EDITOR'S NOTE
Black History Month
CELEBRATING OUR UNIQUENESS
Valentines
FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH OF LOVE
Wellbeing
HLUBI MBOYA ARNOLD
The African continent
IT'S ALL IN OUR HANDS
FEBRUARY 2019
WWW.STARTUPAFRICA.CO.ZA
From the Editor I remember interviewing a business aspirant in preparation for startupAFRICA’s very first edition in 2017. It was a cold winter afternoon and this young gentleman, having arrived early, was eager to share with us the story of his tech startup. His story was about an idea so big that it just needed funding and the right support in order for it to possibly revelutionalise the way in which young people do business on the African continent. Somewhere in the midst of our conversation, I asked him what his biggest fear is and he told me how afraid he is that his parents will (and God forbid) go to the grave not having being there to reap the fruits of his labour. “I hardly sleep”, he said. “My business ideas have to excel. I have a family to look after and sleep is nothing but a luxury at this point in my life.” Although he struggled to articulate himself most of the time he spoke about this, his teary eyes conveyed the story of a boy who grew up in the harshest of conditions. He however, was fortunate enough to escape calamity and get a tertiary education. This conversation forced me to realise that – yes, there are young people everywhere in the world, who are willing to do everything to ensure that their startups prosper. However, there’s very little effort that goes into the routines of caring for oneself. It also made me realise that – at the rate which many of these entrepreneurs and business aspirants are going, they’re slowly digging their graves and dooming themselves and their business to burnout. I’m an advocate for the act of fighting relentlessly to achieve the best version of oneself. This can be in business, in academia and or in one’s personal life.
And many a times, this means working a lot harder than usual. But I also believe in the importance of self-care, especially where one’s professional life is concerned. This is why this month we decided to bring on board soapie veteran and social entrepreneur – Hlubi Mboya Arnold, who is working on and leading so many significant initiatives. Hlubi has invaluable wise counsel, thanks to her journey in entrepreneurship and her acting career. In this issue, she is imparting knowledge on the importance of having a mental and physical fitness discipline in the world of entrepreneurship. In addition, she’ll be chatting to us about why failing to make oneself a bigger priority in business can result in “the big crash and fall.” So, I’d like you to sit back, relax and enjoy this edition and while you’re here, try and answer the following questions: Have you seen your GP? How is your mental, physical and spiritual well-being? When last did you visit the dentist? Are you drinking ample water? I hope you have nodded to all of these questions, and if not – I’d like to encourage you to work on ticking all of these boxes. And lastly, remember – without a healthy you, your business will struggle to reach the height of success. Happy Black History Month and Happy Valentines Xoxo
Baradi Moletsane
A MOMENT IN THE DAY OF HLUBI’S MAGIC A REPRESENTATION OF LOVE, HONOUR AND LOYALTY
ISSUE 09 • FEB 2019• WWW.STARTUPAFRICA.CO.ZA
BUILDING A LEGACY By Baradi Moletsane [@BaradiDardi] There is so much I could write about my encounter with Hlubi Mboya Arnold, who, let’s be honest, doesn’t really need an introduction. The encounter felt like a learning experience and not an interview – which I think is a great thing. Authenticity is king. When I began to write, I really got lost in the flashbacks of the magic of the moments we had during the interview, and I wanted to write her story the same way in which I experienced it. Hlubi walked into the room and immediately, the vibrations went up a notch. Her fierce laughter and incredible aura made me completely forget about all of the crazy deadlines that turned what was supposed to be an awesome Friday, into a dreadful one.
WE REMINISCED ON THE ISIDINGO CHARACTER THAT INTRODUCED HER TO SOUTH AFRICA AS “NANDIPHA” AT A TIME WHEN LOCAL SOAPIES WERE ALL WE WANTED TO WATCH.
family, but young South Africans all over the country.
And somewhere in the midst of the magic, I realised that I was, in actual fact, conversing with Nandipha. I couldn’t separate Nandipha from Hlubi. I had an “ah ha” moment which had me understanding that she was carefully chosen for the roles she has played on television because she is so charming and organic in disposition, as well as comfortable in her skin – I suppose very crucial characteristics when trying to resemble real characters. Today, Hlubi can be found sticking her fingers in many career pies as part of her aspiration to build a legacy, not only for her
When asked “why entrepreneurship?” Hlubi boldly responded: “I would rather be working on my own dream than someone else’s dream. I want to leave a legacy for people, I want to be in an environment where I am constantly learning. Yes, we all watched and listened to The State of The Nation Address by President Ramaphosa, but I'm not going to have my future held in the hands of someone else. I’m not going to wait for people to give us jobs, it is my responsibility to create an environment that is conducive for young people to thrive in (business).”
