Michael de Pinna

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing multi-talented entertainer and Mr Yebo Gogo; Michael de Pinna.

Best known for his antics in Vodacom’s “Yebo Gogo” adverts, Michael is a highly respected and sought-after entertainer with over 25 years in the entertainment industry. Besides being a professional actor, singer, dancer and cabaret artist, Michael has also recently opened an exquisite executive guest house, de Pinna’s, in Northern Johannesburg.

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

Michael was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced to an audience in Australia?

A: As there are so many South Africans in Australia, Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome Mr Yebo Gogo himself!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from your morning routine to your favorite brand of underpants.

A: I hate clutter!

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

A: Falling off a Chez Longue (lounger) straight into the warm Indian Ocean.

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

A: I like the Seychelles, but having said that my dream holiday home would be overlooking the sea at the top of Lions head in a penthouse surrounded by my five King Charles Spaniels.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Picture yourself on a spacious balcony overlooking the ocean?. Then this luxury R2.95m apartment boasting 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 x en-suite), lounge and open-plan kitchen is for you.

South African Entertainment

Q: With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, which of your many accolades are you most proud of?

A: My singing has always been the closest to the real Michael, but I guess becoming known as “Yebo Gogo” in the Vodacom series of advertisements and hanging onto the role for 15 years.

Q: Tell us about how you were first hired for Vodacom’s award-winning “Yebo Gogo” advertising campaign and what do you think it was about the character that made him so popular with South African audiences?

A: I was appearing in a play in Cape Town and merely went to an audition and got the plumb job of the decade. The popularity was all about being the victim which people can sympathize with, but nobody wants to be.

Q: South Africans are known for our sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves. What is it about South African humor that makes it so unique?

A: I think it is because we have so many senses of “humour” in South Africa relating to the rainbow nation that lives within this wonderful country.

Q: Give us a little insight into your daily routine. How much time do you spend working on new shows, preparing for your next gig etc?

A: I am a “rehearser”! I rehearse and rehearse until I get it right. I give attention to things in order of importance as and when it comes along.

Q: If you were opening a new dinner club, which young South African entertainer would you ask to do the opening act?

A: Nianell.

Q: What can we look forward to from Michael de Pinna in 2010 and beyond?

A: I’m very involved with my guest house in Melrose North in Johannesburg, and I also still perform my cabaret shows for corporate companies and am getting involved with a medical company, and will be their new presenter on TV for the various products and subjects that they wish to discuss. I also present a chat show on Radio Today with the glamorous Carolyn Steyn.

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: My sister and her daughter were attacked in their house in Johannesburg, and both have emigrated to pastures new. My perception of SA has not changed, but I do think one cannot live in SA without security which is “state of the art.” If you don’t have it, and sometimes even if one does have it, I think once can become a sitting duck. Sad but true.

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

A: To take a leaf out of Nelson Mandela’s life, and to build up the country, and not divide it.

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

A: Mark Banks.

Life in Johannesburg

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

A: The trees and the fact that it is home.

Q: Favorite restaurant for a celebration?

A: I do not have one.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Guatrain and as a guest house owner, do you feel it will directly benefit your business?

A: Please God, and while we are on the subject where is it and how do we use it?

General

Q: De Pinna’s is your executive guest house in Melrose North, Johannesburg. What was the impetus for opening the guest house and are you fully booked for the World Cup?

A: My father was in the hotel business and it kind of happened by default. I am not fully booked for the world cup. July is still wide open.

Q: Which three South African entertainers would you most like to go on a long road trip with?

A: Annabel Linder, Harry Sideropoulos and Steve Hofmeyr

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

A: Get a degree or a personality. I have a personality.

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

Q: The Power of One.

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

A: Bisop Tutu – to run as our next President.

We’d like to thank Michael 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.

Rian van Heerden

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing columnist, stand-up comedian and host of Kyknet’s Rian and OFM’s afternoon drive show: Rian van Heerden.

