The South African, Issue 489, 13 November 2012

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VOTE FOR THE BEST IN BUSINESS Last chance to vote for the best South Africans in UK business

by HEATHER WALKER

T

HERE ARE only a few days left to vote for the most outstanding South Africans

in the UK business world.

Taking place on 28 November at SA House on Trafalgar Square, the South African Business

Awards 2012 are presented by the SA Chamber of Commerce UK to reward excellence within the South African community.

The voting and nomination deadline has been extended until Friday 16 November 2012 at noon.

Chamber of Commerce chairman Mary-Anne Anderson said, “The annual business awards is one of the most glamorous and popular events on our calendar and tickets are selling fast. The calibre of nominees this year is very high and the judges are going to have a tough time deciding the winners.”

Public votes count 30% of the final score, so cast your vote for your chosen candidate in one of six categories by clicking on their name on the Business Awards page on TheSouthAfrican.com and leaving a short comment under their profile. Each comment connected to a unique, legitimate e-mail address and IP address will be counted as one vote.

In alphabetical order, the nominees in each category are: Innovator of the Year (sponsored by Nedbank) • Jana Meyer • Sthembiso Mkhize • Francis West

SUPERHERO: South African gold medallist Chad le Clos is one of 12 first-time Olympians from different countries in the documentary FIRST, the official film of the London 2012 Olympic Games, which premiered in London last week and will hit cinemas on 23 November. Details: www.thesouthafrican.com/news

UK Immigration • UK Visas • Permits • EEA visas • Residency • Citizenship • Appeals • Sponsorship Licences South African Immigration

Business Leader of the Year (sponsored by SAA) • Reg Bamford • Claudio Chiste

• Peter Haddon • Caroline Rowland

Charity of the Year (Sponsored by Global Options) • FoodBank Foundation • Friends of Education Africa • help2read • Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund UK • Starfish Greathearts Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by The Red Phone) • Carel Cronje • Mark Griffiths • Gareth Grobler • Paul Harrison • Andrew Wessels

INSIDE:

South African Property Monthly | p11 Our monthly guide to buying property in South Africa includes investment homes for sale as well as the latest news on the South African property market.

Will Obama’s victory be good for SA? | p3

Rising Star of the Year (sponsored by Sanlam) • Roelof le Roux • Jessica Shelver Woman in Business of the Year (sponsored by Standard Bank) • Lisa Macleod • Lynne Sherriff • Angie Steele • Neleen Strauss Tickets for the awards on 28 November cost £30 for members of the Chamber of Commerce and £40 for visitors. Book your place on http://southafricanchamber. co.uk/events

Obama’s policy on foreign aid is called “partnerships for growth” and emphasises economic growth, effective trade policy and private sector investment.

SA Power 100 - 2012: Steve Elworthy | p12 Former Protea Steve Elworthy came to the UK in 2007 as tournament director for Twenty20 and is the current director of marketing for the England & Wales Cricket Board.

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| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com

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Editor: Heather Walker Production: Paul Christopher Daniels Publisher: Gordon Glyn-Jones Registered office: Unit C7, Commodore House, Battersea Reach, London SW18 1TW. Tel: 0845 456 4910 Email: editor@thesouthafrican.com Website: www.thesouthafrican.com Directors: P Atherton, J Durrant, N Durrant and R Phillips Printed by: Mortons of Horncastle Ltd

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Four South Africans named among London’s 1,000 most influential Glencore International chief executive Ivan Glasenberg (above) and Saracens rugby club chief executive Edward Griffith (right) feature on the list.

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Evening Standard’s 2012 list of 1,000 most influential Londoners includes four South Africans

by HEATHER WALKER

FOUR South Africans have resumed their spots on the Evening Standard’s 2012 list of London’s 1000 most influential people.

The four men; David Levin, Ivan Glasenberg, Richard Gnodde and Edward Griffiths, also featured on last year’s list of the British capital’s brightest stars.

According to Evening Standard editor Sarah Sands, “What an astonishing year this has been for London. The Olympics and Paralympics confirmed what we already sensed — that this is the greatest city in the world. The cultural diversity of the city was on joyful display: where else would we find, as Labour leader Ed Miliband pointed out, Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of a parachuting Queen, in the same team as a boy born in Somalia called Mo Farah? Quite simply, the world fell in love with us.”

Glencore International chief executive Ivan Glasenberg and Goldman Sachs International cochief executive Richard Gnodde

feature in the Deal Brokers category.

Glasenberg, a Switzerland-based multibillionaire commodities trader, is also on the boards of mining companies Xstrata plc and Minara Resources Ltd. Born in Johannesburg in 1957, he has a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of the Witwatersrand.

He received his MBA from the University of Southern California in 1983.

Gnodde, who shares equal footing at the top of Goldman Sachs in London with Mike Sherwood, is described as “the less abrasive of the pair and a consummate deal-maker”. The 51-year-old joined Goldman in 1987 and was critical to building the firm’s European mergers and acquisitions business.

Saracens rugby club chief executive Edward Griffiths was named as being highly influential in sport. The former sports writer was the first chief executive of the South African Rugby Football Union. As Saracens CEO, he has seen the club crowned Premiership champions and is growing the team’s support base with matches at Wembley and in Belgium.

David Levin, the headteacher of the City of London School for Boys features in the Education crusaders category. As head of one of London’s most elite schools, he made headlines last year when he claimed London was ‘sleepwalking’ towards Apartheid in schools.

Levin has spent years trying to break down barriers between the rich and poor of London. He has raised tens of thousands of pounds for bursaries and called for inner-city children to be “bussed” to schools outside their local area.

He came to the UK in 1974 and was made a Freeman of the City of London in 2001.

thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

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Is Obama’s re-election good news for SA? Obama’s policy on foreign aid is called “partnerships for growth” and emphasises economic growth, effective trade policy and private sector investment, effectively a “self help” formula while working together with African countries to support them

by DEBRA WIDDICOMBE

THE Americans choosing Barack Obama over Mitt Romney in a close race to the White House is likely to be good news for South Africa.

In particular, the Rand hit a two-week high and the currency movement should help some aspects of the South African economy such as exports.

The day after the election results were announced, ther Rand was up by 0.3 percent on the previous days’ closing price, at 8.605 to the dollar.

The certainty that there will be a continuation of the current US economic policies as a result,

Photo by Christopher Dilts.

including the Federal Reserve’s QE or quantitative easing program, could further strengthen the Rand and other emerging economies.

Obama’s policy on foreign aid is called “partnerships for growth” and emphasises economic growth, effective trade policy and private sector investment, effectively a “self help” formula while working together with African countries to support them.

However, Obama needs to spend more time visiting Africa and South Africa in particular, having visited sub-Saharan African only once in his first term of office.

He has sent Hillary Clinton and other delegates on his behalf but it would be better that he appears in person in South Africa to show his commitment to the future of the country and the continent.

Developing an African strategy would be a wise move for Obama, if he wishes to challenge China’s growing dominance in Africa, particularly with regards to accessing the emerging oil and gas markets in the north.

President Zuma has expressed optimism for Obama’s second term of office.

He said in a statement, “We value our relations with the United States and look forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the years to come. South Africa is confident that the United States will continue to play a positive role in this regard.”

Although Obama’s focus has appeared to be on Kenya in the

Live In Carers Required For The Kingston Upon Thames And North Surrey Areas.

past, where his father is from, he has demonstrated a concern for Africans and the continent of Africa as a whole.

Under Obama, war with Iran and aggressive domestic spending cuts are less likely, and alongside quantitative easing, this looks

positive for the future of theRand.

However, the US Congress is deadlocked over the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’, which if unresolved, could lead to a massive rise in taxes and cuts in public spending in the United States.

Rand Merchant Bank Analysts

said, “With mixed power in Washington, the chance of hitting the fiscal cliff has increased.”

If Obama can deal effectively with the Congress then he can develop more partnerships to improve growth in the South African economy.

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| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com

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“Await Marikana Commission findings before passing judgement” Action for Southern Africa’s conference at Amnesty International in London explored the crisis in the SA mining industry

by DAVID MANNALL

ON Saturday 3 November Action for Southern Africa held a conference in London exploring the crisis in the mining industry and the struggle against exploitation of workers in South Africa. It also looked at the underlying issues that led to the tragic loss of life at Marikana.

The mining industry is the single largest employer in SA providing 500,000 jobs and generating $100 billion, almost 20% of the GDP, although health and safety has improved significantly in recent years [death on site 533 (1995), 128 (2010) - SA Chamber of Mines], it remains an extremely hazardous occupation.

For example, the industry has done much to combat the risk of

the fatal lung disease, silicosis, however it continues to cause significant health problems, particularly among former miners, many of whom are seeking compensation. Richard Meeran, a solicitor from Leigh Day and Co, is representing a number of sick former mine workers, and highlighted the stalling tactics employed by super-rich multinational LSE-listed companies to delay or avoid paying compensation.

The conference recognised the need for shareholders to engage at board level to drive safety improvements and expedite compensation payments for those affected by historically inadequate safety practices.

When it came to the causes

of the Marikana tragedy Peter Bailey, health and safety chairperson of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) South Africa, stressed the need to await the findings of the Marikana Commission of Enquiry before passing judgement on any officials involved in the decisions which led to the shootings.

He also explained that although miners enjoy ‘pride of the nation’ status and ‘earn a decent salary’, a complex mix of conditions had developed over the preceding months which had led to the massacre. These conditions included, but were not limited to: • The influence of labour brokers, who take a significant slice of the worker’s wage

• Increasing ‘tribalism’, where some are encouraging regional and ethnic divisions • Mismanagement of earlier pay settlements at other mines • The power and ability of witchcraft to influence workers and the police • The involvement of other mischievous ‘forces who would seek to divide and conquer’.

Bailey clarified that the NUM, Cosatu and SACP triumvirate represent ‘all working classes in South Africa’, but despite the workers enjoying some of the most progressive labour laws in the world they are still fighting to overturn years of Apartheidera inequality. He also raised the worrying spectre of an ‘us

or them’ scenario, indicating the mischievous forces seeking to cause worker unrest, and unpick the powerful triumvirate, might be the same forces who ‘oppressed and deprived black people of their rights’.

This scenario, if true, would mean that despite 18 years of ANC-led democracy, South African workers were faced with a stark choice; either support the triumvirate, or return to Apartheidera governance.

