to the community as children from there will attend and benefit. “We have been very fortunate and blessed, we both feel it our responsibility to support our community whether the university, hospital or a community organization, said the couple in an interview.

Lest we forget the building blocks to who we are today. Work and succeed but give yourself time to go back, assess and help your communities and educational facilities whichever way you can possible. A sense of desire to see our communities and the flourishing of our educational amenities arising to new heights, is what we should strive for.

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CAREERS

BIKE FA B R I C AT I O N With the Custom bike trend on the rise, pop culture gives birth to a new platform of stable income – bicycle fabrication.

BY LEBOHANG MORAKE

I

have always enjoyed the riding experience, so naturally custom bikes have always been at the top of my purchase lists. Purely because as we grow older, we tend to gain personal style and it formulates preference over the things we enjoy at a recreational level.

What better gift is there than the ability to restore, create and infuse someone’s vision together? This is what bike fabricators are responsible for…pure art on wheels.

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Bike fabrication is a serious skill that one needs to acquire and although South African institutions are not officially established, it is an art in which can be taught.

Other relevant organisations nationally recognised would be the South African Bicycle Builders that also offer a yearly exhibition of locally built custom made bikes to gain a clientele for its members.

With Bike usage on a surge worldwide, the trend is moving in SA too, with Cape Town successfully implementing bike lanes in its cities. Bike fabrication is fast becoming a sustainable way to make a living.

“WITH BIKE USAGE ON A SURGE WORLDWIDE, THE TREND IS MOVING I N S A T O O .”

More than just a Fix Back to basics however, there are several things that fabricators need to identify and complete before the physical wielding happens, pre- production is the foundation in which this creation is born. This is where the fabricator meets with the client to discuss frame options and characteristics, body measurements, observations paint and decal selection. This builds the identity of the bike, making accuracy and paying attention to detail a crucial aspect of fabrication. It can easily be compared to fashion couture, as nothing fits quite like a special custom bike.

Creation The creation of a masterpiece involves gas or steel wielding, inimically cutting tubes and assembly. The technical side of fabricating such as fine engineering and craftsmanship that are required for the custom build can only be acquired with a qualification. Since we don’t have direct courses for bike fabrication the best bet is to study welding and fabricating engineering, available at all major universities around the country. Although the design elements are not bike savvy, cool bike factories and institutions would be a cool place for authentic and natural progression into the industry.

Pay Prices and income per annum are all dependant on your clientele, what kind of material they require (Steel, gold bars, platinum...etc.). Most bike fabricators have a bare minimum they are willing to work for, average price being R5000 due to the expensive physical frame. The awesome thing about bike fabrication, is once you establish a market and build your resume, clientele will surely build up. However, it definitely could be a slow start. But as with every career, precision and dedication remain the key component to success.

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TRAVEL

T H E G R E AT “ C A S A” Morocco takes up to the north of Africa for a sense of culture, city adventures and water trotting.

BY KARABO MOTSOAI

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asablanca, the gateway to the beautiful country of Morocco, is the one destination you feel tranquil in as soon as you step off a boat. Casa, as it is affectionately known, is Morocco’s biggest city, with a population of about four million. Not only is it a great place to attain peace and gain perspective, it also offers a great variety of entertaining and diverse scenes to accommodate any personality.

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Casablanca is a destination refreshingly void of the hipsters found in pretty much every major city, allowing one to admire it's natural beauty - with more than a handful of amazing places for one to indulge in. Decent hotels in Casa cost you anything between R500 to R2000 per night, with a meal or two included.

To get the full experience of the city, you should save up at least R6000 spending money, which in our books, is a bargain for African nomads looking to explore the food, entertainment and cultured markets encompassed with souvenirs and momentous memories.

Casa is home to the Hassan Mosque, which can provide one with spiritual fulfillment. The mosque is 200m high and is complete with a guided tour through the ‘house of worship’. It is strikingly decorated with rare pebbles and stones and includes a rocky bay just over the ocean, which airily carries the breeze and scent of the Atlantic Ocean.

Learn about some of the city’s history at a place called King Mohammed IV. The country’s palace of justice, the main bank, as well as the main post office, can all be found within the same perimeters.

“A B A R G A I N F O R AFRICAN NOMADS LO O K I N G TO E X P LO R E T H E F O O D, E N T E R TA I N M E N T A N D C U LT U R E D M A R K E T S E N C O M PA S S E D WITH SOUVENIRS A N D M O M E N TO U S M E M O R I E S .”

