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No nationalisation, says ANC to UK business | p11
An artist’s impression of the Square Kilometre Array dishes. Photo: SKA Organisation/TDP/DRAO/Swinburne Astronomy Productions
SA WINS LION’S SHARE OF SUPER-TELESCOPE
After a long wait to find out who will host the world’s largest telescope, both South Africa and Australia have been chosen - with SA hosting the biggest portion
T
by NICOLE HOLGATE he Square Kilometre Array radio telescope’s fate was finally decided this weekend, with the majority of the transmitters being sited in South Africa, to the joy of the scientists leading the South African bid. “I am ecstatic; I am happy for
our scientists, our country and for Africa. We have done it!” Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor told a media briefing in Pretoria. “It would have been good if we got all of it, but getting three quarters is good enough.” Representatives from Canada, China, Italy the UK and the
Netherlands decided the rights for the $2.4 million project on Saturday. The main bidders, Australia, with a contribution of around $55 million by New Zealand, and South Africa, will each have a share, but with the highest frequency transmitters in South Africa.
“After nine years of work by the South African and Australian SKA site bid teams, the independent SKA Site Advisory Committee, composed of world-renowned experts, carried out an objective technical and scientific assessment of the sites in South Africa and ...continued on page 3
Treasurer General Mathews Phosa has once again assured international business that the ANC has no policy on nationalisation. He was speaking at the Progressive Business Forum in London.
African Utopia takes over the Southbank| p7 In July 2012, as part of the Festival of the World, the Southbank Centre will host a series of events under the banner ‘Africa Utopia’. Africa will be represented up and down the river as the capital celebrates its multiculturalism alongside the Olympics.
Fanie Os Oppie Jas: Oor Facebook vir baba’s | p9 ’n Vriend van my, gooi nou die dag die volgende irritasiebelaaide status update op Facebook: “wonder of daar ’n manier is om babafoto’s op FB te blok?”
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What’s on
Overground: Sunday 3 to Tuesday 5 June, no service between South Tottenham and Barking. Rail replacement buses operate, calling at South Tottenham, Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow Queen’s Road, Walthamstow Central, Leyton Midland Road, Leytonstone High Road, Wanstead Park, Woodgrange Park and Barking. Sunday 3 and Monday 4 June, no service between Richmond and Willesden Junction. Replacement buses operate calling at Kew Road (for Kew Gardens), Gunnersbury, Acton Central and Willesden Junction. Waterloo & City: Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays. Trains normally operate Monday to Friday from 0615 to 2148 and Saturday from 0800 to 1830.
Isango Ensemble triple bill at Hackney Empire Date: 11 May-3 June Venue: Hackney Empire Multi award-winning Cape Town theatre company Isango returns to London for a four-week season at Hackney Empire. The Hackney Empire, supported by the Columbia Fund, will present Aesop’s Fables, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists and La Bohème. Tickets from £8 to £24 at www.hackneyempire.co.uk or 020 8985 2424
June Dankfees Date: 8-10 June Venue: Hop Farm SA Congregation will host the annual Dankfees from 8 to 10 June – and it’s getting bigger by the year! The main festival is on Saturday 9 June, with a full day of entertainment lined up. A Spur Kids village will keep the young ones entertained with bouncy castles, an obstacle course, face painting, colouring competition
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and balloons. For rugby fans, the Springboks vs England game will be screened on 9 June, so invite your British neighbours to ensure a fun-filled game watching experience. SA Business Club: Caroline Rowland, Lungi Morrison and Gillian Sanders Date: 13 June Venue: Deloitte, 2 New Street Square, London With the build-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the SA Business Club is honoured to host an Olympic panel. Our panel consists of Caroline Rowland – Founder & Executive Creative Director of New Moon, Lungi Morrison – SA Tourism, UK Country Manager and Gillian Sanders – Champion Tri-Athlete winning both 2012 African and the South African National Champion. As always, the speaker address will be followed by delicious canapes and the finest South African wines. Details: www.sabusinessclub.com Homelanz Southern Hemisphere music festival Date: 16 June
Venue: Boston Manor Road, Brentford, TW8 9JX South African rock band Prime Circle will headline Homelanz, the one-day London Southern Hemisphere music festival, together with KORA from New Zealand and Alex Lloyd from Australia. Prime Circle was formed in December 2000 in Witbank. Their first album, Hello Crazy World, released in July 2002, remains the highest selling rock album in South Africa. Supporting acts at the festival include UK-based SA band Munkinpure, as well as I Am Giant, Jayson Norris, Melic, Bowie Jane, Dave Gander, Glenn Aitken, Anna Coddington, Rietta, J.T. Mills Xperience, and Silent Disco. The event will be at Boston Manor Park on 16 June at 10.30am. There will also be loads of delicious food and drink from SA, Australia and New Zealand. Tickets are £25 per person or £44 for two (plus booking fee) and are available on www. southerncrossdeli.co.uk Details: www.homelanz.co.uk
Please email your events to: editor@thesouthafrican.com. For more listings, please visit www.thesouthafrican.com
thesouthafrican.com | 29 May – 4 June 2012 |
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‘The SKA telescope will have its strongest transmitters in SA’
SA paedophile suspect caught by UK police
continued from page 1... Australia, and identified by consensus Africa as the preferred site,” the minister said. It seems the decision to share the site was reached based on the fact that both countries had already heavily invested in the project, and so neither should walk away empty-handed. The majority of the dishes will be built in South Africa, with a series of antennas and lower frequency transmitters in New Zealand and Australia. These will be built over two phases, the first being to add some dishes to the Australian site. The radio telescope will be used to explore deep space by bouncing signals off of the atmosphere, and also be able to track shifts in climate and tectonic plates. Australian facilities will use their lower frequencies to take larger scale images, while South Africa’s facilities will be responsible for zooming in on, and taking a detailed look at, objects of interest discovered in the mapping process. It was said that the committee favoured South Africa because of its proximity to the EU, allowing more control over the project. Although the larger part of the telescope will be in South Africa, experts are as yet unsure of the effectiveness of a split array of radio transmitters. Australian Nobel Prize winning astronomer Professor Brian Schmidt argued for more flexibility in the continuation of the project in favour of the project base Australia already has, stating, “The extra cost of doing it compared to putting it in South Africa is almost nothing.” However ABC reported that Professor Peter Quinn, director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, is less worried about the cost of having a split site. The siting is similar to that of the European Southern Observatory, which has sites in Chile and operations run from Munich. Professor Bryan Gaensler of the University of Sydney said the decision was a smart move, combining diplomacy with the chance for greater investment in the future. “As a scientist it’s not which country gets bragging rights but that we get a telescope that does what it was designed to do.” This 1.5 million euro programme is scheduled to commence in 2016 and will involve building an array of individual antenna synthesised to create a diameter of up to several thousand kilometres. The plan for the South African bid is to base the majority of SKA in Carnavon, in the Northern Cape, with other antenna in various locations including Madagascar, Namibia and Botswana, among others. www.thesouthafrican.com/news
by STAFF REPORTER SOUTH African sports coach has been arrested on Friday at his residence in Europe. The suspected paedophile, who is currently coaching a team for the London Olympics, was granted bail earlier this month by a Durban magistrate, before returning to Europe. He is now facing further charges in Europe after another alleged sexual assault on the same person. The suspect was arrested at King Shaka International Airport earlier this month by the SAPS family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit on allegations of sex crimes involving a now 14-year-old girl that he coached in Durban two years ago. The teenager, who is in Europe for a sports event, claims she was sexually assaulted by the coach in Europe also. Marc Hardwick, a private
A Durban sports coach has been arrested on charges of sexual assault of a child investigator who deals with crimes against children, said that the girl’s father contacted the authorities in Europe. Hardwick then interviewed the girl last week Monday where she disclosed that the coach had also assaulted her in Europe. The warrant for arrest was issued on Friday and later that day the accused was arrested. The public prosecutor’s office in the country of arrest stated that “Bail is possible, but unlikely.” “The warrant of arrest is based on the (alleged) victim’s testimony and in case of a conviction, (the accused) is facing a minimum penalty of two years and a maximum penalty of 15 years,” he said The accused is also expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate Court in August on charges of child rape, sexual assault of a child, grooming of a child for the
purposes of sexual assault, and the possession and distribution of child pornography. The European prosecution official said, “I know about the circumstances in South Africa, but right about now, I cannot predict what will happen until August. At this very moment, (the accused) is facing one charge, but I would like to emphasise that he is innocent until proven guilty. There will be more details after the preliminary proceedings are concluded.” The attorney and spokesman for the family, John Lister, said, “We were told that he would be facing rape charges (relating to a minor).” Although the coach is South African, Lister says that the accused would be charged where he had allegedly perpetrated the crimes. The father, reluctant to not jeopardise the case, would only
state that the authorities had “extensive evidence”. The earlier arrest in Durban was arranged by the girl’s father who contacted the coach, who was lead to believe that he was coming to apologise to the girl and to sign a non-disclosure agreement. He was subsequently arrested soon after arrival. The father also said, “If I had the opportunity to speak to (the coach) again, I’d ask him why he broke our trust; he was supposed to take care of our child. He was supposd to develop her, but he broke her down”.