Rian, wanting to be a lawyer and start his own political party, replied to an ad looking for campus radio DJs while studying law at Tuks. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Rian is the host of OFM’s afternoon drive show and Kyknet’s talk show, Rian. He also writes lyrics for a sitcom, performs Afrikaans stand-up and is studying towards an honours degree in Psychology.

Website: http://www.rianvanheerden.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rian.vanheerden
Blog: http://www.ofm.co.za/djblog.asp?pid=35
Location: Pretoria

Rian was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

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

A: As Rian van Heerden, talk show host, DJ and satirist.

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

A: I suffer from a fair amount of OCD!

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

A: Walking on an isolated beach.

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

A: As close to the ocean as possible, a large stoep and a fireplace inside. Somewhere in the Western Cape, most likely West Coast with a lively bar within walking distance.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property - Looking to open your own guest house on the West Coast? How about this R10m, 7 bedroom boutique guest house situated on the beach in Paternoster.

South African Talk Shows

Q: Your are the host of the popular Rian, your self-entitled talk show on KykNet. How did the show first come about and how would you describe the show to someone who has not seen it?

A: Well, my producer Ronnie Watt and I used to work on a show called Voorblad that focused on the stranger individuals of our society. Voorblad came to a logical end and we thought it would be a good idea to spend an entire show with only one guest…a South African icon. We realized that viewers wanted to know more about their hero’s and so the show was born.

Q: How much preparation goes into each episode and how do you go about selecting your guests?

A: A lot of preparation goes into each episode. I try to go back at least 15 years in the life of my guest when I prepare for an interview. We have a list of guests we would like to talk to and depending on availability we work our way down the list. We try to speak to icons from all walks of life i.e. actors, musicians, politicians, comedians, sport stars etc.

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: I try to highlight the moments in the guests life that represents either a turning point or a moment of realization. Listening to the guest is extremely important. I will ask any question unless it will humiliate my guest…you do not want that. An uncomfortable guest is one thing but I still need to respect his/her privacy.

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

A: No South Africans.

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: We record three shows every 3/4 weeks. This usually happens on a Sunday morning! Ouch! Our crew is the normal size of a television show of our nature and success is as usually measured by the fact that your contract gets renewed!

Life in South Africa

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

A: The fact that this country is completely unpredictable!

Q: If you were to interview Julius Malema, what would your last question to him be?

A: What is 13 x 7?

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

A: I would love to speak to Winnie Mandela. She is very reluctant when it comes to interviews and seems to still carry a lot of anger. I would like to know what she regrets and what she really thinks about reconciliation.

Q: With less than 60 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: Eat lunch in a township, then Sandton City. And make sure you take a drive up Chapman’s Peak.

General

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

A: Jacob Zuma,  Marc Lottering and Lizz Meiring. I would ask my mother to cater! A traditional Afrikaans meal including the bobotie and the broodpoeding!

Q: If you were to start your own radio station, which South African radio personalities would you hire to do the morning and afternoon drive shows and why?

A: I would keep Gareth Cliff in the morning (but force him to create more parodies with the huge array of voices he can do!) Afternoon drive probably David Kau…damn we need to laugh more!

Q: What are your predictions for the future of South African radio?

A: I think personality radio will finally return to our airwaves. Enough with all the repetitive boring so-called hits! More freedom for presenters to speak their minds hopefully.

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

A: Go and study psychology instead of law!

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

A: David Kramer. Always a legend. I would love to know how we can create more of the stuff he used to create. How do we keep a local flavor in our music especially in Afrikaans?

We’d like to thank Rian for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future. Be sure to watch Rian on Kyknet every Sunday at 6pm or listen to his afternoon drive show on OFM every weekday starting at 3pm.

Have Rian help you with your directions on a daily basis. Garmin are offering Rian’s voice for only R129.95. Direct link

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

Barry Hilton

Introducing everyone’s favorite cousin: Barry Hilton.

