The South African, Issue 523, 16 July 2013 by The South African

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16 - 22 July 2013

Issue 523

EXPAT JAILED FOR UK MONEY LAUNDERING

| A South African expat has been convicted and jailed in the UK for money laundering part of the proceeds of a £5.7 million international fraud scheme that conned 14,000 people by STAFF REPORTER

BRADLEY Rogers, 29, who had been working for an international fraudster in Spain, was extradited to the UK last year in order to stand trial alongside four other suspects. Last month the former Durbanite was convicted of money laundering but cleared of charges of conspiracy to defraud. On Friday Rogers, who holds dual British and South African citizenship, was sentenced at the Ipswich Crown Court to two years and 10 months in jail. During the trial, which lasted more than two months, the jury heard how 14,000 people were conned in escort agency and debt elimination scams. The jury heard how Rogers had chosen names for fake escort agencies such as Diamond Companions and Escortopi and booked advertisements in national newspapers in Britain. Prospective escorts paid £300 to sign up to be companions on nonsexual dinner dates but they got no business in return. Other victims, who owed money to credit card companies, were fleeced by paying upfront fees in the hope of eliminating their debts. The case was investigated by Suffolk Trading Standards, which had received complaints from people who did not receive the service they had paid for. It turned into the biggest case of its kind ever taken on by the local

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authority, with the inquiry lasting more than three years. Rogers’ former boss, Tony Muldoon, who was also extradited to the UK from Spain, pleaded guilty to two offences of conspiracy to defraud and was jailed for seven years and five months. The prosecution alleged that Rogers had acted as Muldoon’s “lieutenant”. Since 2010 Rogers had worked for Muldoon in Spain, helping to crew his luxury yacht, Caribbean Lady, on the Costa del Sol. The experienced sailor provided yacht charters along with his British girlfriend through his website www.wildbrad.com, on which he is described as ‘well educated, well-travelled and extremely driven’. Rogers reportedly surrendered control of his bank account to Muldoon and was said to have illegally processed £715 000 through the account between October 2007 and September 2010, knowing it was the proceeds of crime. Judge Rupert Overbury told the former Queensburgh Boys’ School pupil, “Without those who are prepared to launder the proceeds of fraud, the success of such criminal enterprises would be limited. You willingly laundered sums of money for no other reason than personal greed.” However, Rogers’ defence lawyer Matthew Dance contended that Rogers handed over control

INSIDE:

p2 | Trailer for new Mandela biopic released ahead of his 95th birthday p10 | Londoners queue around the block at Steers UK opening in Clapham p12 | Saffas in Uniform: British Army explosives expert, Sgt Brad Blackwood

Bradley Rogers will spend 34 months in jail for his involvement in defrauding 14,000 people in escort agency and debt elimination scams.

of his account because of his lack of business experience and immaturity. Dance told the jury that Rogers had been unaware of the illegal activities of his boss and had only been acting on the instructions he

was given when he helped set up the escort agency business. “He did not know what was really going on. He was a victim of this affair. He became involved believing that he was doing nothing wrong,” Dance said.

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| 16 - 22 July 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

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Mandela biopic trailer released ahead of his 95th birthday

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| The long-awaited trailer for Nelson Mandela’s biopic has finally been made public – and British actor Idris Elba is already tipped for an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the father of the nation by PAULA BARANOWSKA

THE first official trailer of the much-anticipated film adaptation of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom was released on Friday, just under a week before Mandela’s 95th birthday on Thursday 18 July. The one minute teaser shows Idris Elba, who plays the apartheid icon, walking up a grassy hill bathed in the golden light of sunset, already an elder man, with children running

around him. The breathtaking aerial view is presumably meant to be near Mandela’s rural home in Qunu, Eastern Cape. In a voiceover, Elba, who seems to have mastered Mandela’s characteristic tone of voice, says, “I have walked a long walk to freedom. It has been a lonely road and it is not over yet. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of their skin. People learn to hate. They can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the

human heart.” Although the film has not yet been seen by critics, there is already talk of a potential Oscar nomination for Elba’s portrayal of Mandela. The film is directed by Jason Chadwick, who previously did The Other Boleyn Girl, and is co-produced by Anant Singh and Harvey Weinstein of The Weinstein Company. The movie co-stars Skyfall Bond girl Naomie Harris as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and also features South African stars including Tony Kgoroge as Walter

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Sisulu, Fana Mokoena as Govan Mbeki and Riaad Moosa as Ahmed Kathrada. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is due to be released in South Africa on 6 December 2013, and on 3 January 2014 in the United Kingdom. Scan the QR code to watch the trailer now thesouthafrican.com /news

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Graeme Joffe has been involved in South African sports journalism for many years. Between 1992 and 1999 he was a presenter on CNN’s World Sport. Joffe then worked as a freelance journalist in Sydney before returning to South Africa and working for SuperSport and Highveld Stereo Follow the sometimes controversial, always engaging Graeme Joffe @Joffersmyboy or see www.townshiptv.co.za

Until 30 Sept 2013 Africa Entsha UK Tour: South African a capella quartet Africa Entsha are touring the UK over the next three months, including a return to the Edinburgh Fringe. At the heart of their shows are Zulu songs full of rhythm, style and spirit. http://africa-entsha.weebly.com 31 Jul 2013 Saracens Rugby Club South African Open Evening: Join Saracens for a glass of wine and a boerewors roll at the new Allianz Park. You will also be in with a chance to win a pair of season tickets! hiltonfreund@saracens.net Allianz Park, London 13 September 2013 The Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day: Spend the day with friends while supporting the outstanding work being done by all our benefitting charities in South Africa. Packages available from £225 (individual) for 18 holes, shirt, braai, gala dinner, Saracens ticket sponsored by Saracens Rugby for 18th October 2013 Heineken Cup match. Foxhills, Surrey sagolfday.com For more events and details: www.thesouthafrican.com/events

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thesouthafrican.com | 16 - 22 July 2013 |

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South African appointed head of United Nations Women | In August, former SA Deputy President takes over as head of one of the world’s most powerful gender rights bodies by PAULA BARANOWSKA

UNITED Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-Moon announced on Wednesday that former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has been nominated the new Executive Director of UN Women, a body leading UN’s work on advancing gender equality and women’s rights. Mlambo-Ngcuka, 57, is expected to start her new job in August. “Mlambo-Ngcuka brings to this position a wealth of experience in advocating for women’s issues with a combination of strategic leadership, consensus building and hands-on management experience,”

The ‘alien’ corpse of Nature’s Valley: autopsy dispels haze of rumour | An autopsy quashes speculation that extraterrestrials have come to Nature’s Valley by PAULA BARANOWSKA SOME residents of South Africa’s Garden Route thought that a strange-looking body with a long, thin torso found in the Eastern Cape last Monday belonged to an extraterrestrial creature. Other ideas of what the discovery near the famous Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump could be included a donkey, a tokoloshe and a badly shrivelled “dead dog.” Some jokingly described it as a Die Antwoord groupie, an axed cabinet minister or “Kate Moss sunburnt in Plettenberg Bay.” Speculation was rife until Dr Magdalena Braum of The Crags Veterinary Clinic carried

out an autopsy and confirmed that it was a baboon. “It was a newborn female baboon, with umbilical cord still attached to her body. It was most likely killed by a bite through her scull soon after birth, possibly infanticide, which is very common in some primate species when a new male takes over the troop,” she said. Dr Braum explained that the body was misshapen and mummified because it had been carried by the mother after death, which is quite common in baboon troops, when females carry deceased infants sometimes for as long as three to four weeks by their tail section before finally discarding them.

