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Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
Contents News
3
Business
6
Chitchat
9
Music
10
Calendar
11
Roots
12
Talking Centrelink
13
Fashion
15
Beauty
20
Life
21
Kid’s OWN
24
Sport
28
Contact Us The AfriQan Times welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for corrections. We are committed to presenting information fairly and accurately. The AfriQan Times Level 28, AMP Tower 140 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Tel: +61 8 9278 2624 Fax: +61 8 9278 2727 info@afriqantimes.com
Publisher
Emmanuel Solomon
A word from the publisher... The AfriQan Times: Feeding the mind, challenging the times Emmanuel Solomon publisher
The AfriQan Times is a powerful and informative mix of in-depth news, high profile interviews, business, sports, entertainment and fashion. This brand new multi-media platform encompasses print and online publications and caters for a sizable segment of the Australian population that is not served by any media at the moment. An engaging, entertaining and compelling read, The AfriQan Times perfectly captures the character and spirit of multi-cultural Australia, to help engage and integrate the African community into Australian society. It is the only publication that covers how Africans are contributing to life in this country. No other magazine or newspaper is as switched on to the needs and aspirations of Australia’s growing African population, one that includes white, black, Indian and Asian migrants. Our global and national reach will attract thousands of African Australians, as well as their friends, family, anyone doing business on the African continent, and the burgeoning African student population. We are uniquely positioned to reach this niche market, making us a superb advertising
vehicle. The AfriQan Times is an influential forum that embraces the Australian community at large and comes at an interesting time in Australia’s history as the Government has embarked on a series of long-term initiatives to strengthen its engagement with the African continent. Read on to find out more about what we can do for you.
Coming soon – The AfriQan Times editorial calendar The next few months at The AfriQan Times promise a breathtaking range of news, fantastic fashions and inspiring stories that will entertain, inform and enrich people’s lives. The list of big names to feature between our covers will include John O’Brien, the visionary CEO of the Poolwerx Corporation; Nic Naitanui, the sensational West Coast Eagles ruckman; and Anton Enus, the highly respected South Africanborn SBS newscaster and journalist.
Distribution The AfriQan Times is both an online and print publication. The newspaper is printed
in full colour on high quality recycled newsprint and is published twice a month. Distribution will be through newsagents, bookshops, train and transport stations, shopping centres, airlines, hotels, African and local shops, and at special events across Australia. We will be launching in Western Australia before going national in August 2010. And our website will be live 24/7 and constantly updated.
Advertising with The AfriQan Times Whether you want to build awareness of your brand, launch a new product or service, or drive more customers to your business, we have a variety of ways of delivering a diverse and quality audience to help you achieve the results you desire. At The AfriQan Times we will help you reach out and connect with new customers and clients. Grab attention and make a major impact in seconds with your own space in our unique publication. A full page newspaper ad will also give you free exposure on our web platform. Join us on our incredible journey and let our success story be your success story.
General Manager Gabriel Gomado
CHIEF Editor
Eshmael Mpabanga Eshmael.mpabanga@afriqantimes.com
sub-editor / proofreader Lerae Rowney
International Editor Phillip Nyakpo
phillip.nyakpo@afriqantimes.com
Knocking on digital doors with ink and paper?
Writers
Phillip Nyakpo international editor
Contributors
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Annie Gichuru: Entertaiment Israel Hobson: Music Von Hobson: Kid’s OWN Josiah Boamah: Sport Joan Dellavalle: Beauty Director Ebony & Ivory
John Kirshner: Life Director Motivate Health Solutions
Hank Jongen: Talk Centrelink General Manager CentreLink
Tayo Fatunla: Our Roots Cartoonist
Dr Ojo Kayode: Life Director Roleystone Medical Centre
PR Consultant Demelza Goudie
Design consultant Noah Rush
Sales and Advertising Israel Hobson
sales@afriqantimes.com
Design and Branding Thamsanqa Mnangagwa Tamu@afriqantimes.com
Kuda Mukondiwa Kuda.mukondiwa@afriqantimes.com
IT & Webmaster
f you are reading this on paper and ink (and there is a 99 per cent chance you are not), then I don’t have to tell you that The Afriqan Times has come out in the printed form as well as being available on the Internet. In this totally digital age in which newspapers are running for cover, you may wonder why this new medium in Australia is published in hard copy as well. Jonathan Holmes of Australia’s ABC TV’s Media Watch said recently that the paper and ink news media is looking to the Internet for salvation as years of free news on Internet sites have moved advertising away from newspapers. Holmes is not alone in this thinking. As the world honeymoons with Apple’s new baby, Marc Frons, who deals with digital operations at the New York Times, said the “readability of the iPad, the portability and the power of it... is unique,” and somewhat represents a comeback for newspapers that have seen their money taken by adverts increasingly placed with the digital media. Journalists in
their hundreds, actually thousands around the world, have lost their jobs with the print media while blogs and sites on every topic are spawned on the Internet every day. The pundits say the Internet just keeps digging a grave for newspapers, their publishers and their writers! So what is The Afriqan Times doing by publishing with ink and paper? There’s just something incredibly unique about holding a newspaper in your hand that a computer, even if an iPad, has not yet achieved. The hard-nosed print journalist will tell you that a byline in ink and paper is nearly as exciting as the bank cheque it usually guarantees. Even though the digital age has come with a great force and permanence in our 21st century life, much of the world is yet to catch up. This is a fact not easily perceived by the hundreds of millions in the developed world. In a recent trip to Ghana in West Africa, people queuing to buy the popular Daily Graphic newspaper was for me a sight to behold. And no one there is talking about a threat to the newspaper industry by the digital media. What is unique in many developing
countries inAfrica is the preponderance of radio stations. And their popular morning shows are incomplete without newspaper reviews. It is understood that sales are generated for local newspapers through these daily radio newspaper reviews - and care is taken that reviews are carried out in a way that leaves listeners wanting to hear more. An interdependent relationship has therefore been created between radio stations and newspapers as some of the radio stations do not have the resources to generate news and information to the same extent that newspapers do. Today, whole books and libraries have been digitised – and are read in the same way. But such digitised books are yet to be shared with much of the world’s populace, identified as being limited in earnings to just a dollar a day. It is only a matter of time, hopefully, until every enclave on the planet will turn totally digital beyond what we know today. And if The Afriqan Times then drops its newspaper version in the future in favour of a strictly digital medium, some of us will say “we saw it coming” or we’ll just give a knowing nod to a long-dead gentleman called Nostradamus.
Joseph Mugwanya
Subcriptions
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Publishing Information The AfriQan Times is Australian owned and operated. Afriqan Times Pty Ltd ABN: 521 386 161 09 ACN: 138 616 109 Printed by Rural Press
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The AfriQan Times welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for corrections. We are committed to presenting information fairly and accurately.
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News 3
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
News New horizon By Eshmael Mpabanga editor
THE AFRIQAN TIMES heralds a new dawn as the most anticipated Afro-Aussie print and online news media source sets its sights on becoming the most relevant information and lifestyle publication in Australia. Even the most avid reader will be hooked and wanting more as the first edition of this premium media service hits the streets. The Afriqan Times was built on addressing the needs of the Australian public – one of the most culturally diverse communities in the world. Although still relatively young, this country has readers who hunger for information – as their prodigious ability to decipher and identify with diverse cultural backgrounds has proved. Distributed nationally and complemented by an international online presence through its comprehensive website, The Afriqan Times delivers news, information, opinions and concepts to many varied groups and industries across the country. The Afriqan Times is free, compelling,
analytical and punchy: a publication created for the community at large – a platform where people can have their say on what is important to them. After years of planning and gritty determination, The Afriqan Times team believes the interests of all Australian readers will be catered for. At any moment and anywhere, readers will be engaged and entertained. You are encouraged to identify with a section and make it your own by collectively participating in what you want to read. No matter where you’re from, The Afriqan Times has the essential ingredients to satisfy YOU, the discerning reader. Regular sections include news (local, national, African and world), sport, health, finance, entertainment, fashion, beauty, and our comprehensive Kid’s OWN pages – packed with activities, innovative leaning opportunities and competitions that are designed to complement current curriculum practice. Visit www.afriqantimes.com and stay in touch with what’s happening around your community, in Australia, in Africa and throughout the world.
NIGERIA
Zambia
Yar’Adua goes into extra time The reappearance of the President has worsened the political paralysis – and the splits – in the PDP Government On March 3, the state governors decided to block a vote that could have set in motion President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s enforced resignation on medical grounds. This has won his supporters in Abuja more time but does nothing to resolve the crisis caused by the power vacuum at the centre of Government. Three days earlier, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan tried to address the crisis by appointing a 26-member Presidential Advisory Council to speed up the implementation
of government policy on key issues: the amnesty in the Niger Delta, rehabilitation of the electric power grid, electoral reform and stronger anticorruption measures. Chaired by former Defence minister lieutenant general Theophilus Danjuma, the Advisory Council’s members include Ben Nwanbueze as deputy chairman, banker Fola Adeola, oil expert Basil Omiyi, former inspector general of Police Muhammadu Yusufu, former Commonwealth secretary general Emeka
Anyaoku, businessman Kase Lawal, Mohammed Hayatudden, Justice Salihu Modibo Alfa Belgore, businessman Bamanga Tukur and Ismaila Isa. Nigerians welcomed the initiative in the hope that it would speed up government machinery and tackle some pressing problems. One of the biggest concerns in Abuja was that the amnesty deal in the Delta would come apart if the Government did not accelerate the release of funds to the agreed projects there.
Continued on page 4
Chinese visit clearly pays off for Zambia Obert Simwanza
ZAMBIA has secured a concessional loan of US$1 billion from the Chinese Government for investment in development projects that encompass hydroelectric power, housing, road infrastructure and other sectors. Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Felix Mutati said in an interview in Lusaka recently that in addition to the US$1 billion, the Chinese Government agreed to give Zambia a grant of US$10 million to enable completion of the Ndola stadium. Mr Mutati said Zambia was able to secure the US$1 billion because it was the first African country with a high-powered delegation to visit China after the Forum for Africa China Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Egypt last November.
“We were the first among the African countries to make a presentation to China for various projects amounting to US$1 billion. It’s because of the President going to China that we have been able to secure a loan,” Mr Mutati said. During the FOCAC meeting, China made pledges on its cooperation with Africa, including a provision of US$10 billion in concessional financing for various projects in African countries. Further, Mr Mutati said China pledged to set aside US$1 billion to support small and medium entrepreneurs. He added that it was to the advantage of Zambia to be among the first countries to seek the funds and, as a result, the nation was able to access US$1 billion, which other countries might not be able to secure.
