2016 ISSUE 02
&
PLEASURE P U R P O SMAGAZINE E
Miss Deaf SA JANIE ERASMUS
EDITOR’S NOTE PIERRE DE VILLIERS
When we have purposes in life, we feel more motivated, alive and energised. This energy has a positive spin-off, not only within ourselves but also to those around us.
Pleasure and Purpose Promoting a positive contribution to society
Purpose gives us pleasure and the pleasurable things in life can make us feel fulfilled and happy. The author Robert Byrne is quoted as saying, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” I would like to encourage all my readers to add meaning to their lives by joining the trend to do good. You do not need to be a celebrity or prominent personality to help the aged, stand up against abuse or help orphaned children.
Having been in the celebrity arena for more than two decades it became clear to me that there is a certain perception about people in the industry which is not always favourable. The public tends to be under the impression that most celebrities are superficial and interested only in their image and the power of their so-called elevated position.
Let’s all unite and make a positive contribution, no matter how small. Together we can turn darkness into light and shine the way to a better future for all.
This magazine aims to dispel that notion because my experience after meeting many people in the public eye over the years has led me to realise quite the opposite. There are so many prominent people out there who are far more than their appearance. So many celebrities and successful people are doing excellent work for charities, causes, and society as a whole. Pleasure and Purpose magazine’s vision is to highlight the good that they do and acknowledge them for their efforts.
Official sponsor of Pierre’s Hair
So many of the special people I come into contact with take pleasure in helping others. They give up their much needed free time to help communities, promote causes and assist those in need. My sincere wish is that the readers of this magazine are inspired enough by those featured within these pages, that they too will take it upon themselves to add value to society and in so doing create a new purpose for themselves.
Official sponsor of Pierre’s Teeth TEETH WHITENING SA DR EMIL JANSEN: 012 653 4119
5
CONTENTS
COVER PAGE ARTICLE: MISS DEAF SA..................................................12 OUR PATRON: BRENT LINDEQUE..............................................8 EDITOR’S NOTE: PIERRE DE VILLIERS...........................................5 BOOK REVIEW: MICHAEL MOL.................................................10 PURPOSE CONSULTANT: CHRIS PAGE.......................................................7 ROBBIE KLAY: SINGER.............................................................11 ARTICLE: SELF WORTH....................................................16 DEREK WATTS’ DAUGHTER.......................................................19 ARTICLE: JEN SU..............................................................22 ARTICLE PENNI DU PLESSIS............................................27 BOOK REVIEW: ZELDA LA GRANGE...........................................30 ARTIST CHRISTIAAN DIEDERICKS..................................32
6
PURPOSE CONSULTANT
CHRIS PAGE
After studying Graphic Design and Fine Art, Chris had a successful career in the advertising industry. Chris' passion for public speaking took him in a new direction through talks and lectures both locally and internationally on self-empowerment, inspiration and motivation. He became a tutor at the Academy of Metaphysics and part-time lecturer for life skills at Damelin College. His work has been publicised in South Africa on television's Free Spirit, Spirit Sundae and morning live shows. He has been interviewed on 702 talk radio on several occasions as well as Cape Talk, Radio Today, Lotus FM and SAFM. He had a regular time slot as a life path guide on both Lotus FM and Radio 2000 during 2006 and 2007. His desire to combine all his passions led to the creation of his Inspiration cards, using African Animals as the theme, called African Inspiration. The cards aim to put across his philosophies and life experiences in an uplifting way and in so doing, guide, help and teach others interactively. They are distributed internationally and have been translated into Dutch and French. He has also produced a Guided Meditation CD which is distributed worldwide. Chris has written and published two selfempowerment books namely “Life in Your Hands” and “From Fear To Faith”. He currently concentrates on writing, personal counselling, motivational talks and his art.
“Most of us are held captive in this reality by our fears which present themselves in many guises and therefore prevent us from living our purpose. All of these fears are future based - the fear of potential pain, both physical and emotional, the fear of not feeling safe, the fear of our truth, our power and our abilities but most of all the fear of death. Having faith in who you are and the great positive power within you may allow you to overcome those fears in the knowledge that you are more than your fears. This power within you is love, it is who you truly are and it survives death into eternity. Live this love, embrace it and you will have no choice but to be this love. Within love, there is no fear. My greatest wish for you is to not do something to merely live but rather live to be who you truly are.” Chris Page chris@chrispage.co.za www.chrispage.co.za FB: Christopher Rory Page
7
OFFICIAL PATRON OF PLEASURE AND PURPOSE MAGAZINE
BRENT LINDEQUE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS The 3rd year of Random Acts of Kindness kicked off on the 1st February ... get involved! We all want to do good but sometimes we might need a little push. Where it all started Building on the foundation of a viral, spontaneous act of positivity, Brent Lindeque, a young South African man turned the reckless drinking game #neknominations on his head, by using his nomination to instead perform a random act of kindness. By giving a homeless man a $2 meal, and using the power of social media to “pay-itforward” his nomination went viral and to date has been viewed over 780,000 times. More importantly, it spawned thousands of similar videos, reaching and physically affecting and improving millions of lives and in addition created 3 dedicated feeding schemes in Canada, the USA and Ireland that are still running today. While the act of being charitable, and doing good, is a natural one for most of us, it is often simply too difficult to fit into our daily work schedules. The beauty of the #RAK15 movement is its genuine simplicity. By Changing One Thing we all have the power to Change Everything, and started with a simple, small act that changes your own daily reality, even slightly, is as simple as paying for someones coffee, or parting with a pair of old shoes you
never wear. Last year’s campaign collectively trended for more than 2 months, helped millions of people globally & the hashtag reached over 90 million people in total. #RAK16 We'll keep true to the original concept where we'll ask you to perform one small RAK in your own time, post about it to inspire others and even challenge your friends to do the same. So get ready with your #RAK16, using what you have, where you are, to make a small difference. You could do something as simple as leaving a book you loved on public transport for someone else to read, or taking a homeless person to lunch, buying them a meal and spending time with them, spending time at an orphanage or helping an animal shelter wash their dogs … the list is almost endless. This year we’re also adding a twist, an act of inspiration & a way to really pay it forward. All the details are on the website & social media, which went live on 1 February. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can! You’ll soon find that your one small RAK has the power to change the entire world. Event page here https://www.facebook.com/events/55645608784966 8/ Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/RAKnominationsGlobal/ Email here - brent@brentlindeque.com
9
BOOK REVIEW
MICHAEL MOL YOUR BEST LIFE Mol (a medical doctor with extensive knowledge of nutrition and fitness) and John Berry (chef, health guru and chief innovations officer of Kauai) join forces to share their knowledge on how to have happy and healthy families that enjoy food together. Your Best Life is a remarkable recipe book with more than 80 recipes. It's jam-packed with full colour photos that show readers how exciting healthy food and the foundation of a healthy lifestyle can be. The book contains recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as smoothies, fresh juices and other drinks. There are also special recipes to prepare in under 30 minutes. Dessert options have not been forgotten and interesting healthy choices are included. A dietary icon next to each recipe indicates low carb, high fat, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and wheat free meals. There are two recipe indexes one arranged according to ingredients and one according to dietary icons. Healthy eating should be neither a bore nor a chore. In Your Best Life, Michael Mol and John Berry have squared off on the healthy versus tasty debate and dished up a blend of both in every meal that will have you and your family licking their lips and living better. The recipes cater for several diets and body types featuring the healthiest and yummiest of meals - meals which have been turned into delicious reasons for families to gather together for a taste of the good life ..... your best life.