Cabinet reshuffle denounced as Zuma ‘cronyism’ and wasted opportunity | The shock Cabinet reshuffle announced by South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma last week has been described by the opposition as the umpteenth failure to put good governance above cronyism by SILVIA BANCO PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday afternoon, axing three ministers – Communications Minister Dina Pule, Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale, and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Richard Baloyi, while Transport Minister Ben Martins became the new energy minister, swapping portfolios with Dipuo Peters. While ANC alliance partners COSATU have welcomed the changes, opposition parties — including the Democratic

Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party and Agang SA — have questioned why certain ministers survived the reshuffle. Zuma was criticised for retaining Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson. The opposition parties have also lamented the fact that the presidency hasn’t provided any explanation for the new appointments. Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj replied to the criticism by pointing out that, “The president of the republic does not need to provide reasons. He uses his

said a UN spokesperson. Mlambo-Ngcuka first became a Member of Parliament in 1994 chairing the Public Service Portfolio Committee and was the first female deputy president of South Africa between 2005 to 2008, under Thabo Mbeki’s government. She was also Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry (1996-1999), Minister of Minerals and Energy (19992005). In 2008 she created the Umlambo Foundation, which aims to provide support for education in impoverished areas in South Africa through mentorship and coaching for teachers and in Malawi through “That explains the unusually long and narrow mid-body segment. Other measurements are normal for a baboon infant,” she added. However, Dr Braum did not manage to convince everyone. SANParks ranger Llewellyn Dixon, whose 17-year-old son Curt-Leigh made the initial discovery, said that many residents “still wonder.” “The teeth did not seem like a baboon. While the head was slack, the legs were still very rigid. Some people still don’t believe it is a baboon,” he said.

prerogative when appointing members to the national executive.” The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed President Jacob Zuma for his decisions, saying he should have put good governance above “cronyism” and sacked underperforming ministers. In a statement released by the DA, the party’s parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko said, “This should have been an opportunity for the president of the republic to stamp out poor governance, which has been the mainstay of his administration, and replace all poor performing ministers with competent and dedicated individuals”. Mazibuko said the DA welcomed Pule’s removal, who is currently being investigated by Parliament’s Ethics Committee and the South African Police Service. But she added there was little sense in axing Sexwale while Mthethwa, JoematPettersson and Shabangu remained.

school improvements with local partners. Mlambo-Ngcuka was also Young Women’s Coordinator for the World Young Women’s Christian Association in Geneva

(1984-1986) and served as the first President of the Natal Organisation of Women, an affiliate of the United Democratic Front. She holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy in Educational Planning and Policy from the University of Cape Town (2003) and a BA in Education from the University of Lesotho (1980).

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| 16 - 22 July 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

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Rising Stars - Celebrating Youth and the Future

by HEATHER WALKER

ON Tuesday evening Brand South Africa hosted Rising Stars, a London event that celebrated South Africa’s youth and future leaders at home and abroad. Inspiring speakers included leading baritone Njabulo Madlala,of Amazwi Omzansi Productions; Leigh Meinert, ambassador and fundraiser for non-profit business school Tsiba Africa; Ubuntu Education Fund scholar Andile Mkonto and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Asanda Jezile.

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1960 – Sharpeville opens the ‘silent Sixties’ Nelson Mandela’s Living Legacy IN April 1959, militant Africanists dissatisfied with the ANC’s united front approach founded the PanAfrican Congress (PAC); Mandela’s friend Robert Sobukwe was elected president, though Mandela thought the group “immature” due to its explicitly Black Africanist conception of liberation in South Africa. Mandela thought this a limited view compared to the ANC’s far-sighted principle of non-racial liberation. However, the parties had many goals in common and both campaigned for an antipass campaign in May 1960, in which Africans burned the passes that they were legally obliged to carry. One of the PAC-organized demonstrations was fired upon by

police, resulting in the deaths of 69 protesters: Sharpeville. This single massacre changed everything, both inside and outside the country. The shootings at Sharpeville put the match to a keg of longstanding resentment among non-whites, and rioting broke out across South Africa. Meanwhile, abroad, many commentators who had hitherto refrained from denouncing Apartheid outright now did so, and the anti-Apartheid movement in the West began in earnest. Mandela publicly burned his pass as rioting broke out across South Africa, leading the government to proclaim martial law. Under the State of Emergency, Mandela and other activists were arrested on 30 March and imprisoned without charge in the Pretoria Local prison, while the ANC and PAC were banned in April. This made it difficult for their lawyers to reach them, and it was agreed that the defence team for the Treason Trial should withdraw in protest. Representing themselves in

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court, the accused were freed from prison when the state of emergency was lifted in late August. Mandela used his free time to organise an All-In African Conference near Pietermaritzburg, Natal, in March, at which 1,400 anti-apartheid delegates met, agreeing on a stay-at home protest to mark 31 May, the day South Africa became a republic. On 29 March 1961, after a six-year trial, the judges produced a verdict of not guilty, embarrassing the government.

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| 16 - 22 July 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

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Londoners queue around the block for UK’s first Steers burgers | South Africans rave about their first taste of Steers in London by MELLISSA MALLAYA-PANDYA

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SOMETHING lekker is in the air. South Africans in the UK asked and now its here. Walking up to Steers on its official opening day, I was not at all surprised at the queue that has reached well around the corner. A two-minute walk from one of London’s busiest stations, there were patrons from all over London. CEO Kevin Hedderwick flew in from Johannesburg. He greeted us with a warm smile and insight into Steers’ UK arrival. I asked him why he decided to bring Steers to the UK and Clapham Junction in particular. “We have spent the last two years researching sites. The site had to be perfect,” he explained. ”This location ticked all the boxes and with a large South African community living in the area from which to draw this is a fantastic site. We also had to have a passionate and committed franchise partner to help us launch the brand, which we found in the extraordinary Odile Ham and her son Michael. This Steers look too is new in that it reflects the brand new footprint we have just begun rolling out in SA. “We have always been convinced about our ability to export the Steers brand and so Clapham is our maiden launch. Depending on the success of Clapham, which has already surprised us, we plan to expand the brand’s presence in the UK. However we understand that is going to be a marathon rather than a sprint and will embark on any further rollout plans cautiously. We understand that we have only one chance to get it right so to speak.” Chief Marketing Officer Derrian Nadauld who also flew in from Johannesburg said he was

