Monday, May 10, 2010
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Contents
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
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Cover Story News Business Fashion Beauty Chitchat Music People Our Roots Life Kid’s OWN Sport
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his is the afriqan times, one of the most comprehensive and dynamic news publications ever created, and I would like extend a invitation to all our readers. The Afriqan Times will provide an informative narrative built on a variety of local, national and international issues. Our range and depth of news will offer
readers a micro-personal menu as well as provide collaborations with business and industry that affect our everyday lives. The news will be delivered with an Afro-Aussie twist and identify Africans that make a significant contribution to the Australian as well as the international community. With one of the most diverse and dedicated editorial teams ever assembled in the southern hemisphere, the strength in news delivery will be evident in each issue. We have an understanding about what constitutes news, an awareness of the multiple sources of news and an appreciation for all our news sources. The Afriqan Times includes information about recent events, reported accurately by our team of outstanding journalists and contributors. This is truly the beginning of a publication that will incorporate the latest news delivery techniques in media, pushing the boundaries to deliver timely, accurate and unbiased information.
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Writers Annie Gichuru: Entertaiment Israel Hobson: Music Von Hobson: Kid’s OWN Josiah Boamah: Sport
Contributors Joan Dellavalle: Beauty Director Ebony & Ivory
John Kirshner: Life Director Motivate Health Solutions
Hank Jongen: Talk Centrelink General Manager CentreLink
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Dr Ojo Kayode: Life Director Roleystone Medical Centre
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letters to the editor Unlucky in love
Wrong vs Right
I have been unlucky in love, and living overseas finding a strapping tall, dark and handsome man like the one from the Mills and Boon I read as a young girl, is not so easy. I would like to open up the floor to find out from others their experiences from internet dating. I have had some experience and met some amazing guys, however, I ended the new found sparks as a result of being embarrassed when friends asked how we met. I’m not sure how and if I would be able to tell my friends, let alone my parents. Shy chick
I would like to bring up a topic that I know will be controversial; however, I think it is a must. Traditional African culture vs Western culture, or is it just Wrong vs Right? It has been part of our culture for many years for men to be polygamists. Western culture then came and told us that polygamy was incorrect and that men were to be monogamists. I guess according to Christianity, the latter is true too. Many people have chosen to “unofficially” continue following the traditional ways of polygamy and have what is colloquially known as “small houses”. Is this African culture vs Western culture or Wrong or Right? Another question I have along the same lines is, since sexual abuse was part of our traditional culture, with traditions such as (fondling of an adolescent girl’s breasts) continuing to happen to young girls, African culture vs Western culture, or just Wrong vs Right. Thank you. Yvette Mwanjiu, Tanzania
Traditional clothing? Could you give us more information on where we can find African attire? I think as one of many people living in the diaspora who left home at a whims notice, I was unable to bring anything with me, but would love to wear something from home at the celebrations of culture where I live. I would also like to know more about the background of African attire, so I can share with others too. Thank you. Shiela from Malawi
The Afriqan Times will present a progressive style that will engage Australians and the international community. It’s no surprise the buzz around the world upon release of our first issue could be felt in the very hearts and souls of avid news consumers Ð I’m sure you will not be disappointed. This is your platform and you will be able to contribute to the various sections on offer. I urge student journalists, and anyone with a opinion and passion for writing, to contact me at eshmael.mpabanga@afriQantimes. com or visit www.afriQantimes. com and register your interest. This is your chance so embrace it and let your voice be heard. Regards,
Eshmael Mpabanga Editor
Irish ash piles up debt for Africa’s flower industry By Phillip Nyakpo
For about ten days in April, the UK, Europe and much of the world experienced the largest shutdown in the airline industry due to unexpected eruption of an Icelandic volcano and the resultant ash cloud. In the first couple of days, commentators compared it to the grounding of thousands of aircraft after the 9/11 attacks in the US. But that comparison was soon abandoned as the number of flights affected jumped into tens of thousands, causing the airline industry hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. The disruption was felt worldwide as thousands of passengers were stranded. The agricultural industry in much of Africa was among the biggest losers last month. Cargo planes loaded with fresh hand-picked flowers sat on tarmacs across the continent
while the volcano spewed ash and plumes of dust made of gas, rock and glass into the skies. Apparently, ash of this type is dangerous for aircraft Ð with the potential to jam and clog engines. Civil Aviation authorities in the UK and Europe cancelled the majority of flights, bringing the exotic fresh flower industries to a standstill in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia and Uganda. As companies felt the loss of millions of dollars daily, the wages of hundreds of farmhands were suspended. The Kenya Flower Council said the industry lost at least two million dollars a day, as fresh flowers meant for the EU market were no longer good enough to be sold. The planes are back in the skies, and airline traffic is also back to normal. But for economies as fragile as those of countries in Africa, the effect of the losses incurred will be felt for a long time.
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Cover story 3
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Cover story
Yar’Adua Dead
Nigeria president Umaru Yar’Adua has died, an official at his office confirmed late Wednesday
BBC
“It is true that the president is dead,” an official at the office said. Yar’Adua died between 9:30 and 10:30 pm (2030 and 2130 GMT) Wednesday, according to a report on the website of Nigerian newspaper This Day. The president fell ill last November and flew to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for treatment for a heart condition. But it was only in February that he relinquished power to his deputy Goodluck Jonathan, after three months out of the country and growing concern at what many politicians and commentators saw as a power vacuum at the top. Since his return to Nigeria in February, Yar’Adua, 58, had not been seen in public, nor was any information released as to the state of his health. Christian and Muslim leaders who visited the ailing president in April would give no details of his condition. But there was constant tension between his supporters and those of Acting President Jonathan. On March 17, Jonathan sacked the entire Yar’Aduaformed cabinet, and on Tuesday swore in his own team with less than half of its members drawn from the old government. The acting president has
Yar’Adua: a biography of an aristocrat, intellectual and politician Phillip Nyakpo
already promised to step down in May 2011, at what would have been the end of Yar’Adua’s tenure, and ensure free and fair elections. Previous polls have been
judged largely flawed by local and international observers, including the United Nations and the United States. Yar’Adua’s death comes at a difficult time for Africa’s most
populous nation: MuslimChristian violence erupted in the north of the country earlier this year, and there has been renewed unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was born into an aristocratic family. His father held the royal title of Mutawalli, or custodian of the treasury in Nigeria’s Katsina Emirate. Politics was a family tradition, as his father served as Minister for Lagos in the early 1960s. One of his nine children, Nafisat is married to Bauchi State governor Isa Yuguda. Yar’Adua graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University and earned degrees in Education and Chemistry. He later served as lecturer at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State from 1976 to 1983 until he moved into business, working, among others as a director of Habib Nigeria Bank. Before becoming president, Mr Yar’Adua was governor of the Katsina state, from 1999 to 2007. His credentials as a devout Muslim was shown in 2000, when under his administration as governor, Katsina became the fifth northern Nigerian state to adopt the sharia, or Islamic law. He will be remembered as soft-spoken but determined. His vision as president was cut short by his poor health. Nigerians will never know what his full term in office would really have been like.
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Yar’Adua Even though the death of President Yar’Adua didn’t come as a shock, I am still trying to come to terms with his demise. It feels like the death of a close relation. He was such a gentleman. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace. Olojede Titilola, Lagos, Nigeria
I believe that the official announcement of the death of the president will put an end to playing politics with his health. The acting president will now be allowed to focus on leading the nation forward. Sada Wiseone, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
We Nigerians have been hearing all sorts of rumours
about our president’s health for some time, but if he really is dead I pray that our good lord will grant him eternal rest.
Damian Chinedu, Anambra, Nigeria
Nigeria is a great nation with great people but power monopoly is wreaking havoc on our economy. Let Yar’Adua’s death be a lesson to all. Madubueze, Nigeria
It’s a national tragedy, although it’s a shame most Nigerians won’t give a hoot about it. I just hope that Goodluck Jonathan gets in there and does the necessary reforms, irrespective of cultural background and ethnicity. Nigeria needs a
leader that won’t succumb to the selfish desires of the selfacclaimed godfathers, a leader who would give back to the people what they truly deserve. It has already begun with the electorate, it should expand to all other sectors. This is the time for our development, which will begin from the grassroots.
Jude Nwulu, Baltimore, USA
With a deep sense of loss, we Nigerians in the diaspora mourn the death of our president, Mr Yar’Adua.
Kingsley Ikechi, Rock Springs, USA
He was a good man, a man that meant well for this nation
but could not achieve his aims because of his ill health. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Matthew Olarewaju, Osogbo, Nigeria
President Yar’Adua was a good man. His determination to solve the Niger Delta problem proved as much. But his persistent ill health was a problem. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Comrade Etiowo, Enugu, Nigeria
It is really a sad time for our country. It is such a great loss. The man really portrayed gentleness. The grief will, I’m sure, have a lasting impact. God bless Nigeria because we will
really need that blessing.
John Adams, Lagos, Nigeria
Although he had a short time as president, Yar’Adua is still the best president Nigeria has ever produced. His sincerity, selflessness and commitment will forever be remembered. RIP Mr President, we love you. Aka Emeka, Enugu, Nigeria
He was a good man. But his ill health and the politics of swearing in Goodluck Jonathan as acting president almost turned Nigeria on its head. Now we must focus on the issue of who will be vice president to Jonathan. That might heat up the political system again. Itemoagbo John Aigboje, Lagos,
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Dead Nigeria
For all that Mr Yar’Adua has gone through, especially since November, I think that his passing is better than him having to endure any more suffering. I wish he had given way to governance and focused on his health. Maybe, he would have saved both Nigeria and himself. Godwyns Onwuchekwa, London, UK
He should have willingly and fully surrendered power to Goodluck Jonathan. He knew he was not capable of leading any more. May his soul rest in peace. Kemka Ihenaka, Texas, US
Though he had been on his sick bed for some months now, I find it very difficult to believe that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is no more. He will forever be remembered for his fairness. Nigerians will miss him. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Afeni Babajide, Iyin Ekiti, Nigeria
It’s a pity he’s dead but the country has to move on. At least we now know we have a way forward.
Ademola Adeboyejo, Edo State, Nigeria
I feel it is time for him to rest because he has been sick for a long time. He should have resigned power some time ago.
Jubril Oyewole, Lagos, Nigeria
Our president was a man of proven integrity and with good and bright intentions for Nigeria and the world at large. I pray that the new president will consolidate his vision. May his soul rest in peace. David Udiminue, Uyo, Nigeria
This is one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s political history. Yar’Adua is now dead. May God give us the fortitude to bear the loss. Adieu Mr President. Rest in peace until we meet again. Ekene Ozibo, Abuja, Nigeria
He was Nigeria’s best-loved president and our hearts are
People around the world wrote to the BBC in reaction to the death of Nigerian President Omaru Yar’Adua. They make interesting reading: heavy. Rest in peace Umaru.
Apeku, Makurdi, Nigeria
It is shocking and sad news, may God give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Engr Balogun Taye, Ondo State, Nigeria
It is sad news. For now everything is calm. May his soul rest in peace. Oluwole, Lagos, Nigeria
It is a loss to his family no doubt, but the vast majority of Nigerians would be indifferent to the news of his passing because the people close to him mishandled his illness and succeeded in alienating
him from any good will he may have otherwise enjoyed. Now that he’s dead, Goodluck Jonathan will have to be sworn in as the substantive president. The moral of all this is that our country is bigger than any one individual. May his soul rest in peace.
Supo Adebayo, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
The situation is calm. Not many people are aware yet. I just got the information. Our former president did and meant well for the nation. He will be greatly missed by all Nigerians. May the Lord comfort his family. Rev. EA Fidoro, Warri, Nigeria
6 News
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News Freedom of information paramount for global citizens By Eshmael Mpabanga editor
IN AN event streamed live across the globe, the world’s media converged on Queensland to address the hardships that media personnel face on a daily basis. More than 300 people attended World Press Freedom Day held by UNSECO and hosted at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. As the media diversifies over the internet, it’s understandable why most governments across the world may try to make life unpleasant for journalists. The Australian media has been fortunate in some cases and African student journalists have expressed a desire to become more active in society
with the skills acquired while in Australia. Expelled Rwandan journalist Robert Mukombozi said in order to report on African news, you have to be pro-African, and report without causing governments discomfort. “This is the reality of African journalism,” he said. Now living in Australia, Mr Mukombozi has endured the hardships that African journalists encounter but believed World Press Freedom Day would deliver a declaration that would encourage freedom of information and, for citizens, the right to know. African journalists and associated media professionals are among the most talented operators in the business. Those that have settled in Australia
have brought a more informed perspective on delivering information to the African community. Nigerian Media Rights Agenda executive director Edataen Ojo attended the conference and emphasised the importance of citizens understanding the concept of freedom of information. “It’s very difficult for people to know their rights to information because it’s all written in legal text, so they don’t bother reading it,” he said. “It should be developed into simplified versions and the media should create a way for citizens to understand the laws.”
