Melanie Bala

Izimvo is honoured to introduce the host of MNet’s Lets Chat… with Mel: Melanie Bala.

Melanie, a seasoned television and radio host, has been in the broadcasting industry for 17 years. She got her first break at the young age of 17 when she joined Bop TV. It was not too long until Melanie was was approached by the SABC to host the popular music TV show, Studio Mix.

Today, Melanie is the host of MNet’s Let’s Chat… with Mel, a new talk show focusing on woman’s issues. The show, shot in front of a studio audience, features interviews with inspirational and iconic South African woman and inserts from woman from all walks of life speaking their mind.

Website: http://beta.mnet.co.za/fanclub/?clubId=1421
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Chatwith-Mel/242863295568
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MelBala
Location: Johannesburg

Mel was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?

A: Radio & Television Broadcaster.

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

A: I’ve had the same car since 1999. I just don’t see the value in replacing cars often. When this one breaks, I’ll get a new one. (However if someone wants to give me a brand new car, I will not say no)

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

A: I love going away to little boutique hotels all over South Africa. As long as it has a spa, great room service, good wine and beautiful scenery – I’m happy.

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

A: Thats exactly it – I want my house to feel homely, not look like its straight out of an uptight decor magazine. It would have to have a huge verandah with a view for sundowners, a large garden for picnics and kids and a home cinema wouldn’t hurt. I’m a big city girl and in Johannesburg I think Northcliff is the best kept secret – on a clear day you can see forever!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property – Looking for the perfect home in Johannesburg? How about this perfect blend of luxury & elegance set in an exclusive area.  6 Bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Yip, that’s right, 7 bathrooms.

Talk Shows in South Africa

Q: Congratulations on the success of your new talk show Lets chat… with Mel. Tell us about how the show came about and what it is like being in-front of the camera again?

A: MNet Series put out a commissioning brief for the talk show and Clive Morris Productions approached me to attach my name to their proposal. After an initial discussion to see whether we were on the same page in terms of ideas and content, CMP put my name forward. A while later, we heard that the pitch was successful.

It was not as strange as I thought it would be to be back in front of the camera after almost 8 years since my last TV gig. There is an ease and comfort, for me, in being back in front of the camera.

Q: You are personally involved in selecting the topics for the show. Just how much preparation goes into each episode and how do you go about selecting your guests?

A: There is a lot of preparation involved. The production team starts off deciding on a theme or topic for the show, then we brainstorm around what are the stories we want to tell or the message we want to send.

Once the tone has been set, the search starts for suitable guests, that are interested on being TV, available on the day of the shoot and will work on camera. Sometimes you might have a guest who is very knowledgeable on a subject but who just doesn’t work on camera due to nerves, etc.

Once the guests have been selected, in-depth pre-interviews are done with each guest by the research team to get to the crux of what it is we want to talk about. From that interview, a “final” list of questions is prepared by myself for the actual in-studio or on location shoot.

Q: Selecting the perfect question is a science. Where do you draw inspiration for your questions from and is there anything you will not ask in an interview?

A: This is a good question :) As mentioned, that’s why pre-interviews are so important. A pre-interview might be a half hour or even an hour and from that information, we’re able to pick out the pertinent or relevant questions to ask. On the show, the longest segment we have is about 9-10 minutes which isn’t very long at all. I always say: You should never ask a question, you don’t already know the answer to. Be prepared. Know where you want to go with the interview.

It’s a fine line when it comes to asking something that might be awkward for the interviewee but on the show we’re not into confrontation or surprising guests – that’s best left to Jerry Springer! LOL

Q: The show is advertised as for woman by woman. What are the greatest challenges facing South African woman today and what are some of the things that you and your producers are doing to reach the average South African woman?

A: Whew! Where do we start? I think South African women across the board are concerned by the state of our education system for our children, our safety for our selves and our loved ones, our advancement in the work place while balancing the needs of the home, and when you start to get niche – women in the townships face issues of lack of delivery of essential services, grandmothers are taking care of grandchildren due to the terrible effects of HIV and AIDS, rural women are still ruled by a patriarchal system, young women are trying to figure out a balance between what culture dictates and demands while finding their own way in a modern world. Let’s not even get into race.

This has been the challenge in doing the show – there are many things/issues that separate us but we believe that there are just as many commonalities for women, regardless of color, status, etc and that’s what we try to focus on.

Q: Which other South African interviewers have most inspired you?

A: I’m a 70′s baby and I grew up with television. I think over the years there are a number of interviewers across both television and radio that I learn from. John Robbie, Robert Marawa, Felicia Mabuza Suttle, Dali Tambo, Tim Modise, Redi Direko and more.

