Destiny Careers Magazine February Edition by CTC college (Pty) Ltd

FEBRUARY 2020 R50,00

BE BRAVE

How to freelance successfully Learn to balance your work and your studies

ENERGY SPECIAL Eskom, Izinyoka, Renewable Energy & Your Bank Account

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6 009879 964172

The man helping African airlines soar

ISSUE 02 R50,00

OGAGA UDJO

20002

Meet

DESTINY CAREERS

FOCUS ON THE ENERGY SPECIAL

South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electricity crisis and our role in it

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PG 42

DESTINY CAREERS

Hey

Editor’s note

“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” So said Michelle Obama. I didn’t get very far in her autobiography Becoming (I said what I said), but this quote is one that stood out from a list of favourites chosen by this month’s cover star, Ogaga Udjo. That quote embodies the spirit of DESTINY CAREERS (and Udjo’s professional journey): we believe in motion, in evolution, in change, in seeing the world beyond our circumstances. The content we cover is driven by the belief that there’s always more out there: more to do, more to learn, more to be. Our job is to, even if it’s in a small way, help you navigate your way through those changes and empower you to feel like you can be in charge of them. As writer Tseliso Monaheng once said to me in a pep talk, given to me at a time when I couldn’t leave the house without crying in the shower first, “everything begins with movement”. Easier said than done, of course, but life is something that is constantly in motion, and it’s best to try and be the one leading that dance, or at least keeping up with it. In our cover story, Ogaga, the Pretoria-raised aviation consultant who has risen through the ranks of his industry quickly, has some important lessons to share with us; lessons about being true to yourself and figuring out ways to navigate corporate spaces without compromising your values. This is advice that can apply to anyone, whether you’re still in school or you’ve been in the workplace for several years. It’s worth a read. And to the matrics of 2019, I have some things to say. Firstly, congratulations and well done. Whether you’re going on to study further this year, are taking a break to figure things out or you’re missing tertiary for reasons beyond your control, we wish you a journey that is exciting, filled with hope and growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be open to new experiences. Give yourself the room to grow, room to make mistakes and room to change your mind. Be kind to others and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Until next time.

Denim jacket & jeans: Zara. T-shirt: H&M Styled by Karin Orzol. Photographed by Judd van Rensburg

Pearl Boshomane Tsotetsi

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DESTINY CAREERS

A MUST-SEE 45 DEGREES

Hip Hop Artist Designer Art Director Page 112

FEBRUARY 2020 | ISSUE 02 PUBLISHER & CEO: THE BAR GROUP Legend Manqele CEO: DESTINY CAREERS & CTC COLLEGE Mpho Madzibadela CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Carmen van Wyk GENERAL MANAGER Nkokheli Lindazwe EDITOR Pearl Boshomane Tsotetsi CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Unathi Shologu FEATURES WRITER Maki Molapo ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Lerusha Reddy WEB DEVELOPER Mafika Mkhwanazi MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Keso Mogale MULTIMEDIA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Senzo Bhengu BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Zee Ally FINANCIAL MANAGER Karabo Mbokota HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Moyo Sosibo CREATIVE CONSULTANT & DESIGN: KANAKA

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DESTINY CAREERS

Often, people who can do, don’t, because they’re afraid of what people that can’t do will say about them doing. Trevor Noah, The Daily Show host, stand-up comedian

Contents

Plan the future of your dreams

The bold aviation consultant championing Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connectedness

HOW TO

DIARY

A day in the life of a Bolt driver

ADVICE

How to make freelancing work for you

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28 COVER

SPECIAL REPORT

All about Eskom, renewable energy, cable theft and money

PEOPLE

Meet the daredevil psychiatric nurse & the business-minded yoga instructor

DESTINY CAREERS

50 66

70 70

COLUMN

TRAVEL

Reimagining our role in academia

How to see the world with a clear conscience

106

Why your Netflix addiction isn’t cute

Ke summer – make your own ice-cream treats

HEALTH

FINANCE

How to get your money right in 2020

MOTORING

5 motorbikes that won’t “brake” your bank balance

FOOD

118

EXIT INTERVIEW

Alessandro Khojane’s thoughts on Hercules

Hey

Contributors Esihle Lupindo

You’re speaking my language, pg 68

IG/ Twitter: @EsihleL

What is your idea of happiness? Coffee, gin, art and loving without fear.

Shelley Mokoena

Ogaga Udjo’s stratospheric rise in aviation, pg 28

Twitter: @Shelley_Mokoena IG: @shelleymokoena

What’s your favourite daydream? It’s a combination of my two favourite things: living and working in a beachfront designer villa.

Palesa Buyeye

A series of addictive events, pg 74

IG: @pali_lesa / Twitter: @pali_babz What would be the title of your biopic and why? Ndiyagowa But I Come Back. I’m starting to learn and practise the art of going through whatever it is but always coming back and trying again. Coming back to centre myself, my hopes, dreams and whatever it is that makes life worth fighting for, kinda like Britney did after her 2007 meltdown. It isn’t always easy but I think the human spirit was designed for such, even history can agree on that. We often do it subconsciously. Plus, who doesn’t love a good comeback story? 10

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Didintle Ntshudisane

Ogaga Udjo’s stratospheric rise in aviation, pg 28

IG/ Twitter: @didintlen

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I like the fact that it’s a mixture of different genres – neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop – and it explores love, and God. It will keep me in a very wholesome, holistic state of mind and soul.

BK Dikobe

Ogaga Udjo’s stratospheric rise in aviation, pg 28

IG: bk_makeupartist Facebook: BK Makeup Artist

If you could be a colour, which would it be? Gold. Because it’s classified as expensive, and I believe that I am there in the high ranges of life.

DESTINY CAREERS

Hey

Jade Kelly

8 things you need to know as a South African freelancer, pg 20

IG: @jadekellywilson Twitter: @JadeKaayWilson

Which ice-cream flavour embodies you and why? Tin Roof – some people love it and others can’t seem to understand what all the fuss is about!

Edwin Naidu

Power to the people, pg 46; The evolution of the iconic Golf, pg 92

What do you lie about? Nothing! My nose is chubby, not long, so I missed the Pinocchio pointedness. But we’re all partial to the odd white lie, such as: “Are you okay? Yes.” I would inevitably say as a default response. Plus, there’s much to do, exciting challenges to conquer, things to do, so one can rest when our time on Earth is up, though I recall my late brother Morgan saying he’d read that you work hard in heaven too. But I can’t imagine my siblings Aldrin and Morgan working too hard with their soft hands, lol.

Lauren Mulligan

The daredevil caregiver, pg 64; The yoga teacher who built her own nest, pg 66; A light in dark times, pg 50; Exit interview, pg 118

IG: @blahgrapher / @backintoday

Texting or talking? Depends who’s on the other side, but if you don’t know me, it’s probably safer to text me.

Jeffrey Rikhotso

Ogaga Udjo’s stratospheric rise in aviation, pg 28

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? Japan. I think they are one of the greatest countries that have managed to achieve a great balance between native culture and modern technology. Their vibrant and innovative cities are a must for a visual artist always looking to be inspired by fashion, tech and urban culture. Japan symbolises what lacks in most Westernised/ Western countries: that delicate balance of way of life rooted in deep culture while super-ahead with innovation.

Rea Khoabane

The yoga teacher who built her own nest, pg 66; Exit interview, pg 118

IG / Twitter: @rea_khoabane

If you could be any superhero who would be and why? Storm from X-Men. As a spiritual being (prophet) light plays a huge role in my life and storm is light caused by rainy or bad weather but after it you’re guaranteed rainbow.

Shout out

Letters

Share your thoughts via email: us@destinycareers.co.za. Engage with us:

@Destiny_Careers

DestinyCareersZA

@destiny.careers

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Destiny Careers

I read every page in your January issue, and I’m hooked. I feel the whole magazine is actually quite honest and I think you’ve got a practical, pragmatic approach for young professionals, whether they are already within their careers or they’re moving from high school to university. I, especially, enjoyed the articles about what to do if you can’t get into university and what tahe different types of options are, and the changing world of work. Giving people options is extremely powerful, and I love how you also touched on things in the economy and entrepreneurship. I wish I had this advice when I was leaving university – I think it’s going to go a long way in presenting an honest view of the world. - Olivia Molefe, Bloemfontein

Your mag is great, I really enjoyed reading it. I think it’s mad to start a magazine in this climate and in this economy, so good luck to you. Looking forward to your future editions. – Wandi Nyati, Cape Town

Destiny Careers is so elegant and classy, but also super approachable and relatable. It’s pitch perfect as far as writing goes. And the spread for the cover messed you up because it is THAT good. It raised the bar so high. Your next editions have to top that, so good luck. But I love your magazine. Congrats! - LY, Johannesburg

TWEETS Super proud of Prof @ LenkaBula for gracing the cover of @Destiny_ Careers. Much love to this wonderful soul. I learned so much from @LenkaBula while she was Dean of Students @ unisa. She is brave, fierce, smart, fun, humble... she continues to inspire me. Congrats Prof! - @FionaMahlori

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Thanks for the feature in your inaugural Destiny Careers magazine. Hope youth and young people will draw great wisdom & lessons from it. Wishing all the IEB/Matriculants success. May those who haven’t made it have the courage to rewrite their exams and pursue success.

Such a great magazine, the headlines say it all! Here’s my top 3, amongst many others, fave articles in @Destiny_Careers magazine! - @akreana_

- @LenkaBula

DESTINY CAREERS

Section

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win. But we came to win. So, we will win Ayanda Moholi, DESTINY CAREERS columnist

How To

Vision Board

Visualisation. Manifestation. It all sounds very woo-woo and may be easy to dismiss (I mean, someone in The Secret said they visualised a parking spot - laugh with me), but for many, vision boards work.

words mimi mabaso

Studies on the effectiveness of vision boarding are conflicted (some encourage it, others say it makes no difference when it comes to helping you achieve goals) – but so are studies on drinking coffee or wine, for instance. In the end, it’s about what you choose to believe. So, what is a vision board? It’s exactly that – a piece of paper or board that features images of things that you want to achieve or attain, from material objects to career or relationship goals, or changed behaviour (yours, not others’). To vision board is to have visual representations of your goals and desires with the hope that this brings you one step closer to making those a reality. If this sounds like something you’re interested in trying, read on for tips on how to get started.

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DESTINY CAREERS

How To

Be practical

Go digital

First things first: vision boarding isn’t a magic tool to fix your life. So, while it helps to visualise and/ or remind yourself what you want to achieve, that’s only an aiding tool. Positive thinking is useful, but just as you can’t think yourself out of poverty (no matter how many people tell you “poverty is a state of mind”), you can’t think your way into success without taking the necessary steps to increase chances of achieving your goals.

If paper and glue isn’t your thing, then make a vision board using your phone, tablet and/or computer. The most obvious online home for vision boards is Pinterest: you can create a secret board, name it whatever you wish (‘Mimi’s Vision Board 2020’, for instance) and then pin images to said board.

According to an article in Inc. Magazine, vision boards can sometimes hinder you rather than push progress: “When you put a picture of a Lamborghini on your vision board, your brain reacts as if you already have a Lamborghini. You’ll experience a relaxation response that reduces your energy and decreases your motivation… Try visualising yourself going through the motions of what it takes to succeed – like changing your diet, working out in the gym, or studying hard. Then, you’ll equip yourself to go out there and get it… it’s important to identify short-term action steps you can start taking right now.”

… but also leave room for magic That’s not to say every dream has a clear, step-bystep path leading to it- of course not. Otherwise some dreams wouldn’t be dreams. So, call it divine intervention, God, the Universe, Ancestors, or Yaweh but open yourself up to the fact that in some cases, it will take more than hard work to get your goals: luck also has a role to play. As Oprah Winfrey famously said: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” Some opportunities can be created, others cannot. Make peace with that and the fact that you can’t control everything.

Go old school Many seasoned vision boarders swear by having an actual, physical piece of paper or board, kept in a highly visible place so that you see your hopes and dreams every chance you get. If that’s the route you want to go, then get a stack of magazines or newspapers, scissors and glue, and get collaging. It might even be a good idea to have your name in the middle of the vision board so that you remember who it’s for – not that you’d forget, of course.

There are also plenty of vision board apps and websites, with some even formatting your board as a wallpaper, so every time you open up your computer or phone screen, you’re greeted by what you are manifesting.

Write it down If flipping through magazines and cutting out images isn’t quite up your alley, or you’re generally not an image-driven person, try writing things down instead. Much like New Year’s resolutions, you can keep a journal where you write down things you want to achieve, habits you would like to change and note the progress that you’re making.

Let it go In an interview, Oprah said while she no longer vision boards, she advises that those who do need to visualise what they want, put it on their board (be it physical or mental) – and then let it go. She said it’s important to want something without obsessing over it to the point that you fear not getting it. This is especially true if it’s something you don’t have full control over or a clear path towards. For example, I had wanted to go to San Francisco since childhood (blame the TV show Charmed), but I didn’t have the means to do so for several years. This dream remained in the back of my mind and one day, I was presented with the chance to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to the coastal city. My San Fran dream came true because I believe I manifested it without being consumed by it. Believe in what you want and work as realistically as possible towards achieving it – but don’t be too hard on yourself if everything doesn’t go as smoothly as you want it to.

Do what works for you Remember: there’s no one size fits all. Maybe this is all New Age nonsense to you, which is perfectly fine. But if you’re looking to try it, hopefully this article has given you some guidance. Happy vision boarding!

Diary

12 HOURS WITH A BOLT DRIVER A Bolt driver’s diary reveals the multicoloured layers that are unseen by most of us. Last June, Pamella Magaqa (44) left her office job for a more flexible one, and she traded her workstation for a mobile. She’s a Bolt (formerly known as Taxify) driver, working primarily in the north of Johannesburg. Here, she takes us through one of her weekday shifts in mid January.

12 HOURS

with a Bolt Driver

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06:30 08:30

I started my day by taking my son to the Gautrain station, and I was online immediately after that. Within a minute I received a request. My first client was a middle-aged man who sat in the front seat. We greeted each other and proceeded to chat. I found out that I used to work with his wife a long time ago. My next two clients were also men, and they also sat in the front seat and we chatted. One was on his way to the Gautrain station and the other was on his way to an office park. I then drove to a petrol station to fill up the car, and shortly after that I got a request. The client was a lady who sat in the backseat. We exchanged greetings but didn’t speak any further. My next request was a young schoolboy going to his school, about 5km away. He sat in the front. He’s around my son’s age. We chatted until he got to school.

DESTINY CAREERS

Section

09:30 – 12:30

It was very quiet. I got only one request and the trip took five minutes. The clients were two ladies that I know, so we chatted. We spoke about why they were not at work during the day (they said they were working night shift), and we also talked about the water crisis that we had recently. My next trip was 20 minutes long. It was a young lady on her way to the mall. We greeted each other and then after that she was on her phone the whole time. She sat in the front.

12:30 – 14:30

I drove to the nearby Gautrain to wait for a request. The client was a lady. We just greeted each other and never chatted: she sat at the back and kept to herself. She asked me to stop at a fast food drive-thru before dropping her off at a residential complex, the final destination. I then received a request from a shisanyama to a school, and then back to an estate. It was a lady picking up a child. She sat in the back but was very friendly – we talked all the way about things in general, and about raising kids. The trip was an hour long. I then went offline so I could prepare lunch for my kids before picking them up from the Gautrain station at 3pm.

16:00 – 19:00

My first request after coming back online was a young boy from school. We didn’t talk, we just greeted each other. He sat in the back, and it was a 20-minute trip. It was not a cash or card trip – he had a free promo. So he got a free ride, but Bolt will still gave me that money he was supposed to pay. My next trip was long, about 40km. The client was a bubbly young lady. She was very talkative and she sat in the front. We spoke about many things – I can’t single out one topic. After that trip, I went offline and drove back home, because I don’t work at night.

Pamella Magaqa Q & A What was your previous job before this? I used to work for the SARS Head Office in Brooklyn as a functional specialist: I was responsible for compiling revenue reports on a weekly basis. I was basically reporting on the revenue received daily from different taxes e.g. VAT, CIT, PIT, Customs and Excise. Why did you leave that job and join Bolt? I left because of the new operating model that didn’t allow some of us to reach new heights within the division. I was also bored of doing the same thing for 10 years. I chose Bolt as I wanted to try something different, and to be selfemployed. I wanted to do something that allowed me to have time to myself as and

when needed, but that also gave me the opportunity to make money. What is the best part about being a Bolt driver? The flexibility: to be able to do whatever you want whenever you want, and then getting back online when you want. Also meeting friendly people and sometimes having nice conversations which can lead to other business opportunities. I love picking up people who are ready to go, people I don’t have to wait more than 10 minutes for. And the worst part? Rude customers. For example, when the GPS is not working due to network issues, they sometimes shout at you for getting lost, or some just cancel the trip

without finding out what the problem is. Sometimes when you are in this situation you’ll call the customer to let them know that you are getting lost so they can help with the directions – but they won’t pick up the phone, next thing they cancel the trip. Hygiene can also be an issue with some customers, and they don’t even want you to open the windows. Some will come with four friends or siblings, expecting to do the 4/4 masihlalisane taxi vibe, which doesn’t work with us and in that case I nicely ask them to request a second car or request a Kombi. I also don’t enjoy drunk customers who are talkative and even spill beer in the car.

Spotlight

How I Made It

Fred Eboka Fashion Designer

Who is Fred Eboka? Fred Eboka is a proud father of two, a husband and an international fashion designer. How long have you been in the industry? Professionally, I have been in the industry for about 30 years. Tell us about your childhood. I was born in Nigeria, as the last-born son with two older sisters, in a humble family. I have always had a very keen interest in art and all creative pursuits; I studied science subjects at school up to matric, but art was one of my matric subjects too. My parents were tough and very traditional and brought me up with a lot of discipline because I was the only son. They didn’t allow me to play in the streets with other kids much because they wanted to protect me from being influenced by bad boys and gangs. Like many other parents, mine placed a very high premium on education. I was taught the value of sacrifice and good, honourable behaviour. My mother would always remind me of who I was and where I came from and the importance of keeping to those values at all costs.

What was your first job? After matric I got a job at an industrial gases company in Nigeria, similar to Afrox. I worked as an administration clerk and sometimes even helped loading the industrial gas containers on the lorries. You also used to be a cab driver — how did you become a fashion designer? That was really an incredible turning point in my life. I arrived in the United States of America to study fashion and after one year I ran out of funds and had no other choice but to get a job that was flexible enough for me to attend classes 18

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Eventually, I went to textile and fashion school and, ultimately, got a degree in visual communication, which set me on the path to fashion design. Those intellectual and life experiences made me the kind of designer I am today. How do you make sure you keep your business alive? With hard work, a clear focus on the core business and also by keeping up with trends in every aspect of life. How do you align your creativity with a client’s vision? Fashion and creativity in Africa is not successful if it’s not complemented by functionality; hence my client’s vision becomes the driver of my creativity. You have to listen and focus on the requirements of your clients and use your creativity to deliver what makes the client happy. Hardest business lesson learned? They are many I could mention but collecting your advance payment keeps you out of many painful experiences. Best business lesson learned? In the fashion business, both internationally and locally, there are two aspects to consider — fashion shows and the business of fashion. If you focus too much on the show you could be very popular and be broke; and if you focus entirely on the business you might do well financially but be limited in terms of growth because you are not marketed well enough to grow the business. The idea is to marry the two aspects successfully, although I believe that the business side is more critical. Favourite thing about being self-employed? It forces you to be a broad and innovative thinker which makes your life interesting. The mixture of love, pain and reward of being your own boss is an orgasm in itself!

Worst thing about being selfemployed? Have you ever heard of robbing Peter to pay Paul? That is what self-employment is often like. You have to be in it to understand what it means to confront finance, but it pays to stay focused. It is a bitter but delicious medicine… like red wine. What are your tips for entrepreneurs? Don’t be an entrepreneur if you don’t have the stomach for it, because you are going to have many upset stomachs. However, it is the best decision you can ever make to change your life and that of others. I believe that the more entrepreneurs a country has, the greater the country becomes. How would you like to be remembered? The condition of earth and the quality of life of people is very important to me, but if I can also be remembered as a great designer who made a small contribution to fashion in Africa that would certainly be great.

For more info on House of Eboka, visit ebokadesign.co.za

Pic By: Joaquin Botha

Take us through your journey: what drew you to fashion? Growing up with two wonderful sisters, my creative interest was naturally focused on fashion. At primary school I did most of the science drawings for the school, which made me very popular! At 14 I was already sewing and even made some dresses for my sisters, which they wore with love even though these early efforts were not that great.

and also pay for my school fees and rent. Those cab-driving shifts were a huge sacrifice that allowed me to build a bridge into the future that I hoped for. In three years, I probably didn’t have more than four to five hours sleep a day.

Section

You have to find something that you love enough to jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls George Lucas, Star Wars and Indiana Jones creator

Advice

things you need to know as a South African freelancer

Work is no longer a set location. More employees and employers are opting to go the freelance route, and if you find yourself on the cusp of this decision, there are things you need to consider. words jade kelly

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DESTINY CAREERS

Advice Being chained to a desk for 8 hours a day is a thing of the past for an increasing number of people in the South African workforce, and many recent graduates are coming to the realisation that they would much rather live life on their own terms, which means working from anywhere in the world. Although freelancing may often seem glamorous (those “I hate Mondays” Instagram posts from the beach, anyone?), it is a little more complicated than people realise. If you are looking to break free from the 9-5 life or are already a member of the ever-growing freelance pool, here are some things you need to know:

Invest in a good portfolio or website

As a freelancer, your online portfolio might be the first and last thing a potential client will ever see about you. It is important that it tells people exactly what you want them to know about your work because it could be the deciding factor when someone is considering making use of your product or service. This means that an investment in the form of either time or money will need to take place from your side. Ensure that the links you provide to your portfolio are of the highest quality,

Know your rights

The sad reality is that freelancers face a challenge of exploitation due to the often informal nature of their work. Before you begin a project, ensure that you have everything is in writing and that expectations, deadlines, and remuneration are bound by set dates.

or fork out that bit of extra money to create a professional and user-friendly website. A well put together online presence exudes professionalism and hints at a commitment to providing a quality product or service. For beginners, sites like WordPress and Wix are a good place to start and they are free. If you merely want to create a portfolio of links to your work, Adobe Spark allows you to do just that.

Pay Tax

Another problem faced by freelancers who are just starting out is being unsure of what to charge for their work, leaving them vulnerable to accepting rates that are way below the industry norm and prevents them from being remunerated fairly when working with the same client in the future.

If you are thinking of entering the world of freelancing, do yourself a favour and get registered for tax. This means you’ll have to give yourself a pep talk to prepare for the SARS queues, but it is an unavoidable part of doing things the right way.