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TRAVEL

The breathtaking fountains and gardens make it a great walkway to capture the evening backdrop of this indigenous city.

After exploring the city, the beach would probably be the next place to visit. One can relax and delight in Morocco’s warm waters and lay on the sand in Mohamedia. Another pleasureful option is the shoreline of Cornichia, which is the beachfront haven of exquisite Cassa. It boasts many luxurious hotels along the coastline - with restaurants and spas for five-star dining and pampering indulgence.

Morocco is celebrated for their ceramic creations and to miss out on retail therapy to would be an injustice! Experience their wide variety of ceramic art and purchase a piece or two at the National Ceramics Museum.

Seafood is a delicacy that Moroccans themselves in, so one might mingle with the French-speaking locals at Oualidia or Tauphirn Du DauphinĂŠ for the best servings in town. The city offers a wide variety of seafood for those who are open to new and unconventional tastes.

The night life in Casablanca is buzzing - make sure you pop into their famous bar called La Cigale, for a serving of classic Moroccan food and enchanting live music. Close by is the Benis Patiserrie - a famous pastry haven - with a range of luxurious

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Moroccan confections to tease and satisfy your inquisitive palate.

Make sure that you do not miss out on any of the listed places above. It is always better to share your best memories, so bring a personal party and find luxurious boats travelling along the Atlantic Ocean. Be careful though, as you may get addicted to the Middle Eastern magic, Berber tradition and piquant flair.

“BE CAREFUL THOUGH, AS Y O U M AY G E T A D D I C T E D T O THE MIDDLE EASTERN MAGIC, BERBER TRADITION AND P I Q U A N T F L A I R .”

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FASHION

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102 HOT LIST

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CO-ORDS CHOICE

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132 F E AT U R E S

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HOT LIST

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PAT T E R N E D S K I R T - M Y C L O S E T B Y A K H O PURPLE NECKLACE - BUTTER JEWELRY G O L D L E A F B E LT - L I M I T L E S S B O U T I Q U E GOLD RINGS - LIMITLESS BOUTIQUE BLACK AND WHITE SKIRT - MY CLOSET BY AKHO

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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

W I N T E R / AU T U M N FA BU LO S I T Y

BY NOBUSI MAQUBELA

Is it a sweater? Is it a scarf? Wrong and wrong! The sweater-scarf is a little bit of both. Every autumn/winter we enter the back of our closets searching for our much needed sweaters and scarves. This year, it’s time for a little recycling, if you’re that way inclined.

Not ready to commit? The idea of cutting one of your beloved scarves may be a bit daunting. How about taking a page from Pernille Teisbaek’s styling for the Reiss Autumn/Winter campaign. Teisbaek persuasively used a men’s scarf strategically tied around the neck for an oh-so-chic look.

Alternatively, you can head to the store to grip one of the seasons’ must-have styles. Pinterest is ablaze as to how you can take your old sweater and with a little bit of shearing you can transform it into a sweater-scarf.

As much as we love our usual scarf styles, this look is so fresh and with the different options available there is no reason you should miss out. Scout the internet for some footage and get styling/cutting!

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[This page] Tayo: hat and scarf stylists own Tshirt : Dope store

LET THE CLOTHES DO THE TALKING Less talk, more styling. It’s all in the clothes.

We offer a mix of autumn necessity and summer printed trends.

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[Left Page] Dress with slits: Dope Store [This Page] Tshirt: models own Necklaces: both Negritude Trousers: Dope Store

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Shirt - Arrow Blazer - Arrow Jeans - Arrow necklaces - both Negritude

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Pink tee- Dope Store Necklace - Butter Jewelry Tutu skirt - Ms Gaven

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Shawl -My Closet by Akho Scarf - Stylists Own Cigarette pants - Ms Gaven

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Sweater - Dope Store Jeans - Arrow Bucket hat - Dope store

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[This Page] Jacket - stylists own Tshirt - Models Own Necklace - Negritude Trousers - Dope Store [Right Page] Hat - stylists own Skirt - My Closet by Akho Necklaces - Negritude Bracelet With Ring And Chain Detail - Limitless Boutique

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[This page] Dress - My Closet by Akho Peplum add-on - My Closet by Akho Necklace -Butter Jewelry [Right page] Dress - My Closet by Akho Hat - stylists own