Considered to be one of South Africa’s funniest, Barry has become a house hold name with his distinctive brand of South African humour. Known as being the cleanest comedian in the country, Barry prides himself on his optimistic outlook on South African life.

Since becoming a professional comedian in 1983, Barry has performed to sell-out crowds both locally and internationally and was the first South African comedian to perform at the prestigious London comedy club, The Comedy Store.

Website: http://www.barryhilton.co.za
Video Clips: Link
Monthly Newsletter: Subscribe
Location: Port Elizabeth

Barry was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a comedy event in Australia?

A: Hello Mate – Barry Hilton.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from your morning routine to your favorite brand of underpants.

A: I love fishing but I always put them back no matter what I catch except my third wife – I’m keeping that one.

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

A: Being with my family. As long as we are together it doesn’t matter what we do.

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

A: Port Elizabeth – We already live in it. Sandy, myself and the kids designed it together so it suits our needs. If I ever had to move I would have a house overlooking the sea if I could afford it.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Looking for the ideal home in PE? How about this amazing 221 ha game farm. Even includes 2 landing strips.

Comedy in South Africa

Q: South Africans are known for our sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves. What is it about South African humor that makes it so unique?

A: Because we can openly talk about each other without anyone being offended.

Q: Give us a little insight into your daily routine. How much time do you spend working on new material, preparing for your next show etc?

A: I make sure I write 10 seconds of material every day. It might not sound much but if you add it up it is more than 1 hour a year.

Q: Having been in the industry since 1983, what are your thoughts on how South African humor has changed over the years?

A: Funny is funny!

Q: If you were opening a new comedy club, which young South African comedian would you ask to do the opening bit and why?

A: Trevor Noah – He’s on the cutting edge and the guys in between myself and him better be worried!

Q: What can we look forward to from Barry Hilton in 2010?

A: Another Child.

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: Sorry I didn’t get back to you on this I was going to sms you but my phone got stolen. Crime affects everybody, even if it doesn’t happen to you, you are still affected by it. You people are stealing my time.

Q: To which three local attractions would you not take international visitors?

A: I’d take them everywhere because local is lekka, but if I had to choose it would be Hillbrow, Durban Beachfront and a supporters of Eugene Terblanche meeting in Soweto.

Q: Favorite South African personality to joke about?

A: Steve Hofmeyer.

Life in Port Elizabeth

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Port Elizabeth?

A: The wind, it keeps the tourists away.

Q: Favorite outdoor venue in or around PE for spending time with your family?

A: Schoenmakerskop, picnic on the rocks watching the dolphins.

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a poster to advertise Port Elizabeth to visitors of the Soccer World Cup, which image would you select?

A: Mine – “if you think this guy is a joke you should see our football team.”

General

Q: Who do you consider as the funniest person ever?

A: Richard Prior.

Q: If your were going on a road trip, which 3 South Africans would be most keen to travel with?

A: Julius Malema, Joe Parker & a bus driver.

Q: Which of your jokes would you most like to be remembered for?

A: I can’t feel my legs – written in 1983.

Q: What are some of your favorite chirps from audience members?

Q: Once I went on stage and the mic was echoing. So I said hello…hello and …….. and I said…. schizophrenic . The audience member said would you both shut up.

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

A: Any positive South African. Mark Andrews – does he remember having hair?

We’d like to thank Barry for finding the time to answer our questions and wish him every success with the future. We look forward to many more laughs from a comedian who has set the standards in South African comedy since the early 1980′s.

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

Bevan Cullinan

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing the comedic genius behind Gary the Tooth Fairy, Bevan Cullinan.

Bevan, considered as one of South Africa’s funniest comedians, was originally trained as a burlesque theatre clown at Rhodes University. He has since enjoyed enormous success as a TV commercial director and stand-up comedian.