Although Marikana workers have now reached a negotiated pay settlement, unrest in the industry will continue placing lives at risk until the findings of the Marikana Commission are published and firmly acted upon.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tutu given Mo Ibrahim award for ‘speaking truth to power’

by STAFF REPORTER

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, 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.

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ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu accepted a Special Award from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation on Saturday in Dakar, Senegal,which recognised his lifelong commitment to ‘speaking truth to power’.

The South African Nobel laureate received the award during the Foundation’s annual governance weekend, which focused this year on youth, a topic close to the Archbishop’s heart. The award is accompanied by a $1 million grant.

Presenting the award to the Archbishop, Grammy Award– winning Beninoise singersongwriter and activist Angelique Kidjo said, “With infectious humour but also steely resolve, Archbishop Tutu has worked tirelessly to promote peace and human rights and champion the oppressed. He continues to show himself to be the scourge of

Archbishop Desmond Tutu speaks after receiving a Special Award from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Photo courtesy Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

injustice, ready to rock the boat if necessary and speak out against those leaders who he believes have let down their citizens and wider world. Throughout his life, he has shown himself unafraid ‘to speak truth to power’.”

Upon receiving the honour, Tutu thanked to the “real heroes” who have inspired and supported him throughout his life, including the SA citizens who did not repudiate him when he campaigned for sanctions against apartheid.

Call for mines to change conditions of employment

by DENNIS CRUYWAGEN

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DEPUTY President Kgalema Motlanthe has called on mining houses to change their conditions of employment to enable miners to visit their homes and see their families more often.

The migrant labour system, which had been inherited from the apartheid era, was still in use and was deepening rural poverty, dividing and breaking families, and has had dire consequences for women and children, he said while answering oral questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The Deputy President said the

migrant labour system was also depriving communities of human capital as workers were forced to seek employment outside their home towns. They ended up living in informal settlements or single sex hostels where HIV infections were high.

Referring to the "tragic" events at Marikana, which is now being investigated by the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, he said that the migrant labour system was the cause.

If anything could emerge from the "painful saga" it is the elimination of the migrant labour

system, he said.

Describing some of the effects of this system, the Deputy President said that miners worked for 12 months before going home for a week at the end of the year to see their families.

He urged mining houses to consider a change which would see miners working for between five to six weeks at a time before being allowed to go home for about two weeks.

He also said mining houses should provide better decent, safe transport for miners to go to their real homes. - SAnews.gov.za

thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

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Tackling the Legacy of Loss

Dr Lucie Cluver presented findings from her four year longitudinal study on the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the millions of children caring for dying relatives in South Africa at the Tackling the Legacy of Loss event

by STAFF REPORTER

THREE charities working to lessen the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on vulnerable children in South Africa – Starfish Greathearts Foundation, Afrika Tikkun and FoodBank South Africa – held a hugely insightful event, Tackling the Legacy of Loss, on 25 October.

Guest speaker Dr Lucie Cluver (Oxford University), presented findings from her four-year longitudinal study on the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the millions of children caring for dying relatives in South Africa.

The talk, which was sponsored

by Standard Chartered Bank, and held at their offices in central London, was attended by 70 people, all keen to find out more about how they could get involved.

South African born Dr Cluver

shared the hard-hitting findings from her study which included evidence to show that children who care for people affected by AIDS suffer a similar level of distress as those who have been orphaned by AIDS. When asked what she hoped to be the impact of her study, Dr Cluver responded, “We don’t hope – we’ll make something happen: this study is science to serve policy.”

Her full presentation can be found on the Starfish website – www.starfishcharity.org The audience were inspired to take action, with one member of the audience tweeting, “If only we could combat stigma of AIDS in Africa the rest of the victory would follow. Great talk by Lucy Cluver at #legacyofloss tonight.”

All three charities deal with

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the legacy of the disease on a daily basis in some of the most deprived communities across the country working together to fill the gaps left by the loss of a parent; responding to immediate needs with food, home-based medical

care and shelter and investing children’s futures through providing crèches, ensuring free access to education and training, and setting up grief and trauma counselling for teenagers.

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| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews

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| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com

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If you talk the talk, you gotta walk the walk THE good old GA (guilt angel) plopped right up there on my shoulder this evening. Another charity function tonight, in cold London, and had me wondering why we do not have so many charity drives right in the heart of where all this charity is headed. I have been to more charity drives in the United Kingdom, for South Africa, than in... South Africa.

And it started off well. I was on board, as I am with many of the charities I have supported for a long time already. I am not a newfound philanthropist. I am a South African, like many other South Africans, who start out every day trying to make it better.

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it? Good people they are, and I type. Rather than throw some play the game because I want to money somewhere, just trying help but cannot keep the hackles to be a good person and value from rising. And I keep thinking, those around me who are not as will this ever end? When can we fortunate. get over the politics? A visit is not It begins with respect. A woman a journey. Talk is so easy when works in my home. I know her you stand on the sidelines children and help out where I can.

But rather than ask why our She loves my children and I am president is spending millions on grateful, even when they prefer her home refurbishments instead of to me (which happens). Sarah and building a clinic, I stay quiet. Why Thole worked for me for 25 years. children get no textbooks is not At times I think I worked for something them, lending to address. money for But rather than ask why our How long houses, President is spending millions must school our new uniforms of refurbishment instead of democracy and even building a clinic, I stay quiet go on for funerals. before they It is the are held accountable?

South African way; just get on What am I saying? Simple. You with it. When I left for these want to talk the talk, then walk the shores, I left a family that was a walk. Those who have, know all part of my family and it hurt. We about it. South Africa can be great raised children together, fought because all South Africans want and laughed together and in the it so. True patriots are over the leaving, they were uppermost in politics, getting down to business my mind. We are all better people and making things work. We know for having been in each other’s the stakes. But please don’t insult lives. We respected each other. me, my heritage or my vision So what am I doing, standing because you are judging from a there tonight, listening to a distance. bunch of people who go on about Not cool. apartheid and still blame my skin for the evils of the past? That orphans and HIV are my fault?

TheSouthAfrican.com/ That children have no parents, no People education, no hope as if I ordained

with Steele

Roasted butternut soup with herb dumplings

AS the days draw in and the cold snap hits hard what better way to warm up than with a delicious wholesome soup. Combining the best of British butternut and some South African-style dumplings, this winner of a recipe will definitely put a smile back on your face – enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the soup: • 1 butternut, peeled and chopped into small pieces • 1 Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped • 30ml olive oil • 4 thyme sticks • 100g butter • Pinch of cayenne pepper • Pinch ground allspice • Pinch of ground nutmeg • Pinch ground ginger • 1l vegetable stock • 250ml cream For the herb dumplings: • 250grself-raising flour • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped • 2 tbsp chives, chopped • 60ml milk • 60ml pouring cream

Angie Steele adds a South African twist to the classic butternut soup.

Method:

• For the herb dumplings: • In a medium size bowl, place the flour, parsley, chives, salt and pepper • Make a well in the centre and slowly add the milk and cream, stir until just combined • Knead on a lightly floured surface for roughly 2 minutes or until smooth • Roll into eight even balls and set aside • For the butternut soup: • Using a medium-size pan, over a moderate heat, heat the oil in the pan • Add the sliced onions and slowly let it sweat without getting too much colour • Add all the spices to the pan and cook for a further 2 minutes • Melt the butter in with the

onions, add the thyme leaves and butternut, and stir well • Turn the heat down and keep cooking until the butternut softens and turns into a rough puree • Add the cream and the stock, bring to the boil and check the seasoning • Once completely cooked through, remove the thyme stalk and blend Top South African chef Angie Steele hosts fun cooking classes at The Avenue cooking school in Putney.

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thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

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SA wildlife photographers scoop further awards in London Three more South African lensmen have won acclaim for their images in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year show at the Natural History Museum

by STAFF REPORTER ANOTHER three South African photographers have scooped top awards in this year’s Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum.

In addition to the four South African commended images announced recently, Kim Wolhuter has been named the winner of the Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Species with ‘Dog Days’, depicting a forlorn wild dog sitting on a plain of dried earth.

This award commemorates the late Durrell’s work with endangered species and his longstanding involvement with the competition. The award is given to the image that captures the unique character or spirit of the subject.

The species featured must be officially listed in the 2011 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Wolhuter has been filming African wild dogs at Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve for more than four years and knows one pack intimately. “I have

travelled with them, on foot, in the pack itself, running with them as they hunt. It’s a privilege, and it’s given me a true insight into their life.” He has also witnessed firsthand the many threats that have made African wild dogs endangered, including increased conflict with humans and domestic animals (poachers’ snares, habitat loss, traffic and disease).

“At times it’s heart-wrenching,” Wolhuter said. “My mission is to dispel the myth that they’re a threat and help raise awareness of their plight.” African wild dogs require huge territories, so protecting them can protect entire ecosystems. When this picture was taken, the pack had travelled 4km to the Sosigi Pan, only to find it totally dried up. “The lone puppy surrounded by a desolate landscape spoke volumes to me as to the plight of this endangered species. The mosaic of mud seemed to epitomise the increasingly fragmented world this puppy is

growing up in.”

One of the judges, Daniel Beltrá, commented, “This image is a metaphor for nature’s dire future if we continue along our current path. Simple, elegant and effective.”

Stirton’s photo essay ‘Deadly Medicine’ was runner-up in the Wildlife Photojournalist Award, which is a special award for a memorable story told in six images ‘Deadly Medicine’ is a tragic story about the growing fashion for consuming rhino horn that now threatens the extinction of rhinos.

Their horns are now more valuable than gold on the Asian black market.

Stirton said, “By educating

Clockwise: One of the images in Brent Stirton’s photo essay ‘Deadly Medicine’; Hannes Lochner’s photo ‘Lion by Lightning’; and Kim Wolhuter’s ‘Dog Days’.

people with my images I hope I am helping to save this endangered species.”

Kathy Moran, one of the judges commented, “The horror, compassion and hope of this story is powerfully conveyed. The hornless rhino is a reminder of this species’ precarious existence.”

Lochner’s photo ‘Lion by Lightning’ is runner-up in the category Animals in their Environment.

Lochner, who was taking night shots in the South African part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, came across a young male lion stretched out beside the track. He seemed blissfully unconcerned by the lightning and thunder rolling in across the Kalahari. “He raised his head to stare at me a couple of times,” said Lochner, “But he wasn’t really

interested in either me or the dramatic goings-on behind him.”