“overwhelmed with the with the public support which was not only South Africans. The Steers flame grilled burger is a product that delivers. ” It’s all in the tasting! So I decided to ask a few of the eager Steers fans waiting in line. Faith originally from Cape Town, came over from Sutton with her partner Shane. “I saw that Steers was opening when I read The South African newspaper. We like eating Steers in SA. Our favourite is the Steers cheeseburger. ” A gorgeous group of ladies made a day of it with baby in tow. Olivia and Kim from Durban travelled from Wimbledon. ” We saw the opening details on Facebook. Love Steers.” Melissa and Tanya from Surrey said, “The chips are amazing, it certainly brings back memories of home after a good night out.” Kelly, Gareth and two-year-old Max travelled from West Norwood. “Last time we visited South Africa, Max had his

first Steers burger!” Mahendra, originally from Durban, brought along Hungarian Susanna. The Steers bug has bitten Susanna after having it in SA. “We live in Clapham so this is perfect. King Steer burger and the chips are the best.” Sello, Adelaide and baby Tumelo raved about it post meal. “Adelaide was a manager of Steers in South Africa. We know the menu by heart and hope they expand the menu, as everything at Steers is delicious! The chips and ice cream are the same as in South Africa and that puts a smile on Tumelo’s lips,” said Sello. After all of these reviews we gave it a go and hubby Paresh, who is English but got his first taste of Steers last year, loved it. “The burger cooked to perfection and the sauces were great!” As we were on our way out, a huge “Hoo Hah” went off as the team had reached the 500 mark giveaway of 1,000 burgers and Coke.

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For South African wines, the glass is half full | As South African wines become ever more competitive, a group of small, exclusive wine producers joined together to promote the best of South African grapes in London Newton Johnson Vineyards: by SERTAN SANDERSON

FEW things in life lend as much to interpretation and subjective views as wine does. Yet it is remarkable that South African wines continue to climb in popularity and are beginning to reap the compliments they have long deserved. This is in no small part borne out of the efforts of the Cape wine producers, who are promoting their wines and harvesting their grapes all at the same time, showing the kind of dedication that you only see in few professions. A choice few of South Africa’s wine producers recently came to London to present their latest vintage at the “Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa” (PIWOSA) Tasting Event, supported by Decanter and SA Wines Online. It would be impossible to discuss

(let alone remember) every last bottle opened at the lavish soiree held on the South Bank, but here are some personal – and therefore biased – recommendations from the event. Cederberg Cellar: BUKKETTRAUBE, 2012 A tasty, tangy wine with a surprisingly fizzy acidity on the tongue. Made from a rarely used grape, Bukkettraube is certainly a favourite for the more gimmicky wine connoisseurs. Jordan Wine Estate: CHENIN BLANC, 2012 Though known for his awardwinning “Nine Yards” Chardonnay, Gary Jordan managed to nail this South African classic with beautiful precision and classic elegance.

CHARDONNAY, 2012 Though less affiliated with South African soil, the Cape Chardonnay is slowly pacing itself into our lives and this is a great example of a nice, oakey Chardonnay, which in my opinion should always be served with a single ice cube. Mulderbosch Vineyards: FAITHFUL HOUND, 2010 A sensual blend evoking dinner-for-two moments with a complexity of grapes that seem to intermingle upon first taste. Raats Family Wines: CABERNET FRANC, 2011 Continually awarded as the best Cabarnet Franc from South Africa, this vintage can certainly keep up with its international competition. It leaves you with the moreish kind of tarty feeling on your tongue that only wine can produce. Mullineux Family Wines: STRAW WINE, 2012 Mullineux is a great example of a successful family business with a great variety of wines from a small holding. But this dessert wine is something else altogether. Almost like nectar from raisins, this sweet concoction is the perfect closer to every dinner party. Most of these wines can be found on the SA Wines Online web portal.

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KAREN DE VILLIERS

Dearest Mr. Mandela I need to tell you, that I have thought about this letter for a long time now. Part of me feels that if I write this, I add my name to the genre of ‘I have no name for them right now’, and that is the last thing I want to do. And yet I feel a need to apologise to you (an apology you will never read or hear but that does not matter) for the unpleasant attention forced on you at this time. It is a strange thing, tragedy; folks just seem to gravitate towards it. It is like the rising of the ugliness in human nature when something or someone else is in trouble, or makes the headlines for whatever reason.

My letter of apology to Mr. Nelson Mandela Whenever there is suffering around, they smell the blood. And then the vultures appear. Ever guarding, ever ready for some piece of the action. I find that so strange about humans; throw a tragic incident into the ring, and you will find all sorts of characters congregating at the ropes. Strangers claiming to be ‘close and intimate friends’, advisors who have life experiences none can understand – ‘Ah, I know, I understand.’ Buffoons they are. Then there are the nosy bodies, like bobbing meerkats, totally overexcited at the prospect of being the first to hear the gory details. They have all been around for centuries. The really sad thing? Now they are spilling into your world. Does the way you chose to live your life make you public property once you have chosen to retreat to the shadows? Indeed, these are dark days when strangers rise to vent as if important, when your own family is writing an African play that would make any Greek tragedy seem feeble by comparison? They have no right. No right to discuss memorial services and television rights

in public. No right to ‘honour’ you with financial gain. There is talk of ‘golden locks’ in homage, Queens and Kings vying for seats – all too vile to contemplate. In all this circus-driven farce, your wife Grace (Graça) has personified her name, and to her too, I want to apologise. You have lived your life with dignity, and now it seems it is the one thing you are not entitled to. I hope you are not aware. I hope that you are dreaming of lovely things. That you are quietly contemplating the good achieved, remembering a song or times with friends who understood you. I hope you know that you are special and have encouraged some to continue your work. I hope you know that your road, less travelled, brings light. Pomp and ceremony will fade. Fools will remain fools. They will have their fifteen minutes of fame, but you, dear, sweet man, will go as quietly into that good night, as you made your presence in my life. I apologise for what they do. I thank you for who you are. Yours sincerely, Karen