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[Left Page] Beanie - Dope Store Top and Tutu - Ms Gaven Necklace- Butter Jewelry [This Page] Shirt- Arrow Blazer - Arrow jeans- Arrow Necklaces both Negritude

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B E A

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Necklace - Butter Jewelry Head Chain - Limitless Boutique

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Necklace - Butter jewelry

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[Left Page] All necklaces by Negritude Earrings Negritude [This Page] Necklace - Butter Jewelry Earring - Negritude

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[Left Page] Necklace - Butter Jewelry Earrings - Butter Jewelry [This Page] Necklace - Butter Jewelry Earrings - Butter Jewelry

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FASHION FEATURE

v i n tag e i s the new b l ac k Has fashion run out of inspiration already? Vintage styling is all that is being spoken about, and worn, on the streets and catwalks.

BY: NOBUSI MAQUBELA

V

intage clothing has been hyped up for a number of decades.

While it may have seemed like other trends came to take over, ‘old’ clothes have cemented their place in our hearts and wardrobes. Let’s take a look at the reasons, as well as some tips, about vintage dressing, without looking outdated or, well, crazy.

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The best is behind us There will always be fabulous looks gracing catwalks - an experience that may seem like déjà vu. This is not a matter of your mind playing tricks on you. The reality of the matter is that there is less innovation happening in fashion than there is reinterpretation.

The best fashion houses are taking the best of the past and adding a contemporary twist to their designs.

Taking a look at one of South Africa’s greats, Laduma Ngxokolo, he is a testament to the process of reincarnation in the world of fashion.

Ngxokolo recently won the inaugural Vogue Scouting for Africa Prize. In citing his inspirations, he always mentions the traditional Xhosa attire.

From beadwork, to the clothes worn by men after the initiation ritual, Ngxokolo uses these colours and style as sheer brilliance, giving them a newness and appeal that is indicative of only the most inspired fashion houses the world has to offer.

Why should we buy old clothes?

We’re all drawn to the smell and excitement of brand new clothes and this will never lose its value, but the vintage trend is not going anywhere for a few simple reasons.

No ‘fashionista’ can argue with the desire to be original. Owning a vintage piece is an almost absolute guarantee of individuality. Vintage shops do not stock many of the pieces that retailers

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FEATURE

“ T H E R E I S L E S S I N N O V AT I O N H A P P E N I N G I N FA S H I O N T H A N T H E R E I S R E I N T E R P R E TAT I O N .”

do. In addition, past clothes were made in smaller quantities, unlike the mass production that takes place in modern times.

If you’ve ever thought about how to be more ‘green’, thrifting is pretty environmentally friendly. Honestly, you should probably do more for Mother Nature. Doing your bit to curb the amount of pesticides used to make cotton, is a pleasant way to start. To add to that, instead of giving the earth the burden of carrying clothes that are thrown away - recycle, recycle, and recycle. Who knew tree-hugging could be so stylish?

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How To Dressing vintage is not as easy as it seems, especially if you’re not trying to look like you’re going to a costume party. Herewith, find a few tips from the experts: • Mix key vintage pieces with modern accessories, or spice up your contemporary style with some vintage accessories.

• Mixing eras is an awesome way of making sure you don’t look like you’re going to a ‘Period’ party.

• If you’re going to a wear a statement piece, keeping the rest of your clothes demure is an advisable option.

• A vintage piece will probably not come in different sizes. Fit it on, get it tailored or add a belt/fitted jacket to make sure you don’t look like you borrowed your grandma’s frock.

“ R E CYC L E .

R E CYC L E .

R E CYC L E . W H O KNEW TREE HUGGING COULD BE SO STYLISH?”

Personal style is all about expressing yourself through your clothes. This means that whatever you decide, there is no such thing as a wrong answer.

Get out of your comfort zone, and check out the amazing online vintage stores or a thrift shop in your area.

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FEATURE

M AY M O V i n t a g e Clothing made for yo u .

MayMo, the vintage shopping experience at your fingertips.

BY NOBUSI MAQUBELA

W

hen vintage shopping, being able to buy qualitychecked items online makes for an awesome thrifting experience. MayMo is one of the local pioneers of this trend, which is why we decided to chat with the founders for a little bit of insight on what it entails.

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Debs and Misch grew up together (They are cousins) in between JHB and the Eastern Cape. Some of their earliest memories come from playing dress up in their Grandmothers Sewing room.

