Expatriate Spring Issue 2011

Baana ba Kintu: Buganda alive in SA • Petit Cochon: Morningside’s slice of France • Kenya’s Upendo Women Investments • Jobs in the rest of Africa – Backpage! • Capitalist Nigger - Book Review

w w w . e x p a t r i a t e . c o . z a

R 23,95 S A P r o f e s s i o n a l s o f F o r e i g n O r i g i n & F r i e n d s

Issue 4 . 2011

Pic courtesy of Moky Makura

Jumoke “Moky” MakuraSearching for the great African story

U c h eD o u b l eA million hits on You Tube

Harry ChakhalaMalawian Roots, Pan-African Investments

P r o f i l eGhanaian High Commissioner

Lindiwe

Zambian star of D r e a m g i r l s

Was

29

,95

NOW R23,95

Exclusive to:

Pamoja Capital (Pty) L imited Ground F loor, B lock B, Pareto Bui ld ing Nanyuki Off ice Park 69 Nanyuki Road Sunninghi l l Johannesburg South Afr ica. Te l : +27 11 234 7641 Fax: +27 11 234 7643 E-mai l : info@pamojacapital .co.za. Kenya Off ice: Pamoja Capital L imited Execut ive Bus iness Su i tes 3rd F loor, K-REP Centre Wood Avenue, K i l imani P.O. Box 51718 -00200 Nai robi , Kenya Tel : +254-20-2386842/3 or +254711029100 Fax: +254-20-80114502 E-mai l : info@pamojacapital .co.ke

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Shutterstock.com

ccording to an old English

saying, necessity is the

mother of invention. Well,

quite true.

The necessity: The need to

provide her children with comfortable

affordable seating at the dinner or

study table. The mother: the world

travelled and now

Johanneburg based Liz

Gakuo. The solution:

The Enzi chair, a chair

uniquely designed to

be used by the child at

the table from the age

of six months up to 11 years old.

From old English sayings to

vintage Swahili phrases; the word

‘Enzi’ means throne in this East

African language. Liz says that when

she became a mother to her two sons

– Declan in 2004 and Aiden in 2006 –

she took a look at them and decided

that only the absolute best will do.

She embarked on a search for chairs

suited for her little princes and on

failing to find anything appropriate

at the right price, she realised that

there was a gap in the South African

market for such a product.

“My husband and I initially

bought the kids the conventional

plastic high chair,” Liz explains, “It

worked for a while but I soon noticed

how uncomfortable they were with

their feet dangling and their arms

failing to reach the table. I became

worried that the slouching will

eventually affect their posture.”

The search for an alternative was

quite rigorous and Liz found the prices

of good chairs quite unreasonable.

“I thought to myself that there must

be many parents out there who are

experiencing the same problem,” Liz

recalls, “especially seeing as meal and

study times are extremely important

to the child’s development and the

whole family experience. Although

the kids may not be able to participate

in the conversation, these times need

to be made as comfortable as possible

for them so that they

do not feel excluded. A

fundamental example

is the fact that adults

can put their feet on

the floor while many

kids’ chairs do not

provide a platform for the child to

rest his or her feet on which causes

discomfort and impacts on the

child’s overall posture.”

Other than this platform for

the child’s feet, the Enzi Chair has a

number of other impressive features.

A complete set comes with a swing

tray, guard rail and a five-point safety

harness for the baby. As the baby

grows, one easily adjusts the chair

Giving the Little One

“The conventional plastic chair worked for a while but I soon noticed how

uncomfortable my kids were so I began the rigorous search for an alternative”

by taking off the harness and feeding

tray while systematically lowering

the foot rest and increasing the

seating area. This ergonomic design

is carefully crafted to seamlessly

accommodate the continually

evolving needs of the child as he or

she grows and develops. Unlike the

plastic chair, it is made of solid wood

with beautiful finishes. This makes it

durable and aesthetically appealing.

The comfort provided by the chair

ensures little ones are always keen to

take their seat at the table.

Liz recently quit her job to focus

on bringing the Enzi chair to the

market. And she is causing quite a

stir. She appeared in Elle Decoration

magazine in 2009 as and the popular

Your Baby magazine in 2010.

Her stand at the May 2011 Baby

Expo held at the Coca Cola Dome,

Johannesburg was one of the more

popular stops given the fact that it

coincided with the launch of the

much fancied mahogany stain. This is

in addition to the Natural and Light

Oak stains.

“The Baby Expo experience was

a rousing success for us and we are

certainly planning to be present at

similar events across the country.

We are also keen on expanding

our product range with a variety of

stains,” Liz reveals.

Although based in Johannesburg,

the Enzi chair is delivered across

the country. The website www.enzi.

co.za is a useful hub of information

from which parents can make their

selections and place their orders.

Contact details: Liz 083 987 4447

‘The Best Seat in the House.’

Baby joins family at mealtimes with

the Enzi Chair

Table top activities are done

at standard height & kids feet

supported

Proper posture is maintained at

homework time

Contents6 Editorial

7 The Quest for Pandamonium

9 Expat-tivities

14 Jumoke “Moky” Makura

18 Harry Chakhala’s Umlilo Investments

22 Capitalist Nigger

24 Musa Kalenga - 3 Simple Promises

26 Baana ba Kintu

28 Ghanaian High Commissioner

30 Upendo Womens Investments

33 Ken Ayere: The Nigentrepreneur

37 Petit Cochon

41 Senkubuge: Citizens of the world

43 Charles Mugerwa: The Pied Piper of Pretoria

44 Uche Agu: A million hits on You Tube

47 Kakai: What the hell is Web 2.0?

48 Lindiwe: Zambia’s “Dreamgirl”

51 Kasirye : The sweet taste of a brother’s sweat

52 Peprah: Cast ye not the first stone


06 EXPATRIATE

Lazy editor. I gave this note

that title and failed to research the

answer. That said, it best captures the

two themes of this edition.

There is a country north-west

of here that is said to be the most

populous in Africa with citizens

scattered around the world, a good

number who now call South Africa

home. A country of vast resources

whose people have a reputation

that is equally profound. Yes, ladies

and gents, our first area of focus is

Nigerians in South Africa.

We profile Moky Makura,

the author of Africa’s Greatest

Entrepreneurs whose foreword

was penned by Richard Branson.

We also chat to Ken Ayere, a

community leader and entrepreneur

whose eggs are placed in different

business baskets. Our book review

is the controversial Capitalist Nigger

authored by Nigerian writer Chika

Onyeani while rising musical star

Uche “Double” Agu talks to us about

his road to a million hits on You-Tube.

Still in West Africa, we chat to

Ghanaian High Commissioner, His

Excellency Lee Ocran on his exploits

in both the public and private sectors

whilst our Ghanaian born columnist

Yaw Peprah gives his opinion on the

red-hot issue of land re-distribution.

Adjoa Ayivor tells us why ‘Petit

Cochon’ is her favourite place in

Johannesburg.

Our second theme is music.

Other than Uche, we also profile

Lindiwe Bungane, the Zambian born

singer who starred in the musical

“Dreamgirls” and Sheila Senkubuge

interviews Charles Mugerwa, the

musical genius behind PAMATA.

Be sure to read about Harry

Chakhala, a South African of

Malawian origin who is taking the

issue of African renaissance into

his own hands and those of his

Umlilo Investments team. Another

investment group we feature is

that of the Kenyan women in

Johannesburg collectively known

as Upendo. They are well known

community organisers just like

Baana Ba Kintu who are keeping the

Buganda kingdom alive in the hearts

of their people in SA.

In other news: Hooray, we are

in CNA, grab a copy and spread the

word!

KC Rottok, CA (SA)

Creative & Fin. Journalism (Wits University)

Managing Editor.

WHAT’S IGBO FOR MUSIC?Publisher: The Expatriate Forum andMagazine (Pty) LimitedReg. Number: 2010/012428/07P O Box 4935, Randburg, 2125Tel: +27 11 7917484www.expatriate.co.za

Director: Carol Malonza – [email protected] Editor:KC Rottok – [email protected] Deputy Editor and Content Advisor: Leah Maina – [email protected]

Publishing Executive: Sheila Lynn Senkubuge

Advertising and Event Enquiries [email protected] or 0822146421

Edition Writers:Keith Kundai, Hannington Kasirye, Yaw Peprah, Musa Kalenga

Contributors:Karabo Morule, Jumoke Makura, Dr. DJK Lumu, Dr. Binnas Lubega, Adjoa Ayivor, Andrew Kakai

Art Direction, Design and Layout:Mike [email protected]

Studio Photography:Chris Moore (011 022 1597)

Website: Drutech Media (0781121311)

All rights reserved. Excerpts may be used as long as this magazine is credited as the source. Longer versions of our content may only be used with the written permission of the Publisher. Neither the publisher nor the editor accept responsibility for any of the information from edition writers or contributors. Whilst we have taken care in preparing this publication, the publisher/editor does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The editor retains the right to edit all contributions. Advertisers are responsible for their material.

© Expatriate SA 2011: ISSN 2218 – 757X

NOTEFROMTHEEDITOR

andemonium is defined in

the English dictionary as a

‘grand state of uproar’. Next

to this is panda, defined

as a large black and white bearlike

animal. Pandamonium is therefore

the vision of our Group; the quest

for a grand state of service-oriented

entrepreneurship where innovative

products are provided to our clients

in unambiguous black and white.

The Panda Group began in

2006 as Panda Mortgage Financial

Services, a property finance firm

assisting clients with the acquisition

of mortgages from lending

institutions. We were in a difficult

environment during our formative

years dominated by large entities

tied into deal agreements with

estate agents. We quickly realized

our relevance would only be assured

through being innovative which lead

to the introduction of the ‘Rent to

Buy’ concept.

Black-listed and credit impaired

individuals rent a property from

us for about 12 months during

which their credit and debt status

is restored to a position where they

can obtain mortgages to buy the

rented property. The need for this

product was further reinforced by the

response of South Africans after an

interview with Mr. Kibiego on Kaya

FM on the “Stevie B” business show,

especially considering there is over 7

million people currently blacklisted.

Riding on the successful response

to this product, we set up Panda

Property Developments, a residential

housing development company with

a business model focusing on the

acquisition of land (either through

purchasing or land availability

agreement), town planning, project

management of civil infrastructure,

services installation, and the

construction and marketing of

homes. The intention is for the entity

to also provide Panda Mortgage with

“Rent to Buy” property stock.

The group has further diversified

by investment into the business

communications sector with a

business model similar to Postnet

or Jetline through the establishment

of Panda Comms to provide services

such as small and large format

printing, photocopy, laminating

and binding, local and international

courier services. We anticipate

opening five stores in Johannesburg

by the end of 2012.

Also imminent is the launch

of Panda Wheel & Tyre with the

intention to roll out four outlets in

Gauteng and KZN in the next two

years where we look forward to

providing a variety of competitively

priced wheel and tyre products

and services matched by the same

high level focus on service that has

typified the various other lines that

make up our budding group.

Finally, the Group intends to

invest in a number of industries

including energy, food processing

and FMCG. This is in line with our

growth plan of building cash

positive businesses with strong

brand equity. Panda Group’s

mission is borne out of a

love affair with Africa

and an admiration

of its tenacity,

r e s i l i e n c e

and promise of a bright future

and we certainly look forward to

contributing towards its socio-

economic liberation.