I know you’re a busy woman and I’m aware that you play a leadership role in so many businesses and initiatives. What are you working on and what role do you play in all of them? [Smiles delightfully] I am the Executive Director of Future CEOs, Director of Sunshine Cinema, Founding Member and Sub Committee of Mentorship Skills and Development for Sisters Working in Film and Television, and lastly, Business Consultant of Morebo Financial Solutions Future CEOs helps the 1 180 000 South African youth that won't graduate from higher education institutions, every year, by providing FREE business education and eduopportunities. #MeetTheCEO #StartUpOfTheWeek #PowerWoman #AskTheExpert are the pillars beneath Future CEOS. Sunshine Cinema is a South African solar powered cinema network that turns solar power into social impact. Our core mission is to distribute social justice documentaries and African feature films to under resourced audiences, promoting a cinema going culture and opportunities in the local film industry. Our screenings are designed to #SparkConversation by supporting the advocacy strategies of filmmakers and local organisations using screenings as hubs for community impact and growth
engagement through our #SunBox Ambassador Programme. SISTERS WORKING IN FILM AND TELEVISION (SWIFT), on the other hand, focuses on mentoring and upskilling progressiveness for black women who work in the film and television industry in South Africa. And lastly, Morebo was born out of a desire to address and remedy the lack of financial literacy that exists in South Africa today. In order to reach the ordinary South African, the financial services sector is in dire need of realignment and transformation, and we strive to be leaders in this movement. In working towards this goal we have established a fully black empowered financial advisory and employee benefits firm. We believe in #EconomicTransformation #RespectandDignity as well as #TeamworkandCollaborations Describe yourself in three words. This is such a difficult question! There are so many words that I can use to describe myself but if I have to sum it all up, I am a representation of love, honour and loyalty. It might change tomorrow but that’s just who I am. Take me through a typical day in your shoes as a working woman…
always being on the move and working on my hustle. Everything that I do keeps me on my toes. One of the things I love about being an entrepreneur is developing and nurturing relationships with people. I believe in the power of collaboration. I must admit that this experience has opened the door to endless knowledge. I am learning about Economic transformation, and yet I’m trying to bring money back to myself. But most importantly, I am trying to have a sense of purpose as an entrepreneur. And the beauty of being an entrepreneur, in my opinion, is being afforded the gift to be able to develop solutions to problems in a unique fashion. I call it “trying to remedy an itch...” What do you love about being a social entrepreneur? Everything. I love that I can look at the world and say “we are not going to live like this anymore, people are not going to live like this anymore and our people are not going to live like this anymore! What can I do about it? How can I make it better for myself, for those around me and for the people of my country?” Being a social entrepreneur will humble you, we are not at the centre of what we do.
No two days are the same, and I love that. I love the thrill of
@H
L
IM B U
Y BO
A
We work with and care for people. However, even in our journey of wanting to afford people with a better quality of life – we cannot forget the competitive age! Just because we are social entrepreneurs, it doesn’t mean that we are charity cases! I am charitable but I am not a charity… What sparked your passion for entrepreneurship? I’ll always be an artist, it’s a calling… I’ll always be a creative. But after 10 years of Isindingo, I realised that, firstly, as freelancers, we are in essence entrepreneurs in our own right. As a matter of fact, I believe we are sleeping on ourselves. Many of us already have a healthy customer base – the customer base being fans who have bought into the dream that we represent as well as our personal brands. There’s so much we can do but we don’t take ourselves as seriously as we should. My passion for entrepreneurship started in my journey of acting. And my “ah ha” moment happened when I realised that by being on people’s televisions screens daily, we become a part of their lives, making us highly influential.
I know that you’re not only a business woman and an actress but that you’re also passionate about activism – take me through that. Playing an HIV character on Isidingo was such a tremendous eye-opener. As people, we are not understanding of social injustices until we become victims of them. Being Nandipha was really a life changing experience. I am still very much an HIV educationalist and ambassador, it’s my life’s work. And so playing Nandipha was a catalyst to taking injustices very personally – there’s a strong HIV stigma that exists in our country and it’s our responsibilities as humanitarians and as people who know better, to teach people better. Apart from having gained so much knowledge from playing that character, I became an activist because I love people. I also have a love for equity, inclusion and I have a passion for justice. You have a gorgeous body! And we believe it’s because you possess a remarkable sporting discipline... Please give us a quick overview on your take on fitness…
I believe that I represent a different kind of fit and healthy. I always want to show people that fitness can be enjoyed through various activities like cycling, hiking, yoga and weight training. I thrive on adventure and apply myself to be better. I live my life unafraid – attempting to achieve what most would be scared to do. Do you believe that it’s important for entrepreneurs to be fit (both mentally and physically)? If yes, why? Look I’m not saying that people have to run the Comrades Marathon, but entrepreneurship is a game of endurance – you need stamina. I am, however, a firm believer in rest and recovery because I know of CEOs (I’m talking about JSE listed companies) who have had heart attacks, strokes, and life threatening experiences because they have failed to nurture their well-being. I think that as an entrepreneur, you’re doing yourself an injustice if you don’t take some time off to rest and recuperate.
In response to mental fitness, I believe that it is important in general and not only in our professional lives. There is a high rate (in any industry) of anxiety, depression and suicide, people tend to neglect their mental well-being because society has taught us that physical fitness is more important. What role do your family members play in your life? As an entrepreneur, you know that the days can be dark and brutal. It’s important to have a system that will help you to keep pushing when you feel like you cannot move forward anymore, my family is without a doubt that system. I was so fortunate, my family knew who and what I would become. My mother is very much an entrepreneur, the matriarchal side of my family is made up of groundbreaking businesswomen and so much power lies there. They have not only taught me a lot, they have carried me. A quick tip for entrepreneurs and business aspirants? Have a compelling vision, be intentional. Be obsessive with the human development of others. Walk with integrity. If business does well, society does well! Embrace innovation and be disruptive!
THESE 5 FOODS WILL IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING
01 LEAFY GREENS New research has suggested that if you want to boost your mental health, eating raw fruit and vegetables could be more beneficial than cooked, canned and processed options.
03 YOGHURT Another food source that needs to be added into your grocery list is yoghurt. Researchers suggest that probiotic bacteria found in yoghurt may help to treat depression
05 OILY FISH EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil that are vital for normal brain function and development.
02 WHOLEGRAINS Whole grains help to maintain blood sugar which keeps you satiated for much longer and stabilises your mood.
04 BERRIES If you're looking for the perfect snack to get your antioxidant fix, look no further. Â Our cognitive function tends to decline as we age, but it's better preserved when we follow a diet rich in plant-based foods, like berries.
DEAR STARTUP AFRICAN BY
MOYO
JOLAOLU
[@THEMOYOSOLA]
You matter. When our ever diligent editor-inchief came up with this month’s
theme, I was thoroughly enthused because for once, it meant that we wouldn’t be doling out one
more tip for better productivity or churning out information on how
to make more, be more, do more.
Instead, we would be focusing on you, the entrepreneur. Your
needs. Not the business’ needs or even Africa’s expectations of you but ‘your’ needs- a rarity right? I know.