All of her children and Grandchildren affectionately call her MayMo – which is short for My Mother. When brainstorming ideas for their company name, the fashionable pair looked to stylish women who have inspired them – MayMo was the first who came to mind.

2. Online vintage stores are few and far between, not many would make this their business of choice. What inspired you?

Deborah Anne Kerr, MayMo’s Fashion Director has lived and travelled all over Africa. After her studies she lived in London, which fuelled her passion for vintage, and when she moved to Tanzania she threw herself into the Fashion industry on a mission to find African Vintage pieces. She now lives and operates from East London, exploring the Eastern Cape at every opportunity she can. Debs has always had a fearless and experimental style when it comes to Dressing.

Misch McNamara, MayMo’s Creative Director lives in Cape Town. She is a Director of Great Scott (a Concept and Event Agency) and co owns AIR Yoga in Woodstock. Vintage Fashion has always been a passion of hers along with environmental awareness. Add this combination to an entrepreneurial spirit and you seem to get where we are going?

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That was actually one of reasons why we started MayMo! Having lived in other countries we saw how many online vintage stores were out there internationally… not locally. It was quite practical inspiration.

We wanted to buy locally sourced Vintage clothing online without having to dig through piles of clothes in Thrift stores.

This is the experience we create for our customers. We feel strongly about up -cycling , leather goods, high quality coats and dresses, there is no need to make more.

3. What is the vision of the business? As in how would you like people to experience MayMo or how do you see business expanding in the next few years?

The MayMo shopping experience embodies effortless ease and loads of fun.

We are all about the customer service.

Shop online and know that your items have been quality checked and hand selected.

As the business grows we would love to show case other local designers with the same vision as ours through MayMo. Creating a platform for local vintage style.

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FEATURE

4. Many people are interested in buying vintage clothing, but are scared to buy clothes that aren't actually vintage/ ruined beyond repair or just don't know where to start or what to look out for.

Do you have any advice?

When you check a vintage piece there are certain things to look for - does it have a lining? Are all the buttons still securely attached? Is it a good quality fabric? These are some of the criteria that we use when sourcing. Of course you can also go to MayMo.co.za where we have done this all for you.

5. Why do you think it is that vintage has become a craze over the past few years. And do you think this could be a passing trend in fashion?

Fashion is cyclical so inevitably certain styles and cuts will come back in. Also Vintage pieces have longevity - they never go out of fashion. I do not think this is a passing trend, vintage style will be around as long as fashion keeps changing and evolving. Like art, it is a reflection of what is happening in our society.

" I F Y O U H A V E N ’ T Y E T C H E C K E D T H E M O U T, G O T O M AY M O C L O T H I N G . C O . Z A , F O R A S T R E S S - F R E E , N O F U S S TA K E O N V I N TA G E S H O P P I N G . "

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" M AY M O D E L I V E R S I T E M S TO YO U R D O O R W I T H E N V I R O N M E N TA L LY F R I E N D LY PA C K A G I N G A N D A Q U I R K Y STYLE."

7. What makes the MayMo shopping experience unique and superior to other vintage shopping experiences?

It is convenient and exciting. You can do it from where ever you are – even if you are too busy to go out and search. MayMo delivers Items to your door with environmentally friendly packaging and a quirky style.

8. What is your favourite vintage item in your own closet/ shop and why?

Debs : A Red printed vintage dress which I bought off a tree in Tanzania, just so incredibly unique and has such a story.

I will always think of bartering with the man in Swahili.

Misch : It’s a Fake Fur cuffed trench coat – which I call the Animal. Every time I wear it, it reminds me of Kate Hudson’s character from Almost Famous.

Misch and Debs exude, effortless style and letting them do your thrifting for you is an excellent choice. If you haven’t yet checked them out, go to maymoclothing.co.za, for a stressfree, no fuss take on vintage shopping.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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T H E G A L L E RY

144 INDULGENCE

148 F E AT U R E

152 REVIEWS

156 NITE ZONE 137

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THE GALLERY

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NETO:

Making the call home

A

young man, who grew up in a small village outside Polokwane, could never forecast his future as a photographer making waves on the art scene. Capturing the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg is how it started for Kgomotso and he has kept it going ever since. According to M&G, he is a part of a conglomerate of image shapers immerging through the showcase of African storytelling. He delicately and honestly depicts the energy in rural and urban settings as a call to help Africans fall in love with their own space and motions. Neto keeps pushing, as he knows mental momentum is a gift most Africans need to acquire.