Behide the scenes

Q: Can you give us a little insight into the making of the show? When do you tape, how many crew members work on the show and how is the success of the show measured?

A: The making of a television program is in essence a 3-part process.

The first is pre-production: This is all the preparation that goes into deciding what happens in a particular show/s. Over and above this, things like the set, logo, logo music, props, etc is all done at this stage, as well as securing crew to work on the show.

Second is production: This is the actual day you record. We record on a Saturday and call time is usually 7am for hair, make-up and rehearsals. Guests start arriving at about 09h00 and we’re ready to record by 09h30. The crew is about 10 people. It’s an all day affair! The saying in television is: Hurry up and Wait! Just as you’re ready, the batteries might die on your microphone. When that’s sorted, a light could blow. When that’s sorted, there could be a problem with playing back material. There’s always something so you have to be patient.

Thirdly, post-production: Once you’ve recorded the material, it then goes into editing and after that, final sound mixing, then you hand over the tape to the broadcaster.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?

A: The weather. I complain like a fishwife in winter but I know we’re lucky to not have snow and extreme cold. In fact, with the extreme weather conditions or natural disasters that’s been going on in the world since the beginning of the year, Haiti, Chile, Japan, etc – we’re blessed. Maybe the movie “2012″ was onto something?

Q: If you were to interview president Jacob Zuma, what would your last question be?

A: You said one-term right?

Q: Which South African personality would you most like to interview and why?

A: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela but she’d deny it took place ;-) Seriously though, she is a fascinating woman who doesn’t speak to the media very often yet has an incredible story to tell.

Q: With less than 100 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?

A: Find a local and strike up a conversation, we’re very friendly. Only in South Africa can you meet someone in the morning and be invited to their place that same evening for a braai. Let us show you our country, first hand.

General

Q: You hosted the popular Studio Mix for over 7 years. What are some of your fondest memories from your time on the show?

A: We hosted really great concerts back-in-the-day. We went to Nelspruit, Cape Town and the Rand Show here in Johannesburg with the hottest music acts of the time and there were no less than 15 000 people at each event! Mind blowing now that I think about it. And then of course, it’s been very interesting to witness artists that came onto the show then as ‘brand new’; grow and develop over the years into these huge brands, and of course there are some that didn’t.

Q: Having working both on radio and on TV, which of the two do you prefer?

A: Both have their merits. Radio has a spontaneity and instantaneous re-action that is awesome. You can get that from television but only on a live broadcast. Television because it’s a visual medium, offers you the opportunity to have layers of stuff happening at the same time – it should be a feast for the eyes.

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

A: First choice? My closest girlfriends. We’ve been friends for almost two decades and there is a level of comfort and sisterhood that cannot be replaced or duplicated. We’ve seen kids grow up and go to varsity, helped each other through the minor loss of boyfriends, the major loss of parents and also been very silly together. Dessert would be Jack Daniels – ha ha!

Q: If you could give the eighteen-year-old-you a single piece of advice, what would it be?

Q: “Stop being so shy”. I was terribly shy and still am to a degree but I’m getting better.

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

A: Professor Jonathan Jansen, Rector – University of the Free State. Doesn’t he want to be our Minister of Basic Education?

A massive thank you to Mel for taking the time to answer our questions. We’d like to wish her every success for the future. Be sure to catch Lets Chat with…Mel on MNet Series every Wednesday at 8pm.

Reminder to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can also follow all our previous interviewees on Twitter at http//twitter.com/izimvo/interviewees

Dale Hayes

Izimvo is honoured to introduce former professional golfer, Dale Hayes.

Dale’s illustrious career as a professional golfer includes highlights such as three-time PGA Championship winner, the Swiss, Spanish, Italian, Colombian, French and South African Open winner and World Cup winner in 1974.

Synonymous with South African golfer, Dale has been an ambassador of the game for over twenty years and a member of the PGA of South Africa for over thirty years. He has recently been honoured with Master Professional status by the PGA of South Africa.

Today Dale is involved in a number of golfing related businesses including Dale Hayes Golf Events and The Dale Hays Golf School of Excellence.

Website: http://www.dalehayesgolfevents.co.za
Location: Johannesburg

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

Personal

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

A: Dale Hayes, retired golf professional, age 57.

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

A: I read every golf publication I can subscribe to or buy every month, and collect books on golf.

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

A: Watching TV and movies.

Golf in South Africa

Q: South Africa has some of the best golf courses in the world. Which would you select as your top 3?

A: Durban CC, Leopard Creek, Gary Player CC

Q: Do you feel enough is being done for the development of the game in previously disadvantaged communities?