It is so easy to forget the
individual involved in the race
when all we worry about is him making that finishing line. We
forget that the runner needs to be healthy and sound-both
physically and mentally to even qualify. Hence, the premise of this month’s issue.
According to a study carried out in University of California, San Francisco, lead researcher, Dr
Michael Freeman discovered that
entrepreneurs were more susceptible to mental illness than any other individual. In the research aptly entitled, “Are Entrepreneurs touched with fire?” Freeman and several of his colleagues surveyed 242 entrepreneurs and 93 control subjects. Nearly half of the entrepreneurs reported having at least one mental health condition, a rate significantly higher than in the control group. The entrepreneurs also reported having more mental illness in their immediate families than controls, suggesting that traits that drive entrepreneurship might be inherited, and linked to mental disorders. The results of that study weren’t officially published until this year, in Small Business Economics, but Freeman and his team released a draft in 2015 so their findings could be part of a broader conversation about entrepreneurship and mental health. “My main goal was to raise awareness of mental health among entrepreneurs, particularly those who might be suffering, so they can normalize the experience and then get help if they need it,” he mentioned. The pressures that come with being an entrepreneur are magnificent and if not handled with care, could be detrimental to the business and more importantly, for you, the zealous problem solver. This month, we’re admonishing that in your battle for survival and long-term
sustainability, that you take care of yourself and make the right lifestyle choices for a healthier future. As you go through the magazine, I hope that you receive a helpful guide on how to go about ensuring a blissful future that rewards you with wholesome benefits. You have one life to live, live it the best way possible, in good health.
By Rita Kufandarerwa
The digital industrial revolution IN Africa startupAFRICA
startupAFRICA
The world has gone through a series of industrial revolutions. From the spinning jenny, the power loom, the spinning mule, the water frame and the sewing machineinventions by man have changed the human way of life by simplifying tasks that the hand would not endure to attempt. The coming of the internet, artificial intelligence, 3D technology, apps and social media amongst a myriad of inventions has revolutionized how we connect with each other.
Navigating through digitalization: The African digital economy is well established. When juxtaposed with other continents, the African digital economy is rising in tandem with the interconnectivity in the continent. The use of smartphones, tablets and computers to do business is undermining conventional notions about how business must be done.
The speed and impact of new technology is prevalent and the business minded people have built fortunes from this great tide. Telecommunications have changed the way we work but, how can Africa capitalize on the emergence of this revolution and create wealth?
Businesses all over the world have reimagined the traditional boundaries and value proposition in their various industries. Taxi hailing is an example of orthodox practices that have been digitized through the use of apps like Taxify and Uber. The continent already has businesses that can be modeled to fit in the digital economy with greater financial rewards for entrepreneurs.
Data, big data and big profits:
Customer experience:
Any business in Africa can unlock the value in data. The use of real time data is a competitive advantage that large firms like Walmart are using to improve their offerings to the consumer.
Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon said improved customer experience is the key distinguishing factor that made his business a success. By coupling convenience with technology, many African businesses can provide a distinct customer experience.
Netflix is another business model that is flourishing on the use of big data. By simply capturing a user’s viewing preference, Netflix provides bespoke entertainment to its subscribers. African startups that have access to the preference data of their consumers can use it to provide the right balance of services. With a lean budget, striking the correct equilibrium between what the consumer needs and what the business can provide is profitable than producing an odd mixture of services that the consumer does not need.
The African customers have evolved with the market trends, most prefer shopping online. African businesses can avail their products and services online, capture the digital savvy customers and grow exponentially.
www.startupafrica.co.za
Digital
Streaming platforms, a podium for African entertainment: Never has the time been so ripe for African entertainers to put themselves in contact with their fans as it is now. Traditionally, we waited for television and radio to dish out motion pictures and music respectively. The use of digital platforms to deliver artistic content means that talented entertainers do not need to experience bureaucracy and broadcasting deals tainted with corruption. The merging of the creative and digital economy can produce a business platform with colossal monetary rewards for entertainers who have been notoriously duped by managers for years. In foresight, the African story will reach its zenith. Upcoming content producers and custodians of our stories should ride comfortably on the wave of the digital economy. E-Learning and knowledge enhancement: As a people, our education has in many instances been used to deliver distorted information. Some facts that were presented as falsehoods were uncovered through the coming of information and technology. Lamentations to decolonize the African education can be fulfilled by using digital learning systems that this industrial revolution has brought. A partnership of African educators and technocrats will indubitably create business opportunities while solving our century long problems of being taught questionable theories. Academic exclusion, a plague that haunts most Africans should be annihilated if we take advantage of the digital revolution. Looking through the lens of future tense:
AFRICAN TECHNOCRATS
What technology will sum up to in Africa depends on how we tap the opportunities that our continent presents us. The digital revolution could be the panacea to close the income gap between Africa and the rest of the world. Africa does not need a miniature Silicon Valley to benefit from the digital economy. Problems that we are grappling can be solved, one technological solution at a time. The revolution is happening at a breakneck speed but African entrepreneurs can afford to snatch millions and alleviate poverty.
Celebrate Africa
Baa Smoothie Bar
BY BONTLE TSHOLE
Need a little boost? Baa Smoothie Bar can help with that… Showing up as their best selves is
instinct is to grab a cup of coffee
something entrepreneurs pride
and a doughnut on the way to work.
themselves in. Dressing for the part
The hustle is real. It becomes an
we call it. But very often we get so
endless cycle of unhealthy food
caught up in the hustle and bustle of
choices and no exercise.
trying to turn our start-ups into multi-billion rand empires that we
Surely there must be another way?
forget about the greatest asset we
Everyone wants to wake up full of
own - our health.
energy and take on demanding clients so your day can end on a
The workout routine slides lower
good note. Fortunately there is a
down on our to-do list until it
solution and it’s easier than you
eventually it falls away completely
think. It’s not a diet, it’s a way of life
and in exchange for a sugar high
and the first step is eating healthy.
during those high stress moments we
Begin by swopping out some of your
grab whatever we can get our hands
meals with healthier alternatives.
on to keep from dying of hunger. A lot easier than you think – isn’t it? You wake up bright and early, but
Introduce your body to this way of
you still feel sluggish. Your first
life gently.