He said African journalists in Australia should try and work to build a positive image for Africa and should not be restricted by the geographical disparity. UNESCO director general Irina Bokova said freedom of information was every citizen’s right and the laws to protect journalists should be made clear to sustain these passionate professionals. The right of freedom of expression and its corollaries is indispensable for the attainment of all human rights, and is also fundamental for strengthening democracy, facilitating peace and fostering sustainable human development.
(far top) UNESCO director general Irina Bokova gives her speech during the World Press Freedom Day conference. (right) South African Press ombudsman Joe Thloloe addreses the World Press Freedom 2010 closing ceremony.
Is Kyle Sandilands the racist face of Australia? Emmanuel Solomon
SHOCK JOCK Kyle Sandilands is in hot water again following idiotic, lewd and racially loaded comments about Tiger Woods on his 2Day FM morning radio show. He was interviewing three of the golfer’s alleged former mistresses and the conversation turned to the size of Woods’s genitals. “Because we heard that he’s, like, massive, like a donkey, is that right?” he asked. The women were later encouraged to draw pictures of the golfer’s penis and these were posted on the radio station’s website.
Hitting rock bottom
It’s another low for the radio rogue following previous transgressions. His show was
temporarily taken off the air last August because he quizzed a 14-year-old girl about whether she was sexually active. And last September he was suspended after offending Holocaust survivors by suggesting that comedian Magda Szubanski would lose more weight if she was in a concentration camp. Sandilands is well known for not being particularly gifted in the brain department, so should we forgive his wrongdoing as the mumblings of a total moron who knows no better? Of course we shouldn’t. Racism rears its ugly head in many ways, and it doesn’t have to be as overt as calling someone a ‘nigger’ to be offensive. The radio and TV so-called ‘personality’ may have thought
“Because we heard that he’s, like, massive, like a donkey, is that right?” Kyle Sandilands he was joking, but this kind of racial stereotyping perpetuates an atmosphere that classifies people by colour and race and then assigns values and attributes to them because of it.
Inherent racism
Sandilands’ comments are typical of the inherent racism that is all too common in some sectors of Australian society. The media constantly bombards the public with
damaging stereotypes about racial groups, and as a result they become fixed in people’s minds. Sandilands may be proud that he walks the line and continues to cross it, but people who speak to the public for a living have a responsibility to the rest of us. Then again, if you put fools behind a microphone this is what happens. In defence of their star presenter, radio bosses at Austereo released a statement that said: “Kyle
Sandilands supports equality for all people. The comments made in the context of the interview were not intended to be offensive.” Yet we cannot take this at face value. At the time of writing this article the offensive material, including the sketches, are still on his show’s website. Why haven’t they been removed? It is as if the station’s owners are condoning the actions of their dim-witted host. They just don’t get it, do they? Austereo bosses must make a public apology and a firm commitment to banish all forms of racism and stereotyping. Until they do, their inactivity will be viewed as supporting Sandilands, a man whose neck appears to be redder than a sunset.
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Sudan ICC rejects appeal to overturn dismissal of charges against Darfurian rebel leader By Megha Sharma
The pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected an appeal by prosecutors to overturn an earlier decision declining to confirm charges against a rebel leader accused of directing the September 2007 attack that killed a dozen African Union peacekeepers in Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region. In February, the chamber said there was insufficient evidence to establish that Bahar Idriss Abu Garda, who
commands a splinter group of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), could be held criminally responsible for the crimes he has been charged with. He was the first person to appear voluntarily before the ICC, which is based in The Hague, in response to a summons. Abu Garda was charged with three war crimes - murder, attacks against a peacekeeping mission, and pillaging - allegedly committed when 1000 rebels attacked the Haskanita camp in South Darfur state on September
29, 2007. That attack killed 12 peacekeepers serving with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and wounded eight others. The pre-trial chamber said in February that its decision to decline to confirm the charges against Abu Garda does not preclude the prosecution from subsequently requesting the confirmation of the charges against him “if such request is supported by additional evidence” or appealing the decision on the confirmation of charges. It found that the
prosecution’s application to reverse the February decision does not meet the requirements for an appeal under the Rome Statute, under which the ICC operates. The situation in Darfur is one of four - along with the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda currently under investigation by the Prosecutor of the ICC, an independent, permanent court that tries persons accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Tragedy of Flight KQ 507 By Megha Sharma
Pilot error was the cause of a Kenya Airways plane crash in Cameroon that killed all 114 people on board. A report published by the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority said that the very experienced pilot and a fairly inexperienced co-pilot failed to observe standard operating procedures, made a series of errors and where they should have corrected the situation with common procedures, instead worsened the situation. Flight KQ 507 crashed on the night of May 4, 2007 after going into a nose-dive at an altitude of 2900 feet –just 93 seconds after take off in bad weather from Douala Airport, Cameroon. The plane started its journey in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and made a stopover at Douala, enroute to Nairobi. The report also partly attributes the crash to bad weather and a manufacturing defect in the Boeing 737-800 that caused the plane to pitch to the right. That could easily have been corrected by a pilot familiar with the problem, but the reports said the aircraft manufacturer omitted the information in the training manual. Analysis of the black boxes, the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, showed that the captain and his first officer also made incorrect decisions when confronted by an emergency, failed to properly communicate and coordinate, and panicked when the situation could still have been salvaged. “The aeroplane crashed after loss of control by the crew as a result of spatial disorientation... after a long slow roll during which no instrument scanning was done, and in the absence of external visual references in a dark night,” said the report.
Spatial disorientation is a condition in which an aircraft pilot’s perception of direction does not agree with reality. According to aviation experts, between 5 and 10 per cent of all general air accidents can be attributed to this condition. The investigation found that the aircraft started veering to the right soon after take off, but was brought back in line by the captain. The real problem started when the captain signalled that he had switched to auto-pilot, but for unclear reasons the autopilot failed to engage. The result was that for nearly a minute, the pilots were not manually in control of the aircraft and yet it was not on auto-pilot. It then started rolling to the right but with neither manual nor automatic correction. In pitch darkness, in a rainstorm, and with no visual signals such as lights on the ground or a horizon, the pilots did not check instruments and had no other way of telling that the aircraft was veering off course until an alarm sounded. Then, instead of taking proper corrective action, they panicked and plunged the aircraft into a
steep dive. Kenya Airways director of flight operations Paul Mwangi said that because of the confusion at the airport brought on by a rainstorm, no instrument scanning was done. “From the time the pilot checks in up to the time he completes the flight, scanning is a requirement whereby whatever change you make, you observe and each of you... because there are two pilots (the co-pilot and the captain) they call out,” said Mr Mwangi. Although its declared intent is not to apportion blame but to provide recommendations to prevent a recurrence of accidents in future, the report attributed the crash to the pilot, Francis Wamwea Mbatia, and co-pilot Andrew Kiuru Wanyoike. Mr Mbatia, 52, was flying with 23-year-old Kiuru and is cited to have “put up a paternalistic attitude towards his First Officer (the co-pilot) during the flight”. The pair were an odd couple, the pilot with 8682 flying hours and 16 years’ experience under his belt compared to the copilot’s 831 hours and 2 years of work in a cockpit. According to the report,
the pilot had “a strong character, heightened ego, was authoritative and domineering on subordinates, which sometimes manifested itself as excessive confidence and a touch of arrogance”. The co-pilot was, on the other hand, “reserved” and “appeared subdued by the strong personality of his captain”. “After take-off, he does not call out the clearly visible and important lapses of piloting, and seems to completely place his confidence in his captain,” reads the report. Insurance and aviation experts have ruled out the possibility of this blame on pilot error opening up a floodgate of new claims against Kenya Airways. A former chairman of Association of Kenya Insurers, Joseph Ngugi, said negligence was among the risks covered by insurance companies. And a retired aircraft engineer, Joseph Nganga also ruled out fresh claims against Kenya Airways. While responding to the findings of the investigation, the Kenyan Government and Kenya Airways said most of the shortcomings raised in the report had been addressed.
TANZANIA
The front line of politics
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, fourth President of Tanzania, has deep roots in both the ever-governing Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the armed forces. His first challenge as he ends his term is to maintain the unity of his split-prone party; his second is to keep it popular, despite its unfulfilled promises of ‘a better life for all Tanzanians’. GHANA | SINGAPORE
Kofi Annan
Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan is taking African advocacy directly to Asia as he takes up his appointment as Li Ka-shing Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. After calling on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Annan delivered a speech at the National University of Singapore on February 26. Annan commended Asian governments that base their legitimacy on delivering development – a gentle formulation that includes authoritarian and democratic governments alike. But by the end of the speech, Annan was pushing hard for African engagement that was transparent, fair and sustainable. He then travelled to Indonesia to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and address the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat. ETHIOPIA
Looking for a landslide
The Ethiopian ruling party is set to win this month’s elections amid growing criticism at home and abroad The Government is determined to win by a landslide in the May 23 elections, to make up for the question marks over those of 2005. The signs are that it will succeed, through bluster, bludgeon and a sense – in the towns, at least – that the economy is beginning to take off. Foreign supporters of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) regime in Washington and London are embarrassed by its strictures on the opposition parties and other vestiges of political pluralism. Yet they strongly support the Government’s international posture, especially its hard line against Al Shabaab and other Islamists in Somalia.
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Nuclear technology for irrigation in Libya, Algeria Only a few years ago, the world was fearing the development of nuclear weapons in Libya. Now, nuclear technology is used to improve irrigation, water management, and the growing of potatoes in Libya and neighbouring Algeria. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - which was key in dismantling Libya’s atomic bomb programs - now is involved in developing a more peaceful use of nuclear technology in North Africa. In Libya, a project by IAEA and the Government is using isotopic and nuclear techniques to improve agricultural water management. Constraints to water use efficiency are identified with these techniques, and appropriate land and irrigation management practices are put in place to enhance more crops per drop of water and improve soil water storage. The project is already giving results, the IAEA reported from Libya. Proper fertigation management identified through nuclear techniques “resulted in tremendous savings of water and fertiliser, and reduced the environmental impact of irrigation and fertiliser application,” the Atomic Agency said. Fertigation - which is the application of fertiliser through a drip irrigation system - was said to be “an efficient way of controlling water and nutrients in the root-zone” that “helped to increase yield of the potato tuber by more than 150 per cent, and reduced the water and nitrogen fertiliser use by more than 50 per cent”. Additional benefits had included savings on chemicals and labour, with increased income for farmers. With support from the IAEA, drip irrigation and fertigation are
President Omar al-Bashir was officially declared the winner of Sudan’s national elections Monday, while President Salva Kiir was declared re-elected as the leader of the semiautonomous South Sudan Government. The Sudan Tribune reported from Khartoum that the electoral commission reported
Obituary: AK Banda 1939–2010 The death of Aleke Banda was announced on April 9, 2010. Although he was born in Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia), was educated in Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia) and died in South Africa, he was a true son of Malawi (Nyasaland). His home district was Nkhata Bay in the Northern Region. Banda’s life in politics (1953–2008) was devoted intensely to his country as it fought for and won Independence from Britain in 1964, as it established the political and economic structures of an independent state under Hastings Kamuzu Banda, and as it created the framework of a multiparty democracy under Bakili Muluzi (1994-2004). SOUTH AFRICA
now becoming well adapted water management practices on light-textured soils of the coastal belt in Libya. The Biotechnology Research Centre in Tripoli carried out a series of drip fertigation for potato
where major irrigation schemes are located, some 30 per cent of arable lands are risking loss to desertification and salinisation. Algerian authorities, together with the IAEA, have started a project in western Algeria
“The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) now is involved in developing a more peaceful use of nuclear technology in North Africa. .” production. “Drip fertigation is a potential irrigation and nitrogen management tool for potato production in Libya that can improve field water-use efficiency,” said Abdulhafied Ellafi of Libya’s Tajoura Nuclear Research Centre. In neighbouring Algeria, nuclear techniques are now being used to stop desertification, soil salinisation and the recent drastic reduction of arable land. In the western part of the country,
using nuclear techniques “to reduce salinity induced land degradation through developing appropriate irrigation, drainage, soil and crop management practices so that preventive and corrective measures of salt-affected agricultural lands can be established”. The use of nuclear technology in Algeria’s agriculture is mostly defined to the mapping of problem areas, such as monitoring salinity levels, measuring nutrition
levels and identifying water quality. This again can be used to control irrigation scheduling according to crop needs, thus assuring healthy crops and avoiding further salinisation of soils. This peaceful use of nuclear technology in North Africa indeed is a welcome contribution to agricultural science, according to the IAEA. Studies of the application of these techniques in Algeria and Libya are already being assessed, with the aim of using this technology on other locations. Sub-Saharan Africa is among the regions that could benefit most from this research. Eighteen African countries are now participating in a new regional irrigation project to introduce and pilot test appropriate small-scale irrigation technologies, with the aim of developing irrigation systems for small-scale farmers to increase yields and the quality of high value crops, and to improve their income and livelihood, according to the IAEA.