“The next phase of African

economic prosperity will depend

heavily on entrepreneurship and

the role that small and medium

enterprises play. The opportunities

that Africa offers are immense and

must be exploited by Africans to the

fullest”

Contact details:

[email protected]

0732403054

T H E Q U E S T F O R P A N D A M O N I U M

ExpaT-TivitieS

Expatriate Magazine Issue 3 Launch – Inkwazi Lodge Pretoria1 – PAMATA dancers 2 – Martha Njeri Shidogo – raffle winner of a Mi-Fone phone and a hamper from Consolidated Financial Services. 3 – The MC - Sheila Lynn Senkubuge 4 – Key Note Speaker – AMB Founder Zenzo Lusengo 5 – Paul Osee of Ghanaian High Commission picks one of the raffle winners 6 – J-Max Band

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09WWW.EXPATRIATE.CO.ZA

More pics available at www.facebook.com/expatriatemag

10 EXPATRIATE

ExpaT-TivitieS


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Zambia Association AGM at Park Inn by Radisson 1 – The newly elected committee members. 2 – Zambian High Commissioner to SA Col. Nkunika checks out a copy of The Expatriate. 3 – Attendees taking a break. 4 – ZASA chair addressing participants. Association of Ugandan Professionals AGM5 – New AUPSA Committee – From left - Ronald Kato (IT), Stephen Twinoburyo (Committee member), Fiona Katasi (Administration) , Emmy Muwonge (Chairman) Dr. Flavia Senkubuge (Public Relations), Allen Mutono (Treasurer) and David Rukanshonga (Marketing) 6 – Speech from sponsors.


ExpaT-TivitieS


Precision Air Launching Joburg-TZ Route 1 – Ibrahim Bukenya, SA Country Manager conducting a raffle. 2 – Her Excellency Radhia Msuya, High Commissioner of Tanzania to SA 3 – Tanzanian Dancers.

Internations.org meeting at the Piano Bar, Sandton. Pics 4, 5 & 6

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12 EXPATRIATE

ExpaT-TivitieS


Kenya Diaspora Association of SA (KEDASA)

Kenya Diaspora Association of SA (KEDASA) 1 – Chair of KEDASA Dr. Chuma introducing His Excellency President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki to Charles Mwaura. 2 – Interim committee of KEDASA meeting at the Kenya High Commission. 3 – Dr. Elizabeth Muli, Vice Chair of Kenya’s Constitution Commission speaking at JD’s Bar – Bryanston. 4 & 5 – Participants asking questions at the Constitution Commission meeting. 6 – Meeting at Kenya High Commissioners Residence – Seated from left Trade Minister Amos Kimunya, Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, President Mwai Kibaki, Ambassador Amolo, Dr. Chomba Chuma and John Githakwa.


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22 EXPATRIATE

Jumoke “Moky” Makura: Searching for the great African story



remember a very different Nigeria

growing up, but I also remember

when things started to go wrong.

In a way, I blame my father’s

generation for letting the rot set

in. They had the education and the

money to change the course of the

country and they chose not to. When

the power cuts started, they bought

generators. When water became

scarce, they got trucks to deliver

water to their door steps. And when

the education system began to

degenerate, they sent us abroad.

That is how I found myself in a

British boarding school, age nine.

Jumoke was anglicised and quickly

became ‘jew-mo-key’ and after a

couple of years, simply Moky . I

assimilated pretty quickly and got on

well with everyone in spite of being

the only black girl in the junior school.

I only became conscious of my colour

when a white South African girl joined

the school and for some inexplicable

reason, we were put in the same

dormitory. Coming from an apartheid

South Africa dictated how she saw

me, and being the proud Nigerian I

was, I refused to be defined that way.

The resulting situation split my year

down the middle – you were either

for me or for her. It was my first real

exposure to the power of ignorance.

Afterwards, I went to the

University of Buckingham where I

studied Politics, Economics and Law.

It was a great general degree but

it gave me little career direction.

My first job taught me perhaps the

most valuable skill of my career - the

ability to sell. I sold advertising space

for a business magazine. I credit that

time for teaching me how to close,

how not to take no for an answer

and how not to take things like

rejection personally. I truly believe

that everyone should learn how to

sell because at some stage in our

lives, we will be selling something to

someone.

I later worked for one of

London’s top public relations (PR)

firms. I really enjoyed it but soon

realised that I would never run that

company because of something

that I couldn’t help or change- being

black. I decided that it was time for

me to go back home as I wanted to

be somewhere where I was judged

solely on my abilities. I was fortunate

to get an offer to start a PR division

for an advertising agency in Lagos. I

chose to ‘test’ it out before I resigned

from my job.

It was a culture shock for me. I

was put in an office next to a lady

who seemed to do nothing but read

the Bible all day and when I asked to

make a phone call I was told to lodge

my call with the operator who would

put me in a queue. The process could

take up to three hours! Nigeria was a

tough place under the era of its worst

dictator Sani Abacha and I realised

that I wasn’t ready for it.

But I was still frustrated with the

UK and determined to leave. I came

across an article in a magazine on

black South African women in the

new South Africa who were doing

great things and thought ‘There is

a place for women like me’. It took

me well over a year to get here but

I eventually got a job and moved to

Johannesburg in 1998. This is where

I met my Zimbabwean husband

Stewart Makura to whom I got

married a couple of years later.

When I turned 31, I decided it was

time to start my own PR Company

which is now called Redline. It had

a pan African focus and one of my

first projects was working with a

company that brought the first lot of

South African companies to Nigeria. I

approached Draft FCB for a strategic

partnership and they decided to buy

my company outright. I stayed on for

three years and left to pursue what

I now call my media passions. I try

not to have regrets but I wish I had

retained a stake in Redline but it

wasn’t really an option at the time.

While still at Redline, I had

auditioned and secured a part-time

position as a presenter and field

reporter on MNET’s Carte Blanche

Africa. I loved covering stories on

Africa but sadly the Africa budget

was very limited and I didn’t get to

do as many stories as I would have

liked. I also realise now, that the

“I am not the stereotypical ‘rags to riches

African story’ but I have taken advantage of

the privileges I was blessed with and remained

totally driven....”

Carte Blanche audience were not

really that interested in the positive

stories on Africa that I wanted to do

which didn’t involve wildlife!

That’s when I realised that I had

a passion for telling positive stories

about Africa. It was clear that if we

Africans didn’t tell our own stories

and shape our own past and present,

no one was going to do it for us.

My email signature bears a very

profound African saying: “Until lions

learn to write, hunters will tell their

stories for them”.

Before being

cast in the

M N E T

d r a m a

s e r i e s

J a c o b s

C r o s s

(my first

ever acting

role), I had been pitching a lifestyle

series to show “the other side of

Africa” called Living It. I was tired of

seeing Africans on TV with flies on

their faces and other images of abject

poverty and starvation. It finally

got underway on DSTV years later

featuring the lifestyles of Africa’s

wealthy elite in an attempt to

present a positive side of the African

story. I had wonderful feedback on

the series which proves that Africans

really wanted to see themselves

reflected in the media they consume.

It was the same reason I wrote

Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs.

I have always seen myself as an

entrepreneur. Prior to my PR company

I had started a breakfast club at a

restaurant in the UK and an African

fashion business. They both did not

last long but gave me lessons I have

used in my other businesses. I battled

to find a book on the many highly

successful African entrepreneurs we

have that would inspire me and give

me insights, so I decided to write

one.

I approached

Penguin Books with the idea

and got a publishing contract.

Writing the book was one of

the toughest things I have

done but sheer stubbornness

and persistence got me

through. There were many

challenges including taking

almost two years for one of

the entrepreneurs to agree to

an interview Africa’s Greatest

Entrepreneurs was the impetus

for me to start my own publishing

business MME Media. South Africa’s

Greatest Entrepreneurs, which was

published in September 2010 was

our first book, done in partnership

with the Gordon Institute of Business

Studies (GIBS). It made it on to the

Exclusive Books’ best seller list and

I am working on releasing Nigeria’s

Greatest Entrepreneurs.

But my real passion has been

Nollybooks, our low cost books

written by South Africans and aimed

at a young black South African

audience that was recently featured

on CNN’s Inside Africa. They are

currently in Shoprite Checkers and C

N A and retail for approximately R35

each. Like Nigeria’s movie industry

Nollywood, the books are about

telling modern urban African stories.

And that is my story. I was

born in Nigeria and that defined

me. I was educated in England and

it equipped me. I now live in South

Africa and this country has given me

so many opportunities. I am not the

stereotypical ‘rags to riches African

story’ but I have taken advantage of

the privileges I was blessed with and

remained totally driven.

If there is one thing that has been

constant in my life, it is change. Today

I live in SA; I am a publisher, actress,

producer, author and entrepreneur.

Tomorrow, who knows? What I do

know though is that I will always be

passionate about telling stories and

about Africa. I want to be the lion

that learnt to write.


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“What Africa needs is to grow entrepreneurs . A country

like Japan is surrounded by water with little natural

resources and yet this is one of the top economies in

the world. We on the other hand are blessed with vast

resources and yet we continue to languish in poverty due

to a lack of entrepreneurs in every sector.”

Umlilo Investments: Firing up the African Renaissance

18 EXPATRIATE

eet Harry Chakhala, a

man of versatility who

is a Chartered Marketer

with an MBA from

Wits Business School, an electrical

and electronics engineer with post

graduate qualifications from The

Association of Chartered Certified

Accountants (ACCA) and The

Graduate Institute of Management

and Technology. He is an ICT Strategic

Consultant with certification in

Project Management, ITIL and SAP.

He has vast experience in marketing

strategy, business development

and contract management of

Government, ICT, Engineering, Power

Utilities and Airline sectors. He has

travelled extensively in Africa and

as if that is not enough, this CEO of

Computek South Africa has recently

embarked on a PhD in Leadership and

Strategic Management.

Whilst Computek is a well-

known ICT organisation with 153

employees and a broad African

footprint, Chakhala is more eager to

talk to us about a new entity he has

recently co-founded – The Umlilo

Investments Group.

“Umlilo was incorporated in

2009 and has since been working in

identifying appropriate opportunities

on the African continent,” Chakhala

says. “Our goal is to lead change in

expanding Africa’s renaissance. We

believe that for Africa to become

a success, the private sector needs

to take a leading role in promoting

business activities that add socio-

economic value to the continent.”

Umlilo’s business strategy involves

identifying target opportunities

on the African continent and

then assessing issues relating to

regulatory compliance and risk

mitigation. Thereafter, consideration

is given to the delivery structure

by clearly defining the method of

bringing the product to the ultimate

consumer. The investment, finance

structure and ownership structures

are also defined with an emphasis

on attracting significant investment

without compromising the need to

attract local participation.

“Our aim is to empower

Africans!” Chakhala declares,

“The African market is a pot for

every forward looking individual

or institutional investor. You will

probably get non-risk real return of

one to two percent on investment

in most developed nations whilst

Africa has potential to give double

digit returns on a sustainable basis”.

Umlilo incorporates

indigenization policies by ensuring

a long-term corporate social

engagement and contribution

towards real socio-economic

initiatives with up to 20 percent of the

group’s net return ploughed towards

local communities in the areas of

education, health, employment and

Government programs.

Umlilo has identified

three areas of focus –

Infrastructure/Construction

Development, Sustainable

Power Development and

Broadband ICT projects.