The recipes in Your Best Life are accompanied by fascinating health tips with a touch of humour. Healthy eating can be easy. Learn how from the experts! This book is also available in Afrikaans under the title of Jou Beste Lewe. Mol is a medical doctor, executive TV producer, presenter, international speaker, business consultant, company director and most importantly, a husband and father of three. This former Mr South Africa and Top Billing presenter combined his passion for medicine and media and created a TV show called Hello Doctor. He is also a founding director of Hello Doctor (Pty) Ltd., a mobile healthcare company. Berry is one of the original founding partners of the thriving island style restaurant group called Kauai. He holds a degree in culinary arts from Santa Barbara City College in California. John worked in a number of restaurants and hotels in California and Hawaii for close on a decade. With over 150 stores nationwide, his dream of building a culture of healthy eating is slowly becoming a reality.
10
BIOGRAPHY
ROBBIE KLAY
SINGER SONGWRITER ACTOR ROBBIE KLAY is an internationally known Singer, Songwriter, Television and Theatre Stage Actor from South Africa born on June 20, 1986. He began his singing career early in his life and has recorded eleven studio albums in South Africa. Robbie has recently performed in Hollywood, California at the House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, Viper Room, Molly Malone's, Genghis Cohen and the Republic of Pie. He has the drive, commitment, passion, and determination to excel in his music, film acting and directing future. Robbie studied acting at the Pro Arte and Drama High School in Pretoria, South Africa. He continued his education and graduated with Honors from the Technikon Drama School in Pretoria; as well as studied acting in the United States at TVI Actors Studio, Margie Haber and Howard Fine Studio. Robbie has many television credits to his name, but is most notably recognized as "Buks van Wyk" in the South African Drama Series named "Amalia" in 2005/2006. It was last re-aired on South African television in 2009. Robbie has filmed two nationwide television commercials in Los Angeles - Navy Federal Credit Union (Marine) and DIRECTV (Boxer) 2013; as well as a Music Video for Aloe Blacc's "The Man" (Boxer) in 2014. As a live stage actor, Robbie co-starred in "Branson the Sitcom" a comedy performed
during the 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival as "Jim Andrews." Additionally, he starred in the award-winning theatrical stage production of Vaselinetjie at South Africa's Woordfees in Stellenbosch in March 2012 and performed at the National Arts Festival - Aardklop in October of 2011 as "Colin Prop." Previously, he acted in the role of "Texan Kirby" also in Vaselinetjie in the Cape Town production at the Artscape Theatre in January 2011. Vaselinetjie is produced and directed by Henry Mylne. Robbie is a multitalented young Artist with a unique singing voice and magnetic stage personality. He is a sought after celebrity personality for many social and charity events. Most recently he has been working with Picturemehappy.org a charitable organization that aspires to stimulate, support, and promote the healing process for hospitalized children and teens that have chronic and terminal illnesses.