Sudan Bashir wins national polls, Kiir in South Sudan By Megha Sharma
MALAWI
that Bashir had won 68.2 per cent of votes nationally, while the southern candidate for the national presidency, Yasir Arman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), had won 21.7 per cent. In the south, Salva Kiir, who is chairman of the SPLM, won 93 per cent of the vote. His challenger, Lam Akol Ajawin of the SPLM for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC),
won 7 per cent. The election results, which confirm the status quo, come as no surprise. Despite widespread criticism of the polling, the leaders of Bashir’s National Congress Party and the SPLM were reported to have met last week to agree to accept the results and to form another unity government. Ahead of the announcement of the results, the SPLM
secretary-general, Pa’gan Amum, said in Juba that the Southern Government’s top priorities included providing leadership for next January’s referendum on self-determination for the south. Many in the SPLM seek independence for their territory, reflected in Kiir’s decision to stand not for the national presidency but for leadership of the south.
In a league of his own Claiming that he made Jacob Zuma president, Julius Malema now faces a challenge to his own power base. This week, President Zuma has hard choices to make about Malema, the vociferous leader of the African National Congress Youth League. Malema has several times publicly contradicted the Government on local and foreign policy matters and has now publicly fallen out with Zuma and the party leadership. Yet Zuma’s ambition to secure a second term as ANC President is premised on strong support from ANCYL. Now he may have to face down Malema publicly and oust him from the leadership, probably with support from other party structures and the wider electorate. KENYA | GERMANY
German exile News that Oku Kaunya, a former Deputy Commandant in the Administration Police, has gone into exile in Germany will concentrate the minds of the investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC) who arrived in Nairobi last week and who are determined to probe the violence around the 2007 elections. Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo is also due in Kenya this month.
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Business 9
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GHANA
Business Africa’s economy AFRICA is the world’s second largest continent and it has the second largest population after Asia. The African continent covers an area of 30.2 million square kilometres, which is equivalent to almost 20.4 per cent of the total land area. Africa is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Suez Canal Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Sinai Peninsula. It has 54 states, including Madagascar and various island groups such as Sahrawi. The African economy is as diverse as the region. The southern parts are prosperous whereas the other parts struggle for stability. The African economy is an extreme one, however, due to the presence of natural resources, it has the potential to grow at a fast pace.
No end is in sight to the row between the Government and US company Kosmos Energy over Kosmos’s efforts to sell its equity stake in Ghana’s Jubilee oil field to ExxonMobil. The Government has no reason to change its opposition to what Kosmos claims is an “exclusive agreement” with ExxonMobil, a legal advisor told Africa Confidential. Kosmos breached local laws by making geological data available to potential bidders without getting permission from the state-owned Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, he added. CONGO-KINSHASA
Le scandale pétrolier
Overview
The richest countries of Africa are South Africa and Egypt. As per 2009 statistics, South Africa’s GDP (purchasing power parity) was $488.6 billion and it ranked 26th in the world. Recession decreased the volume slightly. The GDP in 2008 and 2007 was $498.1 billion and $483.1 billion respectively. Egypt’s GDP was similar at $470.4 billion in 2009, $450.1 billion in 2008, and $419.9
Oil spill
Africa’s resource wealth
billion in 2007. On purchasing power parity, Egypt ranked 27th in the world. Africa’s per capita GDP is extremely low and that is why it is the poorest continent. The weakest economies in Africa are Somalia and Malawi, with as low as $600 and $596 per capita GDP. The African economy requires
an industrial impetus to bring it out of poverty as it is the store of some of the world’s rarest metals and precious stones. Africa has almost 90 per cent of the world’s cobalt, 50 per cent of gold, 90 per cent of platinum, 70 per cent of tantalite, 98 per cent of chromium, 64 per cent of manganese and 33 per cent of uranium.
The region is also the store house of almost 70 per cent of coltan, which is used in most mobile phones. Congo alone has more than 30 per cent of the world’s diamond reserves. As the reserves are yet to be used completely, the African economy is highly dependant on trade and therefore exposed to global credit situations.
The community is always the winner: Jigami
The country now produces a paltry 25,000 barrels a day but the big international oil companies are lining up to buy their way into CongoKinshasa. Smaller companies have been locked in wrangles with each other and successive Kinshasa officials for several years. New blocks are likely to be offered in a licensing round that will open up new parts of Congo to exploration, and competition for disputed blocks is heating up. But will the oil boom boost economic development or just repeat the confusion and corruption of the mining sector? President Joseph Kabila is blocking exploration contracts that were granted several years ago and the lack of his approval has left several companies hanging on in Kinshasa, hoping he will sign soon. He may be getting ready to. A new oil code, which is being debated in the National Assembly, would open up blocks freshly apportioned in Lake Tanganyika and gas blocks in Lake Kivu for bids in a new licensing round expected this month. Congo has lagged behind its neighbour Uganda, with which it shares Lake Albert, and that is one reason why it is preparing to take on oil exploration in earnest. EGYPT
By Eshmael Mpabanga editor
PERTH resident Musa Gasela has the hallmarks of a budding entrepreneur but now he has broken the mould of expectation and taken his business to another level. The Zimbabwean-born founder of Jigami Communications started his business in the lounge room of a two-bedroom apartment in Perth in 2006. The overall business model was
deliberately created to establish and fund itself effectively while creating a complete business solution platform. Mr Gasela said he had invested his time into creating a diversified activity holding business to facilitate and showcase African artists and their talents. “It provides unlimited marketing opportunities to the African community,” he said. “This platform combines certain natural relationship marketing synergies and enables
combined business ventures in communications, clothing and recording.” Mr Gasela moved to Australia eight years ago and has always had a wish to empower the African community through a variety of complete solution ideologies. In the last four years, Jigami has combined marketing synergies that have enabled business ventures with Splash Communications, Platinum Hip-Hop Clothing and Recording
Studio. “The culture of the business model has always been about giving back to the community,” Mr Gasela said. “We do this by promoting sporting activities and each year we have hosted at least one major sporting event - the community is always the winner.” Jigami’s Platinum Hip-Hop Clothing and Recording Studio are in Perth, and they continue to build a brighter future for young African Australians.
Mahmoud Mohieldin Egypt’s minister of Investment has shown unusual initiative in tackling the country’s long-running budget deficit. Mahmoud Mohieldin has knocked on doors throughout Asia in search of foreign investment for a wish list of infrastructure projects including the Red Sea port development and, particularly, the North-West Suez Gulf Economic Zone.
10 Business
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More multibillion mining contracts for Kinshasa President Joseph Kabila’s trip to Seoul yields another multibillion dollar mining deal just as a midway review of China’s US$6 billion contract is completed. Five years after his first official visit, Kabila returned to South Korea on March 29. Two protocols were agreed. The first accord seeks to replicate China’s US$6 billion orefor-infrastructure Sicomines contract, but on a smaller scale. GUINEA | CHINA
More ore, more problems A US$3.3 million loan offered by the China International Fund has drawn renewed criticism of the company’s activities in Guinea. On March 1, Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé, a member of Mouvement Social de Guinée, appeared on RadiodiffusionTélévision Guinéenne. Baldé excoriated the $7 billion in contracts that CIF and partner China Sonangol controversially signed in October 2009 with the military junta then led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara.
Rio Tinto CEO Tom Albanese
Rio Tinto and Chinalco sign joint venture for the Simandou project in Guinea By Eshmael Mpabanga editor
GUINEA mining giant Chinalco has signed a multimillion dollar iron ore joint venture with Rio Tinto Australia. The non-biding Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish the development and operation of the Simandou iron ore project in South Eastern Guinea. The joint venture will cover rail and
port infrastructure as well as the mine itself. Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese said he had long believed that the two companies could work together on major projects. “Chinalco is an excellent partner for us in Simandou,” he said. “Chinalco brings its own skills and capabilities in major projects and access to the infrastructure expertise of other Chinese organisations.
“We believe the Simandou project is a large-scale, long-life asset and is the single best undeveloped source of high grade iron ore.” Rio Tinto currently owns 95 per cent of the Simandou project, with the remaining 5 per cent owned by World Bank financing arm, the International Finance Corporation. This venture will have a positive impact on the African mining sector and its ability to extract A-grade iron ore.
AFRICA | INDIA
Wanted: special partners Delhi offers cooperation, capacity building and, of course, cash in the unspoken competition with China for African hearts, minds and resources. India plans to increase its annual trade with Africa to US$70 billion – up from current levels of $45 billion – during the next five years. That is an exponential increase from the $5.2 billion of 2002-2003. The March 28 acquisition by Bharti Airtel of tele-communications company Zain Africa’s assets for $10.7 billion has almost tripled the level of Indian investment in Africa, a large proportion of which has been in sectors other than hydrocarbons and minerals, and is a further sign of the Indian private sector’s readiness to invest in Africa.
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12 Fashion
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PHOTO GR A PHER: F REDERIC DE L A CHA PELLE
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Tim Du Togo Allan David Bazem ‘Se Celine Koby AfricAn fAshion show
b urkinA fA s o 01 | Timoté
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Fashion 13
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THE CONTINUOUS DESIGNS wRAp AROUND THE MODELS, TRANSFORMING THEM INTO LIVING SCULpTURES.
02 | Alan David
03 | Celine Koby
Folie de mode ‘Crazy about fashion’ Folie de Mode, as the words so accurately describe, brings authentic fashion lovers together every November to celebrate African fashion.
The selected theme for each event was to focus on captivating true African heritage and addressing social and economic issues in Burkina Faso. Folie de Mode Act II addressed the lives of designers in Burkina Faso. It also collaborated with the United Nations to generate funds for children in Burkina Faso.
Folie de Mode Act III 2009 is in many ways a continuation of Act II. Act III focused on generating funds for whom it refers to as les personnes les plus abandonees: women and children. Folie de Mode has merged fashion with social activism, taking an endearing initiative to promote social advancement.
Designers: David Allen of Ghana; Timothé of Togo, Céline Koby of the Ivory Coast; Vieux Sonko, Mohase Seone and Benjamin Kombélèmsigri of Burkina Faso, have responded to this initiative taken by Bazemo Sebastien, whose philanthropy is changing lives in Africa.
14 Fashion
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AfricAn fAshion show
burkin A fAso
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04 | Bazeem Vlisco
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05 | Alan David
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Beauty 15
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Beauty Fight curls no more! Joan Dellavalle
beauty editor joan@afriqantimes.com director – Ebony and Ivory
“I
hate my curls! I wish my hair was straight. Why me?” I often hear such comments from clients but I love curls for one big reason: I can advise you on how to look after these beautiful assets. I specialise in all types of hair but mostly in Afro and curly hair. I was born with hair that has a tight curl and love it because I know how to wear my curls in different ways. There are so many different types of curls: tight, wavy, zig zag and more. Understanding what type of curl you have will make it easy for you to choose the right products. Embrace your curls. Curls have power, curls are beautiful, curls are sexy and curls have the wow factor, so you must love your curls and make them your new best friend! Be they Afro, mixed or European – curls are curls and need moisture, moisture, moisture. Step one: start off by washing your hair with a moisturising shampoo like Mizani True Textures Shampoo. Step two: condition your curls with Mizani True Textures Curl
Replenish intense moisturising mask. Step 3: the fun part is finishing off with a Mizani RoseH20, Coconut Soufflé or True Textures Moisture Stretch Curl Extended. At this stage you would be thinking ‘how do I want my curls to look today?’. How about sectioning your hair, depending on the curl, then parting and twirling it by adding product to each section you twist? Or you could plait 8 to 12 sections, adding product to each plait. Or simply add your product and style, and don’t forget to add Mizani Serum or Mizani Perfect Define Gel for extra shine. Before using these products remember to dry your hair using your dryer on the low setting and with a diffuser attached. Don’t comb after this has been done. And remember to visit your stylist for a trim every 6 to 8 weeks. Just because you have curls doesn’t mean you have to wait a year to have a trim: you still need to keep them curls in shape. Complement yourself everyday, and complement your curls. All products can be found at Ebony and Ivory. Visit me or call me for more advice, or email me at info@eihair.com.au.
makeover
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P hotographer – E dee B eau M odel – Tolani H air weave fitted and cut by E dee B eau 3 L ooks : S exy, S leek and B arbie
16 Chitchat | Entertainment
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Chitchat Introducing Wanuri Kahiu – Award Winning Film Director
W
anuri Kahiu is a filmmaker from Kenya who is taking Africa by storm. Wanuri became a household name in Africa after winning five awards at the 2009 African Movie Academy Awards for her feature film From A Whisper. An emotionally packed, thought provoking film, From A Whisper is inspired by the American Embassy bombings that took place in Kenya and Tanzania on August 7, 1998. The movie commemorated the 10th anniversary of the attacks, in which more than 250 people died and 5000 were injured.