A: No.

Q: Which is your favorite golfing event on the South African calendar?

A: Nedbank Bank Challenge.

Q: At their best, which of the following players would you put your money on if they were playing in a tournament today? Gary Player, Ernie Else, Nicky Price, Hugh Baiocchi, John Bland or Simon Hobday?

A: Gary Player or Bobby Locke.

Q: Which South African amateur has impressed you the most in recent years?

A: Dylan Frittelli.

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 – we have changed the way we live.

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

A: No.

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

A: I would put the army on the streets where crime was bad.

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

A: Soweto, The Wine Route and The Cape Waterfront.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Which golf course in or around Johannesburg would you recommend for the first-time golfer wanting to try the game?

A: CMR or Kyalami.

Q: Which course in Johannesburg has the best 19th hole?

A: Parview.

Q: Best value-for-money course in Johannesburg?

A: Modderfontein.

General

Q: If you could play a round of golf with any three South Africans, who would invite?

A: Nelson Mandela, Otway Hayes (my father) and Teddy Irwin.

Q: What are your thoughts on having golf as an Olympic sport?

A: Awesome – golf will get a huge boost.

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

A: Final Rounds by James Dodson.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

Q: At home.

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

A: All great old sportsmen.

We’d like to thank Dale for taking the time to answer our questions.

Mark Pilgrim

Izimvo is excited to introduce radio and television personaliy, Mark Pilgrim.

With his distinctive bald head, warm personality and easy going demeanor, Mark is one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio and television personalities. He has spent over 14 years entertaining millions of listeners and viewers.

Mark has also hosted numerous television shows over the years, including Big Brother South Africa on MNET and Face2Face on SABC2. In 2008 he hosted the country’s biggest ever television game show, the Power of 10 on MNET.

Website: http://www.markpilgrim.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Mark_Pilgrim
Location: Johannesburg

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

Personal

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

A: If it was an informal event, my friend would probably just say “This is my friend, Mark”! if it was a corporate event, it would probably be along the lines, of “he has a face that is recognizable from television and voice that is recognizable from radio”

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

A: People always expect you to be the loudest person in the room, and are surprised when I am actually a very quiet person!

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

A: I am an avid reader. Got myself an Amazon Kindle recently so love downloading books from the net. I also fly radio controlled choppers.

Q: You’ve survived both Cancer and a recent heart attack. What has been the greatest advice given to you during these difficult times?

A: It’s more the advice I have given myself I suppose, which is not to let the small problems in life get you down. As the cliché says “don’t sweat the small stuff”.

Radio in South Africa

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

A: Kevin Savage! I used to listen to him on Capitol 604 and the old Radio 5. He was a jock that didn’t talk “at” you, but seemed like he was having a conversation with you. I would also put David Gresham in there from the word go. I used to listen to him host the Springbok Radio Top 20…thinking …WOW…one day I want to do that!

Q: Who have you most enjoyed interviewing and if you could sit down with anyone for an interview, who would it be?

A: My favourite interview ever was Mel C from the Spice Girls. She was just so lively and fun to interview… and I got her to say “bliksem” on air!

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: Yep, my wife has been held up twice. Yes, it does taint your perceptions. We have just built a new house and spent more money on security than anything else.

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

A: I am British, so have thought every now and then of going back home. The biggest problem is, I love this country. My wish is that lazy self absorbed politicians got off the gravy train and realized the value of better training our police force and giving them better remuneration.

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

A: Tolerance towards crime… and fire every corrupt minister. I guess we would have to look for a new cabinet!

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Favorite venue in or around Johannesburg for a romantic dinner?

A: Pigalle in the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton. They make the best apple & berry crumble!

Q: Who makes the best breakfast in Johannesburg?

A: Probably Tasha’s in Athol Square. The food is delicious and the presentation on the plate good as well.

General

Q: Who was your favorite Big Brother South Africa contestant?

A: None!! They all got on my nerves after a while! :)

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Beau Rivage Resort in Mauritius. It’s where Nicole and I got married on 7/7/7.

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

A: Nelson Mandela. A man who inspired change.

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

A: Well, you got me thinking about old radio personalities. How about Kevin Savage!

We’d like to thank Mark for taking the time to answer our questions and congratulate him and his Wife Nicole on the wonderful news that they are expecting their first baby girl in April 2010.

Aki Anastasiou

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

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

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

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

Personal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Radio in South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life in South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life in Johannesburg

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

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

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

A: It would be Plaka and Mythos restaurants.

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

A: The Westcliff Hotel.