If freelancers are at a loss for what to charge for their work, it is advisable that they create a rate card based on the outlines provided in the Southern African Freelancers’ Association Media Industry and Rates Report. These rates are merely a guideline, and it is up to you to negotiate your rate based on the specific project you are doing at any given time.

For freelancers who aren’t strangers to having 25% of their fee being withheld by clients, registering for tax means that you might just be able to claim some of that back. The upside of being registered for tax is that any additional concerns, as well as tax returns, can all be done online via the SARS eFiling service.

Advice

Create your own opportunities

The biggest obstacle for many freelancers is actually finding work. Sure, you could spend all day bidding for jobs on freelancer sites, but you could also create your own jobs. For instance, if there is a brand, publication or company you feel your work would be a perfect fit for, find a point of contact and pitch your ideas to them. A good way to go about this is to identify a problem and explain how you plan on solving it for them. For example: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know that your brand targets young women and I noticed that there is content missing on the topic of birth control. Please see a link to some articles Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve written on the topic and let me know if you would like me to create a tailored piece for your publicationâ&#x20AC;?.

Co-working spaces are a procrastinators best friend

Many freelancers cite the difficulty they have differentiating between work time and home time because they work from home. Due to the growing number of freelancers all over the world, co-working spaces offer an alternative to the normal office environment, but still provides a place for freelancers to get stuff done. For people who struggle to work at home, co-working spaces provide an environment where they are motivated to complete projects and even collaborate with other freelancers. Co-working spaces provide a wide range of options from hot desks to monthly office spaces and meeting rooms to touch base with your clients.

In this way, you are presenting yourself as someone who can not only spot gaps in the market but can fill them with valuable content. This goes much further than a cold email asking if a company works with or is looking for freelancers.

Network to get work

The most frustrating part of being a freelancer is knowing you have the capabilities to do something, but not knowing the right people to help you get it done. The importance of networking is an essential component of becoming a freelancer, as regular work is made more attainable through the building and maintaining of professional relationships. A key to networking is to frequent events within the industry you operate in and to build your contact list from there. This includes linking with other freelancers on collaborative projects or putting someone else forward for a project you know would be perfect for them so that, hopefully, they return the favour. Remember that networking gets your foot in the door, but you need to have done the work to make sure you earn your place in the room.

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Social media and your personal brand

As a freelancer, everything you put online is open to scrutiny from potential clients and this includes your social media. If you would prefer to create a complete separation, it is advisable to set your accounts to private, although this may close off an additional avenue people can use to reach you for work. If you opt for public profiles, ensure that the content you post does not contradict what you aim to do through your work and even better, promote the work you are proudest of through your social media platforms, optimising it to create new business opportunities.

DESTINY CAREERS

Advice

Maintaining a professional approach

The informal nature of freelancing could result in an equally informal approach to interactions with potential clients and this is a big no-no. If you can, create a separate email through which you communicate all work-related matters.

In addition, try to be as strict as possible about deadlines, providing feedback and submit professional-looking invoices to your clients. You need to take yourself seriously to set the tone for all working relationships and to avoid exploitation.

In the end, freelancing allows you to design your own life and gives you the freedom to prioritise things that are important to you. Life as a freelancer in South Africa can provide you with the best of both worlds if you know your rights, deliver quality work and are uncompromising when it comes to executing the goals you have set for yourself and your business.

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Failed resolutions are a renewable resource

Thoughts Vuyolwethu Ndongeni

Personally, I’ve never been a “new year new me” type of person because I’m not disciplined enough to execute a complete overhaul of habits and attitudes that have carried me for 365 days. It wasn’t until I had the type of year that was filled with losses, failures and things that I really wanted to put behind me that I was determined to present a newer, more victory-minded version of myself into the new year. When one considers that the idea of renewable energy is an environmental/socio-economic solution to a climate crisis caused by human dependence on things that ultimately destroy the environment; then I see why even on a personal level we come up with solutions to rid ourselves of toxic and unproductive ways of doing things. I just do not believe that the “new year new me” slogan is one such solution — if we are to go by its definition which literally means “beginning the new year as a new person”. My proposition is that we are renewable resources and that who we are at present is the exact data and resource we need to tackle this new year. When we fail at achieving goals; or we lose something after dedicating so much of ourselves to it; or when we get blindsided by heartbreak; or even just failing to experience a single win to let

With nothing to show for our education – no success, no cars, no nice homes – just degrees and disappointments us know we are doing something right, then that communicates to us that “there was something wrong or lacking in how I did things this year, so I’m going into the new year differently”. But what if you considered that maybe it wasn’t about the fact that the experiences were negative but rather that you needed to be more critical of who you are? I remember how enthusiastically I embarked on 2019, I had goals written down for the first time ever, I was positive about the year ahead, I had a kickass attitude and felt emotionally secure. I had started losing weight towards the end of 2018 and I had no idea why. It wasn’t until a couple of months into 2019 that I began to feel physically unwell and fatigued. And by April 2019 I knew there was something seriously wrong with me, it worsened and by the end of May I was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Now, a normal reaction to this sounds like: “Oh TB? Just take treatment and you’ll be fine.” In fact, that’s how most people in my life reacted to the news. However, from my vantage point, this is what it looked like: it was almost the middle of the year and I was sick. And before that I couldn’t touch any of my goals because I was physically fatigued and distracted. And more than anything, mentally I had allowed myself to spiral into harmful and crippling thoughts. I couldn’t believe how a year I was supposed to own and dedicate to flourishing could descend into a dark and nasty epic fail.

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I remember how quickly I resorted back to old, negative thinking patterns – almost seamlessly without realising it. There was a day I was in bed, frail and in pain, thinking, “why did I believe that things would be different for me when everybody in my family ends up moving back home (like I did) with nothing to show for our education – no success, no cars, no nice homes – just degrees and disappointments?” And in my frail state, that’s what I saw in me too. But, in the middle of the chaotic thoughts and the physical pain, there was a phrase that would pop up in my head sporadically. I didn’t want to Google it lest it killed my growing excitement because it felt like a gift that had just dropped from the sky and into my head. I would spend most of my time ideating, theorising around it and waking up in the middle of the night trying to figure out what it was. I jotted down two lines and they became the definition of what has now become a concept. And that was the moment it became so painstakingly clear to me that I was a writer. It wasn’t just a hobby or something I was pursuing on the side while trying to figure out what I really ought to be doing with my life. It was what I wanted to pursue aggressively. I knew it in that moment. It was tangible. One of the lowest moments in my life gave me the gift of validating something that had been the source of anguish for many years, clarity of identity. Not only that, but it also revealed how toxic some of my core beliefs were. Now, why would I want to get rid of that survivor because I got scared for a moment? Maybe if we see that the experience was an opportunity for clarity and for toxic beliefs to bubble over, then we would have data on our hands, depending on whether we needed it to progress on to the next level of self-development. You are a renewable resource who’s able to withstand circumstances that reveal your resilience and toxic traits so that you may churn out unpolluted, breathable life experiences. This resourceful version of yourself is the warrior you need to take into the new year. - Vuyolwethu Ndongeni has worked as a sub-editor for publications such as Business Day, and The Herald and Daily Dispatch in the Eastern Cape. She holds a Master’s degree in Media. With more than seven years in the media industry, most of which have been “behind the scenes”, she’s excited to once again experience the simple, yet invaluable pleasure of occupying a byline. Ndongeni also writes a blog, lovingme.co.za DESTINY CAREERS

Column

Set goals that are only, truly for you

Thoughts Ayanda Moholi

In December, I came across some young black people who had been going to the Garden Route for the last five years. They told me about their adventures — how much running, cycling, swimming (In that Atlantic Ocean water. Madness), hiking they’d done over the years. Do you know what I’ve done over the years? For the over 20 years I’ve been going? Reading books (I once read 12 books in one December), eating carbs, drinking and passing out at around 3pm. That was my sweet rhythm. I must admit I felt a little bad, but that feeling lasted for 10 minutes as I sipped my gin and tonic and continued to listen with genuine interest. I was not about to sacrifice the only time of the year that I truly got to do nothing and eat like a madman, for sports activities and health. I’d get back to that in January. New Year. New Me, right? I guess I can safely speak on this topic now. It’s been a month, and so we’re a month into our resolutions, looking at them with side eyes or completely thriving. I’m somewhere in between. Being an overachiever, I once started working on a resolution of fitness in November, anticipating a summer body in January. I joined the gym and worked out intensely. By January, I was running 5 and 10km races with ease and life was truly good. Since then, I’ve only managed to walk 10,000 steps about three times in the period between 14 December and 5 January. Guess what? I don’t care. Beyond the pressures of society, we tend to put insurmountable pressures on ourselves to have the year of our lives. The year that we will thrive. The year that we are unstoppable. And then fail midway through the year. Fall into disappointment. And so, the cycle begins. I’m sure you’ve read countless articles about how you need to set realistic goals. But do you know what else you need to do? Set goals that are only, truly for you. That would make you happy, healthy and successful. Of course, we should be aiming to better ourselves. But ask yourself this, what are the motivations for change? Christine Mari, an illustrator, wants “[her] motivation to change to start from a place of [self-love], not self-loathing.” Change is inevitable and as humans we need to evolve. I can tell you right now, I’ve had years where I contended with resolutions, mostly for the benefit of others. Myers-Briggs says that one of my basic characteristics is that I tend to serve the common good even if that ‘good’ isn’t good for me. Yikes! But what does that mean in this context?

This year, I’ve taken on the task to do my Masters. I’d been thinking about this for years on end. The timing was never right. Other opportunities took priority. And honestly, I just wanted to have proud parents. Then, I discovered a programme. A digital business programme at Wits Business School that perfectly aligned with where I was in life and it didn’t exist until last year. (That sentence was not sponsored by WBS). So here we are, resolution in progress.

Do you know what else you need to do? Set goals that are only, truly for you. That would make you happy, healthy and successful. Noluthando Ndlovu (@nolulove) prefers vision boards. She says, “they’re like working on things that you want to happen. They may manifest without pressure during the course of the year”, and when they don’t, you can better accept that it was not meant for that year and add them to the subsequent year’s vision board. Interesting perspective because I think that’s exactly what my resolutions are. A will to the universe. However you choose to approach 2020 — whether resolutions, vision boards or what Saeed Jones’s mother coined, determinations — do so with you in mind. You do you, boo! - Ayanda Moholi is a digital technology consultant, having over 8 years of experience in the digital industry. She’s worked on brands such as Nedbank, Woolworths and Nestle. She’s a Masters candidate for Digital Business at Wits Business School.

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How to balance work and studies

Working while studying can feel like a tightrope walk that constantly places you on the verge plummeting from a dizzy height. It doesn’t have to be so hard, here’s how you balance the two words maki molapo

Adulting comes with many needs that almost feel like they can’t all fit into the limited time you have — especially when you want to broaden your knowledge and expand within your profession or explore other fields. Being a working professional with a 9-5, or a freelancer who’s juggling multiple jobs, can be very demanding. There are responsibilities to fulfill, not only as far as your job is concerned but, in your personal life as well. But it can be done. Human Resources Generalist, Sibongile Magwagwa sheds some light on the correct steps to take towards that graduation stage:

TALK TO YOUR EMPLOYER Remember, your time will be divided between your work duties and studies, so it’s only right that you speak to your employer. This may help a great deal in terms of the workload that’s assigned to you and being given extra time off to focus on your studies. Magwagwa says companies may also place employees in positions aligned to their studies to assist them with gaining experience. The big question would be when to inform your employer about your studies, Magwagwa says, “ideally, the employee should inform the employer even before pursuing their studies, unless the employee joins the company while already busy with studies. The obligation to inform the employer is not only linked to financial assistance but could be used as motivation for the employer to approve study leave, especially when there are other pressing operational requirements.”

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STUDY OPTIONS

Time is of the essence. You have work deadlines, assignments and tests – depending on your study option, so it’s important to manage your time accordingly and realistically. You need to plan and have a clear schedule for deadlines and it’s advisable to create categories for work, assignments, meetings and free time.

It’s important for you to first understand what options you have as far as your studying is concerned. Based on the course that you want to enrol for, will you need to attend classes, take online courses or will it be distance learning?

Discipline is a crucial aspect of managing your time because it comes with making certain sacrifices. This is to also avoid burning out as a result of you wanting to juggle work, studies and a fully functional social life.

MAKE USE OF TECH thank goodness for technology because you don’t need to take up mental space remembering things, you can just set reminders and alarms. There are also apps that help you study effectively. Some also backup information to avoid losing documents. You can also be a part of a study group via WhatsApp or Facebook. These groups help you keep track of extra learning material, inform you of any additions, changes or important updates about your coursework.

Unsupportive employers? Not all working environments are as supportive of employees pursuing their studies. As such, you need to know what your rights are as an employee. Magwagwa explains what the company is responsible for, negotiables and more: •

•

• •

Every employee has the right to learning and development. The Skills Development Act emphasises the obligation of companies to offering training to their employees. However, study leave is not prescribed in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, therefore, study leave is not an entitlement, companies offer it as an additional benefit. The employee would need to negotiate approval to embark on studies, particularly when they require time away from work for their studies. If the company policy makes provision for study leave, the employee has the right to be granted this leave, provided it does not interfere with operational requirements.

If it’s the latter, what medium of communication do the lecturers prefer and can you arrange a schedule with them that accommodates your responsibilities? What kind of study materials are you going to need and how do you access them? These all play an important part in your time management because you need to plan ahead.

SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND WELL-BEING Studying and working is not easy and you’re going to need all the help you can get. Friends and family can help alleviate certain stresses and help with other responsibilities. Apart from that, you also need some time off to relax. Your well-being is just as important. A healthy you, produces great results. Your mental health constantly needs to be checked and you also have to ask for help whenever you need it. Support is not only limited to family and friends, this can be extended to study groups and your employer. Study groups are helpful in that there are people who share a similar struggle and can help motivate you. Magwagwa says your employer can also support you “through scholarships, bursaries or even learnerships and/or by granting fully or partially paid study leave.”

In the case the company’s policies do not make provision for personal development of the employee, what steps can the they take? • • •

The employee might need to use their annual leave for activities related to their studies. Every company has internal processes in place, to address issues that employees feel aggrieved about. The employee should follow these procedures. If support is not consistently offered to all employees, the employee may declare a dispute with the CCMA for unfair labour practice.

Magwagwa also advices that you, “discuss your study aspirations with your manager. If the studies are not aligned to your current job, companies are usually sceptical about providing support as they will not benefit. If this is the case, motivate why you would like to study what you wish to study and how it will develop you. They may not provide financial support but may approve your time away from work when required. Remember also that companies are more willing to support your studies if they are happy with your work performance.”

Advice

TIME MANAGEMENT

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OGAGA UDJO Pearl Boshomane Tsotetsi

Jeffrey Rikhotso

Shelley Mokoena

Didintle Ntshudisane

BK Dikobe

and his stratospheric rise in aviation Udjo’s bold ‘career-limiting’ opinions have not clipped his wings. He shares his views on what it takes to run a successful airline; the burden of shedding yourself to stay employed; as well as reaching for dreams that are beyond our grasp

Pink suit: Ogaga’s own

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Suit: Ogagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own; Golfer: MaXhosa; Hat: Hat City

People will always want to put you in a category

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Cover Ogaga Udjo is busy reading what look like comprehensive handwritten notes in his diary with the energy of someone who is about to walk into an exam hall. He’s slightly anxious and if you didn’t know any better, you would think he was studying for a test. We’re waiting for the video crew to complete setup for the on-camera interview we’re about to have, and this is Udjo in preparation mode. When asked later what was in his notes, he says they were broken down into sections: trends in aviation; his favourite quotes; things about him and notes about his business, ZA Logics. So, essentially, Udjo was preparing for an exam about himself. Our third time meeting (first a coffee date proposing an interview, then the actual interview, and now it’s the DESTINY CAREERS cover shoot), this is the first time Udjo exhibits typical Capricorn behaviour (disciplined and pragmatic) — his vibrant personality and zero awkwardness seemed to fit more with the image of an air sign. And it’s not just astrological stereotypes and labels that Udjo breaks: born to Nigerian parents, Udjo was raised in Pretoria and he speaks Afrikaans and he enjoys watching people try to hide their shock the first time they hear him speak. “I can always see the wheels turning in people’s heads as soon as I start to speak, because I don’t sound how they expect me to sound,” he laughs.

“People will always want to put you in a category.” A newly minted 30-year-old, Udjo is one of those people whose CV serves as a reminder that, often, age really is just a number: he has a bachelor’s and a postgraduate degree from the University of Pretoria (cum laude for both); he has a Master of Business Leadership degree from Unisa; he has worked for commercial aviation giants Qatar Airways (for which he was based in Doha), South African Airways and Comair Limited; he served as director of the board of Brightest Young Minds and was a management committee member of the Black Management Forum; and now he runs his own airline and tourism consultancy firm. So when a potential client approaches Udjo, what is it that they are looking for? “Talking strictly from the aviation side, I’ve been approached by potential startups across the continent, some in South Africa. And these are people that have an interest in aviation, or have financing and they just want to start an airline – but they don’t know where to go.

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“So, an interesting part of my business is to help with the start-up plans for an airline. As you can imagine, airlines don’t just come up overnight. It’s a heavily regulated industry in every single country of operation and there’s a lot of backend work that has to be done before you even get an airline operating certificate. It’s years of work before we can say, ‘this is an actual airline’. I’ve gotten quite a bit of interest [from clients] from that angle.” Udjo’s currently working with a startup airline in Southern Africa and is leveraging his professional experience as someone who has worked for established airlines, both in South Africa and in the Middle East. “It’s not often that airlines get to go back to the drawing board, so what I try and do with startup airlines is to say, ‘this is the trajectory of an airline in this part of the world for the next 10, 15, 20 years. These are the kind of decisions that you have to make now that impact the next 10, 15, 20 years — let’s try and do this the right way.’ “It’s really important that I don’t say what clients wanna hear — I tell them the facts, and I help them achieve their vision as much as possible. That’s one thing I pride myself on — my independence and my objectivity. Especially being on the inside of three airlines across the world and working on several airline projects in different parts of the world, that for me is important: to show visibility instead of selling them a dream.” But his approach to “mature” airline clients is different. “Airlines develop over time but there are some functions they might not necessarily develop. So, my skillset is in what we call ‘network planning,’ which is really defining the business strategy of the airline. The core purpose of an airline is to fly people from A to Z, but you’d be surprised how many airlines don’t have the skills or the capacity to define what we call strategic network planning.” That strategy is what looks at an airline’s goals and how to achieve them: which routes to fly, when, at what times, with which aircraft and which markets they are looking to attract. “It’s such an important element of the airline’s core business because that really is the bread and butter. A key part of network planning is actual profitability, so typical network planning will then assess all of the routes – irrespective of the business model of the airline – and see what is profitable, what isn’t, why, and how to pull on the different levers, be it top-line revenue or bottom-line cost. The point is to try to improve the net output, which is profit.”

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Section Suit: MaXhosa; Hat: Hat City; Accessories: The Source Joburg

Section Two-piece and shoes: Ogagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own

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I don’t believe in suffering in silence

In a nutshell. The profitability margins for an airline are actually low, says Udjo (“globally, one to three percent profitability”), although the aviation value chain is massively profitable (“airlines themselves are the most unprofitable part of that value chain but they support this multi trilliondollar industry”). In that case, why on earth would anyone in their right mind want to start an airline? “From the people I’ve interacted with, passion is really one [important reason]. There’s this magic of flight that just inspires people to risk it all and start up these businesses. “And then there are people who believe in the power of aviation and transport, and I am one of them, where [air travel] isn’t a luxury good — it’s a necessity in our day and age.” And he’s excited about airlines on the continent, from Ghana’s Africa World Airlines to Nigeria’s jetWest. Does he have fun doing his job? “I love my job,” he says, without missing a beat. “I’ve always loved what I’ve done… it’s just the environment sometimes was challenging.” Many of us have either heard – or experienced firsthand – what corporate environments can do to young, black professionals. “It’s

such a paradox because you’re rising through the ranks, you’re sitting in board meetings and you love what you do but the environment doesn’t work to your values. And it’s not this fluffy ‘I don’t like it’. You can be the most passionate person but there are days when you will struggle to get out of bed — that’s just life. So, I try to reflect regularly: ‘Am I aligned to what I’ve written down as my values and goals that I want to achieve’?” Working in environments that aren’t nurturing to your soul or values is difficult, to put it mildly, and in many a young person’s career, there comes a time when you have to take stock. “You have to make a tough decision and say, ‘can I either pacify this feeling, or do I now need to move on?’ And for me, I try to have a very honest discussion with myself all the time.” That’s bold, considering how many people are trapped in jobs and/or environments that they hate, that are harming them more than they are helping them, but are afraid to even consider leaving. Realistically, our unemployment stats and the job market play a massive role in this, but you often find people who could land other jobs with relative ease still holding on to what no longer

serves them. A lot of people choose pacification because of fear. What is it about Udjo that makes him choose otherwise? “I think it’s about the journey. I’ve been in the industry for 10 years, and there were times when I had to pacify myself. Because I was a junior, I was getting a good opportunity. There were times when I just had to bite the bullet, but I think as you get more senior, effect becomes about authenticity. And I couldn’t lead [a team] if I wasn’t aligned to the core value of the organisation. I don’t believe in suffering in silence. I believe that, especially in a position of leadership, you need to speak up against what you feel is not right. You need to ventilate how you feel… “I’ve always been known for saying uncomfortable truths,” he chuckles. “I can ask the tough questions irrespective of who you are. That’s one thing that has kept me going: I say what I need to say and also pride myself in being a technical person. So whatever I am saying isn’t just Ogaga’s opinion — it’s based on the facts and figures at hand. Data’s so important to have a true view of the world. That’s a muscle I continue to develop because it gives you credibility when you need to make controversial comments…

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“I’ve always tried to keep a True North in terms of my ethics, integrity and technical capacity to have the opinions that I have and to conduct myself the way that I conduct myself.” He continues: “Sometimes it’s seen as a luxury to be an outspoken person, because you find that you making a comment can actually be very career-limiting and not because of the validity of the comment that you make. That’s something that I have never stood for. And yes, it’s landed me in trouble sometimes.” But the price to pay for silence is too high. “When you enter into an environment you feel doesn’t represent you, as you leave your house every day you shed yourself. You spend most of your day in an environment where you’re being a chameleon, just to survive and be accepted in that environment. And when you leave that environment and go back to your home, you have to zip yourself up again. I think that is a traumatic experience for professionals.” He’s making valid points but being able to sidestep or abandon such environments is also something that comes with a level of privilege — not many people have the luxury to be outspoken or to be true to themselves. What happens when you don’t have that privilege? “I think that’s an important question because not everyone has the same opportunities. I think that’s where collective action is important. Mentorship sometimes infers a CEO mentoring a younger member of staff, but as team members you can mentor each other. That’s something I have always tried to instill in the teams I’ve been in because as a senior manager I can support you on certain things. But as graduates in a graduate programme, I always tell the graduates that: ‘Guys, if one of you fails, you all fail,’ because especially as black people we need to understand the importance of social capital. We’re the only ones who don’t seem to get it as much as everyone

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else. ‘I am because of everyone else around me’. There’s power in collective action.” Udjo’s outspokenness is something that was also nurtured in his childhood, which makes sense because if you’re raised in a household where your silence is non-negotiable, it becomes difficult to unlearn that as you get older. “I was raised in a house of debate. Looking back, my parents were trying to instill a voice in my sister and me. My parents never raised us to conform even to what the family’s views were… They taught us to have informed decisions. My parents always pushed us to be informed about the world around us. They taught us ‘don’t look at things at face value: always question, always challenge, always probe’, and that’s probably why I got into an analytical career.” And now he has his own company — what’s that like? “Whoo!” he exclaims. “Baptism of fire. Baptism of fire,” he laughs. “This was always a plan for me. If I look back at some of my goals that I wrote 10, 15 years ago it was always a plan.” ZA Logics was Udjo’s side hustle while he worked in aviation, but as his career progressed, conflict of interest became apparent. “There were very limited things that I could do, and therefore it was a side hustle that didn’t get much attention. But looking at what has happened in my industry

DESTINY CAREERS

Section Two piece: Ogagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own; Hat: Hat City

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in the last few years, now is the time to have the business that I have. There are very few people who do what I do in terms of actual network planning, especially Africa experts and, especially, people from the continent. I think I’m in a key position to add this value back, and to know what I want to do differently… How would he sum up entrepreneurship? “I would say that it’s tangible. Meaning that every minute of every day is tangible, I feel it. And that’s scary sometimes. It’s exciting but it’s scary… It feels right, but it’s not easy. When I’m having my difficult moments, I go back to a speech made by John F. Kennedy in 1962. It’s called ‘We choose to go to the moon’, and I think the context was him trying to convince the American public that it was important for man to set foot on the moon. He talks about choosing to go to the moon not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. He says the beauty about doing something that is so difficult is that we get to channel all our resources and skills into achieving that goal. It’s something you feel you need to do, and that conviction is what drives you through the difficult process. “So, when I sometimes feel like I’m struggling, or I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, I choose to go to the moon. Because I want a different reality. I see my industry for how it potentially can be, not how it is right now. You can have your feet on the ground but also see the world as it should be. That’s one common thread that links entrepreneurs: they see the world differently and see it for what it can be. But pushing that lever from where we are to where we want to be is really difficult. I don’t underestimate it, I’m still very much in my early entrepreneurial days, but for me it’s that belief that connectivity in the African continent both physical and virtual is critical to our success that keeps me going.”