Continued on page 5
4 News
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times
ERITREA
Dry times for a quick election
The Government faces elections against a divided opposition: its biggest enemies are the weather and Eritrean President Issayas Afewerki. The political calendar will be dominated by national elections on May 23. The Government wants to avoid a repeat of the violence that followed the 2005 elections, when 200 people were killed in clashes between police and demonstrators. Above all, it wants to win convincingly and face down critics in the diaspora and among foreign activists. Riot police have been trained and a recently formulated Code of Conduct, approved by Parliament, has been signed by 65 parties – though not yet by the largest opposition group, the Forum for Democratic Dialogue in Ethiopia. GUINEA | UNITED STATES
Yar’Adua goes into extra time Continued from page 3
In the last few weeks, militants have resumed attacks against oil installations and warned of further escalation. There were also hopes that the Council would help to steer through the reforms recommended by Justice Mohammed Uwais’s Commission to give the coming national elections some credibility. Jonathan told his allies he was determined to boost electricity output to the 6000 megawatts he had promised to deliver by the end of 2009. However, all these measures depend heavily on the will of the National Assembly and the 36 governors who have been flapping in the wind during the crisis concerning President Yar’Adua’s medical leave. After months of inaction, the chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Kwara State governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki in February backed a formal transfer of authority from the ailing Yar’Adua to Jonathan. Given that Saraki is regarded as one of the frontrunners in the 2011 presidential election, this move hugely strengthened Jonathan’s camp.
A clandestine return The transfer of power may have also prompted First Lady Turai Yar’Adua’s decision to bring her husband back to Nigeria to step up the fight against those seeking his forced resignation. It seems that the Yar’Adua camp has influenced several state governors to try
to limit Jonathan’s authority as Acting President. Some governors were critical of the choice of Danjuma, a northern Christian, to chair the Advisory Council. Others said Danjuma had his own constituency in the military and was independent of groups backed by general Ibrahim Babangida and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The governors may also fear that the Council could diminish the importance of their role and that of the ministers that they appointed
“Without agreement on a new budget, state spending could grind to a halt, jeopardising political plans.” to the Cabinet. Yet their decision not to proceed with a detailed medical assessment of Yar’Adua, a preliminary step to forcing him out, solves nothing. The danger now is that both they and ministers are divided over how to resolve the crisis. No-one is predicting Yar’Adua’s early return to full-time politics and the stasis suits some ambitious politicians. The governing People’s Democratic Party will hold its national conference in November and will choose its presidential candidate then. As a result, veterans of past military regimes – such as
generals Aliyu Mohammed Gusau and Babangida – have suddenly become extremely active within the PDP caucus. In the shorter term, the standoff between the Jonathan and Yar’Adua camps will have to be resolved. Yar’Adua’s clandestine return, accompanied by a retinue from the Brigade of Guards, in the small hours of February 23 jangled nerves. We heard governors Isa Yuguda (Bauchi State), Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Usman Sa’idu Dakingari (Kebbi), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe) met Yar’Adua’s group to warn of the heightening political tension due to the power vacuum. Popular sentiment has moved against the Yar’Adua group and Turai Yar’Adua faces vilification in the press and from civil society. Yet these groups also criticise Jonathan’s lack of determination to wield power in his new role. Steeled by the secretary to the Government, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Jonathan had been pushing ahead with more political plans, such as forming the Advisory Council. Jonathan will need the combined experience of that panel to make progress with the state governors. Statements from Britain and the US backing him may cut both ways: adding to his authority in some quarters (there was talk of visa bans on some of Yar’Adua’s officials) but also allowing his opponents to cast him as a Western puppet. More importantly, he has been unable to meet Yar’Adua
and plan a coordinated government that could include appointees from both camps. The next step will be a Cabinet reshuffle but it will be difficult to coordinate that with the governors, who demand influence over appointees from their states. Dora Nkem Akunyili, the outspoken Communications minister, accused Yar’Adua’s camp of “gaining from the confusion”. Signed on Yar’Adua’s sickbed, the supplementary budget expires this month. Without agreement on a new budget, state spending could grind to a halt, jeopardising political plans. The need to cooperate may prompt a wider political deal. The PDP is in poor shape and the crisis has damaged it further. The weak leadership of national chairman Vincent Eze Ogbulafor has not helped: the party has fissured and new alliances have emerged. In the north, young reform-minded professionals are vying with the veteran clique, mainly in their 60s and 70s, now in charge. They are calling on former anti-corruption czar Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Federal Capital minister Nuhu Ribadu and former Bauchi governor Ahmed Adamu Muazu to reform the party. They also support a full transfer of power to Jonathan. That might be why Turai Yar’Adua has been accused of sending plaintive e-mails to El-Rufai, seeking his support for her husband and his determined retinue.
For more on Nigeria go to www.afriQantimes.com
The junta explains
The putschists use former Pentagon officials to polish their image. Blamed for the massacre of more than 100 civilians in Ethiopia last September, the junta in Conakry is trying to improve its image via a US-based public relations company run by two former Department of Defense officials. David Crane, who was the first chief prosecutor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone before his departure in 2005, has made a surprise return to West Africa as a consultant to Guinea’s embattled military junta, the Conseil National pour la Démocratie et le Développement. CONGO
Sassou’s reforms on trial The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have given President Denis Sassou-Nguesso a clean bill of health but anticorruption lobbyists disagree. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s (EITI) determination to tackle corruption in Congo-Brazzaville will be tested on March 9 when EITI directors will meet to consider upgrading their verdict on the country from its current ‘candidate’ status to ‘compliant’, which means it would be judged to have substantially improved the accountability of state finances. If the directors fail to give Sassou-Nguesso’s Government the green light and raise yet more doubts about accounting in the state oil company, then they will also be questioning the judgement of the World Bank and the IMF.
News 5
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
Chinese visit clearly pays off for Zambia Continued from page 3
Mr Mutati said the insinuations that President Rupiah Banda’s visit to China was a sheer waste of time and resources were unfortunate, considering the benefits that Zambia was set to achieve. “There was merit for Zambia to go to China as quickly as possible and agree on the framework of accessing the resources to ensure quick delivery of goods and services,” he said. Mr Mutati added that he was particularly happy that President Banda accepted the invitation to go to China and meet his counterpart Hu Jintao, who directed his Government to facilitate Zambia’s accessing of the funds expeditiously. Mr Hu said the presence of Mr Banda in China made his own work and that of the other ministers easier
as the two Heads of State were able to hold talks at a higher level. In addition to the funds, Zambia was able to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with commercial institutions in China. One MoU
sub-zone as soon as the rain is over and they pledged $300 million,” Mr Mutati said. He added that the Government signed an MoU with China Africa Development Fund that has appointed Zambia as the regional office on the continent.
“In all, 50 representatives of Zambian companies...were able to secure joint investment ventures with their counterparts in China.” was signed between Zambia and China Non Ferrous Metals, which is currently developing the Chambishi Multi Facility Economic Zone, to develop the Lusaka sub-zone. “They will start the implementation of the Lusaka
Zambia also signed an MoU with Beijing Gold Common Mining Investment Company to deal in the construction industry. In all, 50 representatives of Zambian companies that were part of the Government’s delegation to China were able to
secure joint investment ventures with their counterparts in China. One such Zambian business entity was Biomass PLC, which secured a joint venture with Walhan Kaida for the development of bio-diesel using jathropha. “The initial investment for this project is US$400 million and this is a purely private sector investment,” Mr Mutati said. As such, he said, politicians should desist from complaining that the president’s visit to China was a waste of resources and time, saying the move has proved to be beneficial. He concluded by saying it was Government policy to attract investment not only from China but other countries, and that a delegation would be sent to India immediately to lure investors from that country. For more news on Zambia visit www.afriqantimes.com
Controversy tails Zuma’s trip to London Africa Confidential
South African President Jacob Zuma’s recent controversies have followed him to the UK, with scene-stealers on his state visit revisiting his polygamy and courtroom travails. “His country’s first openly polygamous president, Mr Zuma will be received with the usual pomp by the Queen and Prime Minister Gordon Brown during a three-day visit likely to be dominated by interest in his personal life and the continuing crisis in Zimbabwe,” wrote The Independent’s online edition. Describing him as “exuberant”, with a “colourful CV”, and “shrewd”, The Guardian online leapt straight into his battle with rape and corruption charges, plus his rejection of calls for nationalisation, and moved swiftly on to which wife he had chosen to accompany him – Thobeka Madiba – for the visit. The Independent wrote that the “distinctly monogamous” Queen Elizabeth II was unlikely to be fazed by the visit, “given the range of distinctly ropey state visitors she has greeted during her 58 years on the throne”. The right-wing Daily Mail headlined its article: “Jacob Zuma is a sex-obsessed bigot with four wives and 35 children. So why is Britain fawning over this vile buffoon?”
BOTSWANA | ZIMBABWE
A clash at the border A confrontation between Harare and Gaborone concerning a wandering pride of lions has escalated into a serious bilateral rift. The formulation of foreign policy in Zimbabwe is the jealously guarded function of the President’s Office and, through it, the Central Intelligence Organisation. The Foreign Ministry is more of a clearing house and its ministers rarely have much influence at home or abroad. They wait for their cue from State House; when reacting, they prefer a megaphone to a telephone. In this latest clash between neighbours, it may be that someone in Harare wanted to reply to Botswana President Ian Khama’s criticism of Robert Mugabe. SOUTH AFRICA
Tightening the welfare belt A centrist budget annoys the people behind the President’s election and leaves some economic questions unanswered South Africa is now the biggest welfare state in the developing world and the implications for public finances are frightening. As the recession tapers off, the rising public debt is set to peak in 2013 at an overwhelming 40 per cent. Economists such as Iraj Abedian, chief executive of Pan-African Advisory Services in South Africa, argue that a government faced with a fiscal crisis cannot afford to commit the largest portion of its budget to public spending, such as social grants. KENYA
Truth and Kiplagat
Along with a photograph of Zuma in traditional attire at his wedding to Madiba, it wrote that he had paid “a sort of tribal deposit on a future bride” to the families of at least two more potential wives. It also claimed to have been told of twins he had with a Ukrainian woman. The Mail said it was “becoming ever more evident that SA is being turned into an organised ‘kleptocracy’,” adding that: “With timing that
seems suspiciously fortunate given the looming state visit, the Government this month announced a deal with British Aerospace to end investigations into whether bribes were paid in several recent contracts.” Last year, Zuma won a damages claim against the UK Guardian for writing that he was guilty of rape, corruption and bribery. The Financial Times wrote: “It will no doubt prove tempting...
to depict [the visit] as a comic opera. “When he came to London just over two years ago, only a few bankers would see him. Now he returns as the most powerful man in Sub-Saharan Africa... “However, western investors are starting to fret. They want him to go beyond equivocating and mollifying the feuding power brokers of his rowdy alliance.”
The position of Bethuel Kiplagat, chairman of Kenya’s Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, is under serious threat since calls for his resignation were made by South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and ten other heads and members of earlier Truth Commissions. The crisis will go deeper than Kiplagat’s personal position and raises questions about how long the TJRC will last or whether it will be able to operate at all.