A smoothie for breakfast, snacking on nuts, reducing the portion of carbs or if you're strong enough cutting them out completely. The big one is cutting down on fast food and fried food. It doesn't have to be huge changes at once, just small sustained choices. Now that that you're changing your eating habits – why not add some movement to your schedule? With exercise two rules are important - first exercise at least three times a week for 40 minutes a day, and secondly, do what you love. We often think of exercise as the same old gym routine we failed to stick to the last time. But switch it up this time. If you enjoy dancing, enrol in a dance class. Or maybe boxing is your thing? Swimming? Running? Maybe even playing soccer with your friends? It’s important to do what you love because this will keep you going. Don’t forget your eight glasses of water a day and 6-8 hours of sleep. Keep the up the healthy new lifestyle and in a few weeks and you'll be able to feel and see the difference! Don't have time to make your healthy food? Baaa Smoothie Bar has got you covered. Order online or call to order.
Donald Nxumalo Developing an interior design business
NXUMALO’S FIVE TIPS FOR DECORATING A BACHELOR PAD
Keep it simple – remember that this is an open space.
Think of a base colour you want to work with and use different shades.
Add mood lighting in the form of side-lamps or standing lamps. As much as it is one space, you might need to highlight certain areas.
Accent paint or wallpaper on feature walls make the eye gravitate towards these spaces.
Make use of mirrors. Over-sized mirrors are always a good touch in a small space. Floor-toceiling mirrors makes space look more intimate – and spacious, surprisingly.
Turn your small business into an asset of value
Every entrepreneur’s end goal should be building their business into an asset of value that will ultimately attract the buy-in of a major corporation that has the capacity and resources to upscale your business.
01
Build something special. This means creating a business that solves a particular problem in a particular way.
02
Make sure your business is not solely dependent on you. Build a business based on systems that can run without you. If you don’t build a system that can run the business for you if they (a potential investor) bought if from you, your business will be unsellable.
03
Be passionate about your business and purposedriven. “Purpose is the antidote to being overcome by passion. In any entrepreneurial endeavor, purpose should leave the legacy of the effort in play when you move on,” Phitidis penned in an article for Business Day.
04
Diversify your revenue streams. In the case of Frankie’s, the business started off as a soft drink manufacturer before branching out into lemonade, lollies and hot chocolate. “Clover bought Frankie’s because they could see growth into the future. They could see a revenue stream that would contribute to their profit in the future,” says Phitidis.
FASHION DESIGNER
INFLUENCER, Â HALIMAT MAGAJI, IS BEATING SICKLE CELL ONE WIN AT A TIME.
By Moyo Jolaolu [@themoyosola] Halimat Magaji is an 18 year old fashion blogger and social media influencer whose work has garnered more than 21,000 organic followers on Instagram but, no way is she just a pretty face. This young woman’s beauty has come at a high price. A part of Halimat that you might not find being flaunted on her Instagram page, is her health. She is living with the incurable Sickle Cell disease; an inherited form of anemia in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. A major characteristic of this disease is periodic episodes of pain, called crises resulting from the sickleshaped red blood cells blocking blood flow through tiny blood vessels to the chest, abdomen and joints. Pain can also be so severe that it occurs in the bones. This pain varies in intensity from a few hours to a few weeks. Miss Magaji however, refuses to be defined by her ailment. Instead, she stands as one of the most successful micro-influencers in Nigeria today. The leading lady has done some good work for top brands such as: Labello beauty UK, House of Tara, Krispy Kreme, House of Coco Nigeria, Lounge Wear Apparel, Wilson’s Lemonade, The Palms Mall and Upbeat centre, to name a few. “Last year, I had a crises which completely rattled me. I had a cold which developed into full blown pneumonia and I was in the hospital for over a month with an oxygen mask strapped to my nose to assist me with breathing.
The doctors feared I wouldn’t make it and I had to do a blood transfusion. The medical staff had to feed me, take me to the bathroom and I felt completely helpless. Ever since then, I have learnt to follow the rules-mentally and emotionally. Mental and Emotional health are a big part of it. I had to ensure that with everything I did, if it wasn’t benefitting my health, I let it go. I learnt to slow down, take a minute to breathe and appreciate myself.” On the career front, Magaji is relentless. Despite several attempts by her Academic family to opting for a career that is more conservative, she stuck to her guns. She started blogging when she was 16 and discovered her niche was Ávant Garde fashion. “It’s very structural and has a very strong sense to it. It is over the top and forces you to make a statement which is very in line with my belief that if you must do anything at all, you need to go all out”, she adds. The influencer who wore her first wig at 1 year old is also a big proponent for the acquisition of knowledge. She interned with Noble Igwe, one of Nigeria’s leading fashion & style entrepreneurs and counts it one of her best experiences in the field. Despite having no support, the fashion enthusiast was never worn down.
I had never taken public transport before, but for the first time I did because I realized that if I wanted it bad enough, I would have to rely on myself and get up my butt. Eventually, it hit me that I had to promote my work. It was here that I learnt the significance of collaboration. I teamed up with a few of my fashion blogger friends and within 6 months, all my pieces were sold out.” The young entrepreneur also saw an opening when it was prom season and decided to expand her offerings to custom dresses which she explains was also a huge success. If I had to sum up Halimat’s 3 rules for success it would go thus: Stay hungry, sometimes, that might require that you step out of your comfort zone here. Be greedy for knowledge. Halimat reckons that: “As millennials we underrate learning. There is something in between the idea and execution, the process is important.” I couldn’t agree more. Have a money savvy culture and if it isn’t inbuilt, learn it. You’ll require it for sustainability.