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DESTINY CAREERS

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You can have your feet on the ground but also see the world as it should be

Shirt: Ogaga’s own; Hat: Hat City; Accessories: Stylist’s own

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All these innovations come and go, but man still remains the most extraordinary computer of all Papi Mabele, DESTINY CAREERS contributor

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DESTINY CAREERS

Column

Are Ads Killing Commercial Radio?

Thoughts Nkox Leader

Radio in the South African landscape is segmented into three sectors namely, community radio, commercial radio and public broadcast radio (PBS). Although, sometimes the stations broadcasting under these sectors grapple for the same listeners, their mandates are different. For instance, community radio is for the community, run by the community, within the community. Commercial radio, on the one hand, is often times mandated to dominate financially, usually region specific. Public broadcast stations, on the other hand, are state-owned and serve the broader constituency, hence they normally have a larger frequency compared to the other two. Commercial radio stations are often private owned and most are owned through conglomerates. This influences the financial dominance approach towards broadcasting. Most commercial stations are money-driven, I mean “hello! The name says it all – COMMERCIAL”. I personally do not have a problem with this, my gripe, however, is with the content suffering as a result of this approach. One can’t listen to commercial radio without hearing an advert every 5 minutes. I listened to a music station recently and I barely heard four songs the entire hour. If you understand an hour clock in radio, you will know that it averages at least six to seven songs an hour. While I was listening, during the course of an hour, I mainly heard ads, live-reads and paid-for interviews and competitions. The question then is... where’s the content? With this approach, the content ratio suffers immensely when compared to ads and music.

I am slowly losing interest in commercial radio because of the lack of meaningful content that lives beyond the three hours. I remember being in a commercial radio meeting once and the sales manager of this particular station was suggesting that the station play less music to make space for more adverts. The logic behind this proposal was informed by the fact that playing music costs the station money anyway (paying royalties to SAMRO). The sales manager further asserted his point by stating that unlike before, music on radio bares minimum impact on the listener because music is generally more accessible now to the listener(s) than it’s ever been before. This was an interesting take for me and I would like to interrogate this assertion and debate the impact of music on radio today in my upcoming columns. For now, let’s explore the issue at hand, meaningful content is lacking on commercial radio as a result of commercial

obsession by the management teams. The content on commercial radio has been reduced to competitions (that are paid-for), or short quirky links about celebrity pop-culture and weird news choices. It’s almost as if commercial radio has bestowed the responsibility of informing and educating, to community and PBS radio. It’s seldom that you’ll find story-telling and engaging content that evokes emotions or sparks constructive thought on commercial radio and this bothers me. There are ways in which commercial radio stations can make money and not compromise good quality content on radio. The 947 Breakfast Club demonstrates this very well. They had a viral video on social media of a content piece they did for a struggling listener who couldn’t afford to buy a matric farewell dress. They brought brands together to ensure that the listener had a memorable matric farewell. The video went viral on all social media platforms and that means the content lived beyond the three hours they were allocated, all because the content was meaningful and evoked emotion. They did all of that without losing the commercial element because brands also benefitted from the moment. I would love to listen to a commercial radio station and hear a give-away to the ‘most sound perspective or input’ on a debate, or a constructive conversation that is being had, instead of just “fun”, playful competitions. I believe there needs to be a consultative process that involves the sales team, the show producer(s) and the programming manager to assist in merging a relationship between meaningful content and advertising. The current trend will only see a decline in commercial radio listenership, I think. Nkox is an experienced radio jock with a demonstrated history of working in the media broadcasting space as both a broadcaster and broadcasting training coach. He has trained radio jocks for community radio stations such as Kovsie FM, Motheo FM and CUT FM. He is a strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Arts degree focused in Political Transformation and Governance from University of the Free State. Having previously co-founded an online pop-culture publication called “Central Vibe” which was accompanied by a lifestyle entertainment show on YouTube. Nkox is always diversifying his interests and skills within the media space.

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Electricity is a hot topic. It’s a necessity that is also – sadly – a privilege. For all the talk of load-shedding and rolling blackouts, there are tens of millions who don’t have electricity in the first place. But the barriers to better energy supply are as economic as they are political, and we need to find a solution – fast. We asked some writers to look at our relationships with electricity and energy, how we can improve it, what needs to change and why. But it’s not just about keeping the lights on – it’s about having a planet to live on in the first place. What can we do to ease the load on our service providers, how can we live greener, how much will it cost – and where will we get the money?

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DESTINY CAREERS

Section

P WER

to the people

It is the cheapest source of power, it can be rolled out in short timeframes while creating new jobs, and it is the solution to tackling both air pollution and the climate crisis, but we’re not using it. We shed some light on why there are still barriers to entry words edwin naidu South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis is not going to disappear anytime soon – unless tangible renewables-based solutions are urgently put in place to alleviate pressure on the country’s heavily stressed coalbased electricity grid. International conservation champion Greenpeace and leading social justice organisation groundWork are among several organisations calling for the reduction of the country’s reliance on coal by tapping into renewable energy sources. There is also an argument for democratisation of power to ensure that poor South Africans become part of the generation solution in partnership with municipalities. These solutions, they argue, would provide much-needed respite to the power challenges, with positive spin-offs for the grid, helping grow the economy and creating jobs, especially among poorer communities by using of solar panels. “South Africa has some of the best renewable resources in the world, and rooftop solar offers a clear answer to the electricity crisis that we are in,” says Melita Steele, Senior Climate and Energy Campaign Manager for Greenpeace Africa. “It is critical that the barriers to rooftop solar are removed, and that South Africans are incentivised to install rooftop solar, use some of the electricity generated for their own needs, and then feed-back extra electricity into the grid, and get paid for it,” she adds. But Steele says Eskom continues to block this initiative at every turn, since electricity consumers would become electricity producers, reducing their reliance on the state utility. “But unless Eskom starts 46

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DESTINY CAREERS

The Energy Special

supporting this approach and finding a way to integrate it into its business model, we are going to see more and more people defecting from the grid entirely,” Steele warns. According to Steele, renewable independent power producers were blocked from finalising contracts for over two years because of Eskom’s refusal to sign power purchase agreements with them — mainly because of the competition that they create for the entity. Although this was finally resolved, the damage has already been done to South Africa’s budding renewable energy sector due to Eskom’s monopoly in the system, and the utility’s push to be both player and referee, along with mixed signals from government. “For the renewable energy sector to thrive, there is a need for much more ambitious renewable energy targets, clear political will and for the remaining barriers to be removed,” she says. Steele says Greenpeace believes that renewable energy offers a triple win: it is the cheapest source of power, it can be rolled out in short timeframes while creating new jobs, and it is the solution to tackling both air pollution and the climate crisis. “South Africans continue to battle with blackouts while hearing the same rhetoric that ‘coal is part of our energy mix for the foreseeable future’ from various ministers, which means that there is no urgency, no innovative approach, no appetite for solutions like renewable energy. The government needs to wake up, and smell the potential offered by the fact that South Africa has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world,” she adds. While Steele says the idea of ‘living off the grid’ is growing in South Africa, and some individuals are managing this successfully, this is perceived to be “an elite, expensive solution to a problem that we all universally face in this country”. “Greenpeace Africa believes that a better alternative is for rooftop solar to become a universal solution in South Africa — so that solar panels can be installed in our homes, but also our community centres, businesses, schools, clinics and hospitals.

There is no urgency, no innovative approach and no appetite for solutions like renewable energy. “There are solar solutions at various scales that are becoming available to the public, from solar phone-charging solutions to solar lights to actual solar panels. As consumers, we need to play our part to make sure that we’re using electricity as efficiently as possible in our homes, and at work. It is, however, important to note that energy efficiency from the public alone will not solve the problem of Eskom blackouts,” she adds. Bobby Peek, the director of groundWork, says there are several mainstream renewable energy projects, including wind, concentrated solar and solar initiatives. “But they are privatised and operate on a profitmodel rather than a societal manner. These programmes have, to an extent, assisted Eskom. But large industries and corporates, such as the mines and retailers, like Makro, also realise that it is no use observing Eskom’s prices increase with power [being] intermittent, they have proactively set up their own internal renewable energy system. The parking lots at Makro have solar panels providing power to their stores nationally. They are going off the grid,” he warns. Peek adds that Eskom sells electricity to industries at preferential cheaper rates than to households and municipalities. “At times these rates are 10 times cheaper than what you and I pay for electricity. But industry is defecting from Eskom,” he adds. Peek says groundWork and its partners, which includes members of the influential Environmental Justice Networking Forum, also agree that if government allows people to put photovoltaic (PV) panels on their

Energy roofs, as well as supply poor households with PV panels, it would produce enough energy to “power South Africa’s economy”. “However, this is not permitted. You cannot put up a PV panel and supply the excess energy into the grid. This is the Eskom protectionism we are talking about. More critically, this system allows poor people to become producers of energy and not just consumers. It is called prosumers. It gives people power. It gives poor people a say in the country’s energy system. And these people can be reimbursed for the excess energy they produce,” he suggests. “We can survive without coal. But we must plan now. Not later but now. For if we do not, we will be in the dark and only the wealthy and big industries will afford renewable energy. The rest of us will be in the dark,” he warns. Mining and energy advisory specialist Ted Blom says government appetite for considering alternatives to address the power challenges may have intensified after load-shedding reached level six early in December. Blom says while the current pipeline of some 3GW is now being expedited, completion dates and additional projects might be approved swiftly but this will not provide much relief as the shortfall is on the baseload side. In the short-term people may consider installing solar/wind solutions for essential appliances and convert these to more efficient systems, long-term, they will prepare to get off the grid as soon as new technology becomes available. “There are a few dozen entities who are completely off the grid, albeit at some additional cost. But people should make backup plans to protect essential appliances from damage during loadshedding, get short-term solutions as longer-terms alternatives will arrive in SA by mid-2020,” he says. Last word to Greenpeace’s Steele, who says Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe should immediately

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declare a new round of renewable energy Independent Power Producers bidding open. “We should be commissioning more renewable energy as quickly as possible to fill the gap that dysfunctional coal is creating. A new, much more ambitious renewable energy target should be announced, and the policy certainty to support this must be put in place. Business must play their role in supporting the rollout of renewable energy solutions at a range of scales,” she concludes. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy says it is committed to developing adequate generation capacity to meet the country’s electricity demand. “This is an urgent and immediate task to ensure economic growth. As part of efforts to ensure security of electricity supply for the country, the minister has considered short and medium-term interventions to both the electricity and energy challenges facing the country,” it said in a recent statement. Mantashe seems no longer rooted to the coalface of the old despite playing host to delegates at the IEA 2019 Coal Report Global launch on 17 December 2019 where he spelled out some of his plans. “The current polemical nature of the debate on which source of energy technology is better than another, is not helpful to the process. It should not be about coal vs renewables vs nuclear, but rather about an energy mix that uses all available resources to achieve this mandate.” Mantashe says the country has reduced its reliance on coal for generating electricity from over 90% to around 75% over the past few years, but it remains under threat from a number of areas, including access to funding for coal projects, decommissioning of ageing power plants, and key trading partners aiming for coal sovereignty. “We are of the firm view that the country’s transition to cleaner sources of electricity should be systematic and done in a manner that is mindful of social, economic as well as environmental considerations,” he concludes.

DESTINY CAREERS

Showcasing low emission solutions Showcasing low emission solutions While many websites offer expensive renewable energy options through online sales for the well-heeled, several projects are underway throughout the country ensuring that power for the people is more than a revolutionary clichĂŠ. ICLEI Africa, which forms part of a global network of local and regional governments, recently completed six showcase community projects around the country showing that resource efficiency and sustainability is relevant and beneficial to people across the socio-economic spectrum. The Urban-LEDS project is keen to advance the transition to low emission urban development in emerging economy countries, especially in rural communities, including:

Doornkop solar solution helps community

An 18kWp solar PV system was installed at the Doornkop Community Centre in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This is used for various purposes including a soup kitchen, community Public Works Programme activities and adult education. The system can be used during the daytime for appliances in the community centre, crĂ¨che and old age day care centre, while also providing lights at night for a few hours. The solar PV system enabled additional security lights to be installed around the community centre and surrounding buildings. In an area which is usually completely dark at night, a solar streetlight was installed at the entrance to the centre to also provide light to the surrounding area.

Grootkloof Education Centre off the grid

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality prioritised improving the environmental performance of the Grootkloof Environmental Education Centre in the Van der Kempâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kloof Nature Reserve in Port Elizabeth. Energy lighting demand dropped by 59% after 61 lights were replaced with efficient LED lights. A solar water heater was installed to heat water for the showers, while the existing geyser was kept as a back-up. A total of 20 PV panels (255W) were installed, with a battery backup and grid connection, which allows excess energy to be fed into the grid. The system operates all the lights, offices and classrooms during load shedding.

Schools and libraries benefit in Empangeni and Magaliesburg

The project also implemented the lighting retrofit of the Empangeni library in uMhlathuze, and implementation of solar PV panels, which led to a 60% reduction in energy consumption for lights. Mphe-Thuto Primary School in Magaliesburg also participated in the project where a solar water heater and skylight was installed, while all the lights were replaced with energy efficient lights. Working with other partners, the school also received solar PV, bio-digester and food gardens to help them on their journey to be more sustainable.

Taking it home

Twenty care homes managed by Child Welfare in Groutville, KwaDukuza Municipality received food gardens, Wonderbags, and Mobiya solar LED lights. Solar water heaters are planned before the end of the project. The projects have sparked significant political and community interest; galvanising support for the sometimes-complex issues of energy efficiency and resource security.

The Energy Special

Changes that are taking place nationally

Section

A light in dark times Izinyoka are answering the call to electrify rural and informal areas but, is the price too high considering the lack of safety for communities and the izinyoka? words nandipha shologu | illustrations lauren mulligan On 15 November 2017, two newsworthy events occurred; the announcement of the Rugby World Cup hosts of 2023 and a fire breaking out as a result of a faulty electric connection in Bhongweni in East London. If you know anything about Cove Ridge East [also known as Bhongweni], this new zone is infamous for being in local papers all for the wrong reasons. Fortunately, not crime related, but nonetheless it is not an ideal place to live, as shacks are currently sprouting everywhere and due to a lack of services, they are rotting. To give a brief background of the story of Bhongweni; it is alleged that the land which the community currently occupies is, in fact, owned by the East London Airport. This story has successfully made regional headlines, having previously also been on the front page.

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DESTINY CAREERS

The Energy Special Section So, without repeating old news the airport wants what belongs to them, however the people of Bhongweni are under the impression that the land was a donation and they are free to occupy it. The contentious issue has led to some fervent fingerpointing between the community and the Buffalo City Municipality which hasn’t offered any effectual resolutions, as impotency seems to be the new national policy. There is a court case pending against these community members and drawing conclusions from a previous news coverage, numerous homes are on the verge of being demolished. According to local news reports Buffalo City Municipality gave Eskom orders to uproot power sources within certain strategic points within the area, known as the ‘transformers’, thus leaving half of Bhongweni having to connect illegally for electricity. On the Wednesday night of the 2017 explosion, the firedepartment was alerted at exactly 7:20pm. To which they responded at 8:12 pm, an hour later. The location of the explosion is a 10-minute drive from the fire-department station. This raises many questions about why it took nearly an hour to respond to this emergency. Nonetheless, two shacks burnt to ruins. Fortunately, no lives were lost; however, these were homes that belonged to families and that’s the tragedy. It is alleged that the fire started as a consequence of live voltage, due to illegal electricity connections in those homes, as is the case with most homes in the vicinity. *Xhanti Ngceku, a young izinyoka (illegal electricity connections) is one of many service providers who form part of the network of people who connect electricity illegally in residential homes. “The problem there was the transformer. Not the connection in itself. What the transformer did was that it exploded and it supplied fire straight into the houses. It took fire that was coming from what we call ‘industry’ and, therefore, the energy coming from that industry wire was supplied uninsulated into the homes. The transformer exploded and you could see the fire literally travelling from the pole into the houses

“The only reason this happened and the only way this can be prevented is if each home could be supplied with an electric box. How this helps is that it drops the electricity whenever it threatens to explode. The box acts as a middleman between the main source and the home; the sender and receiver. But, unfortunately those boxes are expensive and Eskom is the only one that is responsible of providing them,” says Ngceku.

“

There is the obvious and the much expected fingerpointing, which hasn’t offered any effectual resolutions

In essence, the electricity that is provided by izinyoka travels from the pole, (bypasses the insulation box) directly into the homes. Ngceku speaks on the issue of safety, both on their part and on part for the community. “There’s a lot of danger, but not so much for the community as one would think. The danger is more for the person connecting the electricity, when you are on top of that pole; exactly at the transformer, near the ‘industry’. There you need to drop links, and that’s where people get hurt, whether you have gloves on or the correct equipment, there your life is always in danger.”

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The real question is, when an explosion of this nature occurs who does one blame? Is it the community for seeking illegal and potentially hazardous power that this supplied directing into their homes? Is it Eskom and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality for allowing certain locations to languish without electricity? Ngecku adds that the reason why municipality refuses to provide electricity to these areas is that, “these places were not initially reserved for public occupation. It’s Eskom for leaving people to languish and I believe the municipality is trying to stop people from occupying these areas, so they withhold electricity and other basic services. However, people on the other hand, are in need of places to live, so they takeover these desolate areas, they over populate them and they make whatever means to live and illegal power connections are a part of it.” Human psychology teaches that no one wants to live in poor conditions. People want to, at least, have access to basic provisions. It is this basic human need that pushes them towards dangerous decisions like acquiring services from izinyoka.

Ngceku shared his thoughts on renewable energy; whether alternative power sources such as solar installations would be of benefit to the community and what impact they would have on the izinyoka network. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, because the two are different. With solar we will have a lot of issues in the sense that sometimes there won’t be sunlight for a week, or it will rain more than a month. What then? In this case, the power supplied by the solar panel may not be completely cut off, but the conversion will be weak. I believe that there will always be izinyoka even with the solar installations. There will always be a gap for it. Whether it is seen as good or not, the reality is there is a need and currently the people’s needs are falling on deaf ears.” *Zoleka Ntaba, a local resident concludes that, “people are not freely choosing to have illegal electricity, people don’t like to have it, as the masses would think. But it is due to the fact that there is no electricity provided to us, for whatever reasons. The strength of this type of connection such as of ‘izinyoka’ depends mostly on the weather conditions, if there are strong winds or hard rain for days, it affects the electricity and we won’t have any for the entire duration, unlike most properly installed Eskom areas. They don’t suffer this. Our homes are up to standard, but the external condition in which we live is poor to say the least.” So how can we bid to host other nations when we cannot host our own? How can we expect to be favoured when we have continuously shown ourselves to lack patriotism? If there is anything South Africa, in the greater and smaller parts of it can learn from these experiences, is that charity begins at home. *Not real names

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DESTINY CAREERS

The Energy Special

flipping the switch on outages These companies are not only looking to help solve the energy crisis, but also create environmentally sustainable solutions through renewable energy words sanelisiwe maliza

Thirty countries in Africa experience regular power shortages and blackouts. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, there are over 600 million people who lack access to reliable electricity. The World Bank says countries in this region have annual outages from 50 hours to 4,600 hours. From Nigeria to South Africa, shortages are affecting the biggest economies on the continent and slowing down development. A 2017 report showed that the

energy shortages are costing economies on average 2% of their GDP, up to even 5%. With these devastating numbers, it is clear that intervention is needed to close the energy gap. DESTINY CAREERS scoured the continent to find five impressive start-ups that are creating innovative energy solutions to ensure more homes and business have access to power:

M-Kopa In just nine years M-Kopa has created one of the most impactful renewable energy companies on the continent, lighting up over 750,000 homes and businesses in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The company that was launched in 2011 has created an affordable renewable energy solution for over 3 million individuals. The company has put together an affordable model for customers to access and pay for renewable energy products. To get started, customers pay a deposit of approximately $35 (R498). Once paid, they can take the system home. Over a period of a year, they pay about $0.50 per day towards the M-Kopa solar product to completely own it. Once the product is paid off, customers own it and are able to have unrestricted access to electricity.