6 Business
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
Business Young, African and full of potential By Eshmael Mpabanga chief editor
South African-born Tiaan Reader has shown maturity beyond his years and his initiative has helped his family business become one of the most competitive in Geelong. The 21-year-old mans the ship at Poolwerx – a leading Australian-owned pool and spa networking franchise – where his family took the reigns and made it their own. The Readers moved from Wellington, Cape Town to Australia 11 years ago after Tiaan’s father Geoff was offered a job at David Jones in Sydney. They moved to Geelong several years later and, after a few years of research, selected a business they felt would create a family legacy. Tiaan said he was confident that the research his father had done was sufficient enough for him to jump on board. “I just want to be successful and to make my parents proud of me, and that’s what keeps me striving to be the best every day,” he said. “Mum is the administrator, Dad looks after the bank account and I pretty much run the show – I’m the muscle in the family.” Tiaan said one the most eventful days to date was when he was called out at 9am on a Saturday after a wheelbarrow of cement had been accidently
dropped into a pool. “It wasn’t that difficult to clean out but it was an experience as I had never seen cement in a pool before,” he said. Tiaan trained as a neighbourhood network technician for three years and worked on cable television and Internet networks. He said it was a different experience to now be involved in the family business and that
“ Mum is the administrator, Dad looks after the bank account and I pretty much run the show – I’m the muscle in the family.” he looked forward to an exciting future in the pool and spa industry. Tiaan’s mother Sharni said going into business as a family was a big decision and the Poolwerx model seemed the best fit. She said they had built a client base from scratch in less than three months and could foresee significant growth in the future. With Tiaan leading from the front, it’s no wonder that other young people look up to the African boy who has fast become a leader in business.
Tiaan Reader and his mother Sharni cool down after a hard day’s work.
Injecting new life By Eshmael Mpabanga chief editor
Melbourne-based Nigerian native Nnamdi Oranye has been working his way up to become one of Australia’s leading African business owners. The 29-year-old JVI Group director has, in the past four years, developed a brand to perform transactions based on quality and delivery. His business provides a service that facilitates cross-border transactions between South Africa and Australia through business acquisitions. Mr Oranye said although there was already a large number of
international transactions, there was still a void between Australia and the African continent. “Our focus in the last two years has shifted from international transactions to effecting business acquisitions and expanding nationwide,” he said. “We also aim to give more attention specifically to privately held small to medium enterprises.” Mr Oranye arrived in Australia in 2005 to study a Masters of Telecommunications at the University of Melbourne and gained a better understanding of the Australian engineering industry. He spent his early adult life in Botswana where he worked as an
engineering consultant. With such international prowess and the knowledge gained from his travels, Mr Oranye’s dream was to build a firm on ethical principles. He believes the African community in Australia will be recognised for its strong professional and business presence, as Africans showcase their entrepreneurism in various industries. “I strongly believe that aspiring Africans have succeeded in areas of arts and culture but more emphasis and expansion was needed in other industries such as mining, engineering and manufacturing,” he said.
MPHO KEIPIDILE
JVI Group director Nnamdi Oranye sets his sights on empowering the Australian African community.
Business 7
The AfriQan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
Gas for Europe
Is Europe relying too heavily on the seemingly inexhaustible reserves of cheap gas from Russia? MAURITANIA
By Max de Vietri & Bob Pokrant
Russia supplies Europe with 40% of this commodity per year and has entered into joint ventures in extensive segments of Europe’s gas distribution network. It is involved in building several significant portions of the network and signed bilateral agreements with several EU countries, thus creating the potential for divisions and weakening the EU’s ability to act collectively in its relations with Russia. The January 2009 RussiaUkraine dispute illustrated the EU’s dependence on Russian gas and its vulnerability to supply chokepoints. This has raised European awareness that as Russia’s living standards rise, so does its domestic demand. Together with its lack of investment in infrastructure, this will result in Russia finding it difficult to meet international gas demand by 2015. In an attempt to diversify supply, Europe has turned to Africa from which it already obtains around 6% and 10% of its gas from Libya and Algeria respectively. Russia is seeking to establish an OPEC-type gas cartel, significantly including Libya and Algeria. Libyan and Algerian supplies are insufficient to meet increasing EU demands and in February this year the EU declared its intention to finance the €15 billion Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline (TSGP) destined to carry 30 BCM per year of Nigeria’s natural gas to Europe. Russia, however, has also begun promoting its links with Nigeria with several high-level official visits and promises of cash and aid for infrastructure development. President Medvedev’s visit in late June 2009 netted him an agreement for Russia’s inclusion in the development of the TSGP. Such moves threaten Europe’s desire to reduce its dependence on Russian supplies. Moreover, success in Russia’s efforts to include Algeria in its proposed cartel will weaken any advantage Europe seeks in sourcing SubSahara gas through the TSGP as this gas pipeline will traverse Algeria, ending at the Hassi R’Mel gas-hub for eventual distribution to Europe. In the light of these developments, one option for Europe is to seek alternative gas supplies. Mauritania, for
GHANA
Oil and optimism
THE president’s grand development plans contrast sharply with partisan manoeuvres in Parliament and beyond In a year’s time, Ghana should be producing 150,000 barrels of oil a day and its economy should be growing at well in excess of 10% a year. Its party political barracking might even become more constructive and less personalised. That at least is the hope of President John Evans Atta Mills, the tax law specialist-turned-politician who is battling to use oil revenue to finance an industrialisation program. EGYPT
Succession is a family business
historical reasons, has been a neglected region of West Africa, and hydrocarbon potential is high, attested to by the high rate of discoveries by Australian and British explorers in the Coastal Basin between 2001 and 2006. In addition, the newly rediscovered inland Taoudeni Basin of eastern Mauritania (and Mali) is likely to be a rich source of gas as it is the continuation of the gas-rich basins of southern Algeria. Since mid-2004, a pegging rush by companies and super-majors has positioned Europe’s principal gas producers and distributors within this promising inland basin. These include Italy’s ENI, France’s Total and GDF-Suez, Spain’s Repsol, Austria’s RWE and Germany’s Wintershall, as well as Algeria’s Sonatrach, one of the world’s largest LNG producers. Europe has few options but to diversify its supply base. One option is to continue to promote the TSGP while at the same time actively pursuing the development of an alternative pipeline route westwards from Mali (and the emerging Niger discoveries) to the Atlantic coast of Mauritania. Development of a gas-hub and LNG plant at Nouakchott, the coastal capital
of Mauritania, would create a point of exit for gas destined for both the European and North American markets. Both GDF and Shell have signed Memoranda of Understanding to scope such an LNG project, but have some concerns about dealing with the Mauritanian regime, based partly on the experiences of other potential investors in the country. In the past, foreign technocrats and business people found it difficult at times to operate effectively in Mauritania – partly because they failed to understand its socio-political system, rooted in the country’s history. For centuries, the society consisted of nomadic Maure and sedentary African peoples who were able to withstand the vagaries of the country’s geography and the impact of French colonialism. The great Saharan drought of the 1970s, however, led to large-scale sedentarisation of the country’s nomadic Maure population. Since then, there has emerged a political system based on fusing imported democratic arrangements with the long-standing tribal practices of the nomads. The evolving relationship between the country’s two major ethnic groupings, the
‘white’ Maures and ‘black’ Africans, further shaped this political hybridisation to which the intermixed population was linked in various ways. After independence in 1960, Mauritania built up a strong western-style military establishment that influenced the country’s politics for more than 30 of its 49 years as a sovereign state. For companies wishing to develop the country’s gas reserves and those of its neighbours, it is essential they understand Mauritanian national socio-political realities and the country’s place within the regional politics of West Africa. European political leaders must improve their diplomatic and other relations with the Mauritanian Government in order to build the trust necessary to provide a favourable political framework for negotiations in the development of alternative gas transportation routes to a gashungry West. Max de Vietri was founder of Baraka Petroleum. Bob Pokrant is Professor of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences and Asian Languages, Curtin University of Technology, Perth.
FIRST LADY SUZANNE Mubarak (née Thabet, born in El Minya to an Egyptian doctor and his Welsh wife) is becoming increasingly important in politics, building national alliances and an international profile for herself as well as promoting her second son, Gamal, to replace her husband. Gamal Mubarak has built a power base in the National Democratic Party and developed strong ties with the financial technocrats he met when he held executive positions in the Bank of America, first in Cairo and then in London in 1988-1994. SUDAN
Doubts over Darfur
FOREIGN governments welcome claims of a peace deal in Darfur but many Sudanese see it as another pre-election trick by Khartoum. The latest Darfur peace deal, announced on February 23, meets the strategic aims of the ruling National Congress Party (aka National Islamic Front, NIF): to consolidate a fragmented Islamist movement; to contain the Chad and Darfur conflicts so as to focus on the south; and to reinforce the NCP’s position, both at home and abroad, before next month’s national elections. The signatories to the deal are the NCP and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), widely seen as Islamist. None of the secular Darfur groups have signed up so far.
8 Business
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
The New Hot Spot
SOUTH AFRICA
Small print, big figures: monetary and exchange-rate policy
Africa has long been regarded as backward by many other world economies. Well, that was the general perception – until now. China and India scoop all the headlines for their economic prowess, but there is another global growth story. In 2007 and 2008, in the Southern Africa and Great Lakes region, Tanzania and Uganda posted positive gross domestic product growth rates on par with the Asian two powerhouses. Last year, in the depths of a global recession, the continent clocked a two per cent growth, equalling rates in the Middle East. This year and in 2011, Africa is expected to grow 4.8 per
cent; the highest growth rate outside Asia and even higher than Brazil, Russia, Mexico and Eastern Europe, according to IMF estimates. On a per capita basis, Africans are already richer than Indians and a dozen African states have higher gross national income per capita than China. Despite a well documented reputation for corruption and poor governance, the continent has quietly experienced an economic renaissance, spurred by eager investors plus governments that have deregulated industries and
developed infrastructure. As a result, countries such as Botswana and Kenya now boast world-class hospitals, charter schools, and toll roads that are safe to drive on. While development is still prevalent in countries such as Burundi, Zimbabwe and Malawi, Africa’s most robust economies – Botswana, Ghana and South Africa – are beginning to experience an unprecedented brain gain. Experts believe that Africa, with its expansive population of newly-minted consumers, may be on the verge of becoming the
next India thanks to the frenetic pace of urbanisation plus a push in services and infrastructure such as transformed the Asian sub-continent 15 years ago. Venture capitalist and chairman of Accenture Nigeria, Adedotun Salaiman, said there construction of office buildings, luxury condos and roads was under way. “Even large cities are being built, which will able to house more than half a million people,” he said. “Although most things are in short supply, most areas have a high growth potential.”
IN October, finance minister Pravin Gordhan hinted at big economic changes. The South African Reserve Bank’s inflation strategy would be amended, the 3-6% target range for official inflation would be widened and the SARB’s primary duty to protect the value of the currency would be relaxed. Gordhan and Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus held long discussions and the outcome is that those changes will not take place. In his budget speech on February 17, Gordhan insisted that long-term improvements in international competitiveness can come only from “lower wage-inflation, lower budget deficits, larger reserves and a more flexible and dynamic productive sector”. South Africa’s inflation rate is higher than that of its main trading partners, so Gordhan reaffirmed both the 3-6% target and the Bank’s independent duty to manage consumer-price inflation after watching growth, employment, asset-price inflation, financialsector stability and exchangerate competitiveness. TANZANIA
BAE Systems refunds fraud
BAE SYSTEMS could face another round of legal problems on its arms contracts in Africa, Eastern Europe and Saudi Arabia following an injunction obtained by British lobbyists at Corner House on March 3 to freeze the company’s US$450 million plea-bargain deal with Britain’s Serious Fraud Office and the United States Department of Justice.