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| 29 May – 4 June 2012 | thesouthafrican.com
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On “Video: Zuma’s Spear painting sabotage” Rationalistx: There’s nothing wrong with Jacob’s genitals. He’s already fathered twenty-two offspring... Dictator Tunes: Zuma has finally made it! He’s on the DictatorTunes website! Vusumuzi O Sibanda: (@Dictator Tunes) Very mature indeed. If Zuma is a dictator, what about De Klerk’s predecessors? Dictator Tunes: (@Vusumuzi O Sibanda)We tried, but the playlists were so boring, how many sad Boer songs does anyone want to listen to? Who would you suggest, and what would their playlist be? Mfa: Once a racist always a racist, pity that some of them still call themselves South Africans. Perpetrators of hatred are always the same people. You can’t change the devil or a racist. Those who entertain this devilish artwork should be ashamed of themselves. Our mothers washed their backs and they still hated them. Can’t wait to see artwork of Zille with her lips hanging between her legs. When a black man is degraded by a white person its normal but when a black sings an old song a white
should mutate into performance art? If so, he must be gratified by the bizarre nature of it. I wonder what the German who paid more than R100,000 for the work thinks of it now? Dictator Tunes: (@Robin Palmer)
He’s probably very happy, given that it only cost him 9,500 Euros.
Join the debate on www.thesouthafrican.com
The Spear’, a painting by Brett Murray depicting President Jacob Zuma with his genitals exposed, had South Africa in a froth last week.
man feels insulted. Who is fooling who? Sometimes I question the intelligence of some people. The comments above are disgusting. If you don’t like blacks, leave South Africa alone because blacks will always be there whether you like it or not. Now I know why some black people are still proud of Mugabe. Dictator Tunes: (@mfa) Sad to see that the quality of discourse and level of intellect hasn’t
matured yet, aren’t you tired of playing the old, worn-out racist card, can’t you get a new one? Mfa: (@Dictator Tunes) Why are you offended? I doubt your intellect if you have any. Robin Palmer: It is interesting to me that the older vandal is white and allegedly a professor while the younger is black — a collaboration in keeping with the rainbow nation. I wonder if Murray intended that his installation
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Footage of the vandalism of the now infamous “Zuma Spears” painting.
and never works. But nobody - not even public figures - deserves to be pictured in public with their genitals hanging out. There’s a level of human dignity here that even the most unpopular and ROB BOFFARD dunderheaded leaders must be accorded. And by the way, would Murray have tried something similar had our leader been a woman? Would he hell. He’d have CHILDREN and politics don’t been murdered before his last mix. It’s like putting mescaline into the punch at a party. Sooner or brush-stroke. later, someone is going to end up There is a way to lampoon bleeding. Zuma’s sexual record, and this In the case of Brett Murray’s isn’t it. now rather infamous painting of Zapiro nailed it with his rape Jacob Zuma and his appendage, it cartoon a few years ago - ugly, is the children who have come out pointed, but very effective. And, smelling the best here. Not Murray, crucially, perfectly legitimate who like most artists relished the commentary that let the audience chance to court controversy. Not fill in the blanks. Zuma, who once again looked like Murray’s painting though? No. a potential dictator in his rapid Zuma’s children have mounted application an eloquent to have the defence of “Would Murray have tried painting their father; something similar had our banned. Not one which leader been a woman? He’d doesn’t the idiots who defaced have been murdered before depend on the painting. his political his last brush-stroke.” None of these record, but parties looks which simply good. The only people who do are depends on his record as a dad and Zuma’s children. as a person. A day after the painting was I do wish Zuma wouldn’t make defaced, Duduzile Zumait so easy to lampoon him in this Sambudla - one of our President’s manner (seriously, dude, keep it twenty-odd kids - released a in your pants and all of this will statement to the press. go away! Or just wear a condom!) Say what you will about his but he doesn’t deserve what’s been offspring: it was a classy, heartfelt, thrown at him. well-argued piece of writing. In it, Zuma-Sambudla said, very simply, that Murray’s painting infringed on her father’s dignity as a human being. It made him out to be less than human: someone who did not deserve the dignity Murray would no doubt accord other men. “We do understand that he is a public figure,” said ZumaSambudla, “but this is no longer political and instead infringes on his rights as a human being... Whether or not one voted for him, no one reserves the right to degrade him and the office that he holds.” Well said. It’s not often that I come down on the side of our rather bumbling president, but in this case he didn’t deserve what happened to him. No, he shouldn’t have raged and blasted and thrown around notions of court cases because, Msholozi, censorship is very dumb
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Thursdays & Sundays AFRICAN CAREERS ON THE UP: Jobseekers had the chance to meet potential employers from top African companies such as Unilever, Merck & Co, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Philips, GlaxoSmithKline and Total at the Careers in Africa recruitment event at the Hilton Hotel in Canary Wharf last weekend. Details: www.thesouthafrican.com/gateway-to-africa
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African festival hits Southbank in July Soak up the African atmosphere on the Southbank this summer
by JONATHAN WALDHEIM IN JULY, as part of the Festival of the World, the Southbank Centre will host a series of events under the banner ‘Africa Utopia’. Here are our picks: Caine Prize reading, 1 July The festival commences with a reading of their work by this year’s Caine Prize finalists: Constance Myburgh (South Africa), Melissa Tandiwe Myambo (Zimbabwe), Rotimi Babatunde (Nigeria), Billy Kahora (Kenya) and Stanley Kenani (Malawi). They will also discuss their work with chair Ellah Allfrey, deputy editor of Granta. Robben Island Bible. Purcell Room, 3 July A copy of the complete works of Shakespeare was smuggled into Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years. The inmates passed the ‘Bible’ amongst themselves, writing down and memorising extracts. Theatre director Matthew Hahn brings to the stage a play with extracts of Shakespeare’s works spliced with testimonies from prisoners. Africa Sci-Fi Screening. Queen Elizabeth Hall, 4 July Exploring the subject of genre in African writing, aesthetics and film, this event will feature a discussion following a selection of screenings from short films. Attend for thought-provoking debate on a genre that one wouldn’t normally associate with the African continent. Gregory Maqoma: Exit/ Exist, 17 July South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma breathes new life into his Xhosa past. He is joined on stage by four exceptional South African singers and Italian guitarist Giuliano Modarelli, performing songs by Simphiwe Dana, a singer and composer from Maqoma’s native province of the Eastern Cape. The performance is set against a rich visual landscape created by artist Nicholas Hlobo.
Ludre Stevens asks whether we should judge “the Spear” painting against Zuma the man or Zuma the president. Photo by World Economic Forum.
YOU decide
South Africa’s Joyce Mohologae will perform with five other African artists as part of the Vocal Ensemble of Africa on 23 July. Photo by Heather Walker.
Gregg Kofi Brown & Friends, 20 July One of our picks for its price: free. Musician Gregg Kofi Brown performs from his vast back catalogue of Ghanaian music, Kofi Brown has collaborated with a variety of artists such as Damon Albarn and Youssou N’Dour and on this occasion will be performing Afro beat, African jazz and Afro/Latin pop classics. Paco Peña: Misa Flamenca Africa, 20 July Paco Peña collaborates with South African composer Neo Muyanga to cross new musical and emotional borders, drawing on the deep emotional content of the African soul, the passion of Spain and the timeless, essential beauty of the classical choir. African Yard Sound System, 22 July Baaba Maal is joined by Dennis Bovell and Gladdy Wax Road Trip, for something a little more relaxed, with a club night at The Clore Ballroom. Party to a mixture of music ranging from Reggae to Roots to Ska. Vocal Ensemble Of Africa, 23 July Nigerian pianist and vocalist Juwon Ogungbe presents six singers
from five countries and a fourpiece band, combining multiple languages, influences and rhythms to create music of astounding power. Passionate harmonies, rich melodies, deep vocal textures and big beats are fused to create music that defines African musical culture today: no borders. Joyce Moholoagae (South Africa), Thomas Moyo (Zimbabwe), Eugene Makuta (Congo), Eno William Uffort (Nigeria) and Leila Lawton (Uganda), perform with guitarist Dele Ogundeko, bass player Renell Shaw, Soji Ijaduola on drums and Junior Balogun on percussion. Baaba Maal and Friends, 28 July Babba Maal closes the event as the headliner on Saturday 28 July at the Royal Festival Hall. With a selection of music, dance and storytelling joining Baaba on stage, this is sure to bring the festival to a satisfactory climax. Tickets: www.southbank.co.uk
ABROAD
LUDRE STEVENS
Zuma the man vs Zuma the President LAST week we saw the “Speargate” saga play out in our home country. For those who missed it, there was huge consternation about a controversial painting titled “The Spear”, created by artist Brett Murray, that showed President Zuma with exposed genitals. The President and the ANC hit the roof and started legal action against the art gallery to remove the painting which was described as crude and racist. And now the battle lines have been drawn: free speech vs. the political powerful. This made me think about Zuma - “the man” vs. Zuma - “the President”. If there was a portrait like that of me, I would also be upset about it, just as Zuma “the man” is. He is only mortal after all. I would also be affronted and I would also want to have it removed. No one likes being embarrassed like that. (But to be honest, the painting does hit a sensitive spot given Zuma’s many wives, children and “shower episodes”.) However, this painting is a satirical depiction of the presidency, not the
man, and at the moment Zuma is that embodiment, he is the president of the country. And people who are on top always face the strongest head winds and end up being the poster boys for national issues. Just look at all the abuse and name calling Helen Zille has had to endure. And in fact, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Stephen Harper, Canada’s Prime Minister, amongst others, have all been depicted naked by artists. Being at the top of the pile carries a huge responsibility - you are there to fight the battles of right and wrong, and there to protect the principles that a healthy society is built on, like freedom of speech. So yes, this painting is embarrassing for Zuma “the man”, but the painting is also a form of free speech on how Zuma “the President” is seen by the artist. We need Zuma to be presidential, not just an ordinary man. He needs to be able to take it on the chin, and embrace free speech (even when you don’t like what is being said). This is a fundamental principle of our society that needs to be protected. Do what Helen Zille did when someone photoshopped her face onto a nude picture of an elderly woman as part of the backlash of Speargate and “laugh it off”. Be presidential, you are the President. Continue the discussion on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DemocraticAllianceAbroad Note: This column is paid for content and represents the client’s independent opinion.