Safi Fragrance The new scent of Africa
Shot in Kenya, the storyline unfolds along the aftermath of the bombings by capturing the lives of the victims and their families who had to pick up the pieces of their lives shredded by the blast. From a Whisper won the Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Original Soundtrack and AMAA Achievement in Editing awards, knocking off the Nigerian Nollywood flicks that typically dominate these categories. In the next edition of The Afriqan Times, Annie Gichuru speaks exclusively with Wanuri Kahiu.
S
afi (which means ‘pure’ in Swahili) is a fragrance by Kenyanborn Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, creator of Nyakio bath and body products. Safi has been a success with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Selma Blair, who speak highly of this fragrance that boosts a fresh fruity-floral scent with some spicy wood undertones. Safi fragrance is a must have. For more information check out www.safifragrance.com.
Meet the Mohallim twins - The multimillionaire moguls by Annie G
A
yaan and Idyl Mohallim are identical twins from Somalia. Although born in the US, they spent their first nine years in Somalia but had to leave due to the threat of the civil war. The Mohallim sisters are actually dual
citizens of Somalia and the US, and as fashion designers they are co- founders of the fashion label Mataano (which means ‘twins’ in Somalian). Being of African heritage, Ayaan and Idyl felt the need to bring a multi-cultural look to fashion that women from all walks of life could relate
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to – something that was lacking in their hometown of New York. At the moment they only design dresses but are looking to expand into a lifestyle brand. Idyl spoke of their love for vintage items, where the pair get their inspiration for the designs they produce. To maintain their success in the industry, Ayaan said they
travel a lot, visit museums and art galleries, and read books. In the future they would like to design shoes, bags, men’s clothing, furniture and even get into beauty products. Their next project is to take their collection to Africa’s Fashion Week in South Africa this winter, where they are hoping to create more awareness
of their brand. Only two years in the making, Mataano has been incredibly successful and already has three collections in its portfolio. Ayaan and Idyl would like to see their brand Mataano become a household name, with stores all over the globe. For more information check out www.mataano.com.
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Entertainment | Chitchat 17
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African Movie Academy Awards 2010 by Annie G
Y
enagoa the capital city of Bayelsa State, Nigeria was home to the 6th African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) on Saturday 10th April. Celebrities from all parts of Africa converged on the red carpet for the most highly sort after movie awards in the African continent. Nigeria and Ghana having been nominated in most of the categories waited in baited breath as the results were announced one after the other, Nigeria finally taking the lead. Kenya which took out most of the awards in last year’s event only managed to take home two awards.
AND THE WINNER IS... BEST DOCUMENTARY Bariga Boys (Nigeria) BEST SHORT FILM The Abbys Boys (South Africa) BEST ANIMATION Hanayns Shoe (Egypt) BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN FILMMAKER IN DIASPORA Soul Diaspora (Diaspora) BEST FILM IN AFRICAN LANGUAGE Imani (Uganda) HEART OF AFRICA AWARD FOR BEST FILM FROM NIGERIA Figurine by Kunle Afolayan AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND I sing of a well (Ghana) AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING The Child (Nigeria)
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION Fulani (Nigeria) AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP The Child (Nigeria) AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME I sing of a well (Ghana) AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT Figurine (Nigeria) BEST ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK A sting in a tale (Ghana) BEST PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD ACTOR Teddy Onyago and Bill Oloo- Togetherness Supreme (Kenya) MOST PROMISING ACTRESS Rahema Nanfuka - Imani (Uganda) MOST PROMISING ACTOR Wilson Maina - Togetherness Supreme (Kenya) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A
SUPPORTING ROLE Adjetey Anang - The Perfect Picture (Ghana) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Tapiwa Gwaza - Seasons of a life (Malawi) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Jackie Appiah - The Perfect Picture (Ghana) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Ramsey Noah - The Figurine (Nigeria) AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY Figurine (Nigeria) BEST PICTURE The Figurine (Nigeria) BEST DIRECTOR Shirley Frimpong-Manso- The Perfect Picture (Ghana)
Entertainment | music
What is Afrobeat? By DJ IZ
A
frobeat is a mashup of several key elements: Jazz, Highlife, and Yoruba (one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa) music along with funk rhythms. These are laced with West African percussion and vocal styles to create the sound we term Afrobeat. The mastermind behind the genre was none other than Fela Kuti who, when back home in Nigeria following a tour of the US with his group Nigeria 70, coined the term ‘Afrobeat’ to best describe his infectious sounds that defied traditional musical structure. Afrobeat was the result of years of experimentation carried out by Kuti in the early 60s with different forms of existing music. He was super eager to present the big band sound that brought him acclaim in performance after performance throughout his native south Nigeria. Lyrically, Afrobeat and politics go hand-inhand. In Kuti’s day, he used his music to confront the political injustice and corruption in the midst of breaking away from the shackles of colonialism. A typical Kuti-style live Afrobeat performance would involve up to 30 instruments including
rhythm guitar, tenor guitar, bass guitar, drum set, rhythm conga sections, akuba percussion, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, shekere and organs/keyboards. We are talking serious rhythm! Modern Afrobeat bands include Jose Chameleone, Femi Kuti and the Positive Force, Chopteeth (an international 14-piece band that boasts former members of Busta Rhymes band, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Gladys Knight & the Pips) and the one and only Askari Afrobeat Orchestra, based in Perth, Western Australia. Quite a few jazz musicians have been tempted by Afrobeat, including Roy Ayres, Randy Weston and Branford Marsalis, and its beat patterns have been sampled and used to great effect on projects by Kweku Ananse, MadlLib, K’naan and the late J. Dilla as well as heavily influencing the new UK Funky genre. Contemporary musicians and producers including Brian Eno and David Byrne fused Afrobeat with modern western music on the Talking Heads’ 1980 classic ‘Remain In Light’. Kuti’s music has been sampled by FatBoy Slim (‘First Down’), Mos Def (‘Fear Not Of Man’), Missy Elliott and Timabaland (‘Watcha Gon’ Do’) and Alicia Keys in her collaboration with Nas
Fela Kuti (above). Ghana Soundz (Soundway) (right)
- ‘WarriorSong’: evidence that although not with us anymore, Fela Kuti and his Afrobeat legacy live on in modern music. For further listening… Ghana Soundz: Afro-beat, Funk & Fusion in 70’s Ghana – Various Artists (Soundway, 2002) Red Hot + Riot – Various Artists (MCA, 2002) Lagos No Shaking – Tony Allen (Honest John’s, 2006) Expensive S**t – Fela Ransome Kuti & Africa 70 (Editions Makossa, 1975) The Best of Femi Kuti – Femi Kuti (Univeral / Wraase, 2004) Madlib Medicine Show #3: Beat Konducta in Africa – Madlib (Stones Throw Records, 2010).
18 Music | Entertainment
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Music Sarkodie reigns supreme at the 2010 Ghana Music Awards By DJ IZ
A
ccra International Conference Centre played host to the 11th Annual Ghana Music Awards Festival on Saturday, April 10 2010. Amakye Dede graced the stage along with Okyeame Kwame to set the mood and give the event the momentum required to make it a most memorable one. There were also perfomances from Nana Boroo, Ruff-N-Smooth, Eazzy, 4x4, VIP, Becca, Wutah, Obrafour, Efya, Donaeo and last but definitely not least, Sarkodie. Sarkodie made history on the night when he became the first artist to take
home the Artist of the Year trophy with a debut album. Before the night was through, Sarkodie, the first signee to Akon’s Konvict Africa imprint, added another four trophies to his collection of 2010 GMAs. While this deluge of acclamation for the rapper dubbed ‘Ghana’s fastest’ was expected, most people were left perplexed by the lack of recognition bestowed upon 2009 success story R2Bees. The collective closed the evening with Wande Coal performing their future classic ‘Kiss Your Hand’. Below are the winners for the Ghana Music Awards Festival 2010 bad the Afriqan Times congratulates all on their achievements:
Artist of the Year – Sarkodie Most Popular Song of the Year – Da Bradez (Simple) Album of the Year – Sarkodie (Makye) Discovery of the Year – Sarkodie Best Male Vocal Performance – PV of Wutah Best Female Vocal Performance – Becca Best Rapper of the Year – Sarkodie Hiplife/Hip Hop Song of the Year - Ayigbe Edem (U Dey Craze) Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste of the Year – Sarkodie Gospel Song of the Year – DSP Kofi Sarpong Gospel Artiste of the Year – Ohemaa Mercy Highlife Song of the Year – Kotosa (Wutah) Highlife Artiste of the Year – Kofi B Afro Pop Song of the Year – 4x4 (World Trade
Center) Reggae Song of the Year – Wutah (Jah Will Be There) Best Collaboration of the Year – Obrafour & Guru (Kaseibo) Best Video of the Year – Breathe directed by GYO for Phamous PHILMS Producer of the Year – Lynx Entertainment (Richie) Record of the Year - Becca Songwriter of the Year – Kwabena Akwaboa Best Music for Development Award – Asem (School Dey Be) African Artiste of the Year – Wande Coal Instrumentalist of the Year – Kwabena Yeboah Traditional Artiste of the Year – Osei Korankye MUSIGA Merit Award – Nana K. K. No. 9
Nigeria’s ‘50 Cent’ dead By DJ IZ
D
a Grin aka Original Oma Ita aka Mr Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun was laid to rest on April 23, 2010 in accordance with Muslim custom. He was only 23 years old. Known and adored by many, this bright young talent was affectionately known as the ‘50 Cent of Naija Hip Hop’. Testaments to his short but prolific career were nominations for Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Rap Album at the forthcoming Hip Hop World Awards 2010. To quote Da Grin, “God is my Creator; Fela is my mentor. Money does not drive me, money is my conductor”. An official statement from Edlyne Records, Da Grin’s label, detailed the initial accident: “Between 2 and 3am on Wednesday the 14th April, your favourite indigenous rapper Olaitan Olaonipekun aka DAGRIN had a car accident along the Mushin area of Lagos State. He was on his way back home from the studio where he was recording tracks for his
new album. He came out of the crash with cuts and bruises and has had a successful operation to close a cut he had sustained during the accident.” Quickly rushed to Tai Solarin Hospital, Da Grin was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Here his manager, Tunde, assured TV cameras that the rapper was responding well to treatment, despite an onslaught of rumours stating otherwise. Sadly, the rumours materialised into truth as in the early hours of Thursday, April 22, Da Grin lapsed into a coma. It is understood that hospital resuscitation apparatus was used nine times in a last ditch effort to revive the rap superstar, but sadly to no avail: Da Grin was dead. Da Grin leaves behind a legacy in Naija Hip Hop. While his first album ‘Still on the Matter’ initially slipped under the radar, the rapper enjoyed critical acclaim with his sophomore LP, ‘C.E.O. (Chief Executive Omoita)’, released on his own label Missofunyin Entertainment.
(above) Da Grin’s damaged Nissan Maxima. (right) RIP Da Grin.