Lochner worked fast, framing the lion against the illuminated night sky at the moment a bolt of lightning flashed to the ground.

“Just after I took this picture there were a few more lightning bolts and then everything went still and dark again.” Lochner said taking photos in the Kalahari was challenging as one’s equipment takes a lot of punishment from wind and sand. It also started to rain during this shoot.

Judge Kathy Moran commented, “The habitat must be as important a part of the image as the species being photographed, and the picture must convey a feeling of the relationship between them. The tension between the foreground and background is what makes it.”

The exhibition runs until 3 March 2013 from 10am to 5.50pm daily.

Details: www.nhm.ac.uk

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10

| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com

Entertainment

Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews

Book review: Who Rules South Africa?

This is not a book that seeks to predict SA’s future, but the authors do have a bit of a go and are wisely cautious

by JONATHAN KATZENELLENBOGEN AS the sense of political crisis mounts in South Africa there is a strong demand for insight on how we got into this mess. Who Rules South Africa?, which is now in its third printing in SA, goes some way to providing the answer.

The authors, Martin Plaut, an exSouth African and now the BBC World Service Africa Editor, and Paul Holden, who wrote The Arms Deal in Your Pocket have certainly produced a useful overview into what went so wrong since 1994.

It is a sound account of the major themes of the past decade – corruption, crime, political infighting, attempts by the ANC to centralise power, Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and the delivery failures. Importantly, it is also an account of the fight put up by civil society, oversight bodies in government and the judiciary, as well as the rise of the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Plaut and Holden do not predict South Africa will follow other African countries into post liberation lost decades, but say a successful future is increasingly on the line.

No straightforward answer is given to the question posed in the title, but ultimately Plaut and Holden say it is the Alliance – the ANC, COSATU, and the

What’s on

Lionel Smit exhibition: Strata Date: Now - 24 November Venue: Rook & Raven Rook & Raven alternative contemporary gallery in London presents an exhibition by South African artist Lionel Smit.

Smit, who was born in Pretoria and now works as a painter and sculptor in Cape Town, has returned to his large canvasses for his latest show, ‘STRATA’, a collection of striking portraits of Cape Malay women.

His paintings are devoted to the deconstruction of the portrait – thus exposing the construction of the portrayed persona through his techniques.

For Smit, identity formation is similar to exposing the anatomy of the canvas – much like tracing the genealogy of the subject over time and space – his focus most often being the Cape Malay woman.

Communist Party that is the centre of political power that rules. And within the Alliance it is currently the BEE moguls and the senior security and intelligence advisers around Zuma who rule.

The passing of the Secrecy Bill would considerably strengthen the power of the groups around Zuma.

The chapter on the ANC is good, but the authors say power is “sometimes mysteriously and secretly” wielded by the alliance – an honest admission but also a sign that we really have little understanding of the ruling party. While white business still has power, it is not of the scale imagined by Julius Malema, and this group has to play its cards with care, they say.

Plaut and Holden say the problem in answering ‘Who Rules?’ is that power is dispersed and changes. SA is “no simple top down dictatorship” nor a model democracy but “remains what it has been since 1948: a one-party state, with democratic trimmings.”

This is not a book that seeks to predict SA’s future, but the authors do have a bit of a go and are wisely cautious.

First, they say much depends on whether the ANC splits. Second is whether the Constitution and the judiciary will face down challenges.

Third, is whether the DA can build

FANIE Who Rules South Africa? is published

by Biteback Publishing, £14.99

on its gains in the Western Cape and the corollary of how easily the ANC would give up power in the face of electoral defeat. And fourth, is whether a critical mass of the “born frees” – those born since 1994, will vote ANC. Who Rules was published before the Marikana massacre, but the judgments in the book should stand the test of time.

The fallout from the events of 2012 – the massacre, the strikes, Julius Malema’s attempts at mass mobilisation, infighting in the leadup to ANC electoral conference in Mangaung in December will demand an update in time.

brought to you by

Africa calling: Dinner & auction for South African charities Date: 19 November Venue: Shaka Zulu Africa Calling is a dinner and auction event on Monday 19 November at Shaka Zulu in London, which will benefit three wonderful charities in South Africa: Breadline Africa, Helwel Trust and the Rhodes University Trust UK.Inspired by a chance meeting in Africa, old friends Louise Seligman (Chairman Breadline Africa) and Claire Brisby (Helwel Trust Event Director) vowed to combine efforts to further the common good of the impressive work of the UK registered charities they had each been supporting for many years.

Ticket purchase and donations can be made by postal cheque or online at www.breadlineafrica.org. uk/africa-calling-event

Lionel Smit exhibition, Strata, runs until 24 November at Rook & Raven.

Amandla!: A Nelson Mandela art exhibition in London Date: 21 November Venue: House gallery Brazilian artist Edison Bicudo is exhibiting “Amandla!” a series of drawings inspired by Nelson Mandela’s life.

The exhibition comprises 13 pastel drawings, each depicting a pivotal moment of Mandela’s life.

Please email your events to: editor@thesouthafrican.com For more listings, please visit www.thesouthafrican.com/events

os oppie jas

FANIE VAN DER MERWE

Oor die impak van ’n celebrity-ontmoeting EK het nie veel erg aan celebrities nie. Maar ondanks my sinisme is ek onlangs herinner aan die emosionele maalstroom waarin jy gedompel kan word wanneer jy van aangesig-tot-aangesig met ‘n celebrity kom.

Ons het vir ’n paar dae in Parys gaan uitspan en toe die imponerende Eiffeltoring en Arc de Triomphe, en selfs die majestueuse Sacré-Coeur daarin faal om ’n glimlag op die jongste lid van ons reisgeselskap se bakkies te sit, was dit ’n teken dat ek my troefkaart sou moes speel – ‘n besoek aan Disneyland Paris.

Nou ja, die toegangsfooi alleen kan ’n nedersetting in die derde wêreld vir ’n jaar lank van lewensmiddele voorsien. Voeg daarby die nimmereindigende geroesemoes van kinderliedjies wat uit onsigbare luidsprekers verrys, tallose gesinnetjies wat meedoënloos op hul volgende bestemmings afpyl en die ellelange rye wat jou selfs by die relatief vervelige pretritte begroet, en dié uitstappie kan potensieel in ’n hewige beproewing ontaard.

Maar ek het verseg om van stryk gebring te word, synde ek reeds van vroegdag af my oog op die dag se grand finale, die Disney Magic Parade, gehad het.

Ons het ons op die sypaadjie langs die hoofstraat tuisgemaak, oomblikke voordat die aanvang van die prosessie met trompetgeskal aangekondig is. Rondom my was die afwagting afgeëts op grootoogkindergesiggies, volkome betower deur dié grootse oomblik in hulle

lewens. Die verskyning van die eerste vlot doer bo in die straat het ’n beroering rondom ons veroorsaak en toe Die Goeie Feë, wat aan die voorhoede was, voor ons verbykom, is sy met ’n gejil en ’n getril verwelkom asof dit 1964 was en The Beatles pas op JFK geland het.

Op die maat van ’n klassieke Disney-deuntjie het hulle een vir een by ons verby beweeg: Sneeuwitjie en haar dwergies, Alice, The Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mister Potato Head, ag noem maar op. Maar die luidste gejuig is gespaar vir die groot trekpleister, die legende, die een en enigste, die koning van die animasiekarakters, die Disneydiamant - Mickey Mouse.

Dalk was dit die vervoering waarin ek toe reeds verkeer het wat dit veroorsaak het. Of dalk die feelgood-liedjie wat uit die luidsprekers gestroom het. Of dalk selfs die histeriese kinderkrete van “MI-CKEYYY! MI-CKEYYY!” om my. Maar midde-in hierdie betowerende oomblik, vasgevang in die heilsaamheid waardeur ek omring is, het my oog die onbeskaamde verwondering op ons kleine Ben se gesiggie gevang.

En toe stróóm die trane oor my wange. Ag, omdat ek só oneindig lief is vir hom. En omdat ek so oneindig lief is vir sy ma. En omdat ek skielik so oneindig lief geword het vir Mickey Mouse. En ag, sommer net omdat alles, in die hele wye wêreld, oukei gaan wees.

Waar ek nou hier sit en tik voel dit onwerklik dat ek só deur emosie oorval kon word.

Ondenkbaar, selfs. Maar dit hét gebeur. So hoe sal ek ooit weer veroordelend kan staan teenoor iemand wat iemand anders, vir welke rede ookal, wil ophemel en op ’n troontjie wil plaas? Ek kan nie. En ek sal ook nie weer nie.

Each to his own. Whatever rocks your boat. Leef. En. Laat. Leef.

En intussen sal ek my verlustig in my droomlandgeselsies met ’n vriendelike muis met ’n rooi broek en geel skoene.

NOVEMBER 2012 #84

www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

MONTHLY

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NEWS/TRENDS >>

BAROMETER

Home sellers downscaling

Smart strategies for first-time buyers

by STAFF REPORTER Young people are being urged daily to become homeowners and get onto the property ladder but it also needs to be said that most first-time buyers will probably have to take a much closer look at smaller homes, cheaper commutes and properties in need of renovation if they are to realise this goal.

This is according to Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property group, who says that while affordability is of course the major concern of all those entering the market for the first time, there is often quite a serious disconnect between this concern and the size of home they would like to buy.

“However, rather than becoming discouraged, they need to understand that bigger isn’t necessarily better these days, and not only when considering the purchase price or monthly bond repayments.

“A smaller freehold home or a townhouse also means lower property taxes, maintenance costs, insurance premiums and electricity and water bills, and being able to enjoy a better lifestyle at the same time as becoming a homeowner.”

2

He says young buyers should also not rush into a purchase.

“Research shows that the average first-time buyer looks at between 10 and 20 homes before buying, but it can really pay to be patient and view many more than that, and especially homes that have been listed for more than 90 days, because that is typically when anxious sellers start to reduce their asking prices.

For most first-time buyers, Everitt says, proximity to their workplace is the second major item on their list of preferences, as a result of rising fuel and transport costs and frustration at increasing traffic congestion.

“The trouble with this, though, is that homes close to office nodes often cost more precisely because of the added value of reduced transportation costs and commuting times.

“However, smart buyers are finding that they can enjoy the best of both worlds (lower home prices and less costly and stressful commutes) if they pick areas that offer reliable and relatively low-cost public transport to work.”