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Strauss Energy Thanks to Strauss Energy, now homeowners can also help solve the energy shortage crisis by becoming suppliers. The Kenya based company has created energy generating roofing tiles. The product offers homeowners the chance to make an additional income by selling their extra power to the grid. While the roofing tiles may be more expensive than solar panels, costing from R60,000 to R75,000, homeowners can make back the money from saved electricity costs and by selling the excess energy.

Nuru Energy Nuru Energy was born out of necessity. When Sameer Hajee visited Rwanda for the first time, he gained perspective on the electricity shortages in the country, especially in rural areas. He saw the link between poverty and the lack of access to electricity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We realised that grid electricity is not going to reach villages anytime soon. Off-grid solutions (solar-power, wind-power) are an answer,â&#x20AC;? says Nuru Energy co-founder Sameer Hajee. Nuru created four products, including the Nuru Light and the Nuru Solar Panel, to help bring light to villages. Due to the unreliable nature of solar energy, as it is only able to generate energy through the sun, they created a power cycle, an ingenious and efficient way to convert human energy into usable energy. A person can pedal and up to five Nuru Lights can be recharged simultaneously in around 20 minutes.

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DESTINY CAREERS

The Energy Special

Freedom Won Founded in 2011, Freedom Won is a South African company that was established with the completion of their first electric vehicle (EV) conversion prototype — turning their Jeep Grand Cherokee (dubbed Freedom1) into an electric car. Since then, the company has built several more electric products. The lithium battery technology used in Freedom Won’s EV conversions was the starting point. They have used the same concept to create static energy storage. The Lite battery offers lithium iron phosphate energy storage solutions in a compact wall unit for residential and business use, to protect against load shedding and outages, as well as integration with solar panels to reduce or eliminate utility power usage.

Rensource Energy While many renewable energy companies have started small and looked at impacting one off-the-grid community at a time, Rensource has bigger plans. The Nigerian based business recently raised $20 million to expand the company. “We’ve pivoted away from a residential focus… and we’re building much larger systems to become, essentially, the utility for these large urban markets we have a lot of in Nigeria,” Rensource co-founder Ademola Adesina speaking to TechCrunch. Rensource has a small to medium enterprise focus and is looking to reach and support informal traders, freeing them from the costs of running a fuel guzzling generator. At the moment, the company is the off-grid electricity supplier in six states in Nigeria, and has lit up one of the largest markets, Sabon Gari. The Nigerian company has a partnership with German manufacturer BOS AG, designed solar panels. The partnership with foreign companies is a prevalent trend across the continent. While many renewable energy startups are popping up, the industry remains largely untransformed. A clear trend seen throughout the continent is that a majority of the companies that have benefited from the opportunity of the energy shortage are foreign nationals who have seen the commercial opportunity of solving this problem.

Section

A guide to recycling

“If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it…” This time around, we most certainly are present to confirm that trees (and many other lifeforms) are dying. Here are easy things you can do to reverse the degradation words maki molapo The state of the earth is rapidly declining and we’ll continue to add to the growing call for action. If not for altruistic reasons, there are plenty other reasons to heed the call. There have been extreme weather events that include droughts, wild forest fires and cyclones in regions that were previously said to be unsusceptible to such weather. In its National Waste Management Strategy, the Department of Environmental Affairs states that waste management in South Africa faces several challenges. Among them is a growing population, which results in increased volumes of generated waste that creates an increase in the complexity of waste management methods. In addition to these challenges is the fact that waste management facilities are overwhelmed and as a result, there is a backlog of waste services for, especially, urban informal areas.

It goes without saying that inadequate waste services lead to unpleasant living conditions and a contaminated, unhealthy environment. Moreover, capital investment and maintenance are declining despite the fact that the waste management infrastructure is outdated. The department adds that there are also a few adequate, compliant landfills and hazardous waste management facilities, which hinders the safe disposal of all waste streams. But the question remains, ‘how can individual actions help?’. There is good and bad news. The good news is there are companies that collect recyclable materials from your household, the office or complex and they have a buyback policy. This means individual waste collectors can sell their recyclable waste. The bad news is some companies don’t pay; in fact, you may have to pay them for collection instead.

What to recycle and what not to recycle: The first and most important part of recycling is knowing which materials are recyclable. There are four types of recyclable materials; paper, glass, cans and plastic. However, there are parts of these materials that are not recyclable. These are unrecyclable materials: Paper — Used paper plates, disposable nappies, tissues, toilet paper, wax-coated, foil-lined or laminated boxes (unless stipulated), used cement bags, used dog food bags, foil gift wrapping, carbon paper and laminated paper.

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Glass — glass that is contaminated with food or dirt, heat resistant glass such as ovenware and Pyrex, window, mirrors and crystal, broken glass, decorative glass that contains multiple colours, or glass that contains metal such as light bulbs. Cans — paint, aerosol containers, pesticide and chemical containers, syringes, needles, oil filters and batteries. Plastic — there are seven plastic recycling logos which tell you what type of plastic the container is made of; and most packaging is imprinted with one of them. Each type has to be recycled differently. An extensive list can be found online.

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The Energy Special

Where and how to recycle: You can recycle either at your home or at the office. The rule of thumb when it comes to recycling is sorting out your raw materials; paper must go in one container, and glass, cans as well as plastics also go into their own individual containers. This helps both the collector and the processor. Also, consult with your collector about some of these materials because specifications vary. Recycling at home is easier; it takes a little bit of getting used to. This is how you sort out recyclable material at home: Paper — newspapers should be kept separate from other types of paper like magazines, glossy paper, paper packaging and envelops — which can all be stored in the same bin; make sure that you remove elastic bands and plastic wrapping. If you’re going to add corrugated cardboard, make sure that you keep it dry for maximum recycling value. Plastic — types of plastic that can be recycled vary in difficulty. Some are not biodegradable are only recycled at specific recycling plants, whereas other types of plastic are completely unrecyclable.

Glass — make sure that you separate glass according to the colours green, brown and clear (no need to remove paper labels). Metal — food cans can be recycled if you flatten them as much as possible and you remove the labels — this doesn’t apply to the easily recyclable aluminium cans (cold drink and beer cans). Tin foil can be recycled to make engine parts; and copper is entirely recyclable. Aerosol cans can also be recycled, but they must be kept separate from other recycling materials and leave the labels on so that the contents are easily discernible. Lids should also be left in place. Recycling at the office can be slightly challenging because you are dealing with a variety of people who are recycling materials that aren’t as easily traceable as they are at home. You will then have to take a waste audit of the most used material(s) in the office and create bins for them. Try placing bins at the most convenient spots in the office — the idea is to make it feel effortless. If there’s an incentive from your collector then you can use the money towards buying office snacks or using the money to buy birthday cakes for colleagues. If you have to pay the collector, you can motivate your colleagues by reminding them of the positive effects your actions have on the state of the earth.

While there are numerous organisations that offer recycling services, Brand South Africa provides a few national organisations that you can contact: My Waste is a simple online application that helps you find recycling centres close to home; simply enter your suburb and the product you need to recycle and you’ll receive a list of companies with contact details and maps for each. Collect-a-Can has a guide to setting up a recycling committee at your school and a list of what can and cannot be recycled. Drop off cans – remember to separate aluminium from tin – at a Collect-a-Can depot. PET Recycling Company has 430 recovery stations for plastic bottles throughout South Africa, while locally, recyclable plastic bottles can be taken to municipal sites; check which recyclables your site accepts. Municipal collection points in all major metropolitan areas have set up plastics recovery stations and recyclers will collect from these centres. Community-based organisations also offer this facility, as do some shopping centres. Mpact (formerly Mondi Recycling) places paper recycling bins at retailers, churches, schools, old age homes, community centres and dump sites in large metropolitan areas. It also ranks among the top recyclers of recovered Source: Brand South Africa

plastic and paper. The green bins are labelled “Mpact Recycling”; some may still be orange with the Mondi logo. The Glass Recycling Company accepts glass beverage bottles and glass food jars only at its banks. The website has a comprehensive list of glass bank drop offs. Businesses, schools, townhouse complexes and malls can also apply to host a glass bank, as long as there is enough material to warrant it. eWaste Association of South Africa (eWASA) oversees a sustainable environmentally sound ewaste management system for South Africa. The non-profit organisation works with manufacturers; vendors and distributors of electronic and electrical goods; and ewaste handlers, including refurbishers, dismantlers and recyclers, to manage ewaste effectively. The National Recycling Forum is a non-profit organisation created to extend the interests of the formal recycling industry in South Africa. It has information on its members as well as links to the latest legislation, recycling resources and advice on how to recycle.

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emPOWERment

through renewable Energy

These companies are using renewable energy products to empower communities and are helping solve the social and economic challenges partly caused by the lack of electricity words sanelisiwe maliza The African continent has a massive energy gap and millions of people in rural and peri-urban areas are still in the dark in 2020. Over 600 million people in sub Saharan Africa live without electricity and over 700 million depend on harmful fuels for cooking. According to the 2019 Clean Cooking Alliance report, smoke from cookstoves causes 2.6 million premature deaths and a host of harmful health conditions, including respiratory and vision problems. The lack of energy has a trickling effect on an individual, data has shown that the lack of access to electricity locks people into poverty and has dire consequences on the health, education and income of a person. In line with the growth of the renewable energy industry on the continent, there has been an interesting offshoot, where companies are using renewable energy products to empower communities and help solve the social ills partly caused by the lack of electricity. In Tanzania,Uganda and Nigeria, a renewable energy company called Solar Sister, is bringing light to rural women across these countries. “I didn’t know about solar, I’d never seen these things. My daughter Aisha thought it was a great idea. So, she suggested they introduce solar here in Maduma village.” This idea was the spark that brought light to the village. Through this idea from her daughter, Isabella the village in Tanzania created her solar energy products business. To start, Isabella raised a small amount of capital required to join Solar Sister from the profits from her potato farm. The capital paid for her training and for continued support and product supply. Through this small micro business, the impact of Isabella’s enterprise can be seen throughout Maduma village. If you go to the center you will see the local shop lit up by two small solar lights, the local pub has a solar light shining and you see people walking with small lights in hand. The income from selling the Solar Sister products has given Isabella a level of independence. Because there is extra income coming in, Isabella and her sons no longer have to work other people’s land for cash. It’s an upward spiral: “We plan time to sell solar and then we farm our own fields and sell our produce,” she says. The journey to empower women on the continent started in 2008 for Solar Sisters. According to the Solar Sister website, the seeds of Solar Sister were planted when Katherine Lucey, a former investment banker from America, met Rebecca, a farmer in rural Uganda, in 2008. Using solar to light her chicken coop, Rebecca showed that one woman’s creative enterprise transforms lives. Twelve years later, they have created 4,000 clean energy entrepreneurs and reached 1.5 million people across the continent. While this may be a great do-good strategy, this initiative was also able to fulfill an important strategic business imperative allowing them to easily scale their business and create advocates who are able to effectively sell the renewable product to their community, because they are marketing and selling to an audience they relate to, making it a win-win situation.

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In South Africa, Thato Kgatlhanye, used upcycled plastic material to empower children. By using plastic she was able to make solar powered backpacks for students. The bag, created for children from low-income homes, was designed to help them study in a household where there is no electricity. The bag with a solar panel gathers energy on their walk to and from school. When they arrive back home, the bag is capable of powering a small lamp for up to 12 hours so that they can complete their studies at night. Through funding from partners and corporates like Telkom, the Rethaka Foundation has been able to deliver thousands of bags to school children, improving their chances for success. According to the World Energy Organisation, renewable energy could provide more than 40% of all power generation capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2040. To ensure that women reap the benefits in this industry, the International Financial Corporation is working with large companies and small firms on the continent to increase women’s participation in the renewable energy sector. Data from the International Renewable Energy Agency shows that women are not equally represented in leadership and technical jobs, in the sector, and represent just one third of the renewable energy workforce worldwide. The International Finance Corporation has launched the Energy2Equal initiative, in partnership with the Government of Canada to ensure more women benefit from the growing sector.

Closing the renewable energy gender gap in Africa will create more opportunities “Closing the renewable energy gender gap in Africa will create more opportunities for women and help companies foster business development, improve innovation and engage better with communities,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC Regional Director for Eastern Africa. IFC will partner with private sector renewable energy companies to expand women’s access to jobs, leadership positions, and entrepreneurial opportunities in corporate value chains in the renewable energy space. Foreign impact investment has positively changed many rural communities by improving the quality of life for thousands. It has also provided an alternative to electricity for millions who don’t have access to grid electricity on the continent. As these industries grow, we look forward to seeing more Africans at the helm of the innovation, running large scale companies which, produce and distribute more locally owned products.

DESTINY CAREERS

The Energy Special

Energy Efficient Employment The meaning of having â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;green handsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is no longer what it used to be. We look at the jobs that helping create a greener and sustainable future. words sanelisiwe maliza

The slow demise of Eskom and the growing demand for renewable energy to, not only fill the gap but to create environmentally sustainable electricity supply, has created more opportunities and job roles in the industry. While many may assume that the job roles needed are technically inclined, a number of different and far ranging skill sets are needed in the sector to truly scale and grow the market. Here are seven jobs that are sought-after in renewable energy. 1. Engineers Responsible for designing, organising and overseeing the construction and production of renewable energy products, engineers have an important role to play in the growth of the renewable energy sector, by designing the process and systems for hydroelectric dams or wind turbines implementation. 2. Construction Managers With a growing number of wind to solar farms, more people are needed to maintain the development and management of that infrastructure. Construction managers would be expected to plan, manage and coordinate everything concerned with the construction and maintenance of buildings, systems and facilities. 3. Renewable Energy Sales Representatives Selling will always be a very important part of any sector. As a renewable energy rep, you will be responsible to drive uptake of products in a competitive environment where all companies, from biofuel to solar panels, are trying to dominate the industry. The purpose of the sales representative is to sell the products to the identified target market. 4. Farmers As one of the oldest professions, farmers, surprisingly, have a range of options in the green sector. Traditionally, farmers were most likely to produce fruits, vegetables and grains for

human consumption. In the new-energy sector, farmers will not just be supplying food to eat but for bioenergy as well. As an expanding sector, bioenergy will receive its supply of corn for corn ethanol from farmers. In the future, farm waste will also become a valuable resource and can be turned into biofuel. 5. Urban Planners In overpopulated cities where space is becoming a challenge, urban planners will be responsible for finding sustainable plans and programs for the smarter use of land and physical facilities. 6. Solar panel installers According to Business Insider, solar photovoltaic installers are expected to see a 104.9% job growth by 2026. As more people and companies go off the grid, this manual job will grow in importance and demand. Solar panel installers are responsible for assembling, installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and regulation. 7. Renewable Energy Consultants Consultants work with clients to investigate and advise regarding the installation of renewable energy systems, with a particular focus on increasing efficiency and reducing cost while mitigating environmental impact. Renewable energy consultants also work for government agencies and renewable energy companies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as solar or wind. As climate change becomes a more pressing threat and load shedding remains a reality, there has never been a better time to consider a career in renewable energy. A range of higher education institutions offer short and long term tertiary qualifications around the green economy which could be the stepping stone you need to get into the industry.

Energy

ways to pay for renewable energy in your home words khotso ramphele

Alternative energy is what we grew up with not renewable energy. People ask what the difference is. First example is your grandma sending you down to the corner shop to buy paraffin for the paraffin heater to keep warm. Second example is the coal truck coming down the street and you running into the house to tell the elders that the truck is coming. They tell you to get a bag and you’re given money — you instinctively know the coal will be used to cook your meals and keep the home warm. You had to ensure it was stored properly so it was not rained on. Every home had the metal storage container to keep it dry. Fast forward to the future and renewable energy has become prominent, so much so that developers have factored it into complexes in the last 10 years. It has reduced the cost of electricity, but not all of us could afford to finance them as the costs to install were high. We thought it would be reasonable with time and eventually we would be able to afford it, but inflation helped increase it. 60

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So, we have had to look at different ways of finance homes that currently use, or would like to use renewable energy. We will be looking at four different finance methods. We’ll weigh up the pros and cons, but some won’t have pros as there is nothing good about debt. Various renewable energy solution options vary depending on what your electricity usage is, but for standard fourperson family home you could expect to pay around R200,000 – without taking government rebates into account. For the sake of the scenarios below, will be looking at an amount of R100,000 the term period will be 5-year terms for the three options, excluding the bond which will be a 20year term. The interest will vary based on what we would be looking at and will be detailed clearly as we look at the different transactions.

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account

With the 32 day notice account, this is us being different and saying that we are not instant gratification people and are patient enough to save. We are acknowledging that we are disciplined and can wait to accumulate the funds. So being a disciplined individual we look at saving R1,500 every month for 60 months at an interest rate of 6.7%, we would be looking at an amount saved of R106,559 towards renewable energy.

Personal loan

So, let us look at financing our new property or existing property with the renewable energy that you find suitable with a personal loan. The interest rate that we are going to use is 17.5%, the maximum that the National Credit Act prescribes is 27.50%. The interest rate will always vary due to your credit rating and what the bank system will produce. The amount as stated above is R100,000. The term is 5 years. So, we will be looking at 60 repayments at R2,512 monthly to repay the loan.

2. Bond Financing with a bond will include the costs into your monthly repayments. So, we will be refinancing the bond by R100,000, the interest rate that you get is 12% and that’s the figure we will use in our calculations, the term is 20 years. The additional cost to your monthly bond will be another R1,101 on the current bond you are paying.

We are going to look at the endowment differently and approach the calculations differently. We are still going to be working from the present value of R100,000 and we will get the contributions needed to get to the future value. With that, we will now also be including inflation. So, to explain present value and future value will be using the KFC Street Wise 2 as an example. When I bought the Street Wise 15 years ago it cost me R14.10 but due to annual inflation it now costs me R29.90. If I wanted to save for the meal in the next 15 years, I would have to include inflation in the costs. Most of us save for the R14.10 and eventually struggle to afford the R 29.90 as we calculated our savings incorrectly.

4. Investing Let’s now look at the numbers again. We are still saving for the R100,000 but the future value equivalent of that. We are expecting an annual growth of 9.4% return on the investment as we have decided that you are a moderately aggressive investor. The contributions will also increase by 10% every year. We will use an inflation amount of 5% and yes, we do know that is not the national inflation rate but for our model, please entertain us. With all of that stated we are looking at a contribution amount of R 1826.47 per month.

Here’s what you need to know: With four different options in financing your renewable energy home, which would be the best option to go for? Considering the state of the economy, most would be inclined to pick option 2 as it is the cheapest. However, we fail to understand that option 2 would be the most expensive, as you pay longer and the amount you would pay back would be equal to the other three options added up together. Next, we move to option 3. The only issue with this option is that the payment amounts would have increased after five years and you still would not be able to afford it as inflation would have changed the price. We have seen this in educational policies acquired by our parents thinking they would cover our schooling but disappointingly they only covered registration costs.

Option 1 would not be a good choice based on the interest rate — there’s nothing more frustrating than paying an unsecured loan with a high interest rate. So, everything about it is wrong. The last option is what I would encourage you default to, but with that you would have to understand the type of investor you are. Are you a moderate investor or an aggressive investor? This choice will result in different returns — you will get back based on the fund that was selected. It would also affect your contribution amount. Option 4 would also protect you against inflation as it would always look at the future value of the price and not the present value.

The Energy Special

3. 32 day notice

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People

The daredevil caregiver

For almost a decade Les Thusi, a psychiatric nurse has confounded any number of stereotypes about what nurses should be Yolisa Mkele

Lauren Mulligan

Les Thusi

Psychiatric Nurse

Close your metaphorical eyes for a second and picture a man, the muscular kind. When, not at his day job, this imaginary man moonlights as a personal trainer, rides a super bike, waxes lyrical about his love for ice skating and enjoys a spot of skydiving. Now try think of his occupation. What type of profession would get this South African reincarnation of Evel Knievel, out of bed in the morning with a smile on his face? The answer, it turns out, is nursing. For almost a decade Les Thusi, a psychiatric nurse has confounded any number of stereotypes about what nurses should be. As a general rule, health professionals are not the ones one expects to voluntarily pitch themselves out of planes or weave through traffic at high speed on a two

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wheeled death trap. Moreover, very few people expect nurses to be men. “People get shocked when they meet me and I tell them what I do. They say I don’t look the part. Apparently there is a certain way that psychiatric nurses dress and do things and I don’t fit that mould,” says Thusi. A psychiatric nurse is one that specialises in mental health care. What people mean when they say Thusi “doesn’t look like a nurse” is that he is not female. The idea that nurses should be women is so deep rooted in our society that you would be hard pressed to find a five-year-old who wouldn’t tell you that nursing is a “lady job”. The thing is that wasn’t always true. Before Florence Nightingale came on the scene, the sight of male nurses was no more surprising than seeing

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During the Crimean War in 1854, Nightingale found herself caring for wounded soldiers and her experience changed patient care forever. She became the mother of modern nursing and one of the most important rules in her house was that nurses should be women. It is an idea that has stuck like chewing gum in uncombed hair and one that even Thusi was not immune to. “My aunt was the one to suggest I try nursing and at the time, I didn’t really like the idea for the same reasons as most men wouldn’t. I decided to just do it because I had already taken a gap year and needed to do something,” he says. Thanks to that nudge from his aunt, Les Thusi embarked on a fouryear course in nursing that would see him become a registered psychiatric nurse in 2012 and as is often the case with the things our elders tell us to do, It turns out that this aunt may have been more prescient than either of them realised. The 4th Industrial Revolution is upon us, along with a lot of hysteria about robots taking our jobs. To be honest not all of that panic is unfounded. A Bloomberg article released last year suggests that more than 120 million workers worldwide will need to be retrained in the next three years as a combination of robots, algorithms and apps make a lot of our existing skillsets obsolete. A 2018 report by the World Economic Forum on the Future of Jobs echoes this sentiment stating that “the Fourth Industrial Revolution is interacting with other socioeconomic and demographic factors to create a perfect storm of business model change in all industries, resulting in major disruptions to labour markets. New categories of jobs will emerge, partly or wholly displacing others. The skillsets required in both old and new occupations will change in most industries and transform how and where people work”. While all of that may not bode well for those of us who type or work on computers for a living, there a number of career paths that it seems robots won’t be able to get the hang of in the near future. One of them is nursing. “A lecturer of mine used to tell me that nursing is the art of care. So as psychiatric nurses we don’t just treat the condition, we treat the patient, holistically. A machine can tell that a person is in pain but it can’t tell how a person feels about that pain,” says Thusi. According to a 2016 Oxford University study on the future of work and how susceptible certain jobs are to computerisation, nursing is one of the forms of employment that Siri is

least likely to be able to wrap her voice-activated brain around. That’s because it requires a skillset that isn’t easily programmable. You can probably teach your Apple Watch how to do accounting but getting it to be empathetic and patient with someone who has lost their grip on reality is a much trickier task. “Let’s say the patient is seeing things, hearing or believing things that are not true. The last thing you want to do is argue with them. The most important thing is to diminish those thoughts and fears using techniques that help them come back toward reality on their own and in a non-threatening way,” says Thusi. Dealing with extreme cases of mental illness is not just as simple as just being an empath or a particularly friendly Huffelpuff. As with a lot of jobs in the medical profession you’re likely to interact with the kinds of things and people that create lasting trauma. Where most of us may pop out for a drink after work to ease the stress of the day, Thusi needs something a little more potent to help him manage work stress. That’s where the thrill seeking comes in. “For me to cope with everything in my life, I’ve learnt to compartmentalise my personal and professional life. The joy of my job is that it teaches you how to create your own happiness and how to be mindful of the things that you do in your life. You learn how to take responsibility for your own happiness.”. For him that means seeing how far he can get his speedometer to lean to the right or how fast he can glide on the ice. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as coping mechanisms go, there are definitely worse ones. Perhaps part of the problem with nursing and the stereotypes behind it is that when people think of nurses, they tend to only think of changing bedpans and cleaning bedsores. In a sense we’re stuck in a Florence Nightingale perception of a profession that has spent more than a century advancing. The nurses of today come in all flavours, from emergency room nurses to travel nurses, ICU nurses, psychiatric and paediatric ones too. Moreover there is no genitalia requirement. “In the same way that there shouldn’t be a problem with a female being a cop, a businesswoman or in anything in any male-dominated industry, no one should bat an eyelid at the idea of a male nurse,” says Thusi. Couple that with a worldwide nursing shortage, the fact that it is a career path that confuses robots and doesn’t require you to get 23 distinctions in matric and one begins to see that while it may not have been the obvious choice, getting a job as a nurse may just be a really good one.

