African Australian NEWS MAGAZINE.
ISSUE SEVEN // AUGUST 2015
Gazele LOVE LIFE $5.00 AUD ISSN 2203-0972
Inside this issue Awer Mabil joins Danish Champions League Welcome to Australia counters hate with compassion Abe Nouk: On being a Better Man Miss Africa SA gears up Barefoot Bandits: The South Sudan experience
9 772203 > ISSUE S097002 EVEN
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Contributors MANAL YOUNUS Manal is a Spoken Word Poet and activist of Eritrean origin who is currently completing her International Relations Degree at UniSA.
DEE MBUGUA Originally from Kenya, Dee is an aspiring writer with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Media Studies from the University of Adelaide.
MA-MUSU KUGBA 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.
CATHERINE MFUNDO -MAYNARD Originally from Tanzania, Catherine is a marketing professional with an interest in African politics, current affairs and community development.
KYAH PARROTT Kyah is a young writer with a devotion to unravelling a career in the arts. She was born in Toronto, Canada and now lives in Melbourne.
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.
SORETI KADIR Soreti is of Oromo heritage and is one of the Co-Founders and the Directing Manager of Melbourne NGO In Our Own Words.
AF RICA N AUS T RA LI A N N EW S MAG A Z I N E
Inside this issue
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Gazele: Loving Life
Nigerian-Australian musician Gazele on the launch of her EP 'Love Life'.
4/ Mabil kicks off in Europe
From SASI to Adelaide United, Awer Mabil takes his love of soccer to Denmark.
8/ Welcome to Australia!
Brad Chilcott knew it was time to act when he saw a young child holding a 'Sink the Boats' placard.
12/ Eritreans a Tour de Force
History in the making with the first African team in the 2015 Tour de France.
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Dark and lovely
Dee Mbugua talks about keeping it real when it comes to the skin you're in.
20/ Movie review: The Good Lie Credits ARTICLES
Sidique Bah, Manal Younus, Ma-Musu Nyande, Dee Mbugua, Kyah Parrott, Ajier Atima Deng, Soreti Kadir, Flora Chol, Catherine MfundoMaynard EDITORS Sidique Bah, Bob Dixon-Short and Ellena Bezzina PHOTOGRAPHY Sidique Bah, Priit Siimon, Gruber Images, Ian Bickerstaff, Liberation Images, Sieh Mchawala, Ryan Murch, James Juranke, Fiona Melder, Frace Luke Mercado.
Cover
DESIGN inadifs Productions
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online at: www.saltmagazine.org
PRINTING Replica Press
Gazele performing at her EP Launch - Gazele Love Life. Photo: Priit Siimon
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. Copyright Š 2015 Inadifs Productions. ISSN 2203-0972. All rights reserved.
Sidique Bah
From the Editor’s desk Welcome to the Seventh edition of Salt Magazine. Along with most of our readers, we can’t help but
We believe that any publicity given to the warped
deplore the growing number of hate-filled anti-Islam
message of Reclaim Australia and other likeminded
rallies staged around Australia by the so-called Reclaim
organisations will only extend the divide.
Australia group and other xenophobic bodies.
Similarly, meeting anger with anger can do nothing to
Someone who has never experienced the traumas of
stimulate racial harmony and tolerance. Our view is
displacement, war and statelessness, cannot begin to
shared by Welcome to Australia founder Brad Chilcott.
understand the levels of desperation driving people to
In our interview with him, contained in this edition,
flee for their lives; placing their trust in unscrupulous
Brad says we should not “respond to hate with hate” as
people smugglers by boarding derelict boats for
this will only create a continuous cycle.
unchartered journeys; and risking their lives only because of some faint hope that a ‘future’ is possible for them elsewhere. We think it appalling that several Members of Federal Parliament either support or fail to condemn these protests, ignoring as they do so the overwhelmingly welcoming nature of the vast majority of Australians. Unfortunately, this ‘silent majority’ is neither as vocal nor as newsworthy when staging their counterrallies – generally organised as small scale, peaceful demonstrations of support for both religious and ethnic minority groups.
Salt Magazine cover price Since establishing SALT Magazine almost two years ago, we have received much encouragement and support from a growing readership and of course our talented volunteer writers. The success of SALT Magazine is indeed a team and community effort and one we hope has given the African community a voice.
SALT Magazine believes that we have to a use a rational approach to defuse the tension, raise people’s awareness and strive for a peaceful coexistence among Australia’s diverse community of migrants.
Want to contribute?
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.
Financing this high-quality production continues to be a challenge but we remain committed to promoting community activities; highlighting the issues faced in our resettlement processes; and speaking out against the excesses and failures of leaders in our homelands. While we continue to give freely of our time and effort, the reality is we must now set a nominal price of $5 for the magazine to cover publishing and distribution costs. The new charge will come into effect over the coming months. We hope you understand and continue to support SALT Magazine - you can subscribe on our website at www.saltmagazine.org/subscribe.
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Gazele
LOVE LIFE By Sidique Bah
“For me, it’s about understanding the pulse that makes people move. I think that was something that I strongly took from culture and the freedom to express myself.”
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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE
Gazele at her EP Launch. PHOTO: Priit Siimon
Nigerian-Australian singer-songwriter Gazele recently burst onto the Australian music scene with the launch of her EP LoveLife at a packed event in the Sydney music venue Rock Lily.
We talked about growing up in Australia and heard
SALT Magazine spoke to her after the launch to find
the first place. It was a bit confusing when people were
out more about her and her musical journey. While she has been around music from a young age and has performed gigs in Sydney and Melbourne, including appearing alongside award winning artists, Gazele said
that Gazele thinks it’s good but confusing at times, especially as, “we weren’t raised within African communities. We moved around a bit as well; and in the early days there were not that many Africans around in always asking you, ‘where you from, where you from?’ I’m like, ‘I’m from Australia. I was born in Canberra. What are you talking about?” She said it felt like she was not supposed to say she was
this was the first time she has put her work on record;
Australian.
and, although excited about laying down the tracks, she
“It’s really interesting because I think from an
is still a little nervous about the outcome. “It was really nerve-wracking to see if people will like it, if it will get any attention; so that part was the scary part,” she said. “But the launch had a positive vibe,
Australian perspective and background, my parents were such beautiful role models and taught me it doesn’t matter if you are Australian or Nigerian: you are you first; it doesn’t matter what label is put on you.
and I felt like I was able to express what I wanted and
And that gave me the confidence.”
envisioned for the night. Friends and people I haven’t
After living in Australia for over twenty years, Gazele’s
met before were just so supportive, and it was nice to get that kind of feedback.” She said that, though her music is not overtly African, one thing she has learnt from her Nigerian background is rhythm. “For me, it’s about understanding the pulse that
parents moved back to Nigeria six years ago. “I visited them in 2009, and the experience was overwhelming. By the end of the visit I didn’t want to leave. I had the freshest food I have ever tasted in my life. I appreciated that and, you know, the lushness of the land is so beautiful. Here we only see all these
makes people move. I think that was something that I
negative images of Africa.”
strongly took from culture and the freedom to express
As to her future, Gazele said she plans to continue
myself. I was born in Australia and grew up here, so my knowledge is quite small with the African culture; but I do understand the rhythms and the excitement of African music, and I would like the opportunity to work with an African artist and blend all of that stuff, which is the gift of music; you bring it together and create something new.” A big fan of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, Gazele said she is impressed by Bruno Mars’ style of music which has an old school vibe but is repackaged in a way that is up-to-date so that people of all ages can
building her profile and to do more shows. “I would like to do some international shows and build relationships with international show managers. I’ll also audition for X Factor this year as well, and hope to really connect with the audience in Australia and let them know there are African-Australians doing my kind of music.” For a final comment she said, “We should be so proud of our African-Australian culture that is growing here right now. There are so many beautiful people building
enjoy it.
that culture. It is something exciting that we will see
“I would like to live in a world where we don’t get
soon.”
classed by genre,” she laughingly added.
grow and become, I think, real huge in Australia very
SALT Magazine looks forward to hearing more of Gazele and her music. We are sure she will get the breakthrough she deserves.
