Salt Magazine - Issue Eight - Dec 2015 by Salt Magazine

African Australian NEWS MAGAZINE.

ISSUE EIGHT // DECEMBER 2015

Inside this issue Stephen Tongun: Master of ceremonies Living with HIV Miss Africa South Australia 2015 winners Atong Atem: Hair Politics RRP $5.00 AUD ISSN 2203-0972

Gambling vs Problem Gambling

ISSUE E IGHT 9 772203 097002 >

Contributors MA-MUSU NYANDE Ma-Musu is originally from Sierra Leone and came to Australia in 2004. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Journalism.

CHALE WORKU GOBBETT Originally from Ethiopia, Chale is currently studying International Studies at the University of Adelaide.

ATONG ATEM Atong Atem is a South Sudanese artist living in Melbourne. Her work explores migrant narratives, postcolonial practices in the diaspora and the exploration of identity through portraiture.

FLORA CHOL Flora is a Humanitarian Advocate of South Sudanese origin studying International Development at Adelaide University.

Inside this issue

Master of Ceremonies

South Australia's top MC talks about his Australian journey

4/ Living with HIV

Ugandan HIV survivor Dr Lydia Mungherera shares her story.

10/ Obama in Africa

Chale Gobbett on the American Commander in Chief's visit to his fatherland.

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The Barbershop Welcome to African Style Haircuts.

20/ The Real Winners

Andrew Lodiong delves into the importance of community sporting tournaments

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The Birth of Afro Fuzion TV

Patience Ngembe talks to DJ Terry Moyaz, the founder of Afro Fuzion TV in Brisbane.

ANDREW LODIONG Andrew is a graduate journalist from the University of South Australia with a passion for writing and a sport enthusiast.

AJIER ATIMA DENG Originally from South Sudan, Ajier is in the final stages of an International Relations degree at UniSA. She is passionate about the political and social spheres of the world.

PATIENCE NGEMBE Congolese-born Patience is an MC, youth advocate and journalism student who loves to share her experiences through writing.

Credits ARTICLES

Sidique Bah, Ma-Musu Nyande, Chale Gobbett, Atong Atem, Flora Chol, Andrew Lodiong, Ajier Atima Deng, Patience Ngembe, CeCe Hylton-Dei, Kudzai Chifamba EDITORS Sidique Bah and Ellena Bezzina PHOTOGRAPHY Sidique Bah, Fiona Melder, Jonathan Barge, Angela Brushe, Atong Atem, Misheck Rusere DESIGN inadifs Productions PRINTING Replica Press

Cover

Stephen Tongun PHOTO: Fiona Melder

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online at: www.saltmagazine.org

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or its servants or agents. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

AF RICA N AUS T RA LI A N N EW S MAG A Z I N E

Sidique Bah

From the Editor’s desk

Dear readers, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughout the year. The success of SALT Magazine is built on the efforts of our volunteer writers and community support. We’ve come through a year that was filled with both challenges and victories and it’s been reassuring to know that we can count on you.

over our two years of operation. So far the feedback

Working with our volunteers and engaging with the

bullying and our youth languish in juvenile detention. It

community has been a pleasure and we offer our best

is not helpful to resort to sentiments about preserving

wishes and happiness to you and your families as we all

the image of our community while families breakdown.

look forward to a successful 2016

Our only option is to raise awareness on issues such as

As we head into the New Year, we should reflect on the past and look forward to the future with optimism despite the looming challenges ahead. We must stay positive and welcome beneficial changes into our lives. This year we’ve faced many hurdles but not once did we lose sight of our goals.

has been great and we will continue to deliver on our objectives. SALT magazine will always promote and support positive contributions by community members while never shying away from issues that are impacting negatively in our community. We cannot sit by while the vulnerable in our community are exposed to

Child Protection and Parenting, Domestic Violence, Gender Inequality, Female Genital Mutilation and Gang Violence. In the New Year we will be working with community leaders, youth, service providers and all stakeholders across Australia to address these burning issues and shed light on the underlying causes. The outcomes

We’ve interacted with a new generation of African

of those engagements will be published in our print

Australian writers, spoken word artists, photographers

editions and on our social media platforms.

and students whose immense contribution has advanced our mission to highlight the success stories and challenges of those who settle in a foreign country.

It is a big challenge but a necessary one. With your support we believe we can make a difference. Once again on behalf of the SALT Management team I wish

SALT Magazine was formed to act as a platform for

you all a happy 2016.

the voice of the new and emerging African Australian

Sidique

communities and we have endeavoured to play the part

magazine now available online!

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Want to contribute?

get to Don’t for ibe g subsmcar gazine.or www.salt

SALT Magazine is all about the community so we are always looking for contributors for future issues. Perhaps you have a story idea or a passion for writing? Get in touch at hello@saltmagazine.org and we’ll contact you.

The

Master

of Ceremonies By Sidique Bah

Stephen Tongun AKA Topgun wears many hats: a lawyer by day, an MC at HQ, Adelaide's largest and most renowned nightclub and entertainment complex and also host to the biggest obstacle challenge event in Asia ‘Viper Challenge’. If it was possible to harness Stephen’s enthusiasm, there'd be enough energy to power a medium size town. SALT Magazine caught up with Stephen and managed to get him to sit still for a chat about his Australian journey and how he overcame the odds to become an actor, a musician, a qualified lawyer and the most sought after MC from the African community in South Australia.

Lawyer by day, MC and host by night - Stephen Tongun. PHOTO: Fiona Melder

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Gazele at her EP Launch. PHOTO: Priit Siimon

Stephen arrived in Australia in 2000 as a 12-year-old and

Steven said his most memorable experience as an MC

like most new kids on the block he had to adjust to the

was when he hosted the Nelly Concert at Thebarton

Australian way of life. Talking about some of his early

theatre. “Not only that it falls on my birthday but to be

experiences, he shared with us one that stands out the

sharing the same stage with somebody you’ve admired

most to him during the first week at school with his PE

growing up, that to me reinforces the opportunities that

teacher. “He was speaking so fast I just kept saying yes

exist in the entertainment industry.”

to everything he said, end of the story I found out that I actually signed myself up for the cricket team and I’d never played cricket in my life.” Gradually he started making friends unlike some of the other kids who stuck to their groups. “You’ve got the Vietnamese boys, Italians boys on one side and so on but fortunately for me I floated around all the circles and all of them were my friends which helped me get a better understanding of society.” According to Stephen public speaking is in the family DNA. “My siblings are all confident speakers in their own right … inherited from dad, we don’t mind the spotlight.”

Stephan with American rap superstar Nelly after hosting his Adelaide gig.

Talking about other youth in the community, Stephen said there are a lot of talent out there; all they need

Stephen said he used to watch his brother MC from an

is encouragement and guidance. He said sometimes

early age which paved the way for him. “He showed me

parents’ expectations were too high, leading to pressure

the ropes a little bit and one weekend I was working in

which turns into frustrations. “As a legal advocate,

the back of a kitchen in an Indian restaurant scrubbing

I’m exposed to a lot of the youth that came through

pots when I got a call from someone that they needed

the legal system. They get caught up in the system and

an MC in a club. I auditioned and never looked back.”

most don’t get along well with their parents, so when

Wearing so many hats can be challenging so how does Stephen navigate the maze of his life? “For me, it’s all public speaking but for a different audience. If you are in front of a judge there are different protocols involved likewise if you are in front of a crowd in a club or audience in a theatre. There is one thing in common: you are in charge and everyone is listening to you.”

in trouble they fall back to friends and, unfortunately, most of the friends are in the same boat with them … so it creates a quicksand effect. Everyone is sinking and they don’t have hands to reach out to. As a community we need to be the hand that reaches out to pull them out.” We asked Stephen how does he manage to stay on top of the game this far and he said it’s all about hard work. “it’s been tough, it’s been a struggle, not only that, I have to be ready and alert for the week, my work ethic is, I’m always working, weekday and weekend either planning an event or taking part in an event. My partner sometimes tells me you need to slow down.” Stephen expressed gratitude to family and friends for their continued support and his parting message for our readers is “don’t be idle, work on something for yourself, eventually you’ll be able to run and fly.”

Stephan at Malaysia's 'Viper Challenge' - an event he hosts regularly throughout the year.

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Follow Stephen on Instagram @syrn_topgun

Living with HIV By Sidique Bah

Since the first reports of deaths from the Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/ AIDS) in the 1980s, advocates and health professionals have worked hard to reduce the soaring death rates and infections caused by the disease.