People

a four legged cow. Male nursing was so commonplace that even famous American poet Walt Whitman tried his hand at it during the American Civil War.

People

The yoga teacher who built her own nest Rea Khoabane

Lauren Mulligan

Banesa Tseki

Yoga Teacher

It was depression and anxiety that led Banesa Tseki to yoga. She was 20 years old, living in Cape Town, trying to take charge of her mental and emotional state. “I used to see doctors and was given a lot of medication and instead of it helping me, I relied on it and forgot who I am,” she says. It was her kickboxing instructor, interestingly, who introduced the Lesotho-born Tseki to the practice of yoga, which led her on a more spiritual path. But she found the yoga studios in Cape Town lacking in representation. “There were no spaces for people of colour who are spiritually conscious to do yoga,” she says. That same year she met a woman who introduced her to kundalini yoga and after two years of training, she became a certified teacher. Now 30, Tseki (along with her business partner Anesu Mbizo) co-owns The Nest Space, one of the hippest and most Instagram-friendly yoga studios in Joburg. Best of

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all? It’s a place where black and brown lovers of yoga feel comfortable and at home. Tseki started it as a space for those who needed to belong. Situated in Greenside, the Nest Space is what Tseki describes as “African healing through yoga”. When you walk into the studio and its new café space (more on that later), you’ll see a board that reads: ‘The Movement – zero waste, vegan, natural, African. Our ancestors’ wildest dreams’. Opened in 2018, the Nest is a spot of comfort and love, and it has interesting décor features such as African traditional masks, plants and African books and magazines (ART AFRICA, for example). “Everything about our décor is to remind people of their power. We built the studio like this so that people can know who we are, and what we’re about. We wanted to create a space of safety.” And as important as the idea behind the Nest Space is, businesses also have to be sustainable, which is where

DESTINY CAREERS

People the idea of the studio’s vegan café came in. It sells natural products made by black women right next to it. “As much as yoga is a form of mind and soul, we’ve added the body, and this includes the food that we put in our bodies. We realised that all the cafés downstairs [in the building where the studio has an upstairs space] were filled with our students after classes, so we decided to open the vegan café.” But Tseki is aware that when it comes to conscious healthy eating and leading a healthy lifestyle in general, accessibility is a problem for many. “Plant-based spirituality often comes with a heavy price tag, so with the new business we’ve added, we’re trying to keep our products lower on prices and, therefore, more accessible,” she says. For Tseki, yoga heightens consciousness and gives a sense of purpose, while veganism is more about wanting to do better for the world one lives in. But as black people, how does one separate cultural practices such as slaughtering, which forms part of African spirituality and culture, from one’s own veganism and spiritual practice? Tseki says there needs to be careful line between culture and spirituality. “We are talking about health as opposed to morality,” she says. “We must also remember that in our culture, we don’t just slaughter but there’s ceremony or rituals performed to bless the meat and we use every piece of the animal. Nothing goes to waste.” She continues: “I believe one can be 100% plant-based and still go home and slaughter a cow. Veganism is a diet lifestyle because in a spiritual sense we believe in subtle energy forces and we don’t have the ability to digest meat in a way that carnivores do.” Which brings us back to the Nest’s store. “The concept is to show there is an alternative way of living, and to show a sustainable way of not harming anything.” Tseki believes this business model will work because she and Mbizo have tapped into a market that was previously ignored. “People didn’t think that black people seek healing through spirituality, but they do. But even if they don’t, they will still support a business that is black-owned.”

Education

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re speaking my language It seems absurd to be arguing for the inclusivity of African languages in African universities and other institutions of higher learning, yet here we are. words esihle lupindo Language is one of the most important aspects of higher education. It is a crucial factor in the overall success of students in institutions of higher learning, especially in South Africa where there are 11 official and countless other languages spoken in millions of homes. Through conversations that I have had with university tutors from various departments and universities and some academics, I believe that students understand their work 68

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better and grasp concepts easier when they see themselves mirrored in the medium of instruction and this makes the course seem less foreign and intimidating. Through the works of, lecturer, Somikazi Deyi (2018) we are made aware that there are institutional anxieties around possible limitations of terminology and vocabulary in trying to introduce a multilingual approach to academic learning and teaching. Deyi also highlights that African languages DESTINY CAREERS

are not mere terms, but languages that are nuanced and developed enough to be used in the academic space to teach, learn and conduct research. However, a paper written by Beverley Burkett and Elize Koch titled, ‘Making the role of African languages in higher education a reality’, illustrates that if the choice were available, many parents would opt that their children be taught in their home languages, under the condition that they continue receiving quality education. They further alert us that monolingualism pushes the people who do not understand English to fringes, particularly in “democratic processes, national and international.” The solution is not in eradicating English but in having institutions of higher learning creating academic environments that do not suppress other (South) African languages and that they see these languages as sites of (academic) knowledge, and make enough room to create and theorise the students who speak those languages. Universities teach critical thinking and a part of this is the acceptance of the complicated realities. Language is deeply related to culture and identity which institutions should not try to erase for the sake uniformity. There is also misalignment between institutions of higher learning and high schools because in high school pupils are encouraged to be, at least, bilingual through the expectation that they take a minimum of two languages. However, when students enter the higher education space, there is a sudden dissipation of this bilingual approach.

“

Those who can say my name in my language have the power to see my soul. - Vuyelwa Maluleke

This dissipation limits the extent to which students are able to engage with their academic work. We must be cognisant of the barriers that exist as a result of economic disparities. These include things like some students not having access to libraries and some of them experiencing culture shock as a result of having previously been accustomed to being taught a majority of their high school subjects in their home language. We are aware that some institutions are beginning to move towards finding ways of bridging this linguistic gap that exists between the end of high school and the early stages of university. These include the University of KwaZulu-Natal which has introduced compulsory isiZulu modules for all students; and some departments such as the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University offering a compulsory isiXhosa module which students cannot complete their qualifications without taking and passing. The Department of Political and International Studies at Rhodes University also offers students the option to submit their academic work such as tutorials, term essays and even write their exams in languages including isiXhosa, isiZulu and Sesotho. Research conducted by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) informs us that using a student’s home language in the classroom and not asking the student to leave their languages outside, marks a validation of their identities as language is closely related to identity. This research indicates that multilingualism expands to other sectors that rely on skills produced by higher education; it states that “at least 56 African languages are used in administration and at least 63 African languages are used in the judicial system… in business communication at least 66 African languages are used and at least 242 African languages are used in the mass media”. Although this research is not limited to the South African context, it gives us an idea that there is room for African languages in professional spaces. This widening acceptance of languages by universities has a ripple effect even outside of the learning environment. Firstly, it communicates that the university is serious about issues of diversity and transformation beyond their policies. Secondly, allowing students to explore these avenues feeds into the broader need for linguistic and cultural preservation across the country, while making learning easier and more accessible. This gives permission to students to think critically and formulate solutions that speak to their unique circumstances. Introducing these languages breaks conceptual limitations that could exist. We are also aware of people who have written academic research papers in their home languages. These graduates include Eileen Pooe who wrote her PhD in Setswana, Hleze Kunju who wrote his in isiXhosa, Phephani Gumbi wrote in isiZulu, Anastacia Mamabolo wrote it in Sepedi. So, there are academic reference points that students can go to to seek in depth understating in their home languages.

Column

(Re)imagining our role in academia

Thoughts Sibongile Gangxa

The students of 2015 who participated in the #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall movements brought a compelling texture to the politics of representation and privilege, as they fought a valiant fight for free tertiary education, fair access to education and a decolonised curriculum. The latter was the most symbolic of the three because it transcended the tangible politics of inequality and honed in on the psychological warfare colonialism and capitalism waged and continues to wage on young minds in its attempts to consolidate its power. It does so by preserving its punitive unequal economic and social policies that enrich and endorse the existence of the world’s elite, whilst erasing the alternative voices and bodies of the poor and marginalised, globally.

Cameroonian philosopher, Joseph-Achille Mbembe poignantly articulates these intersections that African academics straddle in contemporary global politics, as one of the most exciting times to be alive as an academic, presenting an opportunity to re-imagine the curriculum in ways that engage global capitalism and the far-reaching remnants of colonialism in ways that transcend the lecture rooms and prescribed literatures. Responding to the #RhodesMustFall victory which saw the University of Cape Town student activists achieve the toppling over of coloniser and privateer, Cecil John Rhodes’ statue, Mbembe describes this pocket of a decolonisation win as the powerful demonstration of dismantlement — in this case, of a man who symbolised the exploitation of black labour which went hand in hand with the violent act of separate development and racism. Mbembe appeals to our consciences to engage the intersectionalities of black lives through the academic lense and in this context, he describes the dismantling of whiteness as the “awakening to self-knowledge and the reshaping of institutions inherited from a brutal past. In this sense, the decolonisation project is both a critique of institutions and a critique of knowledge”. This is a challenge new entrants into university are presented with — the task to appropriate their historical context, the politics they subscribe to and how they navigate the world, in relation to where they find themselves in its systemic organisation and memory. It presents an opportunity for students to see themselves beyond the urgency of survival (to graduate on record time and to get a job), but as thought leaders, grappling with the worlds challenges in ways that find expression through their academic bodies of work. This transcends politics in its linear sense and every discipline we immerse ourselves in, scholastically. The time demands academics who move through academic spaces with a deep appreciation that institutions of higher learning 70

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embody everything that is right about the world and everything that is wrong about the world — and to decisively choose to be on the right side of history by personalising their academic journeys through critique and interrogation. Which begs the question, for example: ‘If you’re going to be an economist, what kind of economist are you going to be?’ One who regurgitates economic theories of the past and appropriates them as if they were of your own genius, repeating old patterns that don’t serve the makings of your environment? Or are you going to critique inequality, the state of the labour practices and how people sustain their livelihoods and seek new theories that are a response to contemporary economic challenges, especially for the marginalised? How are you going to honour your personal, psycho-emotive and spiritual convictions in ways that will satisfy your sense of self through your thinking and the contributions you make in the world of learning? How will your name be etched in ways that shift the needle? Inspired by his culture and the politics of language, Hleze Kunju understood this shift and challenged the weaponisation of expression by making history when he wrote his doctoral thesis in isiXhosa which was Rhodes University’s first isiXhosa authored PhD thesis. This brave task to vindicate indigenous languages and give them space in academia has been described as a milestone for Xhosa academic writing and a glimmer of hope in the quest for decolonisation and transformation in South Africa’s education system. Many scholars have since taken on the same posture to legitimise their mother tongues in academic writing. Kunju reminds us that institutions are a breeding ground for both desensitised thinkers who repeat the world’s cycles and problems (and solutions) and for those who experience great discomfort by how they see (and experience) the world for what it was, what it is and how it informs lived experiences at an intensely microscopic level.

DESTINY CAREERS

Ours is not to be part of the echo chamber when we are afforded the opportunity to be an academic citizen and instead, to re-imagining the curriculum, theoretically and practically by mapping out the world of knowledge in a fashion that appreciates that the personal is indeed political

— that we cannot divorce ourselves from the intellectual questions, debates and answers we shape if we are to change the face of history. - Sibongile Gangxa is a Rhodes University Law & Politics Graduate and a Development & Policy scholar at the Wits School of Governance. She is a media practitioner and avid content creator with a penchant for research. She is the founder of Safe Space – a content driven tool that seeks to reimagine healing and how it finds expression in our daily lived experiences.

Column

He compels us to rethink the university experience and to walk into the spaces with a much more elevated sense of responsibility — to find ourselves, our own stories in the world’s issues and re-imagine our scholastic journey through these deep and personal nuances by locating theory, practice and discourse.

Education

Connecting the dots in education Foundation helps students access education and employment for the jobs of the future, even if they aren’t academically strong Maki Molapo

Lauren Mulligan

The beauty of technology is - apart from the convenience it affords us - its unlimited possibilities, some of which have yet to be explored. Who would have known that education would get to a point where it would need to incorporate technology in its curriculum? Or that learning and connecting with the world would be reduced to an app on a single device? The world has suddenly gotten smaller, yet bigger because of the unlimited access you have to things beyond your wildest imagination. However, as great as technology is, its disadvantage is that people tend to be removed from reality. But, the founders of PS Connect plugged into their lived realities to uplift thousands across the country. Thabiso Ramadiba and Nathan Dube founded Path Steward (PS) Connect — an App that connects high school learners to over 250 institutions of higher learning and more than 200 funding schemes. “The purpose of PS Connect is to give learners access to post school education and to transition, as well as study further to access job opportunities”, says Dube. The PS Foundation was created as a counterpart to Connect but it focuses on disadvantaged and rural areas. The foundation is more paper based because of the inability for disadvantaged schools to access technology like urban schools. “The foundation helps learners from grade 8 to grade 12 with career development. It’s an annual programme with various workshops around career coaching and career guidance to give support to disadvantaged learners and help them transition towards further studies”, Dube says. Ramadiba and Dube say the idea came from the challenges that they faced as learners from technical high schools. They say they weren’t exposed to other career fields and university requirements in order to be eligible to enrol. As a result of that experience they decided to develop a system that would address those challenges. It’s during their research that they realised there were learners who were struggling the way they did. The app they have developed exposes learners to about 1,700 careers. It helps learners figure out what they want to study by linking their passion or interests to certain careers. Ramadiba says, “for example, if you’re interested in drawing you don’t necessarily only have to be an artist or a painter, you can use the same skill in other industries. We also believe in the combination of interests. So, if a learner says they are interested in both law and accounting, we would advise them to get into law and specialise in taxation”.

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For the learner to then know which institutions they qualify for, the system cross-checks their subjects and marks with various university and college requirements. They say in the process of linking the learners’ passion to various careers, they also look for career opportunities within the locations the learners live. “We also look at provincial dynamics in terms of skills needed within the province. We then expose them to and teach them about scarce and critical skills needed, according to the department of labour in the province and get them to a position where they can choose which career they’d like to pursue,” Ramadiba says. In addition to the combination of interests, they say they also combine an individual’s interests to the latest developments in the market to make them more employable. Teachers are also involved as they help ensure that students’ marks are up to par. But there are instances where certain social challenges affect the learners’ performance. This is where PS Connect’s relationship with teachers factors in — they work together to support the learners and help improve their academic performance. Parents also form part of the network created by PS Connect. It takes a village, right? The founders say parents tend to encourage their children to pursue traditional careers in order to be successful. However, teaching parents about the latest careers, making them understand that their children can make a decent living from them, has created a significant shift. But then how do they deliver on their promise of employability? “The next phase is developing their soft skills while they’re at university; preparing them for the workplace and knowing what employers are looking for, as well as activities or parttime jobs we can connect them to to develop their soft skills and their profile so that they are more employable,” Ramadiba says. In terms of where they see education going Ramadiba says, “in order to determine the future of education, we need to create an identity for the type of people we want to be so that the education system can create those types of people. The education system at this point is chaotic in that it is trying to deal with the dropout rates, instead of designing its system to make sense to the learner.” So, what does this mean for corporates and government? Dube says, “corporates and government deal with big systems and such systems need constant predictions of the future. The problem with that is technology allows us to

DESTINY CAREERS

Education connect at the same time, creating more competition for economies. You will then need fresh ideas to be creative and one of the problems with the education system is that they are very reactive in that they apply whatever’s trending without understanding the dynamics of the country as well the roots of its problems within the economy and cultural diversity. Ramadiba says, “we can’t blame corporates because they are offering and/or delivering a service and they need people they can employ. Most of the time we focus on the high unemployment rate but we forget that there is a shortage of skills.”

Dube adds, “we don’t have people who fill in those skills because they are all saturated in the ‘popular’ fields. That is why we expose our learners to scarce and critical skills within our economy. This helps them understand that if they focus on the critical or scarce skills, they’ll be more employable. Part and parcel of that is also looking at the environments they come from and predict which careers paths will arise from there.”

Section

Much like how a majority of addictive behaviours require medical intervention, the remote may need to be surgically removed from our hands as more people are choosing their series over their jobs. words palesa buyeye

In 2006 Elon University, in North Carolina in the US, claimed that according to futurists and technology experts, “robots and artificial intelligence of various sorts will become an accepted part of daily life by the year 2020 and will almost completely take over physical work.” A daunting thought in a South African context if you consider the 29% unemployment rate, according to the World Bank. However, let us romanticise the idea of not needing to be present for a second — having something like Sophia The Robot taking care of daily responsibilities, like that 9am meeting, essay submission or lunch with that self-involved friend that will only talk about herself, while we do something more important like catch up on our favourite series, sounds like an episode taken from Netflix’s Black Mirror. But the year is 2020 and as writer Baz Luhrmann said, we should “accept certain inalienable truths”.

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Artificial intelligence has not taken over and we still find ourselves having to show up for responsibilities instead of binging on series. But what if this is one truth we cannot accept? With a new streaming site being launched almost every year and favourites like Netflix budgeting to spend $18.5billion on original content this year, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, being hooked to endless streaming is becoming deeper than just a quirky personality trait you add to your social media bio. Addiction expert and sobriety coach Kevin Sullivan, simplifies addiction as, “one not having enough time to do other things that life has to offer or when a certain behaviour has one in its grip and their life and mind becomes preoccupied or interrupted by it. “For series binge addiction it is the state of constantly thinking you have a few episodes to go, so you might as well stay up until 3am even if there is work the next morning; causing you to be 20 minutes late and creating the stress of hustling around to keep DESTINY CAREERS

came as no surprise that she was in between a binge during our conversation. “I watch series while I do other things like writing or cleaning my room during the day, only at night do I sit and watch properly in bed from my laptop,” Iwoth explains. “It gets a little bit distracting but that’s why I do it, I get bored doing one task at a time.”

The phenomenon of not having to wait a week for an episode of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, the way we had to for his nail-biting Nip/Tuck almost 20 years ago, is said to be creating an epidemic.

“I will watch a new series as soon as it comes out the same day and will binge the entire season and when I am done, I will go back to old classics like The Gilmore Girls.”

Although there are no specific rehabilitation centres for this and only three cases have been reported to be receiving treatment for series binge addiction in London, Showmax’s 2019 statistics showed a 30% per hour streaming increase in December, with one account having watched more than 200 episode of the same show.

Let us romanticise the idea of not needing to be present for a second However, unlike alcohol or drug addiction, series-binge addiction creates a level of ambiguity because it is something we all do due to technology, social media and videos being so embedded as a norm in our daily lives. Whether it is YouTube, Showmax or Netflix on our televisions, computers or handheld devices, our eyes are constantly glued to a screen. When and how do we start to consider it an addiction? In 2017, a Deloitte survey found that young people between the ages of 14-33 streamed an average of five hours of series or videos in one sitting, which is higher than the firm’s definition of binge-watching which is, “viewing three or more episodes in a single session.” “You look around and at a restaurant you have people at a dinner table and 4 of the 6 of them are on their phones, not in conversation,” says Sullivan. “I literally saw a young woman walk into a light bulb yesterday because she was on the phone and that’s where it starts, where you have no control over it.” “Most of us, if we’re being honest, from time to time want to get delivered to a place where we are just sucked away from reality.” The irony of this is that Showmax found reality TV, specifically The Real Housewives of Johannesburg to be a fan favourite, reinforcing the idea that we live in a time where, “the perception of reality is more real than reality itself.” (Billionaire Boys Club, 2018) Having recovered from alcohol addiction himself, Sullivan says that addiction often arises from one trying to hide, remove themselves from or avoid issues that they face, like depression, anxiety, mental illness, financial issues or situations at home, therefore making it something we may all be susceptible to. Speaking to frequent series bingers or individuals who think they might be addicted, the consensus is that it is done for a sense of escape. Wits University creative writing graduate Gizelle Iwoth admits to watching an average of 6 hours minimum on her busy days and much more on days where she has no commitments. It

As a creative, Iwoth is currently working on a novel and although she admits to constantly streaming for creative purposes and research, she says she would want to watch less. “It doesn’t affect my work but I think it is an addiction because I don’t know what I would do without it and that is [the case with] most people, I mean that’s how we fall asleep at night, although I do read books.” A similar case is 23-year-old junior associate Gontsijalo Sambane. He admits to binging on 12-14 hours of series on weekends and not more than four on weekdays. “It’s mostly documentary series on crime, drug cartels and statistics and when I start I finish it.” “It is more educational because all of the things that I have watched have happened or are happening in the world and although crime is not something I would do, it is relatable to finance and trading because of the strategic mind one has to have.” Although Sambane’s streaming is more mindful and he compares it to listening to a podcast of sorts as he also streams while working, therefore not affecting his work ethic, it does affect his social life. “It becomes hard for people to call me out. I have skipped a few outings and made an excuse of needing to attend to family when I was actually hooked on an episode.” Sambane, like many of us, does not feel the need to change his addiction to series because he is still functional. “I guess the conversation would expand to what is one doing while streaming for four hours a day? Were they drinking or eating because that then becomes a diagnosable addiction,” explains Sullivan, defining series-binge addiction as a possible gateway to other forms of addiction.

ARE YOU STI LL WATCH I N G?

Health

yourself awake during the day. All the pieces of you slowly falling apart,” he expands. “We are in a state where our eyes are open when they need to be closed and closed when they need to be open and even when they are closed there is endless brain activity still trying to process information because of the endless screen time.”