General

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

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

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

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

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

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

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

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

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

A: Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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

Bob Skinstad

Izimvo is truly honoured to introduce former Springbok Rugby Captain, Bob Skinstad.

When it comes to household names, there are not many as popular as Bob Skinstad. Bob’s professional rugby career includes 42  Springbok caps with a total of 55 points (11 tries). He has represented South Africa at all levels of the game including captaining the under 21′s in 1996 and 1997, and playing for the SA Sevens team in 1997. Bob retired from professional rugby in 2007 having captained the Springboks on 12 occasions.

Today, Bob is an entrepreneur with various interests including his pride and joy, The Toad in the Village – a country pub in Noordhoek. He is also a regular member of the SuperSport broadcast team.

Blog: http://www.bobskinstad.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bobskinstad

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

Personal

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

A: Bob Skinstad, 33, social entrepreneur and broadcaster, married, two kids – born in Zimbabwe

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

A: Secretly a marketing and innovation addict, have subscribed to fast company, inc and business2.0 for ten years plus – love seeing and using trends from overseas in SA context.

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

A: Reading, fishing and now surfing is my new hobby so have spent as much time fishing and surfing as possible.

Rugby in South Africa

Q: Having lived the dream of every schoolboy rugby player by representing both your province and country, what advice would you offer young players wanting a career in the game?

A: Don’t decide early – play the wait and see – you can easily still get a degree or start a trade while you play thru the junior ranks – your mind is a bigger asset than your body , and it starts to dull as soon as you become a pro player so sharpen it up as much as possible – enjoy it

Q: If you had to single out a highlight from your rugby career, what would it be?

A: I loved sevens as a game and played (lost ) Fiji in the final of the sevens world cup in Hong kong – still a fond memory – I suppose being able to come back and play without emotional baggage was also special, which led a to a small role at the World cup, very lucky !

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

A: I believe it’s stopping the further mental development a bit – but I love the FNB varsity cup cos it’s a nice mix of both worlds and allows journeyman players that often miss out to shine – they have got the marketing side of it right too.

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

A: John Smit.

Q: What, for you, has been the greatest lesson from your years as a professional rugby player?

A: Stay young , stay curious and enjoy yourself – it was taught in a funny round about kind of way , but am always learning !

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, and yes, but only to make us more aware of our surroundings – and to make better, smarter choices when looking at lifestyle – a real blessing.

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

A: yes, but only to go and explore for a bit – I lived in london for 3 and a bit years and loved it , got lots of fond memories from there, – the worst thing about London is running into insecure South Africans spreading a lie about our country

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

A: I would institute gross national Accountability – a practice that we severely lack !

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

A: Cape town is whirlwind visit in itself – but the table mountain national parks area, incorporating Chapmans, Table mountain and Hout bay would be great – then after having got to know them , i would head on a Safari, any one of decent game viewing and hosting experience, but probably go via a township visit, because otherwise everyone thinks we live a lie, and have a great meal and entertainment at somewhere like Mxolis , and the winelands !

Life in Cape Town

Q: What do you think is Cape Town’s number one tourist attraction?

A: Tourists all book for Cape Town and ask about Chapmans Peak so I would imagine it’s up there.

Q: Favorite venue for watching the big game?

A: My little pub in Noordhoek, the Toad in the Village is second best to live (can’t wait for the cape Town Stadium to be hosting rugby !)

Q: Favourite beach ?

A: Fish Hoek – in the early morning, before the crowds and with kids is my new passion, otherwise Llandudno Sun-downers are pretty spectacular.

General

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

A: A farm , close enough to the city to commute but big enough to indulge in passions, somewhere coastal !

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

A: The Power of Less by Leo Babauta and Crush it by Gary Vaynerchuk

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow morning ?

A: At my home in Noordhoek – but early enough to catch a wave before some meetings !

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

A: The Hopes, dreams and ACTIONS of South Africans who are positive about our country and that want to contribute to our future as a surviving, thriving example of what is possible.

A massive thank you to Bob for finding the time to answer our questions.

Please support Bob’s bobsforgood Foundation, the purpose of which is to put shoes on the feet of South Africa’s children. A great initiative that we can all get behind. Details

Michael Olivier

Izimvo would like to introduce wine writer and broadcaster, Michael Olivier.

Michael, a well-known Cape food and wine fundi, grew up on a wine farm in the hills of Durbanville. He trained at The London Cordon Bleu Cookery School and has worked in and managed such well-known places as Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch and the top marque wine estate, Boschendal.

Having run three restaurants, Paddagang in Tulbagh, The Burgundy in Hermanus and Parks in Constantia, and being featured in the national top ten restaurants, he is now a food and wine writer, published author and broadcaster.