It was a harrowing experience for the doctor who had

The African continent was the hardest hit by this

a key role in providing her both comfort and the

devastating pandemic as millions of people succumbed to the disease. Cultural factors in Africa, including gender inequalities, polygamy, FGM and patient stigmatisation makes it a confronting and traumatic experience for those affected. One of Uganda’s renowned HIV advocates, Dr Lydia Mungherera was in Adelaide as a guest speaker in 'Nothing About Us Without Us' - an interactive workshop organised by PEACE Multicultural Services of Relationship Australia SA, Statewide CALD DV Service and Shine SA to talk to workers on highly stigmatised issues and provide them with an

two young children to look after. She said she was devastated and felt terrible, depressed, confused and sick. “I questioned why me and started wondering when did it happen, as I have been faithful to my husband, I thought that was the end of my life because at that time there was no treatment.” The doctor said support from family and friends played courage to carry on despite many challenges. “People look at you and think you are crazy, and not everybody accepts you, and you wonder what that person is thinking, it’s a bit of a self-stigma, it’s just a feeling of hopelessness, would I be able to work again? Most likely not, I went into depression.” But the fighter she was will not give in. “My biggest way of overcoming it was by joining support groups, a network of people who live with HIV and I thought to myself that I’ll declare my status and make a difference in somebody’s life. That helped me through it and my own positive attitude which I had before I was sick

opportunity to learn about stigma and discrimination

came back.”

from culturally diverse viewpoints.

“I embarked on building other people’s coping skills

SALT Magazine had a sit-down interview with the

and went to work with The AIDS Support Organization

doctor to talk about her experience contracting the virus in Africa and gain an insight on how she overcame the odds and became an inspiration for others. Before contracting the virus, Dr Lydia was living a normal life in South Africa. “I was living a very vibrant,

(TASO) which was the first AIDs organisation set up in Africa. I saw people dying hopelessly; there were no drugs, so I started looking for drugs and treatment to help people.” “I think my global advocacy and my openness and

very active life.”

frankness really helped me, I was able to comfort people

The doctor said she doesn’t know when she contracted

nobody goes out there looking for the virus.”

the disease but is aware that she has been living with it for the over 25 years now. She said she started feeling sick late in late 1996 and her condition worsens rapidly and being a doctor she became suspicious. “I know the signs and symptoms so as my condition worsened my colleagues got worried, I wasn't conscious when I was tested.”

A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

who are stigmatised and went around telling people that

The doctor said poor people were and are the most affected. “What’s the use of encouraging people to stay alive when they can’t feed their children and themselves”? She said sustainable livelihood programs go a long way in addressing the underlying causes. She expressed her admiration over the courage of the

Dr Lydia Mungherera speaking at an interactive workshop organised by PEACE Multicultural Services, pictured with event host by Dorinda Hafner.

Ugandan women who against all odds are combating

“People need to undergo the test otherwise they don’t

HIV and rebuilding their lives.

know their status, those who know their status are

“If I have money I’ll give it to these women and say do something because they got themselves together,

the easiest people to help with prevention, but 80% of people don’t have the test.”

collected money amongst themselves and formed the

“I think routine testing should occur in all health

Mama’s Club group.”

centres and people should be encouraged to offer for

According to Dr Lydia, health centres are full of women

testing.”

while men due to macho and cultural sentiments

Dr Lydia’s parting message is for South Australia’s

distance themselves from the programs, “Do they go

African community to stick together, look for solutions

test for high blood pressure and diabetes, do they go

and create that critical mass and advocacy voice. She

check for anything else?”, she asked hypothetically, “and

said the community should remove all forms of stigma

that’s why we need a men’s group, we need to mobilise

and discrimination and support anybody who has tested

the men” she said.

positive with HIV and not “point fingers”.

The doctor said she would like and will be asking the

It was great talking to the Doctor and SALT Magazine

African communities Council of SA to form a Men’s

appreciates the opportunity to meet her and want to

group comprising of not just men with HIV but men

thank her for sharing her story and experience with us.

who are determined to go out there and raise health awareness.

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MISS AFRICA 2015 WINNERS By Ma-Musu Nyande

In a spectacular ceremony at Felixstowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fogolar Furlan Centre on Saturday 10 October 2015, Mr Prince Masika from Tanzania and Miss Christiana Teah from Liberia were crowned winners of Mister and Miss Africa 2015 in South Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual beauty pageant amidst vibrant performances from local African Australian Artists. The show is the brain child of African Australian elite model Adau Khot originally from South Sudan and has been going on for over six years with the help of community volunteers. A couple of weeks later after the dust has settled SALT Magazine organised a photo shoot and caught up with the winners for a chat about their new found fame and what being a young African Australian means to them.

PHOTOS: Angela Brushe Photography l STYLING: Paulini Masika l HAIR & MAKEUP: Mamusu Nyande and Paulini Masika l ART DIRECTION: Georgi Bah

A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

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Q: What has been the impact of winning the Mr and Miss Africa SA 2015 and what did you learn in the process?

MR TANZANIA: The impact has been pretty huge. I feel like I have a duty to be more responsible and participate more within my community. We had two rehearsals weekly; that may not seem much, but we did have to learn a lot in a short amount of time. During this time I learned patience and discipline, and am grateful. MISS LIBERIA: Since winning Miss Africa SA, I have become a lot more confident. I think this is because of all the rehearsing we did leading up to the show, and on the day it was left up to us. We had to show ourselves, represent our country and showcase what we wanted to represent. The show encouraged us to be individuals, even though we were united as Africans. Through winning Miss Africa, I had the opportunity to meet great people along the way, and I am very grateful for that.

MISS LIBERIA: I think the older generation have had to adapt in Australia and accept just how much freedom and opportunities we all have in Australia. As a young

Q: How would you describe the relationship between the young and old generation within the African communities in South Australia?

MR TANZANIA: There is a huge gap/difference between the young and old in the African Community. The young have a more relaxed attitude towards life while the old are maintaining tradition and culture. For example, I know more of the Australian customs than I do of my Tanzanian, but I’ve tried to learn and practice as many traditions [as I can] so I don’t lose my identity. But the young still - and always will - respect their elders and the old will continue to influence and help shape the youth.

African myself, I grew up with Australian cultures as well as African and I’m very proud of that. I feel like the older generation are still very superstitious with their African beliefs and values. I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing, but in some situations, and especially in a society like today’s, I think the older generation are perhaps trying to protect the younger generation too much. The younger generation need to have the freedom to explore the Australian cultures, but never forgetting their roots, as it is very easy to be influenced and lose track of what is important. Q: How old were you when you came to Australia, and what are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome growing up in Australia?

MR TANZANIA: I came to Australia when I was four years old. I have had several visits to Tanzania throughout my life, to visit family and also to learn and keep customs alive. Growing up here, many challenges have arisen, but nothing I couldn’t overcome. Integration within the community has been relatively easy for me. I am an Australian as well as an African and the majority of the people that I’ve met see me as such. I haven’t faced some of the problems new migrants have or are facing when moving here.

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MISS LIBERIA: I was seven when I arrived in Australia. It’s still hard to become accustomed to the “Australian way.” To this day, I still have trouble accepting some of the things I see. When I was younger, I desperately wanted to be as Australian as I could possibly be. I would hang out with white kids and try to speak like them. But I guess, through it all, I’ve learnt and adapted to the Australian society, and now I have black friends and I still speak my native language fluently. Another struggle has been the fact that I don’t have all of my family with me and I believe many Africans relate to that. Q: Would you like to go back to your country and live there?

Q: What are the two things you like about Australia and the two things you dislike about Australia?

MR TANZANIA: Australia is indeed a lucky country. I love the mix of different cultures and races living harmoniously. It has a good support system within the country. Poverty is indeed a choice as the Government does its best to support everyone, including tertiary students like myself. Unfortunate to say, racism, although minimal, is still very present here, especially towards those of ethnic backgrounds. And it’s even worse when English isn’t your first language; but there’s an expectation that it should be, and that leaves a lot of migrants/refugees in the dark when in search of a job.

MR TANZANIA: I would love to go back to Tanzania and live there for some time. Most of my family are there, and the lifestyle in Tanzania is good provided you have a steady job and good connections. However, it would be hard to leave friends and family that I have living here. MISS LIBERIA: Yes I do want to go back to Africa; maybe not to live there permanently, but definitely for a visit. Although Africa is my roots, I definitely regard Australia as home and would always come back here. Many years from now I do plan on travelling back to Africa. I want to become an Obstetrician and while I’m in Australia I will send medication and equipment to assist childbirth and taking care of babies. Later on when I travel, I want to set up small stalls/consulting rooms for woman to come and learn about their health and the health of their babies, and also what they can do to better their wellbeing. Q: If you have the power what would you do to make a difference to our world?