| 16 - 22 July 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

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FANIE os oppie jas

FANIE VAN DER MERWE

Oor die laaste wals

OP 23 Augustus 1998 het ‘n Air Gabon-straler my by Gatwick afgelaai, waar ‘n trein my ingesluk en by Victoria-stasie uitgespoeg het. En daar, op platform 7, het ek die eerste keer haar ritme gevoel. Sy het nie te danig beïndruk met my gelyk nie – ek was per slot van sake net een van duisende wat elke dag aan haar voorgestel word – maar desnieteenstaande het sy my in haar arms geneem en vir die eerste keer haar daaglikse dansie met my begin uitvoer. Aanvanklik het dit maar beroerd met ons dansery gegaan. Ek het immers nie ‘n enkele persoon geken nie, niks besit nie, en nie eers geweet waar ek daai eerste aand my kop sou neerlê nie. Ek het oor geen noemenswaardige werksondervinding beskik nie en my wêreldbeskouing was, om die minste te sê, naïef, en boonop uiters beperk. Maar sy was geduldig en sy het my telkens my foute vergewe. Mettertyd kon ek begin antisipeer in watter rigting sy my volgende sou druk, en ons het inderdaad gemáklik in mekaar se teenwoordigheid begin voel. Ek het nuwe vriende gemaak, in Walthamstow, Leyton, Turnpike Lane en Southfields. Ek het ook ‘n vaste betrekking gekry wat (net-net) genoeg ponde verskaf het om die geleenthede wat sy so mildelik bied, na behore te kon benut. ‘n Paar maande na ons eerste ontmoeting het ek netjies begin inval by haar skoffelbewegings. Later het ons passies meer kompleks

geraak, en nóg later het sy selfs haar slag met ‘n wye verskeidenheid dansstyle begin toon. By die Royal Opera House en die statige teaters van die West End het ons grasieuse balletpassies gemaak. By die Dankfees en by Ukkasie het ék háár geleer om te sokkie en by die Wembley Arena en by Camden Market het ons saam-saam ons nekke styf geheadbang. En dan was daar die tye wat ons nes malkoppe los gedans het, soos by die vuurwerkvertonings op oujaarsaand langs die Teems, of op wolklose somersdae in Hyde Park. Soms het ons net langsaam heen en weer gewieg op die talmende maat van ‘n hartseerlied. Die dag toe die bomme ontplof het, 7 Julie 2005, was een só ‘n dag. En soms moes ons vir ‘n wyle heeltemal ophou dans, omdat sy net eers vir ‘n rukkie wou gesels. Dit het in die Tate Modern voor Ai Weiwei se kunswerke gebeur. Dit het ook in Covent Garden voor ‘n groep Hare Krishnas gebeur, en dit het in Oxfordstraat gebeur toe die meisie van Amnesty International die skille voor my oë weggevat het. Met die verloop van die jare het ek begin glo dat my en haar passies perfek gesinchroniseer was, maar telkens, nét wanneer ons dansery blote roetine begin word het, het sy op my toon getrap, of ek op haar rokspant. Ek sal nooit vergeet hoe ellendig ek gevoel het toe daar by my kar ingebreek is nie, of hoe my bloed gekook het toe ‘n spreker by

Speakers’ Corner my as ‘n rassis uitgekryt het, bloot op grond van my onlosmaaklike verbintenis met die land van my herkoms. Maar wat ek straks die meeste van haar danslesse waardeer, is dat sy my gewys het hoe om met myself te dans. Om te dans asof niemand kyk nie. Om die relatiewe anonimiteit wat sy bied, tot my voordeel te gebruik. Om idees en ideologieë te ondersoek en te beoordeel, vry van die berispende blik van oom so-en-so en tannie die-en-daai. Om ‘n kritiese denker te word, weg van die vermanende oog van ‘n Afrikanergemeenskap. Sy het my geleer om myself te aanvaar en meer belangrik, om ánder te aanvaar. Want soos sy altyd sê: “daar is niks wat jou beter as enigiemand anders maak nie. Ook nie slegter nie. Net anders.” Sy het nie net my oë oopgemaak nie. Sy het inderdaad my kóp oopgemaak. En nou berei ek my voor vir my laaste wals met haar, want op die horison staan ‘n nuwe dansmaat op my en wag. En dis met vertroue wat ek die nuweling tegemoet stap, veilig in die wete dat háár passies my nie sal kan ontsenu nie. Ek sien uit na my ontmoeting met my nuwe minnares, maar die trane lê vlak wanneer ek aan ons eersdaagse afskeid dink. Want my eerste liefde sal ek nooit vergeet nie. En ek gaan haar mis. O hel, ek gaan haar mis. * Nou ja, dit was dan die laaste Fanie Os Oppie Jas. Dankie

WANT TO RETURN TO SA? We will find you a GREAT NEW JOB! FREIGHT: PROJECT MANAGER Gauteng or Durban Global clearing and forwarding company is looking for a Project Manager, experienced in securing and managing of large projects. If you want the opportunity to be involved in exciting projects and travel within Africa, this is the opportunity for you! R60 000 pm Laila Charles lcharles@communicate.co.za ENGINEERING: PAVEMENT ENGINEER Gauteng Join medium-size consultancy with focus on rewarding/promoting staff. Pavement design, multi-layer design/pavement modelling. Road assessments, analyse lab results, prep. pavement design reports. BSc/ BEng/BTech Civil Eng. Min 4-7 years exp. R650 000 - R450 000 pa Sarah Kirkman response@communicate.co.za FINANCE: FINANCIAL MANAGER – COMMERCIAL Joburg Join an internat. recognised co. where you will form part of dynamic, operationally focused finance team in the FMCG/manuf. indus. Drive business profitability through strategic analysis of business strengths. R900 000 - R750 000 pa R Tambourlas rtambourlas@communicate.co.za

For more career opportunities, visit:

www.communicate.co.za

Grant Hawthorne’s Cape Style braai marinade

| This spicy, yet flavourful marinade will serve you well all summer!

This is a recipe which gives a flavour of Cape Town. It is something I’ve used for many years and works well with meat products (beef/ chicken/ pork or lamb). I use it for basting the burgers I serve at Maltby Street on Saturdays. Sufficient for 10 persons.

Braai marinade Ingredients: • 400ml Tomato sauce • 300ml Fruit chutney • 50ml Worcestershire sauce • 100ml Soy sauce • 500g Onion diced • 80g Garlic chopped • 150ml Olive oil • 200ml Red wine • 100ml Cola • 50g BBQ spice • 50g Cracked white pepper • 80g Maldon salt

• 80g Chopped thyme • 30g Paprika • 10g Chopped Chillies (optional) Method: • Mix thoroughly and leave to rest in the fridge for 30minutes. • Pour liberally over the meat and marinade for at least 3 hours prior to the cooking. • When cooking, baste liberally with the remaining marinade.

thesouthafrican.com | 16 - 22 July 2013 |

Business

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Nadav Kander Internationally acclaimed portrait and landscape photographer BULLET BIOGRAPHY Born: 1961, Tel Aviv, Israel Grew up: In Johannesburg, lived in Houghton and Bramley Education: King David Linksfield, Woodmead College Lives in: London with his wife Nicole and their three children Career highlights: Has photographed such famous people as Sir ian McKellen, David Lynch, Michael Fassbender, Barack Obama, Matt Lucas, Hilary Clinton, Paul McCartney and Brad Pitt. His work is included in collections of the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A Museum and many other galleries.

by JEREMY KUPER HOW did you get into photography? I was about 12 I think, I went to my friend’s house, his name was Brett Yudelman. And his dad, I never really realised, was a keen photographer. In their playroom, there was a photograph there that his dad had done and was block mounted in the way that everybody did in the 70s, and I remember the effect it had on me. It was a moving picture of a graveyard, which sounds quite trite, but it was sandwiched with another negative of a tunnel and so this graveyard became underground, had duality. I can still remember the picture, I can still remember where it hung, and that was the moment that I got very attracted to photography. I then got a camera with the money I got for my bar mitzvah and when I started taking pictures, Mr Yudelman took me into the dark room and printed them with me. And it was that man who started me off.