He says this is evident from flourishing sales in areas

close to the Gautrain stations and along the MyCiTi rapid bus transit route in Cape Town.”

In addition, he says, firsttime buyers might want to rethink their preference for homes in sparkling, “move-in” condition and take a closer look at the ‘fixer-upper’ option.

“In the past, this was a common choice for young people who wanted to break into the property market, and it is often still a good way to reconcile affordability concerns and location preferences – that is, to buy cheaply in a good area.

Even homes that need a basic facelift - paint, new carpeting, modern light fittings and some landscaping - can come with big savings, especially if the owners are keen sellers, says Everitt.

“And homes that require bigger upgrades – such as rewiring, replumbing and reroofing - will usually cost even less, although buyers do need to proceed with great caution here and get a professional assessment of the work to be done and the probable cost before making any offer to purchase.”

- Property24.com

www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

by DENISE MHLANGA A total of 20 percent of home sellers are downscaling due to financial pressure while 16 percent of sellers not under pressure are upgrading.

This is according to the FNB Estate Agent Survey – Reasons for Selling Residential Property Q3 2012.

For those downscaling due to financial pressure, the rental option appears to have become relatively less attractive in recent times, reveals the report.

Writing in the report, FNB household and property sector strategist John Loos says the survey findings reminds us that just because extremely low interest rates have lowered the numbers of home loans and many other forms of debt in arrears, underlying financial weakness is still widespread among South African households.

The report shows that 3 percent of sellers were selling in order to relocate within South Africa and the percentage of sellers upgrading was 16 percent, according to the report.

“Admittedly not everyone is pressured, and the 16 percent of sellers upgrading remains above the 2008/9 recessionlows of around 7 percent.”

Loos explains that what is interesting from the survey is that the biggest improvement (decline) in the percentage of sellers downscaling due to financial pressure since 2009 has taken place in the lower income markets.

He says the lower income segment (areas with average price of R731,500) shows an average percentage of 23 percent over the last year.

The High Net Worth segment recorded 18 percent (average house price of R3.812 million), upper income segment (average house price R1.972 million) and middle income segments (average house price R1.043 million) are between 20 percent and 22 percent.

Loos says in Q3 2012, the percentages of sellers downscaling due to financial pressure formed a narrow range from 22 percent in the case of the middle income segment to 17 percent in the case of the High Net Worth segment.

“The bottom line is that the multi-year trends in these percentages point to the more credit-dependent lower income segments taking a bigger knock during recessionary conditions and periods of interest rate hiking than the higher income segments.”

The report also indicates that the option of buying a home is more popular for those selling in order to downscale due to financial pressure than renting.

In Q2 2011, the estimated percentage of those downscaling (51 percent) rented after selling while 49 percent bought cheaper properties.

Loos says in Q3 2012, 59 percent of sellers would buy and 41 percent would rent.

“This does not surprise us too much, as it is our perception that rental growth may have outpaced house price growth mildly in recent years, reducing the relative advantage of renting from a cash flow point of view.”

- Property24.com

NOVEMBER 2012

<< PROMOTION

Cape Town tops the list for tourists and property buyers

by STAFF REPORTER Cape Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world. The location is almost unparalleled with Table Mountain as a backdrop and a stunning coastline with sandy, white beaches, rocky bays, world-class infrastructure and magnificent apartments and homes. Cape Town International Airport offers daily direct flights from just about any destination in the world.

The city boasts a wonderful, year-round Mediterranean climate and a cosmopolitan lifestyle with top class restaurants, coffee shops, art stores and chic boutiques lining the streets. World-class shopping malls stock the very best local and international brands and include the beautiful, harbourside V&A Waterfront. There are also beautiful historical buildings, interesting museums, jazz cafés, theatres and nightclubs and of course, the stunning winelands with their rolling vineyards and internationallyrenowned wine farms are just a short drive away. The cost of living is also still among the lowest in the world.

The city that never sleeps, yet retains a relaxed charm, attracts millions of business and leisure visitors annually and, aside from already being one of the most awarded destinations on the African continent and being named the World Design Capital of 2014, it has just been voted the second best city in the world

by Condé Nast Traveller.

The city is a land of opportunity for foreign property buyers and investors, says Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl managing director, Ian Slot. It offers world-class property options that range from trendy apartments and penthouses to luxurious beach houses and villas with panoramic sea views. Those who prefer the cosmopolitan inner-city vibe can choose from apartments to city cottages and luxury homes nestled against the mountain slopes overlooking the city, harbour and ocean, he says.

Many British, German, Dutch, French and other

NOVEMBER 2012

European citizens along with nationals from America, South America and the Middle and Far East already own property in the city. Some reside here on a permanent basis or spend the cold European winters here, says Seeff’s German International Division agent, Michael Hauser. In the City Bowl for example, there is a vibrant German community.

Aside from excellent English private schools and tertiary educational institutions, there is a German International School as well as a French School in the city. There are also a number of community clubs and a wide range of foreign-language newspapers are available Hauser, who speaks German, also assists German and other European nationals in finding the ideal property to meet their needs.

The city is a favourite with foreign buyers, not only for its stunning location and world-class property standards that offer buyers and investors better value for money compared to most other coastal destinations, but because of its investorfriendly laws. South Africa is one of only 10 destinations in the world with no restriction on foreign property ownership.

It boasts one of the most progressive constitutions in the world that protects the rights of people and property amongst others. It has one of the most advanced banking systems in the world, a strong fiscal policy and is relatively easy to do business in. The legislative landscape provides strong protection of land rights and its world-respected registered title system holds records that date back to the early settlement of the country.

Real estate standards are regarded as some of the finest in the world, advises Hauser.

Houses and apartments are generally more spacious than those found elsewhere in the world including cities in Europe, the USA and Asia and land sizes mostly more generous. The building industry is well-managed and building standards are high.

The country’s architects and interior designers offer world-

class designs and finishes including luxury finishes in investment properties as good as any found in the world’s top cities such as London and New York.

Property prices are still amongst the lowest in the world, offering outstanding value, advises Hauser.

Property values, especially on the Atlantic Seaboard and in the City Bowl have shown exceptional growth over the past decade and despite the global economic slow-down, property here still achieves average capital growth of between 12% and 20% on resale. Given the high demand for short and long-term rentals in the city, it commands some of the highest rental rates in the country; an added attraction for investors.

Regardless of where you

choose to own property, Cape Town offers one of the best lifestyles in the world, a warm climate, magnificent beaches, excellent views, low cost of living and excellent infrastructure.

For more information, contact Seeff City Bowl, Michael Hauser on +27 21 423 9146 or +27 21 201 4941 (direct), email michaelhauser@seeff.com or visit www.seeff.com

Cape property still favoured by British & European buyers

by STAFF REPORTER Foreign buying on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard and in the City Bowl remains steady at about 3-4% of total sales, says Seeff Atlantic Seaboard managing director, Ian Slot.

Over the past year, around 86 properties to the value of close to R550 million have been sold to foreign buyers with British and European buyers representing 67,39% (62 properties) of total foreign sales. Despite the economic challenges faced in their own countries, they clearly still find value here, he says.

The largest percentage are UK buyers, at 23,91% (22 properties), followed by German buyers at 10,87% (10 properties). Buyers from the Netherlands, France and Norway represent 3,26% each (3 properties each). Americans only bought 3 properties, about 3,26% of total sales.

African buyers are growing steadily and now represent 18,48% of all foreign sales. The largest portion is still Namibian buyers at 7,61% (7 property sales) of all sales, followed by Tanzanian buyers at 3,26% (3 property sales). Other African buyers include Kenya, Congo, Nigeria and Senegal.

While South Africa’s membership of BRICS

www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

will hopefully bring about increased interest in property from those countries, Slot says only 1 property sold to a Brazilian over the past year.

There were also sales to 2 Japanese and 2 UAE buyers.

About 70% of all foreign sales were in the coastal suburbs of the Atlantic Seaboard, he says. In Sea Point and Green Point, some 27 properties sold, mostly apartments at an average price of R2.4 million and R2.6 million respectively.

Camps Bay has been a particular favourite with foreign buyers with 14 sales at an average price of just over R8.8 million. In Clifton, 3 apartments were bought at an average price of R7.6 million by buyers from the UK, Sweden and the USA. In Bantry Bay, 5 properties sold at an average price of R14.1 million including one sale to a Japanese buyer.

All of these were cash transactions. Fresnaye achieved the highest average sales price with 4 sales at an average price of close to R18 million.

At the V&A Waterfront, 4 properties sold to foreign buyers. Sales include a R3.03 million sale to a Namibian and a R6 million sale to a

British buyer. Apartments in Ellesmere and Parama also sold for R5 million and R5,8 million recently to an Italian and Swiss buyer respectively.

There were also two foreign sales in Llandudno, both to Belgium buyers; the most recent being a luxury house on Fishermans Bend that sold in April for R25,5 million.

The CBD and City Bowl suburbs remain popular with European buyers says Slot. A total of 27 properties (29% of total sales) sold to foreign buyers over the past year including 6 sales in Tamboerskloof; the most recent being a house in St Michaels Road that sold for R6 million to a Swedish buyer.

Slot says that while foreigners continue to invest in property here, it needs to be borne in mind that just about as many foreign-owned properties are sold and there is thus usually a negligible net effect. Foreign buying also usually peaks around the tourism season, between November and April when about 90% of all sales take place.

For more information, contact Seeff Atlantic Seaboard, Ian Slot on 021 434 9175 or 082 452 3944 or visit www.seeff.com.

3

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NEWS/TRENDS >>

Want to buy a home? Family can help

by STAFF REPORTER Home buying activity has increased substantially over the past 12 months, even though only about four out of every 10 bonds granted are for 100 percent of the purchase price.

This is according to Rudi Botha, chief executive officer of BetterBond who notes that the number of bond applications made by prospective buyers has been increasing steadily for the last year.

Botha explains that this suggests that buyers have come to terms with the new home financing regime imposed in the wake of the National Credit Act and the global financial crisis, and are doing whatever it takes to be able to go ahead with their home purchase plans.

“They see property prices going up again, and they don’t want to miss the boat, and at the same time, rentals are continuing to rise due to a shortage of properties to let.”