Entertainment | Chitchat 9
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
Chitchat
Nyams
entertainment writer nyams@afriqantimes.com
A
nnie Gichuru, commonly referred to by her African nickname ‘Nyams’, is a graduate of Murdoch University in Perth, where she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (Public Relations and Journalism) and a Masters degree in Human Resource Management. Annie began her work experience with a community-based radio station in Perth where she wrote and read the news and did the weather updates. After some time, Annie felt the need to bring something new and exciting to the station’s late night slot so she approached the station managers with the idea of starting an R&B late night show and was soon given the go ahead. It was the only show of its kind on the airwaves and was received with a lot of positive responses from listeners all over Perth: young, old and in those in between. Annie co-hosted the show, which was a success, for three years and achieved top ratings before proceeding to pursue a career in print media. As entertainment writer for The AfriQan Times Australia, Annie’s section will be packed with the latest global entertainment news – focusing mainly on Africa, Australia and the US. She will bring readers up-to-date information on current movies, music, TV shows, celebrities, fashion and events. Close working ties have already been established with Sony Pictures, Sony BMG, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, United International Pictures, Becker Entertainment, Madman Entertainment, Africa Movies Direct, Afromedia X and Ghana Music.Com, just to mention a few. So rest assured that all the information Annie shares will not only be from credible sources but that we have chosen to align ourselves with only the best. If you want the latest on entertainment brought to you hot off the press, go ahead and subscribe to The AfriQan Times and let the good times begin.
www.afriqantimes.com/entertainment
Kora player in the spotlight with Grammy win From Mali to New York via a 21-string harp Nyams entertainment writer
M
amadou Diabate was born in Kita, a Malian city of the Manding people of West Africa. Inspired by his father Djelimory, well known for playing the kora (the jeli’s venerable 21-string harp), Mamadou followed in his fathers footstep and began his journey as a kora player, travelling his region and sharing his gift at numerous events. Now, years later, Mamadou is the New
York-based Grammy award winner of the 2010 Best Traditional World Music Album. Mamadou has delved into uncharted waters, jamming with all manner of expert musicians including jazz luminaries Donald Byrd and Randy Weston, Zimbabwean legend Thomas Mapfumo, and blues masters Eric Bibb and Guy Davis. Mamadou has also recorded with accredited artists such as Irish soloist Susan McKeown, jazz bassist Ben Allison, and the legendary Angelique Kidjo. Congratulations Mamadou.
10 Music | Entertainment
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times
Music USHER – Raymond v Raymond Label: LaFace Release date: Available NOW
Israel Hobson
www.facebook.com/djizmusic
RETURN OF A LEGEND
M
usic lovers, this is OUR section of the paper. Here is where we’ll be covering the whole spectrum of Africanoriginating music, including but not restricted to R&B, hip hop, hip life, house, garage, and drum & bass. If it’s going to be making waves within the global music scene, you’ll probably read about it here first. In the words of Jay-Z, “allow me to introduce myself…” My name is Israel Hobson. In some circles I’m known as DJ IZ: a DJ, producer and collector of fine music – new in Perth after spending 19 years living and working in Europe and West Africa. In other circles I’m known as the son of the Nkosuahene of Tumfa, a beautiful village in the eastern region of Ghana. Here for you, the discerning reader and listener, I hope to combine the two and bring you news, reviews, interviews and discussions on the ever-changing world of African-inspired music. Let’s face it: the very first beat, on the very first drum, was heard for the very first time – in Africa. From Afrobeat to Zulu and everything in between, good music was, is and always will be inspired by Africa…
With TreySongz, Neyo, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake and Akon filling the role of male R&B Superstar quite well, some would ask ‘Is there still room for Usher?’ After listening to this album the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. Usher is most definitely back and on fine form. Raymond v Raymond, Usher’s sixth studio album, is a 15 track LP that boasts production work from an array of R&B’s biggest names, including Jam & Lewis, The Runners, Polow Da Don, Will.i.am, Jermaine Dupri, Jim Jonsin and Tricky Stewart. This is most definitely a return to Usher at his best, more Confessions than Here I Stand. Usher fans will be aware of his recent divorce from wife Tameka Foster, and here lies the concept and theme behind Raymond v Raymond.
Usher indicated very early on in an interview with People Magazine that the album would be “racy, risky and edgy, and sometimes about personal experiences”. With endless bootleg editions of this long awaited album being leaked online during the last couple of months, we finally have the official tracklisting. Stand out songs include ‘Okay’ (CornaBoyz on production) and ‘Little Freak’, a typical Polow Da Don synthesised club banger that sees Usher joined by the most talked about female MC right now – Nicki Minaj. Other highlights include the Jim Jonsin (Lil Wayne’s ‘Lollipop’, T.I.’s ‘Whatever You Like’) produced ‘There Goes My Baby’, collaborations with Ludacris (‘She Don’t Know’) and T.I. (‘Guilty’), plus the
first international single off the album, ‘O.M.G.’, featuring Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame. All in all, Raymond v Raymond is the complete album Usher fans have been waiting for. Whilst a lot of big tracks failed to make the final
cut, the 15 songs that did make the grade are testament to a well thought out concept album that will see Usher return to the forefront of the international R&B market.
conclusion to a mixtape that rivals Drake’s ‘So Far Gone’ for its refreshment value. For lovers of old school hip hop, Sway doesn’t disappoint: as the title suggests – he delivers. The highlight for me as a DJ is the DCY Remix of Sway’s big track of 2009, ‘Mercedes-Benz’. The team DCypha waxes lyrical over a souped up sample of the 45 King’s ‘900 Number’ – think DJ Kool’s ‘Let Me Clear My Throat’ but with an extra injection of bass that will shake
up any dancefloor. Guaranteed. The Delivery Mixtape is the cement that solidifies Sway’s standing as an innovative, humour-inspired lyricist, gifted in his craft, who truly deserves every award and accolade bestowed upon him. Sway – The Delivery Mixtape: ‘Mixtape of the Year 2010’, you read it here first…
Rating
SWAY – The Delivery Mixtape
Label: DCypha / Konvict Release date: Available NOW (FREE from www.sway.uk.com)
It’s official. The wait is over. After a two year hiatus, Sway DaSafo has returned to blaze the speakers of every hip hop connoisseur that will accept Delivery, no Signature LP required. In a full throttle assault that reminds me of those early 50 Cent bootlegs that seemed to be everywhere in late 2001, Sway rides the instrumentals of his fellow rap compatriots with highly admirable ease. He combines his ‘clipped staccato’ and doubletime flow with these tried and tested dubs to devastating effect. Highlights include Sway’s take on Ludacris’ ‘How Low’, Lil’ Wayne’s ‘Comfortable’, Snoop Dogg’s ‘I Wanna Rock’ and Dr Dre’s ‘The Watcher’. Please understand: this is no two-a-penny, take the current top ten urban tracks and just add irritating DJ shouts over the top mixtape. This is a finely selected, 27 track collection of genuine article, humour injected, hip hop. Sway is joined by neo-soul
www.afriqantimes.com/entertainment
superstar Dwele, the Kaiser Chiefs, Tinchy Stryder, Mr Hudson, Styles P, Kardinal Officiall and Akon (Sway signed to Akon’s Konvict Music label in 2007 – check their collaboration on the Sexy Chick Remix). Ever proud and comfortable representing the UK and Ghana, Sway collaborates with current hiplife poster child Sarkodie on a hugely infectious slice of UK Funky entitled ‘Feeling Funky 3’ in both English and Twi. Sway also brings along fellow UK emcee Giggs, on ‘Back 2 Basics’. The blending of Giggs’s chopped and screwed flow with Sway’s fierce double-time lyrics make for a very memorable collaboration. Along the way Sway reintroduces us to Chale Boy (his African immigrant character) and presents an incredibly evocative tribute to Michael Jackson (R.I.P.) entitled ‘The King Full Stop’; heartfelt lyrics delivered over a stripped back acoustic guitar and piano track prove to be the perfect
Rating
Entertainment | Calendar 11
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
Connect and publicise: our section calendars are devoted to publicising your events, parties and more. Register online to submit your events for free print and online publication
Calendar
sunday
monday
tuesday
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wednesday
Redman ‘Reggie Noble 9½’ album released (DefJam)
thursday
friday
31
1
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3
7
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10
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Craig David ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ album released (UMTV) Erykah Badu ‘New Amerykah: Part Two (Return Of The Ankh)’ album released (Island) R Kelly ‘Lowdown’ Unauthorised Biography and Interview Set released (Sexyintellectual) Dionne Warwick ‘No Night So Long’ album released (PassionMusic)
4
Breakers Revenge Tour 2010 ft Kid Kenobi @ Ambar
11
5
6
Method Man, Ghostface, Raekwon ‘Wu Massacre’ album released (Import) Junior Kelly ‘Red Pond’ album released (VP) Inspectah Deck ‘Manifesto’ album released (TrafficEntertainment) Q-Tip, D’angelo, Raphael Saadiq ‘Lynwood Rose’ album released (Modular) Nas, Az ‘Esco + Sosa’ album released (Modular)
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saturday
Foreign Beggars, Noah D, Trolley Snatcher @ Ambar (UK hip hop)
Talib Kweli + Jean Grae @ Villa
One Love Tour 2010 – JBoog, LuckieD, Peter Gunz, Dei Hamo @ Metro City, Perth
Plan B ‘Defamation of Strickland Banks’ album released (679), Lauryn Hill ‘Khulami Phase’ album released (Modular), Pat Kelly ‘Jamaican Soul’ album released (Kingston Sounds), Snoop Dogg ‘Fo Shizzle My Nizzle’ album released (PlasticHead), Klashnekoff ‘Back To The Sagas’ album released (AbstractUrban)
Liquid Lounge ‘Intelligent D&B’ @ Little Creatures Loft – FREE ENTRY
Uptown Top Rankin Zimbabwe Independence Reggae Flava Night @ Bar 138, Barrack Street, Perth
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SUPAFEST – Akon, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull, Sean Paul, Jay Sean, Eve + More @ ME Bank Stadium
The Jazz Rooms Perth – Askari AfroBeat Orchestra + DJ Russ Dewbury (UK)
Ty ‘Special Kind of Fool’ album released (BBE) Cypress Hill ‘Rise Up’ album released (Parlophone) Khia ‘Missed’ album released (Modular) J Kwon ‘J Kwon’ album released (Inter Groove)
Lee Perry ‘Sun Is Shining’ album released (Secret)
7TH Heaven (Funk + Soul) ft Russ Dewbury, Charlie Bucket @ Funk Club, Leederville Hotel
Open Decks Sessions! First Birthday @ The Velvet Lounge - The Flying Scotsman
12 Our Roots
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
Our Roots Yes, I am African Your name
Fadzai Maxine Matambanadzo
Meaning of name
Fadzai means ‘to make happy’
Country of origin Tayo Fatunla
cartoonist tayo@afriqantimes.com
I
f there is a continent whose rich history and great achievements have been ignored, it is Africa. Black history celebration is not only about Malcolm X, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela or Marcus Garvey. Through my comic drawings Our Roots*, I have been able to educate and highlight the achievements – politically, socially and economically – and the richness of Africa, an ignored continent that has contributed to history and will continue to contribute to the world’s future. Only few know of our great African kings and queens, political leaders, scientists, writers, inventors, thinkers, and artists. It was President Barack Obama, the first Black president of the US, who said, that there were many unsung heroes more worthy of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize than him. Our Roots aims to do just that by featuring the unsung Black heroes and heroines worthy of mention, and the known, on a continuous basis. I have positively influenced people’s thinking through my work in Our Roots and have seen evidence of a mind shift towards achievement. I have used the Our Roots comic strip to educate and provide a source of hope for Black people and many others, and Our Roots continues to highlight Blacks in the diaspora whose forefathers were taken away from Africa as slaves. Black people have helped shaped the destiny of the whole human race and have a history they can be proud. These contributions will continue to play an important role in the way the history of the world unfolds. *Inspired by the Ripley’s Believe It or Not comic strip, I created the Black history comic strip Our Roots. As a Nigerian studying cartoon graphics in the US, I felt the need to educate others – through my drawings – about neglected African history. I remember going to a small library in the same town as my school where I researched images and information about Africa for my illustrated educational comic strip. My classmate, artist and good friend David Cuccia did the lettering for the feature. I hope you will find it entertaining and educative.