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Chickenshed brings Sunshine on a Rainy Day to London The Sunshine on a Rainy Day festival started with a screening of a heartfelt movie that embraced the intercultural side of Africa
by NICOLETTE CHRISTIAN A crowd from all over the globe attended ‘Sunshine on a Rainy Day’, a festival of Southern African Arts and Culture, on Saturday, 12 May at Chickenshed Theatre in North London. This event started with a film screening telling the heartfelt story of Kini and Adams, two friends who share a dream to leave their rural Southern African district to make a better life for themselves. In order to leave, they attempt to repair an old car with second-hand parts, but their family and friends make fun of them. The two men encounter many challenges that strain their relationship. Bitterness and jealousy end their friendship and they became fierce enemies. The screening was made possible by Chickenshed Theatre in partnership with Border Crossings, an international theatre company specialising in combined arts performances with dance and music. The two companies work together to create inter-culture,
South Africa meters
9664 kilo
multimedia theatre across the globe, in particular Southern Africa and other developing countries. “The film was chosen by Border Crossings for being intercultural and not specific to one African nation,” said Dave Carey of Chickenshed Theatre. However the bulk of actors were from Zimbabwe and South Africa. The film was shot in Zimbabwe in 1997. Although this production was seen all over Africa and some European countries such as France, it did not have the same welcome in Britain. Some argued that the reason seemed to be ‘It was not supported by Hollywood’ therefore was ignored. Chickenshed is a communitybased organisation specialising in mainstream theatre, where young people and adults from all walks of life, including different abilities and disabilities share a stage and create unforgettable performances. ”We do a lot of work which includes social cohesion projects
All Weekend camping (book online)
Saturday @ the Dankfees
Lots of SA foods & baked goods Kids Village with face painting, Spur goodie bags, jumpy castles, competitions & lots lots more! Prophet SA vs England game in Rugby tent Touch rugby tournament Jakob Deist Pieter Dorfling Saracens kids coaching (book online) Mosaic workshop for adults & kids (book online) Cupcake workshop (book online) Human foosball tournament Target shooting 4X4 Potjiekos competition Market stalls
Saturday evening @ the Dankfees show Kurt Darren & Pieter Smith
(book online)
Sunday
Prophet
Book ticke now at: ts www.sagemeen te.co m/dankfees
Dankfees H o p Fa r m , Pa d d o c k Wo o d, K e n t, T N 1 2 6 P Y
8 - 10 June 2012
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focusing on poverty, knife crime, diversity and education,” said Carey.
Compelling snapshot of an exile’s life By WILLIAM SPRING IN a panel discussion between the screening of Kini and Adams (a film shot in Zimbabwe in 1997, featuring John Kani as Ben) and The Rain that Washes, a solo actor play inspired by events in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe in the early 80′s, South African High Commissioner Dr Skweyiya was asked how he could justify Mbeki’s support for Robert Mugabe after Mugabe’s theft of the Zimbabwe elections. Skweyiya deftly kicked the ball into touch, reiterating the need under international law for non-interference in the domestic affairs of another state. (Which made the questioner, against Western humanitarian intervention in almost all circumstances, except when it concerned his own dictator, think he had a point.) How desperately we yearned in the early 1980s for The West to uphold its human rights policy in Zimbabwe. But both the international Left and the UK Tories chose to stand aside from the Zimbabwean tragedy. UK Foreign Secretary Francis Pym said in 1983, “Mr Mugabe has got to deal with the situation as he finds it, and that is what he is trying to do.”
The OPTIMIST KAREN DE VILLIERS
How to love a car you hate
YOU’VE got to be kidding me! That thing! Absolutely not getting into it. Call me a snob, I don’t care, but even snobs have limits. Three years ago I had to say goodbye to my lovely lady – a grand Volvo with turbo power that so suited the ego. Memories of flying past Zola Budds on the highway to Durban, packed with picnics for the Midlands. Generally, and few can disagree, driving a big car puts one in the contender list. People used to take me seriously on the road. Arriving here, darling presented me with a metallic blue baby. A Honda Jazz. Ugh, I exclaimed – this is a car for students, or old people. Where’s the leather? The satnav? Where is the frigging CD player?
Ashley Maynard plays Matthew in the play The Rain that Washes.
The Rain that Washes focuses on the experiences of Christopher Maphosa, who works at Chickeshed (in the play “Matthew”) as told by a virtuoso actor of exceptional brilliance, Ashley Maynard. My book, The Long Fields: Zimbabwe Since Independence, dealt with figures, statistics, itemising the dead. This play places those now distant events in the context of this man and his family, tracing the disillusion that followed him when he came back to a nominally liberated Zimbabwe after training as a Zipra cadre in Zambia and Bulgaria. The play recalled for Matthew the dream stage in the Zimbabwean chimurenga; good times in Bulgaria, the hospitality of the locals – international football, England vs Bulgaria – his
meetings in Zambia and Bulgaria, with Big Josh whose falling out of the post-independence coalition was crucial in Zimbabwe’s descent into terror. A hat represents his uncle. In the Rhodesian time we see Matthew having coffee with his uncle, reading to him from the Bulawayo Chronicle. At the end of the play a child knocks on Christopher’s door and presents him with the hat, found at the top of a mine shaft at Legion Mine. The Rain that Washes is a long overdue theatrical expose of that forgotten war in Matabeleland, when the Fifth Brigade, in Mugabe’s words, “reorientated” the people – those he allowed to survive. The Rain that Washes will go on tour at The Leicester Sqaure Theatre from 17 September to 6 October.
Like the flat scenario, I tempered myself with the illusion that this new ‘vehicle’ was temporary. As much as I hated sliding behind the wheel, having to listen to Heart or Magic or Jackie on the radio, madam Jazz, now named Bluebell, or Nobby by the siblings, managed to fit in an entire dining room from Ikea and numerous loads from schools and university. She has not broken down on the M25 and tolerates my verbal abuse. I leave her to the elements, covered in bird droppings, but still she soldiers on. And no-one takes me seriously in a Jazz – even if I do push her on the highway, straining the engine, trying to fool myself I am a somebody. So last week darling tells me it is time to buy a new car. Delight on the horizon. Off we trundle to the Volvo garage and check out the CX90s on the floor. Dreams personified. Leather, satnav, so many options on the dashboard darling gets a panic attack at the thought of having to decipher it all. There is even a remote control for the passengers at the back to change the music and TV channels. I am in heaven at thoughts of woman and car in union. I may not have a house yet but with this car,
I can sleep in it and dissolve in the luxury. So why did I decide not to buy it? At the last moment I turn to darling and say – ag – let’s wait a little longer. He eyes me with one of those ‘ I will never understand you’ looks but in truth, buying beautiful car is so illogical with my current lifestyle. For one, we have no garage and leaving the princess in the car park will mean possible bumps from others. Scrapes on Bluebell don’t bother me, but on Volvo it will induce serious heart attacks. Then there is the cleaning. We have to park under a tree dearly loved by the fattest pigeons in the world. They create patterns on the roof, windscreen and bonnet. Fat globs of faeces even the car washers won’t touch. £10 every time I have the car washed. Finally I suppose, driving a big car in London is going to challenge every parking space around. This parallel parking thing is bad enough without me having to manoeuvre a tank into a space made for little bubbles. So reason has prevailed for awhile. I am sure Jazz knew I was willing to toss her, she sulks a little now.