Get more African visuals through his lens on IG: kgomotso_neto.

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INDULGENCE

T h e W h i p p e t, L i n d e n.

Recycled jam jars and eye-catching antique furniture…

The creative's version of indulgence is to be found at The Whippet.

BY: KELEABETSOE RAMMOPO

T

he Whippet is a restaurant based in Linden, with distinctive design and a menu to match. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it attracts all of Jozi's hipsters and creatives. A coffee shop is usually perceived as a place where you get your coffee, read your paper and maybe conduct your morning meeting. It’s a place where one is usually encouraged to mind their own because the shop encourages a structural ambience.

and mention their regulars by name. The environment it seems is enchantingly inviting from the morning right through the last hour.

The Whippet is a modern coffee shop that offers more than a variety of grains; it offers a menu full of appetising options. The dishes are visually appealing creative fusions, but the food distinctively remain relatable and within your reach social reach (which is a good thing). They offer breakfast and lunch meals that are not only filling, but are The Whippet however is full of personality in wholesome and we suspect this has to do that it concentrates on consumer experience; with their local supplier’s mandate. the waiters embody humility, they smile IMBO/ ISSUE 34/ '15

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The burger is comes with a cheddar-filled 100% beef patty, served with delectable but healthy sweet potato chips, pesto aioli saucea and a chilled bottle of their branded craft beer.

Their bakery goodies - such as a special selection of Boutique cakes and home made choc chip cookies go well with their creamy Whippeccinos. Another distinctive treat is their signature peanut butter and espresso smoothie.

I personally could not get enough of their wonderful variety of dishes, and the service provided was fit for a queen. Starting off the day at The Whippet made for a happier unravelling of my day. If your mornings are too jam packed for a coffee treat, consider popping in for their diverse lunch menu.

Having started the coffee shop with three other partners, Ofentse Morake - the executive chef - says he is set on creating more mouthwatering dishes in creative ways using the most Their breakfast signature dishes include the authentic ingredients. He is looking forward to Breakfast Bowl and Potato Rosti, while their growing the brand, expanding it and maybe lunch signature dishes vary from the fritter stack even franchising, certainly exciting prospects! served with a diamond rose - to their famous Whippet Burger.

“MORAKE THE EXECUTIVE C H E F I S S E T O N C R E AT I N G M O R E M O U T H - W AT E R I N G D I S H E S I N C R E AT I V E W AY S .�

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INDULGENCE

#WKNDSOCIAL # G RU B “Good Food, Good people, Good music.” The WKND social motto is simple, straight to the point and I found – deeply accurate.

BY: LEBOHANG MORAKE

T

his monthly event, has over time become very popular and if I’m being honest, the indulgence factor has never been sold to me.

Everyone with much of a social green card into the cool metropolitan circle, had me sold on exactly that – its bohemian, yet subservient African vibe. I found it best to go discover what it had to offer me but this time I would focus on this event as a competing supplier in the food market.

SERVICE After snuggling into a cosy corner with a friend, a waiter attended to us immediately.

Our waiter, Bhungani, continued to serve us with wit and care throughout the festivities (adding to the good people aesthetic). He delicately cleared the table at every go, served our meals with an attentive care, and helped with the removal of evidence on just how many Absolute Vodka jam jars we went through!

Greeted with ‘happy to be there’ auras, I checked my name off the list and was politely run through menu options with the simple system of the day: choose one starter and one main course from the menu.

The appealing desert table was laid out in the corner of the room – with only one trip made available per ticket.

At the desserts table one was assisted with servings, and deciding what delicious treats made an awesome combo. Another cool touch to service was supervisors who made sure food was being served and that high food standards were met - big points there! I love being attended to, and I must say even the bar service was surprisingly on fleek.

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MENU Drinks: Absolute Vodka Mixers Absolute Vodka brought us tangy and fruity mixers, such as pineapple and ginger martinis and cranberry slush jam jars with a selection of fruits. These were the complimentary drinks for the festivities, and of course other beverages were available for purchase. Fast and effective is always key when running events that only get a revisit once a month. This is one main element I thoroughly enjoyed - short queues, fast service and accommodating bartenders.

With these amazingly delectable options before me, I had to weigh my options carefully and give into what my taste buds were more inclined to appreciate with all the vodka downing. And it seemed the House Burger would do the trick.

After chopping and changing a few ingredients for order, Bhugani finally delivered my haven of gluttony on a plate!