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AWER MABIL By Manal Younus
‘I fell in love with it because you can express yourself when you play. It’s easier to express myself playing soccer than talking,’ AWER MABIL
Awer Mabil on field for Adelaide United Football Club. PHOTO: Getty Images, courtesy of AUFC
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Nineteen-year-old, former Adelaide United FC winger, Awer Mabil is off to continue his career in Europe. I had a chance to catch up with the young star before he left to join his new team, FC Midtjylland in the Danish Champions League. Born and raised in a Kenyan refugee camp until the age of ten, Mabil came to Australia with his family in 2006. He began playing soccer as a child with friends in the camps. As the main sport, he developed a love for the artistry of soccer, and says it is his way of communicating. ‘I fell in love with it because you can express yourself when you play. It’s easier to express myself playing soccer than talking,’ said Mabil. Mabil began playing locally when he joined a club two years after arriving in Australia. He slowly climbed the
"It’s not just going to be about football. We go to the camps and deliver football gear but we also talk to the girls and see what they need. "Through football, we can help out education-wise. We’re going to go back and provide books and pencils." 2015 has been a year of ups and downs for Mabil after an injury early in the year forced him to spend four weeks out of the game. On his first game back, he scored, but once again tore his quad in the same place. After returning from that injury, he scored the winning goal against Brisbane Roar, taking the team to the next round of finals – the highlight of his career so far. "It was actually one of the best and worst experiences at once," he laughed. Being so young and already seizing international opportunities, Mabil’s greatest football moment is likely still to come.
ladder, moving between clubs, until he was recognised
While his new member club had been scouting him for
by a state team. Within months he was invited for a
some time, his move to Europe was only announced in
trial with what was then known as the South Australian
the week of his departure in July. This followed a game
Sports Institute (SASI) where he played for the
against EPL favourites, Liverpool in Adelaide.
following two years until he was spotted by Adelaide United FC (United). What began as filling in for an injured player became the beginning of the career Mabil is pursuing now with grace. "They kept me in the squad because they thought I did alright," said a modest Mabil.
‘Everything happened real quick but I was thrilled,’ said Mabil. Mabil said none of this would be possible without the support of his family. "My mum and my whole family have always been there. They supported me since I told them soccer was all I wanted to do." Mabil says this is often a
Quickly overcoming his initial nerves at the first United
barrier for young Africans. There is little support or
match he played, Mabil has since remained a stand-out
encouragement for them to pursue sports. "We’re not
player in the team comprised of players he now calls
giving [our] full commitment to our children when, at
brothers.
the end of the day, they’re the future."
Although football is his first love, Mabil believes he
Mabil has a strong message to send to aspiring players.
has a responsibility to the world, and says that he wants to use the game to help others. Early in 2015, Mabil launched ‘Barefoot to Boots’, a foundation that provides soccer boots, balls and other equipment to those in refugee camps in Kenya. However, the United
"Even if you make a little step, don’t get ahead of yourself. Remember where you started and why you started. If you get something out of it, just try to help other people come up as well. And stay humble."
player says it is early days yet, and the organisation
You can find more details about Awer Mabil’s Barefoot
hopes to do much more in the future.
to Boots initiative on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BarefootToBoots
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MALAWI
PHOTOS: Marilena Delli
South Eastern Africa
Prisoners and prison guards work togehter with GRAMMY速 Award-winning producer Ian Brennan to produce the album.
www.zombaprisonproject.bandcamp.com
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ZOMBA PRISON PROJECT By Sidique Bah
In the summer of 2013, GRAMMY® Awardwinning producer Ian Brennan and Italian photographer and filmmaker Marilena Delli recorded and documented Malawi’s maximumsecurity Zomba Central Prison inmates as they sang deeply personal songs, many of which depict the harsh conditions in which they live.
Filming and recording took ten days and, despite many
Six Degrees Records label in San Francisco recently
day, he stayed seated and his eyes never left the piece
released the album Zomba Prison Project which includes the songs I Have No Everything Here, Listen to Me (or I Will Kick Your Ass) and Please Don’t Kill My Child, each of which explicitly depicts the tensions and realities of prison life. SALT Magazine got an insight into the making of the project from Ian Brennan, who initiated the documentary and the album. Ian said he and co-producer, Marinella Delli, after being sworn to confidentiality, were granted access to the prison inmates in exchange for presenting a series of violence prevention classes to inmates and guards. Even then, at one point they were detained briefly after taking photos in a forbidden area. To raise awareness about the prisoners’ situation and to advocate on the inmates’ behalf, the producers established the Zomba Prison Project and the album
challenges, it was a joy working with the prisoners. He said most of the songs were already written, but others were composed during the process. “We recorded over six hours of music. One young man claimed he wasn’t a songwriter. I made a deal with him to come back specifically to record him two days later if he would write a song. On the appointed of paper he’d scribbled the lyrics on. With just him, a bass player, and one falsetto harmony vocalist in the background, they freestyled in a single take and laid down a groove funkier than a thousand ‘dance’ bands could ever hope to.” Part of the lyrics of the song Women Today Take Care
of Business say:
While the woman are out all day, Selling vegetables at the market,
The men are home playing checkers.
Women today are taking care of business. When recording these tracks what stood out to Ian was that music at its best is an empathy building instrument. “If commercial concerns are set aside and the goal is to learn more about the world and humanity, then I
with the aim of using a portion of the proceeds to
believe that good can come from the process.”
fund legal representation and provide support for the
We asked whether the recording of the songs made any
inmates. “Since the Zomba Prison Project’s formation in the summer of 2013, three incarcerated women have gained release, and three other cases are now under review,” he said. “Life in the prison is tough. Children are imprisoned for the crimes of their mothers; cells are filled wall-to-wall with people from mid-afternoon until dawn every day, without light or access to a toilet; and inmates are held for years without a fair trial due
changes to the condition of inmates. “It is a slow and frustrating endeavour,” he replied. “But if the life of even one person is made slightly better, then certainly the effort has been well spent.”
To help with this project, visit the Six Degrees label website and buy the tracks online. You can also view the mini documentary on YouTube. www.zombaprisonproject.bandcamp.com
to the impenetrable bureaucracy and frequent strikes within the courts’ system.”
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Welcome to Australia National Director Brad Chillcott pictured with clients at a family outing
TO AUSTRALIA
By Sidique Bah
A number of rallies have recently been held across Australia over claims that Muslim groups want to change Australia’s cultural identity.
Brad said he and some of his friends thought about
In Adelaide, the Welcome to Australia organisation has
organisation was formed.
stood by the Muslim community in stark contrast to Reclaim Australia activists.
the divide as it stood at the time and decided to create a positive voice that reflects the true value of the Australia they know – thus the Welcome to Australia
“Financing the group has always been a problem, and we have to rely on volunteers who come and go
SALT Magazine spoke with the founder and National
for various reasons,” he said. “Another challenge we
Director of the Welcome to Australia campaign, Brad
face is finding a balance on how to achieve our goal
Chilcott, and gained an insight into his motivation for
which is to advocate on behalf of people from refugee
supporting and representing minority groups.
background. People often want us to be not so positive,
Brad said it was a protest sign that gave birth to the Welcome to Australia group. “I saw it when locals in the community were protesting against the opening of the now defunct Inverbrackie Detention Centre. They weren’t protesting against the Centre but against having asylum seekers living near them; and the sign
to be a bit more like traditional angry activists, and we have to manage and resolve that. For us there are other organisations using that method, and they are doing well; but for me it’s how we can frame it in a way that people who are disengaged or who don’t care can be attracted to get involved.”
said ‘Sink the boats’. When I saw that, I decided that’s
He said the annual Walk Together event provides him
not the Australia I want my kids to grow up in where
with moments of satisfaction when people tell him they
it’s socially acceptable to have a child hold a sign that
never go to protests and marches, but they care about
wishes people to drown at sea.”
this issue and want to engage in it in a positive way.
