Bevan Lynch

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing marketer, voice Artist, MC and radio and television presenter; Bevan Lynch.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Bevan has always been in the limelight with him playing in jazz bands, singing in choirs and acting in theatrical productions from an early age. While completing a BCOM at Rhodes University, Bevan went on to form his own band and record an album which has received numerous accolades and continues to be aired on DSTV’s channel MK.

Bevan’s marketing career highlights include working on some of South Africa’s most loved brands including JOKO, Glen and Lipton Tea as well as Sunlight and Skip laundry powder. Today Bevan is the Brand Manager for Natures Choice Products recently launching a new brand, Natures Garden, into the South African market place.

Bevan has also recently joined East Coast Radio as a late night DJ.

Website: http://bevanlynch.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bevanlynch
Location: Durban

Bevan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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: It depends on the setting – I love meeting new people and networking. So in one setting, I may be introduced as Bevan the Musician; Bevan the Brand Manager; Bevan the occasional cyclist and triathlete; Bevan the MC, radio and television presenter.

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 spending time crafting and making something from nothing. It sounds weird, but I love finding a use for junk! The end product is unique and in most cases did not cost much at all! So I scour Hospice stores and second-hand stores to find bargains.

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

A: Cycling, Running and swimming all relax me – sounds weird but On the road or in the pool, I make sense of the world. The silence helps me unpack all the thoughts in my head.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: Open plan, rustic feel softened with antique finds from travels around South Africa with a touch of modern – not too much though. If I could settle in the Western Cape – that would be great!

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Marketing in South Africa

Q: You are currently brand manager at Natures Choice Products responsible for both the individual house brands and the companies corporate branding. How did you first get into marketing and what is it about your job that you find most rewarding?

A: It is actually an interesting story. I joined Unilever in 2006 straight from Rhodes University with a degree in General Psychology and Accounting. I started out in HR and after 13 months, I asked to move to marketing. Unilever accommodated my request and then learnt the ropes on great brands: Glen Tea, Joko Tea, Lipton Tea and Skip and Sunlight Washing powder.

Looking for a different experience, I then moved to Nature’s Choice Products and it has been an absolute privilege blazing new trails for the brands at Nature’s Choice products. The brands are new, so all the communication is new, and to be a part of the embryonic development of any brand in any market is truly a once in a life time experience. Check out www.naturesgarden.co.za to see what we have done so far…

Q: What advice would you offer those wanting a career in marketing?

A: Give it horns. Don’t accept industry norms when it comes to marketing ‘best practice’. Be controversial (or at least try to be original) – it helps when trying to cut through the clutter!

Q: Today’s typical marketing campaign includes buzz words such as guerilla marketing, social media, Twitter, Facebook etc. What are your thoughts on how the industry is changing and do you feel that South African companies are keeping up with international trends?

A: This is a great question. There are a host of buzz words and new media available to companies that can be used as touch points to engage consumers and potential consumers and some brands are utilizing this network very effectively.

However, I think that in a country like ours where the first world and third world live relatively harmoniously side-by-side, marketers must not forget the tried and tested methods that have made their brands so profitable. So what the social media networks are providing are opportunities to create even more integrated brand communication – which just makes the marketers job that much more interesting.

So yes, I do think SA is keeping up with international trends.

Q: Besides your career in marketing, you are also a voice artist, MC and radio and television presenter. Which of these do you enjoy the most and are there any other disciplines that would like to add to your CV?

A: I enjoy being an MC as well and doing work for television (corporate) – when I get the chance. I enjoy the people interaction and capturing their emotion and character when engaging people. In addition to this, thinking on my feet is quite a thrill.

In terms of adding disciplines to the CV – I can sing and play the guitar. I was a relatively successful ensemble at University and have recently got together a band of musicians. We have recorded one track already and are in the process of writing more songs, developing a solid repertoire and great sound. Music is very important to me and creating it is very truly awesome.

Q: What can we look forward to from Bevan Lynch in 2010 and beyond?

A: Music from the band, more MC work, Television work and working towards completing an IronMan event – starting with the Half Iron man in my home town, East London in January next year.

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. It has affected my perception of South Africa absolutely. It has only made me and those close to me more cautious every day.

Q: If you were tasked with spending a portion of the Lotto revenues on improving South Africa, where would you start?

A: Education. Absolutely.

Q: With less than 20 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, which local brands would you say are a must buy for international visitors looking to sample the best South Africa has to offer?

A: Music, Music and Music. And Black Cat peanut butter – I have it every other day on my sandwiches to work!

Q: If you were to award the prize for the best marketing campaign of the year, which South African companies would make your short list?

A: Nando’s | Allan Gray | Windhoek Lager | Savanah Cider

Life in Durban

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Durban?

A: Everything. People, Berg, Beach, Weather, Sport, Art, Music and its size. It is not too big and not too small – just right!

Q: Favorite venue for a fun outing with a group of friends in or around Durban?

A: Berg – definitely. Although, going to a beach side resort any time of year is great – but I think the berg wins, especially in winter – with a glass of warm glühwein next to a fire.

Q: If you were asked to produce a television spot advertising South Africa to visitors of the World Cup, which locations in or around Durban would you select as backdrops?

A: Berg – have I said that already ;); Beach; Bush and yes, the stadium.

General

Q: If you could invite any three South African personalities to a poker game, who would you invite and what snacks would you serve?

A: Darren Scott, Mark Shuttleworth and Allan Gray (not a personality, but still would like to meet him). I would serve Japanese Rice Crackers, Crudités and Hummus.

Q: Which book would make required reading for all school-leavers and which book would you say has influenced you the most?

A: Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt – story of determination and rising above. Seriously made my worries seem very small – and it is a great read.

Q: Given a free hour at home, which would you rather do, put your feet up and relax or look for something productive to do?

A: Do something productive – I am always fixing something, coming up with a new business/creative ideas, writing a song, creating something, crafting – sitting and watching a movie from start to finish with my girlfriend is a rarity – I fidget too much!

Q: If you could go back in time and give your eighteen-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: Don’t take yourself so seriously. Seriously!

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

A: Allan Gray – I would ask about the story of Allan Gray and its development over time. He is an East London gentlemen, like myself ;)

We’d like to thank Bevan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

Reminder that you can now listen our interviews at http://izimvo.com/listen or subscribe to our Podcast feed http://bit.ly/bgC35E

Margaret Hirsch

Izimvo has the great honour of introducing the Managing Director of Hirsch’s: Margaret Hirsch.

From humble beginnings as an appliance repair business started with R900 in 1979, to a chain of mega appliance and home furnishing stores in KZN and Gauteng, Allan and Margaret Hirsch are a shining example of the South African dream.

Hirsch’s is very much a family run business with all four members of the Hirsch family involved in day to day operations. They have grown at a phenomenal pace, launching, on average, one store every two years and are working to top the R1 billion turnover milestone by 2012.

Website: http://www.hirschs.co.za
Twitter: @HirschAppliance
Location: Durban, Johannesburg

Margaret was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event where those attending might not be familiar with the Hirsch’s brand?

A: I would like to be introduced as a professional problem solver. However I am a jack of all trades having done the selling, invoicing, demonstrating, being a delivery person on the trucks, installing and demonstrating in customers homes and generally taking care of everything at Hirsch’s for the past 31 years.

Thank goodness today we have built Hirsch’s from a tiny little “mom and pop’s” store to a billion rand company and I hope that I will be an inspiration to others to know that they can live their dreams as well.

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

A: Most importantly I’m foremost a wife, a mother and a grandmother and this is what is really important to me. The money has just come naturally but I have always focused on my family first and the business second.

Something else you may enjoy is that since coming to Johannesburg we have built a flat on top of all our shops, so when we worked in Fourways we lived above Fourways store, when we opened Strubens Valley, we built a flat above that shop and at present we are based in our flat above our Centurion store. The fourways flat is now our advertising department as our ad spend could get to as high as R2m per month! We have also brought a lot of our staff from Durban so they are accommodated in our Strubens Valley flat where they live rent free until they can afford a place of their own.

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

A: I go to my game farm in the Natal Midlands with my grand children and that to me is heaven on earth.

Q: How would you describe your dream holiday home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: I actually have my dream holiday home – Its in the Natal Midlands which is a wonderful farm-house on 500 acres of natural indigenous vegetation which is home to giraffe, zebra, about twenty different kinds of buck and one hundred and eighty species of bird and it’s just the best place in the world.

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Hirschs

Q: Hirsch’s was started by you and your husband back in 1979 with only R900 in savings. What were your initial goals for the business and which of the companies milestones are you most proud of?

A: Our initial goal for the business was to get through the first week because at the end of the first day we didn’t have any money.  (We had spent R300 on the electricity deposit, R300 on a sign and R300 on the first months rent).  By the end of the week we had to have the salary for two of our staff members who we employed – and we had to feed ourselves as well as we had gone from having two jobs and no children to two children and no jobs in the space of one year!!