“Our plans around

infrastructure and

housing development

include imminent plans

to invest in low income housing in

the Southern African Development

Community (SADC) region. Our

ability to interact with SADC

Governments provides guarantees

with appropriate mechanisms to

secure this nature of investment

for both rural and urban projects,”

Chakhala explains.

Further plans in the construction

sector include private public

partnerships in extending the railway

network among countries in the

SADC region and also embarking

on water scheme projects in South

Africa.

Economic and population

growth are having an effect on power

supply in Africa. Lack of electricity is

hampering economic development

and in recognition of this, Chakhala

indicates that Umlilo is embarking on

geothermal power supply initiatives

in Malawi and Kenya and is seriously

looking to invest in this renewable

energy across countries

that have this

natural resource

opportunity.

The idea is to have local data storage

facilities in communities compatible

with mobile technology through

which communities can store

their information and images for

generations.”

Umlilo means “fire” in isiZulu

and other bantu languages and

Chakhala says that the term

captures how energised the brand is

to transform the continent. It is also

symbolic as it has predominantly

positive connotations in many

African cultures. He believes Africa

and its people are changing with

technology driving change. But he

is under no illusions, that their Pan

African initiatives will encounter

challenges on the continent.

“Barriers to investment in Africa

are many but the most significant is

the self-interest of certain leaders

who place unnecessary pressure

to be included in business deals.

This behaviour is significantly

defining the characteristics of doing

business in Africa. We are mindful

of some of these factors but will not

compromise our integrity to achieve

our goals. Ridiculous demands by

African leaders is prevalent; you may

wish to construct a road and a leader

insists that it must pass through

his homestead irrespective of its

economic viability!”

Chakhala notes that mining

has been excluded from Umlilo’s

immediate plans. This he says is due

to its stringent requirements and the

high possibility of failing to position

oneself within the value chain after

having invested large sums of money.

He is confident that the group has

the right leadership to achieve its

goals. A truly pan African board has

members drawn from six different

countries, all possessing a strong

business sense to embark on the

journey ahead.

“What Africa needs is

entrepreneurs. As one learned

Japanese person said ‘Africa has

plenty of resources but its people

need to replace the water in their

brains with skills and determination

to succeed.” Umlilo is inviting

individual and institutional investors

to embark on a partnership that

delivers real sustainable value for

a win-win rebirth of Africa,” he

concludes.

For more information visit

www.umliloinvest.co.za or

email [email protected] - Keith Kundai

20 EXPATRIATE

“There is geo-thermal potential

in all countries through which the

Great Rift Valley runs including

Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, South

Sudan and Zambia. We have done

reconnaissance studies in some of

these countries and collated a lot of

data that indicates huge potential

for geothermal power generation. In

addition, we have acquired a stake in

a Malawian company, Geothermal

Projects (Pty) Limited which has an

exclusive licence for geothermal

power exploration in the country.”

Umlilo’s ICT plans revolve

around establishing a common

broadband network for Africa and

mobile platforms that provide value

added services to consumers in

health, education, entertainment,

games, social networks etc.

Chakhala reveals that projects of

these nature are already underway

through subsidiaries in Malawi,

Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya .

“We are also looking at implementing

cheaper Community Data Centres.

Harry Chakhala Expat-titbits:

Hobbies: Loves to read; current

read is the biography of Ernest

Jabulani Mchunu “Cheeky Native”,

an inspiration of dreams from

childhood to corporate success .

Personal details: Age, 47. A South

African of Malawian origin with a

family of three children (daughter

and two boys who are good

golfers) .

Inspired by: Ernest Mchunu

(leadership) & Mo Ibrahim –

(African entrepreneurship success

who prides in reinvestment into

the African continent through the

initiative Mo Ibrahim – Leadership

Change for Good Governance)

Sankofa Insurance Brokers was founded on the old African adage that in order to forge ahead to what the future holds, we must first look to the past, gathering all its lessons in order to shape a prosperous future.

This is the ethos that drives our team of specialists in order to bring you affordable short term insurance, personal insurance, corporate insurance, commercial insurance and group schemes.

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CATALYST OF CHANGE...

Chika Onyeani’s Capitalist Niggerou are unlikely to get a

more controversial title

than ‘Capitalist Nigger’.

The particular copy I

perused declared that over 40,000

copies had been sold in SA; clear

proof that controversy sells.

The paperback in question is the

product of Chika Onyeani’s grip on

current affairs and life experiences.

Although he began writing it in 1999,

it has an almost prophetic feel to it

when it talks of the oppression of the

people of Southern

Sudan who recently

became the world’s

newest nation.

For me, reading the book was

very similar to finally watching a

much touted movie a couple of years

after its release. The fact that so

many people had recommended it to

me heightened my

ex p e c t a t i o n .

It is not

s u rp r i s i n g

t h e r e f o r e

that I was

disappointed

by a number

of aspects.

Like the writer of a bad

documentary, Chika Onyeani gets

caught up in too much repetition.

I lost count of the number of times

that he discusses the “Spider web

doctrine” or explores the ‘consumer-

only’ nature of the African continent.

The book could easily have been half

its present size and still cover all the

ideas.

Another issue I had with the

publication was that of a myriad

of unsubstantiated claims, some

of which sounded somewhat

exaggerated. Having visited both

countries, I found it difficult to

believe that Indians control 80% of

the motel industry in America or that

the Mercedes Benz constitutes 60%

of all vehicles in Nigeria. These are

a sample of the numerous statistics

that Onyeani freely peddles without

providing a source.

I know that I can be a little

pedantic when it comes to detail

but some of the errors in the book

are simply unforgiveable given

the fact that it was penned by the

founder and editor of a seemingly

respectable American newspaper.

There are several grammatical

mistakes as well as some incorrect

information such as his reference to

Timberlake shoes when he probably

means Timberlands.

But this book brings to the fore

a number of home truths such as the

potentially negative impact of race

on neighbourhoods. On page 60,

Onyeani states that many Africans

in America commonly bemoan the

deteriorating state of the previously

white only neighbourhoods that

they now live in - “I was first to

move into this neighbourhood and

it was all white. Now look what has

happened.” This is quite similar to

what many people in SA say about

areas like Hillbrow and Sunnyside.

On page 84, Onyeani observes

the following: “Today in Africa....

being seen in the

company of a

Caucasian person

accords you instant

respectability. Bring

in a Caucasian partner....if you are

having difficulty securing a contract,

send him in and you will have an

easy ride.”

Another interesting observation

related to foreign names: “I have read

through the Bible, and I have not

found where it says that answering

to a particular name is necessary

to become a Christian. Today I see

Christians, especially priests, insisting

on foreign names in the belief that

a person cannot be regarded a true

Christian without answering to

English or French names.”(pg 140)

I also related quite closely to the

advice given to readers regarding the

need to convince family members

“Another issue I had with the publication was that of a myriad of unsubstantiated claims, some

of which sounded somewhat exaggerated”

RAWTALKBYROTTOK


di

No. 5 Sim Road, Pomona,Kempton Park, 1619

Johannesburg

P.O Box 2707, Houghton 2041 Johannesburg

R.S.A

Tel: +27 83 321 2853Fax: 086 514 0128

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Services:LogisticsFreight ForwardingPackaging

Contact Us for:PersonalisedEfficient &Prompt Services toSend Goods ThroughoutAfrica and Around theGlobe.

when pursuing money making

opportunities and to be wary

of the PHD (Pull Him Down)

phenomenon that creeps up

amongst one’s ‘friends’ when

you begin to do well. This

touches on what this

book is essentially about;

a challenge to people of

negroid origin who are, for one

reason or another, lagging behind, to

step up their capitalist endeavours so as to

collectively propel them as a race.

The book was written by the founder of a publication

for a particular expatriate grouping in a thriving economy. It

is no wonder that despite not agreeing with a large number

of his views, I had more than a personal connection to a

number of his sentiments. The controversy definitely goes

beyond the title.

I would recommend this book to anyone with

an appetite for provocative thought. At the very

least read Chapter 14 which is a clear summary of

Onyeani’s recipe for becoming a “Capitalist Nigger”.

- KC Rottok

Events @ Southern Sun GraystonFrom R695 per person

Zimbabwe business luncheon 08/09/11Africa Exchange conference 27/10/11DRC business luncheon 11/11/11Ambassadors & CEO’s luncheon 07/12/11

Email: [email protected] to book

24 EXPATRIATE

Three simple promises to myselfrecently felt compelled to

make some new promises to

myself. They are informed by

my observations on recent

occurrences in the world . Feel free

to tweet me (@musakalenga) and we

can take this discussion online.

GO BIG OR GO HOME

Michelle Obama who visited recently

is a special woman who delivered an

energy that revitalized many young

women in South Africa and Africa as

a whole.

I was in Botswana at the time and

was shocked to see two massive

army issue aircraft parked at the

Sir Seretse Khama airport. I was

informed that 187 soldiers, cooks,

entourage and “support personnel”

had been flown to Botswana in

preparation for the arrival of the

US first lady.

The fear of Botswana’s food and water

is laughable. However, the principle

here is that they can and therefore,

they do. One of our challenges as

Africans, particularly those from my

home country Zambia, is that we do

not know how to set standards high.

Americans on the other hand act as

a sterling example of how to do this.

Whatever the endeavour, they go all

out.

Promise 1: For the rest of 2011, for

every small venture I pursue, I will

either go BIG or go HOME..

RATHER DIE ON YOUR TWO FEET

THAN LIVE A LIFE ON YOUR KNEES.

After being awarded the “hide &

seek” award for a record seven years,

the capture and murder of one of the

most wanted men in America was

rather dramatic. The lesson that we

can all draw from this event is that

we have choices based on our beliefs.

If we all aligned our beliefs around

positive and constructive ideas,

imagine what we could achieve?

Osama was a man who committed

many crimes and I believe karma and

justice have been served. The bottom

line is that he believed in something.

Can you say you believe in anything

worth dying for?

Promise 2: I will seek knowledge

in the things I believe to be able to

create dialogue with those that have

different beliefs from mine.

THINK LEGACY.

Recently statesman and global

political icon Nelson Mandela

turned 93. In commemoration, there

was a highly visible “67 minutes

campaign”; to commit 67 minutes of

your time as a person to doing good

just as he had committed 67 years

of his life in service to his country

and mankind. The campaign was a

resounding success and an inspiring

way of leaving behind mechanisms

that will forever be etched into local

and international calendars, cultures

and society. Have you ever asked

yourself what will be said about you

when you are gone?

Michelle Obama asked – what are we

as young people doing to leave behind

a positive legacy? She emphasized

the importance of leaving behind

something tangible that will impact

those that come after us.

I believe this is a pertinent question

in Africa given where we are as a

continent. At the moment we, poor

little Africa, are being considered

as the last investment frontier and

the world is watching us. Talk about

pressure, but in the same breath,

what an opportunity!

Promise 3: Creating a legacy in

Africa - I am going to do something

about it! - Musa Kalenga is a Chartered Marketer heading up the I Hop division of the Brand Leadership Group. Email [email protected]

Pic by Paul Shiakallis

“I was informed that 187 soldiers, cooks, entourage and “support personnel”

had been flown to Botswana in preparation for Michelle

Obama’s arrival. Americans – they can therefore they do!”

ExpaT-Talk

Pic by Paul Shiakallis

Baana Ba Kintu - The Kingdom of Buganda Alive in SA

aana Ba Kintu - “the Children

of Kintu” - is a fitting tribute

to Ssekabaka Kintu who, in

around 1300 AD, together

with a group of fourteen wise men,

presided over a conference at a

place called Nnono and founded the

Kingdom of Buganda.

