Karin Hougaard

Izimvo is truly honoured to introduce singer-songwriter, poet, artist, writer and actress: Karin Hougaard.

Karin has endured the test of time and has become a true icon of South African music. Since her debut as teen singing sensation in the early 1980’s, Karin has released 9 award-winning albums and has various compilations and singles to her name. Karin has also appeared in various stage productions across Europe and South Africa as well appearing in many television programs.

Karin is currently working on a various new projects including a new solo show called Die Boom which she will perform in The Netherlands.

Website: http://www.karinhougaard.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarinHougaard
Karin’s YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/karinhougaard
Facebook Fan Page
Location: United States

Karin was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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Rob Vember

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing 5FM’s Rob Vember.

Rob, formerly on Heart 104.9 FM in Cape Town, first joined national broadcaster 5FM in early 2008. He has since become a fan favorite and can be heard discussing the news of the day every night, Monday to Thursday, between 7pm and 10pm. Rob also hosts the Sunday 10:00 to 14:00 slot.

Rob once broadcast for 126 hours and 15 minutes in a bid to set a South African broadcasting record, and bungee jumped from the Orlando Towers in Soweto.

Website: http://www.5fm.co.za/djs/rob-vember
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rob_vember
Location: Johannesburg

Rob was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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Mark Andrews

Izimvo is thrilled to introduce South African rugby legend and member of the 1995 Rugby World Cup winning team: Mark Andrews.

Considered as one of the greatest locks to have played the game, Mark’s Springbok career started at the young age of 22 when he made his debut against England in 1994. Earning a total of 77 test caps, Mark’s career highlights include:

• SA Rugby Player of the year nomination in 1994, his debut year.
• Being a member of the 1995 Rugby World Cup team.
• 60 test points including 12 test tries.
• 160 games for the Sharks.
• Currie Cups wins in 1995 and 1996.

Following his retirement in 2001, Mark played a season in the United Kingdom. He retired from the game at the end of the 2004 season at the age of 32.

Wikipedia Page.
Location: Durban

Mark was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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John Berks

Today’s familiar voice belongs to South African radio legend: John Berks.

John started his radio career in 1964 when he was employed as a disc jockey on LM Radio. He moved onto a couple of other radio stations including Swazi Music Radio, Radio 5 and Capital before starting at Radio 702 in 1981.  John soon became the most popular voice on South African radio.

John was known for his fantastic sense of humour while he hosted the morning show on 702, until he retired from the station in the late 90’s. John is still very much in demand as a public speaker and currently lives in Johannesburg.

Website: http://www.johnberks.com
Facebook Fan Page
Location: Johannesburg

John was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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Dr Josianne Roma-Reardon

Izimvo is honoured to introduce Managing Director of OneVoice South Africa: Dr Josianne Roma-Reardon.

Josianne, 34, and was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada where she completed her studies, including one of her greatest achievements, her Ph.D. in Population Health.

Since marrying Mark, her South African husband in 2004, she has moved from Ottawa to London to Durban. She has made her home in Ballito, and always comments on how enjoyable her morning drives are to Musgrave, because she has the luxury of looking out for whales and dolphins!

Currently, she is the Managing Director of OneVoice South Africa, a vibrant and unique non-governmental organisation, which uses innovative and creative ways of actively involving young people in HIV and AIDS prevention.

Website: http://www.onevoice.org.za
Location: Durban

Josianne was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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Telana Simpson

Izimvo would like to introduce the woman trading a matchstick for offices: Telana Simpson.

Trading a single matchstick for offices. That is the ambitious goal of Telana Simpson who started her adventure in June 2006. Documenting her progress on onematchstick.co.za, Telana has made 9 trades including an ordinary green pen, a fluffy toy frog, R3000 cash and a party for 150 people with DJ Al.

Telana’s ninth trade was the party for 375 funky Springleap T-shirts which she plans to trade with 375 people. What will the 11 trade be? Be sure to follow matchstick-girl’s progress to find out.

Website: http://onematchstick.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Telana
Location: Johannesburg

Telana was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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Ryan Sandes (Photo by Nick Muzik)

Izimvo has the great honour of introducing running phenomenon: Ryan Sandes.

Ryan’s amazing story begins in 2006 when he finished in the top 20 of his first ever marathon: a race which he only entered as an excuse for a party in Knysna. Looking for an adventure, Ryan went on to win every stage of the 2008 Gobi March, a desert race considered as one of the toughest endurance races on the planet. Ryan followed this amazing achievement by winning The Sahara Race and breaking the race record of the 2009 Jungle Marathon.

Ryan’s goal for 2010 is to complete and win every race in the 4 Deserts series. The challenge starts on the 7th March with the Atacama Desert Race in Chile and ends in November with the Last Desert race in Antarctica. “Wandering Fever” is a documentary that will follow Ryan’s attempt at becoming the first person to win all of the 4 Desert Series races.

Named as one of Runners World Magazine’s “Top 5 heroes of running”, along with the likes of Usain Bolt and Haile Gebrselassie, Ryan has cemented his place as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Website: http://www.ryansandes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ryan.sandes
Location: Cape Town

Ryan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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Yvonne Johnston

This guest interview was compiled by Karen Lotter.

Izimvo is honoured to introduce the woman who branded South Africa: Yvonne Johnston.

For almost seven years Yvonne was CEO of The International Marketing Council (IMC ). During this time, Yvonne and her team developed the well known “Alive With Possibility” television campaign which is regarded as one of the finest and most memorable celebrations of the South African brand.

Yyonne now runs her own marketing consultancy business whose clients include Vodacom, Provincial Tourism Authorities, Financial Mail, GIBS Business School, and Cape Town Tourism.

Website: http://www.yvonnejohnston.co.za
Blog: http://www.yvonnejohnstonsblog.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/yvonnejohnston
Location: Johannesburg

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Jonathan Diederichs

Izimvo would like to introduce 18 year old home learner and talented photographer: Jonathan Diederichs.

We were first introduced to Jonathan when he won our Izimvo – Springleap promotion. Jonathan later submitted this amazing photo of himself wearing his Springleap t-shirt.

Jonathan, at the young age of 18, has already built up a profound body of work as a photographer. His achievements to date include:

• Three published photos in Country Life magazine’s reader gallery competition.
• Semi-finalist placement in the PIX magazine competition (2009).
• Wall art on display in Hibiscus Private Hospital,  Port Shepstone (*) (2008-2009).
• A photo published in Fault Magazine’s book, Imperfection (2009).

Jonathan is currently home schooled and in Matric this year. He would like to study photography at VEGA’s Greenpoint campus next year.

(*) in collaboration with his neighbour.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SirJ0n0
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/jonathan-diederichs
Location: Kwazulu Natal Midlands

Jonathan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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Claire Johnston

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing the lead singer of Mango Groove: Claire Johnston.

Claire, the voice and face of Mango Groove, has become an integral part of South African musical heritage. Since their first iconic multi-platinum release in 1989, Claire and the band have enjoyed over 12 Number 1 hits and have received every conceivable South African music and video award.

Their career highlights include the direct satellite link-up to the Freddie Mercury tribute in London; their performance in front of 200 000 people at the Paris “SOS Racism” concert and their performance at the renowned Montreux Jazz festival where the band received 3 encores.

With the release of their latest album, Bang the Drum, Mango Groove continues to be an act that truly reaches the hearts of all South Africans.

Website: http://www.mangogroove.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CJMangoGroove
Location: Johannesburg

Claire was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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