The milestones that I am most proud of are:

1. The birth of my children and my two grandsons.

2. Recovering from a massive loss in 1988 of R5 million rand which we did not have which resulted from trusting the wrong person to do the right thing and then deciding to carry on regardless and still coming up and keeping our head above water.

3. And them coming up to Johannesburg, because what most people don’t know is that I had never set foot in Johannesburg in my life till I arrived here eight years ago ready to open a business.

Hirsch's Pinetown

Q: Hircsh’s is known for being a family run business with both you, your husband and your two children, Richard and Luci, working for the company. How important is keeping the business in the family and what have been the greatest challenges in running a family owned business?

A: I think it is very important to keep the business in the family. We have been offered huge amounts of money to sell the business but to me it’s a way of life. Although I do need to point out that both my children went over seas and worked in various different companies overseas and in South Africa before they joined our company.

I think the greatest challenge in running a family owned business is to teach your children from a very young age that they have to work really hard to get ahead. Some people think they can work for a while and the money will keep rolling in but it doesn’t work like that. You have to keep working every day of your life.

Q: What does the average day as the managing director of Hirsch’s involve and what is the one task that you wish you did not have to deal with?

A: The average day as Managing Director and CEO at Hirsch’s starts at 4am when we get up and meditate. At 4:30am we leave for gym and we go to gym from 5:00am till 6:00am everyday. After gym we shower, change and we are at our desks by 6:30am, 7:00am at the latest.

Our managers come in at 7:00 and we then work with our managers from 7:00am – 7:30am to help them plan their day and or their week. At 8:00am we have a motivational meeting with all the staff to make sure that they are motivated to do their best for the day and to grow them as human beings.

After that there are various chores that have to be done in the stores but mostly working with customers to make sure that our customer service is still the best in the country.

After a full day which finishes at 6:00pm once we have cashed up etc. we will come upstairs to shower, change and normally meet with our suppliers as we don’t have time to meet with them during the day.  We discuss promotions going forward because in addition to our eleven shops we do sixteen shows a year and we are now working on concept stores out of Hirsch’s and in shopping centers.  There is therefore always a load of forward planning to do with our suppliers.

We work right through to 11:30pm, go to bed at midnight and get up a 4:00am the next day so it’s not for the faint hearted.

Q: What advice would you offer to other retailers looking to emulate the Hirsch’s success story?

A: Lots of people have tried to emulate us but they just cannot keep up with the pace. The pace we work at is phenomenal and it’s a non stop pace.  It’s something you’ve got to do everyday, on weekends and even when you are on leave.

We work on our Blackberry’s coping with daily emails from customers that feel they need personal attention etc. If anybody can stay the pace and persevere until they get through, anybody can be a success but it’s the hard work and perseverance that separates the winners from the losers.

Q: What can we look forward to from Hirsch’s in 2010 and beyond?

A: 2010 is going to be our best year ever and as we open our new Hillcrest store this year and hopefully our new store will open at Meadowdale in Johannesburg. We are just waiting for our plans to go through and building work to start.

My biggest goal for 2011 is to open in Cape Town. We have two premises there which are just waiting in the wings for us to complete our tasks in Johannesburg and then we move to Cape Town to carry on working there.

Having said that we will not move to Cape Town permanently. We will still commute to Johannesburg and to Durban every week to make sure that all the other branches stay up to speed.

The other exciting thing is that we are training our core group of eight special people who have been with us for many years ie. Mr Paul Lockwood has been with us for 21 years and these people will be taking over some of the tasks we are currently doing. We have also formed an Action Group of 12 managers who will also be driving the business forward.

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: There is not one member of our family that has not been affected by crime. As you may or may not know Luci and I were held up in our Umhlanga store by seven men with AK47’s and we knew that these same men had raped another lady the night before so we where really on our guard but I always say that being a toaster sales lady first helped me talk my way out of a really difficult situation with them.

Richard was held up three times in four weeks in out Superstore in Durban but we all have the strength and character to know these things will happen and if you live in Africa you live by Africa’s rules.

It has made us more careful and has made us take extra precautions. Thank goodness that for many moons we have not been affected by crime. I believe prevention is better than cure. All these things made us stronger and we are thankful to be alive and thankful for everyday that we live in this magnificent country.

Q: How do you respond when asked about South African crime while traveling abroad?

A: I tell people exactly what I said before. If you live in Africa, you live by African rules. You cannon live in Africa and live by American, European or English standards, its impossible.

You have to know that if you live here, you do have burglar bars, you have electric fences, you have a guard outside and you do take every single precaution to make sure that you don’t leave yourself open for attack.

You have to know that people who attack us in this country are lazy and will take the line of least resistance and you just have to make things really difficult for them. I always tell people abroad that South Africa is the best country in the world and I consider myself and expert because I’ve lived in the UK, the USA and in Australia and there is still nowhere better of the face of this earth.

Q: If you could, with the flick of fingers, change anything about South Africa, what would it be?

A: What I would change is our Police force. I believe that if the criminals knew that they would be locked up and have serious hard labour and have a really miserable life inside a jail where they would not see the light of day, the word would soon get out and it would be a deterrent to other criminals. If they knew they would be caught and locked up for the rest of their lives, I believe crime in this country would grind to a complete halt.

Q: Which South African retailers have been the greatest source of inspiration?

A: I have studied Raymond Ackerman since the inception of Pick n Pay and read all his books and attended every talk that I could by him. I have also studied Mr Mark Lamberti and met with him on a couple of occasions to try to understand his thinking. These are both incredibly brilliant men and I think its to South Africa’s loss that they are no longer in retail in this country.

General

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to a dinner party, who would they be and what would you serve?

A: If I could invite any three people, I would invite Mark Lamberti because I still think he has got a wealth of information which I would like him to pass on to me. I would also invite Maria Ramos and Trevor Manuel because I think that they have single-handedly helped South Africa to go from strength to strength.

I would love to talk to them about how they have managed to

1. be a couple and

2. be the most influential couple in South Africa for such a long time.

What I would serve then is, a buffet of various vegetarian and salad dishes as I am a vegetarian but for them I would probably include Salmon and Chicken – I would use most of the recipes out of my cookbook which is on sale in all Hirsch’s stores.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils and which book would you say has had the greatest impact on your life?

A: The book that I would choose is by Anthony Robins and its called “Unleash the giant within” and I believe Anthony Robins was one of the turning points in my life. I believe that every school going child should study his work.

The Hirsch's

Q: What advice would you offer to married couples wanting to start a business together?

A: First of all you’ve really got to love each other and not only love each other, you have to really like each other too.

It’s not easy to work together and to live together but we’ve proved it’s possible. If you could just weather through the hard times, the good times really come and it gives you an extra bond. After nearly forty years of marriage we still know that we made the right choice!

Q: Besides Hirschs, which is your favorite South African brand?

A: There are so many. I love Queenspark clothing. I love Woolworths and think its fantastic and I’m a sucker for trying new brands. Every time a new store opens I’m the first one there to try everything out and recommend all the good parts.

Q: Where to from here?

A: I love this country and believe its got everything going for it. I believe its God’s own country. I believe that as soon as Zimbabwe opens up, it will open up doors for South Africa like we have never seen before. I believe this county is really going to go from strength to strength and I know that if we as South Africa focus on the good points and forget about the bad points the bad points will go away and we will prove to everyone that this is the best country in the world.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: This could take ages because I have lots of people who I would love to interview amongst which are Raymond Ackerman, Mark Lamberti, Maria Ramos, Trevor Manual to name just but a few.

We’d like to thank  Margaret for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her and the Hirsch family every success for the future. The manner in which the family have managed to grow the Hirsch brand from nothing to the success it is today is a true inspiration to all entrepreneurs.

Nic Noomé

Izimvo is honoured to introduce Nic Noomé, owner of iQiNiSo, a Polygraph & Forensic Investigation business.

With the majority of our interviewees confirming that they have been touched by crime, we thought we would highlight the work done by those fighting to bring the stranglehold that crime has on our country to an end.

Nic deals with crime and sees the effect it has on everyday South Africans on a daily basis. He was kind enough to answer the following questions and offer some advice on how best to protect our homes and families.

Email: iqiniso@eca.co.za
Location: Durban

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: Most people are either intimidated or fascinated in my line of work. So there always seems to be an interesting response when I’m introduced. My name is Nic Noomé, 38 years, husband to Bridgette and father to Alex; owner of iQiNiSo, a Polygraph & Forensic Investigation 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 kick ass at Unreal Tournament.

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

A: To escape it all, I enjoy watching a good movie on the big screen.