Buganda - which means ‘Bundles’

- is now a 700 year old Kingdom. It is

aptly named as it bundles together

the 50 odd clans that form the

Kingdom. It was from Buganda that

the State of Uganda was created by

the British about a century ago.

The reigning King, Mutebi 11 is

the 36th in a direct line descendent

from Kintu. The first Katikkiro or

Prime Minister was called Kakulukuku

and to date, there have been 78

Prime ministers.

The Buganda have always been

fiercely loyal to their King whom they

call Kabaka. This devotion is a direct

result of the system of governance

implemented by Kintu. Buganda is

a land of equal opportunity where

everyone has a sense of belonging. No

individual or clan feels discriminated

against, dominated over or unduly

favoured. It boasts a system of

Government where, apart from the

Kabakaship, any person can ascend

from the lowest to the highest office

in the land, based solely on their

ability.

Living in the Diaspora, one is

far from family and faces many

challenges such as migration issues,

unemployment, new languages,

cultures and values. It is easy to

feel lost and perturbed by the ‘loss’

of identity as other realities of life

including birth, marriage /divorce

and sickness set in. As one ages,

the search for a cultural identity

inevitably takes place as if one is

crying out: “I am somebody not just

anybody!”

Baana ba Kintu was founded as

a cultural group to fan the flames

of the 700 year old fires that have

kept our Kingdom alive, and to

continue our forefathers’ notion

of assimilating new ideas without

betraying old ones. It is a Gauteng

based non- profit organisation with

no political or religious affiliation.

The organisation is founded on the

principles of cultural norms, values

and the tradition of a people. We

recognise that culture is an integral

part of humanity and civilization and

believe that the preservation of the

culture, tradition and identity of our

people requires a conscious effort

both individually and collectively

to guide, strengthen and unite our

people in pursuit of their rights and

interests.

Our membership is based

on voluntary non-profit making

activities to support and draw

together Baana ba Kintu for their

own improvement and that of our

kingdom.

The association is geared

towards providing education on

the origins of the Buganda, our

history, language and overall cultural

identity. Our emphasis is on word

“culture” because we believe that all

values and strong principles in life

and humanity like respect, kindness,

thoughtfulness and caring are based

on culture.

The organisation aims to :

• Encourageandhelpmembers

and friends of Baana ba Kintu to

promote and sustain their

cultural traditions and values

• Educatemembersandfriendsof

Baana ba Kintu about Buganda

origin, history, language and

value of clans (Bika)

• Raisetheconsciousnessofall

people regarding the importance

of freedom, autonomy and

justice

• Mobilize available resources to

develop Baana ba Kintu, South

Africa and the kingdom of

Buganda

• Encourageengagementinlawful

activities

• Promotemutualunderstanding

amongst members and friends of

Baana ba Kintu in South Africa

• Provideandassistinrecreational

and leisure activities to mark our

heritage

We are encouraged by the

charters of both the United Nations

and the African Union on human

rights and other International

Conventions and laws that provide

for the protection of culture, human

rights and democracy.

Our achievements thus far

include improving our visibility

through the association’s activities.

The activities undertaken in 2010

gave us the opportunity to reach

out to many prospective members.

The response was overwhelming and

enabled us to organise a successful

Tabamiruka (convention) in October

2010. We also donated academic

attire to Muteesa 1 Royal University

in Uganda earlier this year. The

next Tabamiruka will be held at

Inkwazi Country Lodge in Pretoria

on 24th September 2011. This date

was chosen to coincide with South

Africa’s Heritage Day.

We would like to salute and

thank the executive committee and

other members for the excellent

voluntary work and commitment.

We would also like to thank members

and friends of the organisation for

their financial, material and other

contributions.

Additionally, we would like to

acknowledge our sister associations

in the Eastern Cape and North West

provinces of South Africa as well as

the rest of the Diaspora including

the United Kingdom, the United

States, Swaziland, Botswana, Ireland

and Sweden. Let us never tire of

promoting our culture.

It is our hope that centuries

from now, Buganda may feel as

young and vibrant as she did when

Kintu presided over that momentous

Constitutional Conference at Nnono

700 years ago.

Dr. DJK Lumu is a gynaecologist

based in Parktown, Johannesburg. He

has been working in South Africa since

1982 and is the former president of

Baana ba Kintu.

Dr. Binnas Lubega is an

anaesthesiologist based in

Vereeninging. He has been working

in South Africa since 1988 and is the

current president of Baana ba Kintu.

“We would also like to acknowledge our sister associations in the Eastern Cape and North West provinces of South Africa as well as the rest of the Diaspora including Swaziland, Botswana, the United Kingdom, the United States,

Ireland and Sweden. Let us never tire of promoting our culture.”

28 EXPATRIATE

L E E O C R A N : G H A N A I A N H I G H C O M M I S S I O N E R

“There are several Ghanaian associations in the country. In fact, the chief architect of Pretoria was Ghanaian.”

escribe your background leading up to becoming a diplomat in South Africa?

I undertook my university studies in the 1960’s in the then Soviet Union before pursuing post-graduate education at the Harvard Business School. I returned to Ghana and worked in the banking sector before joining the government. At the end of 1981, there was a coup in Ghana and I left for the UK where a Greek friend and I set up a company shipping oil to West Africa. I later returned to Ghana where I served as CEO of Pepsi for nine years before

assuming the role of Minister of State for the Environment. I was a Member of Parliament before coming to South Africa.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

Being a member of a team of nine charged with forming the Social Security Bank was very exciting. We worked late hours to create something that did not exist before. I also thoroughly enjoyed my time at Pepsi. As the chief decision maker, I managed to move the company from selling 300,000 cases a year to

890,000 cases a year over a span of just two years. The brand began to compete effectively with Coca-Cola and I received an award from Pepsi for my efforts.

How does your work as a diplomat or minister compare to the private sector? The slow pace of decision making in the public sector is frustrating for me. At Pepsi, I could take decisions and deal with the consequences whereas as a diplomat or government minister, you have to go through the political processes to

get things done. But my role here has had its highs including the visit of the Ghanaian President to Cape Town in August. I am also charged with facilitating relations and business between the two countries. There are many South African companies that have invested in Ghana and we need Ghanaian entities to start doing the same here. A Ghanaian bank is actually set to open its doors in Alexandria, Johannesburg soon.

What is your view of Ghanaians in South Africa and their engagement with the High Commission?

Ghanaians began immigrating to South Africa during apartheid as teachers and lecturers in institutions in the then Homelands. Now there are several Ghanaian associations in the country. Other than those in academia, there are numerous Ghanaians who are professionals, some holding very key positions in companies in the country - in fact, the chief architect of Pretoria was Ghanaian. We also have Ghanaians who do such jobs as hair dressing. Part of my role is to advise all Ghanaians to obey the law because when you come to someone else’s country, it is your duty to behave yourself. My door is always open to those who are on the right side of the law. We need to preserve the good relationship Ghana has always had with SA. Our country was at the forefront of supporting the liberation struggle in this country and many of those in the ANC had Ghanaian passports.

What are you passionate about and what are your plans for the future?

I am an occasional golfer and love all kinds of music including country, pop and rap. I also love to read political literature as I am a politician at heart. I was the vice-chairman of the current ruling part for five years and the chair of the committee that drafted the manifesto of the party that is currently being implemented. Ghana has now started producing about 120,000 barrels of oil which was discovered in the constituency I used to represent. My plans are to end my tour and to go back to take part in the upliftment and progress of our people back home

as that is where the action is. .

- Carol Malonza

KnowYourEnvoy

30 EXPATRIATE

S T O K V E L S U C C E S S : U P E N D O W O M E N I N V E S T M E N T S“A group l ike Transcentury Limited which owns various companies across the continent began as an investment group. If they could do it , so can we.”

Stokvel is a South African

term for an investment

group where members

contribute a certain

amount to a central fund. We chat to

Nanzala Mwaura; the newly elected

chair of the Gauteng based Upendo

Women Investments.

How was the group formed?

There were initially two groups. One

was based in Pretoria and used the

‘merry go-round’ model whereby

women would contribute a certain

amount every month and the

funds would be given to a different

member. A similar group consisting

mainly of the wives of expatriates

who worked for the International

Finance Corporation was based in

Johannesburg. In early 2006 both

groups met at the house of Betty

Amunga who was familiar to both

groups and a decision was taken to

merge them. We were initially 12

women then four others joined. Due

to work commitments, two women

left and we have now settled at 14.

We named the group Upendo which

means love in Swahili because we did

not want to be like most investment

groups that are just about making

money. We wanted to emphasize

love and commitment to each other.

What is the structure of the group

and what activities do the members

engage in?

The group is aimed at long

term investment with members

contributing a standard amount

monthly. Initially, we paid the monies

into one members account but we

later registered a close corporation

which we are in the process of

converting into a private company.

We have elections every two years

to elect the chair, secretary and

treasurer as well as their deputies.

Membership is restricted to Kenyan

women mainly because we would

like our families to share in our

heritage. When we have our monthly

meetings, our husbands and children

join us for a day of fellowship where

we eat Kenyan food and socialize.

For that day of the month we get

a sense of the Kenyan community

which is important, particularly for

the children who we would like to

connect as much as possible to our

home country.

What types of investments do you

pursue and how do you decide on

these?

We have property investments in

both South Africa and Kenya and

have also invested some funds in the

South African money markets. We

were initially very risk averse but over

time our appetite for risk has grown.

Other than property, we also have

Upendo Events. This is the division

responsible for organising the annual

Kenya Night evening. We also offer

events management services on

behalf of corporate entities. Just

this year we successfully managed

two events in Johannesburg; one

for Kenya Commercial Bank and the

other for the property development

Migaa.

Most investment decisions are made

by consensus which we are able to

achieve because of the flexibility and

diversity of the group. The women

range from those in their thirties to

those in their fifties with different

skills set. In fact, two members of the

group have since relocated to Kenya

and participate in our group meetings

via nominated proxies. They have

been remitting their contributions

to South Africa but we recently

registered a Kenyan company known

as ZA Upendo Limited which they will

be managing. We are a knowledge

based organization. We listen to each

other and rely on the knowledge of

the member who is familiar with a

particular area. Additionally, we carry

out our own research and also invite

experts to talk to us on various issues

depending on the subject under

discussion.

What are the basic rules of the

group?

We have a constitution which we

drafted and improve upon from time

to time. When a member joins, we

do a valuation of the business and

they are required to make certain

payments to catch up with the

individual investments of other

members. Likewise, when a member

leaves, we perform a valuation and

pay them out over a period of about

three months. We are however keen

on keeping the group at its current

number of members simply because

it is easier to achieve consensus

when the group is small. We have

been approached by several women

who would like to join us and we

encourage them to form their

own groups and are happy to offer

guidance.

We have strict rules including

monetary fines for missing a meeting

or coming late as well as charging


interest for late payments although

these rarely occur. The constitution

includes decision making modalities

as well as how to deal with situations

such as when a member is having

difficult circumstances that prevent

her from making her contributions.

What have been the successes of

the group and what are your plans

for the future?

We thank God that He has enabled

us to pay off of our property in a

record three years and enabled us to

diversify our investments. We have

held two successful Kenya Nights. As

our families regularly meet and make

merry in the Kenyan way, we thought

it would be a good idea to organise

something similar for the broader

community. The first dinner was

organised at Killarney Golf Club in

2009 and was attended by about

350 people. Last year the

event was held at Indaba

Hotel and was attended by

approximately 500 people.