11
COVER STORY
MISS DEAF SA
JANIE ERASMUS Since 2000, Miss Deaf South Africa Pageant has given inspiration and opportunities to young Deaf women. In the past three years the competition has expanded and has grown into a cause that enjoys great media attention and help from various well-known groups and individuals. The Miss Deaf South Africa Pageant is a non-profit organization founded by Gert and Narda Els, a couple who from personal experience understands the difficulties of the life of those with hearing impairment. Although the pageant has been running consecutively since 1997, the organization was officially found in 2000. The main aim of the pageant is to become a vehicle to bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities in South Africa by showcasing the undiscovered talent in our deaf communities and create life changing experiences and other opportunities for deaf and hearing impaired young girls. In November 2014, Chris and Leviena Smit joined the Miss Deaf South Africa Pageant and also became Directors of MDSA in May 2015. Deaf awareness and phobias are part of our everyday life experiences. Hopefully this medium will break the boundaries, and help all to understand the need for conciliation. The Pageant's vision is to see the whole Deaf society in South Africa develop through the medium of the beauty and entertainment industry by enhancing self-discipline, confidence, and freedom of culture and by presenting opportunities to empower people through
competition. The mission of the Pageant is to stage a production of the highest caliber, featuring Deaf people who are adaptable, flexible and true heroes of the day. In addition to this, however, we would like the Pageant to become a vehicle for crossing the communication gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. Miss Deaf South Africa must be an ambassador for her country, but most of all, she must be someone who can educate the hearing about the Deaf community and share with them the views of the Deaf community regarding so-called 'disability'. She will deal with and improve issues such as unemployment, human rights, better communication, and proper training institutions for the Deaf. With the fashion and entertainment industry unfolding at a rapid pace, there are career opportunities for well-trained and talented people, including Deaf people Miss deaf SA website- www.missdeafsa.co.za
13
ARTICLE
THE VALUE OF SELF WORTH BY CHRIS PAGE “Self-worth comes from one thing in thinking that you are worthy� Wayne Dyer Probably the most damaging flaw in human beings throughout the centuries is the lack of self-worth. Most conflictual situations, abusive relationships, career difficulties, body problems and mental fear are as the result of a lack of belief in the self. A lowered sense of worth can be the result of many criteria but one of the least obvious is the body's feeling of inferiority in comparison to the enormity of the soul. Since the soul is 99.999% of who we are, the body, being only 0.0001%, feels less than the power of the soul. This feeling of lack is translated into our sense of self and we feel inadequate, unworthy and small. So we begin our lives on a body level feeling inferior and not good enough in comparison to the energy that animates our bodies. Added to this, possible and often unintentional negative innuendos and criticism from parents, teachers and peers can leave an individual feeling inadequate and unworthy. The role of a parent is not easy and more often than not a statement said to a child in frustration or without enough thought, can leave the child feeling damaged in terms of their sense of self. Knowing that children are very vulnerable and impressionable, it would be a good idea to choose your words very carefully when communicating with them in order to ensure that the words empower, encourage, inspire and elevate them rather than bring them down. Education and discipline are vital to ensuring a balanced, respectable and well-rounded individual but all
this can be done without making the child feel inferior. Educational authorities, too, have a vital role to play in ensuring that a child is made to feel adequate rather than inferior. Identifying a child's strengths and weaknesses can help the teacher to develop the strengths rather than to criticise the weaknesses and in so doing help the individual to feel worthy and good about them self. Most of our lack of belief in ourselves is borne out of comparing oneself to others. This reality is based on hierarchical structures from government to corporate and from educational institutions to family life. We give ourselves positions of power above others and the subordinates often feel less worthy than those in authority. This is primarily a man-made system created, ironically, from feeling inferior. The desire to feel important stems from a feeling that one is not, therefore a position is sought that puts the self above another so as to feel better and more valuable than one believes oneself to be. Not all people in authority, however, are there out of a need to prove themselves or feel more important these are the true leaders.
Lack of self-worth can be displayed in two ways: 1. Self-attack inferiority. 2. Dominance superiority. Self-attack means that a person does to themselves what has been done to them by others. This stems from a belief structure that they have created that dictates that they are not deserving of anything other than what they already have. This person will see themselves as less than others and continually diminish their own sense of self by using negative phrases like: “I can't, I am not able to, I am not good enough, I
16
ARTICLE THE VALUE OF SELF WORTH CONTINUED don't know enough, I am stupid, I am not sure” etc. Added to this are excuses to claim one’s worth like: “I am too fat, I am too thin, I am not creative, I am unattractive”. Self-attack, more often than not, is an excuse born out of the fear of being true to the self. By this I mean that it is easier to bring down the self than to face the fear of moving beyond the comfort zone of unworthiness and stepping into the unfamiliar territory of selfempowerment. Focusing on the negative is far more common in our reality than looking at the positive. Negative expression brings sympathy and attention. Many people with lack of self-worth need validation, sympathy and attention from others to confirm whether or not they exist and to help them to feel worthy. That is why a person with a lowered sense of self-worth will be more negative than positive in terms of their daily expression. However, continued negativity can deliver an unsympathetic response and in the long term people may avoid a continuously negative person leaving them feeling even more insecure and worthless. So it becomes a never-ending cycle from which there seems no escape. The only ladder out of this pit of self-destruction is a process of re-claiming your belief in the self. This is easier said than done but it is possible.
We, in our physical body form, learn by repetition. Reminding the body on a daily basis of one's worthiness by repeating mantra's such as “I am worthy and deserving”, or “I am good enough and I am enough”, can assist the conscious physiology to re-programme the damaging conditioned,
negative belief structure of feeling less than others and unworthy. Unfortunately, repeated affirmations are not enough. Since we are of body mind and soul, it is necessary to include the mind and soul in the process. An attitude shift has to take place where the individual lacking self-worth has to visualise and think of them self as important. This can be done through how they communicate with others in whichever situation they may find themselves. For example, instead of just accepting poor service at a supermarket, without making a scene, simply state that one is unhappy with the situation and request to relay this to a manager. This is a simple example to show that it is possible to stand more in your power, knowing that you do not deserve to be treated badly or endure a lack of respect that ensures the feeling of unworthiness. Once a person has done this once or twice, it will become easier and the development of self-worth will begin. Saying things like: “I don't deserve to be spoken to in that manner or I am good enough in what I do and would appreciate it if you respect that or I am worth more than you are paying me” can help you to believe in yourself more and begin the journey of creating a new sense of self-worth.
THE INSISTENCE ON BEING RIGHT IS ALSO A PROJECTION OF A DIMINISHED SENSE OF SELF People who are not willing to work on improving their sense of self become victims to their circumstances and can become bitter towards everyone else leaving them permanently miserable and dissatisfied. In the victim status, one feels powerless so in order to release from being the victim one has to take responsibility for one's situation and know that on a soul level everything is chosen for one's own growth and learning. No one does anything to anyone else, we only accept other's opinions and criticism and choose to make it our own. Knowing that whatever our circumstances may be, we have chosen to experience them either consciously or unconsciously. Claiming your power means taking ownership for your choices and making a concerted effort to change them.