The BetterBond monthly statistics – which represent a quarter of all residential mortgage bonds being registered in the Deeds Office and include applications to, and bond grants from, all the major lending banks in South Africa – show that the percentage of bonds granted for 100 percent of the home purchase price has averaged 40 percent for the past 12 months, meaning that six out of every 10 successful applicants have had to pay a deposit.

What is more, the average deposit requirement (except for first-time buyers) has risen back up in that time to almost a fifth of the home purchase price, says Botha.

“On top of that, the average price of homes being bought

6

by those applying for loans through BetterBond has climbed 9 percent to reach R893,000 at end-October.”

Among first-time buyers, who account for between 35 and 40 percent of the home loans granted every month, the average home price has climbed 13 percent y/y to R629,000 at end-October, and the average deposit required is around 12 percent of the purchase price.

He notes that home buyers who do succeed in obtaining a 100 percent home loan currently can often only do so by agreeing to pay a premium interest rate as high as three or four percent above prime.

“And yet they are happy to do so, even if it means buying a cheaper property, because there is a steadily growing appreciation of the longerterm financial advantages of being a homeowner, as well as an awareness that the property market is on an upward path once more, albeit slow.”

Meanwhile, Tony Clarke, managing director of the Rawson Property Group says even relatively affluent young people earning substantial salaries these days can find it very difficult to become homeowners.

Clarke says the first hurdle for applicants to overcome is to prove to the mortgage lenders that they are creditworthy – but often it is even more difficult for young people to raise the 10 to 20 percent deposit required and to find money to pay the transfer fees.

This has proved an insurmountable barrier for many, he says.

He explains that previously, it was accepted that parents, relatives or friends would often step into the breach and

help young people to become homeowners.

However in today’s world, family ties have been weakened and this type of help is not given as readily as before.

In order to urge parents and relatives to seriously consider giving assistance to younger people, there are at least three avenues open to them: they can lend the young person the cash for the deposit and the transfer costs – usually at a satisfactory interest rate – or they can sign on with the bank as joint owners and joint bond applicants.

The banks are not averse to this type of agreement, as it has generally worked well for them.

Alternatively, they can sign with the bank to stand surety for the loan, he says.

Deals of this kind need not be risky because, firstly, the interest rate can be above average and, secondly, the agreement can include a clause which allows the lender or partner to take ownership of the property – often without compensation – if the borrower or partner defaults on his monthly payments.

In these situations, the defaulter can sometimes become a tenant, points out Clarke.

He says that because renting can often give the young person a more prestigious home than buying, many opt for this.

Clarke adds that it has been shown time and again that home ownership gives status, stability and motivation to young people and this should, therefore, be encouraged by their families and by any others who have their welfare at heart.

- Property24.com

www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

E-tolls to shift home buying decisions

by STAFF REPORTER The introduction of e-tolling in Gauteng, which now seems imminent before Christmas, will have an immediate effect not only the use of public transport but on home buying patterns.

So says Jan Davel, MD of the RealNet real estate franchise group, who notes,“We expect, for example, that there will be much more demand among young buyers for flats and townhouses in areas close to their workplaces and in those suburbs close to Gautrain and MetroRail stations and on convenient bus routes.

“In fact, we think that access to good public transport could become a factor almost as important as price, because being able to go without a car and all the related expenses may well make all the difference for such consumers between being able to buy a home and having to carry on renting.”

He says, “Location, location, location” will in this sense become the top property consideration once more.”

Among older, more established buyers with families, he says, there is likely to be sharply increased demand in the heritage suburbs for homes with space for home offices – even if it’s just a garage or an outbuilding that can be converted – so that owners can cut down on office commutes and gain easy access to good schools and convenient shopping.

“And once again, we think they will be prepared to trade off a somewhat higher home price against lower transport costs, especially if they can also save much of the time they used to spend in traffic.”

Thirdly, Davel says there will be continued demand for homes in self-contained estates that have their own schools and shops and are close to decentralised office nodes. “In this case, however, buyers will be looking to limit home costs as they will probably still have to bear some commuting expenses.”

Consequently, he says the highest demand will be for the more compact, more affordable houses and townhouses now becoming available on many more lifestyle estates, and for homes in the newer, estatelike sectional title complexes.

From an investment point of view, he says, the introduction of e-tolling can also be expected to boost the demand for rental homes close to workplaces, good schools and public transport hubs, and for any student accommodation that makes it possible for students to do without a car.

“What is more, consumers elsewhere should not dismiss these trends as only being applicable to the Gauteng market, as the National Roads Agency has clearly stated its intention of rolling out electronic tolling on highways and new roads countrywide.

- Property24.com

Photo by Yuri Madonsela via wordpress.integrat.co.za

NOVEMBER 2012

<< LIFESTYLE

Tips for household scents

by KATLEGO SEKANO A consistent blend of fresh, fragrant air goes a long way to enhancing your quality of life.

So ‘furnishing’ your home with a pleasurable scent shouldn’t wait for special occasions or an opportunity to mask suspicious odours.

Naturally, household fragrances can never replace good housekeeping practices, but your friends and family are more likely to overlook a bit of untidiness if the surroundings smell fresh. This is because a heavenly scent around the home gives the impression that your home is clean.

How to choose a household scent Michelle Cloete, Glade’s marketing manager says, if you’re looking to fuse

scent with style in your home, pick a fragrance that will go hand in hand with a specific mood you would like to feel, the atmosphere you would like to create or one that matches your personality.

She says bear in mind that a fragrance should always complement your décor and add to the overall look and feel of the room.

“For example, if you have a modern space with neutral colours such as white, beige or pastels, a clean scent like clean linen would be best.”

What are the options?

The number of fragrance options that are available on the market continues to grow and each brand promises safe, quality fragrances that last long.

The reality is, each product has its pros and cons so it’s up to you to decide what would best satisfy your household needs.

Here are some ideas...

Candles Soy candles are made from soy wax and they’re a greener

alternative to paraffin candles.

Maija Groenewald from the Cape Town Candle Company says a well made soy candle will burn cleanly and slowly, so there will be no black smoke on your walls.

She says soy candles can be made in virtually any aroma that you can imagine.

She explains that most soy candles in South Africa are made using essential/ aromatherapy oils that can also be used on the skin as massage oils.

Groenewald says they smell beautiful at close range; however, they don’t always have what candle makers call a great ‘throw’ - a strong aroma which fills an entire room – making them ideal for small spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

The allure of scented candles not only comes from their sweet smell but also from the flickering glow they provide.

Just remember to be cautious with lit candles, especially near hanging fabrics or in a home with children.

Reed diffusers Scented reed diffusers come in attractive designs for decorative home fragrancing.

With reed diffusers you could have a simple window display or opt for something more elaborate to suit your décor.

Diffusers also make use of

essential oils, which can last up to eight weeks. The diffuser container can then be reused by simply refilling the bottle with scented oils.

The magic of diffusers lies with the reed sticks - they are what make the fragrance. So if you’re looking for a more intense aroma, simply flip the sticks upside down so that the saturated ends are exposed.

For delicate notes, make use of fewer sticks.

It’s best to use a coaster under your reed diffuser to avoid any spills that might damage your home’s surfaces.

Oil burners Oil burners use tea lights and have elegant bases in different shapes, sizes and colours.

The trick to successfully using an oil burner is placing a tablespoon of water into the burner’s well before lighting the candle. Add a few drops of fragrance oil and enjoy.

The best burners have large wells that allow homeowners to add enough water in them.

This prevents the burner from drying out quickly.

Oil burners should be placed on a heat proof surface, away from draughts and anything flammable.

Cloete says homeowners should play around with different scents and try different product options to see which works best for them and the size of the rooms in their homes.

- Property24.com

<< ASK THE EXPERT

Sale of house to existing tenant

I

have been renting my house in Port Elizabeth for the past three years and have decided to finally sell it as I have decided to stay in the UK. The tenant I have rented it to for three years is keen on buying it because he has renovated the place a bit. Do I need to take those costs into account when setting a sale value?

W

ith reference to the sale of your home in Port Elizabeth, I would first and foremost reccomend that you contact a reputable real estate agency and request a formal comparative market related

NOVEMBER 2012

evaluation, based on the sale of homes of a similar nature in the area during the past year.

On the issue of discounting the sale price of the home, this decision would be entirely yours.

However the following should be cosidered: if permission was requested by the tenant and given by youself to carry out the improvements you could look at discounting the sale price by the cost of improvements undertaken.

In the instance where improvements were done without permission I would say no discount should be

considered.

However in both scenarios the ultimate decision would be yours as to whether you discount or not.

Gavin O’Leary Sales Manager: Seeff Port Elizabeth ww.seeff.com

www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

7

• • • • • • •

11

thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

Business: Gateway to Africa

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African opportunity: Technology & the new industrial revolution BBC’s Adam Shaw talks to us about how Africa can leapfrog development

by REBECCA COONEY “WE think of Africa as a victim continent when in many ways it’s actually more advanced than many of the economies we would think to be better,” says Adam Shaw, business journalist and presenter of the BBC’s technology programme, Horizons.

Shaw gives an example from his travels with the programme –­­a Kenyan farmer who routinely pays hundreds of workers by transferring the money directly between mobile phones. Here, he says, technology is developing to deal with what are traditionally seen as problems in Africa, such as distance. It’s difficult for a bank to build branches across Africa, so transferring money ‘on the go’ becomes the norm, using technology better than that available in the UK. “It’s ultimately a massive opportunity because [Africa could] start a new second or third industrial revolution, and at a much higher pace than we’re able to in the UK for instance, and without the inheritance issue.

In the UK, we say ‘we’ve got this old infrastructure, we can’t just abandon it’. Well, they don’t have it, so they can start afresh and in that way it gives them a competitive advantage.”

In terms of developing Africa’s economy, Shaw says, “Aid is clearly an important part of the mix… but what you’re trying to do is help develop self-sustaining economies and release the potential of Africa, its own capital and human resources. Just giving handouts isn’t the full picture.”

But it’s not just about importing technology from the West.

Shaw points to a “halo effect” surrounding technology in developing countries, where local developers take technology and use it as a starting point for ideas relevant to their own needs.

“You have to look at continents like Africa and see them not just as the recipients of information and aid. It’s important to ask what is applicable in your environment, what ideas do you have to take this technology and change it and actually make something new out

of it, which could benefit not just you but perhaps the country from which the idea originated.”