This year we

plan to hold

it at a bigger

venue in the

same hotel on the 5th of November.

Through God’s Grace, we have been

able to achieve cohesion, preserve

our unity and remain focused on our

goal. As God has blessed us, so have

we also extended our blessings to

others by supporting the education

of two visually impaired students at

Vrendrust High School in Polokwane,

Limpopo Province.

With regards to our plans for the

future, we have certain long term

projects we are looking to embark

on. We are ambitious and confident

that we can do great things. A group

like Transcentury Limited which

owns various companies across the

continent began as an investment

group. If they could do it, so can we.

Our mission is to vigorously and

prudently pursue investment income

generating opportunities, locally,

regionally and internationally while

believing that all things are possible

through faith in God and prayer.

www.upendoinvestments.com

Carol Malonza

S T O K V E L S U C C E S S : U P E N D O W O M E N I N V E S T M E N T S“A group l ike Transcentury Limited which owns various companies across the continent began as an investment group. If they could do it , so can we.”

Standing (from left):

Helen Kabuya, Mary Maina

(immediate former chair), Beatrice

Akala, Grace Karanja, Betty Amunga,

Mildred Sitati, Roselida Aluha

(secretary)

Seated (from left):

Nanzala Mwaura (chair), Lynette

Sunguti (treasurer), Mary Ndung’u,

Dr. Nelly Mary Mwaka (founding

chair).

Other members:

Mary Liaga (based in Polokwane)

Catherine Oduor & Waturi Matu

(based in Kenya).

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f Nigerians are consummate

business people, then Ken Ayere

is as Nigerian as can possibly

be. After numerous phone calls

and various attempts to meet, we

finally managed to squeeze ourselves

into his busy schedule and get our

questions answered.

Tell us about your background and

how you ended up in South Africa.

I was posted to Johannesburg

as the Southern Africa bureau chief

of the state owned News Agency

of Nigeria in 1996 and worked

here for about four and a half years

before returning to Nigeria. During

that period, I had given thought to

owning a McDonald’s franchise and

so I returned to South Africa in 2002

after having retired from journalism.

The franchise opportunity did

however not materialise and I

instead purchased a Caltex garage in

Krugersdorp in the West Rand which

I have been running to date.

Is it difficult to operate a garage in

that area?

Not at all. People frequently ask

me that question particularly because

it is a predominantly Afrikaans

neighbourhood. I have never heard

of any patron driving into a garage

and enquiring as to the nationality

of the owner before purchasing

whatever number of litres of fuel

they require. In business, as long as

you are providing a good service at a

fair price, people are rarely interested

in finding out more. The same applies

to all other business interests that

my wife and I are pursuing.

What are these other business

interests you are pursuing?

We own a 20 room guest lodge

known as The Golden Rose in the

Ferndale area of Randburg. We also

run a chain of three Homebaze

restaurants in Gauteng. These

are eateries dedicated to serving

African food in a respectable

environment. Having travelled the

world as a journalist, I noted that the

establishments that serve authentic

African food are almost always

located in backstreets or other dodgy

areas. Having traversed the continent

and tasted food from all regions, I

found this unacceptable and my wife

and I embarked on setting up our first

restaurant at Brightwater Commons

in 2003. It took us a year to draw up

the menu and for the first year she

ran the kitchen herself.

What makes Homebaze different

and why has it been successful?

The Homebaze menu is truly

African. This is what has enabled us

to expand to Village Walk Mall in

Sandton and to Arcadia in Pretoria.

We do not garnish any of our dishes

simply because when you cook at

home at your African kitchen you

don’t make sadza in the shape of

Africa and put flowers around it. We

don’t really have competitors because

other restaurants that purport to

deliver the African experience only

do so in terms of the music and

decor. They take advantage of those

consumers who do not know African

food by serving Mediterranean

dishes and giving them names like

‘Serengeti’ or ‘Kilimanjaro’.

It has not been easy though.

Some of the spices we use in our

food are not available at the local

supermarkets and have to be

imported from West African villages.

In addition, it is difficult to cook

some foods like chapati which we

have outsourced to a Kenyan lady.

KEN AYERE, THE NIGENTREPRENEUR

“Illegal business does not make sense because the energy one dissipates in doing negative things is the same energy that is required to do something positive

and achieve the same monetary rewards.”

34 EXPATRIATE

In fact, our 67 members of staff are

drawn from different parts of Africa.

What plans do you have for

Homebaze going forward?

We would like to take the

brand national. It would be good

to find people in other parts of the

country who share the same vision

and put some capital in their hands

to open up branches there. The big

companies today did not do it alone.

They engaged others with similar

interests. We are careful to find

people who have the same passion as

we wouldn’t want someone to come

and ruin what years of sacrifice and

commitment have built. We took a

big risk in venturing into the untried

area of establishing a classy African

restaurant and breaking the mind-set

that our food does not belong in up

market areas.

With all these ventures, do you find

time for anything else?

Yes I do. I have learnt how

to delegate which enables me to

manage my time and do many

other things. I was recently heading

the committee that organised the

Nigerian achievement awards at

Gallagher Estates attended by the

then Nigerian President and the

then Deputy President of SA. I am

the leader of the men’s group at my

church and also a founding member

of SA’s Patriots Club of Nigeria. I

am on the Board of Trustees of the

SA-based Nigerian Union and the

acting president of the Diaspora

Organisation of Nigerians in South

Africa. We have many different

groups because we are a varied

people with varied interests. Some

may find it difficult to interact with

the Nigerians based in Hillbrow

for example. I am involved in an

initiative to counsel those who are

conducting illegal activities and

ruining our reputation. We organise

workshops where we explain that the

same energy one dissipates in doing

negative things is the same energy

required to do something positive

and achieve the same monetary

rewards. - Keith Kundai

Don’t let retrenchment catch you off guard, says Old Mutual Karabo Morule, Strategy and Marketing Executive at Old Mutual, explains:

Although South Africa is sheltered from the worst aspects of the global economic recession, some local companies, like their foreign counterparts, are being forced to lay off workers.

Unfortunately, job losses often result in consumers cashing in on their retirement savings to carry them through until they find a job again. This is not an ideal solution as it may result in people being ill-prepared once they reach retirement.

“More and more employees are being forced to accept that their careers may be interrupted. Lifelong employment with the same employer is becoming the exception – not the rule. All of us need to review our financial plans accordingly,” says Faan Fourie, Regional General Manager for Personal Financial Advice at Old Mutual.

Spending retirement money to meet short-term commitments may worsen your situation over the long term. But are there any steps you can take to protect your financial plans?

“Yes,” says Fourie. “An important consideration is to add retrenchment cover to your life disability and severe illness cover.”

Should you become retrenched, Old Mutual’s GREENLIGHT Retrenchment Benefit will give you peace of mind, by ensuring that you have a monthly income of up to R30 000 per month while you seek alternative employment. This benefit acts as an income replacement and is also tax deductible if you have a taxable income.

“Adding retrenchment cover means that your life disability or severe illness premiums will be paid for at least six months after retrenchment, giving you a valuable financial breather while you get back on your feet,” explains Fourie.

He says consumers need to make informed choices when choosing risk cover with the assistance of a financial adviser or broker, adding that it is important to make provision for the unexpected – such as retrenchment.

“When times are tougher, it is vital that we reassess our priorities. Importantly, consumers should not lose sight of vital aspects such as taking out risk cover at a minimal monthly premium that provides you and your family with necessary protection. At the same time, this will ensure that you preserve your provision for retirement. Financial advisers or brokers will help to structure an action plan that addresses your needs and creates a healthy financial portfolio that will enable you to face the storm with a stress-free conscience,” explains Fourie.

”At Old Mutual we believe that sound advice is essential to financial wellbeing. Risk cover that provides essential financial protection for yourselves and your dependants will provide you with financial security and peace of mind

For more info on getting expert financial advice, contact Karabo Moleke , Manager: Regional Marketing, Personal Financial Advice: Johannesburg Region, Tel: 011 217 1316, Mobile: 082 758 3196, Email: [email protected]

etit Cochon or “Little Pig” is

a restaurant in Morningside,

Johannesburg started

by three French men-

Christophe, Gerald and Stephan. Their

passion for traditional charcuterie

(a branch of

cooking devoted

to prepared meat

products) and

the appreciation

of their friends

motivated them

to start one of my

most favourite

places. They have

succeeded in

bringing French

delicacies to a

rapidly growing

customer base of

both locals and

expats. There are

few places where you can go to

on a Friday night and meet people

from all over the world. It’s like the

FIFA World Cup happening all over

again...... without the vuvuzelas.

The venue...

In summer it feels like you may

be outside because of the airy room,

cobble stone floors, wooden ceilings

and large tables. As the temperatures

have started to drop they have

somehow managed to create a cosy

atmosphere. My first impression

was the feeling of not being in

Johannesburg anymore. It is great to

find an establishment where you just

feel at home (picture the cool side of

your family, not the ones who make

you take your shoes off at the door

or wear a tie!).

The food...

Pâté is a meat spread made of

lean fat, liver or veggies. Rillettes

on the other hand has a meat fibre

texture and is cooked in fat whilst

Mousse is made exclusively from

liver and has a very smooth texture.

Petit Cochon has a mix of what one

would typically expect in French

recipes (pork, duck and rabbit), but

have introduced a bit of a South

African flavour by stocking some

local delicacies such as springbok,

impala and kudu.

What really impresses me is

the fact that almost all of their

products are made on site, even their

own sausages. They have what they

call La Salaison (dry products) and

saucisson, a very famous air dried

delicacy.

There are a number

of les Plats Cuisinés

(cooked dishes)

such as Toulouse

Sausage, Cassoulet,

C h o u c r o u t e

Alsacienne, Petit

Salé in Lentils, Bœuf

Bourguignon and

rabbit in mustard.

In cold weather, try

raclette which is a

hot cheese fondue.

Their products are

100% natural with no colorants or

artificial flavouring. The best part

is that you can buy your favourite

cheese or pâté and take it home

with you to indulge in a bit of French

cuisine on your own terms.

The people...

The people can be divided into

two categories, the regulars (who

walk in the door with a smile because

they know from past experience

that a wonderful evening lies ahead

of them) and the ‘first timers’, who

you can see are a little shy and are

Petit Cochon: MORNINGSIDE’S TASTY SLICE OF

“An interesting comment was made by a visiting French

national who said that even in France, you will struggle to find a place

this authentic!”


ExpaT-Tastes

38 EXPATRIATE

ExpaT-Tastes


experiencing that ‘am I really still in

Johannesburg feeling’.

It appears to be a favourite

for the French expat community

and other expats who have made

Johannesburg their home, but there

is definitely rapidly growing local

support.

The music...

French music greets you as you

open the door and at some points

during the night as you indulge in

their delicacies a favourite song will

come on and the dining room will

spontaneously sing along (or clap

for those of us who don’t know the

words).

The dancing...

So no, it is not a club, but

the dancing somehow happens

organically at some point in the

evening. When bellies are full with

wine glass in hand, patrons will

dance to their favourite song when it

comes on. Don’t worry by the end of

the evening you will definitely have a

favourite song!

What makes it special...?