17
With all conflict throughout History, most wars were created out of a lack of self-worth especially on the part of the offender. I will only attack someone else if I feel less than I perceive them to be so I will need to bring them down in order to feel better about myself. Therefore, the desire to dominate stems from an insecurity in the self. A desire to feel superior is the outward projection of feeling inferior internally. A person who does this can also be seen as arrogant and self-serving, which are both displays of dominance. The insistence on being right is also a projection of a diminished sense of self. If it is proven that you are wrong makes you feel bad about yourself so it becomes of utmost important to those who have a lowered sense of self-worth to be right. This is when the ego comes into play, which is also a projection of feeling less than others. Acknowledging that you have self-worth challenges is the first step to working on them. The second step is to understand the manner in which you display them. Is it that you project inferiority or superiority? Once this is established, you can recognise your behaviour and change it
Prior to displaying it when the natural inclination is to behave in that way. So, when faced with the challenges of lowered self-worth one can rebuild the sense of self effectively by: 1. In the case of someone with inferiority, affirming your worth through phrases like “I am worthy�, believing in yourself more and even imagining yourself as important and worthy. 2. In the case of someone with superiority, giving yourself regular reassurance that you are important and do not need to project it onto others. Understanding that very few people like to be dominated and therefore ironically others will not value you if you dominate which will leave you feeling even more unworthy. Acknowledging that sensitivity, flexibility and accommodating others will help you to gain more respect than dominating. 3.Looking at self-worth challenges from a soul perspective and recognising the awesomeness and power of your being can assist you to claim that power and move beyond a life of feeling inadequate and unworthy.
18
DEREK WATTS’ DAUGHTER
KIRSTY WATTS FOUNDATION The Kirsty Watts Foundation is a non-profit organisation located in Morningside, Sandton. It was established by Kirsty Watts, aged 14 at the time, during her treatment and recovery from a malignant brain tumour. Throughout that period in her life, she was fortunate enough to receive incredible support and medical care which inspired her to start a trust to assist children less fortunate than herself.
The Foundation is financially supported by motivational speaking events, poker evenings, fund raising initiatives such as golf days as well as by personal donations.
The proceeds from these events are distributed directly to the children or organisations identified as requiring assistance for a variety of needs. The foundation also raises corporate sponsorship to cover all administration costs. This means that 100% of the donations received can be used to purchase goods and provide services to children in dire circumstances.
19
Kirsty has a caring soul and a heart of gold. This is her story: It happened very suddenly in October 2007. After feeling dizzy for a couple of days my parents took me to a doctor at Sandton Clinic The doctor sent me for a CT scan saying that it was just a precaution. As I walked out of the x-ray room I could feel the nurses treating me differently. I just knew that something wasn't right. I was left alone in a ward whilst the doctor spoke to my Mum and Dad. Nothing can prepare you for the shock of being told that you have a brain tumour. Soon the doctor was holding up the scans and telling me how I needed a seven-hour operation. It felt like a dream. Well, more of a nightmare. The reality set in when I was wheeled into the operating theatre. I was surrounded by huge machines and many doctors and nurses wearing masks. The hours of waiting must have felt like months to my parents. It felt like just seconds to me. The five days in ICU were also a blur. All I can remember is waking up every half an hour or so to throw up. Just as I was enjoying the fact that I had been moved to the general ward and that I was able to eat again I was hit with more devastating news. My journey was far from over. The surgeon explained that I would need six months of chemotherapy and thirty-three days of radiation. Despite the wonderful care I received from the nurses I would not wish these treatments on my worst enemy. Losing your hair is one of the toughest things for a teenage girl to cope with, especially when your hair was long, straight and beautiful. Somehow though these experiences it made me realise that I was one of the lucky ones. I was being treated by the most amazing doctors at the best hospitals and treatment centres in the country. Many kids in our country don't get the opportunity to receive the kind of treatment and support that I had. Others live in poverty and squalor and don't even have sufficient nutrition to feed their sick bodies. I know that the support of others can change your perspective in life and inspire you to have hope. My whole life I have always wanted to help those who are less fortunate. That is my reason for starting the
Kirsty Watts Foundation. My aim is to better the lives of many children especially the ones facing daunting challenges The Foundation is involved with many ongoing projects as well as assisting where they can with specific need situations. An example of a few of these projects are:-
KWF has supported the TLC Home for Abandoned Babies in several projects over the past few years. Renovations have been carried out on the existing facilities at the home in order to accommodate 26 children who could not be adopted due to physical disabilities and/or their being HIV positive.
The Kirsty Watts Foundation has sponsored a family room at Nicus Lodge in their Adopt-A-Room program whereby an entire derelict building next to the Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria has been renovated
The foundation has donated specialised motorised wheelchairs to children with spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, and a child who was born without limbs.
20
prostheses for four children being treated at Baragwaneth Paediatric Oncology.
KWF assisted with the refurbishment of a large hall at the Children's Memorial Institute Building in Braamfontein, Johannesburg which is home to a number of NGO's that cater for the needs of children. It's also the home of the Johannesburg Hospital School for Autism. The room is used by not only the kids, teachers and therapists from the Autism School but by all the NGO's that do such incredible work KWF assisted with the comprehensive refurbishment of the Child Psychiatric Ward at Baragwaneth Academic Hospital with the help of a large group of sponsors. The ward, known as Ward 80, treats children that are severely traumatised by their life circumstances. The patient rooms are sunny and bright; there is a well-resourced outdoor play area and the offices and consulting rooms are fresh and appealing.
The Kirsty Watts Foundation and its trustees are continuously researching and identifying new cases of need in the community to become projects or ad hoc donation opportunities. We attempt to locate small and unknown cases where we can make a difference to children's lives.