MISS LIBERIA: I love the freedom and the opportunity Australia has to offer, and the fact that Australia is a wealthy country where so many people can live comfortable lives. Q: What would be your message to young

MISS LIBERIA: I would give every child in the world

African-Australians?

their right to an education. I would make sure that

MR TANZANIA: You can do anything you put your

every child, no matter what gender, race or religion, has attended and graduated school at a tertiary level. I believe that the key to living a good life is education. Through education people can get qualified jobs that pay higher and that would drive their country’s economy.

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mind to – even if you don’t succeed at first, never give up! MISS LIBERIA: Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do anything, and that you are worth it. In other words, be your own biggest supporter!

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta stands next to President Barack Obama as he signs a guest book at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, July 24, 2015. Obama flew into Kenya late on Friday for his first presidential visit to the country. PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

OBAMA IN AFRICA:

A positive sign of Africa’s advancements or just another case of neo-colonialism on the continent, albeit under a man of African descent? by Chale Gobbett

In July this year, US President Barack Obama became the first American President ever to visit Kenya - his father’s country - as Commander in Chief. In another significant first, he also visited Ethiopia.

Many saw the visit by the Hawaiian-born President as a

There was great anticipation and high hopes for

fatherland whose potential and progress meant there is

the visit which came at a crucial time – the tragic

“no limit” as to what the country’s youth can achieve.

Garissa University College attacks in Kenya’s north by the Somali terrorist militant group Al-Shabaab had inflicted more pain on the country and Ethiopia recently hosted its presidential elections.

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

chance to strengthen the United States-African relations and cast a much-needed positive light on Africa. In other words, a chance to show the rest of the world just how far the continent has come. Indeed the President expressed a strong belief in his

As the son of a Kenyan with lots of family in the East African country, Obama delivered clear and strong messages to the Kenyan Government and the public.

OBAMA IN AFRICA

by Chale Gobbett

He wanted more transparent political processes, greater

the whole Africans have been exhausted by the West’s

civil liberties, sexual equality for all regardless of sexual

focus on democracy and other rhetorical lectures. Dr

orientation and an end to homophobia.

Manyasa and many Africans believe the continent is

He called on Kenya to deal with its destabilising corruption and tribal conflict, improve healthcare and education, confront terrorism and, crucially, treat women better by ending forced marriages and genital mutilation. Integral to the President’s visit were Ethiopia’s standing as the fastest-growing economy in the world in the past

in need of immediate solutions to basic needs, such as unemployment, poor roads and infrastructure. The West as a whole has a strong focus on the importance of democracy and the freedoms it brings, as well as a focus on the opening of markets for trade and FDI. But what about ways to drastically decrease poverty and increase access to potable water?

decade, its key role in regional security and the fight

While speaking to a large Kenyan audience, President

against terrorism.

Obama said “when you start treating people differently

He criticised its lack of transparent democracy, particularly the lack of opposition in the May parliamentary elections. This criticism was situation normal: Ethiopia is often praised for its economic advances but heavily criticised by the West for its stance on democracy and lack of political freedom. During the visit, many lucrative deals were signed between the US and Kenya. Many of the deals appear as if they will benefit the East African state in the long

because they’re different, that’s the path whereby freedoms begin to erode, and bad things happen.” This statement is true but of course a plethora of articles could be written on the mistreatment of people by the US, notably African-Americans. Nonetheless, Obama’s visit was by far the most fruitful out of any US President’s visit to Africa, raising important local issues and achieving economic and military ties.

run, however, a key motive of the US was undoubtedly

The visit could possibly “wake up” the leaders of the

to challenge China’s strong influence over the continent.

respective countries, to further develop – President

China is now Africa’s largest trading partner and the US will do its utmost to thwart any Chinese influence. Close diplomatic ties are now in place with China which has helped build roads and railways, and improve infrastructure, and even assisted with the build of the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. Amid the many positives of Obama’s visit to these two countries, there were obvious signs of neo-colonialism and channelling an African country’s problems through a Western lens. This is the motive behind the New African Magazine’s Dr Manyasa’s statement that on

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Obama recognised the development of not only Kenya and Ethiopia but of Africa on the whole, which is sometimes not acknowledged by Western leaders. However, there was a recurring neo-colonial feeling to the visit, and especially to the tone in which he spoke towards the two countries. Yes, the problems he addressed were crucial ones for both Kenya and Ethiopia, however, the two countries also have more pressing issues than the lack of a transparent democracy and lack of sexual freedom that Obama should have focused on instead.

Atong Atem is a South Sudanese artist living in Melbourne. Her work explores migrant narratives, postcolonial practices in the diaspora and the exploration of identity through portraiture. She questions and engages with contemporary art, literature and academia through traditional and new media.

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Hair – (politics and rituals of beautification as a means of bonding, healing and remembering) By Atong Atem

My earliest memories sit close to the front of my mind

her leg. She parted my hair harder than usual and

with the sickly sweet scent of ‘Pink’ hair moisturiser, the

pressed her fingers and knuckles into my head with a bit

numb pain of overworked hair follicles and the sound of

more force than usual. She was quieter than usual, but I

a wide-tooth comb gently breaking through the knots

was quiet when I was hit too.

and tangles of my hair; my mama’s oiled hands wiping the residue on my already shiny forehead, laughter punctuating the phone conversation with Aunty so-andso as Mama balanced the phone between her ear and shoulder.

Aunty started the first braid, a fistful of hair pulled hard, and my eyes started to well up, but I said nothing. Then the second braid, a third, a fourth, the whole front right quarter of my head – pulling and tugging and silence, except for heavy breaths from somewhere

My favourite part was after the combing. Mama would

very deep. I winced a little and she stopped. She gently

take a rat-tail comb and draw a steady line with it from

pulled my head up so my eyes met hers and she smiled.

the tip of my nose up and through my hair to the nape of my neck; the slow and gentle line parting my hair, centering me, calming me. And again, from the tip of

“Tell me if I hurt you, ok?” I nodded and dropped my head.

my nose to the nape of my neck – the slow and gentle

I closed my eyes and remembered getting in trouble

line a smile from Mama’s hands through the comb to

earlier in the holidays; how I sat in my room afterwards

my scalp.

scribbling with all my force until I tore through pages ...

I picked up my aunty’s earring one evening and handed it to her, a gold stud that had fallen out when my uncle hit her. He was gone, disappeared into the distance or camouflaged into the night. I was too young to have my questions answered so I gave her the earring and

and pages of my school books; how after a few minutes or maybe a few hours I was drawing, fixated on perfect lines and circles, forgetting to tear the paper. I relaxed against my aunty’s leg; her breaths grew calm. My head still ached a bit but her fingers were soft when she asked me how school was. ...

finished brushing my hair myself. My cousins knew the routine better than me and had already gone into their

My sister was born with big soft hair, lots and lots of it.

room to play video games. I sat on a cushion in front

She was brown with a forest of dark curls on her head

of the couch where my Aunty had been preparing my

and small purple lips. I learned to braid cornrows on

hair. I was getting Rasta braids with colourful beads just

her big head. Mama always told me to be extra gentle

in time for school to come back. I really didn’t want

because babies’ heads are flexible. I would imagine

Mama to do it because she wasn’t as good as Aunty and

imprinting my thumb into her head when I folded her

her braids never lasted as long.

curls over and under each other but I never actually

Aunty came back into the living room and sat behind me on the couch. I passed the comb and hair moisturiser to her then leaned my head firmly against

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tried. When her hair was long enough, I practiced individual braids that I tied off at the end with pink and yellow beads.

A photo from Atong Atem's series 'Third Culture Kids'

When she was a bit older and could harshly tell me

By the time she was in high school, my sister wanted

what she did and didn’t want in her hair, we started

my braids less and less, then braids altogether less

experimenting with head wraps and scarves. We

and less. I straightened her hair a few times, but the

imitated our aunties and older cousins and I would

straightener was so fast that I could barely get a good

make up stories to go with the heavy scarves I plopped

story in before she had an awkwardly unmoving bob.

on her head. This scarf belonged to Cleopatra, you know. She wore it when she slayed a dragon and became the princess of Egypt. My sister would imitate the dramatic gestures that went with the story, the swish of a sword, the regal walk of a princess. By the time my sister was in primary school, only Mama did her hair. It had to be proper or people might make assumptions about us, Mama said. I thought that was silly. No one in our neighbourhood had seen braids like ours before, how would they know what proper ones looked like? I practiced on her when Mama asked me to brush her hair out and eventually I was good enough that Mama didn’t undo the braids I’d done.

I had learned enough by then to do my own hair, which I did regularly, quietly alone, with a few episodes of a good cartoon to keep me company. When I visit home, the first thing I see is my sister’s hair as she opens the door to take my bags and check if I brought lollies for her. I always comment: “Is that the same weave from last time? Are you sure you want to cut a fringe into it?” She’s finished high school and I tell her stories while I cut or comb or braid my hair. Sometimes she tells me things she’s seen on the internet while she practices braids, and sometimes I keep the ones she does in the back of my head where they can stay hidden and forgotten until I thoughtlessly feel their crookedness.