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“If we want a compassionate and generous society, the things that we do should look compassionate and generous. I don’t feel that responding to hatred with hatred is a positive way to engage.” BRAD CHILCOTT, WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA
“The Walk Together campaign gives them a chance to
“When you meet someone and build a friendship
do just that. That’s awesome to me. It’s really about
with them, those things starts to break down. The
the relationship I have formed with asylum seekers and
Government has a responsibility to use words and
refugees. I learn so much more about different cultures
choose words that say racism and prejudice are not
and stories that I would have never learned otherwise.”
part of Australia. The goal of Welcome to Australia
According to Brad, he would like responses to instances of prejudice and cruelty to reflect the society we are hoping to build.
is to achieve a day when prejudice is unpopular, and if governments try to use fear as a tool for gaining support, no one listens – and it hurts their chances rather than improving their popularity.”
“If we want a peaceful society we should respond with peace. And if we want a compassionate and generous society, the things that we do should look compassionate and generous. I don’t feel that responding to hatred with hatred is a positive way to engage.” We asked Brad about the argument that people are welcome to this country providing they conform to Australian values. He said, “Anyone who becomes a citizen has the responsibility to respect the law. People making those arguments act as if culture is a static moment in history whereby we behave as we used to in the 1950s or in the 1920s. What it means to be Australian is something that has shifted and continues to shift as time goes on. Our commitment to the law and to be citizens within that law should unite us – not the idea that we all need the same religion or cultural expression.” In response to a question about how the African community specifically should deal with racism, Brad responded that in his view it was up to African community leaders to encourage their members to build
Protestors at a 'Reclaim Australia' rally held in Adelaide earlier this year
Sadly however, he ended by saying, “I think that’s a long way off. Fear and division has proven in Australia to be an effective campaign tool. I want to reach a stage instead where people measure leadership in compassion and generosity and inclusion rather than in cruelty and fear.” SALT Magazine has total respect for Brad’s convictions and his campaign to make Australia a better place for all.
relationships outside of their own communities because prejudice doesn’t survive personal friendships.
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Akon Lighting Africa An opinion piece by Ajier Atima Deng
Since the trans-Atlantic slave trade, Africa’s image has been one that has, over time, demonised Africa and all African people.
Africa’s story lies within the merits of great leadership
Rendered as the world’s darkest continent, Africa’s
hope that solutions to Africa’s problems will emerge
story is one that has suffered what the famous Nigerian
from Africans themselves. The Akon Lighting Africa
writer Chimamanda Adichie calls a ‘single story’.
initiative is one of those stories that is worth noting
Despite possessing some of the world’s rare minerals
and one of the sustainable solutions to Africa’s energy
and natural resources, vast wildlife and culture, the
problem, brought about by a son of Africa.
negative connotations surrounding Africa has made it almost impossible to look at Africa as nothing but a catastrophic continent, plagued with senseless wars, and ruled by diseases, poverty and corrupt leaders.
and persistence to bring change. There are inspirational stories that instil in its people the famous hope that Paul Kagame and Thabo Mbeki once wished for, the
As Africa lags behind from the rest of the world in terms of industrialisation, economic transformation, infrastructure and human development, Akon’s plan to lighting up Africa is an initiative emerging at a
Although, there is no denying that most of Africa’s
time when Africa needs real and reliable sustainable
story has, for decades now, become one built on
development.
tragedies, from the bloody conflicts of the Congo and Somalia, to xenophobia in South Africa. It is a story that began in the 19th century, and only seemed to be ending in the 21st century. It is Africa’s story – one that does not have to derive from the roots of slavery, poverty, wars or diseases.
Born Aliaune Damala Thiam, the son of a famous Jazz percussionist, Akon faced numerous controversies and challenges as he grew up in America, but no one could have anticipated his incredible ingenuity that is capable of bettering millions of lives. Officially launched in February 2014 by Akon in conjunction with Thione Niang and Samba Bathily, Akon Lighting Africa is an initiative that ‘seeks to provide a concrete response at grass roots level to Africa’s energy crisis and lay the foundations for future development. This initiative aims to develop an innovative solar-powered solution that will provide African villages with access to a clean and affordable source of electricity.’ (akonlightingafrica.com) Not only does the initiative provide clean and affordable electricity to almost 600 million people in 14 countries, it is reinforcing expertise, providing education and training, and providing jobs to many African youths. In less than a year, the Akon Lighting Africa project has created a platform that provides education and professional training for ambitious African youths who are passionate about technology. It has provided and installed a wide range of quality solar solutions that include street lamps, domestic and individual
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SENEGAL
West Africa
Celebrations in Senegal as Akon visits to bring electricity to rural areas PHOTO: David Monfort www.dagency.fr
kits in 14 countries, and, as a result of this, households,
doing more than just investing in clean energy. We
communities, schools and health centres located in rural
are investing in human capital. We can achieve great
areas have been connected to electricity, and local jobs
milestones and accelerate the African transformation
for youths have been created.
process on condition that we start training a new
As it further notes, Akon Lighting Africa initiative has recently announced that it now plans to establish a Solar
generation of highly qualified African engineers, technicians and entrepreneurs now.” (Huffpost Tech,
Academy in Bamako, Mali, that will be responsible
United Kingdom, 26/07/2015 edition.)
for teaching students about using solar panels and
Apart from just using the sun and innovative
installations to bring light to rural parts of many other African nations still lurking in darkness. Supported by the patronage of Solektra International, in collaboration with European experts who will be supply training equipment and programs, the Academy aims at also helping African engineers and entrepreneurs on the continent to develop the necessary skills to enable them to produce and install solar power to over 600 million people. Choosing to use clean, green energy that has been proven to be sustainable, The Huffington Post quotes the co-founder, Samba Bathily, as stating that “we are
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technologies to bring electricity and provide clean energy to masses, Akon Lighting Africa is estimated to provide a source of employment to Africa’s young and innovative population, where over 65% are under the age of 35, and the majority are unemployed. Simply put, Akon Lighting Africa is an initiative that has come to build, mend and grow the dignity of many Africans, a story that has given hope and has enabled dreams to come true; and it is one that we hope will encourage many other Africans of Akon’s calibre and status to take it upon themselves to also give back to the motherland.
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ERITREA
Horn of Africa
Merhawi Kudus is cheered on by Eritrean supporters during the 2015 Tour de France. PHOTO: Gruber Images
Eritreans a Tour de Force by Manal Younus
The Tour De France 2015 was a year of firsts for Africans. It was the first year that an African team entered the event. MTN-Qhubeka, a team made up of Africans from around the continent has gained much deserved praise for their involvement.
‘To race in the Tour de France and to have been able
Two of the team’s Eritrean riders, Daniel
mountain and has been dubbed ‘the city in the clouds’
Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus made history as the
due to its high altitudes. Teklehaimanot and Kudus were
first black African riders to compete for the Polka Dot
well prepared for the race through the mountains.