KWF was delighted to be involved in the refurbishment of the Girls Ward at this incredible hospital. It is truly a 'Princess Room' now and the patients have a beautiful environment in which to be treated and recover
With the help of Centauri Medical and the Amputee Club of SA, KWF was able to facilitate the stheses
21
FEATURE
JEN SU Jen Su is a Chinese-American TV News Anchor, Radio Presenter, Corporate Master of Ceremonies, and singer/songwriter. Her first foray in entertainment started at the age of 5 as part of a traditional Chinese dance troupe. She also began studying classical piano at the same time and participated in national piano competitions. Jen then moved with her family to Taiwan, where she continued studying and won the equivalent of “Taiwan Idol” at the age of 17. She became a fixture in the celebrity world as a pop star and represented the Republic of China and China Television on tour around the world. She released five albums in Taiwan and Thailand. Jen then moved to Thailand as a presenter for Thai TV Channel 11 Newsline, and Hong Kong, where she was a prime-time news presenter on Star News Asia and Radio Television Hong Kong. From Hong Kong, she moved to South Africa where she has been working for eight years as an accomplished news anchor for the Sky News “African Business Report” and Business Day TV. She was also the Hollywood Reporter on the 5 FM Gareth Cliff Morning Show for seven years, and continues her work with Gareth Cliff on CliffCentral. She also presents entertainment on the Cape Talk Kieno Kammies Breakfast Show. Jen has also been an entertainment presenter on SABC3 Expresso as well as appeared in South African TV dramas “Isibaya” (Mai Sheng, Season 1) and “Jacobs Cross” (Seasons 5 and 6). Jen Su is a top corporate MC and is prominent in the business professional network of S A and the Asia-Pacific region. She has been a previous winner of the SA Style Award for 'Most Stylish Media Personality' and the Mekhala Award (Thailand) for 'Outstanding News Presenter'. In addition to maintaining her penchant for her 200-plus hat collection, she is a talented and skilled singer-songwriter. She is well-known on
the social scene, and was a previous winner of the Feather Award for “Socialite of the Year”. In November 2015, she launched her first book called “From Z to A-Lister : How to Build Your Personal Brand”. The highly-acclaimed book is an essential reference guide to personal branding for individuals and businesses mixed in with a sprinkling of her personal challenges. QUESTIONS: 1. What was the motivating factor that made you decide to write this book? I was offered a publishing deal about five years ago, but I was always too afraid of failure to finish writing the book. After an overwhelming number of people writing me on Facebook and Twitter asking me how I got into the business, I decided that perhaps I might be able to help others by telling my story and sharing my secrets to success. 2. For a first time author, how did you go about getting your book published? I was very fortunate in that a number of publishers have approached me over the years to write, so I didn't actually have to do a lot of the legwork finding a publisher. Writing was not easy though! Now that the book is out on the South African bookshelves and also on Amazon.com I've
22
spent time also going to the bookshops to thank the many retailers for their amazing support. I also thank my publisher, Tracey McDonald and my editor, Pam Thornley for all their help in getting the nuts and bolts of the book published. 3. In order to inform and whet the reading appetite of our readers, please give me a synopsis of your book. The book is a reference guide on personal branding. You are your own personal brand and you must take control of it before anyone else does. The guide is a step by step look into my methods of networking, social media, Asian graces, how to stand out, reinventing yourself and staying relevant, and how to keep in the game for the long run. 4. How did you get to where you are today? Moving six countries around the world was the most challenging part and starting over was often extremely tough and emotional. But every move presented a new challenge and a new set of opportunities. I always have been one to never
ascribe to negativity or people telling me I can't do something. When I moved to South Africa eight years ago, I didn't know a single person. The immigration consultant told me that with a Chinese face and American accent, I would never find a job in broadcasting in SA. I proved him wrong, and my face, voice, and abilities actually ended up being my strong card and made me really stand out as a unique personality in the broadcasting field in SA. I'm looking forward to presenting again for the third year in a row at the South African Film and Television Awards. I've also been a main presenter for the South African Music Awards, and reported on the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards, the BET Awards, the Oscars, and the Cannes Film Festival. 5. How does one decide what one's own brand is all about? You are your own brand, so get going to establish it and make it happen for yourself. You need to evaluate carefully about what you are passionate about, and what you do best. And then promote your personal brand through social media, your website, blog, and through your personal networking opportunities.
6. How do you go about manifesting your own brand? Make sure your photos on your website and social media profiles are professional, vivid, and really bring out the best in you. Look amazing every time you go out. Find a unique angle and be the “expert in the know.” Post engaging content often and get others in the conversation. 7. Once you have an idea of what your own brand is all about, how would you recommend that someone does the following:Devises methods and angles to use to navigate the social scene You need an ‘in’ a friend who can get you in as their plus one, or start a blog where you can cover a particular event as media. Dress fabulous with your own unique sense of style, and post beautiful photos and tag prominent people and event organizers on social media. Networking at parties Take photos, tag photos, and swap Instagram and
23
Twitter handles. Enjoy genuine conversation and eye contact. Make sure you greet the event organizers, make friends with the photographers, and thank them afterwards for inviting you. Dress fabulous and make a statement. Using social media for optimal engagement Take fabulous photos and use photo editing apps such as Facetune to smooth skin, crop pictures and saturate colour so that your photos stand out. Tag people by swapping social media handles, and be the first to get that cool photo out at a big event. Handling interviews Speak clearly and with a slightly lower tone of voice, look your best, don't wear patterned suits or tops, and speak with confidence. Have someone video you on their cell phone and check yourself on the playback to make sure you're happy with your look, expression, and tone of voice. Don't chew gum, curse, or make offensive comments. Be careful what you say, as editors can often select unflattering comments and you can be edited out of context. Write down a few notes with bullet points and rehearse aloud before you go live so that you know what you're going to articulate. Getting into the celebrity scene This takes time, patience, a thick skin, and a lot of hard work. On your way up to the A-List, it means making sure you are seen and noticed, and respected. You need to look fabulous, speak articulately, dress unique, build your personal brand and mingle with the right people. Opportunity can lie in the most unlikely places, so always be ready. Leverage the parties and networking opportunities to create sponsorships and job opportunities for yourself. 8. How do you maintain your personal brand? Building your personal brand is no longer an option, it's a necessity. Once you've cultivated your personal brand, maintaining it is even more important. That means being very careful on social media about everything you post and the implications of your posts. Get involved in charity work and helping others by sharing your expertise or mentoring others. Be sincere, be human, and be genuine. 9.