Bevan’s accolades as a TV commercial director include a silver at the Lories, three Gold, three silver and a bronze at the New York Promaz|BDA Promotion and Marketing Awards as well as a Gold and three silver Shark awards at the Kinsale Awards in Ireland.

Be sure to follow Gary the Tooth Fairy’s antics on Facebook.
Location: Johannesburg

Bevan 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: The guy with the hair that looks like a recently sodomised badger!

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

A: I really battle with scary movies and stupid people and books. I am always drawn to underdogs.

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

A: I dig disappearing to a small town in the Freestate called Fouriesburg, otherwise I enjoy living like a hermit at night by staying in and not seeing anyone.

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

A: I’m currently in Joburg, but went to school in Cape Town. My friends and family are still down there. Would love to move back to Cape Town and settle in Constantia or Fish Hoek.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Comedy in South Africa

Q: How would you describe South African humor?

A: Ruthless and unforgiving. The great part about SA comedy is that we have so much more to talk about. I recently saw an American comic who was battling to translate her comedy to a SA crowd because the subject matter was so thin, mainly because comedy needs to come from a place of disruption, which is difficult for the first world, because everything works.

Q: Many South Africans were first introduced to you as Norm on E-tv’s “The Toasty Show”. What are some of your fondest memories of the show and what was it like working with the great Bill Flynn?

A: I have mixed feelings about that show, mostly because of the Channel and the producers (I’m not the right guy to put a muzzle on). Bill Flynn was a genius, his comedic timing was impeccable. He helped keep me calm a lot of the time – he had the kind of perspective that you only learn with experience, I was young, funny and angry at the same time. Not a good combo when reading a memo from TV Channel bosses telling you how they want you to handle comedy..

Q: You’ve enjoyed great success and have won numerous awards as a director. What are some of the projects that you are most proud of?

A: I am most proud of the creation of Gary, the Tooth Fairy. Hats off to MNET and Clearwater. They gave me absolute free reign, a rarity in my industry. I ended up writing, Directing and acting in the commercials, a first in SA. Another first is that Gary has the biggest South African shleb fan page with almost 78000 fans. I’m also very happy about all the awards that the DSTV campaign with the construction worker and fireman pole dancer have won. 19 awards in total. High fives all round!

Q: How did Mnet’s Gary the Tooth Fairy come about? Did you ever imagine he would become as popular as he has?

A: Clearwater (Mnet’s imaging company) approached me with a reference of a failed Cupid. They wanted me to translate the idea of a failed mythical character like the Tooth Fairy and apply it to a campaign for MNET. This is where the idea was born.

I started by giving him a name (Gary). Other name options were ‘Rodney’ and ‘Trevor’, but we decided ‘Gary’ was a funnier fit. This helped me create a mythical character who was essentially just a Jo Shmo. The real part of the characterisation came when I applied basic Clown principles to the character in my performance, like facial expressions and physically based gags (I was trained as a burlesque theatre clown at Rhodes and lectured there for a bit).

I had no idea how huge the character would become, but this was mostly because of MNET and Clearwater trusting the process and letting us do what we know best. It was perfect for SA, we love fools. That’s why comedians in SA have so much material because we have so many fools in Government.

Q: What are you currently working on?

A: I’m finishing a SA Stand up Comedy movie called ‘Outrageous’ for Videovision. I’m also in production for a chewing gum commercial for BBDO dusseldorf, shooting in Cape town in January.

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. It hasn’t changed my perception on the country, but then again, I’ve always had a very aggressive world view and have made sure that I am equipped to defend myself again, although as I found out the last time, the paper work is a bitch.

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

A: Yes. But I can honestly say, not because of SA or crime etc. 100 percent for career opportunities. My passion actually lies in shooting music videos. I was considering the Australasian market between Japan and Australia. I also toyed with Canada because of all the American music videos shot there.