Jersey and a title of King of the Mountains. A victory claimed by Daniel Teklehaimanot, now the first African rider to win in this event.
to wear the KOM jersey for a few days is a dream come true for me. I am very happy to be able to represent Eritrea and Africa on a world stage. It is a historic moment and it feels only good to be here,’ said Teklehaimanot. Eritrea’s capital Asmara is located on the top of a
The cyclists impressed a crowd of about 800 000 people and a global audience including the millions of Eritreans in the country and in the diaspora and Africans all around the world.
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OPINON PIECE
A bittersweet victory by Manal Younus
I
was so proud when I first read about Daniel
I felt pride because these men overcame the odds on
Teklehaimanot, Merhawi Kudus, the two
two streams. First, not only are they part of the first
Eritrean Cyclists who wowed the Tour De
African team to participate in The Tour, they and their
France audience this year. These men have done
four other teammates are the first black Africans to
something for Eritreans around the world regardless of
participate. These men have paved the way for black
political standing.
people globally. They have shown what it possible by
I am no expert on cycling so I cannot tell you about techniques and praise their cycling game. What I can do as a young Eritrean who has not been able to return to
breaking through the norms of a European dominated event. This was despite the reports of racism that they have received along the way.
Eritrea since coming to Australia, is tell you how I and
Secondly, they survived and made good of something
why I felt overwhelming pride with a bitter after taste
that so many other Eritreans living in the country
when I saw these names appear on my computer screen.
could not. They have survived an oppressive system that
This pride might seem self explanatory, but I should point out that I am not interested in nationalism or patriotism, I do not fly flags and I am very critical of
robs its citizens of hopes to follow any dreams that do not fulfill the national agenda. I see their victory as a testament to perseverance.
the Eritrean government. Yet, here I am, telling you
However, like many victories, this leaves a bitter-sweet
how I am so proud of my fellow countrymen - a pride
after taste because it is a reminder of harsh realities.
may not have felt had they not been so.
Once they can no longer compete, it is likely that the
I felt pride because many people do not know about Eritrea and now they do. Too often, I find myself drawing maps of Africa and explaining the entire Abyssinian history when people ask me where I am from. This victory by the Eritrean cyclists raises awareness about the existence of one of Africa’s smaller, younger and less talked about nations, but one that saw 30 years of war in order to gain an independent identity.
Team MTN-Qhubeka riders: (l) Merhawi Kudus, Daniel Teklehaimanot, Louis Meintjes, Reinardt Janse van Rensburg ISSUE SEVEN PHOTO: Gruber Images
cyclists will have little hope of any self-determined future within Eritrea. This is exactly what many of Eritrea’s most talented artists, sports persons and even prominent political folk have done in the past. So while I feel this overwhelming pride for the cyclists, these flowers that have grown from the concrete that is Eritrea’s current stale nationalist regime, I am weary of the realities that still exist for my brothers when or if they return home.
13
CeCe Braima, AWFSA Chairperson Fiyori Kidane and Laura Adzanaku at the African Bazaar in May. PHOTO: Georgi Bah
Empowering one woman at a time By Ms Catherine Mfundo-Maynard
THE BEGINNING Ten years ago, Carla Tongun, Hiacinta Msomi, Ayen Kuol and the late Rita Kamara established the African Women‘s Federation of SA (AWFOSA), a not-forprofit organisation which sought to represent the interests of African women and their families in the South Australian community. Since 2000, there has been an increased flow of Africans, mostly refugees, into Australia. Despite the freedoms of their new country, these new migrants face many challenges: language, education, a new political system, employment, and, overall, raising children in a foreign culture. To help address these challenges, AWFOSA applied for and received a Settlement Grant in 2005, from which they were able to employ three workers, including some who had themselves been refugees. They helped many new arrivals cope with their resettlement and, of those, several have given back to the organisation as volunteer workers.
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THE PRESENT With recent cuts to community grants by the South Australian Government, AWFOSA needs to be creative
people, and gave AWFOSA a platform to promote their message and services to a wider audience.
in sourcing future funding and become less reliant on
THE FUTURE
Government grants. It needs to attract more African
AWFOSA continues to provide relevant services and
women of all ages who also wish to volunteer and,
arrange activities to empower African women in South
coincidentally, obtain the skills and experience to
Australia. To further discuss and receive ideas about
improve their own employment prospects.
the types of projects, initiatives or partnerships which
The recent General Meeting saw a new Executive Management Committee elected, comprising ten capable, professional and committed women who represent various community groups. Members of
would provide positive outcomes, African Community leaders have been invited to meet with the Committee at 2:00 pm on 15 August 2015 at the Enfield Community
Centre, 540 Regency Road, Enfield.
the Committee, under the leadership of Chairperson
The work of this worthy organisation has only just
Fiyori Kidane, are dedicated to making an impact in
begun!
the communities they represent and raising the public profile of the Federation. The new Committee started its term in style, hosting the African Bazaar at the Prospect African Community Market on 30 May 2015. The Bazaar, co-hosted by the African Communities Organisation of SA and the City
For further information about the AWFOSA please contact: Reception: 08 8354 2951 Direct: 08 8161 3331 Address: 304 Henley Beach, Underdale SA 5032
of Prospect, was a huge success, attracting over 2,000
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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE
Snow White By Dee Mbugua
N
o, not the Disney character. I am a first-born in my family. When I was young, I remember emulating everything I
saw in my immediate surroundings. Since most of our daytime was spent with a nanny, I would observe what she did, and copy her. Whenever she was going out of the house, she dusted her face with baby powder. As soon as she was out of the door, I would do the same. I remember feeling a great sense of achievement; I was proud as punch. Never mind that I actually looked like cloudy ash had been deposited onto my face. You couldn’t tell me anything though. Any trend that I observed with my nanny, I attempted as well. One such trend that began to sweep the nation was skin bleaching or skin lightening. I remember a cream called Fair and Lovely that promised transformations like no other. The ad for the cream is still ingrained in my memory. A beautiful dark-skinned lady would apply a small amount of cream to her face, and voila! After some stars flashed
I saw it in my nanny and many other nannies as well. Anyone with naturally light skin automatically qualified for the ‘beautiful’ category and was the subject of the envy of many. No sooner had Fair and Lovely hit the shelves than fad creams began being introduced to the market. The creams offered dramatic skin colour transformations within a few days, and it goes without saying that they also were flying off the shelves. Skin bleaching became the norm. I noticed that if there is an industry that will never fail, it is the beauty industry and anything associated with it that offers the illusion of everlasting satisfaction. I remember seeing women and men alike who had fallen victim to dangerous skin lightening creams which contained mercury and other harmful ingredients, and their skin colour tragically distorted into a bluishgreyish mash-up. I remember stark contrasts between the faces and lips of users of bleaching creams. Others were betrayed by their elbows and knuckles. Surely, I thought, after seeing all the adverse effects of using such
across her face, her skin would be noticeably lighter, and
creams the fad would end.
she looked happier!
Cut to ten years later, and skin bleaching is still
It did not take long before Fair and Lovely became all
popular. Nowadays, there are all sorts of skin lightening
the rage. So I also jumped on the bandwagon, stealing
treatments, with some professionals offering full body
squeezes of the cream whenever my nanny was away,
treatments to avoid any uneven results.
and applying it to my skin like I saw on TV; and I
I think if you pay less attention to the noise out there,
would also finish with a happy smile. In my head, I had transformed after one application, and I was now light-
you can notice the unique beauty that lies in You.
skinned and beautiful.
You with skin so dark and so flawless.
See that’s the thing, dark skin was not considered
You whose skin is shiny like chocolate butter.
beautiful. My skin is not very dark, but at some point, I had bought into the idea that in order to be considered beautiful, my skin had to be the same colour as a ‘point five’ or ‘pointee’ (a half-caste mix of African and Caucasian).