Q: How would you describe your dream home ans where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: My dream home would be very modern, with open spaces and a fantastic view of the ocean. Being a Durban boy, anywhere on the north coast would be an option.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property – Looking to rent the ultimate home along South Africa’s east coast? How about this beautiful Balinese style villa set in its own indigenous grounds with swimming pool at Ballito Gardens for R18k per month.

Security Services in South Africa

Q: What security services do you and your company provide and have you found the demand change over recent times?

A: Ten years ago we investigated insurance claims and the odd truant husband. Over the years we have developed our skills and now the demand has changed to the more serious. In recent times we have investigated Murders, Rapes, Business Robberies (Armed), House Robberies (Armed), Fraud, Thefts, House Breakings, Risk Profiles for private homes & businesses and truant wives! A far cry from humble beginnings and a complete change. Thus, we now supply a complete range of investigative services, both covert and overt, Polygraph Examinations and many specialized services, which include Risk Audits for managing executives.

Q: The recent crime stats report showed an increase of 27% in house robberies. What general advice can you offer to keep our homes safe?

A: It is terrifying that this has happened and a really bad indication of changing crime trends as criminals identify softer targets. My best advice is to make sure that you have a good alarm, good lighting and make sure you get to know your neighbours. I think that the greatest threat we can pose to criminals is by communities standing together and watching out for your brothers & sisters. Alternatively hiring professionals, like us, who will best advise you.

Q: In your opinion, what is the long-term solution to our current crime levels?

A: Improvement in Professionalism & Training in the Police Services, through to the Justice System and to the Correctional Services and then Education, Education and more Education. I guess this is a such a complex question that the answer should be of encyclopedia length.

Q: What is the strangest thing that you have been hired to investigate?

A: A very wealthy lady wanted to know who was stealing her very expensive diet pills. It was an almost comical investigation.

Life in South Africa

Nic with his son Alex

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: Certainly, the last ten years of my life have been affected by crime. I have witnessed some of the most horrific things committed by criminals in this land. Such callousness that would embarrass the prehistoric world. So, Yes, it has changed my perception but I do have hope.

I have met some amazing individuals who have dedicated their lives to fighting crime and meet more with every case.

But in terms of my immediate family, I think it best to say we live cautiously. We all live in housing estates with top-notch security. The sense of community and the protection it exudes is very comforting and lets you enjoy being at home like home should.

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

A: Considered Yes. But I have travelled extensively throughout Africa, Europe (West & East) and the Americas (North & South). And the green, green hills of Natal always seem to draw me back. So to stay or go is a debate that roars on.

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

A: Harsher sentences for perpetrators of violent contact crimes.

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

A: Sani Pass (The Drakensburg), uShaka Marine World and the Cape to Durban road trip.

Life in Durban

Q: Which kid friendly restaurant in or around Durban do you consider to be the most adult friendly?

A: Sage, Salt Rock.

Q: If you had to pick between a weekend away in the Natal Midlands or along the coast, which would it be?

A: Natal Midlands.

Q: Favorite venue for watching that all-important sporting final?

A: ABSA Stadium – Hopefully the Sharks would win.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: An Apple Laptop.

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

A: Watching the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Anywhere with Bridgette & Alex, but hopefully on holiday island resort, without having to rush anywhere.

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

A: Margie Smith – a close friend and source of great advice.

We’d like to thank Nic for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

Here is something you can do right now to contribute towards the fight against crime in South Africa:

SHOUT is every South African’s opportunity to help battle the onslaught of crime. Powered by our country’s top musicians, it is a movement that will unify all those wanting to make a difference and help South Africa become a safer place to all. SHOUT is a Non Profit Organisation. Download SHOUT by Artists for a Safe South Africa by smsing SHOUT to 33 33 5 – R20 adds your voice to an army of SHOUT soldiers.

Peter G

Today’s familiar voice belongs to the host of ECR’s Big Breakfast: Peter G.

From humble beginnings as a house party DJ to starting an inhouse hospital radio station, Peter G has become a firm favorite on Durban’s airwaves since taking over as the host of ECR’s Big Breakfast in September last year.

Born and raised in Durban, Peter G has a true understanding of Durban culture and speaks the language of listeners around the east coast. He has rallied fans from every corner of the province with his tongue-in-cheek quirky take on current matters and a pleasant, fun and all-encompassing disposition.

Website: http://www.peterg.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/petergecr
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/petergthang?ref=name
Big Breakfast Blog: Link

Peter was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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: This is Peter G, you may have heard him on East Coast Radio’s Big Breakfast Show. He’s 39 years old and two kids and loves pasta!

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

A: I tend to share quite a bit – my biggest fear is heights. I remember during a stay in Kimberley the “tannie” next door asked me to fix her tv aerial on her roof. I said sure, it’ll be a pleasure… until I started climbing onto her roof. Seems I’m even scared from 3 metres up!

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

A: I love slipping off to the berg. We are so lucky living in KZN that we’re able to jump in the car and after a relatively short drive find ourselves in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Slipping off to Cape Town is another favourite escape for me

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: Oh boy, my dream home…? I remember dreaming of how I’d like my home to be when I was a youngster. I never really gave the number of bedrooms much thought but always wanted somewhere for my music. I’d love a home overlooking the sea in the Ballito area. Perhaps once I’ve decided on how many bedrooms I need I’ll think of moving out that way.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. – Looking for your dream holiday home on the Dolphin Coast? How about this 4 bedroom R12.7m executive home with uninterrupted sea views from everywhere in the house.

Radio in South Africa

Q: You first started your radio career by launching an inhouse Radio station while working in PR at the Department of Health. Can you tell us more about how that came about and how you eventually became the breakfast show host on East Coast Radio?

A: I started deejaying at parties in around 1984 – a long time ago and reached a stage where I guess I felt the time had come to take the next step. For me radio had always been a dream I wanted to pursue. As a teenager I had set up my own small radio station in my bedroom – it had a listenership of 1. In the early days of Radio Port Natal I went on a tour of the SABC building and that pretty much sealed the deal for me – I wanted to be in radio.

After years in the Department of Health I realised that one way of boosting staff morale at the time was to start our own inhouse radio. Fortunately for me the Medical Superintendent of the hospital saw the potential and my step into radio began. Almost a year later I was approached by the management of Kimberley Hospital to set up their inhouse radio station. We moved to Kimberley for 6 months before returning to Durban. A fortunate meeting with a member of the management team at uShaka Marine World led to my proposing an inhouse radio station to the park. uShaka Radio operated for 3 years. Sadly the park closed it down.

It was during my time as Station Manager at uShaka Radio that a friend asked me for my demo as he felt I should be at East Coast Radio. He submitted the demo on my behalf and my time at Durban’s Number 1 began with the 3am to 6am early morning slot. After almost 4 years at the station I was offered the Breakfast Show when it was announced that Daryl Ilbury would be leaving.

Q: What is the essential ingredient to a successful radio Breakfast show? Can you give us an insight into how a show’s success is measured?

A: The shows success, as with radio in general, is measured by the number of listeners. In my opinion a great Breakfast Show needs to be something that listeners can relate to. I aim to take people to work with a smile on their face. The entire team pulls out all the stops to provide a show that is relevant to the community, fun, energetic and informative.

Q: If you were start your own national radio station, who would you approach to host your afternoon drive show?

A: You mean poach? Hahaha… DJ Fresh… because Just Plain Darren would be doing Breakfast!

Q: What advice would you give those wanting a career in radio?

A: Get a real job! Getting into radio is not an easy “knock on the door and host your own show” process. My advice would be to volunteer at community stations. It’s when you’ve worked with limited resources you truly appreciate your radio career as it develops. Those early days in community radio will help to keep you grounded. You also have the opportunity to make mistakes without being slaughtered by your listeners hahaha. As you improve, if you’re really good, you’ll be noticed by other stations.

Q: What are your thoughts on podcasting and do you think it will ever become a threat to local radio?

A: CD’s are a threat to local radio. Music downloads, the internet, ipods, even TV is a threat to local radio. The one thing these platforms don’t offer is live interaction with a human being. We all like to interact, either in normal conversation or through social networks. It’s part of what makes us human. We realise this and are making the necessary changes to develop our offering and attractiveness.

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 people close to me have been affected by crime but it hasn’t changed my perception of our country. Yes crime is a very real issue that threatens everyone of us everyday but we as a country have been through many dark and challenging times and come out on the other side shining and proud. Crime is crime.

Communities still haven’t realised that standing together against crime is the only way to deal with it. As South Africans we tend to hide away and not get involved. Community Policing Forums are crying out all the time for community support – we all need to do our share. Leaving it to others is not the answer.

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

A: I did many years ago, purely because all my friends where moving to Australia. Some of them are back now.

Q: With a little over two months to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?

A: We don’t have lions and wild animals on our main roads so don’t walk the streets with your big camera hunting for them. You DO have to get in a car and drive to a game farm or reserve to find them but the trip WILL be worthwhile!