“I took a boat every day from Apapa and then, public transport to him. He was very generous enough to allow my brand stand out. I learnt a lot about fashion, coverage, editing and the list goes on. Knowledge is invaluable,” she opines. At 17, the young designer put out her first piece of work and the results were not what she envisioned.
With all three keys mentioned, perhaps the most fascinating trait about this young woman is her knack for thriving against all odds. She has modelled, waitressed and even done cleaning gigs to make ends meet in order to assist her single mother after her father left them. Still, she rises. As I end off the interview, I can’t help but feel that this powerhouse may have just scratched the surface of what is about to become a truly fruitful journey.
“My first try was woeful. I didn’t make any sales. I went back to the drawing board. At 17, I spent a full year designing outfits and rebranding. I’m currently in a private University that requires that I can only leave once a month.
Get a front row seat: @halimat.magaji
HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED WHEN YOU FEEL LIFE SUCKS
Rough things are bound to happen at some
points in our lives – whether you lost a loved one, that business deal failed, that business idea flopped, etc. Trying to remain positive
through it all might seem difficult especially since that is your current state but do not dwell on that.
Be reminded that you are in a season and
By Chidinma Anya [@miss_shonaa]
that - no matter how much it hurts now, some day you'll look back and realize it changed your life for the better.
Name the feeling - Identify what the problem is – do you feel you are not getting enough support, do you feel choked up, do you feel like you need a change of environment, do
you feel anxious about change? Whatever it
is, just be aware that this is the problem and then look for ways to tackle it.
Write a gratitude list or own a gratitude jar – There is so much power in acknowledging even the tiniest the changes in our lives. Gratitude lists have even been said to
increase self-esteem, happiness, improve mental health, increase energy and lots more.
So, it is important to start making gratitude a daily ritual. You can start by creating a
gratitude journal for yourself. Also, have a
self-reflection moment daily and try to think of at least two things you are grateful for in that moment.
Look for opportunities of growth - When life hits us hard, we are often led to start with
“why is this happening to me?” as opposed to “what is this trying to teach me?” It’s natural
at first to be down cast but don’t dwell in that phase for long.
Start thinking about “what” you can learn
from this moment and season of your life. Focusing on the lessons you can get from it. Change the narrative. Be sure to GROW
through for whatever you are GOING through. Do not give up. Remain Encouraged and Hopeful! No condition is permanent.
By Baradi Moletsane
Megan Bosman startupAFRICA’s star of the month With a career kick-starting
who strongly believes that if
Megan developed a passion
well-being are not on par –
in the field of Nutrition,
for Social Media and all
things digital, pushing her to birth: Honeycomb Digital, a
your mental and physical
you will battle to succeed in your line of work.
pioneering Digital and Social
What do you do for a living?
and wellness.
As a Digital and Social
“I'm fiercely passionate
brands tell their story online,
agency, focusing on health
about animal welfare,
sustainability and NGOs that
make a difference in society. Also, I am an entrepreneur
Media Strategist, I help
to the right audience, in the most cost effective way.
What’s the best part of your career?
Every morning, I get to wake
up and do what I love. I have the freedom to choose both
the type of work I do and the clients that I work with, it’s
the most liberating feeling
ever. I never dread Monday mornings, in fact, Monday mornings are usually my favourite. Mondays are
exciting because every week
brings a unique challenge
That being said, tell us
to. More than the work I do,
important to be physically
and so much to look forward right now, I simply love
working from home. I’ve
about the part where it’s fit?
created a space and a flow
Physical and mental fitness
me comfortable and allows
When your mind is unwell,
that works for me, makes
me to be creative. I love this
because It’s MY space and it allows me to do what I love. going.
Do you believe that it is important for an
entrepreneur to be mentally fit?
Absolutely, as an
entrepreneur, your mind is
your key asset and it needs to be sharp! You need to
show up for your work, every
are so very closely linked.
your body will be too. When
your body is unwell, you will feel it in your body. I don’t believe that these two
should be separated at all. Three words that describe you?
Authentic, mindful and dedicated.
Any advice for
entrepreneurs out there?
day, as your best self. I
As an entrepreneur,
can show up fully if you
show up fully or, I believe,
simply don’t believe that you aren’t mentally fit. And by mentally fit I mean– that you are listening to and
caring for your mind, body and soul.
More and more, people are realising that these three
things are connected and
you simply cannot separate them. Taking time out to refresh yourself, getting
enough rest, nourishing your mind and your body are absolutely important for
keeping fit in all areas of your life.
remember that you cannot even do your best work if
you are not taking care of
yourself first (both mentally and physically). Take the
time to care for yourself, to give yourself space and to allow yourself to go with
your flow. Your mind, body
AND business will thank you for it in the long run. Trust me on this!
HOW TO SPEND YOUR FIRST PROFITS BY JOSH SMITH
Executive Business Coach, Penny Holburn, says it’s important to have a strategy in place. “Running a business should not involve ad hoc financial decisions. What you do with profits must be deliberately thought out and must be part of your overall business plan as knee jerk actions usually don’t bode well.
Invest in marketing When executed well, marketing can yield an increase in sales so spending money on digital or content marketing or advertising could result in a return on investment. Invest in education and development
Different ways to reinvest your profits Holburn says there are a plethora of ways to reinvest your profits. She suggests analysing your company’s performance and determining your strengths and weaknesses. “Reinvesting money should go towards capitalising on opportunities and eliminating weaknesses to ensure that your company grows and achieves sustainable profits.” Expansion You could use your profits to introduce more products or services, or expand your footprint to other parts of the country or abroad. Your profits can also be used to fund the research and development required to expand. Settle your debt Interest rates can really eat away at your profits, so it’s advisable to pay back your debt and avoid taking out any more. Save Having some savings in a business is as important as it is for a household. Should unforeseen expenses occur or any opportunities present themselves, you will have enough cash to act accordingly.
It is advisable to invest in educating yourself and developing your staff and management. You are more likely to retain your star performers if you do this, and it will save the costs of having to hire and train new employees. Improve your IT infrastructure By beefing up your hardware and software, you stand to increase productivity and profits. The better equipped your staff is to work efficiently, the better service you can provide to your clients. Consulting or coaching Hire an expert to give advice on improving your business and increase profits.