Hits included ‘Pon, Pon, Pon’, ‘Kondo’, ‘Gboro’ and ‘Ghetto Dreams’. Da Grin took on his new role as the ‘Naija 50 Cent’ with relative ease, becoming the go-to mc for other artists to use on their chart topping hits. The rapper’s collaborations catalogue includes work with Kenny Saint
Brown, 9ice, Oluwe and YQ Isolate. In an eerie twist of fate, Da Grin had recently recorded a track entitled ‘If I Die’, the lyrics depicting a posthumous look over the rapper’s life. This act,
comparable to a similar feat by the late Tupac Shakur, has only further cemented Da Grin’s place in hip hop legend.
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Entertainment | Music 19
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
Good news for Big Nuz: The 2010 SAMAs The 16th Annual MTN South African Music Awards (SAMAs) saw more than 50 gongs given out for deserved music merit during two days of festivities. Here we detail who won what at Sun City’s Royal Ballroom on April 16 and 17, 2010. The Afriqan Times congratulates the following artists on their achievements... writes DJ Iz Friday April 16: BEST POPULAR CLASSIC ALBUM Daniel Rowland & the Stellenbosch University Camerata - Vivaldi/Piazzolla Seasons BEST INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM Guy Buttery - Fox Hill Lane BEST TRADITIONAL JAZZ ALBUM Tutu Puoane - Quiet Now BEST JAZZ/INSTRUMENTAL/ POPULAR CLASSICAL DVD Wouter Kellerman - Colour Live In Concert BEST URBAN GOSPEL ALBUM Bongi & Collin - Makadunyisue BEST R&B/NEO-SOUL ALBUM Brian Temba - Something Better BEST PRODUCER Brian O’Shea Fruitbats & Crows by Farryl Purkiss BEST ENGINEER Ishmael Morabe & DJ Swami - On The Edge by Ishmael REMIX OF THE YEAR DJ Nutty Nys K’zogo K’zogozogo - (Summer Anthem - Nutty Nys Summer Anthem - Nutty Nyce Remix) BEST ALBUM PACKAGING Craig Wells - Who Do You Trust by Cassette BEST AFRIKAANS TRADITIONAL MUSIC ALBUM Klipwerf Orkes Hantam Carnival BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM: AFRIKAANS Chris Chameleon - Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou BEST AFRIKAANS GOSPEL ALBUM Retief Burger - Luidkeels Oorgegee BEST KIDDIES ALBUM: AFRIKAANS Nedine Blom Supercool vir Jesus BEST COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM: AFRIKAANS Ray Dylan - Goeie Ou Country BEST ROCK ALBUM: AFRIKAANS Jan Blohm - 7 Jaar
BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM: AFRIKAANS Die Heuwels Fantasties - Die Heuwels Fantasties BEST AFRIKAANS DVD Juanita du Plessis - 10 Jaar Platinum Treffers Live BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM: ENGLISH Dear Reader Replace Why With Funny BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM Proxy - The Call BEST KIDDIES ALBUM: ENGLISH Gcina Mhlophe - Songs and Stories of Africa BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM: ENGLISH BLK JKS After Robots BEST GLOBAL CHART DVD Lira Live in Concert: A Celebration BEST SELLING TRUE TONE Kurt Darren - Kaptein BEST SELLING RING-BACK-TONE DJ Cleo - Hands Up BEST SELLING FULL TRACK DOWNLOAD Kurt Darren - Af En Af BEST SELLING DVD Various Artists - Huisgenoot Skouspel 10 (2009) BEST SOUTH SOTHO MUSIC (SESOTHO) ALBUM Koete Tharisa Ea Matsoado 4 BEST TSONGA MUSIC (XiTsonga) ALBUM Thomas Chauke Shimatsatsa No 29 BEST VENDA MUSIC Ntshengedzeni Malignana Mathada Vol. 2 BEST MBHAQANGA ALBUM Oflende - Pajero BEST TRADITIONAL A CAPPELLA ALBUM African Cream Freedom Choir - Freedom Songs BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM: AFRICAN Bhudaza -
Female Artist of the Year: Lira (left). Album of the Year: Big Nuz. (right)
Likhomo BEST AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM Jay Hlungwani Worship Unlimited Vol. 1 BEST TRADITIONAL AFRICAN A CAPPELLA GOSPEL ALBUM Amadodana Ase Wesile - Jesu Wena Ungu Mhlobo BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM: AFRICAN Joe Nina Unchanged BEST TRADITIONAL/AFRICAN ADULT CONTEMPORARY DVD Solly Mahlangu - Obrigado Saturday April 17: Male Artist of the Year: Black Coffee - Home Brewed Female Artist of the Year: Lira Live in Concert: A Celebration Duo/Group of the Year: Jaziel
Brothers - The Journey Newcomer of the Year: Tshepo Mngoma - People and Places Album of the Year: Big Nuz Undisputed Best Music Video of the Year: The Parlotones - Push Me To The Floor Best Maskandi Album: Umgqumeni - I SMS Best Rock Album (English): The Parlotones - Stardust Galaxies Best Pop Album (English): Axene - 16 Best Pop Album (Afrikaans): Bobby van Jaarsveld - Net Vir Jou Best Pop Album (African): Ntando - Inqubenko Best Urban Pop Album: Jozi - Wild Life Best Sokkie Dans Album: Die Campbells - Mamma Maria Best
Urban Dance Album: Black Coffee - Home Brewed Best Rap Album: Teargas - Dark or Blue Best Kwaito Album: Big Nuz Undisputed Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Adam Glasser - Free at First Best African Traditional Gospel Album: Sechaba - Mangihamba Mawe MTN Best Selling Mobile Music Download: Hands Up - DJ Cleo Best Selling Album: Afrikaner Hart - Bok van Blerk Lifetime Achievement: Carike Keuzenkamp & Jabu Khanyile International Achievement: Soweto Gospel Choir MTN Record of the Year: Umlilo Big Nuz featuring Tira
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20 People
Monday, May 10, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
African Professionals of Australia ‘inc’ held their second Gala Night on April 10, 2010 at the Perth Sheraton Hotel. The ‘sold out’, event attracted 200 people which is double the number of people who attended the inaugural Gala Night in the same venue last year. Special guests included members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, government and civic leaders. In his opening address, the African Professionals of Australia ‘inc’ Chairman Mr Tommy Adebayo commended the consultative partners for the support that they have rendered to the association since it was founded in September 2007. James Pearson the CEO of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia (CCIWA) who was the guest speaker said that he was inspired by the enthusiasm and “can do” culture amongst the African professionals in Western Australia. The Gala Night was packed with entertainment including live performances from several cultural and contemporary dance groups. Membership to the association is open to professionals of African descent who meet a certain criteria; however, other types of membership including “friends of the association” can be accepted at the discretion of the associations’ Management Board. Details can be found on the African Professionals of Australia ‘inc’ website www.apaau.org or by contacting the Secretariat by email: secretary@apaau.org.
apaau
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Zimbabwe Independance at Uptown, Bar 138 Perth The link between reggae/dancehall and Zimbabwe has been apparent since the very moment of Independence with the legend Bob Marley being asked to perform at the Independence celebration in 1980. 30 years on, Sizzla Kalonji one of dancehalls top ranking artists performed there this year. The dancehall community of Perth endorsed the Jamaican link with the lively Zimbabwean Independence celebration on Saturday 17th April at Perth’s regular dancehall night Uptown Top Ranking. Perth is blessed with several great dancehall djs from Zimbabwe residing here at present. Repping on the night were the wonder team Platinum Galore performing as solo Djs. DJ Scater 07 and Mr T have become well known party rockers, playing in Perth’s big clubs such as Shape and Eve nightclubs. Another Zim young gun Badda Dan made his debut at this event and we are sure Perth will see more of his work in the near future. DJ Ricky Trooper, Zims very own dancehall star from the UK played his unique blend of classic Zimbabwean tunes and dancehall to a heaving dance floor. High on rotation on the night was Red Rats new tune, Zimbabwe, along with Zimbabwean dancehall artists Winky D, Snyper and Dizzy D. Zimbabwean Independence means many things to many people. For the Zimbabwean diaspora in Perth, there was a sense of celebration, as they embraced their pride in being Zimbabwean, their achievements and culture. With such talent, energy and passion of the people the future must be bright for the nation Zimbabwe! The Empressions chose to host this event for the love of dancehall music from Jamaica to Zimbabewe right down to Australia. Uptown
Top Ranking is a dancehall night held once a month at Bar 138 Barrack St Perth, and regularly features local Zimbabwean and African DJ’s. The next Uptown dates are Saturdays 29th May, 26th June and 10th July.
People 21
22 People
Monday, May 10, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
Ghana to benefit from Aussie Volunteers By Abdul issaka
Ghana would this year welcome volunteers from Australia to help fight poverty in the developing country. Volunteers from Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD) would go to Ghana this year for the first time since its establishment , the Ghana High Commissioner Paul Essel said at the annual Ghana Association of Western Australia (GAWA) independence party in Perth last month. AYAD programs has over the years sent over 2700 volunteers to live, work and make a difference in 21 countries across the Asia Pacific region. He said Ghana has continued to enjoy good relation with Australia since she gained her independence under the leadership of ” Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and began life as a sovereign nation in the international community.” Adding that the Australian High Commission in Accra is fast becoming the diplomatic and economic hub for Australian diplomacy and economic contacts with countries in West Africa. He stated Ghana would continue to work with Australia and other members of the international community to seek peace in troubled countries. He further thanked GAWA for their efforts in organization such event.
What you said… GAWA every year organizes party to commemorate the independence of Ghana. Nii Laryea Odamtten perth I really like all the traditional aspect of the party, the dance and the colorful traditional dress worn by the dancers. Unlike last year, we have been served with our local food which I think is a step in the right direction. Today’s celebration hasn’t started on time; some of us came here earlier to wait for a occasion to start. I hope that doesn’t reoccur next time.
Veronica Wong Perth I am very happy to be part of Ghana’s independence celebration. Everything has been orderly here and the culture displays have been very spectacular. I think Africa is blessed with unique culture and we should be seeing more of such splendid performance.
Nelson Amoah Perth I have lived in Australia for over 10 years and seen the Ghanaian community grow over the years. I reckon that this occasion has been
wonderful and very pleased to see the unity in the Ghanaian community of Western Australia. I congratulate the organizers for organizing such events and the Ghanaian High Commissioner for gracing the occasion.
Kajetan Kwame Margaret River I came a long way to be part of this event; I think my journey has not been futile. So far organization has been okay; but I wish that next time there should be less talk and more entertainment. Generally, it’s good-
looking to see Africans and more especially Ghanaians coming together to celebrate. Ghana is the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence and this of course paved way for other African countries. Let’s celebrate with the sense of unity and togetherness.
To purchase photos from this event, contact info@afriqantimes. com
Monday, May 10, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times
Our Roots 23
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
Our Roots Your name Teresa Kileff Meaning of name Generous giver Country of origin Zimbabwe Ethnicity White Zimbabwean State of residence Western Australia Profession Artist, graphic designer Three words with which you’d describe Africa Cultural, raw, earthy Three words with which you’d describe mutlicultural Australia Rich in diversity, tolerant, supportive
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 semiprofessional 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.