Shaw highlights technology like the Lifesaver bottle – a water bottle which uses micro-filters to make even the filthiest water safe to drink. It’s simple, inexpensive and flexible technology like this which he believes has the potential to make a difference, rather

Amplats signs Zimbabwean empowerment deal

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by STAFF REPORTER THE world’s biggest platinum producer Amplats, has signed a deal agreeing to sell percent print of Nedbank Golf51 Challenge shares in its Zimbabwe mines to locals.

Amplats is the first mining corporation to comply with Zimbabwe’s stringent empowerment rules, the government hopes it will be easier to persuade other mining companies to follow suit.

Zimbabwe Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said: “We are pleased that they have fully complied with the expectations of our laws. They are

way ahead of the others.”

The shares are to be sold at a discount of $280 million, which the government is “in ad.Page 1 21/9/12 claims 11:16:47 recognition of the sovereign ownership of resources by the people of Zimbabwe”.

Workers, a community trust and local investors will be issued with shares by the government, and will pay them off through dividends over the next 10 years.

Labour unrest across South Africa’s mines has made Zimbabwe more attractive to mining companies.

Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Tendai Biti, showed his confidence

in Zimbabwe’s mining industry this week by raising his growth forecasts for mining output from 15 percent to 16.7 percent.

President Mugabe is planning to put empowerment at the centre of his election campaign next year.

However, Obert Gutu, Deputy Justice Minister and MDC Senator said those behind the empowerment drive were targeting “well-run corporations for their own greedy and corrupt accumulation of personal wealth”.

TheSouthAfrican.com/ Gateway-To-Africa

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This is the day to change lives Make things happen; register now for 13 September 2013. www.sagolfday.com Nedbank Limited is incorporated with limited liability in South Africa (no.1951/000009/06) and its London branch is registered in England and Wales (no.BR001334), and whose registered address is 1st floor Old Mutual Place, London, EC4V 4GG. Nedbank London is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Register number 204684).

than trying to replicate Western infrastructure.

“We come into disaster zones, especially if there’s a crisis, and try and build sewage plants – and this is a ridiculous way of doing it –­­you don’t need to build an infrastructure. There’s loads of water around, it’s just dirty, so just bring in a water bottle. It’s about making technology appropriate.”

“We should be saying ‘Well, maybe it’s a different environment, maybe they have different problems so maybe there should be different solutions’. That sort of approach is actually very compelling.”

Shaw visited 32 countries with Horizons and noticed that many of

the technologies being produced for and by the developing world often have the added bonus of being environmentally-friendly.

“I think it’s very likely businesses are understanding that they have to have a sustainable argument. Not because they want to be good to the world, but because their own businesses will not have a future unless they take on board sustainable issues…

I think that the green agenda is changing, not dramatically, but it is noticeable. Hopefully it’s sustainable as well.”

For more information, see www.gatewaytoafrica.com/ bbcinnovations

12

Business: News

Rand hits two week high after elections

by RUTH LAATZ-REINEKE THE Rand started the week on the defensive against major currencies, as the upcoming US elections kept investors nervous about policies in the largest economy.

The Rand subsequently hit a two week high on Wednesday, after it was announced that Barack Obama had won a second term in the White House. Investors have indicated however, that the longerterm implications of Obama’s victory for the Rand are not clear cut (Fin 24).

Between 5 November and 9 November one Great British Pound fetched between R13.81 and R14.06 South African Rands.

The Rand also fetched between R8.64 and R8.78 to the United States Dollar. One Euro fetched between R11.04 and R11.26 to the Rand.

The Rand steadied against the Dollar in early Tuesday trade, as investors were unwilling to take strong positions until after the US election and a Greek vote that will determine whether the country receives more bailout assistance.

After a brief spike in the Rand on Wednesday, Thursday afternoon saw the Rand weaken again as traders reacted to disappointing local data and worries that the EU was sliding further into recession.

“Anything that is negative for the Euro is negative for the Rand.

Rumours that the ECB is not ready to start a bond buying programme next week has put extra pressure on the euro and is not good for liquidity. Liquidity is important for emerging markets and the Rand‚” (Fin 24) The Rand lost gains from earlier trading as the Dollar gained strength on Friday afternoon.

The Rand started this week much the same as it started the previous four weeks, namely in a fairly tight range bound environment where the USD-ZAR is simply not reflecting any substantial directional momentum (Investec).

GBP / ZAR: 13.83 EUR / ZAR: 11.06 USD / ZAR: 8.70 Correct at 8.14am, 12 November.

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.

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Legally Speaking: Business visitor visa

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: I AM the manager of a business in the UK. We have business contacts in South Africa that we want to invite over here in order to negotiate a supply contract. Do they need to arrange a special type of visa, or can they come to the UK with tourist visas?

A

: It sounds as though they might need to apply for business visitor visas before coming to the UK. A person visiting the UK who intends to carry out activities such as attending meetings or conferences, negotiating or signing deals and contracts, delivering goods etc. needs to apply for the business visitor visa before coming to the UK. In order to qualify for such a visa, they will, inter alia, have to show that:

• They intend to visit the UK for no more than six months and intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit • They are based abroad and do not intend to transfer their base to the UK, even on a temporary basis • They receive their salaries abroad, although a reasonable travel and subsistence allowance may be received while in the UK Please contact our offices for more information.

JP Breytenbach Director of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com

| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews

THREE INSIGHTS INTO:

The world of business outsourcing

by PAUL HARRISON OUTSOURCING is a vital skill to develop for all business owners. It enables growth and leverages your time to allow you to accomplish more than you could ever achieve on your own. We asked Sandy Banfield of AukaBusinesss.com for her top three insights on how to outsource your business activities.

Insight 1: Choose the right tasks to outsource All business owners are busy people and to enable your business to grow, you need to achieve more than is possible to do on your own. However, outsourcing the tasks you simply don’t like or find uncomfortable is not always the best solution. It’s best to focus your attention on the income generating tasks that are essential for your business and then work out what are the all-important but time consuming tasks that can easily be outsourced. This will

free you up to complete the tasks that require your unique skills and intimate knowledge of your business.

Insight 2: Set clear goals and timelines As a business owner, you don’t have to be an expert at everything you do in your business, but you do need to oversee your business activities. For example, you don’t need to be an expert in the implementation of a Customer Relation Management (CRM) system to be able to outsource this part of your business, but you should understand the basic purpose of this resource and be involved in the set up decisions.

When outsourcing any project or job, make sure you know the broad details of what will be done, what the key targets are and when the deliverables are due. Keeping an overview of outsourced projects is no different to managing full-time

staff and will ensure you’re not paying for work you don’t need or don’t understand.

Insight 3: Keep it simple As with all business practices, outsourcing needs to be scalable, so that as your business grows, there are no bottlenecks caused by one person holding all the knowledge. Setting up simple systems from the start is so important when it comes to potential for growth and this is just as true with outsourcing. Using templates for regular documents, working with online systems that keep your data in one place and having a basic “How to...” are the kinds of things that can save thousands of hours over the life of a business. Outsourcing is all about allowing you to achieve more and grow your business. By working smarter, you can avoid working harder but still get the results you’re aiming for.

Sandy Banfield answers Bulelwa Sompeta’s questions on the benefits of outsourcing is flexible and affordable and will free you up to help you grow and develop your business so you are not stuck doing it all yourself.

Bulelwa Sompeta is a UK-based South African and the founder and CEO of South African Achievers Awards. She’s keen to know how outsourcing can help her business.

How do I know what to outsource?

Start with a simple list outlining what you do day to day and what is taking up most of your time. Break this list into sections: 1) urgent; 2) needs to be done but not urgent; 3) non-urgent; 4) to delegate.

Focus on the things you need to do urgently and if this really needs to be done by you or if it can be delegated. By breaking each task down and assessing your time you will be able to set realistic goals giving you a clear list of things you can outsource.

Can I delegate and forget about the task?

I get asked this question a lot. In one way, yes, as that’s why you are outsourcing in the first place, but I always advise my clients that they need to delegate the task not the responsibility! At the end

If you would like to know more about outsourcing, please visit www.aukabusiness.com or if you have any business questions that you would like answered, please email paul@mobivation.com

of the day as a business owner it’s in your best interest to know what is going on, its no different if you were to employ a member of staff. For instance you wouldn’t recruit someone and then not manage them or assess their work.

Outsourcing is no different.

Is outsourcing affordable?

You can outsource any job based on your budget so it can easily be affordable to suit your needs and budget. If you plan ahead it means you can get all the tasks/projects off your long to-do list and schedule them to suit when you can afford it by order of priority. Outsourcing

Bulelwa Sompeta

13

thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

Business: SA Power 100

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthafrican

Steve Elworthy Former international cricketer

by REBECCA COONEY

BULLET BIOGRAPHY Born: 23 February 1965 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Resides in: London with his wife and two children Education: Wits Business School, Johannesburg Career trajectory: • Right-hand batsman, rightarm, fast-medium bowling style • Played 10 years of first class cricket before representing South Africa in his One Day International against Pakistan in 1998, aged 32 • Made his test debut the same year, against England at Trent Bridge.

• Played for the Northerns in South Africa for 14 seasons.

• Also played English county cricket for Lancashire and Nottinghamshire, as well as for club sides Hinckley Town, Rishton and Flowery Field • Named as one of five South African Cricket Annual Cricketers of the Year 2002 • Between 1998 and 2002, played a total of four tests and 39 One Day Internationals for South Africa • Retired in 2003 and became Cricket South Africa’s commercial manager • Tournament director for the inaugural Twenty20 cricket world championships 2007 • Came to the UK in 2007 as tournament director for Twenty20 cricket world championships in England in 2009 • Has been the director of marketing for the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) since 2010

How long have you been in the UK? It’s coming up to five years now.

It seems quick! I only came across on a contract for two years initially, and five years later I’m still here.

Was moving here a bit of a shock?

No, not really, to be honest. My mother was born in Liverpool, my dad was born in the former Rhodesia, and we’ve still got relatives here so I’ve spent a lot of time here and played a lot of cricket here. In the 1990s I used to live here for six-month blocks playing country cricket.

My kids were young enough that it wasn’t a huge shock to them but I think it was quite a shock for my wife. She used to say to me she’d go to the supermarket and not know where to go for washing

powder, whereas in South Africa you didn’t even think about it. I think it was the feeling of being completely out of your comfort zone, not knowing where anything was.

But it wasn’t a big shock. I think we arrived knowing what we were expecting. Now five years down the line we seem to have settled in quite nicely, which is good.