www.afriqantimes.com/OurRoots
Zimbabwe
Ethnicity Shona
State of residence Western Australia
Profession
founder and executive director of The African Dream Benefit
Three words with which you’d describe Africa inspiring, cultural, abundant
Three words with which you’d describe mutli-cultural Australia multi-faceted, diverse, togetherness
THE AFRIQAN TIMES team, in collaboration with BHF Magazine, is proud to announce a section in our PRINT and ONLINE publications solely devoted to your photographic work. Your photographs will be displayed in our ‘Yes, I Am African’ gallery in a bid to document and celebrate our diversity through the lenses of African people in Australia. The photographs will be selected on merit for their originality, creativity, professional or semi-professional quality and, of course, their power in reflecting African diversity and achievement. Please register at www.afriqantimes.com and send us your photographs in JPEG format plus the answers to the above questions.
13
The AfriQan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
African Professionals of Australia’s Annual Ball promises culture, dinner and dancing African Professionals of Australia is a professional body whose mission is to contribute to the professional growth and capacity of African professionals living in Western Australia. The association does this in several ways including, but not limited to, encouraging innovation among its membership, and providing technical and professional support to new skilled personnel arriving, and those already living, in Australia. This is done by conducting in-house seminars and workshops, and liaising with government agencies on existing policy issues in specific areas requiring skilled personnel. In the last two years, African
Professionals of Australia has enjoyed positive feedback from its members and consultative partners, which has led the association to expand its sphere of activities to working closely with migrant communities on issues related to education, social cohesiveness and justice. Once a year, African Professionals of Australia holds a formal Gala Night Ball – bringing together members and consultative partners. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 10 at the Sheraton Perth Hotel, Adelaide Terrace, Perth. The Ball is expected to attract a number of Africans working in diverse professions including engineering, accounting,
medicine, education, information technology and marketing. In addition, we expect a significant number of our consultative partners to attend, including representatives from universities, The Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and government institutions including the Office of Multicultural Interests. Also in attendance at this year’s Ball will be five African ambassadors/consulars. Apart from the dinner, the night will be packed with various entertainments including live performances from both cultural and contemporary groups as well as music to be played by a top Perth DJ. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, please go to www.apaau. org, or contact APAAU on 0430 209 803.
Talking Centrelink
with Hank Jongen Welcome to our first column with Centrelink general manager Hank Jongen. Each issue, you can find out important Centrelink information and ask Hank related questions.
Can you tell us about Centrelink, Hank? Centrelink is an Australian government statutory agency delivering a range of Commonwealth services to the Australian community. We are in the top 100 of Australian companies in terms of size and turnover, and distribute $86.8 billion in social security payments on behalf of policy departments to more than 6.8 million customers across Australia. Our purpose is to assist people to become self-sufficient, improve the opportunities of those who are of working age to find a job and supporting those in need. We also support those who require special assistance during different life stages such as planning for retirement, or experiencing illness or a crisis. It is estimated that around 1.3 million of Centrelink’s 6.8 million customers are from backgrounds where English is not the primary language. Information in your language – a guide to your options and our services is a new booklet from Centrelink that provides a guide to Centrelink’s wide range of payments and services, all in one place. This new booklet is available in 35 languages from our website at www. centrelink.gov.au and is the latest addition to Centrelink’s suite of information products for Australians who come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Until next time,
Hank Jongen
general manager, Centrelink
Do you have a question for Hank? Send your questions to Talking Centrelink with Hank Jongen, PO Box 7788, Canberra BC, ACT 2610 or email hank@centrelink. gov.au with The AfriQan Times in the subject line.
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Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
Miss Africa Perth Miss Africa Perth (map) is an event that gives us an opportunity to showcase African heritage such as culture, fashion, traditions, music, art and beauty. It provides a snapshot of our diverse cultural and social identities and serves the purpose of strengthening community cohesiveness. The event is held as part of Africa Day Celebrations each year as a unifying activity that brings together diverse African communities in WA. This is important as our communities continue to be divided in their ‘new home’ due to past experiences of conflict and other historical factors. The MAP contestants are committed
to reclaiming the positive image of Africa by parading ‘African beauty’ and are judged primarily on their commitment to work on a socioeconomic issue that will contribute towards the advancement of the African community in Australia. Elizabeth Nyithuony Maker – winner of MAP 2009 – has since launched the African Girl Mother Group after a successful fundraising film night. The aim of the project is to reach out to single African mothers and provide them with a platform that ensures their basic needs are met. This year is no different; the winner of MAP 2010 will be expected to embark
Kayamba Africa Australian Tour Niwakati Entertainment is an organisation that fosters togetherness and facilitates integration between the African community and the wider Australian community.
I
n this regard, Niwakati Entertainment will be hosting a cultural event running from March 18 through to 21, during which it will be holding concerts in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne – with Kayamba Africa performing a range of African cultural music and dance. Kayamba Africa is a vocal-based traditional and ethnically-inclined music group that strives to create a balance within traditional African music. Its rhythm is mainly African with a mixture of danceable beats to create a fusion combination called ‘neo-traditional’ music. With a heavy leaning towards a cappella, the group’s unique and versatile combination has won it great admiration from audiences around Kenya and the rest of Africa. For further information regarding the concert venues and times, please visit www. niwakati.com Take this as an invitation to witness and document this great event. Dennis Langat director Niwakati Entertainment dennis@niwakati.com 0401 229 027
on a project that will have tangible benefits to the African community in WA. As organisers of the event, we believe MAP gives young women the platform and opportunity they need to make a difference in their own communities. MAP provides a pedestal for bigger and better things as seen from previous contestants such as Tecla Ngoma – founder of Tkay Designs, Taku Mbudzi – director of Ribbon of Africa, Sarah Chuot – Face of Perth 2010, and Fadzai Matambanadzo – founder of The African Dream Benefit. MAP 2010 will be held at the Perth Convention Centre on Saturday, 29 May.
Elizabeth Nyithuony Maker – winner of MAP 2009
THE YEAR OF THE
AFRICAN CREATIVE
BHF is proud to announce its collaboration with and contribution to the fashion section of THE AFRIQAN TIMES
visit www.bhfmagazine.com
THEDESIGNSTUDIOOFGEOFREYOLISA|USA2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BHF’s exuberance, high quality, cutting edge fashion, bold editorial and ingenious photography reflect the brand’s love for Africa, its love for all things creative and, most of all, its love for the unsurpassed and the unexpected.
16 AFRO Fashion 18 AUSSIE
The Afriqan Times Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan www.afriqantimes.com • Issue 01,Times April 2010
A
frican fashion has a soul that has evolved with time and changed with society. Today when we speak of African fashion, we describe a marriage of traditions and contemporary flavors: unique and bold. It leaves an imprint on the mind, as an art form that defies conformity; the epitome of creativity and sculpted silhouettes. From Senegal to South Africa, contemporary African fashion is a celebration. Our photographers attend several events a year to capture in stunning visuals what a million words could not describe. Yet, beyond what pictures portray, fashion in Africa transcends boundaries. It knows no political affiliation but has a distinctive voice, at times so powerful that it serves both as ambassador and activist.
Recognise true African style.
01 | Imane Ayassi
Imane Ayissi Dio Ali Mustafa Hassanali Jhon Terranga Couture Pathe ‘O Charlotte Batsogo José Bee Exotiq Etienne Marcel AfricAn fAshion show
c A M E ro o n 02 | Mustafa Hassanali
03 | Mustafa Hassanali
AFROFashion AUSSIE 17 19
The Afriqan Times The AfriQan Times | April www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010 www.afriqantimes.com • Issue 01, 2010
The emphasis on the human figure, movement and dynamic symmetry embellished the experience.
04 | Dio Ali
05 | Terranga Couture
Afric Collection : “Le grand festival de la mode” The Village of Afric Collection is an annual fashion festival exhibiting an eclectic assortment of works by designers from across the continent of Africa. Pioneered by innovative couple Annick and Jean Charles Job, Afric Collection is said to be a place of animation and exposition where people can network as well as make purchases. Each facet of the fashion industry is celebrated individually and showcased in its own unique way. Some
designers, for example, feature their work on the catwalk, while others exhibit their products in stands made to resemble traditional huts. Likewise, hair stylists also have the opportunity to express their creativity in a specialised competition. Cultural and versatile in its presentation, the 2010 event featured the
collections of upcoming and established designers including: Bee Exotiq (Ghana); Alphadi (Niger); Modela (Nigeria); Jose Essam (DRC); Pathe’O (Burkina Faso); Imane Ayissi,Chrystalix, Jemann (Cameroon) Mustafa Hassanali (Tanzania) and many more.
Picture: Imane Ayissi with model
18 AFRO Fashion 17 AUSSIE
The Afriqan Times Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan www.afriqantimes.com • Issue 01,Times April 2010
AfricAn fAshion show
cAMEroon
10 | Jhon
06 | José
11 | Bee Exotique
AFROFashion AUSSIE 19 18
The Afriqan Times The AfriQan Times | April www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010 www.afriqantimes.com • Issue 01, 2010
Africa
boasts a unique visual style seasoned by time and passed down from generation to generation through the rich melding of oral tradition, art, music, fashion and a strong sense of culture. 07 | Charlotte Batsogo
12 | Bee Exotique
08 | Charlotte Batsogo
09 | Etienne Marcel
13 | Pathe “O
20 Beauty
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
Beauty Joan Dellavalle
beauty editor joan@afriqantimes.com director – Ebony and Ivory
D
ear all, welcome to my first column for The AfriQan Times. My name is Joan Dellavalle, owner of Ebony and Ivory Hair and Beauty in Perth, and I am a fully qualified hairdresser/stylist and makeup artist. I’m sure a lot of us are so excited about this venture. It is my honour to be the hair and beauty editor of The AfriQan Times and with my background and qualifications in the hair and beauty industry for the last six years, I am sure we will have a wonderful journey together. Thank God I am in an industry where it’s okay to wear makeup and have your hair perfect even when it’s 42 degrees out side (LOL) I am a hair stylist and makeup artist with passion for what I do. By simply doing a wash and blow dry with selected finishing products, I will make my client’s hair shine and bounce. GHDing her hair in curls will give it that natural and sexy look, and with a little makeup I will put a smile on her glowing face I also give priceless advice to interested clients regarding products that would be good for their skin or hair. I do love what I do as what starts as a simple question often ends up as an elaborate and wonderful story because hair and beauty are the ultimate fashion accessories, with power to define a look and put a wonderful smile on each woman. Distributing Black Cosmetics for the last five years and having our own EI Mineral Cosmetics as well as Exotic 100% human hair extensions, puts me at great advantage in offering you the best tips on how to groom yourself – whether you are on a budget or not. I am sure you going to love this column and I will present tips on how easy it is to groom yourself from head to toe. You will receive great information on the latest hairstyles, eye shadow, hair care, shampoos and moisturisers, including why having a pedicure would be good for you and everything in between. Believe me, it will be exciting to share all this with you. My editorial will cover advice for both women and men – no matter what background. Some of you will be happy to simply ask a question, some to have a service done and some to know where to find a product, while some of you will want everything. So what are we waiting for? Let’s start this journey together and I promise to give you nothing less than the best knowledge I have on hair and beauty.