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The Art of Victimhood in Africa An opinion Piece by Atima Ajier Deng

Much of history consists of people conquering or colonizing each other. Many countries were once colonized and ruled for decades by foreigners and, as a result, many states came to be formed out of sheer resistance against foreign domination by the indigenous people. Nevertheless, many nations have in one way or another recovered from colonial domination and have constituted themselves as sovereign entities with unique characters that are an exception to their historical

diversities they have managed to find a common ground

circumstances. Yet many African countries that also

that makes for their strength and nationhood.

came out of such foreign domination are still struggling

The abuse of power prevalent in some African countries

to become entities in their own right and citizens of their own might. The issue is not that we do not identify how far we have come, but instead we lack the ability to truly examine ourselves. Like the famous Greek philosopher Socrates was reported to have said, “A life unexamined is a life not worth living”, it should be clear that our indelible inability to examine ourselves continues to render null any possibility of moving forward from our past experiences. It is a fact that African nations were not the only ones to be colonized and/or ruled by Europeans. Most of Asia and the Americas were also colonized, yet most countries have managed to crawl out of their conditions of severe subjugation and reconstruct

only goes to show that history has not taught us enough about the imperative need for good leadership and unity and, true to the words of the fourteenth century philosopher Ibn Khaldun, “those who are conquered always want to imitate the conqueror in his main characteristics.” We’ve seen the words of Ibn illuminated in the behaviours of former African dictators likes Joseph-Desiré Mobutu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Idi Amin of Uganda and Ahmed Sékou Touré of Guinea, to name a few. But the past actions of such self-centered presidents should not deter us from seeking our truth and working towards the betterment of our nations by choosing good leaders, people who resemble the likes of true Pan-Africans such

themselves into socio-political societies that serve the

as Patrice Lumumba and Thomas Sankara.

interests of the greater good of their people.

For the wellbeing of our future generations we must

No doubt, it might be argued that our issue is perhaps

ingrain within our social fabric the importance of

our diversity and vast ethnic groups in every country. Yes, it is true that most of our problems emanate from our tribal differences, but it needs to be noted that many former Asian colonies, most of which today have stable functioning nations, are also composed of multiple ethnic groups with various dialects, but in their

ISSUE E IGHT

history and acknowledge our shortcomings. We must squeeze out the slaves and the victims in us and rebuild the kings and queens in us; and the path to building just, prosperous and democratic societies will require collective effort, patience and constant self-examination. I’m sure we’ll get there; after all, Rome was not built in a day.

- the barbershop Welcome to African Style Haircut Adelaide’s first African barbershop catering mostly to guys.

African Australian barber shops are popping up all over the country. From Footscray Melbourne, to Lakemba Sydney and Torrensville in Adelaide, barber shops across the country and throughout the world share a similar style and provide a place for the guys to hang out while they wait for a haircut or shave.

Eritrean-born Goitom Tekle has brought a version of

But people of all ages are also frequenting the African

demeanour, Goitom welcomed the idea and we went to

style Haircut barber shops – from babies to adults.

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the American movie Barbershop to Adelaide and just like in the movie, tucked in the middle of shops along busy Henley Beach Road, the shop is constantly abuzz with the chatter of young people . SALT Magazine dropped by for an interview with the soft-spoken shop proprietor Goitom to talk about his business and how it’s going. With a calm and quiet the adjacent Ethiopian restaurant for some quietude.

PHOTOS: Jonathon Barge

A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

Originally from Eritrea, Goitom came to Australia

Currently Goitom has four young people working

in 1998 after a brief three-year stint in Addis

on a commission basis and over the years they have

Ababa. Before delving into business, Goitom did

honed their razor skills to perfect a nice finish. “A lot

an undergraduate study at Flinders University and

of people used to come with pictures from African

graduated as an accountant. “My dream was to start a

American hair magazines and say ‘I want this style’. At

business and grow it from small to big and that’s how I

first we were not perfect but we trained and trained and

started small and then it became big and famous.”

now we do better than the pictures they bring,” said

After university, it wasn’t easy to get a job straightaway

Goitom with a grin on his face.

so he began helping the African community members

We also spoke to Ali who is originally from Iraq and

with their tax returns and soon realised there was no

had just finished his retouch. “I’ve got a perfect haircut,

barber shop for African haircuts. With mainstream

the line-up is very great and I always come here and

barbers finding it difficult to cut African hair, people

they do a very great job,” he said.

were resorting to dreadlocks and afros while others would have a short plain cut because there was no place to go to for a stylish haircut.

Adelaide Blue Eagles soccer star Yvan Boyokino has been a customer for over a year and a half and drops

Talking about the mood in his barbershop, Goitom said

by every two weeks to renew his cut. “It’s not just for

he feel blessed for the opportunity it has given him.

a haircut but there are good people you can talk to, get

Besides all the important personalities and a variety

advice from ...it’s more than a barber shop.” We asked

of people ranging from lawyers, doctors, cricket and

what’s trending and Yvan said at the moment there is a

soccer players that Goitom meets on a daily basis the

craze for South France which is a fade on the side and a

most outstanding experience for him is learning about

line at the top.

African cultures. “From here I’ve learnt about different cultures and I love it …. So I know who I am right now and I am proud of it.”

With a thriving business, Goitom’s only concern now is how to cater for the growing number of clients without lowering the standard or quality of his service. “This

Goitom said the young people like hanging out there

place is not big enough now and I get worried if I

and for them it’s little Africa in Adelaide: “I feel like it

open another place will the community get the same

doesn’t belong to me it belongs to the community that’s

customer service…that is my concern we don’t want to

how I feel about it.”

lose our reputation.”

ISSUE E IGHT

The Pearl of Africa by Flora Chol

Winston Churchill made his first journey from Kenya to Uganda in 1907. Upon arrival he observed and named the land. “The kingdom of Uganda is a fairytale. You climb up, and at the end there is a wonderful new world. The scenery is different, the vegetation, the climate is different, and most of all the people are different, from anything else where to be seen in the whole of Africa.’ concentrate on Uganda: for magnificence, for variety of form and color, for the profusion of brilliant wild life, bird, insect, reptile, beast, for vast scale’ - Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa” - Sir Winston Churchill. 1908 -

Engrained in the identity of this exotic east African country are these most celebrated words of praise. When you arrive at Entebbe airport the first thing you notice, apart from the vibrant red earth is a unanimous billboard reading: “Welcome to the Pearl of Africa”. I always say that first encounters are important; my first

I returned to Uganda for my own ‘solo’ adventure late November 2014 as an 11 day stop over before going to South Sudan. It was then I that I observed how everything and everyone in Uganda moved at a pace that is accelerated in every way, so much so you would think that Uganda moves past the world. Soon I learned that Uganda is not even on the same axis with the world, it’s a world of its own.

encounter with this profound land was an awe-inspiring

Every sight presents a different personality; the scenery

experience that left me yearning for much, much more.

is at its best on the top of Cirombe, on top of the hills

Much to my amusement was the sight of the cow that strutted with great ease on the runway and as if by instinct casually diverted off the runway a few minutes before our planes landing. This was reassurance that everything, everything was going to be alright.

facing the interior of the village. Every night I would marvel at the extraordinary way the mist hovered blissfully on top of the red earth. The tropical oasis is blessed with an abundant flow of rainfall: the reason why every thing in Uganda tastes sweeter than ever. Nighttime in Cirombe is the best time; it is a time when

My mother and I first travelled to Uganda early

the heavy, humid atmosphere transforms into a cool

November 2012. We took refuge in my grandmother’s

swift breeze. In the early hours of the night I would

compound in Cirombe, Nysambya, a small hilly

take a stroll to the local Internet café with my most

village approximately 30 minutes out of Kampala.

loyal companion always by my side, my eight-year-old

Instantaneously I fell in love with Uganda, a

niece Navine. Clutching my hand tightly, Navine would

complementary matrimony despite the flies, despite

pull me towards any direction she pleased. Mostly

the stench of burning rubbish dumps, despite the

Navine pulled me towards the direction of Ali’s sweet

ruthless thieves who snatched everything from you,

shop, she pointed at anything she wanted taking great

despite the menacing taxi drivers who increased the fair

pride in the belief that I was rich hence I would get her

price simply because you're ‘foreign’ and despite the

anything she wanted.

challenges which have shackled the developing nation.

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Whenever I ventured out of the house (on my own), I

My first time on a Boda boda was an experience that

always walked in a straight line by the side of the road

left me holding on for dear life. In Uganda, my brother

in fear of getting lost, but I always got lost anyway.