When did you decide to become a professional photographer? After school I worked in a bar in Cape Town and went to the Air Force. I was a printer in the Air Force, I did black and white printing in a dark room for my full two years of military service. I’d had a very serious motorbike accident and couldn’t do any running or anything. So I kind of got off basics, but I had a really messed up knee. And it was really that knee occurrence that cemented my photography, because before that I might have gone into something to do with motorbikes. I might have gone wrong. I’ve always been the kind of person who’s wholeheartedly into one thing, it might have branches but there’s always a central thing. It was motorbikes, then I fell off badly and then I returned to photography. And the day I came out of the Air Force, literally the next day I started assisting for a photographer called Harry De Zitter, but that only lasted about four months. And he advised me ‘go to England if you want to work for the best’. So I left apartheid and came to England in 1982, all on my own. I was 21. I didn’t

know anybody, except for one guy, and his sister had a hotel here and she gave me a room in the basement. And I think I lived there for about a year in NW1 and tried to get a job. You didn’t come to London for any political reasons? Well I didn’t have to go, because I’d done the Air Force, so I wasn’t running away. I wasn’t being beaten up by the police. I don’t think I was very happy in South Africa and I wasn’t happy because of the unfairness and the aggression. But I think I did always want to leave subconsciously and I think once I came here I was much happier… but my reason for coming was more photographic than political. It seems to me that having a camera and taking photographs to becoming a successful photographer must be a huge leap. How did that work for you? Well they were very different times the ‘80s. In 1982 when I arrived I tried to get a job, it was probably a year before I got one, and then I stayed with that person for three or four years. And then when an agent saw my work, he really wanted me to join him, and it really changed from then on, it was very quick. Within two or three years I was doing really quite big campaigns, and I was only 27 or 28, so it happened quite quickly for me. Most people who did well in London at that time had worked for other studios that were very well known. People always came out of John Claridge, or Lester Bookbinder, all these great photographers, that was the system. I came out of nowhere really and started doing well quite quickly, I can’t really explain why, but it was very different then, because photography was so much more of a craft than it is now. The craft element really left when art got more attached to photography as a medium. And as photography became accepted as art, really widespread, it also

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

Vincent Ebrahim

Right-handed England, Surrey and Delhi Daredevils batsman and off spin bowler

Kumars at No. 42 personality, actor of stage and screen

became much harder to do well, because suddenly it opened up to a much bigger mass audience, you didn’t need that craft base anymore. You mean the actual technicalities of working with film and so on? Are much less important now. It’s open to masses of people. You can buy a camera that won’t be much worse than anything I’ve got now. I used to have certain lenses that were handpicked and the type of film I used and how I developed my film was very personalised. So it’s become much more attainable to take good pictures. Plus

Photoshop can save terrible pictures and make them quite interesting. So what you’re saying applies much more now than it did when I started and I feel quite fortunate really that I rose earlier than the digital age. I think it would be daunting now, I mean the amount of good work that comes through on my computer, through email on blogs, Journal of Photography, and different blogs that I look at, is frightening. Popular imagery does airbrush any sort of truth away, so you are bombarded by this dross around you. And [you] can shine easily from that, but the amount of work that does shine is a lot.

Business

| 16 - 22 July 2013 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews

Good news on UK Family Migration Judgment

by STAFF REPORTER

BIC had a number of questions from clients after the UK High Court found earlier this month that the controversial UK immigration rules requiring a minimum income of at least £18,600 for spouse visa applications, as ‘unjustified and disproportionate’ where the sponsor is a refugee or a British citizen. The UK Home Office said in response to the judgement that it will ‘pause’ all applications that would have been refused on the grounds of the income threshold not being met, and that they will make a further announcement in due course. Below are some frequently asked questions on the issue” Is it still possible to apply for a spouse/partner or child application under the UK family migration rules? Yes, it is, but if you do not meet the minimum income threshold, the UK Home Office will ‘pause’ consideration of your application, until further notice.

However, applications that will be refused based on the other requirements not being met, such as the English language requirement, and that the relationship must be genuine and subsisting, will be continued to be processed and decided as normal. What happens if I do meet the minimum income threshold requirement? If you do meet the minimum income threshold requirement, your application will be considered as usual, and should you fulfil all the other requirements, you should be successful in your application. How long will this ‘pause’ in considerations of applications that do not meet the income requirement be? We have no further information in this regard, but will inform clients as soon as the UK Home Office makes a further announcement in this regard. For more information, please contact our offices at info@bic-immigration. com or phone us in London on 0845 074 0514. JP Breytenbach Director of BIC, Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited. www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com

WORLDWIDE TAX SOLUTIONS

Is your tax situation a mess?

Rand shows signs of stabilisation

by COURTNEY HUMPHRISS

It was felt, last Thursday, that there might be some residual momentum from the US Central Bank remaining accommodative to help carry the USD-ZAR through support at 9.8700. This did not materialise and instead the trend line held firm for what was a third failed attempt to break to the downside and generate a larger reversal. This correction in the USD helped the Rand to recover to end the week at 9.81 USD/ZAR. Although there was a great deal of worry about this last week, other factors that might contribute to the stabilisation of the Rand, is a consolidation in commodity markets like gold and platinum and the news that China was set to achieve growth of 7% for 2013. This will help support the commodity currencies. It is too soon to tell if commodity prices will resume a steady up trend but the outlook seems positive. We look forward to this week where SARB will be giving a speech on their stance around the high probability of the inflation rate exceeding the mark 6.5%. Marcus

will also talk about the inability of the Rand to stage a recovery and uncertainty over international monetary policies will take the stage at the SARB speech. Tomorrow we see the Euro-zone Consumer price index data being released which could be a key gauge for inflation. Given South Africa’s close trading relationship with Europe, this will be a big headline to look out for. GBP / ZAR: 14.98 EUR / ZAR: 12.96 USD / ZAR: 9.93 NZD / ZAR: 7.75 Exchange rates as at 8.42am (GMT), 15 July 2013. :: Note: The above exchange rates are based on “interbank” rates. Make use of a Rate Notifier to send you alerts when the South African exchange rate reaches levels you are looking for. For expert financial advice on tax, foreign exchange and more, make ‘first contact with us at 1stcontact.com Brought to you by

Call 0808 168 2055

Summer Sizzlers SA Shop Directory Biltong Direct Unit 1 Queensway House, Kings Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0QY. Tel.: 01268 685 728 www. biltongdirect.co.uk sales@biltongdirect.co.uk

Limpopo Butchers 9 Horn Lane, Acton, LONDON W3 9NJ. Tel.: 020 8993 8823 www. thesaffashop.com limpopobutchers@gmail.com

The Savanna 20-22 Worple Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 4DH 0208 971 9177 www.thesavanna.co.uk wimshop@thesavanna.co.uk

Allow WWTS to clean up for you! A World Wide Tax Solution Company is the answer to all your tax problems and needs.