PUSHING THE WAY TO THE TOP By Baradi Moletsane [@BaradiDardi] Venda-born and bred, beauty and brains - Takalani Chairo Ndou – who is on a journey to stardom in the world of South African gospel music, shares her story of glory, grandeur and her long anticipated appointment with grace. Taking us through how her album PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens) was the cherry on top of a remarkable year, Takalani promises readers that “if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.”
1. Tell us about who you are and what you do for a living... I am a gospel musician, born and bred in a small village in Venda – I managed to make my way to Gauteng and this is my home now. I qualified Internal Audit, and Forensic investigations, and I am now practicing as a Company Secretary. I have been in the gospel industry for a while, singing backup vocals for a number of musicians, but now focusing on my own solo career. I have released a single - PUSH, “Pray Until Something Happens”, which was number one and two on iTunes and Google Play for more than two weeks after its release. 2. Tell us about your personal brand? My personal brand is about lifting the name of Jesus with passion and great enthusiasm, coupled with excellence, taking the gospel to the nations while remaining humble and serving the people of God. 3. What is your definition of an entrepreneur? Any person who goes after their dreams and lives their full potential, managing to make money doing so. 4. Three words that best describe you? Passion, Pursuit, Excellence 5. Would you consider yourself to be a creative? Yes. As an Artist, creativity is at the center of what I do. 6. Who is your role model in this space? My husband, who is also a Musician, and Nomzamo Mbatha. 7. What’s the one unpleasant thing that you have experienced in this career that you want to share with people? Being undermined and piracy.
REMAIN HUMBLE 9. What is this chapter in your life called? Pursuit. Going after all my dreams and goals. 10. What is your definition of art? I define art as an expression. Finding a voice, not necessarily through speaking, but through any other means. 11. Tell us something interesting about you that people don’t know. People might not know this, but I am a book worm. I love reading with all my heart, especially #African Literature. 12. Anything you want to add? Yes, of course - a word to the younger generation: Do what you love and your will never have to work a day in your life.
SELF CARE TIPS FOR WHEN YOU FEEL BURNED OUTDEPTHS OF THE GRAND CANYON BY CHIDINMA ANYA [@MISS_SHONAA]
You know that moment when you burn out, lose inspiration and you start to doubt everything that you are doing? Now, the year is fresh and you are constantly questioning yourself about everything like “what can I even do with my time, my life and my goals”?
“What do I need”? – This is supposed to allow you pick out the things that will help you get out of that phase. It is crazy how self-doubt, burn out and stress can get to you and if you don’t stop and be like “Hold up! Wait a second! How do I get myself out of this?”, then it just gets worse.
For some of us, it started to creep in a lot about three weeks ago and I realized it was because we don’t take time to honor some changes/growth in our lives and that is because for some reason we always expect more.
So I’m going to share tips I’ve been practicing, things that I’ve learnt from friends, social media and everything. Let’s begin:
I remember some excerpts off an Emotional Intelligence class I attended where the teacher said to always “name the feeling”. In the midst of the crisis, panic attacks and tears, always pause and ask yourself” what is this about?” feel a little bit better.
Identify what is bugging you – Often, when we are feeling a sense of discomfort, we just go about our lives and act like “meh, I’ll deal with it later”, or you start to lash out at people or you turn to unhealthy habits like eating too much, drinking too much. All of that is only going to lead you to a dark place. First, Identify what the problem is – do you feel you are not getting enough
support, do you feel choked up, do you feel like you need a change of environment, do you feel anxious about change? Whatever it is, just be aware that this is the problem and then look for ways to tackle it. Create healthy boundaries – This one has been of great help to me as it has helped me identify what my work hours and the time spent on various aspects of my life are. I identified these time frames even though it was one of the most daunting things to do because I am quite disorganized but it was also a very important thing. So, create boundaries with your time, your relationships, social media followers list, etc Find ways to blow off steam – This could be something as simple as calling a friend. A good friend will pull you out of any dark moment faster than you would if you were alone. Try the box breathing technique – Box breathing is a technique used to calm yourself down with a simple 4 second rotation of breathing in, holding your breath, breathing out, holding your breath, and repeating. It works wonders, trust me. Read a book – I love the feeling reading brings. I love how I can just be in another world for a while and how it serves as a means of escape for when thoughts creep in.
Listen to podcasts – The three that I’ll highly recommend at this time is: “Ask Y podcast”, “Confessions of A Werkaholic hosted by Koereyelle” and “Gettin’ grown hosted by Jade & Keia”. They are all so good. support, do you feel choked up, do you feel like you need a change of environment, do you feel anxious about change? Whatever it is, just be aware that this is the problem and then look for ways to tackle it. The idea of grounding / having a gratitude list – I recently learnt about grounding and it is when you go outside and allow your feet touch nature i.e grass, water, rocks, sand, etc …… It is just basically allowing your body to touch the ground and that is because there is so much energy moving through the universe and you are allowing yourself release some of what is inside you (all that tension and stress) and you are also picking up some energy from the ground. If all of this sounds weird, I’m sorry but you should not be afraid to try out new things. There is something amazing about this and trust me, it works but if not, having a gratitude list is also a good one OR you could just stick to the good ol’ praying. That one never goes out of style. Create a to-do list – To-do lists helps you figure out what is really important and what needs to be done. A to-do list helps puts your mind at ease. It just feels really good when you tick something off your list.