Youthful, fresh & simple Stunning autumn looks
www.afriqantimes.com/beauty
Hair style (by Joan Dellavalle) To achieve this style one needs not spend too much time or money. A simple good wash and use of a gel such as KERA CARE or MIZANI (available at Ebony and Ivory) will help you achieve this youthful look.
Makeup (by Joan Dellavalle)
As a professional user and distributor of Black Opal Makeup it was easy to choose the right shades to complement the hair style. The look is fresh yet innocent.
Tips:
• Make sure the face is washed and apply a quality moisturiser • Choose the appropriate shade of foundation • Eyes – apply Golden Leaf eye shadow • Finish off with red lipstick and blush All products used are by Black Opal and are available at Ebony and Ivory Hair and Beauty, Perth
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The AfriQan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
Life
family health fitness
John Kirchner
life writer director – Motivate Health Solutions
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i, I’m John Kirchner. I have been involved in the fitness industry as a qualified trainer since 2005. My passion is to help others choose a lifestyle that is conducive to having good health and wellness. I promote lifestyle changes that are sustainable or for the long term as benefits to health don’t come from going on a 6 or 12 week health kick every now and then but rather the accumulation of healthy choices made over a lifetime. Most products or ideas in the fitness industry promote quick fix solutions with little or no effort. To be healthy does require effort – in planning, preparation and action. Motivate Health Solutions is a company started in 2008 by myself and a mate as a way of establishing ourselves in an industry that is often misunderstood by the very people we are trying to help. Our approach is to find the individual solution to achieving goals rather than a blanket or band-aid response. It is about finding the zone or groove that works for you and actively layering in the lifestyle changes needed to achieve this in a way that will be working weeks, months and years from now. It all comes down to the game plan and at Motivate Health Solutions we start with the preparation, then the process, and finally the progression as the individual adapts and is ready for the next stage – both physically and mentally. We work in three key areas to change your health and the content I contribute to this publication will cover them. They are recovery, nutrition and activity. Recovery is first up. It sounds strange that we are talking about recuperation and rest before we have even started, right? But this is critical in any endeavour. Without recovery we cannot have adaptation and progression: in other words, we actually go backwards and this can have negative consequences in other areas of your life, which can lead to the program being abandoned. Second is nutrition – a very important component in the program. Without proper fuel the body will have limited resources to adapt in a positive way to the lifestyle change. Why we eat. What to eat. How to eat. These are the areas I will be discussing in the nutrition section. Third is activity. Here I will look at muscle strength, cardio-vascular endurance and flexibility to deliver content that will give practical and functional advice, including a wide range of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle. I am tremendously excited about this project and look forward to contributing to this publication and using this platform to make fitness and wellness a positive addition to everyone’s lifestyle. Your feedback and questions are most welcome and will facilitate my contributions becoming more personal and meaningful for readers.
www.afriqantimes.com/news
Wealthy health Fasten your seat belt and enjoy the healthy ride Dr Ojo Kayode life writer
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n pursuit of money, fame and happiness, health has been so compromisingly neglected – to the detriment of so many high achievers and their loved ones. This is particularly true for most Africans in diaspora, who unfortunately are under pressure to show their mettle in their various fields of specialisation as they are often viewed as incompetent until they prove their competence (unspoken but true). Fortunately, some luckier ones are considered competent until they prove otherwise. Also, culturally, most Africans consider going to see a doctor when they are not dying (at least not obviously) as a sign of laziness or weakness. Simply put: ‘Too busy to be sick’. Sitting down in a doctor’s waiting room with women and children is considered ‘unmanly’. The AfriQan Times is born for such a reason as this (among several others): to help us live better, healthier and longer, and to heighten our level of awareness,
both as individuals and as a community. This maiden edition is to whet your appetite on what to expect in the future. This column is eclectically, but hopefully succinctly, packaged to addressing some of your health questions and meeting some of your health needs. It is not meant to replace your doctor, but to complement what he or she is doing
definition, I think it is obvious that your greatest investment should be in your health: After all, health is wealth. This column will endeavour to keep you current about relevant health topics that are applicable to you: men’s health, women’s health, child health, mental health, adolescent health, health in old age
“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” Mark Twain to keep you in optimal health. A quick definition will help us to get a clear picture of what we should be doing, and how we should be feeling, if we are indeed healthy. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social, wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (WHO Alma Mata declaration 1946) In the light of the above
etc. Also, specific topics including hypertension, diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, arthritis, menopause, erectile dysfunction, alcohol and drug abuse, plus a host of others, will be looked into. And our competent group of editors will take Mark Twain seriously, when he said: “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.”
22 Life
FREE! Bunnings Free DIY courses are run at some Bunnings Warehouses and cover a wide range of DIY projects and handyman (women, grandparents and children, too!) courses. Usually held on a Saturday, they are mostly free although some have a very small charge. See your local Bunnings for further details.
Libraries Libraries are an excellent stop for all things free and affordable. From time to time, writing courses, craft courses, etc are offered at no (or a small) charge; certainly worth a visit. See your local library for more information.
Officeworks Officeworks runs free ‘How To’ courses from time to time covering ‘How To Edit and Print Your Own Photos’, ‘How To Upgrade From Windows Vista to Windows 7’ etc – all great courses offering free and valuable ‘How To’ solutions. See your local Officeworks for further details.
Healthy Diet For Children Great incentives for Metrohealth’s course To celebrate our very first edition of Family Focus, Perth’s very popular Marie Hopkinson (CEO of MetroHealth) has offered the first 3 people to register for the ‘Healthy Diet For Children’ course (Saturday, April 17, 2010) a FREE Pamper Pack (including incense, chocolate and Chillax Natural Perfume) worth $19.99, when you call to register for the course. Please mention The AfriQan Times to be eligible. Too easy! For more information visit www.metrohealth.com.au or telephone 1300 132 830. Marie Hopkinson presents this course, which is suitable for any adult dealing with the nutrition of a young child. Marie studied in Australia and China and is a lecturer of Chinese Medicine. She has been in full-time Chinese Medicine practice for nine years, and treats a range of child and adult conditions.
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
FAMILY FOCUS:
Money Money Money Von Hobson children’s editor
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oved the musical but the lyrics to the song really have little to do with budgeting and staying afloat in hard times. There can be no denying that these are indeed hard times – for everyone. So I have researched better money management and come up with 10 points to help you survive and thrive in this lean period. One positive aspect of experiencing the present economic climate has been the enforced mental process of embracing change – and often that change has been for the better. Receiving the regular gas or electric bill these days means going through a process of scrutinising the difference between the previous bill and this one, and reviewing what steps we took to reduce the bill – were they effective, taking into account weather and perhaps additional or fewer people in the house? We haven’t yet reached the stage of running around the house, each with our own candle, but we’re heading in that direction! Centrelink stocked and distributed a booklet called ‘Your Money’ – a great introduction to budgeting and probably the most user-friendly of all its publications. The booklet aims to help you use your money more wisely, save for what you really want, and manage your loans, insurance, superannuation and retirement saving. All good stuff! During a quick flick through the current primary school curriculum I was unable to see where budgeting or money management appeared. Please
correct me if I’m wrong but I couldn’t see it listed as an aspect of teaching from kindergarten to year 12. As parents we are probably guilty of spoiling our children by taking away their opportunities for experiencing hard times – even hard times that are self inflicted during those periods when our children sincerely go all out to save for that targeted goal. Being ill-equipped to handle money on a day-to-day basis is one thing but throw into the scenario a recession and we find a generation of young people copying our style of ‘management’ by making ends meet with credit cards…which brings me to my first tip for managing money: 1. Cut up the credit cards – no, don’t freeze them in the ice compartment for a rainy day. We’re already up to our elbows in debt. 2. ‘Fake it ‘til you make it’ – buy the lookalike or the notso-real deal. Research the look that suits you for the season ahead and then create three or four outfits around that look and use multifunctional fashion pieces. When shopping, check out the cheaper stores and be prepared to go out of the city to trawl through some treasure chest places and op shops in the suburbs. Check out primary schools that do ‘swap parties’ for fundraisers and remember the value in a pair of black trousers and a good black skirt. Get to know what suits you – skirt
A family pass to the Perth Zoo will be gifted to the person submitting the most creative #10 money management idea/s!
lengths, trouser cuts, colours and styles. Guys need to learn about patterns and cuts of shirts. Don’t buy what’s in fashion because it’s in fashion. Go for what suits you. 3. Buy a slow cooker (crockpot) and put dinner on before you leave home. This will help to distract you from taking a detour to the take-away shop on your way home and spending money outside of your budget. Using a slow cooker means you can use cheaper cuts of meat that do well when processed slowly. Bon appetite! 4. Build into your budget planned treats and outings. Budgeting should be a fun and, above all, rewarding process! 5. Check out the possibility of recycling your own unwanted goods. Get familiar with the Gumtree recycle site, coupled with eBay and local markets. 6. Create your own greeting cards – they don’t have to be fancy and frilly. If cards aren’t your thing, send an e-card or email, or make a phone call. 7. Dedicate some time to read through your insurance policies – become familiar with exactly what you have invested in. In the same way, become familiar with your rights. 8. Check out your local library and you’ll be surprised what your council has already made available for you at reduced prices and often for no
charge at all. For example, I enlisted family members in a craft course and an IT session on the use of digital cameras. I also purchased a stack of specialist photography and business magazines priced at just 20c each for my two universityaged children. The local library is a great resource for getting to know what’s what in your area and what’s on. Books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and cassettes are available to hire free of charge, so there’s a whole pile of learning, entertainment and relevant information easily accessible. 9. “In all you’re getting, get understanding.” - a biblical reference that clearly wraps it all up quite succinctly. If you’re going to busy yourself achieving and receiving then plan to nurture a lifestyle that includes an understanding of money management – with yourself and your children. 10. Number 10 could be one of many final points but it is a point I want to leave open for you to complete. We’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies for smarter money management. Please write in to our postal address with your contributions. You may have one or a few suggestions so send them in and we will discuss these further in our next edition.
References: www.understandingmoney.gov.au Your money matters – www.fido.asic. gov.au www.gumtree.com.au www.ebay.com.au
Recycle & retro outlets A couple of my favourite recycling and retro stores are: www.WinifredandBance.com 850 Beaufort Street, Inglewood, WA 6052
Mo-Mo’sBoutique 849 Beaufort Street, Inglewood, WA 6052
Both stores stock women’s and men’s clothes, and specialise in original retro designs. Your old or unwanted clothes may be left in store and sold on consignment – too easy! Make money while you sleep!