With a 15 minute interval between the order Food: Starter Artisinal bread with spreads and dips, this (not bad at all). I was certainly a happy included baguette, sourdough, home – made woman at the size of my serving and once I ricotta with lemon and thyme. A selection of tucked into the crisp bacon and juicy burger herb butters, cumin and herb and creamy patti, with a distinct amount of piquant sweet potato spread were elegantly laid cheese for my serving – I was happily out on pea shaped white serving plates, on partaking in food porn pleasantries. a wooden tray to hold the spreads - more points for visual appeal. The breads were Desserts soft and fresh, all sliced up neatly for us. Sponsored by Fiat, a selection of gelato Spreads and dips offered spicy, tangy or (italian ice-cream) and the more traditional sweet flavours to the bread. Served in large ice cream was made available at the table. portions, the starter could easily be shared Gelato included jelly sprinkles, chocolate delights and caramel sticks all for your by two people with a healthy appetite. specialised taste buds, unfortunately I skipped my ice cream selection altogether Main course Three very mouth-watering selections, these and opted for a Styrofoam full of jelly sprinkles. included: •Scrambled eggs with fresh chopped chives, smoked salmon and cream cheese on a All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by the menu and just how delicious the food sweet potato rosti.

• The house burger, with bacon, emmanthal actually proved to be. If you ask me The cheese and The Hill’s smoky barbeque sauce WKND SOCIAL should be sold for its food as much as it’s social vibe. If you’re tired of served with chips.

• Grilled vegetable lasagne with smoked all your accustomed eat out spots, you might mozzarella, rosemary and a cream cheese want to book a ticket for a truly enjoyable experience. No vegan menus are available filling.

• Chicken phyllo-pastry pie with bacon, yet, but word around the town is that they might be looking into this. cream and leeks.

“ S H O R T C U E S , FA ST S E R V I C E A N D A C C O M M O D AT I N G B A R T E N D E R S .”

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FEATURE

Mzansi’s Hip-Hop roya lt y: AKA vs. CASSPER The question on everybody’s lips is, who will be the last man standing?

BY: NOBUSI MAQUBELA

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T

he self-proclaimed and much acclaimed ‘King of Hip Hop’, AKA, has been serving fans with hit after hit for almost a decade. Enter new kid on the block, Cassper Nyovest, and things get really interesting on the Mzansi Hip Hop circuit.

as Lil Kim vs. Nicki Minaj, Nas vs. Jay Z and more profoundly, Notorious B.I.G vs. Tupac.

Being privy to such information, makes one wonder if ‘beef’ is still legitimate or just another marketing gimmick. Whatever the reason, it’s pretty obvious that Hip Hop fans are suckers for a ‘diss’ verse or two.

AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, has been a As history has it, if you take two really good part of the music industry for over a decade. rappers, you add two teaspoons of beef From more humble beginnings in rap group, with a side plate of tweets for 21st century ‘Entity,’ as a solo artists AKA has produced relevance, the result is immortality. It goes more solo hits and entertainment with his without saying that any rapper trying to arrogant persona. The ‘Congratulate’ singer make it in the Hip Hop industry is aware often takes to the Twitter streets to take on what ‘beef’ did for the careers of duos, such his rivals or share his opinions. In February

“ I F YO U D O N OT S U P P O R T M Y M U S I C , B Y B U Y I N G I T, W E C A N N O T TA K E A P H O T O , E V E R .” - A K A

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FEATURE

“ TA K E T W O R E A L LY G O O D R A P P E R S , YO U A D D T W O T E A S P O O N S O F B E E F WITH A SIDE OF TWITTER WAR FOR 21ST C E N T U R Y R E L E V A N C E , T H E R E S U LT I S I M M O R TA L I T Y.”

this year, Forbes tweeted “If you do not support my music, by buying it, we cannot take a photo, ever.” After being an angered by a fan who tried to take a picture with him and was denied after being unable to recall the name of his latest album.

include ‘Doc Shebeleza’ and ‘Phumakim’ is not without controversy himself. In ‘Phumakim’ the rapper hails then girlfriend, Amanda du Pont by expressing “if you’re not Amanda du Pont, then you’re not tailored for me.” After a very public relationship, Nyovest took to the stage at the 2015 Metro Cassper Nyovest (Refiloe Phoolo) entered FM Awards to remix the lyrics and fuel the world of South African music with as ensuing break-up rumours. The new lyrics much chutzpah as his colleague in music cheekily stated that “even Amanda du Pont and it is not a wonder that drama soon wasn’t tailored for me. Now I really f*ck ensued. Phoolo’s debut album, Tsholofelo with women as famous as me.” , was released in 2014 followed by two top chart single releases. The rapper whose hits

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Considering the boisterous personalities of the two, fate would have it that they would not get along, at least initially.