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You with skin so light and delicate. You whose freckles are a trademark. You. So beautiful. Don’t hide your skin. Let it be an introduction to your heritage.
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ADAU
LIESSE KEZIMANA, originally from Burudi. Miss Africa SA 2011 and The Face of Africa Australia 2014. Dress: African Pride Superstore // Necklace: Josie & Me // Bangles: Sleepy Giraffe
It’s all set to go again as young African Australian girls gets ready for the next Miss Africa SA competition slated for October 2015. Adau Khot, originally from Sudan, set up Miss Africa SA in 2009 to provide opportunities for young African people in South Australia to learn and develop their skills in fashion and design. This year SALT Magazine will be working with the Miss Africa SA team to promote the event.
LILLY JAWI, of Eritrean background. Miss Africa SA 2014. Necklace & bangles: Sleepy Giraffe BEZA MICKAN-WHITE, originally from Ethiopia. Miss Africa SA 2013. Skirt and top & accesories: Naked Boutique.
LIESSE
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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE
PHOTOS: Fiona Melder l STYLING & MAKEUP: Nadia Mahmoud l ASSISTANTS: Somaya Mahmoud & Madeleine Holmes l ART DIRECTION: Georgi Bah for SALT Magazine
MISS AFRICA South Australia 2015
4PM SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER Fogolar Furlan Centre, 69 Briar Road Felixstow Tickets $30 missafricasa.com.au
LILLY
BEZA
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THE GOOD LIE By Mamusu Nyande
I am a refugee, and it’s not how I choose to identify myself, but it’s my truth. Growing up I heard stories, not just from my parents, but from family friends explaining their experience during the South Sudanese Civil War and how they found refuge in Australia. The Good Lie, like many of the stories I’ve heard, shows the effect the decisions of others have on us, that we are part of a bigger picture, and that the actions of individuals or groups play a larger role.
The film follows four South Sudanese children fleeing the War and later arriving as displaced adults in America. The first scene is arguably the strongest; it captures the unity of family and, rightfully, the culture of the South Sudanese people. It follows a young group of survivors trekking on foot towards the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya after their village was attacked. The Civil War saw roughly two million people killed not only by the fighting, but by the resulting famine and disease. The conflict brought with it circumstances that would permanently alter the lives of thousands of Sudanese people.
Stills from the film 'The Good Lie' PHOTO: Warner Bros. Pictures / Alcon Entertainment / Imagine Entertainment / Black Label Media
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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE
SUDAN
North Africa
Wandering in and out of war zones, the ‘lost boys’ spent
Four million people in Southern Sudan were displaced
the majority of their time in dire conditions, suffering
at least once and often repeatedly during the war. Even
from hunger, dehydration and exhaustion. Some were
though many have found a new place to call home,
even attacked and killed by wild animals (working
their hearts still continue to beat to the rhythms of an
his first job in America, film character Paul shows the
African drum. Not all demons are conquered overnight;
scar he got from a lion attack); while others drowned
they are conquered when those who walked before
crossing rivers; and many were caught in the crossfire of
us provide for us what they didn’t have and watch us
fighting forces.
achieve dreams beyond their imagination.
You watch each character suffer not only physical
We live in a generation where a lot of us have become
pain from the ordeal but the emotional demons that
blindsided by the sacrifices made not just by our parents
travelled with them, even to the ‘land of the free’
but by those who went before us. In Tyrion Lannister’s
(USA). In their sleep, they heard the cries of women
words, ‘Never forget what you are, for surely the world
and children, and the gun shots that took their families
will not. Make it your strength. Then it can’t be your
away; and they felt the fear of never fully being free.
weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be
The Good Lie tells a story about those displaced by the
used to hurt you.’
war who were later identified as the ‘Lost Boys’. Their
In that case, I embrace a title I don’t mention on my
stories draw us into their experience of the wasteful
resume or any other document. I embrace that I am a
strangeness of the West, ensuring that we see the world
refugee and, yes, my family did flee war.
through their eyes looking out rather than in. Director Philippe Falardeau captures the vulnerability and resilience of these orphans, with great cinematography by Ronald Plante that helped emphasise it.
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A lot of them don’t know what their dreams and ambitions are. They can find like minds here, in a place where they are accepted. That cultivation of love from your peers, eventually transforms to home. I think it is something that will keep building.
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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE
Abe Nouk PHOTO: Ian Bickerstaff
The Better Man By Manal Younus
Abraham (Abe) Nouk is a young man of Sudanese origin who is best known for his poetry and community work in Melbourne’s inner city. This year, he was nominated for the Betterman Award, a testament to Abe’s dedication to community.
As it grows and strengthens, Abe hopes it continues to
The Betterman Foundation promotes mental health
something that will keep building."
amongst young men with a particular focus on suicide prevention. Abe was nominated for the award this year after directors saw him on SBS’s Living with the Enemy in 2014.
be a place were the young creatives can seek refuge and motivate each other. "A lot of them don’t know what their dreams and ambitions are. They can find like minds here, in a place where they are accepted. That cultivation of love from your peers, eventually transforms to home. I think it is
After releasing his first book, Dear Child, in 2014, Abe has toured the country performing his work. He is now working on another book, furthering his aspirations of becoming an author. Though Abe is not interested in
"I never set out to win anything," said Abe. "It takes a lot
titles, he is constantly on a journey of self-improvement
nowadays to be acknowledged for anything. Once that
and growing his skills.
happens, it encourages you to want to better yourself. I wanted to better myself, ten times more after receiving this award." The foundation has since been heavily invested in the work Abe does with young men who were previously in juvenile detention. While involved in many outreach programs, Abe cofounded Creative Youth Rebellion, a practical space encouraging young men to invest their time and energy into creativity. It is accessible 24 hours a day and each
"With classifications comes the pressure of having to live up to something, it eats you up internally. I’m just expressing myself." "All of these other title get thrown at you. You can’t deny what people call you. I hope it displays something for all the young people who still fall under the title of, oh you’re a refugee, oh you’re an outsider. "Let that be that, you accept it and focus on your internal acceptance and let that flourish."
member has their own key, which allows them to take
Becoming a public figure often means being confronted
responsibility, feel trusted.
with hatred and negativity says Abe, but he doesn’t
Now, the creative youth network is something run entirely by the participants. "My only say in it, is to welcome the new guys that come in tomorrow and want some support,’ said Abe. “I have to be the one who says ‘hey, give yourself permission to try something new.”
allow that to get in his way. "Criticism is one of the things that kills people’s spirit and when you shoot down people’s spirit you demolish their lives. So I don’t allow any of that to process," said Abe.
Grab a copy of Abe's book Dear Child by emailing creativerebellionyouth@gmail.com
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By Sidique Bah
Eritrean-born, but now Melbourne resident, Michael Adonai recently launched his second exhibition ‘Aware’ in collaboration with the Footscray Community Arts Centre in Melbourne as a part of Refugee Week 2015, and is currently working on his third upcoming solo exhibition.
Michael said it was very difficult for him to point out a
His painting experience spans three decades, and his
Eritrea, he also has to devote time to try to bring them
work has been exhibited in the US, UK, Japan and Sweden, as well as in Australia.
favourite from among his paintings. “They all tell a different story, visually translating my cultural views. Recently I have used paintings to portray the plights of asylum seekers and refugees.” Currently preparing for the next exhibition Michael said he would like to continue sharing his art with the world. However, while his family remains in here as well.