Health

“The level of suicide between the ages of 13-25 has multiplied at such an alarming rate in America and one could say this age of technology is adding to.” In this article I referred to films and series that I have frequently watched and although I myself may be an aspiring series or film writer, it has caused me to question my own addiction to streaming. What would I do without it? Sullivan explains that although technology now is often used for our own lives efficiency (like the purpose of this article) and one might be functional in their binge addiction, unlike the 3 cases found in London who had completely isolated themselves from friends and family and were close to losing their job. It is important for us to connect with our own stories as individuals instead of just the stories of others found on Netflix, as that disconnect is where addiction starts. For years scientists have been trying to communicate that addiction is a complex brain disorder rather than a lack of moral judgment and in 2016 former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy publicly confirmed this. Throughout the past decade public figures such as Ben Affleck, Demi Lovato, Robert Downey Jr and Russel Brand, to name a few, have been public about their struggles with addiction and their road to recovery with intention of breaking the global stigma. Brand has even gone on to write New York Times Best Seller, Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions and frequently addresses the subject on his YouTube channel, where he often asks us take some time from our devices and laptops as well. Although series-binge addiction has not been certified as a diagnosable or treatable illness, addiction is the umbrella of the conversation and one is susceptible to being addicted to more than just alcohol, drugs or sex.

“One day I woke up in a hospital and someone asked me, ‘what’s your problem?’ And I said, ‘I’m an alcoholic and an addict.’ And he said, ‘no, that’s how you’ve been treating your problem.’ I know now, I need to find a way to fill this big black hole in me,” - Beautiful Boy, 2018 These are words said by actor Timothée Chalamet in his portrayal of author and recovering addict Nic Sheff in Beautiful Boy.

“Addiction is more common than we realise, we often do not interrogate the relationship we or our loved ones have with substances, behaviour, objects or activities that exist in our lives, which may partly be because of how difficult it can be to really know when we or those around us have crossed over into an unhealthy relationship,” says clinical psychologist at The Couch Practice Of Psychology And Psychiatry, Viwe Dweba.

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DESTINY CAREERS

Health

HOW TO RECOGNISE ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN OURSELVES From The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition

Tick the boxes you can relate to:

Are you engaging with something for long periods of time or longer than you are meant to? For example, watching series for 3 hours or more daily, or planning to stop at a set number of episodes and not doing so.

Are you wanting to reduce your engagement in the activity but not managing to do so on your own?

Do you spend much of your time obtaining, arranging, engaging and recovering from engagement in the activity? For example, sleeping long periods of time to catch up from a long binge.

Do you have urges to engage in the activity?

Are you not able to meet personal, occupational, social or scholastic commitments because the activity cuts into that time?

Do you find yourself giving up on social, occupational or recreational activities in order to dedicate more time to the activity?

Do you continue to engage in the activity despite negative consequences from engaging in it?

Do you continue to engage in the activity despite it causing you some type of personal harm?

Do you continue to engage in the activity despite it having caused or exacerbated physical or psychological health difficulties?

Do you find you need to engage in the activity for progressively longer periods of time to maintain the same level of satisfaction?

Do you find you develop withdrawal symptoms when you cease engagement, which are alleviated by engaging in the activity again?

According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders the criteria is as follows: • Mild Addiction — if you answered yes to 2-3 of the 11. • Moderate — if you answered yes to 4-5 of the 11. • Severe — if you answered yes to 6 of the 11.

“Once you have noticed that your relationship with activity has entered the realm of addiction, it is important not to judge yourself. As human beings we are vulnerable to addictive patterns,” explains Dweba. “The most important thing is that we notice it and do what we can to change it. It is important to note that the nature of addiction is such that one will need to overcome it.”

Finance

MONEY BOOTCAMP

FOR A HEALTHIER BANK ACCOUNT words khotso ramphele

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DESTINY CAREERS

Not all is lost, as this process can be reversed, there are some habits we can get rid of and some that will take time before they disappear so let’s look at some quick financial issues, we can try to fix.

Planning Set financial goals that you review regularly Where there are no financial plans and goals, there will be debt. Some of our parents fail to plan because they know that one day their kids will end up renovating the house; or paying for their siblings’ school fees and black tax cycle continues. We need to plan better for the next generation by having clear financial goals and detailed financial plans. These plans should include: • Ensuring the next generation has a head start • Reviewing investments • Ensuring that your retirement plans are not behind • Reviewing your insurance plans for the year

Disciplined budgeting Not knowing what you spend on a monthly basis is one of the strangest things I’ve encountered. Failing to account on what goes in or out is what leads us towards debt. What keeps us in debt is not knowing which expenses to remove and which ones to reduce. When you know what you are spending on items you begin to realise that you are wasting money on many non-essentials. If companies on a weekly, monthly and annual basis account for their expenses, to know what to reduce to generate more money to pay your bonus, how do you expect to pay yourself a bonus when you don’t account?

Income Get a side hustle

Get rich quick schemes are a myth

Under the current economic climate, a second income has become essential. Anyone one who has taken a bus ride has seen the lady or gentleman on the way to work, selling sweets or amakip-kip. That is their second income, that’s their side hustle. We have also been in offices where we are sold goods by colleagues. Network marketing has made it easy for us to have a second hustle. Whether you are selling storage containers; getting in the makeup game; or helping people lose weight, the side hustle makes a big financial difference.

We have all seen them, from the pyramid schemes to forex. They do not discriminate, they affect all ages and races. However, let’s think about it, if life really had a lightning quick way to accumulate wealth, we would have all copied the formula. Thinking that we will get high returns without being patient will lead to us losing everything. We have watched over the years as many have been scammed out of large amounts of miney, and yet we still give money away, hoping for the best. Long lasting wealth that is passed from generation to generation is built over time and not overnight.

Insure your income We may hate it and see it as a grudge purchase, but imagine not having an income. I always make an example of that one successful guy we used to admire and hear stories about when we were growing up. But, along the way they had a stroke or were suddenly disabled. The same guy is now has to ask for money and rely on the generotisy of others. We will all argue that it won’t happen to us but hey, it happened to someone else, so what makes you special?

Emergency funds A job is not cast in stone. There could be a number of factors that lead to being unemployed. It could be as simple as you being utterly miserable, or something out of your control, like retrenchments. Not having a six month emergency fund will make us completely vulnerable. The six months gives us the cushion to know that expenses are taken care of while we look for a new job or start that business we’ve always wanted to run. Not having an emergency fund may result in perpetually bad financial choices as a result of desperation.

Finance

While growing up, most of us wanted to build comfortable lives. Some have determined that as wealth but a lot of us grew up saying, “I want to be rich”, as “wealth” was not yet in our vocabulary. As we grow older, our ideas of rich become different. What we were taught about wealth was incorrect and we learned that late. What we were not told was that what we saw as wealth was mostly debt and showmanship. As adults, we have accumulated debt through cars, clothes, houses, school fees and even food. But then there are also those who are deeply indebted and can’t point to a single thing they’ve done with the money.

Finance

The difference between an educational policy and an investment is bad planning and great advertisement from the insurance companies.

Expenses Subscriptions We all have those subscriptions whether it be for gaming, dating or entertainment. People might say that it’s usually not a big expense when you have one. But it’s the things that fall between the cracks that matter when we strapped for cash.

Food Apps They are the loveliest things and make life so convenient. But convenience comes at a premium, we are the reason why things are more expensive at the garage — that’s because convenience will have an extra charge on it. Yes sure, in some countries takeaways are cheaper than groceries. But the in country we live in, it’s cheaper to get groceries to cook, rather than ordering through an app.

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Buying a Car A car is a beautiful machine to own, but let’s be practical, if you know that you travel an average of 1,100 km a month, it won’t be a blessing but a curse. The car comes with considerations that need to be made around petrol, insurance and other wear and tear like car tyres or broken parts. Perhaps before making this big purchase, consider public transport services like e-hailing taxi services, the bus, or the train — all of which will end up cheaper at the end of the month.

Funeral Policies It is more important to buy more life cover then funeral policy. A funeral policy will bury you and leave your family with nothing in the long term. You could get a millionaire rand life cover for the same premiums as a funeral cover but the life cover will help your family more. I always say that if the people who design the product won’t buy it, then why are we buying it in numbers?

DESTINY CAREERS

Finance

Debt Debt Consolidation If you are over-indebted, a consolidation loan may seem like an ideal solution, but the truth is that most aren’t able to pay off all their debt using this method. What put you in debt will also be the reason you don’t pay off all the debt. You also need to consider that your different debts have varying terms, interest rates and that the debt consolidation might have a higher interest rate and a longer term — resulting in you paying back more than the original debt amount.

Debt Counselling It is a lovely thing introduced by the National Credit Regulator. A group of people come into your life to make it easier by reducing your payments. It stops you from going out to get more debt. It frees up more money and in theory, this is meant to help you tackle debt, but sometimes it makes people you less proactive in paying off their debt quicker.

Borrowing from friends You have those friends who honestly need help for genuine things and those who are living their best lives and you know they will keep coming to you to borrow money. It’s a regular thing that you are used to. For them to stop borrowing money, you have no choice but to say, “no.”

Revolving loans We find them easier; we call them the new credit card. They have been designed to have you pay them back sooner and as you are paying them back, you have another emergency leading you to withdraw from the same loan you have spent making payments towards. The loans have been designed to keep you in debt longer. They become more expensive over time and the only winner is the bank due to the interest they have earned.

Savings Educational Policies

Savings Goals

The difference between an educational policy and an investment is bad planning and great advertisement from the insurance companies. The level of experience of your financial advisor will determine what they get you. Most university student with these products know that the educational policy doesn’t go far. At most, it pays for registration and first year, leaving the person stranded in second year.

When you start investing or saving it must be linked to a goal, whether it be a holiday or an improvement to your home. We need to be the generation that stops getting debts but plans better and has more savings goals. Investment, no matter the platform you pick.

Retirement Savings Retirement has become very expensive and the later you start the more expensive it becomes. We, as financial advisors, have started getting parents to buy retirement annuity for their newborn babies as we have realised that people are leaving working earlier and living longer.

Khotso Ramphele

Khotso Ramphele is the founder of My Advizar (Pty) Ltd and authorised financial service provider in terms of the FAIS Act. He has over 15 years in the auditing, accounting, taxation, business consulting and financial planning. Ramphele is a former financial guru at YFM and can be currently be heard on stations like Power FM and Voice of Wits FM speaking all things money.

WIN!

A Beauty Boss Course valued at R70,000 1 entry per person

Become a Beauty Boss with the Beautique Academy

The world of aesthetics and beauty is constantly changing and the industry is growing rapidly. Millions of people around the world not only take good care of themselves, but they invest in making sure they look and feel good. That’s why working in the beauty and aesthetic industry is a viable and exciting career choice. One of the leading and world-class academies in South Africa is the Beautique Academy, which offers comprehensive beauty, aesthetic and applied business training programmes aiming to facilitate career growth, entrepreneurial ventures and even a career change within the beauty and aesthetic industry. Whether you’re fresh out of school, already established in the industry or wanting a whole new career, it’s worth

considering a venture into aesthetic and laser training at Beautique Academy. At Beautique Academy, we inspire students to kick-start or upgrade their career, as it is vital for both new and existing cosmetologists to remain at the forefront of new technologies and treatment options. The aim of the Acadamy is to allow one to study while they work. Traditional beauty schools offer 2 or 3 year full time diplomas. With Beautique Acadamy moduler learning allows one to complete modules in their own time and work simultaneously. Example, become a masseuse or facialist and complete beauty diploma while you work and earn.

WIN! A 2-year beautique course valued at R70,000 Beautique Academy wants to provide a platform for aesthetic training to individuals passionate about the beauty industry but who have never been able to afford training courses. That’s why we want you to be your own Beauty Boss by not only training you in beauty treatments, but also teaching you business management. The course that Laser Beautique, together with Beautique Academy, offers will entail the below modalities: • Electrolysis: including history, the human body, the skin and its appendages, ethics, marketing, starting your business; as well as over 300 hours of practical studies.

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Thermocoagulation: training for treating skin anomalies removal. Laser Hair removal: including application methods, hair and skin types, gridding and device orientation.

This course is to the value of R70,000. At the end of the course the successful Beauty Boss will be able to apply for a loan from any financial institution to purchase their very devices or apply to Beautique Brands for rent to buy opportunities. When their application is successful they can charge R950 an hour and have earning potential of R95,000 a month.

How to enter Like, share and comment on the Beautique Academy Instagram page ON why you should win and stand a chance to win! 82

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beautique_academy_sa DESTINY CAREERS

• • •

Services Seta – Sector Education & Training Authority – Accred. No :9662 The International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) (UK) South African Association of Health & Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP)

Who is the Beautique group? The group has played a big role in revolutionising the hairremoval industry in South Africa in the past decade. Among many firsts, it was the first to offer pain-free, permanent laser hair removal and pain-free electrolysis treatment in SA, which is also safe for African, Asian and Indian skin and is effective on dark and light - even white - hair. Another disrupter the group is responsible for is inventing the technology facial. Technology facials are treatments that co-founder and owner, Tzvia Herman, is particularly proud of. “Your skin is the largest organ of your body, it is a powerful protective barrier, which prevents the permeation of any external foreign elements & limits the effectiveness of traditional topical lotions & serums. To effectively reverse the hands of time, correct, defy & slow the aging process, you got to use technology within facials” says Tzvia. Beautique Distribution not only sells devices such as pain free permanant lasers, non-surgical lipolysis, face lift and electrolysis technology but also rents devices out to business owners looking to get into aesthetics.

Terms & Conditions One entry per person Entries close on 28 February 2020 All practical hours to be done at any Laser Beautique Clinic Entrants must be over the age of 18 info@thelaserbeautique.co.za

beautiqueacademysa www.beautiqueacademy.co.za

Section

Beautique Academy houses globally recognised qualifications as well as local qualifications.

Sport

attention to detail gives him the upper hand Rugby coach who thrives in unfamiliar territory uses his lecturing experience as his secret weapon words leonard solms | photos michael maytham

| FEBRUARY 2020

DESTINY CAREERS

The late Chester Williams’ wife, Maria Williams, has said that her husband struggled to find coaching opportunities in South Africa. SA Rugby Union President Mark Alexander claimed in response that Williams “was given opportunities and he opted not to take them or he resigned”. Nevertheless, the discourse concerning opportunities for coaches of colour gained traction. Hlungwani is reluctant to discuss the broader picture regarding black coaches in South Africa on the record and understandably so. On every other topic, he is engaging and wears his heart on his sleeve. Over a WhatsApp video call from Australia, he tells DESTINY CAREERS that he has been working throughout his holiday. “I don’t think it can ever stop,” he says. “I’m constantly thinking what I can do better. “I think we started [preparing for Super Rugby] two months ago and, for me, it was more about finding out about the coaching staff and how everyone works. Now, my break has afforded me more time to prepare and take the challenge head-on.” Hlungwani’s life, both in and out of rugby, has been about constant self-improvement and throwing himself into unfamiliar environments. His love affair with the oval ball began in 1995, when four Chester Williams tries inspired the Springboks to a 42-14 win over Western Samoa in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They also inspired Hlungwani to convince his father to send him to Capricorn High School in Polokwane so that he could play rugby. “I moved to Capricorn in 1996 and started playing rugby there for two years,” Hlungwani recalls. “Then, I changed schools again, because my father felt that I wasn’t concentrating much on my studies. I went back to a school where there was no rugby.” This could have been the end of the road for Hlungwani, but he persevered, playing rugby again while studying at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Along with obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying, he starred for Bellville Tech Rugby Club and captained CPUT at University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournaments. It was during this period that he earned his first big break as a player. “At the end of 2003, I got selected [for Western Province] because the Vodacom Cup squad was made of club players at the time,” he says. “In 2004, I didn’t really cut the Vodacom Cup squad. I kind of went back to an amateur team — Western Province Amateur. “The following year, I made the Vodacom Cup squad when Nick Mallett came back to Cape Town. He was one of the coaches that selected me,” Hlungwani continues. “The following year, in 2006, I made the step-up to Currie Cup.”

Mallett’s coaching intelligence inspired Hlungwani to follow in his footsteps. After the lock’s playing career at Western Province ended in 2009, he transitioned from captain to coach at Villager FC while working as a professional quantity surveyor. The Western Province Rugby Institute took Hlungwani on in January 2015 and he worked as an assistant coach for the U19 team, also taking up the same positions in Western Province’s U21 and SuperSport Challenge sides. He also lectured part-time in 2019 to gain leadership skills. According to Hlungwani, his rugby coaching is reaping the benefits. Hlungwani’s studious mind and work ethic caught the eye of current Stormers head coach John Dobson, who briefly coached him at the University of Cape Town. When Dobson replaced Robbie Fleck in the hotseat, he wasted no time bringing the former Western Province lock in as forwards coach.

“

His life has been about constant selfimprovement and throwing himself into unfamiliar environments.

Although he has yet to coach at Currie Cup level, let alone Super Rugby, Hlungwani has done enough to convince Dobson that he can get the Stormers’ star-studded forward pack onside with his methods. “You know where he will win them over? He’s going to coach the World [Rugby] Player Of The Year. He’ll be the direct coach of Pieter-Steph [du Toit] when it comes to lineouts,

Sport

In a 2019 jam-packed with South African rugby fairy tales, the appointment of Giyani-born Rito Hlungwani as Stormers forwards coach may have slipped under some radars. However, as black coaches continue to struggle for opportunities, its significance cannot be overlooked.

Sport

contesting, and stuff like that,” Dobson tells DESTINY CAREERS of Hlungwani.

Rugby coach], so we’re definitely taking a longer-term view with Rito.”

“He’s a quantity surveyor by trade, but he was showing us stuff with the lineouts that I’ve never seen before.

Dobson views it as his job to help prepare the next generation of South African coaches. His technical team at the Stormers also includes scrum consultant Hanyani Shimange, who Dobson believes could one day lead a Super Rugby team.

“He’s going to win over those guys with his level of detail and his work ethic. I’ve got no doubt.” True to his straight-talking form, Dobson raises the lack of opportunities afforded to black coaches without needing to be asked. “We need a more diverse Super Rugby head coaching group in South Africa,” Dobson says. “If you look at four white Super Rugby coaches, all the national teams and PRO14, you know what I mean? “Here’s a guy who’s definitely got the ability [to be a Super

“

As far as the technical team goes, the Stormers have ticked the boxes in terms of transformation. Dobson, however, seeks to think outside the box rather than merely tick it. “We need to give Rito a proper opportunity to come through and develop. We probably hurried it now… But over three years, he’s going to be a spectacular coach. I’m really excited about the future with him,” he says. “He’s certainly not a guy making up the numbers. He’s much better than that — a top coach.”

Rito is going to be a spectacular coach. I’m really excited about the future with him.

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DESTINY CAREERS

Section

What would be the point of living if we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let life change us? Mr Carson, character from TV Show, Downton Abbey

Motoring

5 motorbikes that won’t brake your bank balance Feel the need for speed? We weigh in on the polarising discussion, ‘are two wheels better than four?’ words gugu masuku In our first issue we looked at a list of what the rand could get you as a first time buyer in the car market. This time we’ve done things a little differently — we’re looking at what your options are if you’re considering getting into the adrenaline filled world of two wheels if you’re a new rider or someone who doesn’t know their handlebars from the foot pegs. Here are some bikes that may be worth considering:

BMW C 400 X Not everyone has the aptitude for operating a geared motorbike and even for those who have mastered this art, whizzing through traffic without the burden of finessing a clutch lever and making sure you’re in the correct gear can be a breath of fresh air, and make the riding experience even more enjoyable. The BMW C 400 X may just be what you’re looking for to enhance that two wheeled commute. Unlike many other scooters, the C 400 X leans more towards the masculine side in its styling cues — now appealing to the guy who wouldn’t ordinarily peer into this genre of motorcycles. The BMW is a cut above the rest as it sits on the premium side of the spectrum, and so do its features. A sizeable hi-res TFT display allows you to do everything, from checking on the bikes vital signs to connecting your mobile via the BMW Motorrad Connected App, giving you access to your music playlist as well as navigation. Standard heated grips really raise the bar with this scooter that goes for R124,700.

Zontes ZT310-X Here’s a Chinese alternative that’s affordable but does not look cheap. The Zontes ZT310-X is a modern and high-end looking package — a far cry from other options from the Asian country. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind the badge on your steed, the Zontes is an enticing proposition. With nicely sculptured fairings, this 300cc bike looks like it belongs in the 600cc bracket. You get some decent features, like an electronically adjustable screen, meaning the Zontes will not only do the daily runabout but it’s also willing to take on the extended trips with efficiency. A USB port will aid in charging during those long distance travels in this R69,900 motorcycle.

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DESTINY CAREERS

Motoring

Suzuki Gixxer (GSX150) It’s a street bike, which means it’s the perfect companion for those inner city commutes. If your routine consists of doing short burst around town, the Suzuki Gixxer will make perfect sense for you. Powered by a 154cc engine and Suzuki’s Suzuki Eco Performance technology, the Gixxer will cost a pittance to run, and at R33,150 it prides itself in being one of the more affordable options on our list. Its small dimensions and lightweight make the Gixxer a fun and agile bike to ride. Suitable for beginners as well as those with a tad more experience below the belt.

KTM 390 Duke KTM’s 390 Duke stands out in the looks department with the bright orange splashed with white, and its outlandish sharp edged design. You won’t only stand out with this option, but as do most products from KTM, the 390 Duke will give you more bang for your rand on the performance side. Many of these bikes now come with a top of the line TFT screen, but what makes the one worn by the 390 stand apart in a sea of tech filled displays is its ability to sense the surrounding light and adjust its backlight to light or dark for better visibility — much like your mobile phone. It comes in at R76,999.

Vespa Primavera 150 Of course, the classic guys and gals were not going to be left out of this one. The Vespa lineup is aimed directly at these individuals, but here we’re honing in on the Primavera 150. The compact Vespa is one of the smallest in the lineup but make no mistake — that 150cc motor has a sting to it, allowing for blissful commutes on and off the highway. You’ll still get the classic Vespa look in this little package, and what’s great about these Italian machines is their strong build quality — they’ll probably outlive you. So, consider all of the above when looking at the R95,000 price tag.

Motoring

Why use a bike to get to work? Cost cutting isn’t the only reason people choose to ride a motorcycle to work. Here are all the considerations, including safety and fashion, that need to be made before mounting one words gugu masuku

When considering a mode of transport for that daily commute the first thought that comes to mind is purchasing a car, followed quickly by how economical it is. There is, however, an option that almost always gets overlooked for the car — it’s the two-wheeled machines commonly referred to as motorcycles. While there are some who have seen the light, many still need guidance in discovering this efficient mode of transport.

Why use a bike to get to work?