St Marcus 1-3 Rockingham Close, Priory Lane, off Upper Richmond Road West, Roehampton, London SW15 5RW. Tel.: 0208 878 1898 www.biltongstmarcus.co.uk sales@biltongstmarcus.co.uk

The African Corner TA21 8LS. Tel.: 01823 619184 www.theafricancorner.co.uk theafricancorner@yahoo.co.uk

WWTS CAN OFFER:  Administer and enforce laws of taxation within the UK and Internationally  Advice and consult on all matters of taxation  Accountancy Services and Formation of companies  20 years South African tax experience

Contact: Teresa Tel: 07789952025 Email: teresa@worldwidetax.co.uk Website: www.worldwidetax.co.uk

The Chichester Biltong Co. Units 4 & 7, Woodhorn Business Centre, Woodhorn Lane, Oving, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 2BX. Tel.: 01243 699 722 www.biltongcompany.co.uk info@biltongcompany.co.uk

Snoggy’s 367 Upper Richmond Road Putney, London, SW15 5QJ Telephone: 020 8876 2050 www.snoggys.com snoggyswebsite@gmail.com

thesouthafrican.com | 16 - 22 July 2013 |

Business

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FOOD & DRINK NO1 SOUTH AFRICAN SHOP Lots of lekker stuff for a taste of home. Including fantastic biltong, droewors and boerewors. 5 Marlow Drive, St Catherines Hill, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2RR. The shop is about 2 miles north-west of Christchurch town centre and 6 miles north-east of Bournemouth town centre. There’s loads of free parking and the shop is easy to get to from the A338. Tel: 01202 496041 10’ish to 6pm 7 days a week. www.no1southafricanshop.co.uk

SERVICES

FOOD & DRINK SUSMAN’S BEST BEEF BILTONG CO LTD If you’re missing home give us a call, supplying you with all your favourite South African products and more. Phone: 01273 516160 Fax: 01273 51665 Web:www.biltong.co.uk Email:sales@biltong.co.uk

THE CHICHESTER BILTONG COMPANY www.biltongcompany.co.uk The best of British from a friendly bunch of South Africans who made Sussex our home. But there was one thing we couldnt live without from our native land..Biltong! So we made our own using traditional recipes handed down through generations. We only use the finest prime British beef! Get our “readers 10% EXTRA FREE” offer by using the VOUCHER CODE ‘SA10’ CRUGA Home of CRUGA biltong. Cruga’s factory shop offers a full range of South African and Zimbabwean groceries plus boerewors, droewors and of course biltong. Tel: 01908 565 432 Email: biltong@cruga.com Web: www.cruga.com Address: Tilers Rd Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, MK11 3LH CAMBRIDGE & VILLAGES Toft Shop – Village Shop & Post Office With a South African section selling all your favourite tastes from home! Pop in and pick up your treats – Biltong; Boerewors; Koeksisters; Rusks; Sweets; Chips; Groceries etc. Web: www.ToftShop.co.uk Tel: 01223 262 204. CB23 2RL

SA SHOP DIRECTORY BILTONG DIRECT Biltong Direct, in the business of making superior South African meat products since 2004. Online or from our shop (directions on website – www.biltongdirect.co.uk). Retail and wholesale sales. We manufacture Biltong, Droewors, Snap Sticks, Boerewors & Gluten and MSG free products, offer quick dispatch and a 100% Satisfaction guarantee. Call 01268-685728

THE AFRICAN CORNER Three miles off Junction 26 of the M5 in the centre of Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8LS. A family run business for your Padkos. Biltong, Boerewors, Droewors, Rusks and other Nik Naks. Pull in if you’re in the West Country or find us online at www.theafricancorner.co.uk and we’ll come to you. Email: theafricancorner@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01823 619184

LIMPOPO BUTCHERS We believe in small, well run family businesses, where quality is the number one priority. Come and try our delicious traditional recipe biltong, drywors, and boerewors, as well as aged beef steaks, chicken flatties, and succulent lamb. 9 Horn Lane, Acton, W3 9NJ Tel: 020 8993 8823 www.thesaffashop.com

SAVANNA Good friendly customer service is Savanna’s core principle. Our standards are high, and our rapidly-expanding network of shops are clean and bright and well-laid out, with friendly first-rate staff. Find us at: 20-22 Worple Road, Wimbledon London SW19 4DH Call us at: 0208 971 9177 Online: www.thesavanna.co.uk wimshop@thesavanna.co.uk

CHICHESTER BILTONG COMPANY BILTONG doesn’t get any better than this ! Arguably the best and most authentic South African biltong in the UK. WE ONLY USE ORGANIC SPICES. Our FINEST range has no e’S , gluten, sugar or preservatives. Use promo code SAFFA10 for 10% EXTRA FREE. www.biltongcompany.co.uk / 01243 699 722

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Call Exceed UK now for a no obligation discussion on +44 (0) 870 060 0996. www.exceeduk.co.uk

EMPLOYMENT

ST MARCUS One of the most amazing emporia the capital offers to the carnivorous gourmet. People have been flocking to St. Marcus for their amazing range of Biltong & Boerewors Visit us at: 1-3 Rockingham Close, Priory Lane, off Upper Richmond Road West, Roehampton, London SW15 5RW Call us at: 0208 878 1898 Online: www.biltongstmarcus.co.uk sales@biltongstmarcus.co.uk

Tel: 0208 878 1898 www.biltongstmarcus.co.uk Email sales@stmarcus.co.uk

Gold Medal Winners for Beef Biltong and Boerewors 1998. Triple Crown Winners 2010 Ostrich * Kudu * Springbok * The South African 1-3 Rockingham Close Priory Lane, Roehampton London SW15 5RW

21c Holmethorpe Avenue Holmethorpe Industrial Estate, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2NB