Q: South Africa’s greatest entertainer is?

A: Only one? That’s not a fair question.

Life in Durban

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Durban?

A: The climate and people. Once a Durbanite always a Durbanite.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for a romantic night out?

A: La Casa Nostra in Umdloti.

Q: Favorite local destination for a long weekend getaway?

A: The Berg.

Q: Which event on Durban’s social calendar is your personal favorite?

A: I have no particular favorite.

General

Q: If you could magically send an email to yourself at the age of 18, what advice would you include?

A: Don’t wait. Go for what you want now. Time flies!

Q: Which book would you make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Everything written by Richard Branson.

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

A: I learnt alot from Daryl Ilbury.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Simmi Areff – local comedian (and comedy content producer for the breakfast show) – my question: how do you deal with a crowd that just doesn’t find you funny?

We’d like to thank Peter for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future. Be sure to tune in and catch Peter G on ECR’s Big Breakfast every weekday from 6am – 9am.

Reminder that you can now listen our interviews at http://izimvo.com/listen or subscribe to our Podcast feed http://bit.ly/bgC35E

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:

Personal

Q: How would you like yourself introduced at a social event.

A: Mark Andrews would have prefered to have been a rock star but as he had no voice, rhythm or looks decided to play rugby.

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

A: Water polo was my sport of choice as a school boy and it was only when at Stellenbosch varsity that I was forced to choose between polo and Rugby.

Q: What you are currently doing and in which ways you are still involved in the game of Rugby?

A: I am a shareholder in a sourcing company that has an exclusive supply contract with Massmart. (Game and Makro stores) As I spend a fair amount of time sourcing products in China, Taiwan and India I have no structured role in Rugby. I am a sponsor of a farm labours team in the Kie road district of East London and try and stay involved with the legends activities as and when possible.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: I have the land and will be starting building in about 3 years. The land is on the Gonubie river near East London and myself and 9 school friends have bought 13 hectares on the Gonubie river and are creating an eco estate. 2 houses are already complete and the rest will all be completed in about 5 years.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property – Looking for your dream holiday home in East London? How about this 3 bedroom home with breathtaking views of Beacon Bay.

Rugby in South Africa

Mark and Matt Damon

Q: Which moment during your schoolboy rugby career are you most proud of?

A: Beating our arch rivals Dale College by 40 points on their re-union day.

Q: If you were to select a South African all-star team with players from any era, who would pick as captain and hire as the coach?

A: Ian Macintosh would be my coach but he would have to be accompanied by a mental health practitioner as he can get pretty emotional. My captain would be Gary Teichmann.

Q: What advice would you offer school-boy coaches in terms of preparing talented players for the off-field demands of a professional career?

A: Have humility at all times, No matter how talented or famous you get you will never be greater than the game or your team and without both you would be not able to achieve anything in rugby.

Q: What do you think the impact commercialization has had on the school boy game?

A: As much as it has helped create bigger, stronger, smarter players it has unfortunately also created a huge number of problems. Steroid Abuse, over training in Gym and a shift away from academic pursuits are just a few issues that have arisen due to the commercialization of Rugby.

A scary stat is that less than 1% of all players who play rugby with the objective of making a career from the game actually do and worse is that the financial awards are never enough to secure one financially for life even if you do hit the big time and big pay days. Unlike Golf where if you have the talent you can earn a decent living for decades, in rugby you have a single decade if you are lucky and with the risk of injury so high, rugby can be a perilous career.

Q: What are your predictions, in terms of technological advances, for the next generation of players?

A: Athletes of all codes seldom understand their bodies and what makes the body and mind allow for a consistent performance game after game. Sports Scientists are forever chasing the “thing” that will allow an athlete to be bigger, stronger, quicker etc but they often cause other weaknesses by focusing on their discovery.

So simply what I am saying is that in my career we went from doing huge endurance sessions and no explosive power to little endurance and tons of explosive power to huge weight sessions with a bit of endurance and explosive power etc.

As every sports scientist came out with a new way to train to make you better the sports world veered to the extreme of that pursuit in an attempt to maximize the return to the athlete often at the expense of a balanced approach.

My prediction is that players and trainers will understand how to train an athlete in such a way that allows his body to perform at its best. Training is going to be engineered to allow each individual to get the best out of their body and accepting that not every new discovery will enhance each athlete in the same way.

In essence training even for team sports will be engineered to the individual.

Q: What advice would you offer the young school boy wanting to emulate your career?

A: Train hard and smart. Get advice from someone you respect who has been on the journey and listen to what they say. It’s an old cliché but you can’t walk into a sports store and buy 10 years of experience. Be prepared to make sacrifices and continually push yourself, not just on the field but off it. Be disciplined and never give up after a bad turn or set back. I have played with too many players a lot more talented than I ever was but who gave up too quickly when things got tough or never went their way.

Life in South Africa

Q: South Africa’s greatest sporting export is?

A: Ernie Els.

Q: If, with the flick of your fingers, you could improve one thing about South Africa, what would it be?

A: Crime.

Q: When asked about South Africa and the current crime levels by those internationally, how do you respond?

A: Having traveled with Rugby as a 19-year-old for the 1st time while South Africa was still under Apartheid was an eye opener to me as I never realized how badly the rest of the world viewed all white South Africans. If you were white and came from South Africa you must be a racist appeared to be the viewpoint of most foreigners.

During this time I learnt that I could change the perception of those people I met. I do the same thing now in my international travels when asked about crime in South Africa which every foreigner seems to know about if they have heard of South Africa.

You can’t deny crime does not exist (It’s hard to when myself and my family have been victims of crime on 12 separate occasions in the last 5 years) but if you give a balanced opinion you can make them change their opinion that South Africa is run by criminals and violent gangsters. This does get harder to do with the like of Malema and our own president carrying on like they do though.

We have to accept that South Africa needs foreign investment and tourist Dollars, Pounds and Euro’s so when as a South African you meet foreigners it is in all our interests to tell them about the positives about our country and highlight the good things that we have.

Life in Durban

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Durban?

A: The Winters, you just can’t beat a winter’s day in Durban. Even more so if you have lived in Northern England like I did for 2 miserable years.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for dinner with old friends?

A: Butcher Boys Umhlanga for a meal and the George & Dragon for a beer.

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a postal stamp depicting the beauty of Durban and it’s people, which image would you select?

A: I know that Durban seems to be hanging its hat on the new stadium as its new poster child but I would still have a guy in baggies surfing the perfect wave. It was how I saw Durban as a youngster living in the eastern cape and it seems to summarize Durban for me.

Q: Favorite outdoor venue for spending quality time with the family?

Mark and his two sons, Tyson and Xavier.

A: Ushaka marine world would get my kids vote every day of the week.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Durban’s new Moses Mabhida Stadium and do you think the Sharks should make it their new home?

A: No one can argue that the stadium is not very impressive and up with the world’s best but how can we as a country and city build a stadium that costs Billions and will be a drain on our city for years to come. I find it very hard to feel proud of a stadium that cost billions when I drive to work every day and see people living in shacks.

If we had to spend the money why was the current ABSA stadium not upgraded and the rest of the allocated budget used to upgrade the surrounding sporting facilities. Surely we could have used the money to invest in an upgraded athletics track, Cycle Track, Equestrian centre, Hockey fields, basketball courts, swimming pool complex, netball courts, soccer fields etc.

This would have been more sustainable in that it would have added world-class facilities to all these sporting codes that would have been sustainable in that the members of all these codes would have contributed in fees to maintain all these facilities.

It would also have made Durban the destination for a host of national events in all those respective codes making Durban truly the sports capital of Africa thus bringing in constant income to the city.

Finally Durban could then bid for the Africa Games, Commonwealth games, FINA world games etc, etc.

Should the Sharks move, well they would be silly not to move as who else is going to use the stadium after the world cup?

General

Q: Which non-rugby sporting captain do you most admire and why?

A: I don’t really have a favorite captain from other codes but I do respect individual sportsmen and women who do not play team sports as they have to be their own captain at all times. I know the timing is not great but Tiger Woods as an athlete is simply superb.

Q: What were some of your favorite line-out calls?

A: When I played in France as a youngster I arrived not speaking a word of French and as my team could not speak English we had to come up with a fast way of identifying when I had to jump. After much discussion which I never understood a word of it was decided to simply call out my first name or surname when it was my ball. The problem was that the French can’t say Andrews rather they say Andrew with a very guttural pronunciation of the dr in Andrew. This caused me to not jump in my 1st line-out as when the captain called Andrew I had no idea he was calling my name. After more on field discussions they decided to leave out the Surname bit and for the rest of the season my call was simply my name, Mark.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all school-boy rugby players?

A: Michael Jordan’s book , I can’t accept not trying.