Life 23
The AfriQan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
FAMILY FOCUS:
Shopping: All right! All right! By Von Hobson children’s editor
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he department of Consumer and Employment Protection has produced a booklet called ‘Your Rights When Shopping’. This handy booklet is well worth reading, given your responsibility in life perhaps as a parent/grandparent or even a friend, as it provides information that creates a safer and more user-friendly environment for YOU, the consumer.
Did you know? ‘No Refund’ signs are illegal and cannot be displayed by shops. It is an offence to imply that a consumer has no right to a refund under any circumstances. Even if such signs are on display, you still have legal rights. For those shopkeepers who want to display them, free ‘Our refund policy’ signs are available from the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection – Consumer Protection Division.
When you can’t take things back The good news for consumers is that many retailers have adopted liberal refund policies.
What happens if you break something in a shop? Generally YOU are responsible if something breaks in a
shop due to your negligence or carelessness. However, if the goods were displayed in a precarious manner (for example, on a shelf next to a busy walkway) the shopkeeper is responsible. This happens at my local $2 shop where time and time again displays are overhanging into the aisles and sometimes accessing the entry to the shop requires a degree in orienteering! This booklet covers Warranties, Extended Warranties,
After Sales Service and Shopping Bag Checks, and an article I really like is covered in Buying Online. It’s a free read and well worth taking 20 minutes or so to empower yourself with this consumer knowledge. Ref: ‘Your Rights When Shopping’ – Department of Consumer and Employment Protection – Government of Western Australia. Forrest Centre, 219 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA 6000. Telephone (08) 9282 0777
FoR media eNquiRies oR to discuss media pRomotioNs iN suppoRt oF the Releases FeatuRed iN this NewsletteR, please coNtact a membeR oF the hausmaNN commuNicatioNs team via RetuRN email oR phoNe Raje hiRaNaNd oN 02 8353 5723
APRIL 2010
New Release
Intro For m of the ber o
DRAGON
24 Kid's Own
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
Kid’s Own Von Hobson
children’s writer editor.kids@afriqantimes.com
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elcome to Kid’s OWN – a special section of The AfriQan Times that is dedicated to children and everything that is related to their wonderful
world. Together we will explore children’s interests, their lives, loves and education, and the fun things that make the journey through life so exciting. The aim of Kid’s OWN is to create a platform to which YOU can contribute as writers and artists, storytellers and reporters, to help build this special part of our paper into a personally inspiring section of the news! We want your peers, educators, parents, scientists and other professionals in our community to be an integral part of our mission to ensure that we inspire a wonderful forum of learning and fun to be experienced by all children. There are loads of things we can write about, draw about and share. Kid’s Own will have its very own swag of prizes for competitions and we would love to hear about the type of prize you would like to win! Remember, we want to be the BIGGEST read in your day, so watch out for competitions that invite you and your whole class to the movies………OK...I guess we could invite your teacher, too! ..and opportunities for junior journalists to interview sports stars, movie stars and maybe even the Prime Minister! Kid’s OWN aims to generate inspiring reading for preschooler’s through to teens. We will be listening to mums and dads, doctors and teachers and even the people who cook the food at your local Hungry Jacks! …so we can bring the very best in reading, competitions and opportunities to you all.
We welcome submissions including: • Any curriculum writing or reports (history, science, geography or the environment) • Book or movie reviews – those submitted with a photo or illustration will make an awesome article for other children to enjoy • Poems, biographies and stories about champions from our early days in history • Recipes • School and community news – especially if you’re having a special event! • Word searches and puzzles • Sports reports – maybe you play for the best team in Perth so please tell us all about it • Research you have carried out • A letter sharing a concern you have plus any ideas to recruit some help to make a change
www.afriqantimes.com/KidsOwn
Sam Darchie and pupils playing African instruments and singing.
Ananse Stories The music and stories of Ghana By Von Hobson
The Performer SAM DARCHIE is a descendant of the Ashanti people of Ghana in West Africa. From the age of six under the tutelage of his grandfather, he was taught the storytelling art of ‘Anansesem’ and the art of Talking Drums. He is a multiinstrumentalist playing piano and many percussion instruments. After completing his studies of African Literature he worked as a professional musician and composer before migrating to Australia in 1982. He has toured the highly acclaimed ‘Ananse Stories’ extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The Performance The Ananse Stories not only describes the exploits and the folkloric spider character Ananse in the forests of Ashanti through traditional storytelling, but also reveals many aspects of Ghanaian culture. The stories reinforce the central theme of problem solving through co-operation: knowledge is powerful when shared, and people in communities have common needs and promises that should be kept. The Talking Drum is introduced along with other percussion instruments. Throughout the storytelling time, the audience play instruments, sing and dance alongside the storyteller.
The storytelling begins with the Storyteller entering the room drumming the message ‘MMOFFRA MO NTIE, MMOFRA MO NTIE’ on the amazing Talking Drums. The message means ‘Attention children, attention children’.
Ananse, Firefly, And Tiger (author unknown)
One day Firefly came to Ananse the spider’s house and invited him to go egg hunting. “If you would like to go with me, then come to my house late this evening.” Ananse was very excited and immediately agreed to go. When it was dark enough, they went out into the fields. Firefly opened his wings a little and his light illuminated the egg lying in the grass. Then Ananse jumped forward and yelled, “Mine, I saw it first,” and tossed it into his sack. They continued like this for the rest of the evening, and Ananse was so rude that he grabbed every single egg and Firefly didn’t get a single one. Soon Ananse’s sack was so full he could barely pull it. Finally, Firefly said, “Goodbye, Ananse,” and flew quickly back home. Ananse was left alone in the dark with no idea how to get home. Slowly he began to fumble his way back to his house. He couldn’t see a thing, but eventually he bumped into a house. He didn’t know whose house it was, so he thought up a Continued on page 25 scheme.
Kid's Own 25
The AfriQan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
The music and stories of Ghana Continued from page 24
“Godfather,” he called out. A deep gruff voice answered back, “Who is that outside my house?” Ananse called out, “It is I, your godson Ananse!” Just then Tiger stuck his huge hairy head out of the door and glared down on the little spider. Tiger knew that he had no godsons, and he know that Ananse had tricked him many times in the past. But Tiger was also clever and said “Come in godson,” and shut the door behind Ananse. Tiger had his wife put a big copper kettle of water on the fire so they could boil the eggs. When they were ready, Tiger, his wife, and all of their children started to eat them hungrily. “Ananse, my godson, would you like some eggs?” Tiger asked. Ananse nervously shook his head. “No thank you, Godfather.” When the eggs were all gone, Tiger put a lobster in the kettle and then covered it in some leftover eggshells, so that it looked like there were more
eggs inside. He then put the kettle on the floor and said, ”You should stay for the night, Godson.” And grinned so that all of his sharp, gleaming teeth were showing. During the night, when everyone fell asleep, Ananse crept over to the kettle and
“As soon as he did so, the lobster pinched him hard and he yelled out in surprise.” reached inside. As soon as he did so, the lobster pinched him hard and he yelled out in surprise. “Godson,” Tiger called out, “are you alright?” Ananse answered back, ”I was bitten by a dog-flea. Please excuse me, Godfather!” After a few minutes he tried again to grab another egg and received
another pinch. “Godson, are you sure that you are alright?” Ananse responded, “Oh, Godfather, these dog-fleas are eating me alive.” Tiger sat up and shouted at the top of his voice, “Dog-fleas! How dare you accuse us of having dog-fleas in this fine house after we have fed you and given you a place to sleep!” Tiger jumped out of bed roaring and started to come after Ananse. Ananse then flew out of bed and raced out of the door, terrified for his life. Tiger came to the door and smiled to himself as he watched the poor little spider running away. Ananse never went back to Tiger’s house and every time he went to visit Firefly, his wife told Ananse that her husband was gone and to please come back next month. Ananse never did figure out where the field was where all of the eggs were hidden, and he had much time to think about how his greediness had left him with nothing.
Feedback from the Ananse workshops Isaac: enjoyed learning about a different culture… Jessica: “Very entertaining, very funny…. interactive presentation…” Mrs O’Meara: loved the Ananse stories because “they were symbolic of knowledge being shared rather than people hanging onto it. The outcomes of the workshop could be easily aligned with curriculum outcomes”.
Jack: “Unique…enjoyed it all!” Aidan: “The instruments were cool!” Lexy: liked the concept of sharing your life and knowledge with others… THANK YOU… Mr Bird (principal) and Mrs O’Meara (Y7 teacher), and the wonderful pupils from St Joseph’s School, Northam. Mrs O’Meara… what a teacher!! During our interview
Mrs O’Meara shared her love of all things African and how she had shared her inspirational style with her class. My kind of teacher… The children reflected her passion and during our interview displayed an excellent attitude to learning. Well done Mrs O’Meara and your top team!
Do you have a teacher like Mrs O’Meara? Please write and let us know!
My favourite place DO YOU have a place in your local neighbourhood that’s special to you? We would love to hear about your place so that we can not only share it with other kids but make a noise! Sound the drum and let other people know about it. Our local councillors, police and school teachers are always keen to hear about the places, spaces and activities you like to spend your time at/on. Last week I was at the Thornley Library and noticed a terrific skate park between the swimming pool and the library. When I was leaving the
library I heard a truck-load of laughing and couldn’t help but be tempted to check out the fun and activities happening in the skate area. It was wonderful to see little people with a parent skating around on their scooters and big people (too big to bring their mum and dad!) sharing the space and enjoying themselves. I liked the skate park area because it was clean, green and looked attractive, and also because kids were safely playing together and having soooo much fun (where’s my skateboard?)
Cooking with Kids
So kids, write and tell us where your favourite place is and what it is that makes it sooo cool. I’ll send over our hotshot photographer and we will take a photo and share it with readers! The best entry will win a fantastic prize so check out our contact options below. Email: info@afriqantimes.com
Post: The AfriQan Times Level 28, AMP Tower 140 St Georges Terrace Perth, WA 6000
Apple Slice
Apple Slice Ingredients:
4oz butter 1 tbsp water ½ cup sugar 2 cups self raising flour 1 egg (large) 6-8 apples, grated cinnamon and extra sugar
Method:
Cream the butter and sugar, add the egg and water, mix well, then stir in the flour. Press half of the mixture into a baking tray and cover with grated apple. Roll out the rest of the mixture and place on top of the apples. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Bake in a moderate oven for approximately 35 minutes. Let cool slightly before slicing into pieces and serve hot or cold with icecream and/or cream.
26 Kid's Own
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
n i Wizes! Pr
Festival calendar
April
This is YOUR page so please send in your pictures, poems, letters and jokes. We’d love to hear from YOU! Win a family pass to the movies, or a mystery prize from one of our sponsors for you and your class! Come on then – get writing or drawing. Get off the couch and stop snoring!
