Aki Anastasiou

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing Radio 702′s Aki Anastasiou.

Aki, a name synonymous with 702,  is the man responsible for the mammoth task of getting Johannesburg’s commuters safely to work on a daily basis. He also presents the Technobyte feature on David O’ Sullivan’s show where he discusses the latest developments in the field of technology.

Website: http://www.702.co.za
Technobyte: http://www.702.co.za/pages/shows/technobyte.asp
Twitter: http://twitter.com/akianastasiou

Aki was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event?  i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Depends on which friend, but mostly I get introduced as Aki the traffic guy on 702 and tech guru (I cringe at the guru part because I am just very passionate about technology). Spend most of my life on radio since I was 15, always wanted to be on the radio. Made coffee, packed away LP’s, paid my dues and got the chance to learn with the best in the broadcasting business.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I love the Godfather movies and mafia movies in general. Deep inside I am a HUGE softie and enjoy chick flicks and I easily shed a tear or two when movies get sad and sniffy.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Silence. No technology whatsoever, minimal contact with the outside world, getting back to nature and basics is what really relaxes me.

Radio in South Africa

Q: South Africa has a rich history when it comes to radio and radio personalities. If you were to establish a South African Radio Hall of Fame, who would be your first inductee?

A: There are just so many radio legends in this country that span different generations. For me it would be John Berks.

Q: You have been heavily involved in the development of 702′s Internet presence. To what extent do you think the station and it’s listener’s have benefited from this?

A: Talk Radio 702 is a news and information station and over the years the listening habits of people have changed. Many listeners want to refer back to information that was broadcast. The content on the radio is very much driven by the listener.

Our internet presence has allowed us to engage with our listeners, provide them with up to date information and allow them to listen and to refer back to content when they want, via podcasts and other interactive media.

Today it is not only what comes out the box that counts, listeners want to see the guests on the radio, if there is a breaking news story they want visuals such as pictures and video. So our website has developed into a rich interactive multimedia experience reflecting what is on the radio.

Q: Who have you most enjoyed interviewing and which historical figure would you most like to interview?

A: One of my favourite interviews was with soccer legend Pele; he was such a warm down to earth person. I would love to interview the Wright Brothers: Wilbur and Orville, I find aviation incredibly fascinating.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes I have been affected by crime and so have members of my family, I remain very optimistic about South Africa. Yes we have problems mostly socio-economic, but having traveled extensively around the world, there is no other country like South Africa. We have an incredible magic and amazing people; we just need to make a concerted effort to eradicate crime.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: It has gone through my mind but never considered it seriously; I love this country too much.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I would change the criminal justice system and spend huge money on the police.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: 1. The Drakensburg for is just one the most special places in the whole world.
2. I would take them to Constitution Hill, a place of such important historical importance.
3. The Kruger National Park for a true bushveld experience like no other anywhere in the world.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Reporting on Johannesburg’s traffic every day, do you have any insights that might ease the plight of Johannesburg’s commuters?

A: Patience and respect. It is incredibly frustrating and stressful commuting in Joburg these days; the city is becoming larger and larger. Flexi hours is the key here. Big organisations need to understand that employees will become considerably more product with less stress.

Q: Which is your favorite Greek restaurant in or around Johannesburg?

A: It would be Plaka and Mythos restaurants.

Q: Which outdoor venue is your favorite for enjoying those perfect summer afternoons on the Highveld?

A: The Westcliff Hotel.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 43rd birthday present?

A: A 27 inch Apple iMac! What a gorgeous machine.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: The 5th One Day International cricket match between South Africa and Australia, played on March 12, 2006.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Right on a beach, listening to the waves crashing and watching a beautiful sunrise.

Q: If you had to pick one South African as a mentor, who would it be and why?

A: Nelson Mandela. He has taught me so much about humility, forgiveness and about the basics of life and humanity.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Archbishop Desmond Tutu

We’d like to thank Aki for finding the time to answer our questions.