Q: Which South African personality would you most want directing you on your car’s GPS device?

Q: The lady who does the pre re-corded pre flight announcement on SAA flights.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: I would say Zuma but I don’t think any ANC politician in this country is able to give a straight honest answer about anything so it would have to be Barry Hilton…. We all need to laugh more in this country.

We’d like to thank Mark for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success in the future.

Reminder that you can now listen our interviews at http://izimvo.com/listen or subscribe to our Podcast feed http://bit.ly/bgC35E

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:

Personal

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

A: I’m fluent in English, French and Portuguese. My parents immigrated from Portugal to Canada in the 1960s, and always encouraged me to speak my mother tongue as well as the official languages of their new homeland. I went to French school during the week, Portuguese school on Saturdays and learnt English from all those American TV shows!

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

A: Travelling to places where all you can see is beach, ocean and palm trees – a deserted island would do me fine.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: My dream home would be situated in Cape Agulhas, overlooking the exact spot where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean meet. The actual house would have all the necessary amenities, lots of closet space, as well as a special area for my Martini bar.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Looking to build your dream home overlooking the ocean? How about this R725k vacant land in Struisbaai, on the corner of Moira and Eloise Street. Beautiful views over the ocean.

OneVoice South Africa

OneVoice South Africa in the classroom

Q: Please could you give us a brief description of what OneVoice South Africa does?

A: OneVoice South Africa (OVSA) is a vibrant and unique non-governmental organisation, which recognises the crucial role young people can play in HIV and AIDS prevention. The organisation especially believes in partnering with young people (13-19 years), as they are still facing limited access to HIV treatment, care and information – while also battling profound stigma, ignorance and denial. They are also without doubt, the emerging leaders of tomorrow.

Launched in 2005, the OVSA Schools Programme, which focuses on HIV and AIDS prevention is implemented with Grade 8 learners in 74 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Developed by educational experts with input from learners, teachers and OVSA staff, the programme is aligned to the HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa (NSP 2007-2011), the national Life Orientation syllabus and seeks to address issues fuelling the South African HIV epidemic.

Q: What is the typical day like as the Managing Director of OneVoice South Africa?

A: Upon arrival at work and a quick “hello” around the office, I review my calendar for the day, address email queries and continue with the execution of daily and weekly tasks. All my duties tie into the overall goals of OVSA.

I support the organisation in its bid to achieve its aims and objectives through effective management and development of the overall OVSA programme, local and regional offices/staff, as well as planning and implementation of regional programmes in conjunction with key partners and stakeholders.

Q: How are young people adapting to HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Is there a change in perception about the disease?

A: Today, 1.3 billion young people live in the developing world. In South Africa alone, nearly 40% of all South Africans are between the ages of 14 and 35. Clearly, young people make up a significant part of our total population. And unlike the past, integration of young people in strategic planning and policy development is no longer lacking. In fact, they are one of our most valued assets as they almost all are affected and/or infected. As such their experiences of and with the HIV epidemic, have forced them to adapt and/or adjust their lifestyles and behaviour accordingly.

Around the world, an increasing number of HIV prevention programmes are now recognising the importance of partnering with young people – on programmes targeting youth. By providing them with the platform to voice and address their concerns, they can and will initiate change. Many lead by example in their communities; thereby investing in the next generation, who in turn, will be skilled and able to support sustainable change over time.

Thanks to the Government’s HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa (NSP 2007-2011) and organisational programmes such as the OVSA Schools Programme – an emphasis on comprehensive sex education, helps young people understand what puts their health at risk. Great emphasis is placed on ‘meaningful participation’ and this in turn encourages learner’s perception in their ability to positively influence their futures and those of their loved ones.

Q: What are some of the feel-good stories that make your job so rewarding and keep you and your staff motivated?

A: After a 2007 Formative Evaluation it was great to see that teachers felt that the Schools Programme benefits included a change in attitude, reflected by conversations that learners had in class. New discussion topics and project work around HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy, smoking and substance abuse also increased – as had the identification of burning community health issues which could benefit from an intervention.

Evidence of this can be found with the birth of the 2009 annual HIV Awareness Day at Alphendale High School in the Eastern Cape. This advocacy project was thanks to a group of OVSA learners who decided to “speak out…and make a change!” Convinced that their peers were in denial of the fact that everyone is affected by HIV and AIDS – they developed an awareness project around HIV testing, so as to facilitate a change in attitude towards HIV and AIDS. The school was buzzing with excitement on the day in question. Posters by the learners adorned the walls, encouraging young people to be aware; to protect themselves from HIV infection and know their status. A total of 60 people got tested. After the event, one learner stated proudly: “young people know what to do; they just need a little push in the right direction.”

Q: What are some of the more innovative ways that OneVoice South Africa has used to reach your target audience of young people aged 13-19 years?

OVSA Learner Advocacy Project

A: I think it is different to other programmes because its ‘innovative approach’ takes into account ‘good practice’ interventions, links programme content to the NSP and the Life Orientation curriculum, as well as addresses the country’s epidemic drivers. It also incorporates meaningful participation of young people and stakeholders, and most importantly teaches young people how to translate knowledge into action outside of the classroom.

OVSA’s emphasis on taking advocacy projects outside of the classroom and designing them to address an existing issue in the community are innovative in their creativity. Young people are drawn to the programme because it provides them with a number of meaningful participation avenues including:

- A safe environment and platform to discuss and address HIV and AIDS.

- An opportunity to use creative outlets in course materials and class activities, as well as occasions to develop advocacy projects through role play, poster design, drawing, poetry, etc.

Q: What is the best way for our readers to assist in the work you are doing at OneVoice South Africa?

A: At this stage, any form of support is appreciated. If you are interested in learning more about our work, please visit our website at www.onevoice.org.za.

However, due to the nature of our work in the NGO environment, we are continually looking for financial assistance in order to continue and sustain the great work we are doing with South African learners.

Another way people can assist us would be to support our MySchool/MyVillage campaign by filing out a form in support of our organisation (details can be found on our website).

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: Although my immediate family lives in Canada, my husband and I have been fortunate to not have been affected by crime. However, I would like to state that there is crime everywhere and that we must be vigilant at all times. Yes, South Africa has its own issues, but there are several other countries that frighten me more than South Africa…be aware, be smart and be safe…at all times.

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

A: Having myself immigrated to South Africa, I do at times think how different my life would be if we had stayed in London or moved to Ottawa. However, I also think of all the experiences I would have missed… the wonderful people I have met and the many things I have done since arriving in South Africa. Another reward for living here is that I have the power to change lives, which perhaps would have a different meaning elsewhere.

Q: If, with the flick of your fingers, you could improve one thing about South Africa, what would it be?

A: Efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

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

A: South Africa is a wonderful place and there are so many attractions, but my favourites to share with international visitors would be the Cape Winelands, Cape Agulhas and the Moses Mabida Stadium.

Life in Durban

Q: Where do you most enjoy spending that “Me” time in Durban?

A: At home, away from my computer.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for lazy Sunday afternoon lunches with friends and family?

A: Although I don’t have too much time for lazy Sunday afternoon lunches, my favourite restaurant is Beira Alta in Ballito. It’s the best Portuguese restaurant in town – real authentic food, which reminds me of home.

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a postal stamp depicting the beauty of Durban and it’s people, which image would you select?

A: It would be a stamp showcasing our young people, especially those that participate in the OneVoice South Africa Schools Programme – they really are our future leaders and all possess such potential.

General

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve for starters?

A: This would be a strategic dinner and the purpose would be to request their involvement in promoting OneVoice South Africa, and so the starter would be an introduction to the organisation and how they could help influence and change the lives of young South Africans. My guests would be: Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Caster Samenya and Zolani Mahola (lead vocals for Freshly Ground).

Q: Which South African personality would you most want directing you on your car’s GPS device?

A: Derek Van Dam – eNews Weatherman (hopefully he would only guide me where it was hot and sunny).

Q: Favorite South African brand?

A: Nando’s. Not only does it have a Portuguese flavour, it has the best adverts…too funny.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Jacob Zuma. I would ask him how can the South African Government better work and support South African NGOs in the fights against HIV and AIDS.

We’d like to thank Josianne for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her and her team at OneVoice every success for the future. The work they are doing is a true inspiration and a great example for us all to follow.

Dion Chang

Izimvo is honoured to introduce a man with an eye on the future; Trend Analyst: Dion Chang.

Dion, an innovator, creative thinker and visionary, is a sought-after trend analyst with a unique global perspective. Having worked in various fields in the magazine and fashion industries, Dion is currently a Trend Analyst at Flux Trends, a company which he started in 2007. He has written a book based on his popular cartoon character Gloria, has sat on the judging panel of South Africa’s premier magazine awards, and has faced the nation as a TV presenter.