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thesouthafrican.com | 29 May – 4 June 2012 |
Entertainment
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FANIE os oppie jas
FANIE VAN DER MERWE
Oor Facebook vir babas
’N Vriend van my gooi nou die dag die volgende status update op Facebook: “wonder of daar ’n manier is om babafoto’s op FB te blok?” En dié vriend, gewoonlik ’n eersterangse kruidjie-roer-my-nie, staan klaarblyklik nie alleen in sy onverkwiklikheid jeens babafoto’s op Facebook nie. Dis nou as al die likes wat sy stelling ontlok het, as maatstaf moet dien. Maar hoewel ek nogal kan simpatiseer met sy sentimente, was sy tirade vir my soos water op ’n eend se rug, want hy kon beslis nie na my verwys het nie. Want sien, toe ons Ben amper ’n jaar gelede gebore is, het ons besluit om vir hom sy eie Facebook-profiel te skep. Daar was sekerlik diégene wat ’n wenkbrou gelig het en van mening was dat dit heeltemal onvanpas sou wees om ’n onskuldige baba in die vertoornde wêreld van virtuele vriendskappe los te laat, maar ek is steeds daarvan oortuig dat ons destydse motiewe om tot só ’n drastiese stap oor te gaan, vandag nog nét so geldig is. Ek het heelparty friends op Facebook wat nog ’n beduidende entjie daarvan weg is om ’n regmerkie langs die term ‘nabye vriende’ te kry. Desnieteenstaande is hulle interessante mense wat my dae opvrolik met amuserende status updates, prikkelende internetskakels en hoogs vermaaklike opmerkings oor die absurditeite wat ek soms op Facebook kwytraak. Ek stel egter nie daarin belang om daagliks op hoogte gebring te word met die kleur en tekstuur van hulle drie-week oue Jannie of Sannie se doeke nie. En dat die gevoel wederkerig is, is nie altemit nie, en juis dáárom wil ek dit vermy om my verlangse Facebook-vriende se newsfeeds te verstop met my seuntjie se daaglikse, grootliks onbenullige, wel en weë. Maar bowenal gaan Ben nie vir ewig ’n kwylende, brabbelende bondeltjie vet wees nie. Eendag gaan hy kan lees en skryf (wel, ek hóóp so) en ’n begrip van sy eie ou geskiedenissie begin ontwikkel. En net soos ek ’n greep op my verlede kon kry deur die aandenkings uit my vervloë dae te ondersoek, sal hy hopelik ook eendag sy Facebook-blad vir dié doel inspan. Die gereelde boodskappe wat ek na sy inbox to aanstuur kan hy weliswaar nog nie lees nie, maar dit wag geduldig daar om eendag deur hom ontdek te word. En elke boodskap wat sy friends op sy wall skryf en elke opmerking wat hulle by sy foto’s aanbring, dra daartoe
by om vir Ben ’n omslagtige, en bes moontlik vir hom onskatbare, herinnering aan sy lewetjie te skep. Nou kom ons wees realisties: die kêreltjie is nou maar eers ’n paar weke kort van sy eerste verjaarsdag. Hy stuur nie friend requests nie, maak nie kwinkslae nie en hy huldig geen opinie oor Zuma se skildery nie. Na regte behoort hy eintlik ’n Facebook-
sluiper te wees. Maar hy is nie. Daar, vanuit sy Facebook-hoekie, doen hy vreedsaam sy ding en glo ek dat hy merendeels ’n positiewe bydrae maak tot sy friends se Facebook-belewenis. En omdat sy friends met hom vriende wíl wees, kan hy maar gerus wees in die wete dat nie een van hulle na wyses soek om sy ou foto’tjies van hulle newsfeeds te verban nie.
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10
Business: News PROMOTION
Where there’s a will… by STAFF REPORTER UK law does not require that you have a written will, however without a valid will ,your estate will be distributed according to a predetermined legal process. This means that your spouse, civil partner, partner or family may not automatically benefit from your estate as you would have wished. A valid will allows you to decide exactly what will happen to your assets after your death. Why it is important to have one? • You, rather than the law, will decide how your assets be distributed • If you are in a relationship (not married/registered civil union), a will can ensure your partner is provided for • If you are married or have registered a civil union you may benefit from the nil rate band • If you have children, a will can ensure that the necessary arrangements are made in the event that one or both parents
passes away • You are able to ensure that you do not pay more Inheritance Tax than necessary About Inheritance Tax: The law allows an individual to bequeath an Inheritance Tax Free amount of up to £325,000. The Inheritance Tax Rate is due at 40% on the amount over the £325,000. What to consider before having a will drafted: • What is the value of your estate? • Do you have any funeral wishes? • Who will be the guardians of your children? • Who will ensure your estate is carried out according to your wishes after your death? For help with drafting a will, contact Jo-Anne Deeb BA LLB (SA) of Sable Group on on 0207 759 5391 or JoAnne.Deeb@ sable-group. com
| 29 May – 4 June 2012 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews
THREE INSIGHTS INTO: Leadership
What is the main difference between leadership and management? How can leadership help to mitigate the reasons for underperforming? by PAUL HARRISON LEADERSHIP is a defining element in any successful business. Paul Harrison spoke to leadership expert and business coach Allan Kleynhans to get his insights into building leadership skills. Insight 1: Develop a solid character People love a great leader. The good news is that leaders are not born, they are made, and often by unusual or extraordinary circumstances. Anyone can step up and become a leader in any environment, but great leadership on a large scale is managed only by a disciplined development of character. It takes character rather than skill to impact people in a positive and powerful way because character is the one thing that’s always on show. Self-leadership comes before group leadership.
Insight 2: Develop and communicate certainty Great leaders have the ability to convey certainty and this gives their team confidence. The fastest way to undermine your team’s confidence is to lack certainty in yourself or the project at hand. A great leader will exude certainty and confidence even in unchartered territory and the ability to act even without a reference or knowledge of what comes next is the difference that separates great leaders from the pack. Insight 3: Constantly develop your people skills Great leadership is all about managing people effectively and the most effective leaders always have an ability to communicate and connect with individuals on their own level. Teams are made up of individuals who are all
Leadership expert Allan Kleynhans.
different and thus have different communication styles. The ability to connect with different kinds of people in your team is a learned skill that must be constantly enhanced.
Allan Kleynhans advises Bradley Thurston on improving his leadership skills Bradley Thurston is a UK-based South African working for one of Britain’s largest security companies, which provides total security management based on business risks. He asked: What is the main difference between leadership and management? Leadership and management are two completely different things. Leadership is all about vision. Leaders are visionaries and their role is to define the vision of a company or organisation. Management is responsible for helping to implement that vision through action by managing team effectiveness and execution. A Japanese proverb says ‘vision without action is a daydream and action without vision is a nightmare’. What is your view on leadership strategy on preventing daydreams and nightmares? The biggest challenge I come across is leaders who haven’t communicated their vision clearly to their team. A team without clarity on where or why they’re headed in a particular direction will soon become ineffective. Vision comes before action and communication is a leader’s greatest tool. Or it isn’t… Many leaders who are often visionaries are not great communicators and their inability to get people to buy
Bradley Thurston. into their vision is where most challenges or nightmares initially begin. On the other hand, a clearly articulated vision underpinned by core values that resonate with all the members of a well managed team can produce great and sometimes outstanding results. My focus as a manager has always been around
reducing the reasons for underperforming. In my view, there are only a few reasons why someone underperforms. How can leadership help to mitigate the reasons for underperforming? Underperformance is often only a lack of inspiration and motivation. John Maxwell once said that ‘everything rises and falls on leadership’ and he’s so right. A leader’s role is to inspire their team with their vision of what that team or organisation could become. If people identify with that vision and they’re motivated by the role they can play within that organisation and their values are a match, then you build an unstoppable team. People are emotional beings and need an internal drive to perform at their best consistently. When organisations have issues with underperformance, it’s because the people have not bought into the vision and have not clearly indentified their personal roles within the team. This is when management makes the error of trying to incentivise their staff with things that don’t do anything to stoke or inspire internal drive. If you would like to contact Allan directly you can visit him at www. allanspeaks.com or if you have any questions that you would like to ask our panel of experts, please email Paul@MOBIvation.com
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thesouthafrican.com | 29 May – 4 June 2012 |
Business: Gateway to Africa
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‘No nationalisation’: ANC to UK business
Treasurer General Mathews Phosa has once more stated that the ANC’s assured the international business community that the ANC does not have a policy of nationalisation by IRENE MADONGO THE ANC has once again assured the international business community that it does not have a policy of nationalisation. A report this year concluded that nationalisation was not recommendable for South Africa, and senior ANC members have stated before that it is not party policy. On Thursday, Treasurer General Mathews Phosa raised the issue in a speech at a meeting organised by the ANC Progressive Business Forum in London. However, there are growing calls for nationalisation of mines and banks from groups such as the ANC Youth League and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa. The country is the world’s biggest platinum producer and a global key player in the gold and diamond sector. The topic of nationalisation will be raised for
discussion at the upcoming ANC national policy conference in June. Recommendations from this meeting will be made to the party’s elective conference in December. “The debates around nationalisation, foreign direct investment and the improvement of our infrastructure have gone a long way towards our deeper understanding that we need to ensure that there is no doubt in investors’ minds regarding the economic direction in which we want to take the country,” Phosa said in his speech, “I wish to make it clear, within the context of my remarks about policy certainty, that nationalisation is not policy of the ANC, nor do we plan a shift in that direction.” Asked what the business community could expect to hear from the June conference, he explained, “Business can expect
to hear that, the ANC being a democratic organisation, it will allow a debate on the issue. But the ANC walks into that conference with its own position. It doesn’t walk in there to be eaten by vultures or to say, ‘Listen, someone will think for me.’ We have thought for ourselves and we think nationalisation is not good for us, so we are going to fight; the various groups will fight either with us or against us. But at the end we have got the numbers at the conference.” “The person who puts in the capital must benefit; but the country that uses the minerals must also benefit. Either through community participation, entrepreneur participation or both,” he said. Britain is an important trade partner for South Africa. A recent Barclays survey show that, when
it comes to doing business in Africa, British firms regard South Africa as a top choice, with 60% saying they currently export there (followed by Nigeria with 37%, and Egypt at 35%). Phosa says UK-South Africa trade has increased by 15%. “South Africa remains a favoured destination for British companies wishing to bring their expertise to our country, region and continent and we deeply appreciate your commitment, investment and friendship,” Phosa explained. In addition to policy, Phosa
touched on other economy-related issues that concern investors, such as South Africa’s high unemployment. “Our dire need for job creation presents us with a situation where we will make choices for the case of substantial opportunities that will ensure the lasting commercial effect locally of our decisions – as it pertains to the participation of both British and global companies,” he explained. On the issue of infrastructure, Phosa said the President had recently rolled out a number of “substantial” projects.