Sammy yelled out ‘Boda,’ and more than 5 motorbikes

The only element, which guided me back to the gates

presented in front of us. Sam casually swatted away four

of my grandmother’s compound, was the flickering

and gestured me towards what he thought was the ‘safe’

charcoal flames of the street food vendor’s setup by the

Boda. Not bothering to ask for a helmet I climbed on

side of the gates. Every night at this sight corn curds

with my eyes clenched shut and clutched onto Sam’s

crackle and snap on the open flames while deep fried

shoulders while Sam clutched on to the boda man's

fish sizzled and trembled with fat. My favorite was the

shoulders.

freshly prepared rolex: a thick chapatti roll with egg and tomatoes, best served with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Another useful guide back home was the incandescent light bulbs slung from the rooftops of dingy restaurants, where the meal of the day, week and even month is Matoke: steamed green banana mash served with tadpole size dried fish in a salty, salty tomato stew.

Bang! I opened my eyes to the burning pain snaking its way up my leg, involuntarily, hot tears streamed down my checks, Sam cursed the Boda man for recklessly slamming my foot into a metal pole, and asked him to pullover. While slumped helplessly by the side of the road, I sobbed hysterically when I learned that I had lost one of my sandals. After retrieving my sandal from

The people of Uganda have a peculiar, yet strangely

the middle of the road Sam hailed another ‘safer’ Boda

delicious way of talking. They are a gleeful, carefree

and after much bickering we continued our journey to

people with speeches characterized of long delayed

town this time with me wedged between the driver and

pronunciations and the occasional add on of ‘ey’ at the

my brother.

conclusion of every sentence. I spent 30 minutes each day trying to correct some of these sentences from Navine’s vocabulary; first I decided to conquer the word ‘fifteen-ey’.

After my little ‘solo’ adventure in Uganda I realized that the Uganda of today is far from what Churchill had encountered in 1907. Many practices such as illegal poaching, deforestation and other forms of

With changes in Navine’s pronunciations, in less then

environmental degradations have decimated vast scales

a week everyone in the small village said that I had

of the country's unique wildlife and the natural Flora

spoiled Navine, however I thought I didn’t spoil her

and Fauna that Winston creatively captured in his

enough.

description.

When she began to rebel on her chores of picking

Notably today, poverty institutionalized corruption

cassava leaves, sweeping the yard and hand washing her

and ineffective forms of governance have formed the

school uniform every Saturday morning, grandmother

bulwark of challenges, which the country is faced with.

gave her a ‘good’ thumping - I still spoiled her. Credit to Navine as majority of the time she often pulled me away from the direction of on coming Boda bodas, Uganda’s fastest (and in my critique) most dangerous form of transportation. The motorbikes darted, tumbled and virtually maneuvered their way onto any path, with traffic and in most cases against traffic. The drivers are so skilled at this art; they can do all that

However, as close related as these issues are to the people, the general concept of development in Uganda is just another term, which is simply used to imply ‘business as usual’: Uganda does things in her own right and in her own time. This is the way you must understand Uganda; this is also the way you must love Uganda.

with up to four (even more) passengers on board.

ISSUE E IGHT

THE

REAL WINNER Celebrations at the 2015 National Classic PHOTO: SSANBA

by Andrew Lodiong

From the hard courts to the turf fields, grassroots sporting tournaments across Australia continue to redefine their status in society, in particular their importance to young African-Australian athletes.

Coordinator for the African Nations Cup in South

Empowering young sports people in the various African

said.

communities is the central goal for three prominent bodies as they have engineered platforms for emerging prospects to thrive. The South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association (SSANBA) who operate in Melbourne see around 500 players compete in their half-yearly events. Manager of Basketball Operations, Manyang Berberi, believes holding the National Classic in July and the Summer Slam in December contributes to the development of the players.

Australia (ANCSA), Andy Kanga shared a similar view on the benefits of hosting a competition for young African athletes. “The ANCSA has developed a lot of good African players who are currently playing in top leagues,” he

The West Australian Football Commission has looked to grow Australian Rules Footy among African youths, and has already put in place programs and events to cater to that objective. Community Engagement Manager, Paul Mugambwa said identifying that there are a lot of potential athletes, they'll look at how football can reach new participants. “We work with a lot of the kids at the grassroots level, so we are seeing a lot of the talent starting to improve, and we will see more African kids coming through

“We have had a lot of success with the tournaments in

the talent pathway all the way up to the AFL,” Mr

terms of giving them [the players] something to look

Mugambwa said.

forward to so they train all year.

Since being appointed in 2010, Mr Mugambwa and

“We have had some really good talent come out of it in

the team have overseen approximately 1,000 African

the last couple of years,” Mr Berberi said.

youngsters annually throughout the programs and events like the Harmony Cup.

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Harmony Cup 2014 (Edmund Rice Lions Multicultural Football carnival celebration cultures)

As the wider Australian community continue to

“Sport improves the health of our community. It

embrace these grassroots initiatives, local and

promotes good citizenship, and it also educates the

international scouts are increasingly starting to take

young ones and assists in community-building,” Mr

notice.

Kanga said.

Mr Kanga feels the annual football event in Adelaide

“With support from the Football Federation of

has given the opportunity for aspiring youths to be

South Australia (FFSA), the tournament educates the

looked at by “big clubs”.

African youths on professionalism, discipline and time

“The tournament has been helping a lot of African

management,” he added.

youths in SA as it assists the youths to showcase their

Mr Mugambwa said, “besides promoting the game,

talents in a professional way,” he said.

there is a lot young people can learn through sport.

The ANC Coordinator highlighted the likes of Thomas

“Definitely fitness, but also mental health and things

Deng, Teeboy Kamara and Awer Mabil who have all

you learn, like being part of a team, working together,

tasted professional football in the Hyundai A-League, as

leadership and discipline.

previous examples.

“It’s definitely a big thing and it’s really important to

Similarly, Mr Berberi has witnessed that trend grow

understand the benefits in terms of on the field and off

since the establishment of the SSANBA in 2009.

the field,” he added.

“We have scouts that come all the way from the States

Organising committees will continue to expand their

[USA] to watch the tournaments because there is so

programs over the coming years creating opportunity

much talent,” he said. “Off the ball, tournaments, such

for African youth with an interest in sport.

as these, add a lot of other qualities to athletes [who] evolve not only as sportspersons, but as outstanding role models.

ISSUE E IGHT

The birth of By Patience Ngembe

Without a doubt, music has become an inescapable component in the lives of the 7.125 billion (as of 2013) people living on planet earth. Whether you reside in the heart of Africa, Europe, America or in the slums, you will be tuned in. In the heart of Brisbane, Zimbabwean born Terry Moyaz, came up with the idea of starting his own

The show caters to the Afro-Urban Australian market, and is designed to share new music and news on pop culture. Targeting the urban markets living in the diaspora, due to the fact that their tastes are not being catered to on the major TV networks. I was honoured to Meet and converse with Terry. I started by asking what the motivation was, behind the creation of Afro Fuzion TV.

entertainment TV Show called “Afro Fuzion TV”,

“I learnt video editing as an addition to my passion as

presently hosted by Lynda Matutu.

a DJ and I realised that the major TV networks here do

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

DJ Terry Moyaz. PHOTO: Misheck Rusere

“Music is the universal language of mankind”. - HENRY S. THOMPSON -

not showcase what most African immigrants like myself

“It has been interesting to note that whilst the main

are interested in when it came to music videos, and so I

aim of the show was to promote African/Urban music

take it upon myself to create a show. The idea was that it

in “Australia”. The majority of our viewers at the

would promote Afro Beats, Hip Hop, RnB and Reggae/

moment are actually in Africa, France and Canada

Dancehall to the communities around me. You know,

amongst others. We have reached ends globally and that

I was tired … Tired of playing the latest songs from

is just a testament to us, that music is indeed a universal

artists like Davido, Tehn, Diamond or Eddy Kenzo at

language.” He said.

events and have people looking at me with no idea what these songs were. That’s when I came up with the idea of creating a one stop platform where people can catch up on the latest music, get to know about upcoming events and also have access to the latest news on issues affecting urban communities worldwide.” So what are the challenges you faced? “With anything new, it’s hard to get the vision across to people, most of the people I pitched the idea to did not understand the concept or why I felt it was important for us as immigrants to have our own platform, to showcase our talents and stories.” And Finances? How have you been able to handle the costs of this project? “Financing the project has been hard, I mean it’s a free service we offer to the community, no one pays to watch the show and this is because we wanted to make it accessible to everyone. We do not have the budgets of

“It is my hope that as African Australians we can also support each other to promote ventures like Afro Fuzion TV as they are made with us in mind. I recently watched a show called Pop Asia on SBS and saw how well our Asian counterparts rally to support each other’s ventures. Whether it is a K-Pop concert, a new restaurant opening or a new movie release. It is that spirit of unity and togetherness that we need to have as Africans and I am happy to see organizations like the Queensland African Communities Council, working hard to promote the culture.” I then went on to ask Terry where he sees Afro Fuzion in the nearest future? “Well, it is my hope that when people want to know what’s hot on the music scene, who is touring in Australia or where LauretteNJames will next be performing, they turn to Afro Fuzion TV for all the answers.”

the major networks like your MTV and Channel V, and

At the end of the conversation with Terry, I couldn’t

because our core demographic is in the minority here.

help but be inspired by the passion he shows for the

It is hard to advertise the show widely enough to reach

music industry. His willingness to share the art of music

everyone who may be interested.”

with his fellow peers, and pave a way for it to reach the

Terry continued on to say that, although they had been

hearts of each and every one of us is outstanding.

setbacks… He was happy to announce the success of

Wise words were indeed shared during this interview

their most recent episode, which has reached over 2,000

and SALT Magazine is thankful that he gave us his time.

views in just under 10 days and are hopefully aiming to increase that number to 20,000 views in a week by the end of the year.