His trends analysis company, Flux Trends, is responsible for launching the groundbreaking annual Flux Trend Review which is being held in Johannesburg from the 25th Feb 2010.

Website: http://www.fluxtrends.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dionchang
Location: Johannesburg

Dion was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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: Dion Chang, Trend Analyst from Flux Trends.

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

A: People who read my column know me quite well. I also release a lot of personal information through online services such as Twitter. The stuff that people don’t know, they shouldn’t know and are not going to know :)

As for my favorite movie of all time, a movie that really made an impression on me is Blade Runner. It was the first movie that was a realistic look at what the future could be.

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

A: Three days in the bush for me is like three weeks away. I’ve booked a stay at a tented camp just before Easter and plan to completely disconnect. Something others might also not know about me is that I really enjoy roughing it. The bush is good!

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South  Africa would you like it to be?

A: I’m very happy with the home that I have in Johannesburg but saying that I used to love going down to Plettenberg Bay. I’ve actually been down every year for about 20 years during the off-season in February. A nice little place right on the beach would be great.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Be sure to view the video and the virtual tour of this this magnificent R20m property located between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna just of the N2.

South African Trends

Q: Your company, Flux Trends, identifies lifestyle trends that will affect the way we live, work and do business. What was the impetus for starting the company and who was your first client?

A: A lot of people have asked me why I gave up fashion. In retrospect, I got into fashion during a time when there were big design movements from places like Japan, Belguim etc. As we crossed into the new millennium, it became more about getting the look of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton and less about actual fashion. Fashion seemed to be chasing its own tail and going in circles.

The reason why I started Flux trends is that I was always interested in the psychology of the trend and not really the trend itself. I was not interested in that grey was the new black but wanted to know why. What did it say about society. If you go back to the purest fashion, which is what I really like, it was always a reflection of the times, the zeitgeist.

In essence that is what Flux does, we look at social trends, consumer trends and social dynamics.

Q: Tell us about the 2010 Flux Trends Review that you will be presenting in Johannesburg from the 25th February?

A: The Flux Trends Review is now in its third year. I kick-started the company Flux Trends with a conference and since then, we have also published two books.  The 2010 Flux Trends Review dove-tails with the launch of the 2010 book publication. We are building a multimedia way of looking at the world.

At the core of Flux Trends is the belief that there is way too much information and not enough knowledge. How all the reviews work, whether in book or   conference form, is that specialists in various fields are brought in to provide an executive summary of the world. From advertising, politics, technology, popular culture etc. Each specialist is given 30 minutes and is tasked with providing only the need-to-know. You therefore, in a single day, are given a complete look at where we are in the world. Our company byline is “The State We Are In” and that is exactly what we try to provide.

This year is special as we have collaborated with a company called Studio 4332 who are linked to Proximity Worldwide. Day two of the Flux Trend Review, which is free,  is called Digital Lab. Previously hosted in New York and London and the first time in South Africa, it is a complete focus on the digital space.

Gloria's guide to fabulousness

Q: You are well-known for your work within the fashion industry. Looking back, what projects or milestones are your most proud of and which of the skills learnt during this time have served you best in your current role as trends analyst and entrepreneur?

A: If I look back at my magazine career, being part of the launch team of Elle South Africa was a great experience. Elle came at a stage when international magazines were just starting to make an appearance on the local scene and to be a part of that was something really special.

The other that served me best in terms of what I am doing now is my experience as the program director and spokesperson of SA Fashion Week. I’d say that while I was there, we witnessed the birth of local design. Holmes Brothers, Stoned Cherry, Black Coffee were just starting to push the envelope. It was a very special time ,watching and being part of that movement. What I learnt most was business, sponsorship and that the creative side, needs a business head.

Q: One of the trends of 2010 as identified by Flux Trends is the rise of social media. It describes how social media is breaking down the conventional boundaries such as race and culture. Are you seeing this locally in the way that South African companies market to their customers or is this trend yet to make a true impact on the South African socio-economic landscape?

A: In South Africa, people sideline social media services such as Facebook, Blogs and Twitter as merely tools. We loose the fact that social media is redirecting the way in which we connect with each other at a fundamental level.

Consumers are using social media tools to breakdown conventional industry pillars such as mass market advertising, print media and ownership. The loan fashion editor is no longer that voice of authority, it is now peer-to-peer. An example of this being how young girls look to magazines for ideas but not for the voice of authority that they once did. Social media is something we cannot ignore.

Q: What is the one trend that will have the greatest impact on ordinary South Africans in the coming years?

A: That has got to be the Seacom cable that landed in South Africa in 2009. The promise of its potential bandwidth will change the lives of most South Africans. Everyone might not have access to a computer but most have access to a cellphone. Once our bandwidth becomes better and cheaper, it will bring a true social revolution.

Q: What can we look forward to from Flux Trends in 2010?

A: More of the same. 2009 was a very good recession for us with 2010 being an incredible threshold of change, the recession breaking the banks of a lot of things that were waiting in the wings.

The increase in corporate interest indicates that people are becoming aware of the change and are starting to embrace it. We are also looking to spread our philosophy that the left brain way of thinking, empirical, linear, charts, stats etc, is becoming obsolete in the 21st century. Stats do not tell the full human story in a digital age. The strength of Flux is that we talk about those human stories.

Dion Chang

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, immediate family have been involved in horrific violent crime including being tied-up, burnt with irons etc. While it has changed some of their perceptions it has not changed mine. I consider myself a global citizen but a proud South African. Where a lot people see doom and gloom, I see positive opportunity. We can’t sit and moan about social problems if we don’t get up and do something about it. There are untold social problems that we tend to sweep under the carpet.

The world is slowly changing from a “me or an I” mentality to a “we or a us”. You see it on so many levels where people are starting to band together. We need to activate that here in South Africa.

Crime has clouded my perception but has not removed my hope.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A:Besides wooden giraffes? There are quite a few things. Our cultural African roots of Ubuntu, which is ingrained in our population, is ahead of the times in terms of where the world is going.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Johannesburg?

A: I love what I call Joburg central which is in the Parks. Parkhurst, Parktown, Craighall Park etc. What I enjoy about Johannesburg is that it is the World’s largest man-made forest, the kind of high street living it offers and the many little hidden surprises.

Q: What are Johannesburg’s must-see attractions for visitors to the Soccer World Cup?

A: For historic contest then places like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. A modern snapshot of contemporary South Africa is the Rosebank area. The mix of people, the rooftop flea market on a Sunday etc.

General

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: A book for everyone is The Art of Power by world-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader, and national bestselling author Thich Nhat Hanh. It deals with the differences in power between the eastern and western worlds.

Q: Favorite South African brand?

Q: The quintessential brand has to be Mrs Balls Chutney followed Ouma Rusks.

We’d like to thank Dion for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

For more information on the 2010 Flux Trends Review, visit the Flux Trends website or Giuli Osso at giuli@gocomms.co.za to reserve your seat.

Michael Sutcliffe

Izimvo proudly introduces the man behind the city, Mike Sutcliffe; eThekwini City Manager.

Dr Sutcliffe grew up in Amanzimtoti, part of a large, conservative family, with six siblings, raised by a stay-at-home mother and an accountant father. In 1978, Dr Sutcliffe moved to the United States with his wife, Felicity, in order to complete his PhD in Geography at Ohio State University. He and Felicity returned to Durban in 1982 where he has worked hard to build a formidable reputation as an academic and activist.

In 1994, Mike Sutcliffe was elected as an ANC member of the provincial legislature and has since held a chair on the Local Government Portfolio Committee. He has been Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board since 1999 and is credited as an associate professor at the University of Natal.

Newsletter: http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/government/media/cmn
Location: Durban

Dr Sutcliffe was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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: Michael Sutcliffe, 54 years, City manager: eThekwini, striving to get advantaged South Africans to chill out and realise that they are actually Africans in love with Durban, Africa.

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

A: I don’t like pompous idiots. Loved Bolero, the movie.

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

A: Watching game, reading, thinking.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: Addington Beach, Durban.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Durban

Q: Can you give us an insight to what the average day is like as the Durban City Manager?

A: Up around 5:30 a.m, walk a few times a week along the beachfront, City Hall around 6:45; meetings, talks, discussions until 7pm, home and either cook dinner or go out with Felicity, watch TV, do eMails, listen to music (from Eminem to Janis Joplin to Chopin), watch DVDs (love the latest Leonard Cohen one) friends pop over, get to bed between 12 midnight and 1am

Q: What are the greatest challenges facing Durban today?

A: Getting those who have (education, jobs, money) to own their city and work with us to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and AIDs.

Q: What can the average Durban resident do to improve the city?

A: Start by saying I want to be part of the solution, clean your mind, empathise with those who are poor, do anything (small acts of kindness to larger acts of development) to make a difference, keep talking up our city, country and continent.