SNOGGY’S Our staff pride themselves on the level of personal service they offer. We have the best matured steaks top class cuts at very affordable prices. We season your meat for free and even offer cooking advice and ‘take home’ cooking instructions. We look forward to seeing you soon! www.snoggys.com snoggyswebsite@gmail.com

KALAHARI MOON The Southern African Shop in Bristol. Wide range of stock including excellent boerewors and biltong. Centrally situated, friendly service. Connecting South Africans. Tel: 0117 929 9879 Address: 88 - 91 The Covered Market. st Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JQ Email: Info@kalaharimoon.co.uk Website: www.kalaharimoon.co.uk

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Business

| 16 - 22 July 2013 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews

Sgt Brad Blackwood | Explosives Expert Name, rank and service: Brad Blackwood, Sgt, 11 Explosives Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps, British Army Length of time in current position: I was actually promoted to Sergeant on 27 June 2013 whilst I was on holiday so I have not been in this position very long. When did you arrive here in the UK? I am actually English by birth but grew up in Durban, South Africa from the age of 4. I took a gap year after finishing matric at Westville Boys’ High in 2004 that has never come to an end. I chose to take the original gap year in the UK as I already had a British passport and it would be easy for me to earn pounds and travel from there. When did you settle on the Army as a career? I was actually very happy in a job in London when IEDs started becoming the weapon of choice in Iraq and Afghanistan. I kept on reading in the papers or seeing on the news about members of the armed forces and innocent civilians being killed or receiving life-changing injuries and it really started to annoy me. I then decided I was young enough, fit enough and smart enough to join the armed forces, so I went to my nearest careers office in Holborn and told the SSgt there that I wanted to join the trade that did bomb disposal, which is how I ended up in the army as opposed to the other services. Can you (very briefly) describe your training, or the type of training someone would have to undergo to do your job? Firstly you will have to pass your basic training which for someone wishing to join the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) is 14 weeks long. From there you need to pass preselection assessments known as Ammunition Technician Careers Advisory Board tests (ATCABs) at Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search School (DEMSS) Kineton at the Army School of Ammunition in Warwickshire. If successful you will then be sent to Shrivenham School of Science near Swindon for 6 weeks, before moving to Kineton for a further 5 months where you learn the

basics of almost every piece of ammunition in service in the British Army today on what is known as your Class 2 course. If successful you then do your various driving qualifications before gaining experience working on ammunition in processing facilities, on demolition grounds and on military exercises.

With this type of high-level training, are you able to walk into a job in the private sector? Although you do not gain a degree from the various courses we are required to pass, you do have something like 70% of the points necessary to gain various degrees so it is beneficial to study using the army learning credits to get yourself the remaining marks to have a degree should you choose to leave. There are many opportunities to work as a contractor in the Middle East, on oil rigs or in the mining sector depending on what degree you wish to acquire. How would you compare the British public’s attitude towards your job to that of the SA public? I find the British public quite unwelcoming of their forces. In the countryside they tend to be very patriotic and friendly but in the major cities where immigration is at its peak, people can actually be quite hostile towards us which is a tragedy in my opinion. I feel I should be able to walk around in uniform proudly but instead I rather opt for civvies to avoid confrontation. In Germany where I am based it is far better. The public really like us and often offer us discounts inside their shops and businesses. I’m sure they would be cool about it and probably get the beers in! If you were PM for a day, what would you change? I would increase funding to ensure we have the best equipment available to combat IEDs both at home and abroad. Falling behind in the continuous race between IED maker and disposer would be detrimental to global security and would no doubt result in an increase in casualties. Do you think the MoD’s workload is suited to its budget? I feel the Government could do much more to show support for its forces. The fact that students get discounts all over the show when they do not contribute tax or National Insurance to the economy,

and we get none – despite doing the opposite and putting our lives on the line for everyone else – infuriates me. If the Germans can give us discounts in their country, then why not our own Government at home? What is the biggest public misconception about your job? People ask if we cut wires and stop digital clocks with 1 second to go on them like in the movies. Our job is nothing like that as you never encounter digital clocks and when we cut wires we aren’t dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with a ridiculously good looking woman standing by our side. The public also think we are Engineers which we are not, they wish they had our prestige! Uniform dating - yes or no? I have. It is actually really good if you do not do my job. There are many women out there who desire a man in uniform but once I say I do bomb disposal you can literally see them disappearing into the distance. What has been your most rewarding day professionally (and personally) at work? Professionally – When I was on Herrick 15 (an operation in Afghanistan’s Helman Province) an Estonian call sign attached to us stepped on an IED and was in bad shape. The Medical Emergency Response Team’s (MERT) Chinook pilot executed the greatest piece of flying I have ever seen. From the time we gave our 9-liner report to the time the soldier was in surgery in [Camp] Bastion [near Lashkar Gah, in Helmand Province] took just 14 minutes. The pilot flew in at extreme speed, barely above the trees, and he never once touched the ground as the medics jumped out the back with their gurney, secured the casualty, put him in the Chinook and then flew off. It took just seconds. The entire team was outstanding but without such a great pilot the outcome could have been different to the positive one that it was. Personally - Being asked to do a presentation at the Natal Mounted Rifles explaining what exactly it is we do in Afghan and what we experience out there. If you work a Southern African working in uniform in the UK, we would love to feature you. Please write to brett@blueskygroup.co.uk to arrange a brief interview.

thesouthafrican.com | 16 - 22 July 2013 |

Business

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Freelance writer wanted for business publication Gateway To Africa

GATEWAY To Africa, a publication focussed on South Africa as the business gateway to Africa, is looking for a journalist to contribute articles on a freelance basis. Content will include articles on South African brands, products, individuals and businesses in Africa, as well as businesses in Africa with South African head

office. This is an ideal opportunity for students or journalism graduates to build a portfolio of published work.

• Full of ideas for potential articles To apply, please send your CV and two examples of your writing to heather@blueskygroup.co.uk

Requirements: • Knowledge of South African business • Well-developed writing and interviewing skills

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Zimbabwe Community

| 16 - 22 July 2013 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews

Zimbabwean actor Lucian Msamati makes his directorial debut | Lucian Msamati brings ‘The epic adventure of Nhamo the Manyiko Warrior and his sexy wife Chipo’ to The Tricycle Theatre in London

by SANDY THOMPSON TIATA Fahodzi in association with The Tricycle Theatre present The epic adventure of Nhamo the Manyiko Warrior and his sexy wife Chipo, written by Denton Chikura. Cast and crew came together for the launch event last week to mark the start of rehearsals. The play will run from 1 – 17 August at The Tricycle Theatre. ZIMBABWEAN actor Lucian Msamati (The No1 Ladies’ Detective Agency) who is currently performing at The National Theatre in The Amen Corner alongside Marianne Jean-Baptiste

(Without a Trace), will be making his directorial debut with this production which he describes as a “Southern African type of comedy that doesn’t do subtlety, that wears its wit very openly, lightly and joyously.” African storytelling and theatrical decorum are turned on their heads in this new comedy. A desperate narrator has just 24 hours to create the ultimate African fable. The superstar cast is ready, but they are missing a hero. Suddenly, a dashing goatherd appears on the horizon…Nhamo. Is he The One? ‘The epic adventure of Nhamo

The cast of ‘Nhamo the Manyiko Warior’ at the launch: Ery Nzaramba, Lucian Msamati (director), Don Gilet, Nyasha Hatendi, Tanya Fear.