What do you miss most about southern Africa?

Without a shadow of doubt, it’s got to be friends and family. It’s probably the biggest heartache of all, having been brought up with school friends and going to university and playing cricket with the same people, and my wife had a circle of friends who had children the same age. Our social circle was pretty close. And family seem such a long way away. You used to just hop in the car and pop round to see granny and grandpa and it was five, ten minutes away.

You miss the support system.

Do you think you’ll go back there?

No not right now, I don’t think so. Matthew is just starting GCSEs and Meggie’s just started high school.

The opportunities here for us are just that much greater and I would hate to disrupt the kids’ schooling right now, so not for

the foreseeable future.

Speaking of your career opportunities, you’ve been involved in setting up the Twenty20 World Cup - how do you think that is impacting on the game?

Neil Manthorp said to me, ‘What does it feel like to be the man who shot Bambi’s

mother?’ He was talking about the death of test cricket. I think it’s been fantastic for the game.

Cricket has that ability, it seems to reinvent itself all the time.

I think Twenty20 is a key contributor to the way the skill level of the game has increased.

The fielding has just become phenomenal because one run, two runs can win you a game and it’s brought a whole new dimension out.

The whole game has moved on.

I think it’s brought in a whole new audience and hopefully they are going to play the game and be the future of the sport.

Do your kids have any cricketing ambitions?

My son does. He’s going to be a pretty good little cricketer one day.

He’s 15 and I think he should be a handful because he’s going to be tall and he’s very quick.

My dad always said, go and study, once you’ve got a qualification, if you want to go and

Read interviews with other SA POWER 100 achievers... on our website: TheSouthAfrican.com/Business/SAPower100

Nicky Hambleton-Jones

Richard E Grant

Stylist, author and television presenter

Actor

play a professional sport then you can; if it works for you good, if it doesn’t, at least you’re OK. I’m exactly the same.

My daughter plays everything else except cricket... she’s probably had enough of watching it at home!

Having played for South Africa, and now working over here, do you ever feel divided loyalties?

You do, you do! You have to ask that question don’t you? You hedge your bets and really it means I can’t lose!

If England’s side do well, it makes my job a lot easier, to market and promote the game here.

If the South African side do well - well, you’ve played for South Africa, you know where your heart is.

You do have divided loyalties, but I played for South Africa and you’re never going to take that away from anyone who’s represented his country.

But the ECB is a pretty multicultural organisation, you know, there’s Australians, there’s Kiwis, there’s Indian supporters, there’s Pakistan supporters, there’s English supporters here, South Africans... every time a game comes on TV everyone starts shouting for their team, so the office is very rarely quiet!

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14

Business: Classifieds

| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews

THE GRAFT IS GREENER Candice Hale | Resident Baker & Owner of The Twisted Sister

CLASSIC TRAVEL Prices include Taxes Prices include Taxes

by PAUL HARRISON

Born: Boksburg How long in the UK: 8.5 years Motto: Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you will realise they were the big things

Prices include Taxes

to friends, family, cafes and online shops.

What do you do in your role?

I bake all of our stock fresh and also go out and generate new business wherever I can find it – based in Scotland, you would be amazed at how much the Scots like SA goodies!

What do you enjoy about your job?

I get to satisfy people with a little taste from home.

What do you find challenging about your role?

As any business mum will know, it’s very challenging juggling my time between baking, running a household and looking after my kids.

Tell us a unique story about your business?

I once had an American lady from Texas ask me if I could send koeksisters to Dallas.

What is your vision for the future?

I hope to expand and become known as the ‘Koeksister go-to girl’!

Do you think that being South African helps in what you do?

Absolutely! While anyone can bake SA goods, it takes a born and bred SA person to get it just right!

AbujaAbuja 895 Accra 890 Amman 535 Dubai 575 895 535 Johannesburg 575 895 890 Amman Dubai Prices include Taxes Accra 890 699 Khartoum 520 Addis Ababa Bangkok 895 Beijing 638 Mumbai 795 TRAVEL 895Amman Beijing CLASSIC 638 Mumbai 795 535 Nairobi 795 OFFSHORE PAYMENT m Cairo 795Dubai Doha 646 Kano 845 575 495 Tokyo Taxes 695 Prices include Prices include646 Taxes Kano SOLUTIONS Dar’Salaam 795 Doha 845 man 535 Dubai 575 Ababa 699 795 Kuala Lampur 995 945 655Addis Lagos Lusaka Bangkok Auckland 1,395 795 Guangzhou 655 Amman Lagos 535 Dubai 795 Lusaka 995 Abuja 895Mumbai Accra 795695 890 575 ngEntebbe 638 520Beijing Nairobi 795 895 Tokyo Payments Gross & Direct (criteria) 638 Sydney 1,295 Free BACS Payments to your A/C Addis 795 Ababa Bangkok 895 638 Mumbai 795 1,395Mumbai Sydney 1,295 699 Dakar Dakar 795 895 Khartoum 520 Beijing Nairobi 795 Tokyo 695 a Johannesburg 646 Kano 845795 UK or Offshore Ltd Coy Cape Town 1,095 795 1,495CairoKigali New York 475 Cairo 495 995 495 Dar’Salaam Doha 646 Kano 845 Mgt Fee Dar’Salaam 795Lusaka Mauritius 9951,495 1,395 3.95%Sydney Lampur 945 Auckland 1,295 Dakar 795 os Kuala 795 1,095Doha Durban 995 Harare £1M Prof Ind & Public Liability Insurance Lusaka 1,095 Entebbe 795 Guangzhou 655 Lagos 795 995 646 Kigali 995 Accepted by major Agencies/Employers Tell us about your background: Town795 1,095 Mauritius Kigali 995 New York 475 845 New York 695475 1,495 Johannesburg Khartoum 520 Nairobi 795 Tokyo 695 obiCapeKano Tokyo 895 Suitable for a range of Industries I started working as soon as I Entebbe Kuala 795 Toronto 645 www.goclassic.co.uk No Admin costs - 24 Hour1,295 set up Lampur Auckland 1,395 Sydney Dakar 795 finished school and did a number neyToronto 1,295 655 Dakar 645 945 Windhoek Durban 995 Harare 1,095 Windhoek 7951,095 1,095 Guangzhou of office-based jobs until I had my Phone: 0870 609 3523 Cape Town 1,095 Mauritius 1,495 Kigali 995 New York 475 Lagos 795 Durban 995 www.dpsconsultingservices.com two kids. Now I am a stay-at-home li 4751,095 1,095 Durban Lusaka 995 995New York mom and do South African baking Toronto 645Harare Windhoek 995 Harare 1,095 part-time. ban 995 Harare 1,095 www.goclassic.co.uk What is your position?

Resident Baker and Owner of The www.goclassic.co.uk Twisted Sister which started off ADVERTISE HERE Contractors, Self Employed & Freelancers - Maximise Earnings

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as a hobby and has now become a business providing South African baked goods (mainly koeksisters)

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thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

Business: Classifieds

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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.

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16

| 13 November – 19 November 2012 | thesouthafrican.com

Travel

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Whether you’d like to explore the exquisite Spanish colonial architecture in Bogota, Colombia (above) or unwind at a retreat in the Bahamas (right), your ‘Green Mamba’ will give you visa-free access to these and many other exciting places.

You don’t need a visa to visit...

There are plenty of places your South African passport can take you without any prior arrangement needed for that last minute escape

by JONATHAN WALDHEIM TRAVELLING with a South African passport can be a real pain. With the need to get a visa such as a Schengen delaying any chance of a quick getaway, planning a trip in advance is often an unwanted necessity.

Don’t worry! Last minute

escapes are still available for those who desire a spontaneous trip. Some countries have visa on arrival offers and others don’t even need a visa. Just make sure you haven’t got an expired passport!

Nothing is definitive in the world of travel, and the spontaneous nature of your trip may coincide

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Bloemfontein from £1000 Cape Town from £540 Durban from £540 East London from £1017 George from £896 Johannesburg from £515 Phaiaborwa from £998 Pietermaritzburg from £1026 Pietersburg from £1027 Port Elizabeth from £705 Richards Bay from £1030 Upington from £1140

with a spontaneous change in entry policies for some places, so be sure to have a quick check before you go, as this list is liable to change at any moment.

Nonetheless, right now, these are the countries you can jet off to without prior arrangement: • Europe – Ireland, Turkey, Andorra, Kosovo • The Carribean – Anguila, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, US Virgin Islands.

• Central and South America – Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuala.

• Australasia – New Zealand • Asia – Hong Kong, Israel, Macau, Malaysia, Palau, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.

• Africa – Kenya, Botswana, Cape Verde, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Senegal, Swaziland, Zambia • Indian Ocean – Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles • South Pacific –Fiji, Micronesia, Nauru, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu • The Antarctic (seriously) Where would you choose on this list? Let us know at www.thesouthafrican.com/travel

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17

thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

Zimbabwe Community

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthafrican

Proudly Zimbabwean Henry Olonga still fears for his safety “There is a day when change will come in Zimbabwe and we will consider going back to rebuild. The challenge for the next leader will be to convince people to come back”

Former Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga talks in London.

in the 1992 World Cup.“Here I was, barely out of school, I had just written my A levels. We took to the field and I felt like a fish out of water. The umpires were white, the groundsmen were white, the crowd was white, everyone was white. So you can imagine my relief when Pakistan team came on to add a bit of colour to the scene!”

“We batted for two days and got 500 runs. I went in to bowl, all eyes were on me now, willing me to do something spectacular, show us what you can do, young black boy. This was the moment you wish to announce yourself to the world, to show you can play test cricket. I bowled wide down the leg, but the crowd went wild, giddy with excitement that I could at least bowl straight.” Henry took a wicket off the third ball – his first of 68 wickets in 30 tests.

Having just made history, the very next day he got called for throwing (bowling with a bent elbow) and was sent off to three countries over the next three years to correct his technique: Madras, India and Adelaide, Australia under Denis Lilley, then Johannesburg with Clive Rice. His action fixed, he returned to play for another five seasons.

However, at around that time many disturbing things started happening in Zimbabwe, such as increased government corruption and the highly publicised farm invasions. “Africa has all these problems: tribalism, racism, war, disease, yet the one that annoys me most is corruption,” said Henry.

“Then an MP was taken away for three days and tortured by police in his own country, the press was under pressure, voices of dissent were being crushed. Something

struck a chord, I felt this needed to be challenged.