Key quotes from Dr Mathews Phosa’s speech
“We (South Africa) remain committed to do everything in our power to ensure we do, in fact, double the trade between our countries by 2015. To do so we need to understand the principle of both local and global partnerships and ensure that we are in the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of co-operation across continents and global business alliances.
”
“On a year on year basis, we have done well in moving towards that goal. Our UK-South Africa bi-lateral trade was increased during the last year by 15 percent, illustrating the depth and strength of the economic ties between our countries.
”
“There is consensus on the continent that a major part of our
economic revival should be based on infrastructure creation and, with that as a point of departure, our development institutions, and their focus and processes, should reflect that.
”
“There is no doubt that the ANC, as a governing party, will evolve it's decision-making structures to ensure that we reflect the challenging realities of global interest in resource rich countries, emerging markets and, in that context, South Africa specifically.
”
Treasurer General Mathews Phosa addresses the attendees at the Progressive Business Forum last Thursday in London.
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Business: News
| 29 May – 4 June 2012 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews
Aim for Africa 2012 Rand regains ground after weak week UKTI is hosting a one day conference on business opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
by STAFF REPORTER UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is hosting a one day conference in London, that will explore business opportunities available to UK companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. UKTI are active in nine SubSaharan African markets: South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and Sudan. UKTI in-country heads covering these markets will speak on current opportunities, routes to market and export insights, alongside Lord Marland, Chairman of the UK Business Ambassadors Group, and Edward Oakden, Managing Director, Sectors Group, UKTI. Some 250 companies and key trade bodies with experience of, or an interest in, doing business in Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to participate in the conference which will: • Give you an opportunity to hear about business opportunities
in Sub-Saharan Africa from incountry Heads of UKTI • Hear what UKTI can do to help your business export to SubSaharan Africa and learn more about the services available • Speak with businesses already active in Sub-Saharan Africa including expert panel members and Q&A discussions The conference plenary will include three panel discussions covering West, East and Southern Africa, where successful UK companies active in each country will give insights into their experience and answer your questions. Date: Tuesday 12 June Venue: Nursery Pavilion, Lord’s Cricket Ground, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 8QN Time: 9am to 4.30pm Cost: £65 (inc vat) For further information please contact 0117 933 9549 or event@uktiaimforafrica.co.uk
Important information for PPS policyholders If you have a PPS Sickness and Permanent Incapacity Benefit or PPS Professional Disability Provider policy and are currently living and working in the UK, you should check whether your policy benefits are still sufficient for your needs. In some cases, higher UK earnings for graduate professionals and the effects of currency fluctuations mean that PPS members could need to purchase more units to maintain their level of cover. However, records show that many members simply maintain their contributions at South African levels. In the event that you should need to draw on your policy, that could mean you will find that your cover does not provide the level of benefit you need.e RSM Tenon has been appointed by PPS to develop it’s UK services for members. Call us now to find out if your policy is still right for you, or find out more at: www.rsmtenon.com/pps
For further information contact: Henning Wilken Tel: +44 (0)20 7535 1636 Mob: +44 (0) 7972 004 003 Email: henning.wilken@rsmtenon.com 66 Chiltern Street London W1U 4JT
www.rsmtenon.com/pps RSM Tenon Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, FSA register number 192618. A member of RSM Tenon Group PLC. RSM Tenon Financial Management Limited (No 03953153) is registered in England and Wales. Registered Office 66 Chiltern Street, London W1U 4GB. England. CRM13453003(12)CK
THE South African Rand traded between 8.27 and 8.41 to the US Dollar during the period 21-28 May. The Rand also traded between 13.05 and 13.20 to the British Pound during the same period. The Rand weakened midweek ahead of the SARB’s announcements on the outlook of the South African economy and whether the Repo rate will remain unchanged yet again. The Rand did firm slightly just before the rate’s announcement, with a survey of 10 top economists all predicting that the repo rate would remain unchanged.Their predictions were accurate, with the SARB deciding to keep the rate at 5.5%. Towards the end of the week the Rand held its position but was kept under pressure by a weaker Euro. "It's still risk aversion, there's still uncertainty because of the debt levels and there hasn't really been any consensus (about
a resolution)," said Brigid Taylor, head of institutional sales at Nedbank. "Unfortunately that bodes ill especially for commodity based currencies like the Rand”. Trading on Monday opened favourably for the Rand, with opinion polls showing that Greece
should still remain part of the Euro zone, thus giving investors a riskier outlook and helping the Rand regain some lost ground. GBP / ZAR: 13.03 EUR / ZAR: 10.47 USD / ZAR: 8.30 Composed by Matthew Cridge
Note: The above exchange rates are based on “interbank” rates. If you want to transfer money to South Africa then please register/login or call us for a live dealing rate. Make use of a Rate Notifier to send you alerts when the Rand exchange rate reaches levels you are looking for. Brought to you by
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Legally Speaking: Tier 2 graduate
Q
:I will be finishing my degree later this year and am currently working part-time for an employer who is interested in employing me on a permanent basis on completion of my studies. Will I be allowed to switch into UK employment from a student visa? :The UK Government has recently changed the rules in order to allow graduates to switch into Tier 2 employment. It sounds as though you are an ideal candidate for this permit.
A
The Tier 2 (General) is open to recent graduates with a Bachelor, Masters, PhD, PGCE or PGDE from a UK recognised or listed body. You will need to have a skilled job offer from a licensed UK employer and be paid at least £20,000 per annum or the minimum appropriate rate for the occupation. Your employer will not be required to complete a resident labour market test (advertising the position) and the job will not be subject to the annual Tier 2 limit.
Please contact our offices for more information.
JP Breytenbach Director of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd info@bic-immigration.com or www.bic-immigration.com
PROMOTION
Father Rajesh: Preaching immigration from the Good News Bible by ASHA SINGARAM LEGEND Solicitors, a landmark for migrants in the United Kingdom, is famous for handling immigration matters. The success of their visa services is a measure of their utmost dedication to client care. Located in East Ham on the busy High Street, their fame is not unheard of – especially among South Africans, Zimbabweans, Australians and other non-EU migrants. Thousands walk out of their office with successful visas, even in such turbulent economic times where the public is often easily misled. Did you know that the UK is still a paradise for migrants? Our solicitor Aravind Sreevalsalan says, “In the past it took five years to get Permanent Residency, but now it takes only two years.” With my brow raised I remember
the famous saying, ‘Truth is always hard to digest’. But I’m not finished yet! In addition to this, continuous stay in the UK has now been reduced to six months for Permanent Residency. Although much has been erased from the old Home Office pages, these changes are good as the new UK Border Agency is more appealing. Legend Solicitors are very competitive in their fees and advice, which has resulted in the ever-increasing number of student, business, family and entrepreneur visa applications they receive. Many non-EU migrants find it safer to go through Legends as it is risk-free and peaceful. Legend Solicitors also offer “risk-free and peaceful” 24/7 free consultations via phone, email and face to face on all visa and immigration issues. They are highly trusted and regulated by the
Solicitors Regulation Authority. Quality assistance to companies on their non-EEA hires, sponsor licensing, employee visa applications and immigration compliance is efficiently dealt with by our two dedicated employees, Deepti and Praveen. Legends are masters in providing premium and same-day services for expedited visas – ask Venu about this. Needless to say, Legend Solicitors have the audacity to do it, because of their zero-failure rate. So visit Legend Solicitors, for all immigration advice. My lips spread with a smile as I recite: come home to Legend Solicitors, where trust meets success. Details: info@legendsolicitors. org or call us on 07872345826 or 0203 1301 747. Address: 2 Heigham Road, E6 2JG.