Website: http://www.michaelolivier.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Michael_Olivier

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

Personal

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

A: Michael Olivier he’s the wine writer and broadcaster, you’ve probably seen his books in the shops or heard him on the radio?

I am 63 years old and work from home – wine writing for various websites and publications. I have my own website www.michaelolivier.co.za. I broadcast each day on Fine Music Radio, a Cape based station and on Friday nights on ClassicFM which broadcasts in the Gauteng region. I consult two days a week for a large supermarket group on a customer relations management programme.

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

A: I love birds, the feathered kind. And the other too if the truth be known. I am an avid, nay voracious reader. Love music, mainly classical – as long as it is not Mahler, he’s way too pre-occupied with death – yet am as at home with Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. And Jamie Cullum and Oscar Petersen. My favourite movie which offers me a chance to cry every time is Love Actually.

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

A: Being in a special place that is very quiet, with good books, good food and good wine. Should have a view of mountains or sea or Karoo veld and there must be trees with lots of birds in them.

Food and Wine in South Africa

Q: Having trained at the London Cordon Bleu Cookery School, do you feel that international training and experience is a requirement to succeed in the business?

A: No I don’t think it is a requirement at all. There are many fabulous cooks in the country who have never held their own passport and are a huge success in what they do. But I believe it extends your horizons of food knowledge if you do travel and are able to work overseas.

Q: What do you think it is that sets South African cuisine apart and why do you think are South Africans so passionate about their food?

A:I don’t believe we have a real South African cuisine, though there are certain dishes which we assume and have adopted as our own. We live in a country that has brilliant produce, fresh fish, wonderful beef and lamb, fabulous cheese and lots of fresh fruit and vegetable. I don’t think South Africans are more or less passionate about food than anywhere else I have been in the world. Foodies are all a tad crazy.

Q: As a published author, what advice would you give any young food and wine author wanting to do they same?

A: Get out and just do it yourself. Start writing, leave the publisher out of it and do it on your own, it’s way easier than you think. I am about to publish my third book on my own.

Q: With the rate of obesity in young children growing at an alarming rate in South Africa, what advice would you offer today’s parents?

A: Teach yourselves about healthy food first and then be sure your kids eat healthy.

Q: Which of your books are you most proud of?

A: The People’s Guide, my new book co-authored with Neil Pendock the Sunday Times Wine Writer and Anibal Coutinho from Portugal. Love the other three, but this one is a stunner.

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 we have been affected by crime. It has not changed my perception about living here and we are just very careful all the time, though no paranoid.

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

A: Wouldn’t half mind living in Portugal, love Margaret River in Western Australia where I have done some work, but here’s home for us and our children.

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

A: Teach people to grow vegetables and feed themselves. And tell everyone to calm down.

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

A: Groot Constantia, Stellenbosch Winelands and a drive round the Cape Peninsula with a stop off at Kirstenbosch.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What do you think is Cape Town’s number one tourist attraction?

A: Well there are 5, and I have a problem choosing. Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch, Groot Constantia and Cape Point.

Q: If you had to prepare a meal for an international visitor, showing off the best of Cape Cuisine, what would it be?

A: Smoked snoek paté, my own Bobotie recipe, and Malva Pudding, all the recipes are on my website.

Q: Where do you suggest both locals and visitors source their fresh produce in Cape Town?

A: Salt River Market, The Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday mornings. Find a good butcher like Mr Bass at Super Meat Market in Kenilworth, go to a superb baker like the Faull boys at Knead, buy good value wines from a reputable source – Mike Duggan at Wine Concepts. Shaiks Exotics or Spice Mecca or Atlas Trading for fresh spices.

General

Q: Which celebrity chef do you most admire and why?

A: Oooh – difficult one, but I think Rick Stein. He’s my sort of age and his food is real.

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

A: No question – Cry the beloved country by Alan Paton.

Q: Which 3 South African’s would you most like to invite to dinner?

A: Penny Coelen Rey Miss World 1958, a great great lady, I’ve met her before. Desmond Tutu, so that I can hug him when he goes home. Tessa Uys, so that she can play the piano between courses and I’d make sure we had six so that she plays quite a few pieces.

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

A: My wonderful writing partner Neil Pendock. You’d find out all sorts of things about him I never knew!

We’d like to thank Michael for taking the time to answer our questions. We look forward to picking up a copy of his latest book, The People’s Guide 2010 – Navigate the winelands in a shopping trolley.

Lookout for it in selected wine shops, supermarkets and bookshops from the 16th November.