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

A: I would want him to address: Discipline and accountability. It frustrates me that 15 years on, we are slipping back into the dark ages where everyone has adopted a smash and grab mentality amongst our leaders in helping themselves to resources that were not allocated to them. Secondly, there is so much attention paid to the past and the present that we are missing out on forward planning. Ask Eskom for example, a plan was handed over to government in about 2000, but was rejected by the gifted in the government of the time. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that if you build houses for 20 million people, that you may need a bigger power supply. Genius.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?
A: I have no immediate gut response to this question, but I suppose: Cape Town. Parkhurst. Kruger.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What are some of your favorites venues when looking for a great night out?

A: I’m over the clubs because of 9 years as a Stand up. I prefer making an evening in parkhurst. It’s the closest I can get to a café society in joburg.

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

A: To be honest, work opportunities and a sense of vibrancy and success, all the successful people I know came here from other cities to stake their claim, it reminds me of why Joburg started in the first place: ‘Hey, there’s gold! Let’s live here!’

Q: Favorite restaurant for dinner with a group of friends?

A: Espresso in Parkhurst. I’ve been going there for years. They even keep me a parking spot when I’m on my way. Nic and Jo, the owners are the kind of people I’m drawn to.

Q: How would you describe Johannesburg to those who have never been?

A: The concrete place with the Jacarandas.

General

Q: Who was the last person to make you laugh out load?

A: Ricky Gervais

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

A: Ricky Gervais or Steve Carel or Jack Black or Will ferrell

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: New York

Q: If your were going on a road trip, which 3 South Africans would be most keen to travel with?

A: Rob Van Vuuren (Twakkie), James Cairns (insanely talented actor and writer), Brendan Jack (Crazy Monkey/Footskating)
Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Julius Malema, I would want to know how he feels about being born 20 years too late. His militant public persona is a bit dated and regressive. It would have been so much easier for him if it was 1985, he could’ve blown up a wimpy by now.

A massive thank you to Bevan for taking the time to answer our questions. We’ll be holding thumbs that he finally gets the tooth!

Reminder to download our Izimvo iPhone application in the Apple iTunes App Store. Have access to South Africa’s most inspirational right in your pocket. iTunes Link.

Don Packett

Izimvo is honoured to introduce MC, Comedian and Speaker, Don Packett.

Don, who used to be an actual clown, is a local comedian who we have been following with a great deal of interest over recent months. Besides leaving audiences in hysterics, Don is also involved in Thunk – a company selling perspective.

Website: http://donpackett.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/donpackett
Latest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dHrIHGLb_8
Location: Johannesburg

Don 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: This is a toughie, cos I have different context-relevant friends. One of my oldest and closest mates from school days intro’s me as “This is my famous friend, Don” (which doesn’t hurt with the ladies), while at tech/web/geek events most people would intro me as “@donpackett”, which is always funny. I intro myself as Don, plain and simple. To answer the above: I’m 29, I co-own a perspective lab called Thunk!, and I want to master every board sport on the planet.

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

A: I collect currency from all over the world, even special edition coins from SA. The idea is one day my great great great grandchildren can hopefully sell them for a wad of cash. Or laugh at how silly I was. Either way it’ll make them smile. My favourite movie of all time is Snatch. I’m lucky enough to have a framed authenticated film reel (four cells) from the original filming. It’s number 8 of 1000, and hanging on my wall at home. It’s okay, you’re allowed to be jealous.

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

A: Besides getting naked? I really enjoy sitting quietly and watching people. Observing people, particularly in malls, is one of my favourite things to do. It’s mind-numbing and at the same time incredibly interesting.

Comedy in South Africa

Q: When starting out as a comedian, at what moment did you know this could be your career?