“One day Andy Flower approached me after a practice.

He said he felt we had come to the same place, feeling there was something abnormal about our country. We decided to protest silently, wearing black armbands to mourn the death of democracy.”

He got death threats as a result and decided to leave the country for his own safety. He now lives in Somerset with his Australian wife and two daughters – and is at the stage where he’s trying to figure out his next move.

“I’m still proudly Zimbabwean, I haven’t become British. After a decade here I still feel African, not English. I’d like to return but am still worried. One of the people who threatened me is a prominent government minister. I have kids now and it’s a risk I wouldn’t take unless there were assurances from the government itself that I would be welcome.”

Having said that, Henry was hopeful about Zimbabwe’s future, post-Mugabe. “There is a day when change will come and we will consider going back to rebuild. The challenge for the next leader will be to convince people to come back. There are people like me who’d love to return, I’m sure some of you would. But what will you have to sacrifice to go back? Someone like me would have to start from scratch – I’m not a professional with a CV full of London experience, basically I’m just a guy with a story and a voice and I used to play cricket, and they will pay me a bit of money here to hear my story. I don’t know if they would do that in Australia or Zimbabwe.”

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by HEATHER WALKER FORMER Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga, who fled Zimbabwe in 2003 after his controversial black armband protest against the ‘death of democracy’ in Zimbabwe, shared his remarkable story with a group of Southern African actuaries (Saax Group) in London last month.

Henry was born in Zambia in 1976. His parents, a Kenyan paediatrician a Zimbabwean nursing sister, split up when he and his older brother Victor were small. They relocated to Bulawayo with their dad, and subsequently headed to boarding school, which he described as “wonderful”.

“We had great teachers, many of them highly qualified expats, who went beyond the call of duty. They could teach in the classroom, teach you know to kick a rugby ball or work with metal.”

Henry remembered watching Carl Lewis and Daley Thompson zon TV and dreamed of one day running in the Olympics. He discovered he could run when he beat his brother in a race to the ice-cream van – wearing flip-flops (‘patapatas’). “Afterwards Victor told me, you’re fast, you should run some more. That was the first affirmation I ever had; when you’re growing up you need that.

African fathers don’t exactly do that, they don’t say, son I love you, you’re a great runner.”

Young Henry started to break records (at 16 he ran 100m in 10.6 seconds, the time Carl Lewis ran at the same age) but he also took up cricket and played rugby for Matabeleland in high school.

However he began to focus more on cricket after his running coach left the school.

He also discovered alove for music and drama. In his first high school musical he was cast as a girl (it was an all-boys school). He went on to play lead roles in many school shows, including Joseph and The Pirates of Penzance.

“The weird thing is I had this somewhat traditional English education in the middle of Africa.

Coming to this country from an African school I found myself acting more English than English people.”

By Henry’s last year of school he had worked his way up in cricket and was developed a reputation as a fast yet erratic bowler. He was the first black player and at 18, the youngest ever, to be picked for the national side, joining cricket heavyweights Grant Flower, Andy Flower and Heath Streak. He made his debut against world champs Pakistan, who had beaten England

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19

thesouthafrican.com | 13 November – 19 November 2012 |

Sport

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthafrican

Proteas face true test Down Under

Huge effort required to repeat heroics of 2008 and beat Aussies on home soil

For the latest sports news, visit www.thesouthafrican.com/sport

by JEREMY BORTZ NO series against the Aussies is easy, particularly one in Australia, and the Proteas know this all too well. In 15 tests against Australia in Australia since readmission to the sporting fold in 1992, the Proteas have won only three matches (and lost eight), with two of those victories coming in the most recent tour, which was also our first series win on Australian soil ever.

Thankfully, while the Proteas are no doubt quietly confident after their fantastic series win against the English over the summer, they’re not taking anything for granted. Skipper Graeme Smith knows just how tough a series it’s going to be: “It’s a big hurdle for us. We’ve got a lot of respect for the Australians, and what they can produce, so there’s no chance of going there believing it’s going to be an easy series.”

However, the Proteas are probably still the favourites: a toporder boasting the likes of Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers, all in the world’s top 10 batsmen, a bowling attack of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morné Morkel that’s regarded by many as the best in the world, consistency in selection over the past few years and an undefeated away record since 2006.

All told, the Proteas have the ingredients to dominate Test cricket over the next few years, much like the Aussies did in the 1990s. “We would love the opportunity to create a legacy,” Smith said. “You have to take steps at a time. In international cricket today a number of teams have touched the number one ranking and certainly we would love

that opportunity. This is the next stepping stone for us and it is a big challenge.”

If the Proteas have an obvious weak link, it is the number six slot Jacques Rudolph has yet to make his own. Although his record of three half-centuries and a hundred in 16 innings since his comeback some 12 months ago would seem to indicate his place is secure, most of these runs have come in stress-free situations, and he is yet to deliver a match-turning innings under pressure.

Ricky Ponting seemed to intimate this when he stirred things up recently by saying he doesn’t see the Proteas’ batting line-up being much stronger than India’s was last year. However, the India to which Ponting referred lost to the Aussies 4-0, going past 400 only once and past 250 only on two other occasions.

Veteran all-rounder Kallis begs to differ and is confident the batsmen will continue where they left off in England. “I know the guys are hungry to do well here. We set ourselves high standards in the UK and hopefully we can continue with those standards.”

The batting has been further weakened by JP Duminy's unfortunate injury, with Dean Elgar replacing him in the squad and Faf du Plessis likely to debut in the next Test.

While on the bowling front the pace trio will no doubt pose stiff challenges to the Aussie batsmen, Imran Tahir has yet to set the cricketing world alight and according to a recent leaked dossier of plans published in Australian papers, the Aussies plan to target the “impatient” Proteas leg-spinner.

South Africa’s Dale Steyn is ecstatic after dismissing Australian opener David Warner for four in the first innings at the Gabba. Image courtesy of cricket.co.za

If the Proteas are to win the series, they will have to play hard, uncompromising cricket in every Test. Much like against England, they’re going to have to show the mental strength to make key plays in pressure situations.

Smith realises just how important this aspect of the game is and he feels the team came a long way in that regard in the England win.

“We were able to show we can perform under pressure. When good teams play each other there are those small margins and you need to be able to handle those better than the other team to win.”

Australia, as always, will come hard at the Proteas. It’s going to be an fantastic series, and for those of us in the UK, we will need many a coffee to keep awake at work the next day!

At the time of going to print, the Proteas had posted 450 in their first innings, with tons from Amla and Kallis. However, a day's play has been lost to rain and a draw looks likely.

Time: 6.30pm – 9.00pm Includes : Brewery Tour Piper Scott Hastings /Gavin Hastings Complimentary Beer/Wine, Odd Dram Three Course Traditional Scottish Supper • Scotch Broth • Haggis –Neeps and Taties with Whisky Sauce • Crananchan – Mixture of Rasberies, Malt Whisky, Heather Honey and Whipped Cream Topped with Toasted Oats • Dram of Whisky • 65 pounds per head The party will then move on to Grassmarket to sample some of the local establishments (for own account)

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SPORT

13 November – 19 November 2012

NEWS FOR GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS

www.thesouthafrican.com

BOKS EDGE IRISH IN SCRAPPY WIN Pienaar stars as second-half turnaround sees Springboks home in Dublin

T

by ROB FLUDE HE SPRINGBOKS came from 12-3 behind at halftime to beat a plucky yet inexperienced Irish team 16-12 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. Playing possibly their worst 40 minutes of rugby this year under coach Heyneke Meyer, the Boks turned things around after the break, taking control of the match and showing patience on attack and being impenetrable on defence.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said after his team’s first away victory of the year that their inept first half performance was a major blot on the copy book, but the way they turned things around in the second half showed a vast improvement from earlier games in the year.

“We didn’t even really look at the score as such, for us it was just the way we were playing that was unacceptable – what we were doing was just not what we wanted to do.

The response we got from the team was just fantastic, it was probably the same situation we were in in Mendoza earlier in the year and we didn’t manage to pull that one through,” he said.

“In the first half the Irish put us under a bit of pressure, we probably gave them too many yards at some stages and we gave away penalties. At the beginning of this tour I said that this team needs to take it to the next level and I thought we did that in the second half. We still need to improve, but the fact we didn’t concede any tries

is a positive,” he said.

Coach Meyer echoed De Villiers’ sentiments, saying the Boks would have lost this game at the beginning of the year, highlighting that the team had definitely improved as a unit in his first five months in charge, as they start to understand the structures he has put in place and learn to play with one another.

“When we played Argentina away we had to come from behind and draw and we really learned from that and it was an awesome performance in the second half,” he said of the win against Ireland. “I am very happy with the youngsters.

This means more than beating Australia at home.

“I thought Ireland were superb in the first half, they turned us around by kicking behind us and really put the pressure on us. Not to concede any points in the second half was a great performance, obviously we have high standards and want to do better,” he added.

The Boks had the overseas-based duo of Ruan Pienaar (Ulster, Ireland) and Francois Louw (Bath, England) to thank for their improved second stanza. Pienaar scored the only try of the match with an opportunistic break at a ruck on the Irish line to crash over under the posts in the 45th minute, while flyhalf Pat Lambie goaled 11 points with the boot through a conversion and three penalties.

Louw put in a staggering 16 tackles on the night, with his back row partners Willem Alberts (12 tackles) and Duane Vermeulen

PURE PIENAAR: Scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar crashes over for the only try of the match between the Springboks and Ireland on Saturday. Photo by Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association Images.

(13 tackles) also fronting up. All in all, the Boks made 141 tackles, missing only nine, so a 94% tackling efficiency rate is nothing to be sneered at. Granted, the Irish were missing the likes of Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Stephen Ferris, but this should not detract from the overall defensive effort.

The Boks did concede 15 penalties and a yellow card, so their discipline will definitely need to be improved upon, as the players adjusted to the new laws, particularly those at scrum time.

The Boks move to Edinburgh this week, where on Saturday they face a Scottish team who were put to the sword by the All Blacks on

Sunday, losing 51-22. The time might be right for Meyer to make a few selection changes, with Juan de Jongh and Lwazi Mvovo likely to come into the number 13 and 11 jerseys respectively, with centre Jaco Taute moving to the fullback position displacing Zane Kirchner, and Francois Hougaard dropping from the wing to the bench.

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