The unmistakable power of his painting had him recognised as one of Eritrea’s most sought-after artists, winning awards and prizes that included the Raimoq Award, one of the highest national prizes given to an artist. He was also nominated to represent Eritrea in the United Nations-sponsored Global Art Exhibition in 2001, and was the recipient of the African-Australian Excellence of the Year Award of 2014. SALT Magazine spoke with Michael over the phone from Melbourne to talk about his painting and share his story with our readers. Michael said he grew up following in the footsteps of his older brother, a renowned Eritrean painter; and in the midst of conflict in his homeland, he evolved his painting skills using bold and colourful images to depict not only the plight of his people, but also their hopes and aspirations. His passion for the Arts and support from his friends and family kept Michael going in spite of the odds against him. In Australia he has received positive reviews on his work, which has further encouraged him,
One of Michael's paintings displayed in his recent exhbition with Footscray Community Arts
“It is a big challenge,” he said. “I miss my family and it is hard to be separated from my loved ones.” His parting message for people coming to Australia is that they contribute meaningfully to the society. “We are not here only for protection, and we must also
knowing it is been recognised and appreciated for its
try to give back something.”
elegance, colour and depth – an appreciation proven by
We are grateful for the time he gave to share his story,
the steady sales of his works.
and we urge our readers to look up his work www.michaeladonai.net
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The
Missing CHAPTERS By Soreti Kadir
Understanding one’s history is an integral part of self-actualisation, especially for young people living in the Black-African diaspora. When you live in a country curated by whiteness, it can often feel like a solo journey to reach a place of contentment in one’s community and, most importantly, in one’s self.
Moving into 2015, the conversation around how to work
The Missing Chapters was a project months in the
Assistant, Morayo Adeyemi. The exhibition walked
making, led by Project Manager Rahma Naser and supported by Victoria University Lecturer Dr Charles Mphande. The Missing Chapters takes the form of a three-month, interactive program which moves through separate ‘eras’ of ancient and contemporary Africa while following the narrative of the diaspora and its
towards achieving long-term learning objectives for the African diaspora in relation to history led us to The Missing Chapters. June 13 was a milestone for IOOW. Held at Victoria University’s MetroWest, the launch featured a photo exhibition shot by photographer and spoken word artist Wani Le Frère and coordinated by IOOW’s Creative attendees through an interactive exploration of BlackAfrican leadership on the African continent and in the diaspora. Iconic images of those – such as Patrice Lumumba, Maya Angelou and Grace Jones, to name a few – were re-enacted by members of the community in Melbourne. Every conversation was light with a vibrant
many stages of development over the centuries.
curiosity and eagerness to engage in the space created.
With leadership and community outcomes of the
The June 13 launch was also a platform for our
program extended to those who take part, The Missing Chapters goes beyond theory-based learning. It embodies all three of IOOW’s fundamental pillars: •
self-awareness,
•
de-colonial thinking, and
•
community empowerment.
The idea of The Missing Chapters was ignited by an event run by In Our Own Words (IOOW) held in late 2014 called ‘History Speaks’. Featuring six people from various African communities, ‘History Speaks’ was about reclaiming the narrative of African History and creating a space for the community to listen to lived experiences of these respective histories.
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community to hear about IOOW’s largest community project, Black Voices – an international convention that will be held in Footscray, Melbourne from 7-8 November 2015, with the central purpose of connecting the Black-African diaspora. The future is unreadable, but it is partly a result of our actions. To continue to nurture a safe and progressive space, conscious action is rooted in a healthy and empowering understanding of one’s history, especially when that history is constantly manipulated and misconstrued to disempower those whom it belongs to. The Missing Chapters hopes to make space for more conscious action, which goes hand-in-hand with an increasingly empowered community.
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There is an inherent need to bridge the gap between the disproportionate opportunities allocated to Australia’s privileged citizens and its refugees. It’s no secret that often refugees come from an educated background with qualifications that are not recognised in Australia. They find themselves in a foreign country with few job opportunities, difficulty accessing education, and few cultural similarities and comforts. When you add language barriers to the mix, collectively, these issues snowball and leave our refuge seeking citizens in an incredibly vulnerable state, both mentally and physically.
Nyuon Joseph wearing the ROSS Collection by Atong Omoli for the Social Studio. PHOTO: Liberation Images
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THE SOCIAL STUDIO By Kyah Parrott
Undoubtedly, social enterprises are the business model
Melbourne Fashion Festival, and its collaborations with
of the future. Businesses with a distinct focus on
other well-established, big name brands like Alpha 60.
maximising social impact are inevitably becoming more
The Smith Street, Collingwood shopfront is frequented
and more popular. The Social Studio is a Melbourne-
by some of the city’s most creative minds, looking
based not-for-profit which has a colourful twist on
for some inspiration, good vibes and good coffee. It’s
the solution to the interlocking, woven issues that new
a cultural melting pot that cherishes and embraces
migrants and refugees face.
the difference in customs from its globally derived
According to the general manager, Andrea Philippou Latino, “food and fashion translate well in every culture.” Perhaps this is why the organisation
participants, and an incubator for the aspirations of those who it aims to benefit. Quite frankly, everything about it is cool as hell.
encompasses its three major components: A label
What most people have yet to realise about this
that uses vintage fabrics, all donated and therefore
initiative is that, despite being ultra cool, they’re
kept from landfill; a shopfront that often doubles as a
incredibly progressive, tackling ethical and sustainable
photographic studio and event space; and a cafe that
fashion as well as initiating systemic change within the
specialises in African cuisine called ‘The Cutting Table’.
community.
Therein lies a myriad of opportunities presented
Atong Omoli is an emerging designer and a testament
to the intended beneficiaries, opportunities to gain
to the pathways that the organisation aims to provide.
experience in a multitude of fields due to the multi-
Recently Ms Omoli launched her latest Autumn/Winter
faceted portfolio that The Social Studio possesses. They
collection, “ROSS”, named after the Republic Of South
create jobs in manufacturing, retail and hospitality,
Sudan, which was shot by Lisa Minogue of Liberation
but a large component of the organisation is related
Images. The young designer has just returned home
to the educational program they have on offer. This
from interning with Kit Willow, the Australian fashion
educational program is funded by the proceeds made
mogul herself, with prospects to expand and see her
through the store and the cafe alike.
clothes hanging in stores across the country. She’s
The Social Studio also provides free TAFE level training to ensure pathways are provided to all those who come through the organisation. There is no deadend here.
very vocal about her appreciation for the organisation that helped her to build her very own label from the ground up.
As a result, the cool new jacket you just bought from
Ultimately, The Social Studio focuses on incubating a
their retail outlet was manufactured and designed by
safe space and a home away from home for those who
qualified graduates.
come through their front door. If you’re wondering how
The majority of us are most familiar with the label due to its yearly engagement in the Virgin Australia
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you can get involved with the studio, head down and grab a coffee or, alternatively, head over to their website and leave a message under their ‘contact us’ page.
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Barefoot
BANDITS By Flora Chol
ABSTRACT: It is my deep, scorching passion for all elements exotic, that has drawn me astray from the restricting path of normality. Others may say that I am a daredevil thrill seeker, but I effortlessly rebuke them as there is certainly no point in travelling afar only to witness all beauty from the windows and balconies of air conditioned five star hotels. Late November 2014, I embarked on an awe-inspiring journey to my family’s village, Akan-touch, in the remote district of Lakes State (Rumbek, South Sudan) for the first time. This experience is something that cannot be captured as effectively as it was witnessed, however, I trust that by putting pen to paper I have given great justice to one of the most horrific events experienced by many others and myself.