Hey kids! Here’s a mixture of proper nouns and verbs taken from our ‘Ananse Story’ item. Hope you can find them all… When all the words have been found, colour all the proper nouns in green and all the verbs in red. (Remember, proper nouns are usually names of people, places, etc and verbs are action or doing words.) Here are the words to look for… SAM WEST FIREFLY TOURED DESCRIBES
ASHANTI SING ANANSESEM NEW ZEALAND PROBLEM
GHANA WORK PLAYING RUNNING SOLVING
Top 10 world’s smartest animals 10. Portia Labiata jumping spider
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9 – Araw Ng Kagitingan (Valour Day), Philippines 10 – National Sibling Day, USA 11 – Liberation Day, Uganda 12 – National Redemption Day, Liberia 13 – National Day, Chad 14 – National Fast and Prayer Day, Liberia Youth Day, Angola. Orange Day, Japan 17 – Independence Day, Cambodia. Independence Day, Syria 18– Independence Day, Zimbabwe 19 – End of School Holidays, WA Republic Day, Sierra Leone 21 – National Tree Planting Day, Kenya International Creativity & Innovation Day 22 – International Earth Day
Australia 20 – World Story Telling Day, global 20 – Sun Earth Day 21 – National Playgroup Week, Australia 21 – World Poetry Day, global 21 – Autumn Equinox, Australia 21 – World Down Syndrome Day, global 21 – Arthritis Awareness Week, Australia 21 – World Home Economics Day, global 21 – World Forestry Day, global 21 – Harmony Day, Australia 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 22 – World Water Day, global 23 – Pakistan’s National Day 23 – World Meteorological Day, global 23 – World TB Day, global 25 – Greece National Day 25 – National Close the Gap Day, Australia
Design & win… Choose a day from our calendar, research it on the net and design the type of celebration you would like to host for that day. Send your entry along with your name, age, address, email and school details to our Kid’s OWN mail box…… All the best – the winner of the most creative design will win an awesome prize from one of our sponsors!
Kid's OWN Birthday Club HEY GUYS, here’s your chance to get a special birthday greeting from The AfriQan Times team! Fill in the details below and return the coupon to our postal address. * AMP Tower, Level 28, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 The AfriQan Times Kid’s OWN Birthday Club First Name:
9. Rat 8. Raven/crow
Surname: Date Of Birth:
Age:
7. The border collie dog 6. North Pacific giant octopus 5. African grey parrot 4. Elephant 3. Rhesus Macaque monkey 2. Bottlenose dolphin 1. Common chimpanzee
‘JUMP IT’ Magic Trick
SHOW someone a small book and say “I bet that if I place this book on the floor you will not be able to jump over it”. As the book is so small, your friend will think that it will be easy to jump over it… You then place the book on the floor – in the corner of the room!
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The AfriQan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Friday, April 9, 2010
Caster Semenya sets sights on return to action following gender challenge at Berlin games The world 800m female champion has vowed to compete at an athletics gathering in Zaragoza, Spain on June 24 and may launch legal action.
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he 19-year-old has not raced since winning her world title last year, when a controversy over her gender erupted. Semenya has agreed to wait for gender test results to be revealed after a previous comeback in March was blocked by Athletics South Africa (ASA). Athletics’ world governing body the IAAF is expected to reveal its long-awaited findings in early June. The outcome of the tests was originally expected to be announced in November 2009, but the IAAF said in March that its investigation was not not yet complete. “I have considered the request by ASA that I await the conclusion of the IAAF’s processes by the beginning of June this year before I return to competitive athletics,” Semenya said. “Together with my coach and agent, I have therefore decided that I will return to competitive athletics at the European Athletic Association meet to be held on 24 June in Zaragoza,” she said. Semenya had previously indicated she may launch a legal challenge over ASA’s decision and her treatment by the IAAF, claiming her “fundamental and human rights” had been breached. “Since my victory in the female 800m event at the Berlin World Championships in August last year, I have been subjected to unwarranted and invasive scrutiny of the most intimate and private details of my being,” she stated in March. “Some of the occurrences leading up to,
and immediately following, the Berlin World Championships have infringed on not only my rights as an athlete but also my fundamental and human rights, including my rights to dignity and privacy.” The South African also described the gender verification case as “a very simple matter”. “It is vital for my competitiveness, my wellbeing and for my preparations for events during the European summer that I measure my performance against other athletes,” she said. “I am of the firm view that there is no impediment to me competing in athletics competitions.” The gender verification tests were performed after Semenya’s victory at the World Championships in Berlin in August 2009. In January, the IAAF had said Semenya was free to run competitively despite its ongoing investigation into her gender, but that was quickly contradicted by South African Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam who said she would not be eligible until the IAAF had made its ruling. Semenya stormed to victory in the 800m final in a time of one minute, 55.45 seconds – 2.45 seconds faster than defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei from Kenya who finished second, with Britain’s Jenny Meadows winning the bronze. In November, the South African Sports ministry said Semenya was entitled to keep her gold medal.
Source: BBC
Semenya controversially wins gold at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin
Africa’s travel industry awaiting good years Ken O. Poland
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s the global travel industry is set to rebound in 2010, perspectives for Sub-Saharan Africa are especially good. The region is living a long-term trend of growing market shares in the important tourism industry. After a chilling 2009, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) forecasts a growth of 3 to 4 per cent in international tourism this year. The rise follows a 4 per cent drop in tourism in 2009, and a loss in earnings of 6 per cent during a year that was dominated by the global financial crisis. Yet even during the crisis, one single region managed to see strongly increased tourist numbers. While international tourist arrivals to Sub-Saharan Africa had increased by 3 per cent in 2008 – around the global average – arrivals grew by an impressive 6 perc ent in 2009, while global tourism otherwise
was in a recession. And Africa’s tourism industry is predicted to defend last year’s increased global market share. Forecasts from UNTWO even predict that Sub-Saharan Africa’s market share will continue
South Africa, including all the media attention it is getting, is set to become an extra boost for tourism in the Southern African region, UNTWO holds. Therefore, the forecast for SubSaharan Africa for 2010 is seen
“How can travel and tourism contribute to fair globalisation, global equity and shared benefits?” Taleb Rifai growing for years to come. While the UN agency predicts a global growth in tourism of 3 to 4 per cent this year, the forecast for Africa is a growth of 4 to 7 per cent in international tourist arrivals in 2010. Only the forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa region are more optimistic (5 to 9 per cent). The 2010 World Cup in
as conservative. While North Africa is developing into a new charter tourism stronghold for Europeans – given a strongly growing infrastructure and very favourable price levels compared to ‘old’ Mediterranean destinations – Sub-Saharan Africa is developing into the trendy, modern destination for individualised tourism. Analysts
remain unsure whether this trend will see a take-off or that Sub-Saharan Africa will remain a ‘secret tip’ destination for many years. UNTWO secretary-general Taleb Rifai nevertheless signals his agency wants to contribute to accelerating this trend of strong growth in ‘emerging regions’ that include developing countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The global tourism industry last year agreed on a roadmap to recovery and Mr Rifai sees 2010 and 2011 “not as mere years of recovery, but as years of real transformation”. This transformation includes a shift towards a “green economy”, but also as a means for the tourism industry to focus on social aspects and development issues. “How can travel and tourism contribute to fair globalisation, global equity and shared benefits?” Mr Rifai asked, saying this is a key question for the transformation of the global tourism industry.
“The need for inclusion and global outreach is essential in all our actions,” he said, outlining UNTWO policies for 2010 and 2011 in a speech in Berlin recently. Mr Rifai, however, also emphasised the need for governments to get more deeply involved in the tourism industry. “We cannot build a meaningful public-private partnership without strong, healthy and identifiable national public policies on travel and tourism,” Mr Rifai said. While Sub-Saharan Africa still is a minor tourism region, development possibilities are enormous for countries playing their cards right. The tourism industry is one of the world’s top job creators, directly employing more than 75 million people world-wide, and the industry trades an estimated US$ 1 trillion a year. In some developing countries, it contributes for up to 45 per cent of export earnings.
28 Sport
Friday, April 9, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The AfriQan Times
Sport From Montevideo to Johannesburg Jossie sports writer jossie@afriqantimes.com
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he first truly international senior soccer tournament was held in Montevideo in Uruguay on the July 13, 1930, and is believed to have been borne out of the British Football Associations’ protests over, and decision not to participate in, the 1924 Olympic football tournament in France. The differences in status between amateur and professional players was a hot debate by then, and one over which FIFA – led at that time by Jules Rimet – met for a final decision at its congress in 1929 to decide on the way forward. This meeting resulted in plans to hold the first ever senior international tournament Uruguay set the tone by staging the first World Cup, which it won. Only 13 teams participated in this tournament and they were all hand picked without going through the present day preliminaries. Many refer to this tournament as the ‘boat journey’ because teams had to travel by ship from Europe to Rio and then on to Santos, and through to Montevideo. They all travelled on the same ship, save for the Yugoslavian team which departed earlier. July 13, 1930, will always be remembered for the first ever kickoff of the World Cup and since then we have witnessed 18 successful tournaments and 7 champions. Brazil and Italy are the most successful cup holders among the 7, while Europe leads the tally of being host nation – having hosted the tournament 9 times, followed by South America at 5. The 2010 FIFA World Cup marks the first time the tournament will be hosted on the African continent. As we await the June 11, 2010 , Jules Rimet’s dream still lives on.
PERTH, WA
Somalia wins African Nations Cup football tournament in Perth
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omalia was crowned the 2010 African Nations Cup Champions in an annual tournament that kicked off on February 15 in Perth. Fifteen African nations took part to fight for the coveted trophy in an exciting round robin event. The tournament was held at the Gibney Reserve Maylands, where Somalia defeated Ghana 3 – 1 on March 7 in a thrilling final in front of more than 300 hundred spectators. Sudan defeated Zambia for third place with an impressive clinical football display against a passionate, hard working Zambian team. The final was a terrific spectacle as the best two teams in the competition put on a show. The first half was fiercely contested and played at a frenetic pace as both teams displayed their skill and capabilities on the ball. Each side missed crucial opportunities, which resulted in both teams heading to the break goalless. The undefeated Somalis showed their class on the park and lifted the tempo as they broke the match wide open in the second half with precision passing, resulting in two quick goals. It was the unexpected inclusion of Adib Abdennabi
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that left the Ghanaian team searching for answers and its plans were thrown out of the window. His inside fakes and spin manoeuvres presented a daunting task for the opposition to handle. Despite a gallant effort from the Ghanaians, the Somalis seemed to be more comfortable on the ball, carving out several opportunities. West Metro District superintendent Mark Gilbert presented the winning team with their medallions and the much sought after trophy. Australian African Soccer Association president John Mutakiwa said the tournament was growing and more people were beginning to realise the contributions it made to the African community. The tournament – sponsored by the Office of Crime Prevention, the Department Sport and Recreation, and the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre – was aimed at promoting a harmonious and safer community for all. The event was officially opened by Maylands MLA Lisa Baker, WA African Presidentelect Samuel Riak, and the African Nations Cup organising committee. In showing their support for the cause, the WA Police Representative Team played
two exhibition matches against a wily African Master combination. Despite being the crowd underdogs and the oppressive weather conditions, our African boys battled manfully and won on both occasions. West Metro Crime Prevention Office sergeant Don
Emmanuel-Smith said that overall the event was a success and definitely achieved its intended aim. He said the tournament brought together various communities for a common harmonious cause and plans were already in the pipeline for next year’s event.
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