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thesouthafrican.com | 29 May – 4 June 2012 |
Business: SA Power 100
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Nick Dunnett
Read interviews with other SA POWER 100 achievers... on our website: TheSouthAfrican.com/Business/SAPower100
Managing Director - Contract Division, Robert Walters by GORDON GLYN-JONES
BULLET BIOGRAPHY • Born: 1978 in Farnborough, UK • School: Cranleigh School, Surrey • Graduated: BA Hons, Royal Holloway College, University of London in 2000 • Lived in London: Since August 2000 • Time at Robert Walters: 12 years • Hobbies: Golf, squash, rugby and cricket
Why have you been successful within Robert Walters? I started at Robert Walters in London in August 2000 and initially spent three years recruiting before being promoted to a management position and progressing from there. In July 2010, I was given responsibility for running the South Africa office in Johannesburg. The reason I have stayed with the company for such a long period is that it has continued to bring me new challenges and opportunities. What has been the toughest challenge for you in your career
to date? The period post-recession was a big challenge. The experience of helping the business through those times was invaluable. RW has a strong presence in the UK and South Africa. How has this developed over the years? We opened our Johannesburg office in 1998 and South Africa has been a really interesting market for us. Initially we entered the country to tap into the strong talent pools that exist there, helping professionals relocate to other parts of the world where we have offices – primarily London but also in places such as Australia and across Asia. But as more and more large corporates have established bases in Johannesburg, we have recognised the excellent opportunities for growth that exist in both South Africa and the SubSaharan market. How often do you travel to South Africa? I first went to South Africa in 2000 on our South Africa Roadshow – this is something we do every year and involves us organising a number of key events across the country for people looking to relocate to London, who we ultimately hope to help find jobs for. Since assuming responsibility
for the South African office, I travel there at least every quarter. What were your observations? Firstly, that there is a lot of opportunity there – which is clear purely from looking at the infrastructure in the country and the fact that new companies continue to look to relocate to South Africa. Secondly, that there are a lot of misconceptions about the country and it is nowhere near as bad as it is made out to be. You head up recruitment between SA and UK. How does that work? The two offices work very closely together. For example, through our annual Roadshow, we find a lot of recently qualified South African accountants jobs in the UK and often help with their initial relocation through our International Career Management programme. I’m also supported by a very strong management team in SA who I am in contact with daily. In terms of visas and sponsorship, how difficult is it for professional South Africans looking to live and work in London? At the moment, visa regulations are the toughest they’ve been for a number of years but we remain optimistic that the Government
Professor Gerald Pillay Vice-chancellor of Liverpool Hope University
will look to relax these if the market picks up as we anticipate. How many positions are available for South Africans here? If you are eligible, there are plenty of opportunities and you have as much chance securing a job as a UK citizen. What about jobs back in SubSaharan Africa (including South Africa)? Again, there are lot of job opportunities for professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa and indeed South Africa. These range from finance through to engineering positions. But something to remember is that
Tessa Uys Classical Pianist
recruitment approaches in larger corporate businesses are often at least partly dictated by BEE requirements in South Africa. What percentage of Robert Walters business relies on the flow of candidates between UK/ SA and vice versa? It is difficult to put an exact figure on it but we have been uniquely helping professionals move between the UK and South Africa for the last 12 years and we believe this gives us an edge in the market. One thing I can say without hesitation is that the South African workforce is highly respected both locally and internationally.
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14
Business: Careers
| 29 May – 4 June 2012 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews
THE GRAFT IS GREENER
Jane van Velsen
Director of Social Media Shop Ltd by PAUL HARRISON Born: Birmingham, UK in 1964. Left in 1971 for South Africa. My mom was a typist and one day during lunch she met a South African who told her you could grow oranges and peaches in the garden in SA and she decided there and then she was going! Job: Director of Social Media Shop Ltd Background: Advertising and marketing, mostly at agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather Direct, TBWA, The Marketing Store and Wunderman Direct Motto: ”Well behaved women never become famous”
What do you do in your job? I help SMEs develop their online presence and understand how to use online marketing to grow their businesses. Our agency also runs groups for SME owner/managers, training them to use social media in marketing as well as mentoring them in overall marketing. We take them through developing and
Wimpy Are
Hiring! Manager/supervisor (Junior position)
We are looking for someone with:
An in-depth knowledge of South African food and culture. The position can be for someone looking for a summer job only, part-time or full-time. Can work in the London area Outgoing, well groomed & excellent customer skills. Able to foster teamwork, self-motivated, high energy level, multi-task and use intuition Please send CV and covering letter to: odile.ham@gmail.com
implementing a strategy, choosing the monitoring tools and then re-aligning their strategy according to the stats. What is the most exciting thing about your job? Seeing a fledgling company grow, and how excited small business owners become when they see the power of online marketing. What is the most challenging thing about your job? Getting business owners to understand that they really need to have an online presence that is nurtured and expanded daily. Tell us an interesting story related to your job: We decided to develop a new website and thought it best to hire a website designer rather than do it ourselves. It took four designers to come up with a working solution and finally we ended up completing the work ourselves. What we learned was that web designers in the UK know little about marketing online and even less about search engine optimisation. In fact, most of our clients who have websites come to us as their sites do not work for them due to lack of SEO and basics like site registration and support in terms of organic SEO and growth. It was an eye-opener for us. We now insist on handling clients’ websites and analytics as well as their organic and paid SEO. Future plans? Expanding our client portfolio and offering total online marketing from website development through SEO and social media marketing. Do you think being South African helps you in your job? Definitely. I was educated at Redhill in Johannesburg and was taught to persevere. During my advertising career in Johannesburg I was lucky enough to work on Sun International, Gillette, Prudential, Makro and Furniture City. It was a tough, male-oriented world and you had no choice but to work harder and be more determined than the average. Growing up in South Africa taught me to be entrepreneurial and strong in business. It also taught me compassion. www.thesouthafrican.com/ business
15
thesouthafrican.com | 29 May – 4 June 2012 |
Business: Classifieds
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ACC & FINANCE
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NO1 SOUTH AFRICAN SHOP Lots of lekker stuff for a taste of home. Including fantastic biltong, droewors and boerewors. 5 Marlow Drive, St Catherines Hill, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2RR. The shop is about 2 miles north-west of Christchurch town centre and 6 miles north-east of Bournemouth town centre. There’s loads of free parking and the shop is easy to get to from the A338. Tel: 01202 496041 10’ish to 6pm 7 days a week. www.no1southafricanshop.co.uk QUALITY SOUTH AFRICA Biltong £22 per KG Droewors £20 per KG Game Biltong £40 per KG Chilli Sticks £22 per KG Cheese Grillers £14 per KG Koeksisters £3 for 5 And many more For more great prices find us on www.qualitysouthafrica.co.uk or contact Christopher on 07543106591
FOOD & DRINK ABANTU BUTCHERS Abantu Butchery boerewors specialist, supplying wholesale and catering and retail shops as we are fully EEC licensed, we can also supply vacuum packed steaks in any quantity you may require. Probably the best boerewors you have tasted at a remarkable price. 19 City Arcade, City Centre, Coventry, CV1 3HX Tel: 02476555767 CAMBRIDGE & VILLAGES Toft Shop – Village Shop & Post Office With a South African section selling all your favourite tastes from home! Pop in and pick up your treats – Biltong; Boerewors; Koeksisters; Rusks; Sweets; Chips; Groceries etc. Web: www.ToftShop.co.uk Tel: 01223 262 204. CB23 2RL THE CHICHESTER BILTONG COMPANY www.biltongcompany.co.uk The best of British from a friendly bunch of South Africans who made Sussex our home. But there was one thing we couldnt live without from our native land..Biltong! So we made our own using traditional recipes handed down through generations. We only use the finest prime British beef! Get our “readers 10% EXTRA FREE” offer by using the VOUCHER CODE ‘SA10’ CRUGA Home of CRUGA biltong. Cruga’s factory shop offers a full range of South African and Zimbabwean groceries plus boerewors, droewors and of course biltong. Tel: 01908 565 432 Email: biltong@cruga.com Web: www.cruga.com Address: Tilers Rd Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, MK11 3LH
SHEBEEN BAR Edinburgh’s only South African bar has opened in Leith. A unique, stylish bar with something for everyone,delivered by experience and friendly staff. As expected we stock a large range of South African beers, wines, ciders and snacks, including a classic selection of cocktails and Dom Pedros. Opening hours are from 12pm to 1am. Come down and enjoy a true taste of Africa. 3-5 Dock Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6LU. 0131 554 9612.