ISSUE E IGHT

You can Tune in on; Facebook facebook.com/afrofuziontv Vimeo https://vimeo.com/119521208

Gambling Vs Problem Gambling – What has that got to do with me? By CeCe Hylton-Dei, PEACE Multicultural Services (RASA)

“Who is stupid enough to waste money on gambling?”

racism and other acculturation issues, often make

“I don’t go to the Casino.”

addition, our experiences suggest that gambling never

“I don’t know of anyone who gambles, so it’s not really my problem.”

culturally and linguistically diverse groups more susceptible to developing problem gambling. In presents itself as the issue, but rather is hidden under other issues, such as family breakdowns, mental health issues, financial debt or bankruptcy, domestic violence and an array of others. For some, gambling acts as a coping mechanism, a way

It is fair to say that we have in one way or the other

to escape certain issues they face; others simply get

come across some of these comments. To some of

carried away by the thrill of it. The most important

us, gambling is a distant issue and, as far as we are

message that we all need to understand is that anyone

concerned, it is not relevant to us, not happening within

can fall into the trap of developing gambling problems

our communities.

at some vulnerable point of their lives – regardless of

So what is gambling anyway? In its simplest form, gambling is the act of participating in a game of chance for money or other stakes; it is taking a risk in the hope of gaining some kind of benefit. Gambling comes in many variations. Most people are familiar with casino

their cultural, educational or professional backgrounds. Yes, some people are more susceptible than others to developing problem gambling-related issues; however, without the appropriate information, education and support, anyone could be affected by problem gambling.

gambling games like poker or blackjack, but possess

The second message that we need to get across, is that

minimal knowledge of the other types of gambling

people need to seek help as early as possible and not

such as slot machines, electronic games, sports betting,

rely solely on self-help and control as this often does

scratch cards and bets on games of personal skill (for

not work without the help of professionals. A person

example video games).

experiencing problem gambling-related issues may not

For most people, gambling is recreational. However, when people spend more time and more money gambling, it tends to have a negative impact on them and also on the people around them. This is what is often referred to as “problem gambling”. Furthermore, problem gambling affects many aspects of an individual’s life, such as their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, finances, work, study and relationships. It is well-documented that the feelings of isolation during post-settlement, accompanied by discrimination,

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always be aware of the severity of the situation and its consequences on their overall wellbeing or on others connected to them. People experiencing these issues often seek help at a crisis point where they are losing their home, or in trouble with the justice system, or are just about to lose the family. Therefore, the first step to seeking support in addressing problem gambling, regardless of its severity, is the acknowledgement and recognition that problem gambling is indeed a problem. It is important to be aware that not every financial issue experienced by a person is always related to problem gambling.

A lot of people endure their complex situations simply

As members of our culturally and linguistically diverse

based on the fact that they fear becoming the subject

communities and the wider Australian Community, we

of ridicule, or being stigmatised and discriminated

could contribute towards addressing this issue by:

against by family members or other members of their

•

communities.

Becoming knowledgeable about existing gambling support services that are able to provide further information on the issue,

As community members, we can play a part in addressing this issue of problem gambling within our

•

Actively engaging in volunteer opportunities that

respective communities by being non-judgmental,

aim to improve our knowledge base and equip us

reducing stigma and shame and offering our support to

with the necessary skills in community engagement

fellow members affected by the problem.

and empowerment,

To do so, everyone in the community needs to be informed and play a role in mobilising the community to take collective actions in addressing this issue.

•

Challenging negative stereotypes that result in prejudice, and

•

Making a conscious effort to educate others through simple day-to-day conversations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR SUPPORT, KINDLY CONTACT ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: PEACE Multicultural Services (RASA) – (08) 8245 8100 or 1800 182 325 (Country Callers) Statewide Gambling Therapy Service – 8182 4911 Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 Relationships Australia South Australia – 1300 364 277 or 1800 182 325 (Country Callers)

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AN INTERVIEW WITH ALLAN J. BALL

ENGAGING COMMUNITY In June 2015, the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) established a cultural roundtable to engage consumers – the people who use their services – to actively participate in the direction of the WCHN, to be involved in the design, planning and review processes of service development, including the development of policy, services and facilities. The cultural roundtable reports to a peak body, the Consumer Community Partnership Council, which is chaired by the WCHN CEO. SALT Magazine spoke with Allan J. Ball who is the Manager of Consumer and Community Engagement at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital Campus. We discussed how the WCHN are researching and incorporating the needs of new Australians into their policies and strategic planning.

Youth SA (MYSA). We work together and we host it there at MYSA, and the agenda that we put up is items that are relevant to advancing better care, better services for CALD groups. So it’s an equal meeting of staff, community members, community reps from child protection and NGOs.

What are some of the common issues from the African Community? Our Women and Babies division supports everything from antenatal and post-natal, to parenting classes, right through to our CAF [child and family] health which is supporting new mums, depending on the level of need, for maybe a few visits or maybe for few months. This is probably the number one service that is used by new arrivals, and I think we are getting better at it. The other service probably used the most is our child adolescent mental health services.

What’s your main role here?

Do you have trained African consumer advocates?

The main thing that I do is to ensure that all of the

At the moment, there are 121 on our register; few are

patients – our consumers, the women, babies, children, and teenagers – are receiving an experience in health care that is fully respectful, dignified, and ensures that our eight ways to personal-centred care are upheld. My main role is to support the network to ensure that we are partnering with consumers effectively.

from the African community. We are looking for interested individuals to join our consumer advocacy groups, and we do pay sitting fees, reimbursement – we want it to grow.

What is the most common feedback you get from engagement with communities?

Tell our readers about the cultural roundtable meetings.

95 percent of the time we’re getting it right, and when

Our cultural roundtable, which is now a network-wide

like this simplistic but very necessary campaign that

peak body, looks at cultural affairs. We meet every six weeks. Community members, consumer reps meet with me. It’s a bilateral partnership with Multicultural

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we don’t get it right it’s often because staff maybe have assumed or haven’t taken the time to ask. It’s almost it’s okay to ask questions, that if you don’t know ask us. So I think most of the complaints come from that miscommunication/misinterpretation.

Allan J. Ball, Manager of Consumer and Community Engagement at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital

What is your motivation for doing what you do?

Do you have a special message for our readers?

My mum passed away when I was 7 years old, in a fire.

First of all, we want to say that the Women’s and

That was my first interaction with the hospital system,

Children’s Health Network is your health service, and

and it is something that changes you. I didn’t realise at

we need you to come on board with us to help design

the time that I was a consumer myself of this hospital.

what that looks like. With the transformation of the

It was a social worker, for me, who really took the time

health agenda, there is no time greater than right now

to build the relationship and help me to understand

to be able to partner bilaterally with us and to let us

the grief, and that the loss is going to be a lifetime

know how we should be working, how we should be

thing; and gave me the skills as a little kid. So I’ll never

doing it.

forget it.

I want them to come on board, even if it is just to

We are all consumers of health, and I know how

receive a newsletter, to be informed; or they can come

frustrating it is when you feel that you've been betrayed

on board to join the committee and be paid for it. And

or not listened to. So what powers me through this

dads too!

journey is I know how scary it can be being in hospital and not knowing the answers.