Treat yourself – Go window shopping, eat good food, get a haircut, exfoliate your skin, etc. Treat yourself, because it is a way to remind yourself that everything is going to be okay and that you are deserving & worthy but please, don’t get reckless about it. Spend wisely too. Slow down on social media – A lot of us think social media helps us to feel better, I deceive myself by saying I want to relax with social media and the next thing you know, I have spent an outrageous amount of time on just one app. That isn’t relaxing, what I did was take in a lot of people’s energies and that only got me wound up and just like me, you would most likely see upsetting, irritating and confusing things on your timeline…. exhausting! Just try to keep your phone away sometimes. Do something that makes you physically look better – When you look good, you start to feel good. When you dress good, you feel good too. This could be something as simple as having a haircut / getting your hair done, doing your make up, painting your nails, etc. Doing all these will ultimately make you feel better. I hope these tips come in handy and that you will be kinder to yourself because you deserve happiness and all the good things of life.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS: A CONCERN FOR AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS
According to statista.com, the average life expectancy in Africa for those born in 2018 was 61 years for males and 64 years for females. When divided into regions, Western Africa has the lowest rates, with 59 years for males and 62 years for females. Compared with the average life expectancy globally, these figures are low, with global life expectancy for males at 70 years and 74 years for females in 2018. Overall, Africa comes second only to Asia with the second lowest life expectancy by 12 years, for both males and females. This shows a serious challenge in the overall health of Africans. Of course a number of attributes can be pointed to this fact: underdevelopment which leads to poor quality of life, poor or absent access to health facilities, disease spread, geo-political unrest and civil wars that have ravaged the continent for decades, and many more.
HOWEVER, AS I RESEARCHED MORE, I FOUND THAT HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN ON THE RISE, BUT SO HAS THE RISE IN CASES OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ILLNESSES. A lot will argue that these challenges have always been there, but there is now a better reporting system for the cases recorded. While this is true, it is only part of the bigger issue. Let’s start at the beginning. The majority of the African population still adhere to certain old beliefs which have been debunked or better explained with the advent of science and education in general. Certain occurrences which were once deemed acts of “angry gods” or “wicked witches and warlocks” have been either found to be naturally occuring phenomena or simply just medical conditions.
WWW.STARTUPAFRICA.CO.ZA
By Edirin Edewor [@edirinedewor]
For example, Mary Slessor, a missionary to Nigeria, discovered and eventually aided in the abolishment of the infanticide of twins in the Ibibio people, an ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria, in the early 20th century. It was their belief that if an Ibibio woman had twins, one of them was of the devil and so the twins were taken into a forest to die. Yet, in the Western Yorubalands of that same Nigeria, they have the highest recorded birth of twins anywhere in the world. In other places in Africa, when a child or adult had a seizure or a convulsion, it was attributed to a demonic demonstration. The person was deemed possessed by devils, when the case might just have been Epilepsy or any other form of brain illness. The most common one, and still practiced in full effect today, is the outcasting, ostracising and shaming of people with mental illnesses, who, lacking any form of treatment, become fully disillusioned and are left wandering the streets as “mad” people. It is believed they have been struck by God as punishment for their sins, or have been spellbound by a wicked friend or family member. It is believed that nothing can be done for them except through prayers and other forms of religious practices by religious houses. In modern times, more and more people have become aware of the symptoms that lead to “madness” and other mental illnesses, thanks to better access to information. Still, the stigma of being labelled mad, weak or less spiritual, remains. People have become afraid of talking to family and friends about how they truly feel, for fear of being laughed at, scolded or simply told to go pray. Seeing a psychologist or a “shrink” has become somewhat of a taboo and so many people suffer in silence, till they snap and are driven to violent outbursts or suicide. According to the World Health Organisation, Suicide is the second leading cause of death among those aged 15 - 29, and 79% of global suicides occur in low and middle income countries, which form the most of Africa’s countries.
The majority of these suicides and suicide attempts occur among individuals who suffer from depression and other forms of mental illnesses. With Africa having the largest young population percentile in the world, one does not need to imagine how much of the population is affected. In March of 2017, the WHO listed Djibouti as having the highest cases of depression, affecting 5.1% of its population and Niger ranked the lowest with 3.4%. The WHO also estimates that more than 300 million people are affected with depression worldwide and an even higher number, when other mental illnesses such as Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder, Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Paranoia, Agitation and many more are added. With the rate of increase in Entrepreneurship in Africa and the accompanying unique stress of doing business on the continent, there is cause for concern. In the 2017 African Economic Outlook (AEO) Report, it was stated that 22% of Africa’s working-age population are starting new businesses, which is the highest rate of any region in the world. It is estimated that 29 million youths will join the region’s labour force every year between 2015 and 2030, but with the slow pace of innovative industrialization and development strategies, it will be difficult for the region to adequately accommodate these numbers, so naturally, people will turn to entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, the same circumstances will apply here because there is no adequate innovation and infrastructural development to enable their businesses to thrive. It is also important to create a safe environment where people can talk about their personal and professional struggles freely, without fear of being judged or labelled, so they can get the help that they need. The Government of each African country, as well as the African Union and other bodies concerned, need to also play their part in making life easier for the African man and woman who just wants to make a difference in their lives and the lives of those they are responsible for, and to live long and well enough to make that difference, as I have done.
STRESS MANAGEME NT KEY TO GROWING A SMALL BUSINESS
BY BARADI MOLETSANE [@BARADIDARDI] Many South African small and medium
The first step to better manage feelings of
with the stress and strain of running a
to understand the underlying reasons for
enterprise (SME) owners are grappling business. This was confirmed by the
findings of the second quarter 2018 SME
Confidence Index, which reveals that 76
percent of the SME owners surveyed say that the pressure of running their own
business can sometimes be overwhelming and limit their potential.
being overwhelmed, according to Lang, is the stress and ensure that the corrective measures are in place. “For example,
many SME owners in South Africa are currently – either consciously or
unconsciously – concerned about how the depressed economic landscape will impact their businesses.