I actually don’t know where to start;

I guess perhaps the fact that it is

truly owner managed, by owners

who make an effort to get to know

their guests and ensure that they are

having the full French experience in

Africa. An interesting comment was

made by a visiting French national

who said that even in France, you

will struggle to find a place this

authentic!

My favourite time to indulge...

Definitely on a Friday evening for the

full experience, but I’ve been known

to sneak over during the week for

some pâté and cheese when I just

could not bear to wait until Friday.

Pennies and cents...

The food is good, but will not blow

your entertainment budget for

the month. A platter for 4 people

is approximately R200 (with an

unlimited supply of bread to go with

it). A good bottle of French wine will

set you back R120.

Where to find it:

Codfather complex, corner Rivonia

Road & 1st Avenue, Morningside

Time:

Monday to Thursday 8am – 5 pm

(the deli)

Friday 8am – late for a night of good

food, wine and dancing!

Website:

www.petitcochon.co.za

- Adjoa Ayivor

ExpaT-Tastes

22 EXPATRIATE

e are the children of

expats who arrived

a long time ago.

Nowadays when

people ask where we’re from, our

reply is “we’re citizens of the world”.

A number of my friends and I are

of foreign decent. Our parents came

from other countries while we were

either born and bred in South Africa

or born in those countries and raised

in South Africa from a very young

age, making it the only home we

know. Due to our foreign surnames

and exotic looks, we are constantly

asked where we are from. We find

ourselves constantly explaining our

origin and slowly enunciating the way

our surnames should be pronounced.

At some point we meet the

authentic product. These are people

“from home” who kindly inform us

that we are mispronouncing our own

surnames! This makes us wonder

who really needs the phonetics

lesson more, us or the local bank

teller?

Meeting “people from home”

leaves us with the same feeling

African Americans get when they

arrive in Africa – “the motherland”.

We finally meet people who can

pronounce our surnames; people

who look like us and can verify all

the stories our parents told us. Yet

our friends from home sometimes

receive us with a touch of scepticism

partly because we know so little of

our culture. We are stunned that just

by hearing our surnames, people can

tell whether we are from the same

clan or whether we are related. But

perhaps the most shameful thing is

that some of us cannot speak our

home languages. It is quite common

for a ‘citizen of the world’ to be able

to understand the language, and

speak it to a certain extent to others

who also grew up here. The fear of

speaking the mother tongue to an

‘authentic product’ with an accent

has a way of creating a state of

muteness.

Once initial introductions are

done and the excitement of bonding

with people from home has passed,

a deep sadness may settle in. That’s

due to one thing, the desire and

hope that we will one day return

home. That desire and hope is often

squashed once we realise that there

are cultural and social barriers

CITIZENS OF THE WORLDdividing us. Things that citizens of

the world may consider acceptable

and normal are often considered

outlandish and unacceptable by

friends from home. There are things

that we hear about home that make

us realise going back would be a

greater challenge than just hopping

onto a plane and relocating. That

makes you start to wonder whether

you’re not already home.

But again all it takes to dispel

that thought is for a citizen of the

world to enter a shop here and be

unable to speak the local language

comfortably. Or someone in the

street to look and ask: “Where are

you from? You don’t look South

African”. Although we’re grateful for

opportunities and privileges we’ve

been afforded, we are acutely aware

that many things, such as cultures

and traditions we know nothing

about, may have surpassed us.

We don’t belong to the people

of the land we’ve grown up in,

and yet, we don’t belong to the

people of our land of origin either.

We’re the ultimate product of

the global melting pot. We’re the

personification of the cosmopolitan

lifestyle. We fit in everywhere we go,

and yet we don’t belong anywhere at

all. We’re a generation that could’ve

been lost, had we not found our

place, defined it and owned it. Our

place cannot be pinpointed to a

specific geographical location; our

place cannot be limited or defined.

Our place is vast. Our place is large

and has no boundaries. Our place is

the entire globe and that makes us…

citizens of the world. Sheila Lynn Senkubuge

“People from back home tell those

of us who grew up here how to

pronounce our own surnames.

Turns out we need the

phonetics lesson as

much as the local

bank teller!”

ExpaT-TalK

gandan Charles Mugerwa

arrived eight years ago

in South Africa as a post-

graduate student of Music

Education at the University Of

Pretoria (UP).

The UP Music Department was

investing in finding appropriate

methodologies for implementing

South Africa’s new Revised National

Curriculum. Mugerwa and one

of his lecturers Professor Kwami

embarked on research studies to

gather in-depth knowledge of how to

integrate African indigenous music

in classrooms.

They targeted

schools in Ga-

Rankuwa and

Soshanguve

townships where they had an

overwhelming response from many

children.

The musical projects were progressing

well until funding became a problem.

In addition, Kwami passed away

leaving Mugerwa alone in pursuit of

their vision. He had started teaching

at the university and township

parents would approach him for

music lessons for their children. These

children would come through for

classes weekly but as they were not

university students, UP was not able

to provide them with the full support

needed. These challenges prompted

Mugerwa to source funding as

many learners were struggling with

money for transport to and from

the university. The process of finding

private funding resulted in the birth

of PAMATA - Pan African Music and

Theatre Arts.

PAMATA was established as a Close

Corporation in 2009 with start-

up capital from two Ugandan

medical doctors, Dr. Wasswa and

Dr. Lubega. Mugerwa would teach

the children all forms of arts, dance,

drama, music, poetry and folklore

at a friend’s venue in Kameeldrift,

Pretoria. Transport continued to be

a challenge until John Kyobe, the

founder of HTC Colleges in Pretoria,

offered the group a more accessible

venue in Pretoria CBD without cost.

“We are now in the process of

changing PAMATA into a non-profit

organization and later a School of

Performing Arts,” Mugerwa reveals,

“It is important that we continue

teaching these children music as it

keeps them grounded. They learn

special skills that enable them to

get jobs to sustain themselves and

their families. Some have even gone

for auditions to perform on TV and

PAMATA has just taken part in the

production of a new movie starring

Gerard Butler entitled Machine Gun

Preacher.”

In collaboration with UP, PAMATA

was invited to perform in a joint

program with the Edu-Cantare choir

at a recent international conference

in Botswana. Furthermore, the group

has been invited to similar events

overseas; California in 2012 and

Alabama in 2013.

Another Ugandan, Julius Kyakuwa,

assists Mugerwa as artistic director.

C H A R L E S M U G E R W A : T H E P I E D P I P E R O F P R E T O R I A

He is a post-graduate music student

at UP currently on an exchange

programme in Finland for which he

was selected in recognition of his

special talents.

”In the span of one year, he has lifted

performance standards and proved

himself as an exceptional trainer and

mentor to the PAMATA children,”

Mugerwa says.

Mugerwa handles PAMATA in his

spare time. He holds teaching

positions at both UP and Pridwin

Preparatory School in Johannesburg.

He does not

view PAMATA

as something

from which to

make money

seeing as what it gives him is much

more fulfilling than Rands and Cents.

“So many of these children had lost

focus and some had started taking

drugs and considering dropping out

of school. My satisfaction comes

from seeing them grow to their

potential and find their purpose in

life,” he concludes. Sheila Lynn Senkubuge

“The PAMATA children have gone for auditions to perform on TV and were involved in the production of a new movie starring

Gerard Butler entitled Machine Gun Preacher”

ExpaT-Tunes

UCHE AGU, THE ROAD TO A MILLION HITS ON YOU TUBEabsolutely love this country,”

Uchechukwu Agu confesses. “I

have found the people here to be

very welcoming and have fallen in

love with the place. I will not leave

unless it is God’s will that I do. The

culture, the food, and the people - I

feel quite at home here. I am always

surprised that people expect me

to have a long list of complaints

particularly given that I am Nigerian

but that couldn’t be further from the

truth.”

Uche(as he is more commonly

referred to) came to South Africa in

2003 as part of a group of singers

and preachers on a tour of the

country and neighbouring Lesotho.

They had the opportunity to sing

at various venues including Soweto.

Shortly after the tour, Uche enrolled

at the World Harvest Bible College

in Germiston and completed a

qualification in theology.

As a result of the qualification

and serving in Christian ministry,

Uche is now a pastor at Lyndhurst

based Hallelujah ministries. His most

notable achievement is perhaps

his hit track, “My God is good oh”.

With over a million hits on the

online video portal You Tube, the

song has had phenomenal success

with listenership across the African

continent and in other parts of the

world.

“I performed the song with

Joyous Celebration, a choir headed

by Mthunzi Namba, Lindelani

Mkhize and Jabu Tshlongwane. The

song incorporates various African

languages including bits of pidgin,

Swahili and Lingala. This is part of the

reason that it has become so popular

on the continent and I have been

invited to a number of countries to

perform for large audiences including

the 50,000 who showed up for the

New Year Eve party in Kenya last

year.”

Other than countries in Africa,

Uche has also had an opportunity to

travel to a number of international

destinations promoting his music and

spreading the gospel. In particular, he

makes frequent trips to the United

Kingdom.

“What really strikes me about

places like the UK is the simplicity

of the people in spite of being in a

first world economy. This differs from

places like Nigeria where people are

quite extravagant. A man will have

several cars and live in a really big

mansion in spite of having only a

wife and a couple of kids whereas

in the UK people think of investing

their money rather than making

a statement. They are not that

interested in expensive new stuff but

spend wisely.”

He takes a moment to shut down

his Samsung notepad and places it

next to his brand new iPod. I smile

broadly and he immediately picks up

on the irony.

“Hey, am Nigerian, have to keep it

real!” he giggles.

I ask him about being Nigerian

given the fact that most of the

stories you hear about his country

men are lacking in the sort of praise

he has come to be associated with.

“Well our reputation is like a

perfume that follows us everywhere

we go,” he elucidates, “but every

country on earth has good and bad

people but it is Judas who is the most

well-known amongst all the disciples.

Our people are all over and are quite

aggressive, particularly in business. If

you go to any country and you don’t

find Nigerians doing their thing, you

need to leave immediately. There is

no money to be made there!”

I laugh. Perhaps encouraged to

expound, he continues.

“A Nigerian does not sit around

and wait for government to give him

money to start something. He sells

his shoes and starts small and before

you know it he is a millionaire. We are

very creative but one of our problems

is bad governance. Hopefully with

the election of Goodluck Jonathan

things will change and our leaders

will become responsible. Our country

is full of of potential.”

We come back to discussing

Uche’s own potential. He scooped

two honours at the Crown Gospel

Awards late last year: Best DVD

and Best Praise Album, and on the

morning of this interview, he was on

his way to a rehearsal to perform at

the South African Music Awards. In

addition to performing at the awards,

he was nominated for two awards

at the most prestigious multi-genre

musical award event in the country.

He views these nominations as the

beginning of great things to come.

“It was more than an honour just

to be nominated. I plan to continue

serving God and look forward to

44 EXPATRIATE

ExpaT-Tunes

more of his blessings. I am close to

dropping my second album and I am

also working with others in creating

a platform for talent from all over

Africa.”

Although Uche is a gospel

artist, he is also able to perform

inspirational and promotional music.

He would however not record music

that is contrary to his beliefs.

“I don’t think it is wrong to sing

or appreciate music

that is not bona fide Christian. The

Songs of Solomon is a chapter in

the Bible made up of mainly love

songs. So I am definitely open to

collaborating with a secular artist as

long as it is not vulgar or distasteful.”

Uche says that as a result of his recent

publicity, he now gets recognised in

public places. However, he does not

consider himself a celebrity and has

therefore not let the attention get to

him. He does however find it difficult

to have to stop and chat to strangers

and smile even when he is tired or in

a hurry.