www.afriqantimes.com/OurRoots
T
eresa grew up in zimbabwe against a backdrop of fast-moving political and cultural activity that has influenced her work. Having also lived and worked in South Africa and the UK, and travelled extensively, Teresa is now incredibly happy to call Australia home. Teresa often uses nature to evoke the human condition, offering a more palatable parable-like method of expressing an opinion. Teresa enjoys fine art, digital art, graphic design, printmaking, t-shirt design and photography. Having won three awards in Zimbabwe and Australia, Teresa has recently been short-listed for the prestigious ‘The Seed’ public art funding. The piece of work proposed is to highlight issues of immigration and refugees in Australia with a positive ‘united in diversity’ message. Teresa continues to exhibit frequently and has recently completed two bus stop designs, furthering her positive expression to the public. To see more of her work log on to www. behance.net/teresakileff
24 Our Roots
Monday, May 10, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
Talking Centrelink
with Hank Jongen Centrelink’s Financial Information Service
Indigenous art resonates with vivacity and life They say it takes less than five seconds to develop a first impression of something – be it a person, an album, a location or, indeed, a piece of art. If this impression is not corrected, but instead built upon beyond the initial few seconds, it is safe to say we have either repetition or a theme. The works of indigenous artist Herbert Marshall fall firmly into the latter category; to say otherwise would be a misinterpretation of not only the work but also the artist’s vision in his own words. Being faced with one of Marshall’s pieces, the first word that comes to mind is ‘colour’. Painted mostly in acrylic, the artist’s works have such vivacity and life that it is not until the actual viewing that you come to realise how rare each piece truly is. Marshall’s depictions of Australian animals in their natural surrounds are so brightly and accurately represented that the art takes on a form closer to the representation of a photograph or memory. Whether its a sea turtle making its way up from the surf, a collection of dolphins breaking the water’s surface or a depiction of a watering hole with all of the species one would find there, each piece has a strong sense of life. This feeling of nature and living things is so apparent
that you’d be forgiven for assuming it was the result of meticulous planning. According to the artist, this is not the case. From his temporary workshop at the Fremantle Arts Centre, Marshall explained that the process for each painting is roughly the same. It begins with an idea or initial piece of inspiration, something the artist has come across constantly during his travels around Australia. Born near Broome, Marshall has travelled throughout the Kimberley, a place he feels particularly close to, as well along the west coast and through areas that can only be summed up as ‘bush’. These travels serve as material and the theme for the bulk of the paintings on display. After choosing an initial animal, scene or general idea to work with, Marshall completes the majority of the painting within the first week or so. Allowing himself a few days for reflection, he will return to the work and make any amendments or touchups he feels necessary. With the total time spent on each work being around a month, Marshall is quite prolific with his chosen medium and said it is easy to work with. Though he has worked with sculpture, murals and ceramics, and had a foray into oils, acrylic is the
medium of choice. Marshall does not place too much weight on such matters, as each piece of art is an act of expression and relaxation. Each work is created with the purpose of bringing the animals depicted into the public eye. This can easily be seen in the artist’s numerous paintings of the brolga, an animal common in the Kimberley, chosen by Marshall for its familiarity and grace. The animals being ‘caught’ in such natural poses, Marshall said, is intended to illustrate their delicate balance with one another and the landscape that they inhabit. He feels some of the animals are misunderstood and this could be rectified if people were able to see their beauty in context. An example is a large painting of two dugongs submerged in green ocean water. The angles and depth of the work give the viewer a real sense of being observed by the animals, as if we have stumbled across them as we would in nature. This piece and many others are to be part of the month-long regional Western Australian Human Rights & Film Festival, which opens on April 28 at the UWA University Club. As part of the Festival, the works of Herbert Marshall and many other regional artists will be displayed until May 28.
I was really interested to read Von Hobson’s article titled Money, Money, Money in the last edition of the The Afriqan Times. Budgeting and planning for your financial future can be difficult and Centrelink has a great program, the Financial Information Service (FIS), that helps people to gain confidence to deal with financial matters and to understand their own financial affairs. The FIS is a free and independent service from Centrelink that provides practical information on savings and wealth creation, superannuation, managed investments, taxation and Centrelink matters. FIS officers can direct people on how to make informed financial decisions and understand the consequences of those decisions in the short, medium and long term. Our staff aren’t financial planners – they don’t sell advice or purchase investment products, or make decisions on anyone’s pension or financial choices. They are in the unique position of being able to offer unbiased financial information to members of the local community since they don’t work for commercial interests. FIS officers provide information to people over the telephone, at personal interviews or through financial education seminars. Appointments and seminars are free and open to all, and you don’t have to be a Centrelink customer. To speak with an FIS officer phone 132300, or visit www. centrelink.gov.au to find out more.
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.
Monday, May 10, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times
25
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
The Taxi Industry Forum (WA) Inc Vince Dancewicz Secretary and coordinator
Our association was originally formed in 1996 and registered as ‘Our Voice Taxi Association’. Following our Annual General Meeting in 2006 and major changes to the executive committee, it was decided to make several amendments that would bring our association up to speed with a rapidly changing industry. These included renaming the association and a constitutional upgrade. Since this time a number of persons have worked long and hard with no financial reward to try and address the issues of the day and will continue to do so. Over a long period of time there have been a number of political groups coming and going that have promised to support driver causes, to no
avail. Breakaway lobby groups do nothing but further splinter our industry, which only plays into the hands of the authorities. We face forces that continuously try to separate and divide us from outside and even from within our industry. In these tough times all around us we see victims of the slow economic times. The media is blasting us with doom and gloom stories, manipulating our minds according to the orders of their political masters. The authorities, along with the big boys of business, find new ways everyday of oppressing us and controlling our livelihoods. The greatest strength we possess is our numbers. We have seen time and time again that if we stand firm together, one for all and all for
one, we can win all our battles. Most of us have come from far off lands to the shores of this great country for a better future for our families. We work hard to present and improve the image of taxi operators in the eyes of the public and the authorities. Isn’t it time we all joined hands, stood shoulder to shoulder, and put our egos and petty politics behind us? It is a well known fact that the more members we have, the stronger our voice, so please join TIFWA (Inc) Ð an organisation always open to people or groups who are willing to work for the benefit of taxi drivers/operators. Please check out our website: www.tifwa.com.au
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26 Life
Monday, May 10, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
Life
family health fitness
Goal Setting - Part II
Armed with a pencil K
enyan-born electrical engineer Brenda Njeru pencilled in a visit to Africa in the hope of making a difference to the lives of children who lived there. She carried small gifts that brought smiles to hundreds of children and the simple gesture of giving each child a pencil induced the exact reaction she had hoped for —pure joy. Ms Njeru said she wanted to hear their thoughts and understand their dreams - better roads, healthcare facilities and more comfortable homes. “I set out on my journey to touch the human spirit,” she said. “That’s why I carried pencils across an ocean and into the hands of these children. “The pencils were a symbol of communication, a message that their thoughts and opinions mattered.” Ms Njeru, who was born and raised in Kenya, attended a local school. While speaking to the children, she discovered education was their top priority. Ms Njeru spoke in her native tongue and explained she had travelled a long way to share a few words and inspire the next generation. She spoke of places far beyond their imagination, difference races and ways of life, and described how trains would go underground and emerge on the surface. “I told them about kangaroos and emus as they listened with keen ears and watchful eyes,” she said. “I also spoke of being the best person one could be and to dream big, for the opportunities and possibilities were endless.” Ms Njeru has lived in Australia for five years and said it was rewarding to go back to her homeland and find the next generation ready and willing to embrace new opportunities. She also found her Australian work colleagues very willing to support her efforts in Africa, as they donated the pencils that were given to the children.
www.afriqantimes.com/life
Boots and Bandaids John Kirchner life writer
W
here do boots and band-aids come into the topic of goal setting? It relates back to the topic of sustainability and longevity versus the quick fix solution to problems relating to health. Back when I was a teenager, I was an army cadet for a number of years. Every so often we went on an expedition and spent a number of days living out of a pack that we had to carry everywhere. We spent hours and hours of every day in army-style issued boots that weren’t really the most comfortable of footwear. One thing that these boots did (especially new ones) was to give us bad blisters and I have had my fair share of blisters in my time. Now take a moment to think this through. You’re out in the middle of the bush on a navigation exercise and your boots give you a blister, so what do you do? You cannot
“To make a change in our lifestyle we need to actively focus on changing the source of the problem.” stop and rest so you put on a blister band-aid, put your boots back on and push on. But how motivating is it walking with sore feet: you don’t really care for how nice nature looks and the songs of the birds make you wish you were somewhere else. You don’t enjoy the journey because you used a ‘band-aid’ solution to fix the problem when the smarter option would to have been to worn in the boots first or opted for a more comfortable pair before you even left for the bush. The same goes for obstacles or challenges we have in our lives. Let us look at a health challenge we all face at some stage – fatigue. It gets to about 9 or 10am and you feel a bit flat or almost falling asleep at your desk so you shoot off to the local barista and get yourself a hot latte. Seems pretty normal, right?
But what have we done to solve the underlying problem of our fatigue? That’s right, nothing. We feel tired (the blister) so we drink caffeine (the band-aid) but the reason for us being tired (the boot) is still the same. To make a change in our lifestyle we need to actively focus on changing the source of the problem. We can use band-aids to help us through challenges for the shortterm, say when we have a project on at work or the kids are sick, but we must revert back to our healthy lifestyle because band-aids can only keep us together for so long, then we break and we don’t want that. Stay tuned for part III where we will look at the fundamentals of goal setting. Until then, stay active, eat well, and make your health and fitness choices count.
Monday, May 10, 2010 | www.afriqantimes.com | The Afriqan Times
Life 27
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
FAMILY FOCUS:
Decluttering By Yvonne Dobson
D
ecluttering seems to be a very fashionable thing to do at the moment. Magazines and daytime TV have used decluttering, getting organised and all things tidy as a theme throughout their recent editions. Talk among friends often centres on not just the topic but more so the reasons behind hoarding — call it what you like — to extreme measures. They’ve even got a professional title for those who effectively save us from our clutter! Peter Walsh, our very own organisational guru, is one of those people and as such his very professional and empathetic approach makes him one of my favourites in this area. on Aslett, best-selling author of Freedom from Clutter and Is There Life After Housework?, has a great approach to getting clutter sorted out and is of the same school of thinking as Peter Walsh in stressing that a messy house/workplace or — for some creatively messy people, your car(!) — equals messy life. Come on now, this is not the place you choose an ‘I don’t need this nonsense’ stance but rather a place to put your hand up (hey, mine is up too!) and own the messy state of your house, car or whatever, and for the sake of yourself and everybody that is near and dear to you, do something about it. My work over the years has availed many opportunities where I have had to forge my way through a previous mess in order to perform my duties. In every instance, a massive mess and ‘clutter city mayhem’ has clearly aligned itself with sheer failure. From my experience, most of which has sadly been in education, I definitely agree with Aslett and Walsh in equating clutter with mismanagement.
D
Less is more
Life is too short to not be in a place where we effectively work at work and we come home and effectively indulge in family, friends and feeling great about ourselves in our home environment. The cleanup is going to be more successful when approached in a systematic manner. Take your time. Remember it takes years to accumulate clutter and
We have 10 copies of Organising for Dummies (a super little pocket book with a whole host of easy peasy ideas to help you get organised) to give away! To win a copy simply send in your Three Top Tips for getting organised. Entries should be sent to: The Afriqan Times, Level 28, AMP Tower, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Please include your name, address and email. only a few people manage to get everything sorted out immediately. A Feng Shui approach would have us all use a smaller wardrobe space, causing us to become irritated and cull our clothes. Less is more, I agree, and I’d rather be housing half a dozen outfits that suit me than cramming my wardrobe with masses of maybes! Let’s get started... Two methods to successfully declutter:
The first method:
always begin with the end 1of Highly in mind (S. Covey, 7 Habits Effective People). Write it down: commit to paper how you want your room, office, garage or car to look and function once the job is done. Be aware, this method is too extreme for massive jobs such as a whole house. empty the area totally, then clean, dust and air the room. put back into the room only the things you want. Set aside the other items and deal with these according to the method below.
2 3
The second method:
limited space inspires 6 creativity. When a limited space is all you have to work
with, visit IKEA and/or one of those storage system stores and pick up some smart ideas that you can imitate using furniture/ storage items you may already have in order to get smart storage concepts on a realistic budget. work with someone who will act as a critical friend and help you sort through your clutter. Agree a time to work and a set break time, and ask your critical friend to help ‘take away’ unwanted goods to charity shops etc at the end of the session. find out when your council is having verge-side pickups and capitalise on the opportunity to rid yourself of broken or unwanted electrical items, furniture and miscellaneous goods. collect a pile of shoeboxes from a shoe store and use them to sort and store. short of space? (Who isn’t?) Think about storing canned food in a pantry cupboard or unwanted wardrobe (these are often available from other people’s verges) in the garage Putting the tinned goods out in the garage frees up space in the pantry in your kitchen. still with space in mind, an old china cabinet or buffet stored in the garage is great for keeping big platters, extra plates or festive serving gear out of the way of the day-to-day space needed in the kitchen. once you’ve started decluttering, you may find you’ve uncovered a host of goods you could sell either via a garage sale or at a Sunday swap meet. Sell away and buy yourself that desired item. Just don’t put off finishing the task: stick to the agreed deadline and enjoy the process. Then enjoy the outcome!
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for 1 above. 1ascheck out an 2 organisation that will collect/ 11 take your unwanted furniture/ clothes/miscellaneous items. breakdown the tasks/ 3 happenings that take place in each part of the house and re-establish each area so that it becomes effective and works for YOU. group like materials together: in the kitchen, put all the biscuit making gear together; and in the office, put all photography equipment together. don’t overload. Planes crash. Ships sink. When you reach capacity overload it’s time for the one in-one out rule. If you purchase a new book, magazine or set of bowls etc, move one out to charity or your chosen donation place.