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THE TRAVELLER by Kudzai Chifamba

Travellers often claim that travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

the experience, it does not mean I would love to live

Each individual person has their own reasons for

the country as much as I did with Canada.

travelling, be it for pleasure or for business. I have been passionate about travelling since I was very young, and have always presumed it is a part of who I am. During my travels, I generate my opinion on countries based on what it would be like for me, if I were a local. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prefer to play favourites, but there have been countries that have stood out in my travels so far, and they include Canada, Montenegro, Croatia, Japan, Chile, the United States and Italy. Obviously each country has something different to offer, be it culture, food, language, arts, infrastructure, and so on. Each trip offers a different experience, and all my travel experiences so far have been very pleasant (touch wood). I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Ethiopia, probably one of my favourite trips; and while I loved

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there as a local. I also have fond memories of my time in Botswana, but I did not necessarily fall in love with

I always try to visit somewhere new every time I travel. Very rarely do I visit a place I have been to before. It is so exciting and nerve-wracking to visit somewhere new, even a different city or town in the same country. No matter how much research you do (I have stopped doing that), you can never fully know what to expect. Travelling to a new place is like going on a first date with someone you really fancy; it really is like a romance. You cannot wait to see and learn as much as you can. This is how it is for me. The thrill of meeting new people is the most enlightening and exciting part of my travel experience. Meeting fellow travellers, locals and expats is by far my favourite part of travelling. They are what make the travel experience as best as it can possibly be.

I feel I am truly myself when I travel, and I really savour the thrill of eating different food; and, frankly, speaking of food, it actually tastes better in its country of origin than in restaurants that try to replicate the same experience and food. I used to mildly like Italian food in Italian restaurants around the world, but when I ate Italian food in Italy, it instantly became my favourite! Just as eating Japanese food in Japan is better. It is the same with any other country. It’s much more authentic and has more heart in it, so I found local food to be better than overseas food. The thrill of experiencing new things is an addiction for me. and I have many things I want to try – like wingsuit base jumping, skiing on a proper mountain, sky diving, scuba diving, four wheel driving in the desert sand dunes, salsa dancing with a Latina woman, camping – and I look forward to sharing these experiences with readers of SALT Magazine.

SPARKS Basketball Club has an open membership and it is a community based basketball club that anyone can join in and play. All you have to do is to attend our usual Saturday training at the Adelaide Secondary School of English during school term training start from 4:30PM to 7:00PM.

If we have more players interested in playing on Sunday at St. Clair Recreation Centre Woodville, we are happy to register a second team to promote social inclusion - we would love you to play basketball with us.

To register your interest with us contact Alpha Turay on 0422 040 090

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How would it feel to

Australian Red Cross is celebrating 100 years of reconnecting loved ones separated by war, conflict, disaster and migration. To mark this centenary, a FREE exhibition is being held to showcase the history of the service and the stories of those it has helped. This exhibition is funded by the Lord Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charitable Fund (Eldon and Anne Foote Foundation)

Photo: Rodney Dekker

find your family after 17 years apart? The Right to Know: 100 Years of the Australian Red Cross International Tracing Service State Library of South Australia, Adelaide 14 Jan-27 March 2016

www.redcross.org.au/tracingcentenary

Zoe Bettison MP

MEMBER FOR RAMSAY

Standing up for the North 2/40-42 Commercial Road Salisbury SA 5108 P 8258 0480 E ramsay@parliament.sa.gov.au

Authorised by R. Martin for the Australian Labor Party, 141 Gilles St, Adelaide SA 5000

ZoeBettison-HalfPage-Dec2015.indd 1

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17/12/2015 10:08 pm

Girl on a Mission Mauritius-born international student Valerie Baya is a girl on a mission. Since her arrival in Australia 10 months ago to do her Masters of Interior Architecture, she became the founder and president of the African Society at the University of South Australia (UniSA), and just recently was elected as the first International Student Representative of the UniSA Student Association, garnering 886 votes out of 1,400 vote casts. SALT Magazine was at the African Week event organised by the African Society at UniSA City West, and we spoke to Valerie about the event and her Adelaide experience as an international student.

about 72 members. We started off with 39, and most of our members are African-Australian, with a few internationals.” Starting a new organisation is always fraught with challenges, and money is top of the agenda for the newly-formed organisation. “If we try to organise something that costs money, most students won’t come, which is understandable.” Socialising is another issue for international students. “Some students don’t like to mix around international

She said the African Week was happening in all the

students, and some international students don’t like

campuses of UniSA, and the aims of the event were to

to mix around some international students.” But for

share the African culture with other university students

Valerie, you have to keep moving and reach out to

as well as fundraising to help students with their

people.

studies.

“I like the friendship I have with African members,

“We want to raise some funds so that we can help

friends, and other students in my classes which helped

members pay for some of their books, undertake private

me win the election as a Student Representative.

tutoring, and provide refreshment for social activities.”

“I was told not to have so much hope as the students

Talking about her early experience at the University as

would not vote ‘for an African’ because of some

a foreign student, Valerie said at first it felt like she was

stereotypes, and also because no African got elected

lost and had to find her way around on her own.

before. I campaigned every day for five days from

“I didn’t know anyone, so I went to the University,

9-4pm till the last second of voting.

asked if they have any African clubs, and was told, ‘no

“During the campaign, I spoke to the students, telling

we don’t have an African club, but if you want, you can

them about the changes me and my team – ‘Activate

create one.’ I was new, so I tried to focus on my studies

Team’ – will bring next year. I was pleased listening

and, during the holidays, I started the paperwork and

to their comments and suggestions. I’m happy that I

canvassing students to join.

got elected as the first African student on the USASA

“For me, it’s all about supporting the student; and the African Society is open to everyone. We currently have

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(UniSA Student Association) Committee Board.” It was great talking to Valerie and we wish her all the best.

AN INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE MILLER

ONE THOUSAND LIFETIMES IN ONE LIFETIME Stephanie Miller took on the job as CEO of STTARS (Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service) a year ago. She sat down with SALT Magazine to talk about her new role and the ONE THOUSAND LIFETIMES IN ONE LIFETIME photo exhibition which her organisation was showcasing in collaboration with The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.

of award-winning photojournalists Kate Geraghty &

“I knew that the organisation did very good work and

happened to people; but it’s also about what they have

had a good reputation; and also I believe in the work

done, how they have rebuilt their lives, how they’ve

the organisation does for refugees and asylum seekers.”

created hope and become hopeful again about the

What attracted her was “being in an organisation

future; and celebrating the people’s resilience.

that’s about building resilience and helping people to not only settle but to be who they can be in their new community.” It is a large organisation with a larger task on its hands. “We have about 40 staff, and we see around 1,200 people a year, and run about 24,000 sessions a year. The

Barat Ali Batoor. Says Stephanie, “for me, this exhibition speaks to a couple of things that are really important: they are hope and resilience.” Stephanie saw the exhibition as “not only the opportunity to bring the work of two fantastic photographers to SA but also about showcasing, yes, the atrocities of war and the awful things that have

“The work that we do with our clients is about helping them with their experiences of torture and trauma, building their resilience, their capacity to cope with those issues, and helping them to gain some hope for the future. So our work is about resilience and hope too.”

length and the breadth of the work that we do is quite

“I think it’s important on the one hand to raise

complex” – including raising awareness of the impact of

awareness around the experiences that people have had

trauma and the importance of psychosocial support.

and therefore why they want to come to Australia, and

STTARS joined forces with The Bob Hawke Prime

why we need to welcome people.”

Ministerial Centre to present a photographic exhibition,

STTARS is funded by the Federal Department of

One Thousand Lifetimes in One Lifetime, which was

Health. To qualify for assistance, you need to be from a

held in November/December 2015. It featured the work

refugee or migrant background and to have experienced

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ONE THOUSAND LIFETIMES IN ONE LIFETIME photo exhibition featuring award-winning photojournalists Kate Geraghty & Barat Ali Batoor

torture or been traumatised as a result of persecution,

“Our main engagement is with those individual clients

violence, war or unlawful imprisonment prior to your

and the interpreters that we work with. In the past we

arrival in Australia.

had engagement with the Burundian community. We

“There is no limit to how often or how long we can see those people. You don’t need a referral from the doctor or another service; you can self-refer.

are also hoping to work with the African Women’s Federation to do programs around safe relationships. Domestic violence comes up in our work with individuals, children and families. What we see is the

“It doesn’t matter how long they have been in Australia.

impact of family violence on the relationships, and we

Whoever is experiencing symptoms that are related to

deal with that in our counselling. We thought that it

torture and trauma from experiences prior to arrival in

was a nice synergy for us to combine our expertise and

Australia can access that service.

do some work with the communities.”

“Our engagement at the moment with the African

“How long we see them really depends on the

Community is mainly with about 300 clients who are

individual because we assess each individual and each

from various African communities. The largest single

individual is unique. The thing about STTARS is that

group of those are people from the DRC [Democratic

our service is free and confidential.

Republic of the Congo]; next groups are the Sudanese and Liberians.

In terms of community development, Stephanie says that STTARS would like to continue to work

In order to reach the African Community, STTARS has

with communities, “building their awareness and

connections in different communities and locations.

an understanding of our work, but also supporting

They have a worker based in Mount Gambier and

communities to help themselves support their own

Naracoorte, and they promote the Service through

people.

other service providers like the Migrant Resource Centre, the Australian Refugee Association and our interpreters.