You have proved your credibility by
becoming a “Z to A-Lister” in South Africa as well as doing so at least four times around the world in various other countries, each speaking a different language. What do you attribute your success to? A genuine drive for making things happen and determination and dedication in everything I do. I'm meticulous about scheduling and detailed in my work, and I follow up constantly. The hardest part is always starting from zero, knowing nobody in a foreign country and culture and it takes time and patience to be accepted in the industry pursued. In my case, the media and broadcasting industry has been quite cutthroat and competitive, and I've managed to maintain a thick skin, avoid negativity, and play upon my unique strengths to stand out from the rest. I'm a very strong and fearless networker. Following up, meeting people face to face, always thanking them, has given me the opportunity to acquire numerous brand endorsements, corporate MC jobs, and business opportunities. 10. In your book you have opened up and revealed a lot about your own personal journey through hardships, failures, and setbacks. Tell us a little bit about what challenges you have faced. Being in the limelight from a relatively early age really put a lot of stress on me, and when I was touring the world after winning the “Taiwan Idol” competition I fell victim to an eating disorder. I also had a number of terrible health scares, and the constant moving all over the world took its toll on me as well. In South Africa, people would see me at parties or on TV and think I was always happy. While I am a positive person, it was not always easy dealing with negative criticism or “hate” tweets on social media. I've had to face a lot of challenges along the way and I'm actually a very emotional person deep down inside. Starting over so many times and flying all over the world, while it might sound glamorous has been absolutely exhausting at times. 11. The core of your book is based on a guide to making it and building your own brand. In a recent interview, you referred to 'twisted learning curves' that you have had to navigate. Tell us a little about some of them and how you dealt with the “curve balls” that were thrown at you in terms of creating your own personal brand.
24
When I first arrived in SA eight years ago, the immigration consultant told me that with a Chinese face and an American accent it would be impossible for me to find a job in the local broadcasting industry. Luckily, when someone tells me I can't do something I work even harder to prove them wrong. But it was a difficult and frustrating start. Having been already very established in Hong Kong as a prime-time news anchor, I felt humiliated sending out emails and CV's in SA which received no response. But I persevered and realized I'd been contacting the wrong people hence, no reply. I kept at it until I found the right decision makers. Soon I was on Business Day TV (formerly Summit TV) and the Sky News African Business Report. I was introduced to Gareth Cliff shortly thereafter, I went in for an interview and was on 5 FM a couple weeks later. And then from those platforms, I presented on SABC3 Expresso and acted on the popular drama series “Isibaya”. 12. How does one go from drab to fab and become recognized? Dress to impress, groom, and wear a unique accessory that will make you stand out. Always be gracious, friendly, and be mindful of your body language. Be the expert in your field and always be at the forefront. Focus completely and consistent dedication to your chosen craft will make it happen for you. 13. How do you go about identifying the “movers and the shakers” on the social scene in South Africa? Before I go out to an event, I usually read the accompanying press release or Google what the event or the particular brand is about. I figure out who the main people are and a little bit about them. This usually does not take too much time, but a bit of advanced research is very helpful for any interview that comes my way. Sometimes you will meet a prominent “mover and shaker” or celebrity it will be pretty obvious because you'll see the photographers and people around them. In a subtle, non-intrusive way, introduce yourself and don't monopolize too much of their time. Often, there are many people waiting to meet them so think about what you're going to say to them before you approach them, don't look “star struck” and keep your encounter brief and as
down-to-earth as possible. 14. I am sure you have extensive experience on how to use events to increase your contacts and marketability. This could help with creating a personal brand. Give us an idea of how you get events to work for you. Events are the playing field for where it all happens and it's always good to be prepared with business cards (a photo business card is best) and using your cell phone to take photos and post to social networking. I know exactly who I need to approach at each event and then I follow up with an email. Usually at each event, someone will approach me with an idea either a business plan, or an event they want me to attend, or some type of interesting concept. Sometimes I'll exchange numbers via our smartphones then and there, and I'll write a note or two to remind myself to follow up with an email or Whatsapp to say thanks and that I'd be open to further discussion. Events have brought me numerous opportunities, and for instance, if I'm master of ceremonies for a corporate event, or am asked to speak at a global conference often times, I will be approached at the event by various people to emcee or speak at their upcoming event. 15. How did you befriend the media? I've always tried to maintain a friendly, down to earth approach and getting to know the reporters and photographers, up to the executives on a consistent first-name basis has provided a good foundation for friendship. While you can befriend the media, it's also essential to be careful about what you say and how you act. Take time to get to know the people in the industry and always thank and show your appreciation for their support. Always be humble, respectful, disciplined and professional. 16. Is your book available nationally and in all bookstores countrywide? Yes, it's available at all good bookstores such as Exclusives, nationwide as well as in all the airports. It's also available on Amazon.com, Loot.co.za, Takealot.com, and Exclusives.co.za
25
16
FEATURE
PENNI DU PLESSIS PENNI’S RAINBOW WORLD We all have our moments in life when things just become too much to handle and we throw our arms up in the air out of sheer desperation and ask why? Then we pick ourselves up again and carry on with this thing we call Life. Looking back carefully over the story of one's life and how it unfolds, sometimes it takes a very long time to figure out the plan and purpose of what one is here to accomplish. Penni du Plessis, a successful Business owner, Teacher, Healer and Mother is one very accomplished Lady. She certainly has a chosen path and purpose to empower as many people as she can through her life journey. One which I must add, has been far from moonshine and roses! But as Penni says “Only through searching to heal myself can I truly empathise, share and support others. I needed to walk every step of my life as it is, in order to gain the wisdom and knowledge to pass onto others.” Penni was one of three children who grew up with the usual family dynamics known to man and survived to tell her tale. Having suffered rejection and lack of support throughout her formative years, she became disillusioned with what her life played out. She was married at the tender age of 20 and had two healthy baby girls that are now grown up and successful in their own right too. Penni filled the role of breadwinner and sole provider very early on in her married life and still continues to do so till this day. Her interior decorating career began when she was 21 and that was the start of her introduction to the magical world of Colour. Whilst sitting in the reception room of a Homeopath, she came across an article in a magazine on Healing through Colour, and this awakened in her an excitement like she had never experienced before. And her journey has been