Q: What are your predictions for tomorrow’s municipalities?

A: 10 years ago over two-thirds of our country did not have a municipality and had poor sanitation, housing, electricity and water. Today we have reduced these basic levels of underdevelopment so that over 50% of our people have better housing, water and sanitation. But now we need also to focus on citizenship, building a non-racial, non-sexist, united and democratic South Africa.

Q: What are the must-see attractions in or around Durban for visitors to the Fifa World Cup?

A: uShaka, Harbour, Moses Mabhida stadium, Inanda heritage trail (Gandhi settlement, Ohlange where the ANC was born and Nelson Mandela voted in 1994), beaches, Valley of 1000 Hills, Inanda/Clermont/Umlazi, Florida Road, davenport and other nightlife areas.

Q: Can you tell us about some of the projects that are as a direct result of the Fifa World Cup?

A: (i) The Moses Mabhida stadium and its precinct – we have built the only stadium in Africa which can host a Commonwealth games or Olympics,

(ii) Public Transport – starting to get an integrated system in place with 3 hubs and then an Inner City Distribution System,

(iii) Infrastructure – stadia, roads, beautification projects, etc.,

(iv) ICT – rolling out fibre throughout the city,

(iv) Beachfront upgrades,

(v) Eventing strategy

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. No, has not changed the way we live, in fact made us realise that the more we surround ourselves with security technology the more unsafe we feel.

Q: What would you say to South African’s considering emigration?

A: If you’re stuffy and stuck up, please go. If you are unsure of the future, talk to us and please stay.

Q: If you could change anything about South Africa by waving a magic wand, what would it be?

A: The mindsets of those who have education, jobs, houses and security – simply asking them to stop whinging and whining and to become part of the solution.

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

A: Central Beaches (the most non-racial place in our country), uShaka (one of the greatest Marine Parks in the world), Gandhi settlement and Dr. Dube’s grave.

General

Q: If you could invite any three South African’s from any era to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?

A: Albertina Sisulu – how did she remain so lovely having lived through such hardship; Beyers Naude to thank him for what he was and did for us, and Brenda Fassie so we can finish the conversation and drinks we had one day on a flight from Johannesburg, just before she died. I would serve a garden salad, my oxtail potje and baked cheese cake for dessert, with lots of good red wine.

Q: Favorite South African brand?

A: (i) ANC and Nelson Mandela, (ii) our wonderful people, (iii) great leisure opportunities.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Durban.

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

A: Oliver Tambo – he led us through the toughest of times but kept his dignity and made sure our African humanity won out.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Passionate people who live their dreams, committed people who know this is their place and loving people who like chilling out

We’d like to thank Dr Sutcliffe for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

Reminder to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can also read all of our interviews on your iPhone using the Izimvo iPhone application.

Louise Robinson

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing Mrs South Africa Semi-finalist: Louise Robinson.

Louise, a working mother of two, is proving that it is never too late to follow your dreams. With the support of her family, Louise entered the Mrs South Africa pageant and has been selected as one of the 15 semi-finalists. The annual competition, held later this year, sets out to highlight the importance of married woman in today’s society.

Louise is hosting a high tea for those in the Ballito area this Saturday, the 6th Feb. The high tea includes a fashion show and is raising funds for the Mrs SA charities, the biggest of which being The Beeld Children’s Fund.

Facebook Group
Location: Ballito

Louise was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at the Mrs South Africa event?

A: I would love to be introduced as Louise Robinson, the Ballito gal with a heart for people!

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

A: I am a total adrenalin junkie! I have bungied at the Vic Falls and have done the big shot in Vegas… OH YA, and I have met Bill Clinton.

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

A: A good foot massage from my wonderful husband and a devine cup of tea pretty much sorts me out.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: My dream home is one that allows for comfortable living (child friendly in other words) and easy entertaining; I would love a huge inviting kitchen / lodging (we normally the destination of choice for our family from Gauteng); and I would love to build it right here in Simbithi!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

The Mrs South Africa Contest

Q: Congrats for being in the regional finals of the Mrs South Africa 2010 competition. What was your motivation for entering the competition?

A: You know what, I want to use it as a platform to do more for underprivileged people. I can help slightly more people together with the Mrs SA opportunity, that is part of my motivation for entering. The other part is to show my girls that if you have a dream, you can achieve it! It does not matter what your circumstances are. With hard work, strong faith, the right attitude and with your heart in the right place you can reach for the stars!

Q: Can you give us a background on the competition and what it involves?

A: The competition, as far as I can see started in the 1970′s. It is a competition that is there to: To highlight the positive role of married women in South African society, make a difference in their lives as well as those around them who embrace the values of marriage within all our diverse cultures. (Vision)

Mission

- To enable married women of all ages to compete as equals
- To honour the rules of fair and just competition
- To elevate the profile of married women in their community
- To host a spectacular pageant and crowning
- To ensure that the Winners are worthy of the Crown and will wear it with pride.
- To assist Mrs SA to compete in Mrs World with the object of winning
- To actively promote the competition and pageant, and all that it stands for, to all married South Africa women.

Values Statement

- Act with integrity
- Be accountable
- Be reasonable
- Take initiative
- Deliver value
- Foster partnership and cooperation
- Value each individual’s ability

The competition involves mostly fundraising for Mrs SA and the charities that they support. The biggest part of the judging process is each contestant’s fundraiser that they host, like my one on Saturday. Two judges will be there as well as the MD of Mrs SA.

Q: You are hosting a High Tea at on the 6th February to raise money for charity. What can guests look forward to and which charities are you supporting?

A: I am so very excited for the High Tea! The ladies are all going to receive the most divine goody bags, filled with things like a 1 month free membership at the Lockeroom, a free in salon hair treatment and blow wave at Scissor Sisters, a R100 off a SunFX spray tan, a free Galvanic Spa treatment voucher, Environ samples and tons more! The generosity of all the businesses involved does not end there, I have more than 25 stunning lucky draw prizes, like x2 free SunFX tanning vouchers, x2 huge flower arrangements by Imbali, x2 WAR Supplements weight loss hampers including a diet plan, a Miglio jewelry gift, x2 Lockeroom 1 year memberships, x2 Sharon Wood photography vouchers, x1 International Fashion Stylist course, x1 box of Simply Slim, x2 Jean Guthrie Beauty Care hampers, x2 non-invasive non-surgical facelift vouchers, x1 R1000 voucher at Secrets Day Spa…HOW COOL ARE THESE THINGS!!!!

AND, to top this “Girly Day” off we are going to have a fashion show, showcasing Maryke’s new clothing range called Thanda, as well as her evening wear and a wedding dress; we are also going to see White Summers new range and Viscaria Ladies Boutique’s clothes! And, the food that Janet from Coco De Mer is preparing is going to be delectable!!!

The funds go to Mrs SA and the charities that they support – the biggest one being The Beeld Children’s Fund.

Q: What would it mean to you personally if you won Mrs South Africa?

A: It would be so wonderful to know that I am going to have a very active role in fund raising and in helping under privilaged people! It would fulfill one of my dreams that I had even before I got married, and it would show my girls that you can do anything if you really want to! And, age is actually just a number…

Q: How do you balance a full-time job as a medical rep & the planning & preparation needed for Mrs South Africa?

A: You know what, by doing my best to prioritise things, and to plan (I have a million little lists)!!!

Q: Do you have any health and fitness secrets?

A: Nutrition is key, so what you eat is the most important thing under the sun, especially if you do not get to the gym as often as you should! So, I use WAR Supplements – the whey protein powder (I drink 3 to 4 shakes a day). It is the only supplement range that has no colourants or preservatives, the healthiest sweetner (sucralose) AND 7 amazing flavours; and I use Transformer sometimes! I do try and go for a walk 2 or 3 times a week in the mornings.

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: I must say that we have been very blessed, we have not been affected by crime.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I would tell him to invest in DSTV…..another child with another lady????

Q: Who do you consider as South Africa’s greatest ever Mrs South Africa?

A: Every year’s winner has great attributes that I could learn from. It would be very difficult to single one out.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: According to my little sister it is her, because her and her husband are going skiing in March! She feels she is going to rule the slopes!

Life in Ballito

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Ballito ?

A: The beauty of the ocean and the peaceful living in Simbithi!

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Ballito for a romantic night out?

A: Zimbali’s restaurant

Q: First place you would take an international visitor?

A: I have visited Mandela’s house in Soweto and had lunch at the shebeen accross the road from it. Madiba has become synonomous with SA; and I can only imagine how much more an international visitor would enjoy that.

Q: What are your thoughts on the new International Airport opening soon near Ballito?

A: Sounds fantastic and great for business men and woman!

General

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to dinner, who would you invite and what would you ask them to bring?