He is still single but lets me in on his

imminent plans to tie the knot.

When I ask about

his hobbies,

U c h e

UCHE AGU, THE ROAD TO A MILLION HITS ON YOU TUBE


ExpaT-Tunes

insists that he is a good cook and an

excellent swimmer. He doesn’t fit the

profile of an onion chopping Michael

Phelps but as he is a man of God, I

accept it and we part ways.

- KC Rottok

ExpaT-Tunes


s this just fancy marketing speak

or is it the techies trying to sound

cool? Is it a new technology,

programming language or an

industry standard?

So-called experts will each give

you their own version of what they

understand the phrase to mean,

which merely serves to confuse you

even more. Well, here is a much

easier and simpler way to understand

it.

You may remember the infamous

“dot-com bubble” that many

considered a

turning point

in the Web

Development

arena. For

the few

c o m p a n i e s

that survived,

they almost

had to

revamp their service offering in order

to stay afloat. It became more of

what can you offer that doesn’t exist,

rather than what you have done in

terms of your portfolio. Gradually

some of the bigger blue chips began

to crumble while others invested

all their revenue into research and

development. Every developer,

designer and programmer was

pulling their hair out trying to come

up with new ideas and gradually, the

web began to evolve.

Change started to creep in

when companies and users realised

that they wanted more than just a

brochure-style website. They wanted

more from their website than just

a ‘pretty face’ on the internet. They

wanted them to do more for them

than just present information. They

wanted to engage their viewers,

interact with them and get a return

on the massive investment that was

web development.

Web applications were born,

content management systems

popped up and e-commerce

websites became basic necessities

for companies selling products. Blogs

appeared and became a cool thing to

have followed closely by email, photo

galleries and discussion forums. Then

came the big boy – Social Media.

Web 2.0 was well and truly born.

In a nutshell, Web 2.0 became about

interactivity more than content

presentation. It became about

“letting go” of your website and

almost giving it a life of its own.

Some large corporate entities have

refused to embrace it and instead

want to stick to brochure-style

websites. Or so they think.

In more ways than one,

approximately 70% of the websites

online at the moment have embraced

the Web 2.0 craze by using simple

tools such as feedback or enquiry

forms.

What the hell is Web 2.0? We need to embrace social

media as it is one of the cheapest,

quickest and most effective ways to

sell your brand. Say your website

has 100 registered users and each of

these users has a Facebook account

with 300 friends. Assuming no

mutual friends, if you do the math,

you can see that this translates to

30,000 potential targets. So if each

one of your users was to share a link

on their wall or with their 300-odd

friends, you have already opened

up your brand to 30,000 potential

customers.

In conclusion, Web 2.0 has opened up

the internet

so much

that there

is almost

no limit

as to what

functionality

you can

offer on your

website or

the level of interaction you can give,

or better yet, how far information on

your site can travel and be shared

over the internet

“Web 2.0 means social and

open (or at least it should be). It is

letting go of control over your data

and mixing the global with the local.

Web 2.0 is about new interfaces - new

ways of searching and accessing Web

content. And last but not least, Web

2.0 is a platform - and not just for

developers to create web applications

like Gmail and Flickr. The Web is a

platform to build on for educators,

media, politics, community..... for

virtually everyone in fact!” – Quote

from ZDNet Andrew Kakai is a Johannesburg based IT Professional. Email [email protected]

“If your website has 100 users, each with 300 unique Facebook friends - this

translates to a potential 30,000 customers for your brand!”

Shutterstock.com

ExpaT-Talk

Lindiwe: Zambia’s Dreamgirlhen my significant

other asked me

to take her to

watch the musical

“Dreamgirls”, I had the perfect

answer: “That’s a dream, girl!” After

receiving the cold shoulder for two

days however, I quickly realised that

she had not found my response as

amusing as I thought it was and

needless to say, I found myself seated

in the fourth row of the Teatro

at Monte Casino the following

Sunday. To my amazement,

I was on my feet clapping

like a two year old at Bible

school as the actors took

their final bow.

At the centre of

the breath-taking

performance was Lindiwe

Bungane, the Zambian

born singer who played

the role of Effie. You

may remember her from

the show Project Fame

which aired on M-Net

in 2004 where amateur

singers from several African

countries competed for

an array of lucrative prizes

including a recording contract

with Bertelsmann Music Group,

(BMG).

“I was the eventual winner

of the show,” Lindiwe recalled

when we caught up with her

recently. ”Unfortunately, the life I

was promised was not to be. I was

spending my own money to sustain

myself in South Africa trying to get

the recording contract underway.

I attended meeting after meeting

but there seemed to be absolutely

no commitment to get me to record

my first album. Jonathan, who came

second, had already been recorded

and I began to realize that it was not

going to happen for me.”

Lindiwe gave up on pursuing the

contract and things in her personal

life became equally difficult.

Being away from then

husband Joseph Alam and

pursuing auditions

in South Africa

put a strain

on their

marriage.

“He was a mechanic in Zambia and

had just got a promotion. In spite of

this, he wanted to come to SA to join

me which I thought was a bad idea

because I was struggling here yet

we had just had a child and needed

the financial stability. His friends

speculated as to what I was up to in

SA and this precipitated

our breaking up.”

Lindiwe found it very

difficult to get w o r k

as an artist in S A

partly because

of her identity.

With her

own singing

c a r e e r

ExpaT-TainerS

Lindiwe: Zambia’s Dreamgirl

23

having stalled, she began auditioning

for various roles in performing arts.

“My late father was from Transkei

and was in exile in Zambia where

I was born and raised. To this day I

actually only have Zambian identity

documents...my South African name

and surname got me into auditions

but as soon as the organizers

discovered that I cannot khuluma,

I was out of the running. Being

unable to speak any South

African language is a big

disadvantage,” Lindiwe

revealed.

She decided to go back

to school which i s

where she met

her current

h u s b a n d ,

Cameroonian-born Joseph Bizeng,

who was her lecturer.

“It’s funny that I have been

married to two different Josephs.

I make jokes with my mum that I

married Joe A then Joe B. It seems

like I am slowly going down the

alphabet!”

We took a moment to laugh

then got down to discussing the

serious business that was her role in

Dreamgir ls . Her luck had

b e g u n to turn

as she was cast

i n various

s t a g e

roles.

“Before Dreamgirls, I had gone

on a global tour with the musical

The House of the Holy Afro. I was

mainly required to sing on that

show so Dreamgirls was my first

real acting performance. When I

read the script, it was like they had

‘googled’ my story and written it

for me. The similarities between the

role of Effie and my life is actually

scaring, particularly the significance

of the seven years since she fell out

of the limelight then came back in

a big way. That is the same period

from the time I won Project Fame to

the time I starred in Dreamgirls. In

playing Effie, I felt like her experience

with Curtis her manager who threw

her out was like my experience with

the failed success story that was

meant to come out of Project

Fame.”

Lindiwe’s connection with

the role was obvious to

all that watched the play

resulting in rave reviews from the

media who had nothing but praise

for her performance.

“All the critics said I did well

perhaps with the exception of one

lady who said my inexperience

showed on the first night. That was

family night and I was quite happy

that I was able to perform well

because five days before that I had

lost my voice and had to visit the

doctor everyday to get injections. I

am a very soft spoken person while

Effie is very loud. Her role has only

been played by four people, one of

which is the Oscar winner Jennifer

Hudson so I am in very good

company!” she beamed.

ExpaT-TainerS

22 EXPATRIATE

Having been taught by American

teachers in Zambia when she

was younger, Lindiwe had a slight

advantage over the rest of the cast

when receiving coaching on the

accent. The actors were also required

to get the movie out of their heads

as it was a pop version of the

original play.

“In fact we were

told to watch Aretha

Franklin as the directors

were adamant that

we should not come

across as singing pop.

Unfortunately they

decided to end the shows

quite abruptly in spite of

improved ticket sales

towards the end. I remember the

final show was bitter sweet for us.

We were so emotional and I actually

was unable to finish the song in the

last scene.”

Dreamgirls was a big break for

Lindiwe who feels that the role

changed her as a person by helping

find her strength. She is hopeful

that the show will go on tour with

her reprising her role as the central

character. Additionally, she has

recorded an album, live DVD and

stars in Vodacom’s new TV advert

where she repeats the line “Warra

Warra What Wat” in a comical talent

competition. - KC Rottok

ExpaT-TainerS

The sweet taste of a brother’s sweat.rowing up in Uganda, it

had been my childhood

dream to go to a faraway

land where beaches are

turned into bedrooms. Where you

could sleep naked in the sand sipping

orange juice and have no fear of a

small-winged animal singing the

same song in your ears.

But did you know that your best

friend is likely to replace your efforts

once you decide to pack your bags

for another country?

In a way, I blame the subsequent

bedding of my girlfriend on things

like mosquitoes and pit latrines

because one day I almost fell into

one while chasing a neighbour’s dog

in Kabuusu! Such things made me

think of leaving the country.

But what hurt me the most is

that my best friend did not allow

me to even first unload my rags

from my father’s car. I suspect that

because they had both escorted me

to the airport in the same car, it is

quite possible that they just parked

alongside the old airport road and

“fired” each other as I boarded the

plane to Johannesburg.

A week later I heard the news

and picked up the handset to phone

the guy. As the voice connected, I was

seized by this paroxysm of hysterical

giggles which quickly dried into tears.

An ineffable heartache is what I lived

to feel later.

But that pain was my fault!

I had been presented with same

opportunity earlier while at Makerere

University to square with his girl

while he was away in the United

States. Although circumstances were

perfect for me, I failed to act and

today I rue that missed opportunity.

Amazingly or rather strangely,

this guy is still a great friend and

there is nothing dissembling about it.

But the question is - why do

some friends find embarking on your

old territory so easy and noble? I

guess, it is the same as asking why

some people kill.

Why even date your friend’s ex?

Why even look inside her cleavage

yet you are my “buddy” and we drink

together? Why even follow her to the

ladies while we are seated together

at Cubana?

Here in South Africa, even where

girls are so many like fallen autumn

leaves, this disease is rampant

particularly in many expatriate

communities.

Why oh why? Could it be

laziness? Or maybe it is a case of “we

can’t all work, some have to enjoy

each other’s sweat”. This is quite

possible because finding a woman

and taking her to bed is not easy. It

requires determination, courage, wit,

luck, confidence and the effort to tell

lies.

But that’s the price of the guava.

It demands some sacrifices like this

one time when I used my rent money

to organise transport for a girl to my

place. When she left two days later, I

had to put up a vigorous fight with

my landlord.

“Having an affair with the ex of a friend shows a disturbing lack of judgement and complete absence of character.”

HangingonwithHannington

It is a sad fact but today real

men have no problem spending their

children’s school fees or medical aid

premiums on taking care of their

pants.

But for me the ultimate sin is getting

action at another man’s expense

particularly when that man is your

best friend! It not only shows a

disturbing lack of judgement but also

a complete absence of character.

Hannington Kasirye.

Istockphoto

lot has been happening

lately including the loss

of one Amy Winehouse.

A lovely talent gone too

soon. I guess her job here was done

and her maker was calling her home.

Then there has been a lot of

talk surrounding a certain politician

who apparently should be earning

something in the region of R20,000

but allegedly has managed to begin

construction of a multi-million dollar

house. You have all heard about

these trust funds being used to

conceal wealth. Before we begin to

cast the first stone, let’s be honest.