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the Manyika Warrior and his sexy wife Chipo’ is a mouthful of a theatrical title, in itself a nod to the traditional practice of oral storytelling in Southern Africa. “It’s about story-telling,” says Msamati, “It’s about show business. It’s about people’s perceptions. And the political comments it makes are poignant.” ‘Nhamo the Manyiko Warrior’ “is proper, good, joyous, riproaring comic theatre with a special heart to it,” Says Lucian, “This might be slightly controversial, but it doesn’t take itself very seriously, it’s a bit frivolous even. The audience will, I hope, appreciate the very obvious wink and nudge to now. It’s selfreferential, every bit a 21 century piece.” Nhamo the Manyiko Warrior is a play close to Msamati’s heart because of his own Zimbabwean roots. Under his artistic directorship, Tiata Fahodzi (Theatre of the Emancipated), has become a leading British African Theatre company since its foundation in 1997. The company aims to create world-class theatre reflecting the cultural experiences of Africans. Nhamo the Manyiko Warrior will be co-produced with The Tricycle Theatre. Addressing the guests at the launch, Indhu Rubasingham, artistic director of The Tricycle Theatre, endorsed Msamati’s passion for the production, “This is the kind of play this theatre is meant for.” THE world premiere of ‘The epic adventure of Nhamo the Manyiko Warrior and his sexy wife Chipo’ will run from 1-17 August at The Tricycle Theatre, Willesden. Book tickets at www.tricycle.co.uk or ring the box office on 02073281000

thesouthafrican.com | 16 - 22 July 2013 | Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthafrican

A touch of summer madness | Across the country the sun shone gloriously overhead and revealed the usual touch skills but also a few new team names came to light (from the sublime to the downright wrong)

By MIKE ABROMOWITZ ACROSS the country the sun shone gloriously overhead and revealed the usual touch skills but also a few new team names came to light (from the sublime to the downright wrong) “This is gonna be the best week EVER!” were words issued from the mouths of every touch player, as they checked their phones for the weather ahead. Monday to Sunday, all venues across London were sun-kissed creating the perfect touch setting. From Richmond to Regents Park, the warmth brought out not only touch players, but also touch supporters! Most venues piqued the passerby’s interest enough for them to pull up a piece of grass, work on their tans and watch the games in the park (not to mention the odd fit body or two). Kicking off the first week of divisional games across some venues, it was time for teams to get down to business and show their leagues what they were made of. The skills on the pitch weren’t the only thing raising eyebrows though, with new teams having decided on their names this week. They range from general references, such as to the baggy pant toting MC Hammer and his infamous Can’t Touch This to the more specific, one team implies ‘they may soon need a toilet,’ (think ‘something Cloth’). A few teams

have attempted to instill fear into their opponents. With the Putney/ Wandsworth, King George’s Park seemingly the most creative: Ralph Wiggums Wingmen, The Invisible Man, The Mythical Mooses and Ahmad’s Armadillos. Not to be outdone, Clapham Common has a fair few teams with pretty creative team names. One standout example would be the Monday night men’s team, Vintage Caravan. The team captain explains: “Vintage Caravan is a talented three-piece rock band from Reykjavik, Iceland. Their riffs are fast and they play with style. For the record, Vintage Caravan are none of the above.” Showing how much of a growing sport this is, Jim’ll Touch It, a team from Clapham Common now boast: “Perhaps the most international team on the Common - nationalities include: American, Australian, English, Irish, Kiwi, and Swedish!” With 16 venues around England, from Clapham Common and Regents Park to St Albans and Manchester, with over 600 teams playing in the London leagues alone and over 1,000 teams playing country wide, this growing sport is taking the nation by storm. For more information or if you would like to register for an O2 Touch league or competition, go to: www.in2touch.com/uk or e-mail: info@in2touch.com

Sport

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16 - 22 July 2013

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NEWS FOR GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS

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SARACENS INVITES SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNITY TO ALLIANZ PARK

| On Wednesday 31 July South Africans are invited to meet the players and management of Saracens rugby club while enjoying a boerewors roll and a glass of South African wine by STAFF REPORTER THE affinity South Africans living in London have with Saracens Rugby Club is set to be given a huge boost on 31 July, when Saracens host an open evening for the South African community at the new state of the art Allianz Park. South Africans are invited to an exciting evening where they will meet the players and management of the club while enjoying a boerewors roll and a glass of South African wine. For over a decade Saracens has been the club of choice for a large number of South Africans living in London and the on field success of South African heroes such as Francois Pienaar, John Smit and Schalk Brits have provided the local rugby-mad Saffa community with a team to support. Whether representing the Boks, The Lions, or swinging low for England, the likes of Ernst Joubert, Matt Stevens, Neil de Kock and Mouritz Botha ply their trade week in and week out from Allianz Park in North West London. Fans are being invited to come and see for themselves the club that these Saffa players call home. Saracens moved to Allianz Park a year ago and the club plans to create an environment and atmosphere South African fans can feel at home with. On the agenda

for the 2013/2014 season are braai days, South African music, touch rugby tournaments and much, much more. Saracens has always had a very strong community focus and it is now engaging the South African community with vigour. The open evening will begin at 19.30 and end at 22.00. It will be held in the new hospitality suites and will include a tour of the stadium and its state of the art facilities.

Saracens players Jacques Burger, Schalk Brits and Mouritz Botha were excited to welcome local South Africans to their ground. “I think the South African open evening is a tremendous idea. I know what it’s like to leave South Africa; moving away from your family and friends all in the name of work so a chance to meet up with people who have a similar background to you is brilliant. I know there is a huge South African, Nambian

and Zimbabwean contingent in London, so to get the chance to chat with each other over a boerewors roll with a glass of wine can only be a good thing,” said Burger. “It great to get the opportunity to meet a few people from South Africa who are living in the UK. The UK has given many of us so much since we’ve moved over and I know there will be plenty of people who feel the same. It will be nice to speak to a few of those South Africans over

a glass or two of quality wine,” added Botha. “I’m really looking forward to the open evening; I can’t wait to eat a few boerie rolls, drink some good wine and speak Afrikaans. I hope all South Africans based in and around London think about attending,” said Brits. Should you wish to attend this event please contact Hilton Freund at hiltonfreund@ saracens.net and he will reserve your place at what promises to be a great South African evening.

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