4 5
12
References: Make Me A Ten by Peter Walsh. Freedom from Clutter by Don Aslett. Organising for Dummies by Ellen Roth.
Fragrant Fire WITH cooler weather and wintery conditions on the horizon we will all be spending more time indoors. It’s that time of the year when we are perhaps more inclined to use candles, tea lights and aromatherapy burners. While candles and perfumed oil burners are a quick way to conjure a warm mood, they can sometimes burn extremely hot – cracking cheap aromatherapy burners and igniting undiluted oil or melting through holders and onto items such as TVs, sides of baths, dressers etc. Candles should not be used near children or pets; nor should they be lit and left unattended. And if you haven’t checked your smoke alarm and battery recently, do so now.
28 Life
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FAMILY FOCUS:
Families under attack Douglas S. Winnail & Gabriel Gomado.
W
e are living in truly momentous times. The historic pillars of Western civilisation — biblical religion, marriage and the family —are under siege and crumbling. In the last half of the 20th centaur, the fundamental building blocks of human society were compromised, corrupted and rejected at an alarming rate and the trend is only accelerating. But just how serious is this growing trend? What has caused this striking social transformation? Where will it lead? Are there solutions that will salvage and restore the institutions that underpin stable human societies? As we will see, the Bible holds vital keys! Many analysts recognise that the social and sexual revolution that erupted in the 1960s has had momentous consequences. The slogan of anti-war protestors — ‘make love, not war’ — and the efforts of intellectuals to liberate society from ‘repressive, puritanical, Victorian’ morality separated sex from marriage and morals, unleashing a wave of sexual promiscuity that swept around the globe. The feminist crusade labelled marriage a form of slavery for women and urged women to initiate sexual liaisons when they felt like it. Divorce laws were relaxed and divorces increased, single parent homes multiplied, and cohabitation rates skyrocketed. Social engineers proclaim that we have ‘matured’ and entered a new age of freedom and tolerance. However, history reveals that there is a darker side to this modern wave of naive social change. In the 1930s, British anthropologist
Joseph Unwin studied how sexual values influenced the course of history in more than 80 different cultures, including ancient Babylon, Greece and Rome. He noted that when sexuality was confined to marriage, societies reached a higher level of civilisation: they built bigger cities, made greater efforts to manage their environment and raise their standard of living, and asked more probing questions about the meaning of life. He also noted that societies allowing sexual freedom were consistently of a lower order, and that when great civilisations lost respect for the value of marriage and morality, and began pursuing ‘easy’ sexual relationships and alternative lifestyles, they declined and crumbled. So consistent was the evidence that Unwin concluded: “If we know what sexual regulation a society adopted, we can prophesy the pattern of its culture.”
The demise of marriage and the family, and the rise of rampant divorce, cohabitation and unrestrained sexual desires, will bring consequences contributing to the demise of our own civilisation. That is why it is important to understand the significance of this modern social transformation. But what has caused this rapid demise of marriage and the family? For anyone willing to look, the contributing factors are not hard to find. Aside from the findings of the Australian Bureau Of Statistics, there was a great discussion paper put together by Peter Mcdonald from the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 1984, which stated “the latter part of the 1960s saw a great deal of fundamental social debate. Conscription, Vietnam, abortion, Catholics and the pill, women’s rights, civil rights in the US, and marijuana smoking were all argued about. Much of the debate
You are welcome to join us at Church Christ Redemption Assembly Universal 1/95 Garling Street
O’Connor, Perth WA 6163 Phone/Fax (08)93311988 www.redemptionassembly.org E-mail:craugod@bigpond.com Sunday 30th May, 2010 Time 10am—12:30pm
Contact: Dr. John Adegboye (Pastor in charge) 0417061992 Most friendships at best have iron clad guarantee for the pleasant moments but then One friendship has blood guarantee for all moments, and for eternity. John 15 :13
focused on the rights of individuals to follow their own consciences. The frequent victories of conscience over convention in these matters of high principle were an important precursor to the emergence in the 1970s of more self-interested individualism. These debates were also significant in creating awareness of alternatives. By the time those born in the 1950s were coming of age in the 1970s, the necessary conditions for changes in marriage and fertility behaviour already existed”. Since the 1960s, the moral underpinnings of society have been discarded in the name of personal freedom and self-actualisation. When people began ‘doing their own thing’ in the 1960s, families began to disintegrate. And this ‘doing your own thing’, for parents, means splitting up over just about any provocation. It seems easier to divorce than stay married these days. Divorce has easy to follow steps, and a legion of lawyers to guide you. Marriage comes with no owner’s manual, and is hard work sometimes. Many today are unable or unwilling to make the kind of commitment marriage requires. The liberalising of divorce laws that permit marriages to be terminated at will has had a disastrous impact on the family and society. A large segment of Western society has accepted false teachings that divorce is often a good solution to family problems and has little permanent effects on either adults or children, that cohabitation can be good preparation for marriage and that the definition of a family can be altered without consequence. Many today have no clear idea of what marriage is all about, and have no idea why families exist or what normal family relationships should look like. Numerous scholars recognise the need for dissemination of proven and tested standards that people can use to improve their own marriages and families. Our ‘mature yet gullible’ cultures must come to understand that the benefits of n intact marriage far outweigh any other alternative, and that cohabitation, premarital sex and ‘new’ definitions of families are poor substitutes for the real thing.
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Kid's Own 29
The Afriqan Times | www.afriqantimes.com | Monday, May 10, 2010
Kid’s Own Why do people have different coloured skin?
People have different coloured skin because of the different pigment or colouring their bodies make. This pigment is called melanin. Darker skin gives better protection against the rays of the sun. That is why, long ago, people who lived in sunny places came to have dark skins while people living in the cold north came to have pale skins. Today, many black people live in cold countries and many white people live in hot countries. Perth is the fourth highest populated city in Australia. In 2006, the largest ancestry groups in the Perth metropolitan areas were: English (534,555 or 28.6%), “Australian” (479,174 or 25.6%), Irish (115,384 or 6.2%), Scottish (113,846 or 6.1%), Italian (84,331 or 4.5%) and Chinese (53,390 or 2.9%). There were 3,101 indigenous
Australians in the city (0.2%). According to the same 2006 Census, Perth’s South African population overtook the number of those born in Italy to become the fourth largest birthplace group after 2001. By 2006, there were 18,825 South African-born in Perth. This accounted for 1.3% of the city’s people. An influx of Afrikaners and Anglo-Africans from South Africa and Zimbabwe came to Perth during the 1980s and 1990s. Looking for a safe place to re-establish themselves, the impact on the population gave rise to Perth being described as ‘the Australian capital of South Africans in exile’. Perth was viewed upon favourably, offering a close location, warm climate and an awesome amount of space compared to other large Australian cities.
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
Pets Parade with Nana Kwame Welcome to Pet’s Parade.
In each issue I will be introducing different pets and animals, and sharing your letters and questions. I am an Anglo/Australian/ Ghanaian. My Ghanaian name is Nana Kwame of Tumfa. Tumfa is in the eastern region of Ghana. I was on the management board of the zoo in Accra, and my family and I have educational projects in Ghana. I served in the Royal Air Force as a police dog handler and instructor. I arrived in Western Australia in 1964, made a series of dog training programs for the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission), and trained animals for films and television. The films included the television series ‘A fortunate Life’ and ‘A Waltz Thro the Hills’. As a professional handler, I won many show awards in the UK, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. I have bred and shown successfully dogs, cats, rabbits, poultry and sheep. I have introduced several breeds of dogs including Rottweilers, Elkhounds, Briards and Blue Merle Rough Collies to Western Australia. I can no longer train or handle animals any more but I am happy to pass on my knowledge and
experience. Every species of animal has a different character. Even different breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs or poultry have different characters, and I will explain them later when I introduce different breeds. ‘A pet is for life, not just for christmas’: how many times have we heard this? After three months, the pet often becomes the responsibility of Mum or Dad. As parents, we sometimes falsely assume the purchase of a pet is a good opportunity to provide a living resource for our children to learn nurturing, care and responsibility. Successfully keeping and managing pets requires a consistent approach.
Creating a stress free environment…
Pets are literally creatures of habit and respond well when we reciprocate those habits that cue our pets and give them a sense of security in their daily routine. Toilet training a new pet that has been bought into the home can quickly be established when people and household routines are consistent. Getting up in the morning should include your pet being let outdoors as soon as the first person is up… not after they
have been to the bathroom and wrapped themselves up in a cosy robe. Rain, hail or snow, your pet should be let outdoors immediately somebody is up. Your dog/cat should be let out the same door first thing in the morning, and also after a meal, drink, sleep and playtime. Try and catch them ‘in the act’ and praise them for their positive response. Pets don’t read clocks but they can respond positively to an association of ideas so stay consistent and enjoy your pet. In later editions I will be introducing different animals and pets. I would be interested to hear of your favourite pet and how you care for it, and perhaps any queries you may have. Address your letters to: The Afriqan Times Level 28, AMP Tower 140 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Above is a picture of Macy and her sister Ryley with their pet dog Ruby. Macy said: “I like Ruby because she’s cute, soft and she’s my miniature Dachshund. She like to sleep in my bed. She likes it when I take her for a walk and she likes to go camping. She likes chasing cats. She is black and tan in colour.”
30 Kid's Own
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Fact Box:
To celebrate the 2010 World Cup taking place in South Africa in June, we will be taking a close look at the African countries competing in the tournament. In this edition we profile Cameroon and Nigeria... Von Hobson
Nigeria
Cameroon
Official name: Federal Republic of Nigeria Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress Capital: Abuja Largest city: Lagos Official languages: English, and regional languages –
Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba President: Goodluck Jonathan (sworm in May 6, 2010) Former President: Umaru Yar’Adua (died May 5, 2010) Area: 923,768sqkm Population: 154,729,000 Density: 167.5/sqkm Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN) Time zone: WAT (UTC +1) Drives on the: right Calling code: 234 Religion: 50.5% Islam, 48.2% Christian, 1.3% other Highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419m Fun Facts:
Nigeria has the world’s highest rate of twin births. In 2003, Nigerians were reported to be the happiest people in the world by a New Scientist Magazine Survey of 65 countries.
Famous Nigerians:
Official name: République du
Singers Sade, Seal, Dame Shirley Bassey, Fela Kuti, 2Face Indibia and rappers Wale and Tinie Tempah are all of Nigerian heritage. Australian actor Hugo Weaving (The Matrix) was born in Nigeria! Emeka Okafor of the New Orleans Hornets is NigerianAmerican. Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton) and Mikel Jon Obi (Chelsea) were all born in Nigeria. World Champion and World Indoor Champion Triple Jumper Phillips Idowu is a British athlete of ethnic Nigerian heritage. Chioma Ajunwa played football for the Nigerian national team before becoming the first Nigerian to win an Olympic Gold Medal and the first African to win an Olympic Gold in a field event. She won the women’s long jump in 1996 at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. She was also an officer in the Nigeria Police Force. Nigerian proverb: He who does not look ahead, always remains behind.
Cameroun Motto: Peace – Work – Fatherland Capital: Yaoundé Largest city: Douala Official languages: French, English President: Paul Biya Prime Minister: Philémon Yang Area: 475,442sqkm Population: 18,879,301 Density: 39.7/sqkm Currency: Central African Franc (CFA) Time zone: WAT (UTC +1) Drives on the: right Calling code: 237 Religion: 40% Christian, 40% Indigenous, 20% Islam Highest point: Fako – 4,095m on Mount Cameroon
Stories from Nigeria In this edition of Kid’s Own, I have again selected an Ananse Story this time taken from a selection of stories from Nigeria. Children in Nigeria and Cameroon love hearing the Ananse Stories, like most West Africans. They are considered number one in folklore. The story I have chosen The Grass Hopper and the Toad is from a collection of friendship tales. The other categories in
this collection of Ananse stories are: forgiveness, greed, wisdom, jealousy, lying, tricking, kindness and obedience. Writing in Nigeria There are many authors in Nigeria and some have become known internationally. These authors write mainly for younger children. Ifeoma Onyefulu: Nigerian children enjoy the author’s books because she includes
plenty of great photographs in them. Amos Tutuola: Children enjoy this author’s writing because his tales are focussed on Nigeria. Mary-Joan Gerson: Described as a ‘different’ writer, MaryJoan has written some really interesting children’s books. Check it out! Search BarnesandNoble.com for: “Juvenile Nigeria”, “Folklore Nigeria”, “Tales of Nigeria”.