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KALAHARI MOON WESTON The Southern African Shop in Weston (Opp Tesco car park entrance). Wide range of SA and Zim products. Relax in our licensed cafe while shopping. And try our South African homecooked food. 7 Lockling Road, Weston Super Mare, BS23 3BY. Tel: 01934 708089. Email: Info@kalaharimoon.co.uk KALAHARI MOON The Southern African Shop in Bristol. Wide range of stock including excellent boerewors and biltong. Centrally situated, friendly service. Connecting South Africans. Tel: 0117 929 9879 Address: 88 - 91 The Covered Market. st Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JQ Email: Info@kalaharimoon.co.uk Website: www.kalaharimoon.co.uk
THE SOUTH AFRICAN SHOP We stock most SA consumer goods in our large store in Maidenhead or order online and get next day delivery service throughout the UK. Your home away from home. Mon – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm Saturday: 9:30am – 6pm Sunday: 11am – 4pm www.southafricanshop.co.uk. Tel: 01628782511
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| 29 May – 4 June 2012 | thesouthafrican.com
Travel
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Escape like Casanova to vivacious Venice A gondola ride, St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are on the list for most travellers to the Italian ‘floating city’
by NINA MCGRATH I had pictured a gondola ride in Venice as a romantic experience; my husband and I reclining in the gondola in the bright sunshine, the gondolier joyfully serenading us as we gently glided along the Venetian canals. In reality our experience was a little different. Venice by gondola For a start it was at night, part of a ‘Venice by night’ walking tour which was to complement seeing Venice by day. It started to drizzle as we were split into groups of six for each gondola. The gondola seemed very unstable, rocking wildly as we each clambered on board. The gondolier looked on, bored, as we struggled to stay out of the drink. He then pushed off,
whipped out a mobile phone and spent the entire trip shouting into it while steering with his other hand. Romantic it was not, but there was a sense of camaraderie as our flotilla swept along the canal, calling to each other and waving to the people on the bridges as we passed beneath them. Not all the gondoliers were sullen; one of them broke into ‘That’s Amore’ and we all joined in, our voices echoing in the quiet canals. Back at the dock we tentatively climbed out of the rocking gondola and were pleased to discover that not one of the tour group had ended up in the canals. We followed the guide through deserted Venetian streets and suddenly emerged into an almost empty St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco).
Make sure to visit the Doge’s Palace to see its exquisitely ornate interiors.
San Marco and his square “Take a good look at Piazza San Marco,” called the guide. “It will look very different when you see it tomorrow filled with people.” The next day I discovered that she was right! Venice by day was a totally different experience. We had all day to wander around, and what better place to wander around than Venice, ‘the city of bridges’. Narrow streets led on to bridges and every bridge seemed to have picturesque views of the canals. Gondolas glided past us, water buses, taxis and private boats chugged along. We visited St Marks Basilica and quickly saw why it was nicknamed Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). The interior absolutely glitters with the gold from the Byzantine mosaics. The Venetians were wealthy and they weren’t afraid to show it. We climbed up to the bronze replicas of the four horses of St Mark for a bird’s eye view of St Mark’s Square. The original horses are kept in the museum, probably a good idea given their penchant for travelling. They were stolen from the Hippodrome of Constantinople by one of the Doges of Venice in 1204, then taken to Paris by Napoleon in 1797, retuning to Venice in 1815. They appear to be deep in conversation, and I suspect they’re planning their next trip. It’s a Doge’s life On to the white limestone and pink marble Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the official residence of the Doge (‘the most serene prince of Venice’) and the seat of the republic of Venice’s government. We arrived early and managed to get tickets for the ‘Secret Itineraries’ tour which takes you through concealed doors and hidden passageways to the cells from which Casanova escaped. We stopped at a stone carving in the wall of a face. The face was framed by a headscarf gathered in bunches at the temples. Its piercing eyes glared out from below a monobrow as wild as a line of breaking surf. The mouth was open, a hole through which a letter could be slipped. This was the Bocca di Leone, a mailbox in the wall of the
Doge’s palace to post accusations to the magistrates. Words carved in the stone below translated to “Secret denunciations against those who conceal bribes to officials or will collude to hide the true revenue from [the authorities]“. Essentially it was where you could rat on someone for tax fraud. We climbed the magnificent Scala d’Oro (golden staircase) and slipped through a door to start the ‘secret’ part of the tour. The offices of the doge’s secretary, the keeper of the secret archives and even the grand chancellor were remarkably spartan compared to the lavish and ornate decoration of the rest of the palace. We passed through the torture room (where a single rope hung ominously from the ceiling) and climbed up to the piombi, half a dozen cells below the lead roof of the palace. This was the original prison (before the new prison across the Bridge of Sighs was built) and continued to be used for certain offenders, typically political prisoners.
The last good-sigh Leaving the Palace, we crossed over the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) to the prisons. The bridge was built in 1602, but its current name wasn’t coined until the 19th century by Lord Byron. He suggested that prisoners would sigh sadly as they looked out of the tiny window at their final view of Venice before being taken down to their cells. Not sure what name the bridge went by for the first two centuries, but it is one of the most famous bridges in all the city and commands quite a crowd. Reaching our daily limit of history and culture we exited, pausing to gaze out of one of the gift shop windows. The window provides a view of the Giant’s Staircase, where the Doges were crowned, partially obscured by the large marble buttocks of a statue of Neptune who stands at the top of the staircase. Venice, this watery Italian wonderland, is truly wonderful. www.thesouthafrican.com/travel
Take a gondola tour of Venice to see its old-world charm.
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thesouthafrican.com | 29 May – 4 June 2012 | Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthafrican
17
Zimbabwe Community
Mars makes mark on movies Calvin Mars wants to bring something new to the Zimbabwean film industry by MARY ISOKARIARI • Name: Calvin Mars • Born: Harare, Zimbabwe • Time in UK: 11 years • Job: Film Production Manager
Tell us about your background: I have always been interested in film production but getting down to the final five of the ‘Top Model of Colour’ modelling competition (Mahogany Models) in 2008 re-confirmed my passion. I realised then that I wanted to be behind the camera rather than in front of it. My cousin Gibson Chimuzinga has a company called GMC Pictures Limited, which does filming for various events, such as weddings and conferences. Gibson had the script for To The End Of The Road since 2007. However, he was busy with other business projects therefore, he did not have the time to assemble a team and equipment required to make the film. So Gibson approached us as the director with a proposal to create a team for the production of the film. What do you do? I am in charge of managing the production, meeting the right budget and hiring a cast who can translate the script well. I am also responsible for sourcing appropriate locations and resources. Most exciting (and challenging) part of your job? On this particular film I was the CoProducer/Co-Production Manager. The most exciting part of my job was finding the right cast who were able to connect with the audience. We were lucky to have a number of talented people in this particular film, such as Lorraine Fox who not only played the lead role in the film but was also the Executive Producer. The most challenging part of my job would be finding the right cast as well as keeping the film on budget.
What is the future for the Zimbabwean film industry? The London premiere of The Gentleman last month clearly shows how far the Zimbabwean film industry has progressed This is why we wanted come from a different angle with To The End Of The Road. We wanted to step away from the juju movies out there and bring something new to the table. Our benchmark was Hollywood. With our low budget, we tried our best to incorporate some of the elements used in these movies, such as the authentic action scenes. What do you miss about Zimbabwe? I miss the relaxed lifestyle and the work/life balance. In Zimbabwe if you have a decent job you can live a good life without any stress. I miss everything, the type of food we produce and also the wonderful people. Future plans? At the moment, our main focus is to market the film by finding funding or sponsors to showcase it in other cities and countries. We hope to premiere the film in London on 2 September, with a possible second screening somewhere in the Midlands. If the film is received well here, we hope to take it back to Zimbabwe and South Africa. Finally, once the marketing for To The End Of The Road is complete, we can start to look into starting another production sometime next year.
Film Production Manager, Calvin Mars.
Longest running summer African BBQ is back by STAFF REPORTER ROLLERS Club is set for a major comeback this summer; re-establishing their status as the leading African BBQ in the UK for the African community. This year Rollers Club promises to take Sunday entertainment to another level through a packed programme of events every Sunday. The Rollers Family have prepared a mouth-watering feast for all their patrons including more family-friendly entertainment, a conducive environment for professionals and entrepreneurs to network, and an event that accommodates all African nationals in the UK. Rollers Club will be the main destination for all those who want to celebrate African Olympians in the capital. And of course, the internationally-acclaimed Rollers after-party
will be a highlight for those who want to get on the dance floor. With a string of celebrity DJs from various African communities, 2012 Rollers Club promises to be the granddaddy of Sunday entertainment this summer. Rollers Club CEO Marshall Gore commented, “We have an exciting program for our patrons this summer including fashion shows, album launches and business exhibitions. We will also be entertaining VIP guests including Premiership footballers, African celebrities, African High Commissioners and Ambassadors, Olympians and of course our patrons from years gone by.” Address: Chingford Rugby Club, Lea Valley Playing Fields, Waltham Way, London, E4 8AQ Details: www.rollersfamily.com
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| 29 May – 4 June 2012 | thesouthafrican.com
Sport
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews
TEAM SA @ THE OLYMPICS Alexander Peternell | Equestrian by JOHN MCCABE IN the film and West End musical, a young Billy Elliot accidentally stumbles across a ballet class, while trying to please his father by becoming a boxer, which he doesn’t enjoy at all. Against all odds, Billy becomes a famous ballet dancer. Alexander Peternell’s life story is not unlike Billy’s. As an accomplished young ballet dancer at the National School of Arts in Braamfontein, his brother took him along to some nearby stables. This chance introduction to the equestrian world was to change his life dramatically. Alexander never dreamed back then that this newfound love for horses and riding would one day lead to London 2012.