one of immense discovery with absolutely amazing outcomes to speak volumes of. After asking herself many times, “ Is this my lot in life?” Her story sadly unwrapped into one of divorce and having to forge a way forward for her and the girls. Digging deep into her soul and body as only mothers can do, she faced each challenge to the best of her ability giving her every day an added skill and lesson or two to add to her book of life story. Knowing that years back in a psychometric test she came out tops for creativity and healing fields, she used her knowledge in decorating and began to discover the healing aspect of colours in life. The more she delved into colour and used each aspect to find balance, the more she began to acknowledge herself and her talents rather than looking externally for others to praise and applaud her. She soon realised that she could do most anything and master what she set her heart to accomplish. The relationships with her corporate clients changed dramatically. People in the office space would come and ask to have coffee after finishing the decorating consultation, and this turned into
27
counselling and psychology sessions bearing fruit for both Penni and her clients wherever she went. What Penni began to notice was that people were seeing their truth just as she was operating firmly from hers. She constantly worked on improving herself, healing herself bit by bit and slowly bringing more balance into her life and the lives of others that she touched. Colour therapy played a very big role in her growth path and she became a teacher in this discipline after training at the Academy of Colour Therapeutics in the UK. She also discovered that whenever things in her life began to taper off, she needed to look for new opportunities or avenues into which she could expand to grow both herself and her business worlds. 1996 was one such occasion and she met someone who connected her with, and brought messages to her from her spirit guide. Over the next years, using the combination of this information and the awakening of the original light in her soul, deep memories began to unfold and so, named after a Star system, the Antaneea
Technique therapy was birthed. This gentle treatment anoints the body with 12 different coloured oils which are massaged into the body lovingly for two hours, and together with sound vibrations and specific counselling tools, she worked her magic on many clients. Everything up until this point in her life, had happened to teach her how to master the skill of discipline. In 2002, Penni developed her own range of oils to recipes that she “downloaded� in the wee early hours of the morning and trusted her own knowledge accrued in this lifetime...and it paid off handsomely for her. She went on to develop ways of doing colour readings or colour analysis through the clients own choice of 9 bottles of magic colour. Each bottle representing different parts of one's' life and the patterns that were created. Her Colour Business grew from strength to strength and the colour therapy side of things changed Penni's life forever. She worked for years at this business with her passion just blossoming the more she saw the changes she affected in her clients' lives.
28
Gradually, as all businesses do, hers went through a terribly quiet and waning phase which prompted her to re-assess and look into new avenues, taking her business to another level entirely. One fine sunny day, she did a “swop session” with an Access Bars practitioner here in Johannesburg. She swopped her 2 hour massage session for a one hour Bars session and when she sat up after her treatment, she couldn't even remember her own name!! After the second session, the light came on in her head and she knew without a shadow of a doubt, that she needed to find out more about this technique. And so the next chapter of her life then began in all earnest. By remaining in the QUESTION, the door of one's life always remains open to so much more than you can EVER begin to imagine. She is not only a Bars Practioner, but a Teacher of this modality started by Dr Gary Douglas and Dain Heer. Access Consciousness is daily changing the lives of people throughout the world and Penni is a front-runner here in SA making sure that as many people as humanly possible get exposed to the benefits of this modality. She recalls, “I have looked at the good, the bad and the ugly and in searching to heal myself, I am able to share and support others in their quest for wholeness too”. Penni du Plessis ends off her discussion with me saying, “ I experience more joy than I could ever imagine possible with less judgement on myself and others and I continually become more empowered than I could ever have imagined possible” And all I can add to this is by staying in the question of “and how does it get better than this?” and Penni smiles joyfully with her animals lying comfortably around her in heavenly bliss. For more information on Penni and her company kindly visit: Divine Space on www.divinespace.co.za or contact her on 082 900 8024 and log to her Facebook page, read her blogs and view her latest Youtube clip.
29
BOOK REVIEW
ZELDA LA GRANGE
GOOD MORNING MR MANDELA Good Morning, Mr Mandela is a memoir written by Zelda la Grange who became Nelson Mandela's manager, his gatekeeper, his confidante and the person to whom he was perhaps closest to after his wife Graรงa Machel. Zelda grew up in South Africa as a white Afrikaner who supported the rules of segregation, yet just a few years after the end of Apartheid she became Nelson Mandela's most trusted assistant growing to respect and cherish the man she had been taught was the enemy. The book tells the extraordinary story of how a young woman had her life, beliefs, prejudices and everything she once believed in utterly transformed by the greatest man of her time. It is the incredible journey of an awkward, scared, young typist in her twenties, later chosen to become the President's most loyal and devoted employee, spending most of her adult working life travelling with, supporting and caring for the man she would come to call 'Khulu', or 'grandfather'. The book is embellished with amusing anecdotes which allow the reader to get to know the Madiba that Zelda interacted with on a daily basis. Zelda is neither a native English speaker nor a writer, but her unguarded honesty allows her to offer insights into what being one of the world's most revered individuals was like. The story is indeed captivating and anyone who feels touched by the life and death of this impressive man should find it an interesting and easy read. Her proximity to him in his work and personal life enabled her to capture an intimacy that few others, if any, will be able to match. Her account strips away the Mandela of public ceremonies, inspirational quotes and global issues, and instead shows the Mandela who existed in between
meetings with all his idiosyncrasies thereby humanising him in the process. The unspoken theme is about how abominably Mandela was treated after retiring from the presidency in 1999. No one emerges well from this story: not South Africa's government, which ignored or disdained him; not Mandela's permanently feuding family, which shamelessly exploited him (with the exception of his third wife, Graรงa Machel); and not the world in general, which never left him in peace. Zelda pays tribute to Nelson Mandela as she knew him, a teacher who gave her the most valuable lessons of her life and a man who refused to be defined by his past, who forgave and respected all, but who was also frank, teasing and direct. As he renewed his country, he also freed Zelda from a closed world of fear and mistrust, giving her life true meaning. Through the book, she shares his lasting and inspiring gifts with the world. No matter who we are or what we have done, this book will touch your life and make you believe that every one of us has the power to change. Not everything contained in the book is an entirely rose-tinted portrait; at certain points, Zelda describes Mandela as eccentric, stubborn, uncompromising and, at times, difficult. A significant portion of the book also deals with the final years of his life, as family members and the ANC took over in a way that alienated some of those closest to Mandela. The book ends, as it should, with Mandela's funeral, which Zelda states had been anticipated for so long and she questions why it was so badly managed.