Fun facts: Cameroon is known as Africa in miniature for its geological and cultural diversity. Cameroon’s national dish is ndolé, a stew made with bitter leaves, nuts, fish and goat meat. Famous Cameroonians: Roger Milla has been named the 125th best living soccer player. With an active football career from 1968 (at age 13) to 1997 (at age 43), Roger Milla made three World Cup appearances – with goals in all three. He is Cameroon’s Roving Ambassador. Ndamukong Suh, Associated Press College Football Player of the Year 2009, was drafted second overall in the 2010 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He is of Cameroonian decent. Cameroonian proverb: A chattering bird builds no nest.
Cooking with Kids
Ananse Stories: Pizza! Easy Peasy
The grasshopper & the toad Author: Unknown
Grasshopper and Toad appeared to be good friends. People always saw them together. Yet they had never dined at each other’s houses. One day Toad said to Grasshopper, “Dear friend, tomorrow come and dine at my house. My wife and I will prepare a special meal. We will eat it together.” The next day Grasshopper arrived at Toad’s house. Before sitting down to eat, Toad washed his forelegs, and invited Grasshopper to do the same. Grasshopper did so, and it made a loud noise. “Friend Grasshopper, can’t you leave your chirping behind. I cannot eat with such a noise,” said Toad. Grasshopper tried to eat without rubbing his forelegs
together, but it was impossible. Each time he gave a chirp; Toad complained and asked him to be quiet. Grasshopper was angry and could not eat. Finally, he said to Toad: “I invite you to my house for dinner, tomorrow.” The next day, Toad arrived at Grasshopper’s home. As soon as the meal was ready, Grasshopper washed his forelegs, and invited Toad to do the same. Toad did so, and then hopped toward the food. “You had better go back and wash again,” said Grasshopper. “All that hopping in the dirt has made your forelegs dirty again.” Toad hopped back to the water jar, washed again, then hopped back to the table, and was ready to reach out for some food from one of the platters when Grasshopper stopped
him: “Please don’t put your dirty paws into the food. Go and wash them again.” Toad was furious. “You just don’t want me to eat with you!” he cried. “You know very well that I must use my paws and forelegs in hopping about. I cannot help it if they get a bit dirty between the water jar and the table.” Grasshopper responded, “You are the one who started it yesterday. You know I cannot rub my forelegs together without making a noise.” From then on, they accepted that each creature was different and their difference didn’t make them bad. Moral: If you wish to have true friendship with someone, learn to accept each other’s faults, as well as each other’s good qualities.
Easy Peasy Pizza! Makes 4 small pizzas Ingredients:
2 large wholemeal baps (bread rolls) 2 tablespoons tomato puree 110g cheese 4 cherry tomatoes 2 mushrooms 1 red or green capsicum
Method:
Cut the baps in half. Spread the cut halves with tomato puree. Grate the cheese and sprinkle on top. Cut the tomatoes in half and use for eyes. Slice the mushrooms and use one slice for each nose. Cut the pepper in half and remove the seeds. Cut a strip of capsicum to use for each mouth. Grill the pizzas for a few minutes until the cheese has melted. Serve with salad and ENJOY!
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World Cup 2010:
Stadium Spotlight
Ten venues will have the eyes of the world on them when the greatest sporting show on Earth rolls into South Africa this summer. Explore these phenomenal structures and get closer to the action with our guide to the 2010 World Cup stadiums.
B
asket Ball
James vs Bryant (top right), Wildcats NBL Champions (bottom right)
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
It is surely one of the most stunningly beautiful sporting venues on the African continent. The newly refurbished Soccer City Stadium is an awe-inspiring sight that will host the first and final matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as the dramatic and dazzling opening ceremony. Regarded by many as the heart and soul of South African football, it has staged numerous important matches throughout its glorious history, including the 1996 African Cup of Nations final, where South Africa beat Tunisia 2-0. Formally known as the FNB Stadium, it was also the site of a mass rally in 1990 to welcome the release of Nelson Mandela, and it was the venue of Chris Hani’s funeral. The magnificent arena was built in 1987 and had an original capacity of 80,000. The first football match to be played there was a Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Soccer City has undergone a major upgrade ahead of this summer’s tournament, and now boasts a capacity of nearly 95,000, making it the largest stadium in Africa. Other improvements include the construction of an encircling roof, new floodlighting and new changing room facilities. The stadium is heavy on symbolism. The design of the exterior was selected from a series of concepts and is based on a traditional South African pot, a Calabash, resting on
a fire. Inside there are nine vertical lines running through the stands that are aligned geographically with the other stadia hosting World Cup games, and a tenth is directed at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, the scene of the 2006 World Cup Final. South Africa’s national stadium is in Johannesburg, on the outskirts of the township of Soweto. The city is the largest metropolis in southern Africa, with nearly six million residents. It is a fast-paced, dynamic and buzzing city that is the commercial, cultural and economic hub of the country.
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Ellis Park Stadium is forever burned into the hearts and minds of sporting fans after the South African rugby team rocked New Zealand to lift the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Joel Stransky’s sweet drop kick went over in extra time to seal an historic victory, and pictures of a proud and jubilant Nelson Mandela were beamed across the world. It was a beautiful moment that united the people of South Africa in acts of celebration. Ellis Park was built in 1928 as a rugby union stadium for the Transvaal Rugby Football Union (now the Golden Lions Rugby Union) and is named after JD Ellis, the Johannesburg city council official who approved its construction and set aside 13 acres. It was demolished and rebuilt in 1982, again for rugby use, and was recently upgraded with better facilities
Sport 31
with Stuart Wilkinson
G
reetings basketball followers. The NBA playoffs are now into the conference semifinals stage and I could guess as to the final match participants. Suffice to say I predict the East finals to again be between Cleveland and Orlando while the West will be a shoot out between Los Angeles and Phoenix. LA will win it all over Cleveland 4-2 and Kobe Bryant will win MVP of the finals. Although I would much rather predict my beloved Bulls will knock Cleveland out and perform well above their abilities, sadly, at some point I must wake up and smell the possibilities that next season holds. Let’s just hope when LA beat Cleveland, the reigning NBA big girl’s blouse LeBron James shakes hands with Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Lakers, teaching impressionable youth everywhere that you can be gracious in defeat. Well at least sometimes. Still overseas, can Angola win a 7th consecutive Gold on the FIBA Africa Championships? Only time will tell. Angola, Ivory Coast and Tunisia have qualified for the 2010 FIBA World Championships to be held in Turkey, commencing on August 28. The 24nation tournament that runs for just over two weeks will conclude about one month before the start of the next NBA season. Closer to home, the Perth Wildcats have won their 5th NBL crown in the last 20 years. An NBL record, so congratulations Wildcats. Let’s hope they can repeat in 2010/11 and with the news of all the returning players – along with the addition of new signing Matt Knight - this is not out of the question. A rumour that I am starting here is that JC (James Crawford – for those unfamiliar) will return to the Wildcats roster, coming out of retirement to win league MVP and yet another title. If only. That’s it from me this fortnight, so may all your 3s be nothing but net!
and increased seating capacity to host the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup between Brazil and the United States. The stadium has also been touched by tragedy and was involved in the country’s worst ever sporting disaster. Forty-three people were crushed to death on April 11, 2001 during a football match between the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The 60,000 capacity crowd had been swelled by a further 30,000, who broke down gates and caused a stamped as they tried to watch the match. The Commission of Inquiry that investigated the tragedy made a number of key recommendations to prevent such a disaster from happening again. The stadium has been given an overhaul and can now accommodate 70,000
fans. Five group stage matches, one second round clash, and a quarter final will be played here. In between matches visitors can enjoy a range of fabulous
tourist attractions in and around Johannesburg, including the Apartheid Museum and the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage site.
32 Sport
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Sport Wrestling boom sweeps Senegal By Rose Skelton BBC
As dusk falls on the ramshackle neighbourhood of Guediawaye on the outskirts of Dakar, hundreds of young men and boys in loincloths and Nike shorts are being put through their paces by trainers brandishing whistles. In their hundreds, the athletes drop to the ground and, seemingly effortlessly, run off dozens of push-ups while the trainer shouts encouragements from the sandy training ground. Young kids sell peanuts around the edges of the patch of land, which is strewn with rocks and rubbish. They watch eagerly as
these bright young stars of the country’s booming wrestling industry get ready to grapple with their opponents, hoping to throw them to the ground in an athletic display of strength, skill and style. Only a few of the more than 200 men who belong to this school will make it onto the professional wrestling circuit. For those that do, the stakes are high. The young men who make it up the ranks can look forward to winning up to 100 million West African CFA francs ($205,000) per game. In one of the world’s poorest countries, where the average annual income is $980 according to the World Bank’s latest figures, this will make them
part of the country’s financial elite and national heroes to the millions of men and women who follow the game. Humble beginnings Senegalese wrestling began in the villages, when farmers who only worked during the fertile rainy season would pass the time with this traditional African sport that has been practised across the continent for hundreds of years. During the dry seasons, farmers would come to the cities looking for work. There they found an audience of people keen to watch and bet on the matches. As the sport gained in popularity it began to take on elements of martial arts, incorporating
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boxing, judo and karate, as well as the traditional elements of African wrestling. In the 1990s, Gaston Mbengue, a Senegalese sports promoter, started to stage matches that allowed bare-fisted fighting. In one of the only countries in the world where this kind of fighting is legal, this modern twist revolutionised the sport and turned it into a multimillion dollar game that now attracts more fans than any other sport, including football. With fans flocking to the stadiums - one match can attract up to 80,000 people - commercial companies are desperate to get their brands into the ring, from where the images will be beamed on television screens to millions of viewers across the country. “The main sponsors are the telecommunications companies,” said Serigne Sarr, head of marketing at the state-owned television station Radiodiffusion Television Senegalaise, which televises the matches staged by Mr Mbengue. “It wasn’t hard to sell them sponsorship rights, because they go where there is an audience. Since wrestling attracts a lot of people, they are necessarily interested by it too.” While the wrestling scene bristles with rumours of how much money is earned in this famously-secretive game, RTS’s Mr Sarr said that the game attracts between half and one billion CFA francs ($1-2 million) in sponsorship money a year. While Senegal failed to qualify for both the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations in the last two years, the audiences have flocked to wrestling and left football out in the cold. “The future of wrestling is bright,” said Mr Sarr. “The whole thing is managed professionally now, like football.” Gaining respect When wrestling first became popular as an urban sport, parents were unhappy about their children going into the game. It was seen as the pastime of thugs who typically had very little formal education and did not speak French, the administrative language of Senegal, a former French colony. “The first fight where someone earned a million CFA francs was like a miracle,” said Pape Konate, a 31-year-old wrestler who goes by the name of Capitaine PK when in the
ring and weighs in at 100kg. His body rippling as he hoists weights above his head in one of the city’s gyms, Konate remembers how in 1995, a young wrestler named Mohamed Ndao (whose stage name was Tyson, after the American boxer) was offered 15 million CFA for a fight. “When we young wrestlers love wrestling, it’s because of Tyson,” he said between sets of exercises. “Back then, wrestlers weren’t taken notice of, but he had a good intellect, he spoke French well. “He came on to the scene with his image and then the sponsorship started to follow him. He had a match for 15 million CFA and kept on pushing to 30 million CFA. “That’s when people started to take notice of the sport. Tyson woke things up.” Reducing crime Nowadays the sport is considered one of the few routes to financial success in a country that is becoming increasingly poor. Senegal dropped 10 places in the United Nations Human Development Index in 2009 to become the world’s 17th poorest country. “Wrestling has been able to reduce crime and delinquency in the suburbs,” said Aboubacry Ba, one of the country’s best-known sports journalists. “Young people now train hard and they can earn money from their work. Before, they didn’t have any work: they were in the suburbs getting into drugs and fighting. “But now, with wrestling, they have a healthy occupation. It’s a job which has really been able to turn the youth around, reduce unemployment and crime.” Pape Konate, set to become one of the country’s wrestling stars, agreed. He gets up at 5am and runs 20km along the beach and then trains in the gym throughout the day. In the evening, he comes to the wrestling school to spar with the other young wrestlers; a routine which is physically gruelling and keeps him occupied in a country where half the population is unemployed. “Wrestling is our work and it’s a proper profession now,” said Konate. “You have to work hard and concentrate to get to the highest level. “Tyson is stepping down now, so it’s us, the next generation. I’m working to be a big champion and to retire at 45, exceedingly rich.”