Yes, the initial outlay of purchasing a motorcycle and the appropriate safety gear may put a small dent on that bank balance, but the savings you’ll make from this investment will far outweigh the costs. On average, most people spend two hours of their lives commuting to each day, most of which is spent crawling through traffic. That’s two hours of your life you’ll never get back, add that up and what you get is the equivalent of 20 days a year spent sitting quietly in your car. Now what if I told you that riding a motorcycle to work would save you two thirds of that precious time spent withering away in your car. Hang on, there’s more! With this mode of transport you’ll also be making considerable savings on those ever rising fuel costs. With local fuel prices only going in one direction, the price of petrol is a serious consideration whether we like it or not. The cost of running a bike is one of the many benefits of owning one — it costs under R200 to fill up the fuel tank of an average motorcycle. If we’re, specifically, looking at our sub 300cc entry level options, you’re likely to get a range of roughly 300 km per full tank. Well, how about that bulky riding gear? I thought you would never ask — suiting up for the road has never been more fashionable than it is today. Manufacturers now produce gear that blends in with your everyday dress code, whether it’s casual jeans and sneakers or formal wear, there are protective jackets and riding boots that have been designed to offer adequate protection from falls as well as the elements, while retaining that sneaker or formal jacket look.

Biking to school

We’ve all been there, or know someone who is one. Being a student and not having a way to get around can be

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frustrating, whether you’re in school or university and you’re often left to depend on grumpy parents or an unreliable public transport system. Freedom of mobility is priceless and once you hit your midteens, or you’re a broke university student, your options are very limited, you’re either too young to drive or cannot afford a car altogether. My first motorcycle buzzed into my life when I was the latter of these two groups and honestly, I would have appreciated it much earlier in life. As luck would have it, my folks stood firmly in the way of any two-wheeled ideas that may have crossed my young mind, but the dream remained intact. That’s the one thing they couldn’t reach — thank God. Post leaving the big nest, I was determined do things my way and after borrowing money from a good friend and emptying my little stash of cash, I was able to get my sticky paws on a scooter. The thing was a dream to own, costing only R67 to run weekly. That included getting to school and buzzing around all weekend, only to have to fill up again on Sunday or Monday morning. Owning a motorcycle also meant that I could operate and commute according to my own schedule and didn’t have to rely on a taxi or a bus, which was always late. These are the little things we sometimes overlook, that can make a significant difference to our quality of life. It certainly did for me. Getting into the world of motorcycles is not difficult at all. From the age of 16 you’re legally permitted to ride on national roads, provided the bike is below 125cc and you possess the necessary paperwork. All you need to qualify for the two wheeled club is a learners license and you’re fully fledged to ride side by side with other citizens (I would encourage you to get lessons before jumping to this step). Understandably, the biggest concern for most people looking to enter this arena is the safety element. But as with everything else in life, the risk can be managed and mitigated. Riding courses like those offered by BMW Motorrad will equip you for circumstances you’re likely to face on the road. Prevention is better than cure after all.

DESTINY CAREERS

Section

Do not look for healing at the feet of those who broke you Rupi Kaur, Poet, Author and Illustrator

Motoring

Pics supplied from customcarposters.com

THE EVOLUTION OF THE ICONIC

G LF

With a new model on the way, we look at how and why this vehicle has solidified its place in the South African car culture words edwin naidu

Forget the reality television series, the iconic Golf is a natural born Survivor. It’s witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly in its 45-year lifetime, since replacing the legendary Beetle. Steeped in history, this legendary hot hatch was born on 29 March 1974 in Wolfsburg, Germany as the National Party rule intensified its apartheid grip on South Africa. Two years after the arrival of the Golf on the world roads, Soweto was in flames as students began protesting Afrikaans and inferior Bantu education on the morning of 16 June 1976. Despite the turmoil in our land more than one million Golfs came off the production line.

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Today, the Golf range is the most successful in Volkswagen’s history with more than 800,000 sold in South Africa since its arrival. Some growing up with the dial on Springbok Radio may recall (Everybody Was) Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas among the big hits of that year when the Golf arrived. The fighting was brutal if one considers the history of apartheid police and army against uMkhonto weSizwe during this period. It was a dark time with sad songs to make you cry like the tearjerker Season in the Sun by Terry Jacks. Some remained oblivious, dancing to Abba’s Waterloo when the Golf officially arrived in Uitenhage in 1978. It was fast, funky and not a dull vehicle. People loved it.

DESTINY CAREERS

The Beetle was a hard act to follow, selling more than 21 million units. People still love it. But the remake circa 2000 disappeared as swiftly as the tailoring focused on the Golf. Twenty years and a month after its arrival, the National Party met its waterloo in our first democratic elections on 27 April 1994, following extensive multiparty talks at Codesa as the next version of the Golf waltzed into what was to emerge as Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s “Rainbow Nation.” The chemistry between the Golf brand and South Africans strengthened with the Golf III in 1992. Why? Simply, because they made safer economic cars, gave us a first in front airbags, something we now expect as the norm. More than 38,200 third generation Golf units were produced between 1992-1998. It seems like only yesterday disgraced US musician R Kelly was setting the Billboard charts alive with Bump N’ Grind a little of which he saw nothing wrong with. It was a song thumping out of the Golf III which arrived around this period. Sadly, two decades later, Kelly is battling to restore his tarnished reputation after several allegations of sex crimes that do not resonate in our respectful world. Kelly is off the charts and in the courts, a far cry for the man who convinced the world that he could fly. Now that he’s back down to earth, methinks he’d look cool in an orange outfit.

Memory lane Going down memory lane with local Golf enthusiast David Klinck, the head of individual retail administration operations for a Johannesburg retirement administrator, recalls how he spent R50,000 on a Citi Golf CTI (the old Mk1 GTI) in 1995 which travelled to the University of the Witwatersrand. “It’s an iconic car, the Mk1 GTI coined and created the hot hatch. Yet so versatile with character. What memories come flooding back when he gets behind the wheel of the Golf? Freedom, fun, excitement,” says Klinck who lived in Coronationville, Johannesburg at the time.

The hotly expected Golf V came in 2003. I was driving with motoring scribe Ali Mphaki on the Sir Lowry’s Pass mountain pass on the N2 in the Western Cape blasting Precious by Depeche Mode. That solemn guitar riff was addictive as we navigated those winding curves with breath-taking views. But the highlight was the briefing before dinner when the German designer explained the rationale behind the latest model. Great insight for a vehicle that sold 36,750 units. As time flew, it was time to set the refresh button with the Golf VI part of the optimism which came with the election of President Barak Obama as the first black president of the United States between 2009-2017. The latest Golf fully imported from Germany entered what many describe as a decade of gloom in South Africa. The 2008 global recession was accompanied the next year by the reign of President Jacob Zuma. But let’s focus on the Golf VI. Dynamic performance and lower fuel consumption, with new assistance systems, made the sixth generation the most advanced Golf to date. As you’d expect it was a surefire pool hit. Get ready for the Magnificent Seven. The Golf VII was 100 kilograms lighter, representing the state of the Botox-driven world, apparently greener, offering substantially greener performance and fuel economy, without compromising on power. It didn’t disappoint. Today, as South Africa prepares for the arrival of the Golf 8, a precocious teenager Billie Eilish is dominating the global charts abroad, said to be making the next James Bond theme, what is this world coming to? At home the vibey Amapiano combo of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small is lit. The Golf was born in apartheid, ushered in democracy and now gets a chance to mature with our inglorious 25-yearold democracy currently under stress of its own success – and greed. Andile Dlamini VW SA’s head of group communications, says the Golf 8 is due in the last quarter of the year with the GTI. “Golf GTI is a key model for the South African market. South Africa has one of the highest market shares for Golf GTI in the world. With the Golf 8 range we want to focus on the performance aspect of the range, hence starting with Golf GTI.” A question born out of a 1970s television series Eight Is Enough seems apt: “Will it be sufficient?” Don’t bet against it after all, the Golf has seen it all — the good, the bad and the ugly.

“Going out with friends, getting to and from varsity, traveling across the country on low budget fun trips. Listening to music while driving. With 8 generations, it’s how the Golf has become all grown-up, bigger, fancier yet still has that versatility and character to it. Especially when it comes to the GTI — which is do anything, go anywhere with friends and family, making the trip fun and exciting; it’s not just about getting to your destination but experiencing the trip,” he adds. In 1998 as our first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela began handing over the baton to then deputy, Thabo Mbeki, came the Golf IV in its political-speak, “democratising safety” with techno-firsts, like ESC (Electronic Stability Control) a standard feature, among a host of other advancements. It worked a charm. Between 1999-2004, again highlighting brand love, 33,516 four generation Golf units were sold.

The new Golf 8

Motoring

Reflecting brand appeal are the following statistics. Volkswagen South Africa produced 532,588 first generation Golf units between 1978 and 2009, in Uitenhage. Over 377,000 of these units were legendary Citi Golf, some still prowling the roads in the 21st century, though production stopped a decade ago. This relationship blossomed with the Golf II in 1983, no doubt helped then by the introduction of the superquick Golf GTI which arrived a year earlier. The Golf 8 debuts in a GTI badge.

Tech

ELECTRIC CARS NO LONGER IDLINGLY BY

The future is now. The curiosity around EVs is increasing, however adoption of the vehicles has been rather slow. Could more be done to gas up their benefits? words papi mabele

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DESTINY CAREERS

There are more models of electric cars available on the South African market from more manufacturers than ever before — and car design is the most radical it’s been in decades. With the likes of Audi, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz set to launch their electrified cars here this year, exactly how ready are we for the electric vehicle (EV) wave? Papi Mabele finds out why after decades of will-they-won’tthey, electric cars finally seem to be having their moment. You may not have heard the electrical car boom coming. Literally, you didn’t hear it at all, because, infamously, electric vehicles are quiet. These vehicles, unlike their petrol and diesel-fueled counterparts, barely make a sound when they’re running. For some, that’s part of their appeal. For others, its only befitting as they create less noise pollution, along with their significantly lower carbon emissions and lower running costs. According to a March 2019 publication by former minister of transport, Blade Nzimande, there are about 4,827 hybrid electric vehicles and 867 battery electric vehicles on South African roads. To put that into perspective, by 2040 electric vehicles will be the most sold vehicles, with very few combustible motor vehicles sold. In March 2019, Jaguar Land Rover became the third vehicle company to introduce an EV range in Mzansi, with the Jaguar I-Pace. The first were Nissan Leaf, introduced in 2013 and BMW i3 which was introduced in 2015. Currently, only 2.5% of cars worldwide are electric.

Charging stations nationwide There are currently over 90 EV charging stations in Gauteng alone. BMW has 57 ChargeNow charging stations in South Africa, six of which are shared with Nissan. The two companies had collaborated, with hopes to, among other things, expand the base by adding 30 more ChargeNow stations to the network by the end of 2019. That milestone is yet to be reached. Meanwhile, Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with electric vehicle charging infrastructure firm, GridCars, to build public charging stations across SA’s frequently travelled routes. The company has invested R30 million in building public charging points, dubbed the ‘Jaguar Powerway’. As more charging stations are located along national routes, the adoption of electric transportation is bound to increase even further. SA’s city centres will soon be connected by a series of charging stations along the N3, between Gauteng and Durban and the N1, between Gauteng and Cape Town. Cape Town will also be connected to the Garden Route, with more charging stations along the N2 all the way to East London. Making the charging process seamless will be a huge enabler of electrification. That means the plugs, the charging stations and the networks need to all work together, which is why the players in the auto industry have to communicate. Having four different plugs is a bad thing. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa is working with other vehicle manufacturers to find common standards in electric vehicles, to enable standardisation of EV charging equipment to be used across all electric vehicle brands.

Why are we idle? There is the lingering question of whether electric cars in SA may lead to a decrease inour carbon footprint, seeing as 80% of our electricity still comes from the coal industry, making South Africa one of the worst perpetrators when it comes to CO2 emissions. There’s load-shedding, too. In April 2019, a statement was published on the Eskom website, specifically to address the growth of EVs: “Those concerned about Eskom’s ability to supply the necessary electricity need not worry — even a massive growth in EVs will not have a major impact on the overall demand during any normal day. Other than that, Eskom is also well advanced in its research on battery storage options to power EVs in the future.

Did You Know! There are two types of EVs The two primary types of electric vehicles are: •

•

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) run entirely on electricity stored in a battery and are recharged at stations at home, work, or on the road. They have an operating range of 100km+ and take about six to eight hours or even overnight to recharge. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) run on both electricity and petrol and can be plugged in for a charge. The ranges of these cars vary, but usually run between 20 to 65km before the vehicle operates like a hybrid.

Then there’s the lack of incentives. For the most part, auto manufacturers simply lack the incentive of curing range anxiety, or racing to the bottom of pricing, to truly sell South African customers on electric cars. Across Europe, policies from CO2 emissions regulations, to tax breaks, to mandatory charging stations — along with, sure, the reality of the higher price of petrol in the first place — are driving a faster adoption of EVs in overall sales volume, including many models of which don’t even actually go on sale here at all, or are in highly limited numbers. It goes without saying that having government programmes and funding injected into the EV sector will increase the convenience of owning an EV and it will trigger sales in SA. In August 2017, the Department of Transport introduced the Green Transport Strategy aimed at promoting cleaner energy and mobility in SA. It is the first national policy document promoting EV adoption in the country. And that’s the long and short of the state of electric car adoption in the South Africa. Faced with a country of people scared of electric cars, without reliable financial or governmental incentives to clean up their act, why would the car companies want to do anything but sell us more petrol? And there may even come a time when Ferrari sticks a battery pack in one of its cars and whispers it at top speed around Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Obscene? Anything is possible.

Tech

The state of electrical vehicles address

Section

WAYS TO BE A CONSCIOUS TRAVELLER

words pearl pillay & tshegofatso senne

The luxury of travel isn’t just about Instagram posts and souvenirs, it is a way of experiencing the length and breadth of humanity and the world we live in. Often, we tend to forget this, becoming absorbed in the adventure whilst overlooking the human impact of tourism and its relationship with politics. Travel in 2020 calls us to consider the human aspect of exploring other countries, making travel decisions that are intentionally socially conscious and placing the people of a country at the centre of our travel experiences. Here are some tips on how to become a more conscious traveller.

Research, Research, Research Travel should be as much about learning as it is about adventure. Taking some time to read up on the history of the country you’re going to, as well as some of their news headlines, is really important. It gives you a bit of insight into the cultural nuances that make a country what it is, and could save you from ending up as part of someone’s Twitter thread about the tourist who had no idea about the country they were visiting. Often, what we see on TV doesn’t always reflect the situation in a country and it is important to not get swept up in the brand image of the country, but make an attempt to understand how real people live, and how the presence of tourists has an impact on those lives. It also helps you identify things you could be interested in that may not make it into the travel brochures. Besides the history lesson, learning about other practical things like what the currency looks like and how it works, as well as learning a few phrases in the language spoken in the country will go a long way.

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Markets! Shopping malls may be air conditioned, but markets are really where it’s at. Not only does it give you a wider variety of interesting products, but it also gives you a chance to support local businesses. Bargaining on a price is always part of the fun, but remember that this is how local people earn their livelihoods and it is important to respect their craft and not try to rip them off. A good point of reference isn’t thinking about what you could pay for something at home, but rather, what you’re willing to pay for an item of that nature and using that as your departure point. That way, you avoid falling victim to tourist prices, and the vendor receives compensation that is fair. Markets give you a real sense of how a country feels and breathes, and no shopping mall compares to that.

DESTINY CAREERS

Uber is convenient and easy, but can you really visit Kenya and not use a boda boda? Or go to Delhi without experiencing a tuk tuk? Here, it is important to balance safety with adventure, but you should aim to experience local public transport at least once on your trip. Public transport drivers are windows into the city and can fast become local tour guides, giving you suggestions for interesting places that can offer unforgettable experiences. Taking the time to experience a place the way local people experience it helps you get a better understanding of the place you’re in, and can help you see the area from the lens of those who know it best. Here is a good place to flex all that research you’ve been doing as well.

Eat ALL the food! There is nothing worse than a tourist who goes to a country, only to order pizza and room service. Food is culture. It’s how people communicate their history, their politics and their passions. Take some time to experience the full range of local cuisines. Pack your Imodium and Buscopan if your stomach isn’t too strong, but make a point of visiting local restaurants and eating what citizens eat. Whether it’s pepper soup in Lagos, or pani puri in Mumbai, nothing brings people together like food. Take a cooking class if you can, or ask your favourite cab driver what his favourite restaurant is and go there. All things considered, local cuisine enriches a travel experience more than anything else can.

Pay attention to politics Yes, this might not be the most attractive thing, but respect for the humanity of others is a crucial part of the human experience. This world is beautiful and vast, but it is also dangerous and alienating, and it is important for you to understand the balance between the two things. Being able to tick something off a travel bucket list should never be at the expense of undermining the people who live there, especially if their human rights are being violated. Many people (such as the people of Palestine) have called for a global boycott of the countries which oppress them and whether you’re a human rights activist or not, you’re still human, and our desire for certain experiences should never override our empathy. Politics is personal, it affects every part of our lives, and as much as it would be easy to ignore the plight of the people in a country in order to fulfil our travel goals, if we truly believe in the values of equality and freedom, we ought to make travel choices that reflect that.

Travel

Tuk Tuk a chance

Section

LGBT+ Friendly Countries to Visit in 2020* *If your wallet says yes

It really is no fun if everyone canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have some. Here are a few options for destinations that understand that love is love. words pearl pillay & tshegofatso senne

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DESTINY CAREERS

Travel

Canada

Spain

The friendlier part of North America, Canada offers South Africans a six-month visitors’ visa and an exchange rate lower than that of the US Dollar. For the LGBT+ community, Canada is known for being one of the only countries to host a national pride event. Canada Pride began in 2017, and Toronto Pride is one of the largest pride events in the world, boasting a crown of around 1.5million people. Canada was the fourth country to legalise gay marriage, doing so in 2005.

Madrid is known as the gay capital of Europe, and rightfully so. The city hosts one of the largest pride events in the world and offers a wide variety of gay-friendly nightclubs and beaches. In 2005, Spain became the third country to legalise gay marriage.

Toronto is known as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Experience this during their Pedestrian Sundays, which features live music and food from around the world. If the hustle and bustle of a market isn’t your thing, perhaps a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, which boasts beaches and an amusement park, might tickle your fancy.

With every region offering something different, Spain is a country you’ll want to keep going back to. Enjoy the coast of Galicia, known for some of the best seafood and beaches in the country, watch bull running in Papiona in July, or party until you forget your responsibilities in Ibiza. For sports lovers, Camp Nou in Barcelona or Santiago Bernabeu is a must.

Sweden

New Zealand

“Gay since 1944” is what you will hear often in Sweden, which boasts some of the most comprehensive, progressive LGBT+ laws in the world. Their gay-friendly policies range from marriage and adoption to strict anti-discrimination laws. You are sure to find a pride event, with Sweden hosting more pride festivals than any other country in the world (seriously, they host more than 30 per year!).

New Zealand is known for being one of the most gay and transgender friendly countries in the world, passing progressive anti-discrimination laws from back in 1993. Theirs is a country where their politicians reflect society, with many openly gay ministers in Parliament, and people like Georgina Beyer, the first transgender mayor in the world.

Sweden is for nature lovers. Go horseback riding in the Scandinavian mountains, explore Viking history in Uppsala or spend a night at the world famous ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi (you don’t have to say it, just go) and of course, no trip to Sweden can be complete without a trip to the Northern Lights. If you’re a foodie, Sweden has you covered as well. The coastal city of Gothenburg is known for being one of the country’s best food destinations, with the freshest seafood you can find.

New Zealand’s countryside is nothing short of iconic, boasting over 500 hiking trails through rainforests, lakes and granite mountains. Make sure you visit the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest national park in the country, but arguably the most beautiful, with turquoise water that literally glows in the dark. Find a designated driver and explore the vineyards of Waiheke Island, or dive into the world of fantasy with a tour of Hobbiton (those who know, know).

Argentina “Gay since 1944” is what you will hear often in Sweden, which The first country in Latin America to legalise gay marriage (in 2010) and with the introduction of gender identity laws in 2012, Argentina is known as the world’s most transgender-friendly country. They even have an express marriage package in Patagonia, where anyone, regardless of nationality, can get married in five days. The home of Lionel Messi, Argentina boasts a gorgeous balance between the serenity of nature, and the hustle and bustle of big cities. If you’ve got an ice box where your heart used to be, Glacier Perito Moreno might call out to you, as one of the most accessible ice fields in the world. If you’re into something a little warmer, Iguazú Falls offers the most breath-taking views, perfect for replacing the pictures of your food on Instagram. If your allergies keep you away from nature, Buenos Aires, the capital city, is sure to tantalise your taste buds with the wide variety of markets, or get moving to some tango classes which you can show off in their nightlife that never stops.