His flair in this new discipline quickly became apparent. Successes followed as a junior and he started producing winning JA ponies. Among others was Lady Jade, a rescue case that ended up competing at the FEI Championship in South Africa. Alex’s determination to reach the top led him to Stal Schockermohle in Germany, working as a groom and using every opportunity to advance his skills. His talent was soon apparent and after spells working in Austria and Holland he landed here in the UK. Eventing, his speciality is one of the most difficult equestrian disciplines, as it comprises three phases – Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping. It requires stamina, bravery, fitness and loads of talent
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from both horse and rider. Now married to Alice, a dressage rider and trainer, they jointly manage a family-owned competition livery yard near Bath while bringing up their young son Aldo. Alexander became the first ever South African rider to compete at Burghley in 2009. He finished 38th at his first Badminton in 2010 on his horse, Tiger’s Eye. His second attempt at Badminton on AP Uprising the following year saw him jumping clear cross country with a severed collateral knee ligament demonstrating his big match temperament. Showing me around the yard recently, his determination and vision became apparent as he spoke enthusiastically not only about the London Olympics but also about the future. Competing at the World Championships in Normandy in two years’ time and at the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro two years later is already in his sights. AP Uprising, his top horse, is unfortunately injured at the moment but his other horse Asih is ready to fill the gap. Alexander said the highlight of his recent visit to South Africa was teaching young riders in Soweto. “I was so excited by the enthusiasm and commitment I saw amongst them,” he explained. He also travelled to Shogweni, George and Cape Town where he gave lessons. He hopes to return soon to share his skills and love for riding. The final South African Olympic team will be announced on 7 June. Should Alex be chosen for London 2012, it will be the first time in 20 years that we will be flying the South African flag in Eventing – the last person was
Alexander Peternell at the Dairy Farm during the cross-country phase of Burghley Horse Trials 2010. Photo by Henry Bucklow/ Lazy Photography.
David Rissik with his horse Schiroubles in 1992 at the Barcelona Games. South Africa also qualified in
the Para Dressage event at the Para Olympic Games and will be fielding a team. www.thesouthafrican.com/sport
BMX star and rowers the latest SA athletes to qualify
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by STAFF REPORTER TWO SA rowing teams both made their respective A-finals at the World Cup event in Lucerne, Switzerland this weekend. The lightweight men’s fours, John Smith, James Thompson, Matthew Brittain and Lawrence Ndlovu, took silver, just 0.61 seconds behind the Chinese team. The women’s pair of Lee-Ann Persse and Naydene Smith were pipped on the line by Australia and Argentina, coming last. They are
29/03/2012 14:16
still getting back into the swing of it after Persse had to sit out with a back injury for over two months. Teagan O’Keeffe made it through the Motos but needed to reach fourth in the World BMX Championships to qualify for the Games. Sadly she crashed on the final corner of the race and finished seventh. After having stitches in her knee earlier in the championships, it is felt that her talent will carry her to be a key part of Team SA for the 2016
games in Rio de Janeiro. Sifiso Nhlapo, popularly known as Skizo, had more success and is hoped to be rubber-stamped for the games after making the semi-finals of the BMX contest in Birmingham on Saturday. This is after breaking his neck a few years ago and enduring knee surgery last year after injuring his ligaments. He crashed during some helterskelter racing over the weekend, but exact details are unknown. www.thesouthafrican.com/sport
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thesouthafrican.com | 29 May – 4 June 2012 | Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthafrican
Sport
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State v State, Mate v Mate! A few years ago, when I lived in London, a number of my Australian acquaintances would, without fail, skip work on four days of the year: Australia Day, and the three rugby league State of Origins between Queensland (The Maroons aka Cane Toads) and New South Wales (The Blues aka Cockroaches). The latter of these occasions intrigued me as I could not comprehend the hype and why they are proclaimed as the most violent games on the rugby calendar. How was this different from say, the Bulls playing Province, smashing seven shades of muck out of one another, and then being Springbok teammates the following week? However, once I’d been exposed every year to the Origin series and understood its background and history, I included it on my bucket list, and fairly high up too! The concept was spawned in 1980 when the two major rugby league-playing states were pitted against one another by virtue of where players had first made their senior rugby debuts after turning 16. Eligibility rules have been tweaked over the years to take into consideration players who were born outside Australia, but they must be eligible to play for the Kangaroos. Essentially, one week they could be clubmates, and the next week enemies. Or indeed they could be club enemies one week and Origin teammates the next. These subtleties only serve to underlie the great physical battle which takes place on the paddock for toughness bragging rights. Last week, the first match of the 2012 State of Origin series took place at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, as an acknowledgement not only to the city’s unofficial title as Australia’s sporting capital, but also to the Melbourne Storm players in either team. About 56,000 people crammed into the roofed stadium – interestingly enough, South Africa played Australia here in 2000 in the first indoor international cricket match. Singer Delta Goodrem, clad in some exceptionally shiny silver leggings, provided the prematch razzmatazz, and then it was
time to witness the war for which I mateship to the core and why had parted with $50. Origin is revered. The intensity It did not disappoint, with the of the contest persevered for 80 first few hits reverberating around minutes of enthralling rugby, the greater however there Melbourne was controversy One week they could metropolitan the end with be clubmates, the next at area. Tempers Queensland week enemies. Or they being awarded flared rapidly and before I could be club enemies a dubious try to could say “two seal the game, one week and Origin beers please” a and Blues fans teammates the next. massive scuffle throwing their (or a “blue” or cups and wigs “a bit of biffo!”) broke out after onto the pitch in disgust. a Maroon threw the ball onto his Queensland thus looks certain opponent’s head. A Blues player to take their seventh consecutive got 10 minutes in the bin for series and 21st overall, with socking someone in retaliation, but the second match on 13 June in funnily enough, the recipient of the Sydney. I do wonder if a South indiscretion said in the post-match African model could be derived, interview, “He got me a goodie, perhaps north versus south? Now it was great!” This was Aussie that would be a spectacle!
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Watch the fight at the State of Origins match at www.thesouthafrican.com/sport
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AVAILA OM C . L A V O A KI
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29 May – 4 June 2012
TEAM SA @ THE OLYMPICS: ALEXANDER PETERNELL 18
MIND THE RUCK: STATE V STATE, MATE V MATE!
NEWS FOR GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS
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www.thesouthafrican.com
SA HOCKEY TEAM TO TACKLE UK IN LONDON Watch the South African women’s hockey team at the Investec Cup in Chiswick this week
One of the most amazing emporia the capital offers to the carnivorous gourmet. St. Marcus Fine Foods Ltd, the first to bulk produce Biltong & Boerewors in the UK. For the past 30 years we have been producing the most amazing range of Biltong and Boerewors with a huge and imaginative choice of gourmet sausages and other fine specialty meat products. along side our enormous range of imported fine South African produce,
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by STAFF REPORTER f you missed out on the Olympic ticket lottery then The Investec Cup is the perfect chance to witness Olympic hockey heroines in the flesh. The fast paced, adrenaline filled tournament will see the South African women’s team (world number 12) take on Great Britain (world number four) on Monday 5 June and Germany (world number three) on 6 June. And if watching isn’t enough, there is also a fun zone where you can test out your own hockey skills. It will take place right here in London, at the Quentin Hogg Memorial Ground in Chiswick. This will be the perfect chance for South Africa to warm up before the Olympics. The other teams competing are The Netherlands (Olympic Champions, European Champions, World number one), Australia (Commonwealth Champions, World number seven) and Ireland (World number 14). With prices starting from just £1, this tournament is the ultimate family event. • Tuesday 5 June: 14:00 Netherlands v Australia 16:30 Great Britain v South Africa Prices: £20 (Adults); £5 (u18s) • Wednesday 6 June: 17:30 Australia v Ireland
Did you Know St Marcus Is: The oldest establishment in the UK for the manufacture and import of SA foods St Marcus have been awarded a gold medal for Our Beef biltong. St Marcus Holds the most awards and diplomas for our Boerewors, biltong &Burgers in the UK In the South African taste awards out of 5 categories St. Marcus came away with 3!! The Johannesburg Sunday Times called Emory St. Marcus "Mr. British Beef Biltong" way back in 1984! Why? ... Because he is!
The South African women’s team played Great Britain at a practice match on Friday 25 May at Bisham Abbey. Photo by Clive James.
20:00 South Africa v Germany Prices: £10; £1 • Thursday 7 June: 17:30 Ireland v Netherlands 20:00 Germany v Great Britain Prices:£15; £5 • Saturday 9 June: 14:30 Semi Final 1 17:00 Semi Final 2 Prices: £20; £5
• Sunday 10 June : 10:30 Fifth/Sixth Playoff 13:30 Bronze Medal Playoff 16:00 Final Prices: £25; £10
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To book your Investec London Cup tickets, please visit www. greatbritainhockey.co.uk/ investeclondoncup
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