SOUTH SUDAN North Africa
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T
he bandits jumped out of the bush,
the uncoordinated movements, one of the bandits was
seemingly out of nowhere and landed in
heavily intoxicated. Amidst all the shouting, pushing
front of our vehicle. With their gruesome
and whimpers of distress emitted by the passengers in
rifles in hand, they pointed in the direction
the van, I tried to keep calm only for my fears to be
of our vehicle and ordered everyone to get out of the
further heightened when one of the bandits hit me on
van. Sitting in the front passenger seat, I had a bull’s
the back with his rifle. I watched on, stunned as the
eye vantage point. I later understood that, from the
second red-eyed bandit opened the door to the van
lethargic responses from the other passengers in the
and reached into the passenger seat to pull out my
van, this ordeal was normal protocol. Unlike me, they
backpack.
had hidden all their valuable goods in their luggage at the back of the van, and items such as money or mobile phones were neatly tucked away in the folds of underclothes. I was terrified. With a choking pinch
They frantically searched through the bag pack until they had found my purse. Overjoyed with their findings, the barefooted bandits scampered back into the bush.
in my throat and a sinking feeling in the pit of my
Thinking that this horrific ordeal was over, I resumed
stomach I knew that things were not going to go so well
my seating again at the passenger side of the van, when
today.
the bandits once more returned to complete their reign
From my grief-stricken face, the bandits could easily guess that I was an outsider, but the way I was dressed was a dead giveaway. I wasn’t wearing anything lavish;
of terror. I was certain at this point that they weren’t going to let us go so easily and, in a moment of distress, I said, “Oh my God, oh God.”
neither did I drape myself in any jewellery. However, in
“Do you have a God?” said the red-eyed bandit.
a place like Rumbek, wearing anything in reasonably
“Because if you do, he will not save you today.”
good condition with a combination of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat already highlights your inability
“What do you want? I have given you all I have,” I said.
to tolerate the harsh conditions of the climate and the
Outraged, the bandits began circling the vehicle. The
unwelcoming terrain.
roaring rattle of machinegun fire pierced through my
With the rifle pointed at my face, one of the bandits ordered my friend and I to get out of van. Though terrified, I observed that, from the bloodshot eyes and
eardrums. I clasped my hands to my ears and put my head on my lap. The last thing I remembered was the spray of bullets against the back of the van as the driver, with full acceleration, pulled away from the bandits.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME My name is Flora Chol. I am 20 years old. I am a South Sudanese-born Australian citizen, and have lived in Adelaide for nearly 12 years. Currently I am in my second year of studying a Bachelor of Development Studies at the University of Adelaide. I am a passionate lover of all forms of artistic expression particularly in the fields of creative art, poetry and writing. My aspiration is for a career in diplomacy or as an ambassador for one of the major international NGOs.
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FreekÀ Runway. PHOTOS: James Juranke
F r e e k à R u nway
Passion for Fashion By Sidique Bah
In June, Lot Four Studio in Melbourne was abuzz with glitz, glamour and elegant African models at the debut of FreekÀ Runway, a new force in Australia’s fashion industry. Zimbabwean born Mati Chinyanda, the brains behind FreekÀ Runway, spoke with SALT Magazine about her passion for the fashion industry, and the drive that saw her abandon her career in banking to follow that passion and set up the Melbourne showcase. After volunteering behind the scenes at other designers’ fashion shows, she thought about creating a platform to uplift African designs and creators within Melbourne
ay - Tapi, Mati & Palmer. PHOTO: Ryan
The creative geniuses behind Freekà Runw
and Australia. She said planning the event wasn’t hectic
In terms of the future, Mati is optimistic that African-
at all, and with her husband by her side, set about
Australian fashion will continue to flourish because of
bringing the right people on board to ensure the event
the diversity of the people that attended the show and
“ran smoothly as we were prepared for any hiccups even
took part in the show.
after some people let me down. My job was to make sure that all the right measures were in place to prevent any disaster.”
“I think we are on the right track, and it’s great, it’s really exciting. [We’ve] come a long way as well; you know, we all come from backgrounds where we are
Rungano Rwedu, one of the designers whose fashions
not necessarily encouraged to be creative, so I’m really
were on show, was quite impressed with the set up.
happy and proud of our African designers. I think it was
“I think for a first show it was professionally executed. It was a great platform for the designers to show off their work,” she said.
fair to say that it was a success.” As to any future shows, Mati was positive. “I think there is a lot of potential here for this to be
Mati said the event was self-funded between her
an even greater show. A lot of people have been in
husband, herself and Palmer Mutandwa from Button
touch with me in terms of becoming involved next
Brothers.
time. So yes, there will most certainly be another
“I needed to do this myself to get an understanding of what I wanted, the cost involved and just to say to myself that, you know, I can do this; and when we
FreekÀ Runway production next year. I think we need to challenge ourselves to do it better, and I’m pretty excited by that challenge.”
approach people next time I’ll be able to show them
SALT Magazine looks forward to keeping its readers
what we are capable of and hopefully we can get some
up-to-date with news about the next FreekÀ Runway
funding.”
production.
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Murch
Adelaide celebrates Africa Day African community leaders from across South Australia attended a reception hosted by Hon Jay Weatherill, Premier of South Australia to celebrate Africa Day at Parliament House 4 June 2015. Premier Weatherill told the gathering that the formation of the African Union more than half a century ago was a signal to the world that African countries are in control of their destinies. The Premier also talked about the positive contributions being made by the African Australian community in South Australia. The well attended event is celebrated every year on 25 May to commemorate the founding of the African Union in 1963 - a time of radical change in Africa, with many former African colonies gaining independence from their European rulers.
President Obama address to the African Union SALT Magazine has constantly spoken about the risk Africans are willing to face to escape their war or famine ravaged countries. We will not relent in laying the blame for this desperation on most of the current crop of African political leaders who turn a blind eye to the deprivations of their peoples, while amassing hidden fortunes for themselves and their cronies. In his recent speech to the African Union in Ethiopia, President Obama directly referred to the need for change by African leaders – a call to put the interests of their people before their own greed and aggrandisement. Sadly, on past history, we are not confident this call will bring significant change. We can therefore but hope that continuing pressure from the developed countries reinforced by the voices of those of us fortunate to have been resettled here, will eventually prevail.
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Adelaide based Bortier Oke, originally from Ghana has released his first album Dzeng Sane ‘World Matters’ with songs full of intricate rhythms blending traditional kpalogo drums, djembe, kora, and balafon with brilliant vocals, guitar riffs, and horn lines to produce a medley of soukous, highlife, jazz and afro beats. According to Bortier it is the sort of music that ‘will get the most reserved listener to get up, dance and sing”.
Dr Cornel West with Stan Grant on NITV's Awaken program. PHOTO: Frace Luke Mercado.
Dr Cornel West Australia tour African-American philosopher and race activist Dr Cornel West visited Australia on a Think Inc. organised event in June for talks on issues of inequality, asylum
A grant from South Australia’s Arts Department
seekers, Indigenous rights and the rights of minority
helped Bortier to bear the cost of production
groups. As was expected, Dr West lived up to his
and the rest was easy. “When it comes to music I
reputation, tackling these issues with the ease of a
don’t feel challenged, I already have it, that’s me,
professional player using his philosophical background
and I have band members and good people who
and long years’ experience in the speaking arena to bring
understand my vision, to work with”.
the conversations alive.