Their beef began when Nyovest tweeted that his song, Doc Shebeleza was the biggest song in the county. To this, AKA, responded “No.1 on iTunes not on Zippy Share… know the difference.” And the rest was beef history. From Twitter wars to, one of AKA’s crew pulling out a gun on his rival, the beef between the two allegedly ended in December 2014.

Although insiders say the quelling of beef between the two is for publicity reasons, competition is rife whether they get along or not. Nyovest recently cleaned up at the Metro FM Awards, taking 5 awards to AKA’s meager 2. Whether they are fighting or not, thoughts of missed awards and tough competition will surely keep the pair on their toes. And for as long as they are both on the scene the question will remain: Who is SA’s number 1 rapper?

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FEST

INFECTING THE CITY BY: LENNI TAARIQ GASANT

I

nfecting The City (ITC) is a vibrant and innovative annual public arts festival that takes place in the City of Cape Town.

The Festival strives to bring exceptional, socially-engaged performance and visual art out of theatres and galleries and into the communal spaces of Cape Town’s Central Business District. Transforming the city centre into an outdoor venue, where art is free and accessible to everyone.

Unfolding on the streets and various other public spaces in the Central Business District (CBD) of Cape Town. The Festival provides an unusual opportunity for art, music, dance and performance to engage with or disrupt Cape Town’s daily activities.

The Festival’s programme challenges audiences, pushes boundaries, shifts perspectives and helps to make sense of the public spaces we occupy. With both daytime and evening performances. Much of the programme is designed as a route, which allows for audiences to move from one work to the next as a group.

There are however artworks, which run throughout the Festival, on and off the route, that can be experienced by the those lucky enough to find themselves in South Africa’s number 1 tourist destination at multiple times beyond those scheduled on the route.

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BOOKS

Brain D ro p p i n g s

FIFTY SHADES DA R K E R

BY: LEHLOHONOLO MOLAPO

BY: LEBOHANG MORAKE

E

I

L James gives us a three part series on a story of love, sex and the highly intoxicating fuels of uncertainty between Christian Grey and Ana Steele.

have a low tolerance for stupid bullshit”, this poignant sentence was the first thing I ever heard from George Carlin and at that moment I became an instant fan of the comedian, writer, social critic, actor and author. Carlin who's career spanned over 40 years compiled thoughts, musings, questions, lists, beliefs, curiosities, monologues, assertions, assumptions, and other verbal ordeals, in his master piece Brain Droppings.

Part two, 50 Shades Darker presents an indecisive Ana leaving to start a career with a US Publishing house. Will she eventually leave her fears behind and give into Mr Grey’s affection and bedroom whippings again? Or will she leave Mr Grey to pick up the pieces of his heart by himself? After revealing his deep dark secrets which led her to flee.

Broken into 19 offensive, enlightening and sometimes scary parts, Carlin gives you a unique view on the world that will leave you in stitches. Part 18 for is example is called “Random Thoughts” and that is exactly what they are:

Although I would point out EL James writing style as too simple and her dialogue as unimaginative, the essence of the storyline and a devotion to Fifty Shades of Grey will encourage the pursuit and completion of this book.

“They say let’s stop underage drinking before it starts, please explain this to me, sounds tricky” , “ I often think how the world would have been if Hitler had not been turned down when he went to art school” and “ When you look at Picasso’s paintings it makes you wonder what kind of woman he visualized when he masturbated.”

Language, colloquial or formal is something we all feel we’ve mastered but the way Carlin exposes how we use language is inspired. Carlins anger and total distaste for these language errors is lathered in comedy and make perfect sense. All in all Brain Droppings is an easy read that is not only comical but also insightful. You will feel like that five year old kid again asking why, why, why?

It carries a modern Mills and Boons effect (We have against all logic, accepted this as okay) with the typical story of a mismatched duo falling in love. The ‘heated’ moments in the book, I suppose are capturing enough to make a bored afternoon a little more than idle activity.

And of course, it is written in a way that leaves the storyline in mid -air to entice the completion of this trilogy.