Stress, however, is in many ways inevitable
“Although entrepreneurs – being agile,
Health Awareness Month, Jeremy Lang,
thrive in spite of difficult circumstances, it
for entrepreneurs. So in light of Mental
regional general manager at Business
Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS), says that it is vital for entrepreneurs to
know how to manage their stress in order to prevent it from negatively affecting
solution-driven thinkers by nature – will
is a good idea to proactively prepare for
difficult economic conditions by ensuring that the business has adequate liquidity reserves in place,” he says.
their physical and mental health, which in
As it is often said that entrepreneurship
their business’ growth.
it is key for a business owner to have a
turn may have a detrimental impact on
can be a lonely road, Lang points out that
reliable and trustworthy management
team in place to relieve them from dayto-day operational burdens when
necessary. “This will not only free up time to focus on what is needed to run and grow the business, but also allow a
business owner time to focus on their own wellbeing.”
Lang adds that entrepreneurs should also
ensure they have a good support structure in place through family, friends or mentors to assist in getting through those difficult periods. A visit to a health practitioner is also advisable.
“In order to operate at peak performance, physical health is imperative.
Entrepreneurs should ensure that they
schedule time to exercise, go for regular
checkups, maintain a balanced diet and get enough quality sleep,” he notes.
“When times are tough, SME owners should take a step back and remind themselves why they became an entrepreneur in the first place – this passion and motivation
can go a long way towards helping them in dealing with those difficult days,” Lang concludes.
Physical health is imperative.
What corporates should be doing to support SME development
Give SMEs favourable terms
determination to put in the work can post
Corporates have the advantage of size on
year after they raised capital. These are
their side, so why not leverage it for the benefit of small businesses?
Corporates can give SMEs a ‘break’, as it
growth figures well upwards of 300% in the the entrepreneurs you need to support. Buy from small local businesses
were, by charging small business-owners
The National Small Business Council runs
quantities that don’t usually qualify for a
campaign, which encourages consumers
bulk prices for items bought in small discount.
Pay on time One of the biggest challenges
entrepreneurs face is cash flow problems that arise from clients who don’t pay on
the annual Small Business Friday
and corporates alike to buy from local entrepreneurs.
It shouldn’t take an annual day for us to
play our part when it’s something we can do on a small scale on a daily basis.
time.
Sponsor an SME
Be clear about what you expect from the
Corporate sponsorship partnerships can
down the line and give SMEs reasonable
Riversands, the process is managed, from
deal upfront to avoid any crossed wires deadlines.
Mentor meaningfully There’s nothing worse than sugar-coating feedback to SMEs, you’re not doing them
any favours and more than anything else,
make or break an entrepreneur. At
recruitment to implementation. Each rand invested is tracked, with continuous monitoring to ensure that funds are
allocated correctly. Economies of scale ensure that expenses are reduced and impact is maximised.
you’re robbing them of the opportunity to
Fund a reputable incubator hub
for the other clients they service.
Going through an incubation programme
Be brave, honest and specific in your
entrepreneurs, as the four pillars of
do better next time not only for you, but
feedback, but don’t forget to affirm the
things at which they are excelling , Retief advises.
Fund SMEs wisely Funding is not a silver bullet to an
entrepreneur’s growth challenges, but a smart entrepreneur with a marketable business plan and the discipline and
will significantly impact the lives of
support (infrastructure, marketing, growth and learning and back office support
services) provide them with the best shot at success.
Mental and Physical Fitness and the Entrepreneur By Pieter Scholtz The World Health Organisation (WHO) identified workplace stress as the greatest health epidemic of the century. Stress can lead to depression and anxiety disorders, something a WHO-led study estimates costs the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity. What’s more, entrepreneurs and more specifically, small business owners claimed in 2017, according to Bank of America, that “managing their business, is more than four times more stressful than raising children.”
There’s no doubt that entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted, and that business owners are more likely to be more stressed compared to the employee workforce, and that they worry a lot more. Many entrepreneurs face competing priorities in that they often work very long hours, and as a result compromise on their physical fitness. I have outlined some very important points to consider when it comes to mental and physical fitness;
1. Develop a Default Diary Maintaining a Default Diary that provides adequate time for the various roles that you have to play in your business, as well as ensuring that adequate time is provided for family, exercise and spiritual development, is the first step in addressing this issue. 2. Support Group Entrepreneurship is sometimes a very lonely place to be, and as a result, it is imperative to develop a support group – friends, colleagues and family – who you can rely on when you need to discuss challenges. This is also a space where the appointment of a business coach can help significantly. 3. You Are What You Read The value of reading for self development cannot be over-estimated. Often, through my discussions with business owners who are struggling with a particular issue in their company, I learn that it’s due to the business owner not investing enough time in self development. Rather than watching TV or spending hours on social media, read a book on a particular topic that will grow you as an individual.
4. Business Environment The environment within which you operate has substantial influence. From your office to the people that you surround yourself with, ensure that the environment is uplifting and that it energises, rather than drains you. 5. Exercise and Diet The tougher the working environment and the more stress you are under, the more critical it is for you to focus on exercise, health and diet. If this is not something that you have done naturally, start small and get a good walk in daily, and build from there. Consider appointing a dietician for additional assistance if need be.
6. Celebrate Small Wins – Regularly Routine is the result of being caught up in the daily stress of running a business, and this can lead to you losing sight of any progress that you’re making. One way to overcome this, is to celebrate any small wins that you and your team have achieved. And keep a record of these small wins. Document any client testimonials that you have obtained, and if you haven’t, start collecting them, as they’re a simple and effective reminder that you are making progress.
In closing, our role as business coaches is to ensure the health of an enterprise, and the mental strength and physical wellbeing of the business owner plays no small role in this. By working with a business coach, the entrepreneur may build the mental resources needed to tackle the challenging business world,” Scholtz concludes.
Pieter Scholtz is the Co-Master Franchisor in Southern Africa for ActionCOACH, the fastest growing and largest business coaching company globally. Pieter and his partner Harry Welby-Cooke developed ActionCOACH across Southern Africa, which now boasts over 40 franchisees. He is also a certified, leading business and executive coach. He has successfully assisted countless business owners to significantly grow their profits and develop their entrepreneurial skills. www.actioncoach.co.za / 012 665 1015