Bortier said he will be officially launching the
His off-the-cuff remarks were witty, educative and
album in March 2016 during his Australia tour. He
entertaining at the same time. His performance on
said the CD has been released to give people a taste
Q&A (ABC Television programme) was a class act as
of what he has in store and so far the feedback has
he tackled refugee issues, gay rights and religion, using
been great.
common sense and logical questions to quiz the other
His advice for young people is to stay out of
guests and throw them offside.
trouble and respect their African heritage, and
At the Melbourne Convention Centre the renowned
music he said should not be about girls and
public speaker and agitator for racial and economic
romance all the time. “We sing music to send
justice didn’t holding back from calling out the injustice
messages, tell stories and bring people together…
of colonialism and the class divide that continues to
that is what I’m doing”
plague countries like Australia and the United States. Yet
You can purchase a copy of the album on iTunes -
he does it all with a smile, and his core message is that
https://itun.es/au/TLNV8
love and justice is the way to reconcile the past and build an equitable society for all. In a brief conversation with SALT Magazine, Dr West said, “I want my African brothers and sisters to know that it’s always through the rich traditions – that goes back to the African continent – of the stress on selfrespect, self-defence and self-determination; and, in the face of white supremacy and European colonialism, that we have been able to preserve our sanity and our dignity; and we shall continue that great tradition.”
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Still from the House Fire Safety DVD for African Communities
Fire Safety DVD for SA’s African Communities Recognising, identifying and managing risk should be an integral part of the resettlement process of newly arrived migrants or refugees to Australia who find themselves in an advanced society built on complex structures wired together by intricate systems and powered by combustible energy.
Dr Scott Hanson-Easey from the School of Population
Left over funds from a research project on ‘Risk
it would be very useful to show how a resource could
communication planning with culturally and linguistically diverse communities’ is being used to develop a house fire safety DVD for South Australia’s African community to enhance their awareness on fire prevention and the safety measures to be put in place to ensure their safety against a fire accident. The DVD was produced by the School of Public Health at the University of Adelaide and is part of a larger project funded by the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) and the Australian Attorney-General’s Department under a scheme called the Natural Disaster Resilience Program (NDRP).
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Health at the University of Adelaide said the idea to develop a house fire safety DVD with the AfricanAustralian community in Adelaide was not initially part of the research project’s scope. “But after the reports were written up for government, and we realised we had some money left over, I thought be developed with this ‘grass-roots’, community-based approach. I approached Mr Mabok Marial, Chairperson of The African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA) and set up a meeting with some community leaders to ask them what their communities needed”. According to Dr Hanson-Easey, the chief objective of the original project was to describe a framework upon which government risk and emergency communication interventions can be designed and evaluated in ways consistent with a multicultural society, ensuring equity in access to risk messages for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Tea.
By Manal Younus
Tea is life I once said as I searched through the leaves for directions to the sky while sipping on my third cup from my third pot for the day Government of South Australia South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission
Attorney-General’s Department
“We wanted to know how risk information related to hazards such as bushfires, heatwaves, and flood were being accessed and interpreted by CALD communities (and in particular, new and emerging communities with refugee backgrounds) and what government could do to improve this communication process”. The research involved over 120 CALD members and stakeholders from a spectrum of cultural, national and linguistic backgrounds. The research highlighted the importance of anchoring risk and crisis communication interventions to the discrete needs of CALD communities. It was recommended that communicators follow a community-based participatory research approach (CBPR) to risk communication planning. A CBPR approach champions the role of communities in defining what risk communication means for them, and what could be done to enhance its effectiveness. “We have tried to make sure that the DVD is addressing risks and issues that actually affect African Australians as they settle into their new lives in Australia. The DVD is particularly relevant for new arrivals. It will eventually be overdubbed with a number of prominent African languages. At the moment, it’s only in English”. SALT Magazine applauds the effort of the University of Adelaide and welcomes the initiative to raise awareness about fire safety and hopes community leaders will liaise with Dr Hanson-Easey and pass on this valuable material to their community members.
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Each leaf vital to ensure my tongue was pleased Each leaf it’s own story in the life that I might lead I decide Then I worry It takes so long The pressure builds And my blood boils before I pour it over my future And watch the colours change As they organise themselves Coded I stare so intently The days are long without it I feel lost and clueless Roobis and Addis Fruits and herbs Any will suffice But how can I drink in peace when There’s dust on my spoon Stains on my vessel It’s the wrong brand of milk Lipton is overrated My teeth yellowing Tongue drying But tea is wisdom There’s no such thing as too much It’s all in there Sweet Bitter Strong My mother only drank tea from Khartoum and Kassala She carried it wrapped in layers in her suitcase But only brought one change of clothes Tea is peace We’d sip away From tiny glasses How our grandmother made it Don’t drink until you’ve eaten She would warn But tea is my water my lifeline my peace and my wisdom Tea is life I once said as I searched through the leaves for directions to the sky while sipping on my third cup from my third pot then I looked up.
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African Village Centre Restaurant
ABOVE: African Village Centre Restaurant owner Mohamed Beyan. RIGHT: Mohamed's first restaurant Hotel d'Afrique in Kenya in 1992.
Melbourne and Sydney boast numerous African restaurants across their metropolitan areas while Adelaide apparently falls behind in numbers; but do we also fall behind on quality?
After moving to Adelaide, Mohamed said he decided
To test the theory, we called on the African Village
on his menu, are Ethiopian specialties – customers have
Centre Restaurant at 2A Northcote Street, Torrensville, for a chat with its owner, Mohamed Beyan. It was a morning visit, and coffee aromas filled the air as we entered, and we soon found Mohamed ready to chat with us in between serving a steady stream of customers. He said he became involved in the food industry at an early age in Kenya, and when he arrived in Australia in 1998, he began work as a kitchen hand in Zack’s Café in Darwin, before moving on to the kitchen at the RAAF Base Darwin.
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to start his own restaurant when he noticed there was a shortage of outlets for African food – a gap he was determined to fill! According to Mohamed the most sought after dishes a choice between eight varieties – but he now intends adding West African foods. One of the challenges he faces is the difficulty of importing African foodstuffs through Adelaide customs, a difficulty, he says, which his Melbourne and Sydney counterparts don’t have. “But we will continue to meet the higher costs of bringing our products through Melbourne so that our customers can enjoy the traditional foods of their homelands.”
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1. Celebrating Africa Day at Government House in SA. 2. African Women's Federation of SA (AWFSA) event 'African Bazaar'. 3. Guests at the AWFSA's African Bazaar in Prospect. 4. Guests at FreekÀ Runway show in Melbourne. PHOTO: James Juranke.
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5. Prospect Lord Mayor David O'Loughlin at the AWFSA's African Bazaar event in Prospect. 6. Guests at In Our Own Words event 'The Missing Chapters' in Melbourne. PHOTO: Wani. 7. Mmaletjema Elsie Masehela and Adau Khot at the South Australian Premier's Africa Day Reception, Parliament House. 8. South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill is pictured with a guest at his Africa Day Reception at Parliament House.
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9. Cirque Africa perform at FreekÀ Runway show in Melbourne. PHOTO: James Juranke. 10. Stallholder at the AWFSA's African Bazaar in Prospect. 11. His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia is pictured with guests at an Africa Day Reception at Government House.
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12. Stallholders at the AWFSA's African Bazaar in Prospect. 13. Performer at the AWFSA's African Bazaar in Prospect. PHOTO: Sieh Mchawala 14. His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia is pictured with guests at an Africa Day Reception at Government House. 15. Stallholders at the AWFSA's African Bazaar in Prospect.
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THE AFRICAN COMMUNITIES COUNCIL OF SA PRESENTS THE 2015
Come and celebrate with South Australia’s African Communities
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2015 VICTORIA SQUARE, ADELAIDE CITY 10AM - 6PM GOLD COIN DONATION
Music, Dance, Culture Food, Arts, Craft, Face Painting and Kids Entertainment For more info, contact ACCSA on T 8410 3905 M 0423 605 282 E info@unmaskedafrica.com.au
unmaskedafrica.com.au SP O NSO R ED BY
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Government of South Australia Department for Communities
A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N Nand EW S MAG Social InclusionA Z I NE
African-Australian News Magazine.