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SCREEN

HALF OF A YELLOW SUN

SELMA BY: SALOME TSOKA

BY:VANGI GANTSHO

A

historical drama based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, which marked the most significant change for civil rights movements in America.

Directed by Ava DuVernay and written

by Paul Webb and DuVernay, the film depicts an authentic story of the people of Selma, whilst honouring the memory of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo).

The plot covers the three-month marches for equal voting rights, which encountered violent opposition. Dr King, alongside many others, such as James Bevel (Common), led the movement, which resulted in President Lyndon Johnson, portrayed by Tom Wilkinson, signing the voting rights act of 1965.

The film is not just a history lesson, but rather a thrilling and surprising experience. It will keep you in suspense.

South African viewers can relate to this, as it not only shows the similar struggle we went through, but also looks at how far we have come as a nation.

T

win daughters, Olana and Kainene, have seen two sides of the Nigeria-Biafra War. Based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun, this is a story of a country, family and love. Set during the Nigeria-Biafra War, Olanna and Kainene (Thandie Newton and Anika Noni Rose) are the twin daughters of a wealthy Nigerian family, who each have very different, but intertwined experiences of war.

Although Newton is expectedly upstaged, she does become more convincing as the movie progresses. Chiwetel Ejiofor captures Olanna’s revolutionary professor masterfully and a pleasant surprise is Rose, whose portrayal of Kainene, steals the show.

The story of post-independence war and the effects of divide and conquer, are themes that most Africans, no matter where they are from, can relate to. Also of interest, is the ban of the movie in Nigeria. That being said, the movie fails to capture Adichi’s human Nigerian account of the individual characters and the glaring Anglophonic narrative is difficult to overlook.

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MUSIC

DMX REDEMPTION OF THE BEAST

EUPHONIK For the Lov e o f House Vol. 6

BY: LERATO MOLEKO

BY: SALOME TSOKA

D

T

MX, the legend who personified hard core rap in the late 90s, returns to the scene with his “Redemption of the beast” mixtape. The mixtape was recorded under Seven Arts Entertainment, whom X claims has released the project prematurely with no consent.

he newest edition to the legendary album series, ‘For the Love of House Vol. 6’, has been released and is set to be better than the rest.

Euphonik has released six albums to date - For the Love of House Series: Vol. 1, Politics of Dance, Special Edition, Total Blackout, Vol. 5 and Vol. 6. With more than a decade of experience, Euphonik is definitely seen as the President (taken from the quote, “If house is a nation, I want to be President”) of house music in the South African music industry.

The project comes standard with the trademark barks and growls, but fails to live up to expectation, and gives a sense that it is indeed premature as most of the tracks sound unfinished first recordings.

The New York rapper seems to have failed to evolve his sound to the current era of the genre with this rock infused offering, and only really makes impact with two tracks – “Built like a b****” and “Get up and try again” from the 16 track mixtape.

With its choruses sung by the raspy voiced DMX himself, this may just be one for the ardent fan but will definitely go down as one to miss in 2015.

His latest album is a unique fusion of 16 upbeat songs featuring house, dance and electro compilations. Personally, my favourite song, ‘Faded’ literally had me feeling some type of way from my living room, turning it into an electro dance floor. Definitely the biggest banger on this compilation. It seems as though these sixteen songs will continue to take you on a formidable house journey.

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NITE ZONE

TALE OF US BY: LENNI TAARIQ GASANT

Date: 27 February 2015 Venue: AND Club. 36 Stiemens Street.

Considered one of the hottest duos in the electronic music scene right now, Mateo and Karm, aka TALE OF US, performed for the first time in South Africa and Africa as part of a fundraiser tour, in partnership with Bridges for Music.The aim is to support Bridges for Music’s educational projects in townships like Langa (Cape Town), where the NPO is raising funds to build a

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creative school for underprivileged talent to flourish. Every ticket purchased went making this dream a reality. IMBO joined in on the fun filled event which was also supported by a stellar line-up of local artists including Trancemicsoul, Jazzuelle, Deep Aztec, AudioJerk, Cabin Crew, Dogstar, Fabio, Killer Robot, Thibo Tazz and Black Book, all performing at both events.

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Work

OPEN is more than just an office.

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

Meet OPEN has ideal spaces for your meetings, workshops and training sessions, big or small.

Our meeting rooms include: 3 multimedia and web conference equipped boardrooms, 2 workshop/ training rooms, an innovation space, 4 informal meeting/working rooms.

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

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

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

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

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