How many fine citizens of good

standing have set up trusts to dodge

the tax man or whip up some other

cunning scheme?

Still on the proverbial first stone,

I have been very fortunate to be

residing in the tranquil suburb of

Bishops Court in the Western Cape

for the last few weeks. There hasn’t

been a day when I haven’t been

gob smacked by the vastness of the

enclosed areas around some of these

houses. Insane I tell you. I wondered

how many informal settlements can

fit into one of these plots because

that’s how big these places are.

That got me thinking. A good

few years ago, these beautiful lands

at the base of Table Mountain and

those lucrative ocean facing lands

on the Atlantic Seaboard had some

thriving communities. Then one day

someone, in their infinite wisdom

decided to pull up with a truck and

a gun and tell all these communities

to vamoose to outlying areas. And

that was that. No compensation, no

alternatives provided, just see you

later! Yet there is talk of expropriation

of lands with no compensation and

we all lift up our hands and wave

them wildly chanting no no no as

if reciting the recently deceased

Amy Winehouse’s response to a

suggestion of attending rehab.

There is a complexity in solving

the issue that is South Africa, make

no bones about it. Our checkered past

has been built on forcible removals

at no compensation because it

served the purposes of a few. Time

has passed and we have realized

that these ‘ill gotten’ gains and the

ramifications on the vast majority

of the population were unjust.

And yet we are hesitant to

entertain corrective measures.

There has been years of talk of

compensation for certain

lands in dispute but very

little agreement seems to

have been reached on a

number of these lands.

What is next? I pray not

a Zim style expropriation

because that my dear friends

does no one any good. So my

suggestion is that before we

point fingers and wax

lyrical in racial and

u n c o n s t r u c t i v e

ways, best we

start engaging

each other.

We should

do this

with the

s o l e

aim of

finding an amicable solution. We

should speak to each other not

at or past each other. Because

these rules were created many

years ago and we best all learn to

play with them or find new rules

that will work for us all. Yaw Peprah is a self employed entrepreneur pursuing interests in business advisory, consultancy and commodity brokering. www.mondaymail.blogspot.com

CAST YE NOT THE FIRST STONE.“Many years ago these lands were expropriated by people carrying guns without any compensation. And yet, when

people talk of corrective expropriation now, we say no no no like Amy Winehouse to the suggestion of attending rehab”

52 EXPATRIATE

TheLastWord

Send your CV to [email protected] quoting the relevant reference

0861 788 788 www.antonapps.com 073 788 7880

Opportunities in Africa

UgandaSENIOR FINANCE MANAGER: NGOUS$7 000 – US$8 500Working with families and children. Full nance function for region.Ref: JB001

TanzaniaFINANCIAL PLANNER: ConstructionUS$4 000 – US$6 000Financial planning, assist the business in decision makingand risk management.Ref: BC002

KenyaINTERNAL AUDITOR:HospitalityUS$5 000 – US$7 000Hospitality Business - Mombasa.Ref: JB003

FINANCE MANAGER: PharmaceuticalUS$5 000 – US$6 500Minimum 2 years experience in commercial eld. Full nancial management function.Ref: BC001

MalawiFINANCE MANAGER: LogisticsUS$5 000 – US$6 500Based in Lilongwe.Ref: JB004

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT: ManufacturingUS$5 000 – US$6 000Responsible for full accounting function inclusive of budgeting and reconciliations.Ref: BC003

MozambiqueFINANCE MANAGER: LogisticsUS$7 500 – US$8 500Portuguese speaking CA with experience in import/export.Ref: CF002

FINANCE DIRECTOR: AgricultureUS$10 000 – US$11 000Northern Mozambique – must speak Portuguese and be able to understand the local tax and nance laws.Ref: AT001

Pan AfricanFINANCE DIRECTOR: Financial ServicesUS$10 000 – US$11 000Coordinate and optimise nance functions within African operations.Ref: CF001

NigeriaGROUP REPORTING MANAGER: Financial ServicesUS$10 000 – US$11 000CA with minimum 5 years in group function, strong reporting skills.Ref: CF004

EgyptCREDIT CARD FINANCE MANAGER: FinanceUS$6 000 – US$8 000Must have credit card experience and be able to speak French/Arabic.Ref: AT002

AngolaFINANCIAL ANALYST: BankingUS$6 000 – US$7 500Analysis of market trends, interaction with senior employees, custodian of calculations and insights, nancial reporting, forecasting and revenue management. Maintaining strong relationships with clients. Must be able to speak Portuguese.Ref: DM001

NamibiaHEAD OF FINANCE: AgricultureUS$7 500 – US$8 500Full control of nance function, 3 direct reports. Must have some operational experience.Ref: BC005

FINANCE MANAGER: ManufacturingUS$8 000 – US$9 500Providing insight and advice to nance team. Must have management experience, assist with month-end and year-end nancial reporting processes, assisting with budgeting and forecasting process.Ref: DM005

Zambia FINANCE MANAGER: SecurityUS$4 000 – US$5 000Strong Treasury experience as well as team management experience.Ref: AT004

FINANCE DIRECTOR: SecurityUS$7 000 – US$8 000Manage a team of 6, overseeing bank reconciliations, months end reports, reporting into the UK.Ref: AT005

FINANCE MANAGER: SecurityUS$4 000 – US$5 000Must have strong nancial experience. Undertaking of the reconciliations of monthly nancial statements.Ref: AT003

CongoFINANCIAL PLANNER: Oil and GasUS$4 000 – US$6 000Preparation and nancial planning to assist the business in decision making and risk management.Ref: BC002

SENIOR FINANCE MANAGER: Oil and GasUS$10 000 – US$11 000Manage a team of 3, French language is preferable, strong analytical and team player skills required.Ref: JB002

SwazilandFINANCIAL CONTROLLER: BankingUS$7 000 – US$8 000Commercially-minded individual with strong technical skills, must have suf cient management experience. Provide training to nance staff, cost reports, budgets, forecasting, reporting. Knowledge on IFRS is required.Ref: DM004

ZimbabweFINANCE MANAGER: AgricultureUS$5 000 – US$6 000Full nance function for small but growing business.Ref: CF003

FINANCE MANAGER: AgricultureUS$5 000 – US$6 000Optimise nance function as well as manage operations.Ref: CF005

FINANCE MANAGER: MiningUS$5 000 – US$6 000CA from a mining background. Involved in the operational side of the business as well as risk management.Ref: BC004

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT: TelecommunicationsUS$5 000 – US$6 000Provide input regarding IFRS statements, technical advice for nancial reports, managing and controlling nancial reports of the business.Ref: DM002

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT: BankingUS$5 500 – US$6 500Producing monthly management information reports, involved in budgets and forecasting sessions, producing monthly budgets and forecasts, cost accounts, variance analysis. CIMA preferred. Must be able to speak Portuguese.Ref: DM003

Send your CV to [email protected] quoting the relevant reference

0861 788 788 www.antonapps.com 073 788 7880

Opportunities in Africa

UgandaSENIOR FINANCE MANAGER: NGOUS$7 000 – US$8 500Working with families and children. Full nance function for region.Ref: JB001

TanzaniaFINANCIAL PLANNER: ConstructionUS$4 000 – US$6 000Financial planning, assist the business in decision makingand risk management.Ref: BC002

KenyaINTERNAL AUDITOR:HospitalityUS$5 000 – US$7 000Hospitality Business - Mombasa.Ref: JB003

FINANCE MANAGER: PharmaceuticalUS$5 000 – US$6 500Minimum 2 years experience in commercial eld. Full nancial management function.Ref: BC001

MalawiFINANCE MANAGER: LogisticsUS$5 000 – US$6 500Based in Lilongwe.Ref: JB004

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT: ManufacturingUS$5 000 – US$6 000Responsible for full accounting function inclusive of budgeting and reconciliations.Ref: BC003

MozambiqueFINANCE MANAGER: LogisticsUS$7 500 – US$8 500Portuguese speaking CA with experience in import/export.Ref: CF002

FINANCE DIRECTOR: AgricultureUS$10 000 – US$11 000Northern Mozambique – must speak Portuguese and be able to understand the local tax and nance laws.Ref: AT001

Pan AfricanFINANCE DIRECTOR: Financial ServicesUS$10 000 – US$11 000Coordinate and optimise nance functions within African operations.Ref: CF001

NigeriaGROUP REPORTING MANAGER: Financial ServicesUS$10 000 – US$11 000CA with minimum 5 years in group function, strong reporting skills.Ref: CF004

EgyptCREDIT CARD FINANCE MANAGER: FinanceUS$6 000 – US$8 000Must have credit card experience and be able to speak French/Arabic.Ref: AT002

AngolaFINANCIAL ANALYST: BankingUS$6 000 – US$7 500Analysis of market trends, interaction with senior employees, custodian of calculations and insights, nancial reporting, forecasting and revenue management. Maintaining strong relationships with clients. Must be able to speak Portuguese.Ref: DM001

NamibiaHEAD OF FINANCE: AgricultureUS$7 500 – US$8 500Full control of nance function, 3 direct reports. Must have some operational experience.Ref: BC005

FINANCE MANAGER: ManufacturingUS$8 000 – US$9 500Providing insight and advice to nance team. Must have management experience, assist with month-end and year-end nancial reporting processes, assisting with budgeting and forecasting process.Ref: DM005

Zambia FINANCE MANAGER: SecurityUS$4 000 – US$5 000Strong Treasury experience as well as team management experience.Ref: AT004

FINANCE DIRECTOR: SecurityUS$7 000 – US$8 000Manage a team of 6, overseeing bank reconciliations, months end reports, reporting into the UK.Ref: AT005

FINANCE MANAGER: SecurityUS$4 000 – US$5 000Must have strong nancial experience. Undertaking of the reconciliations of monthly nancial statements.Ref: AT003

CongoFINANCIAL PLANNER: Oil and GasUS$4 000 – US$6 000Preparation and nancial planning to assist the business in decision making and risk management.Ref: BC002

SENIOR FINANCE MANAGER: Oil and GasUS$10 000 – US$11 000Manage a team of 3, French language is preferable, strong analytical and team player skills required.Ref: JB002

SwazilandFINANCIAL CONTROLLER: BankingUS$7 000 – US$8 000Commercially-minded individual with strong technical skills, must have suf cient management experience. Provide training to nance staff, cost reports, budgets, forecasting, reporting. Knowledge on IFRS is required.Ref: DM004

ZimbabweFINANCE MANAGER: AgricultureUS$5 000 – US$6 000Full nance function for small but growing business.Ref: CF003

FINANCE MANAGER: AgricultureUS$5 000 – US$6 000Optimise nance function as well as manage operations.Ref: CF005

FINANCE MANAGER: MiningUS$5 000 – US$6 000CA from a mining background. Involved in the operational side of the business as well as risk management.Ref: BC004

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT: TelecommunicationsUS$5 000 – US$6 000Provide input regarding IFRS statements, technical advice for nancial reports, managing and controlling nancial reports of the business.Ref: DM002

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT: BankingUS$5 500 – US$6 500Producing monthly management information reports, involved in budgets and forecasting sessions, producing monthly budgets and forecasts, cost accounts, variance analysis. CIMA preferred. Must be able to speak Portuguese.Ref: DM003

Expatriate Spring Issue 2011

Documents

Transcript of Expatriate Spring Issue 2011