Column

African nomads and the search for growth prospects in the UAE

Thoughts Yvonne Mtengwa

I knew I wanted to come back when things didn’t go according to plan in 2008. We had heard about the impact of the global market crash on the rest of the world, while the bustling Dubai, the great Middle Eastern metropolis, seemed to be holding its own as the fast emerging beacon of innovation, with the world’s biggest ‘this’ and the world’s tallest ‘that.’ I remember attending my first interview at a hotel near the airport and thinking, “wow, I can totally see myself here.” Hotel employees were clad in crisp tailored suits, and so diverse were they that I, from first glance, couldn’t tell what nationalities they were. The streets were clean, without so much as a remnant of litter on the grass or pavements and the buildings tall and imposing; as if boldly boasting an abundance of opportunities for those bold enough to enter through their revolving doors. That, ladies and gentlemen, was and still is the appeal of living and working in the UAE. I couldn’t wait to get back because it just seemed like the place to be. Progressive and in pursuit of excellence, my mind’s eye had conditioned itself to look for opportunities in places that are seemingly unattainable for the African millennial, places quite different from my home country of Zimbabwe where things had fallen apart hugely, on account of socio-economic instability, institutional corruption, failing service delivery and so on. The situation in Zimbabwe was dire, and so the search was on. Like most job seekers I combed the internet for months on end, applying for every job I thought I qualified for. In 2013 my family and I joined the several thousand arrivals at Abu Dhabi International Airport to begin our lives in the UAE capital. The employment gods had smiled upon us, landing us an opportunity that, surprisingly, didn’t come from one of the what felt like tens of thousands of applications I sent across via email from my little living room in Lusaka, Zambia. A simple call and email to a former South African colleague, who now worked in Dubai, was going to be the game changer for us. I carried an open mind to the opportunities that awaited my family. Great communities to raise our children, good international schools, and a higher income that far surpassed our earnings while in Zambia, were all I focused on, to keep from thinking about how difficult things had been for us the first time around. Perhaps I would always be a nomad, given Zimbabwe’s situation. I remember standing in queue at the airport thinking how this would be the fourth country I would be living in in the span of a decade – the US, Zimbabwe, Zambia and now the UAE. A few years have passed since our relocation to this little desert wellspring. Today I see and connect with more fellow Africans than when I first arrived in the country more than 10 100

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years ago. What has been intriguing though, is that I have literally always found myself to be the only African woman in a suit, holding a managerial position in any building I have walked into and any meeting I have been a part of.This has carried on for years. Bringing up this topic of whether one can scale the proverbial career dunes and reach management levels as an African millennial has revealed a broad range of sentiments. I have spoken to engineers, nurses, bankers and lawyers, yet interestingly enough, the majority have found themselves living and working here, but not in their areas of expertise. I personally know of marketers and financial services professionals waiting tables or manning the neighborhood laundromat. “We do what we have to do because it’s hard to find the jobs we want”, is the general response to my questioning why they don’t look for opportunities in their field. The UAE is competitive. Reasons for this are obvious. It really is a spectacular place to live and raise a family — if you can afford it. Sheer opulence, safety and many other attributes makes the place very attractive, particularly for those of us who come from countries where certain conditions leave much to be desired. I would be amiss, however, to not share my conclusions from the myriad of candid conversations I have had the privilege of listening in to in my experience as an African professional working in the UAE. I like to call this place a desert wellspring, because like any other desert where conditions are synonymous with sweltering heat and the idea of one’s throat being perennially parched, I want to believe that there are still a significant number of sub-Saharan Africans who would rather call this place their new home, having encountered their wellspring of prospects that led to sustained growth. Here’s why: 1. They work harder because they arrived at the party late. Generally speaking, the sub-Saharan African professional caught onto the opportunities in this region late. By the time we started looking at the UAE as an alternative to pursuing growth prospects in Europe, North America or Asia, expats from those nations had long come and established their positions in the marketplace across a multitude of sectors. There are significant barriers to entry in industries we otherwise excel in anywhere else in the world, largely DESTINY CAREERS

Column because other nationalities have long been cementing their stake in the ground. The financial sector is filled with Indian expats; engineering, education and the media space by the British and American expat and so on. Our North African counterparts have being conversant with the Arabic language as their competitive advantage. What then? If you want to succeed in this market you will have to work aggressively in showcasing your skillset and knowledge. Remember, we already have a negative perception and limited understanding of our continent working against us. The fact remains, African professionals have a hard time landing those managerial positions because of the competitive nature of the landscape, and our having begun to run the race while the competition was a couple of rounds ahead. We also find ourselves having to settle. We want to stay, so we often accept whatever’s on offer, much to the detriment of our quest for real self-actualisation. 2.

Looking for opportunities? Think strategically.

It’s all here. You just have to be present in the room when roll call is made for jobs in your field and be prepared to make the good pitch on why they should hire you? 4.

Networking opens doors.

I mentioned how our opportunity came from a call and email to a fellow African friend now living here. If you are looking to migrate to this region for work, or anywhere else for that matter, reach out to people who are living and working there. The internet is rife with advice columns and job listing websites, however, every one of my opportunities have come from engaging with people who are already in the space I would like to occupy one day. Create a profile on LinkedIn and start reaching out. Knock on doors. Engage with your contact list. You have nothing to lose by doing some research and asking all the right questions. 5.

Survival mode meets career hustle.

I was clear that to succeed as a PR practitioner in the destination marketing field, I needed to grow my career in a competitive environment that was at the cutting edge of promoting its tourism assets.

In my many conversations, it’s increasingly clear that most African millennials left home simply for survival. Others are driven by the idea of self-actualisation where systems work, but really and truly, most are looking to survive.

My game plan was entirely strategic; I wasn’t going to settle for any odd job to grow my career. I was going to do my best to get into the industry I actually loved, so that I could excel at my job out of sheer love for it. Coming from a hospitality background, it only made sense to relocate to a country that ranked highly as a global destination of distinction in terms of its tourism, travel and leisure — and so that’s what we did.

Do more than just survive. You want to live and live well – experiencing growth across all areas of your life. You won’t get the new passport and citizenship here, but you will grow, if you believe you can. Move beyond operating in survival mode to really making the best of where you are. Career growth and opportunities for entrepreneurship – it’s all here and it really is what you make it!

-Yvonne Chiedza Mtengwa is an international speaker, publicist and the author of “Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to live authentically through faith”, a book encouraging women to confront their issues with relationships, insecurities and self-fulfilling prophesies, in an effort to truly discover who they were created to be. Visit and subscribe to her website on ReinventedToday.com or check out her Instagram @quintessentially_yvonne.

The UAE really is a progressive hub.

Within the decade, the UAE and GCC region at large has greatly diversified its economy beyond sole reliance on the petrochemicals and tourism sectors. Global companies have set up shop in this regional hub, which means you have a shot at working for the giants in tech, media, automotive, retail and so on.

Travel

A fes ival of experiences in

Rio de Janeiro When visiting a foreign place where your language isn’t spoken, there are small things you should do to ensure you travel seamlessly and get the best out of the visit

words mafika mkhwanazi

As a first time traveller to distant land there are plenty of things to consider if you’re going to be exploring your chosen destination on your own terms. But first you need to do your research on the destination, places to visit, food to eat, tourist attractions and so on. This will help you navigate better during the trip and maximise your time interacting with the location. Rio de Janeiro was our first destination and we were ready to take it all in.

The best thing since sliced bread... UBER! E-Hailing apps have been an amazing, convenient idea. After landing at the airport, we called an Uber only to find that the boot didn’t not work. Due to the rain, we had no choice but to squeeze in with all our luggage as we made our way to our accommodation. Make sure you have an uber account, as it’s generally cheaper than a taxi.

A life saver! Accommodation We lived in a condominium that we found on Airbnb for five out of the seven days. People would conventionally go to a hotel but, hotel rooms are restrictive. The condo came in handy with a splash pool and braai area on the top floor. A tip I would give to people who want to travel is that you should think of what you want to do when you get to your destination and that will help with choosing accommodation. Why break the bank on accommodation when the plan is to be out and about?

Language barriers What to have for breakfast? A regular eggs and toast will do, maybe some chicken sausages. So we embarked on a journey to find those ingredients. However, we did not encounter people who could speak English and that was a bit of a challenge. Finding the right ingredients is a mission when all the products are in a foreign language and the brands are not recognisable. We remembered that tomato sauce is ketchup abroad only after we were handed something that was completely different to what we had in mind. Eventually, thanks to Google Translate, we got what we wanted and made our way back. So definitely do some research on the languages spoken in your destination. Learn the basics such “hello”, “please”, “thank you” beforehand. But for the rest, Google Translate works wonders, just make sure you have the offline version of your language of choice.

Instead of having hotel meals, this gave us an opportunity to go out and look for something we could prepare ourselves.

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Arpoador is a small peninsula located between Copacabana and Ipanema. On its right side there is the Arpoador stone that separates Arpoador from Ipanema beach. There are plenty of reasons why the rock is popular, including surfing. Thousands come from far and wide to watch the sunset as well. I was fortunate to see this first hand. An amazing and unforgettable view, forever etched in my memories.

Seeing is believing! One of the popular locations that tourists want to visit are the favelas (a Brazilian version of informal settlements). Our reason for wanting to visit them was that we wanted see the differences and commonalities that exist between our cultures and informal settlements. However, there are many other reasons why others would visit, I mean, Michael Jackson shot his music video to They don’t care about us, in one of the favelas. One of Fast & Furious scenes was shot there and, of course, who could forget about the incomparable City of God? We eventually chose not to go because of the stories we had heard from a tour guide and documentaries that we watched. These are communities that even police don’t patrol. Communities that are governed by their own when the sun sets.

Let’s go eat - Hmm my favourite! With the help of TripAdvisor and their reviews, we found an amazing place called “I Burger.” A true hidden gem. The food was amazing and one thing I picked up was that they didn’t use lettuce in their burgers. I must add that I had the best steak in Rio, we discovered an Argentinean steakhouse by the name of Corrientes 348. I’m not kidding — their meat platter is made in heaven. Familiarise yourself with TripAdvisor. Read the restaurant reviews rather than deciding based on the images alone.

As tourists do, let’s tour! Once again, our saving grace was Airbnb, which doesn’t only offer accommodation but also experiences. We found a seven hour, fun-filled tour which was amazing. If you really want to see and explore a place for the first time, do yourself a favour and get a tour guide. For as little as R565, we got to experience the best spots in Rio de Janeiro, with anecdotes to give us better perspective on the locations. Starting with a visit to São Conrado, where the forest meets the sea, is the world’s largest urban forest Tijuca Forest. It has an amazing hiking trail and a breath taking waterfall. We then went to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Christ The Redeemer Statue. Picture don’t do this gargantuan structure justice — this was an amazing and spiritual part of the trip. We then went to an artistic part of Rio, the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, followed by the best part of this trip, the iconic Selaron Steps. This is where Snoop Dogg shot his music video for Beautiful, featuring Pharrell Williams. A colourful, vibrant location to end the tour.

Travel

Sunset on the beach

Books

The T(ea) on Sexual Health and Pleasure words letlhogonolo mokgoroane

In August last year, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, affectionately known as “Dr T,” released her book Dr T: A Guide to Sexual Health & Pleasure. In five months of its existence the book has had massive success and was reprinted for the fifth time last month. Dr T is a Medical Doctor and a sexual and reproductive health and rights expert. She has global advocacy experience and is an associate producer for her own television show on Moja Love called Sex Talk with Dr T. February is the month of love and in many instances a month for lots of sexy time. Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane shares his conversation with Dr T about sexual pleasure and consent.

Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane: How did you become the Sex Doctor? Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng: I did not always have the vision of what being a sex doctor would entail, however, I had, early on in my life as a young womxn and medical student, become acutely aware of the deficiencies around affirming sex positive content in mainstream media and also in my medical training. I knew that I deserved to have the best sex possible and although I felt personally affirmed and able to, I knew this was not so for many of my peers and later on, I would find the same to be true for patients. LM: You often speak about the #PleasureRevolution, what is it and what does it mean to you? TM: The sexual pleasure revolution as an idea started way before my time. To my mind, it seeks to locate the discussion within a rebellious, political discourse through the eyes of black womxn. It seeks to give knowledge on rights, autonomy, bodily integrity and affirm the experiences, wishes and desires of those who have always been an afterthought — womxn and queer people. The revolution is not limited to the contents

“

in my book, it extends to the people reading and how deeply moved they are. This book is activism and nothing is more revolutionary than the selfdetermination of black womxn, young womxn, queer people having the best affirming sexual experiences possible. As it has become affectionately known, the “Tlof Tlof Revolution”, is a blaze. LM: In the book’s section on sexual pleasure, you start with sexual consent, why was it important to start there? TM: Without consent, there is no pleasure; any interaction, devoid of consent is not sex but a violation. The book is about sexual well-being and as part of the activism and rebellion to counter the erasure related to womxn’s pleasure, it was important to locate the discussions in the book within the rights framework and, again, reiterate the fact that sexual health, sexual rights are as important as sexual pleasure. The best sexual experiences are only possible when we respect consent. LM: What does consent entail? TM: Consent for sexual contact consists of more than a ‘yes,’ or ‘no’. It must involve the details of condom use, what

kind of sexual positions you’ll be doing and what body parts are involved. LM: There is a perception that being in a relationship constitutes perpetual consent, is this the correct way of understanding consent? TM: Being in a relationship does not constitute consent forever or even perpetual desire for one’s partner. Some womxn are married but that doesn’t mean they have given consent, perpetually, to have sex within their marriage and at the demand of their partner. Marital rape is a huge problem that is not spoken about and so many womxn in marriages are unable to share, as there is this idea that married womxn have a chore and duty to make sure that their partner has sex. LM: What are some of the structural drivers that make it hard for people to give consent? TM: Progressing on the previous question, there is a common saying that you need to give your husband or partner sex so that they don’t go and look elsewhere. There is an extreme burden on womxn that if they say no to having sex with their partners, then if the partner chooses to have sex with someone else, she can’t say anything.

If you’re silent during sex how are you going to tell your partner to go deeper, or harder, or slower?

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The lack of detail in what is being consented to means that sometimes, we are not having as affirming experiences as we think. Of course, there could be power dynamics with your peers and those older, or younger, that you will have to overcome, but we know things are still very much skewed, where womxn have less power. Age is also a factor, not only the huge age gap but also emotional and cognitive capabilities to enter into relationships that are already skewed by gender and then age.

LM: You write that “consent is mandatory, it’s not sexy”. Is this a declaration to normalising asking for consent and knowing that asking does not ‘kill the mood?’ TM: I argue that in fact, continuous consent and feedback during sex is the mood. Mood is created by respect, desire, lust and sexual play and without consent, there is no pleasure and those interactions are not sex. Consent is compulsory and the details of that consent always matter. It has to be clear for everyone involved what the agreement is. People do have sex with multiple partners or group sex, so the time has to be taken to get consent from each person involved. And consent has to be sought about using sex toys. Consent needs to be given enthusiastically, in an affirming way without pressure or coercion and on an ongoing basis. LM: Communication during sex. Is this a turn on or a turn off? TM: Definitely a turn on. If during sex you decide to try something new or different, even when things are flowing and sparks flying, it’s important to keep talking and being attentive to the feedback given. If you’re silent during sex how are you going to tell your partner to go deeper, or harder, or slower? And more importantly, when a certain touch or smell or stroke feels good, the most amazing thing is to give your partner the feedback in real time and further communicate how you want them to continue. Synchronised orgasms are also very rewarding and, as you can imagine, are much more likely when people are talking about what their bodies are feeling and what they want. The eye contact, a certain touch, or a type of kiss, are all communication as well and these add to the experience. LM: Should we be having orgasms every time we have sex? Should we be advocating for the Big O as a modus operandi? TM: Sexual liberation means having sexual experiences that are not scripted and the common sex script involves someone, mostly, an erect penis being the start of sex and ejaculation being the signal for the end of sex. I am a believer in people letting go of these scripts and, by the way, possibly one of the contributors to people faking orgasms or pretending to be having Big Os are these scripts about what needs to happen and what signifies ‘good sex.’ It is absolutely possible and normal to have sex without the Big O being the ultimate goal. In fact, people can have multiple sexual contact as part of their play and enjoy the exploration without orgasms, by choice. LM: Many people have dubbed anal sex as ‘gay sex,’ can anyone enjoy anal play? TM: Anal play, as with a lot of sexual pleasure, has nothing to do with a person’s gender or sexual orientation and should be enjoyed by those who want to and on their terms. The prostate is also an erogenous organ and adds to the experience in those with a prostate, anyone can have an anal orgasm. The pleasure of anal play is as a result of the nerves in the perineum and anus, that we all have. Always have your lubricant easily accessible and apply as much as you need to protect the perineum and anal tissue and to enhance pleasure. Follow Dr T on twitter @drtlaleng

Author Interview by The Cheeky Natives a literary podcast primarily focused on the review, curatorship and archiving of Black literature. cheekynatives.co.za

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Because consent entails more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ it includesdetails of when to finish, which sex positions, what and how to use safer sex tools, one can see that if you are unable to negotiate condom use for your own sexual health considerations; if you are being coerced into not taking a contraceptive or a partner attempting anal sex in the moment without agreement; or you are silenced during sex and unable to determine how you want to be pleasured, these scenarios can, over time, impact our desire for sex with other persons.

Food

Hello Summer Scoops

Cool down this summer with a luxurious frozen treat using scoops of Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream. Decadent ice cream paired with fresh bananas or raspberry jam tart creates a bright, fresh flavour for summer. Plus, if you add banana to ice cream, it’s basically a fruit salad, right? recipes paul’s homemade ice cream

Dark Chocolate Banana Brownie Milkshake A cross between a brownie and banana split - but not the 80s monstrosity with banana slices along a boat dish. This modern milkshake uses rich dark chocolate, perfectly paired with the honey sweetness of banana. Real ingredients, not that fake chocolate syrup. Makes 2 thick shakes Ingredients:

Procedure

3 cups Paul’s Homemade Dark Chocolate ice cream ½ cup milk 3 small bananas ¼ cup chocolate brownie chunks Canned whipped cream, to garnish Melted chocolate, to garnish

1. 2.

Put the ice cream, milk, bananas, and brownie in a jug. Using a hand-held stick blender, blend the mixture until smooth. You could also use a Nutribullet or blender. Pour mixture into two tall glasses, and garnish with whipped cream and drizzled melted chocolate.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Ice Cream Sandwiches The sweet and toasted notes of our salted caramel ice cream is the perfect partner to crunchy peanut butter and the tart, fruity flavour of raspberry jam. Salty and tart, just like your ex. Serves 2

Procedure

Ingredients:

500 ml Paul’s Homemade Salted Caramel ice cream 4 large chocolate chip cookies 2 tbs good quality raspberry jam 2 tbs crunchy peanut butter 40g dark chocolate chopped salted peanuts, to garnish

2. 3. 4.

Spread the jam on two cookies, and peanut butter on the two remaining cookies. Get two large scoops* of Paul’s Homemade Salted Caramel. Place the scoop on the jam-spread cookie, top with the peanut butter cookie, and gently press down. Apply gentle pressure so that the cookies don’t break. Leave the ice cream sandwiches on a baking tray in the freezer while you prepare the chocolate dip.

*Paul’s Tip: Dip your ice cream scooper in a bowl of water to make scooping easier Find Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream at stockists nationwide or any of their retail stores. For more info visit: paulshomemade.com and follow them on Instagram: @paulshomemadeicecream

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Food

Beauty

Skin Bible 101 , with Vuyo Varoy Makeup tips: When applying the perfect foundation… DO

DON’T

1. Never ever apply foundation without doing the three-step skincare routine. A foundation is not a moisturiser, which is why it is important to follow the skin care routine.

Before putting your makeup, it’s important to start with a three-step skincare routine. Don’t have one? First, wash your face with any facewash that is suitable for your skin type, followed by toning your skin with a nonalcoholic toner and finishing off with a moisturiser. The three-step routine is there to make sure that your skin is ready to put on makeup. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen before starting with the makeup.

Prime your skin with a skin primer: this helps with smoothening out your skin and makes your makeup last longer once it’s on.

Apply foundation that is suitable for your skin type and tone. To make sure you get this right, go to any cosmetics counter nearest to you and ask a makeup artist or a beauty adviser to assist you in choosing the right foundation.

To know that the consultant is doing the right thing, make sure they’re testing the foundation on your chin.

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2. To make sure that you have a smooth application, use a makeup up brush rather than a sponge. It’s easier to control a brush than a sponge, also it is more hygienic. 3. Do not sleep with your foundation on – this can clog your pores, leaving them unable to breathe. This may cause skin problems in the long run, so make sure you always remove your makeup before you go to sleep. 4. To get the right shade on foundation, don’t test it on your hand as hands are usually not the same shade as your face. Always test on your chin. 5. Don’t leave your makeup brushes unwashed. For every application wash your brushes: this will prevent them from collecting or developing bacteria.

To see that it is the right shade, you have to test at least three shades. The one that is invisible on your skin is the right one. Before you buy the foundation, do insist on going outside into natural light to finish the final step in choosing the right foundation, because some makeup counters uses fluorescent lighting.

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I know most guys tend to stay away from the three-step skincare routine. But this is the most important part of menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin grooming. The benefits: your skin stays protected and clean, it prevents future skin problems and keeps your skin looking flawless.

It is okay, every now and then, to even out your skin tone by using a tinted moisturiser. This is basically a moisturiser mixed with a bit of foundation. Trust me, you will thank me later when your skin is looking super polished.

To keep your lips nice and smooth, exfoliate them by mixing sugar and honey. Rub gently before wiping off the scrub. This will leave your lips super smooth and moisturised before applying a lip conditioner.

4 5

For those with a beard, keep it moisturised by using any beard oil. This can also help with your beard growth.

Always use sunscreen. This helps prevent skin cancer and sunburn

Vuyo Varoy Vuyo Varoy is a professional makeup artist who has worked with local and international celebrities. He has also represented and worked with major international beauty brands. www.vuyovaroy.com

Beauty

grooming tips for guys

Fashion

45 DEGREES

HIP HOP ARTIST | DESIGNER | ART DIRECTOR Didi Monsta aka 45 Degrees is a South African recording artist, creative designer, stylist, model and art director. Born and raised in Pretoria, the creative has pulled off many milestones. With his leading passion being fashion, 45 Degrees founded South African based fashion label called 3am Life Was Never The Same where he releases most of his design work. One of his first collaborations was in 2015 with Cape Town based clothing line SOLSOL where the collab got featured on globally popular lifestyle magazine, HYPEBEAST. Didi has also gone from modelling for the biggest brands in Africa, to styling the biggest artists in Africa and is now heading to the front and centre of the South African music scene. @DIDI_MONSTA

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@LIFEWASNEVERTHESAME

DESTINY CAREERS

Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion

Section Photographers: Mini Photography Young Stilo Artvillain Noagrayevsy TK Mogotsi

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Section

Exit

Alessandro

Mosupi Khojane Modelled on Marcel Proust’s questionnaire, we ask our favourite people questions which could either reveal who they truly are — or shroud them deeper in mystery. interview rea khoabane | illustrations lauren mulligan

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Exit Alessandro “Alex” Khojane is the owner of popular Joburg restaurants Gemelli and ZIO La Famiglia. Born in the Free State, Khojane was raised in Italy when his family moved there when he was just six months old. Now 36 years old, Khojane currently employs 120 staff between the two restaurants and is planning to be restauranteur of more to come.

Describe yourself in two words. Big softy What’s your favourite quality in yourself? I love human beings What’s your favourite quality in others? Their willingness to care about other people besides themselves. Your most dominant characteristic? My attitude. The fact that I’m loud and I don’t take anything too seriously. Your biggest flaw? I only forgive twice. After that you’re dead to me. What do you most appreciate in your friends? That they can be honest with me as much as I can be honest with them at all times. On what occasion do you lie? To save someone’s feelings. What’s your favourite possession? I don’t have one. My most used possession would have to be my cellphone.

Exit Your idea of happiness? Debt free life and living in Durban with two kids and my dogs by the beach in the next five years. Your idea of misery? Being married to someone you don’t want to be married to. Which word or phrase do you overuse? “FUCK!” but my favourite phrase now is, “yaaa yaaa yaaaa, yaaa, yaaaa”. What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Check my WhatsApp for my assistant

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and my manager’s texts and then go to Instagram to see what happened the day before and then go to gym.

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Hercules. Big softy.

What’s the last thing you do at night? Get on Instagram and check my messages from the day, take my pills and go to bed.

If you could only listen to only one album for the rest of your life, which would it be? Jay-Z – The Blueprint.

Night owl or morning bird? Night Owl. If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be? Dan Bilzerian. Always around half naked models and he get paid to be cool.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t trust anybody. How would you like to be remembered? As a funny guy who made it. I believe you can be yourself and be successful.

DESTINY CAREERS