A: My Gran, her willingness to always help and her sense of anything can be done through HARD WORK; my Mom, her eternal optimism and her sense of NOTHING is going to get me down; and my husband, his never ending encouragement, help and support!

Q: What does your personal training schedule look like?

A: Uhm, I would LOVE to go to gym daily, but that is not something that I can do at this stage; so I try and go for walks or runs 2 or 3 times a week.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: In San Fransico!!!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Volunteers who went to Haiti, and I would like to hear about their experience and how we can help.

We would like to thank Louise for taking time out of her busy schedule to answers these questions and wish her every sucess in the build up to the Mrs South Africa contest being held later this year.

If you would like to attend the High Tea, which is being held at La Coco Mer in Ballito on Saturday the 6th Feb, you can email Louise on lsrobinson@telkomsa.net or call her on 082 920 6476.

Lungile Zondi

Izimvo has the honour of introducing the founder of MyShuttles.com: Lungile Zondi.

MyShuttles.com is a recently launched Internet Startup looking to change the way people travel. Their slogan, “Travel Safer, Greener and Cheaper” is the perfect description for their unique offering.

The site, which has been in development for two years, launched in January and has already garnered the interest of the local travel industry. With the Soccer World Cup only months away, MyShuttles.com is perfectly poised to take the industry by storm.

Website: http://myshuttles.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/myshuttles
Email: lungile.zondi@myshuttles.com
Location: Durban

Lungile was kind enough to answer the following questions:

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: My close friends will introduce me as Lungi, she is 26 and a bit of a dreamer. I have always had a deep desire to do something special with my life. Recently I was given the opportunity to be involved in creating a new virtual market place in the private transport industry. I am still learning and really enjoying the exciting journey of being an entrepreneur.

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

A: I am extremely terrified of cockroaches. They seem to be around a lot more in summer especially in Durban. I’ve also never told anyone that I’m still afraid of the dark which I’m extremely embarrassed about especially at my age!

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

A: I love going on weekends away with my partner. The Drakensburg is one of my favorite places to go to get away from it all. I’m really not a person that enjoys the outdoors although every time we drive to the Drakensburg we make it a point to stop at one those of the cheese farms in the midlands area. It’s my favorite place to go when we travel on weekends away. I enjoy making small visits to some of the places en-route to Drakensburg.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: My dream home would be a home near the beach in Durban somewhere along the coast like Ballito or Zimbali. Any home or house where I can wake up in the morning, open the curtains and have an amazing sea view would be my dream home. It wouldn’t even have to be a mansion, just a decent house with a beautiful view.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Internet Entrepreneurship in South Africa

Q: You’ve recently launched your internet startup, MyShuttles.com Tell us about the site and how you come up with the idea?

A: While I was at university studying tourism, I could not stop dreaming about one day starting my own business up. Knowing the world cup would be coming to SA I wanted to somehow get involved.

My partner and I brainstormed ideas from hotel listing websites to adventure package holidays but they had all been done before. We then sat and really thought about South Africa and its problems, especially for people traveling to South Africa for the first time. South Africa’s public transport system is not as regulated as it is in more developed countries. Everyone uses cars to get around so how do people actually get around if they can’t afford to rent a car and don’t want to use the dangerous taxis, that have no timetables or route plans?

We did some research into shuttle/transfer/taxi companies in SA and realized that hundreds of these businesses exist. After doing more research we noticed that a large percentage of these companies are not able to take online payments on their websites. As a traveler there is no means of comparing the different prices of other travel operators, other than to ask for quotes from each one in turn.

We had found a new virtual market in South Africa (and the rest of the world). There is no price comparison websites where the customer is able to make payments directly to the travel operator and compare prices in once place.

Key features of the site being:

If the route the customer requests does not exist in the system, all the travel operators will be informed of the request and can make a bid for the customers business. The customer can then choose the one they prefer and buy directly.

If the route does exist in the system and travel operators have added times and prices the customer can compare and purchase then and there. MyShuttles.com was born. What came next was the hardest two years of mine and my partner’s life. Making MyShuttles.com a reality.

Q: What have been the biggest challenges in getting the site ready for launch?

A: What hasn’t been a challenge?  My partner is a software engineer by trade. He has worked tirelessly building the software with a friend. I don’t fully understand the intricate difficulties they have faced, but software has taken a long time to come to life. The software is amazing better that I could ever have imagined. It’s been worth the wait. MyShuttles.com was developed on a shoe string budget we have not borrowed any money to get to where we are today. It’s taken two years to get off the ground that’s plenty of time to question everything over and over again. Keeping focus when everything seems to be taking so long has been really difficult.

Q: Do you feel that the government is doing enough to assist small businesses such as My Shuttles?

A: I don’t really feel government does enough to assist smaller businesses. There are ways to improve your business by using government agencies. Although they do play their part, they may not do it as quickly as they could. It may sometimes take a long time for them to accomplish something that you may have requested to be done or when you have asked for help.

Q: If you were granted a single wish, how would you use it to improve your business?

A: I wish everybody in the world knew MyShuttles.com existed and what we are all about. It’s all about the advertising. I would like to have access to more money for a larger marketing campaign. This is one major way I would improve the business. Traffic, Traffic and more Traffic.

Q: What advice would you offer other would-be internet entrepreneurs?

A: To conduct as much research as possible. Have a strategy ready for when it comes to advertising and marketing. Think of and find ways to market your business online for free. Think of the costs involved in the marketing as this is extremely important because you can have a good product but this will be no good if nobody even knows it exists. Surround yourself with motivated intelligent people. Be decisive. Work hard, dream big and make it happen, if you don’t make it happen nobody is going to do it for you.

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: I personally have never been affected by crime. My partner had his car stolen once. I cannot complain as some people have experience far worse in terms of crime. If something very serious had happened to me I believe I would have a different perception of the country although there seems to be crime anywhere in the world.

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

A: I am one of those people that believe the grass is not greener on the other side. I love to travel and experience new cultures although I would not like to emigrate. South Africa is my home and I would probably complain about everything in that country if I ever left. I’m used to a certain way of life and certain types of foods. I find that even when I travel to other countries I tend to complain and be very critical about everything such as the food and even the people etc so, no I would not leave South Africa.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I would like to ask the president to make rape and the abuse of women at the top of his agenda. Awareness campaigns have been put in place but it does not seem to be making much of a difference to men who rape and abuse women. Since this is the case, other ideas should be put in place to ensure that men change their ways. This could begin with more harsh sentences for men who rape and abuse women and not simply letting them out on bail as soon as they arrested. The rape and abuse of women in South Africa I’m sure makes many women more wary of the men.

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

A: Old History Museum in Durban is must for international visitors. Another attraction I would take them to is Robben Island as well as Kruger National Park.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: South Africa’s biggest export is ‘South Africa’. Tourists visit the country because of its beauty, animals and people. South Africa has attractive scenery and rich cultures as well as friendly people. It has cultural experiences that the rest of the world does not have to offer. When people visit our beautiful country they will take back with them a little bit of South Africa.

Life in Durban

Q: What do you enjoy the most about living in Durban?

A: Durban has a really calm atmosphere about it. The people I find are friendlier than in other parts of South Africa I have lived in. And of course there’s the beach! Durban is also a very cultural place. There are also a number of activities one can do without having to pay a lot of money for.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch?

A: The one place I can never get enough of is Taco Zulu on Florida Road. The food is fantastic and the vibe is relaxing. It’s a very casual place and good for hanging out with a group of friends especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Q: What is the one place in Durban that is a must visit for all tourists?

A: The local History Museum in is must see for all visitors n Durban. The museum holds a rich array of individuals and cultural groups past and present that made their mark and contributed to what Durban has become today.

General

Q: If you were able to pick anyone as your mentor, who would it be and why?

A: Khanyi Dhlomo has always been an idol of mine. Although she grew up in a greatly advantaged family, she seems to have worked extremely hard to get to where she is today. I believe she has set a very good example to black females in South Africa in terms of being your own boss.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: I would recommend “Capitalist Nigger” by Chika Onyeani. When I was in matric a few years ago we read books that one was able to analyze and agree and to disagree on. This book would give learners an opportunity to be able to express their own opinions. Although I do not agree with all that the writer states, it gives people something to think about. It is a good book to analyze because some people might not agree with the author about how Africans particularly are when it comes to setting up our own businesses. It is a controversial book by many means.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Tomorrow I would love to wake up in a 5 start hotel overlooking the beach in Cape Town with a full English breakfast by my bedside ready and waiting for me!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Caster Semenya. I would love to have an account of her thoughts and feelings about what she went through last year.

We’d like to thank Lungile for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her every success with MyShuttles. Judging on the execution of this great idea, the attention to every detail and the rate at which suppliers are signing up, the future sure does look bright for My Shuttles.

Reminder to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can also read all of our interviews on your iPhone using the Izimvo iPhone application.