30
GALLERY
CHRISTIAAN DIEDERICKS
ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE Fine Arts Cum Laude graduate from the North West University (NWU), Christiaan Diedericks has created an impressive body of work over the years. He also completed his Masters degree in Fine Arts Cum Laude (practical component) at the University of Pretoria in 2000. Diedericks has exhibited extensively throughout Southern Africa, as well as internationally. His work has been exhibited in the USA, Japan, Finland, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Poland, Belgium, England, Sweden and France, where he worked, as artist in residence, at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris on nine different occasions since 1994. Diedericks has also worked in New York, after receiving the prestigious Ampersand Foundation Fellowship in 2006, where his work was exhibited to critical acclaim in the New York Blade newspaper, at the gallery 5+5 in Brooklyn, in December 2007. Diedericks, amongst his many achievements, has also been awarded artist residencies at the Frans Masereel Centrum, Belgium; The Halka Art Project, Istanbul, Turkey; The Venice Print Studio for large format printmaking, Italy and the Il Bisonte Printmaking Studio in Florence, Italy recently awarded Diedericks with an AIR in June/July 2013. In November/December/January 2013/4 the artist is invited to live and work at the Guanlan Print Base in Shenzhen, China. In 2006, Christiaan was the winner of the coveted Kanna Award for Fine Arts at the ABSA KKNK National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn for his exhibition Secrets and Lies: Her Majesty's Ivory
Tower. In 2007, he curated the exhibition Flesh also at the ABSA KKNK in Oudtshoorn. Diedericks has also been given numerous grants over a broad spectrum, which range from a NAC International bursary for workshops in non-toxic printmaking in 1999 from the Grande Prairie Regional College in Alberta, Canada, to being chosen to appear on the 13th The Apprentice on SABC 3 in Johannesburg in 2005. In October 2013 Christiaan Diedericks (Cape Town) and sculptor Elizabeth Balcomb (Durban) were invited by the Mosan Art Museum in South Korea to represent South Africa at the 11th International Cultural Festival from 25 September to 16 October. In March 2014, Chris was an invited artist-inresidence at the Guanlan International Print Base in Shenzhen, China and from July to September, artist-in-residence at the lithography studio, the Atelier Le Grand Village outside Paris for two months. Last year Christiaan was invited to work in London at the London Print Studio in July 2015 and in October and November he successfully completed another artist's residency (AIR) at the Cité Internationale des Arts Paris, France (this was the artist's 7th residency at the Cité des Arts since 1994). In December, Christiaan showed his work at Chris Boicos Fine Arts in Paris, France. On top of the above Diedericks was represented on
32
two international biennales in 2015: The Beijing Beinnale in China as well as The 7th Splitgraphic in Croatia. Over the last few years Diedericks' works consistently sold at record prices on auction at Stephan Welz & Co, Strauss & Co as well as Russell Kaplan auctioneers. “In my work, time and space appear to dissolve, and an air of conflict erupts. This is often a direct result of a personal aim to calm and disturb at the same time - drawing parallels between the two extremes of utopia and dystopia. There is always a secondary narrative in my work. The primary narrative has a symbolic authority and aesthetic promise, although the mysterious secondary narrative exists in order to provoke thought in the viewer. In many ways, I aim to 'rewrite' history in my work and the dominant sense of self-awareness that informs most Western art practices. I am trying to present contemporary issues such as Difference as timeless, by situating my vocabulary of images and themes in an organic flux of dreams, history, news, commercial detritus, hyper-reality, and unvoiced feelings and forces of biological nature/desire. More recently, the imminent threat of a global environmental disaster features strongly in my work.
I always aim to stay clear of any literal explanations of any specific work of mine, as I believe that no work of art or “text” is ever complete. In my opinion the ongoing debate by viewers as well as the debate between the viewer and the artist and hence possible new additions to the original meaning of the “visual text” by the artist will continue to enrich any work of art. In the light of the above, my latest works are aligned with recent ideas about metamodernism. Cultural theorists Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker introduced the concept “metamodernism” in 2010. Metamodernism is neither a residual nor an emergent structure of feeling, but the dominant cultural logic of contemporary modernity. It can be grasped as a generational attempt to surpass postmodernism and a general response to our present, crisisridden moment. The ecosystem is severely disrupted, the financial system increasingly uncontrollable and the geopolitical structure has recently begun to appear as unstable as it has always been uneven. This triple crisis infuses doubt and inspires reflection about our basic assumptions, as much as inflaming cultural debates and provoking dogmatic entrenchments. History, it seems, is moving rapidly beyond its all too hastily proclaimed end.”
33
34
35
DR EMIL JANSEN 012 653 4119 www.facebook.com/teethwhiteningsa