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SALT Magazine asked Ms Miller to summarise her first year in the saddle: “It has been hectic, and sometimes it’s been smooth sailing, but I love it!”

Sierra Leone wins 2015 SA African Nations Cup The Sierra Leone Community soccer team in South Australia ‘Sierra Stars’ for the first time won South Australia’s annual African nations cup tournament defeating defending champions Burundi on Sunday 1st of November 2015 in a five goal thriller that has supporters of both sides on their feet throughout the tournament.

The Coach for the Sierra Stars team Sylvanus Williams

The curtain raiser to the big finale of the year saw the

very happy” said The Chairman of the Sierra Leone

Liberia team taking the third spot from Ethiopia in a

said it feels great to win after all these years. “We trained hard and learnt from our past mistakes, I’m really proud of the boys and the support we got from our community” William said. It was a big day for the Sierra Leone community. “To see your team winning is just amazing I don’t have a word to describe it other than just to say we are happy, Community Matthew Nyande.

2-0 game.

The Annual African Nations Cup, hosted by the African Community Council of South Australia in collaboration with the Football Federation SA kicked off on 24

Chairman of the African Community Council of South Australia (ACCSA), Mabok Deng Mabok Marial, who witnessed the exciting encounter, said it was a really

October 2015 at the Burton Oval in Salisbury with 14

good performance by both teams.

participating teams. Eight teams scored their way out

“Sierra Leone and Burundi are well managed teams and

of the group stage to fight it out at the Elite Systems Football Centre; Angle Park, Adelaide and ironically last year’s finalists Sierra Leone and Burundi were once

they get a lot of support from their communities and that is making the difference,”

again pitted against each other.

Mr Marial said the organising body will be looking at

Just half an hour in to the game Burundi scored the first

years.

goal and in less than a minute Sierra Leone equalised. The hotly contested final saw the two power houses trade blows, with momentum swinging either way

introducing junior divisions to the event in the coming

Michael Carter Chief Executive Officer at Football Federation SA told SALT Magazine that the event is

throughout the ninety minutes.

growing. “I think from where it stands it’s fantastic it’s

“We had our chances in the first half, but the game

players out there and I think the event is growing every

was tight, it was a good game, and four times in a row reaching the finals I’m proud of my boys” the Burundian Team captain Jean Marie Sengiyumva told

been an absolute showcase for the game, you see quality year” SALT Magazine thanks the organisers for putting

SALT Magazine.

together this awesome event and we also congratulate

Samuel Sesay, Sierra Leone’s goalie and Team captain

tournament.

said “It wasn’t an easy game, to play against Burundi, they are very good, but we worked hard to win and make our community proud”.

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the champions and all the participants in the

Sparks community basketball club triumphs Sparks reclaimed the St. Clair Premier Winter Season 2015 champions’ title in a spectacular showdown with defending champions Lone Star at St. Clair Recreation Centre Woodville, Adelaide.

fighting, that sort of thing, but through persistence

The 40 minute game ended in a 57 to 24 point win

is multicultural, if the opportunity evolves and we have

for Sparks Basketball club, comprising young African

our own football club I’ll tell you that the talent would

players from different backgrounds. Sparks player

just bloom, I mean it’s unbelievable, so many boys, they

David Stevens was the most valuable player of the day

can play NBA right now but they don’t get the chance

which marked the second winning for Sparks since they

or the opportunity to shine” he said.

changed the team name from Freetonix.

things turned around, out there they give me their hundred percent and that’s all I can ask for”. Talking about the future of basketball in Adelaide the coach reckons there is a need for a club catering for kids from diverse backgrounds. “We need to have a club that

According to Sparks Team captain Paul Stevens the

SALT Magazine was at a presentation ceremony

team started off with a couple of guys and it’s now

organised by Sparks before the season’s final and spoke

developed to a full association. “We are now thinking

with some of the key players of the team.

of fielding in a district team, it sound ambitious but

“We decided to have this presentation to thank Clubs SA for helping us secure a grant to buy uniforms and

5 years ago I wasn’t thinking we will be thinking of having our own African team”

shoes for our boys as we have been using uniforms that

When asked about the upcoming game against Lone

were not consistent with the game’s dress codes” said

Star Paul said he is sure that this time the Sparks will

the team event coordinator Alpha Turay. Sparks head coach Harold Mcmath, an American basketball icon and a prominent mentoring figure for

win. “I think we are definitely going to beat them, we underestimated them the last time, that’s why we lost, this time we are all going out there guns blazing and

potential basketball players in Adelaide said at the

going to give then a run for their money”

start the boys were not coachable. “There was a lot of

And indeed that’s exactly what they did.

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RECI

STIRRING THE POT

TANA ETHIOPIAN CAFE & RESTAURANT By Mamusu Nyande

I had the privilege of dining at the Tana Ethiopian Café & Restaurant with owner Abebe Habtemariam, where he prepared for us the traditional lamb stew known as Tibs in his menu which is served with injera. Made with tender, boneless leg of lamb, this quick-cooking staple can be found in many Ethiopian homes. Some cooks like it dry, but Habtemariam prefers it saucy--all the better for mopping up with Ethiopia's crepe-like bread, injera. As we ate together he talked about how this meal is usually eaten. “We all eat together in a large bowl;

Tibs

(Traditional Ethiopian lamb stew) INGREDIENTS 31/2 pounds trimmed boneless leg of lamb (diced) 1 Onions (Sliced) 2 Garlic (crushed) 4 Green Chilli (chopped) 2 Capsicum (Chopped) ¼ cup extra-virgin oil Powder chilli Mixed spices (Mediterranean and Moroccan spices mixed together)

METHOD STEP 1: In a large enamelled cast-iron casserole, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add half of the lamb to the casserole and cook over moderately high heat, turning,

it gives the family love and closeness”. He adds that

until browned all over, 6 to 8 minutes.

when customers of other ethnicity come into his

STEP 2: Add the onions, garlic, capsicum, green chilli

restaurant they are fascinated by this tradition and

into the casserole and cook over moderate heat, stirring

often request to dine traditionally.

occasionally, until the onions have softened, about 8

Living in Australia for 19 years, Mr Habtemariam said his love for cooking goes way back to when he was a kid. “Not many mothers taught their son to cook but my mother did, it brings me joy and happiness whenever I cook” he said.

minutes. SERVE WITH Serve with Injera, naan, pita or other flatbread, or rice or couscous.

He said the openness of the Australian society was one of the driving forces behind him opening his restaurant. “I didn’t open my restaurant for my people; I opened it as an opportunity for other cultures to taste my traditional food. I did so because most of the meals I prepare, many Ethiopians prepare in their homes and if my business was based around that, I wouldn’t make a profit”. Mr Habtemariam was happy to share his recipe with us and we wish him all the best.

TANA ETHIOPIAN CAFE & RESTAURANT 2/119-121 Grange Rd, Allenby Gardens SA 5009 www.tanaethiopiancuisine.com.au

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1 2

through the SALT Magazine

lens

3 5

7 11

1. Igbo traditional dancers at 'Nothing About Us Without Us', an interactive workshop organised by PEACE Multicultural Services 2. Dinah George at the African Nations Cup final 3. Spectators at the African Nations Cup final

4. Lydiah, Racheal, Elsie and Awa at the 'Nothing About Us Without Us' workshop 5. Benko Yoko and Kannayoh Weah with their family at the African Nations Cup in Adelaide 6. Manal Younus performing at the launch of her book 'Reap' 7. ACCSA Chairman Mabok Marial pictured with executives at the African Nations Cup in Adelaide 8. Fugees Family team wins the Salt Magazine 'All About Africa' quiz night, pictured with MC Stephen Tongun

9. Skye Grieg pictured with Minister Zoe Bettison and friends at the Salt Magazine 'All About Africa' quiz night 10. Kassim, Heinrike and Chol at the Salt Magazine 'All About Africa' quiz night

11. Sierra Leone supporters at the African Nations Cup in Adelaide 12. Kabudu Mens Group at the Salt Magazine 'All About Africa' quiz night 13. Nkweto Nkamba, Elsie and Abraham Kuot at the 'Nothing About Us Without Us' workshop 14. Tung Ngo, Enaam Oudih and Dorinda Hafner at the 'Nothing About Us Without Us' workshop organised by PEACE Multicultural Services

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New Venue - Wyatt Park, Lidcombe

2 1 y a d r u Sat h, 2016 c r m a p M 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; m a 11 SYDNEY

Africultures Festival 2016 Wyatt Park, Church st, Lidcombe www.africultures.com.au 38/ A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

NEW VENUE