A: Hahaha. Comedy is definitely not my full-time career, I’d be living on a mate’s couch eating dry Weet-Bix for dinner if it was. I’ve been writing comedy for as long as I can remember, with no actual plan of making it happen. A collection of events (good and bad) drove my decision to call and book my first spot. Greatest thing I’ve ever done. For now it’s an awesome escape from reality and my chance to get in front of an audience and speak crap. Which I do. I love being on stage, so when it gets to a point when it can pay the bills, I’ll call myself a full-time comedian.

Q: What makes South African humor so unique and do you think that our comedy translates well for international audiences?

A: I haven’t tested it abroad to larger crowds yet, so I have no idea. I think South Africans have a great sense of humour. We love making fun of ourselves and the traditional SA stereotypes, which is awesome. I think comedy about the country you perform in always works well. If you can see the lighter side of the country you’re visiting, the locals appreciate it. You’ve taken time to understand what the country’s about, and can often see things that we take for granted, differently.

Q: Do you have any subjects that you will not use in your routine?

A: Once I tried a religious gag about a morning status meeting in heaven. After roll-call, Jesus tells his PR department that he has some excellent pics to share with the world like walking on water and turning water into wine, but now everyone on earth is using his crucifixion pics for all his PR, and it doesn’t make for a good Facebook profile pic. I got some complimentary giggles. I had to try it at least once, but no more religious jokes for me. For now. :)

Q: Being a comedian involves a lot of travel. Which 3 local comedians would you pick for a long road trip?

A: John Vlismas, Rob van Vuuren and Loyiso Gola. All 3 exceptional comedians, but more importantly, smart mo’fo’s.

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: In my first week living in Pretoria, after matriculating and living my whole life in Welkom in the Free State, I was mugged by two dudes with knives. It was my fault, ‘cos I was on my way back from the library. Served me right. It didn’t change my opinion of SA at all though. I was angry with the perps, no doubt, but every city in the world has crime, every place has it’s problems. If you keep emitting good energy, it should slowly start to spread. I love SA.

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

A: I once looked into jobs in Australia, but realised it was full of Australians so I decided against it. Fuck ‘em.

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

A: I’d make a law that states that if you can’t prove that you make an actual contribution to society, and you’re not just leeching off the system, you can stay. The rest can all move to Vryheid.

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

A: It really depends how hot she is. But for a standard, platonic international visitor: An evening shebeen tour of Soweto, bungee at Bloukrans and Mavericks in Cape Town.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Which stand up venue in or around Johannesburg is your personal favorite?

A: The Comedy Underground at Cool Runnings in Melville is incredible. The crowd is always open to new acts and new material and they’re generally an awesome bunch. It’s also where I started off, so I’ll never ever forget how they made me feel welcome enough to want to continue comedy. It’s like my comedy ‘safe place’.

Q: When planning that perfect night out with that someone special, which restaurant would be your first choice?

A: Harrison’s on 12th used to be my winner, the evening would always end up, uh, fruitful. Now they’re closed, which sucks. I’m a big Thai fan. Kai Thai on Rabie Street has a spa too, so a light meal followed by a thorough massage will no doubt end your evening in nakedness. Good times.

General

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

A: A big fat something. I dunno what it is yet, but it’s gonna be awesome! You just wait and see. Awe. Some.

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

A: I’m gonna cheat and choose two: Richard Mulholland and John Vlismas. Rich because, although we own a business together, he’s been doing it longer and is one smart dude. Not one person leaves after an interaction with him not having learnt something new or been inspired to do something awesome. John is not only one of the funniest people on the planet, but also one of the smartest. Go team.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Medjumbe Island off the coast of Mozambique

Q: Are there any rituals that you follow before going on stage?

A: I listen to the most hardcore thrash/metal/rock music on my way to every gig. It clears my mind and pumps me up.

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

A: Julius Malema. His replies would be awesome. “What don’t people know about you?” “Ah, you see, many people probably don’t know that I am a firm believer in the process for change within our democratic society. Within these structural facilities that we are currently residing upon, we are certain that if we rid this country of racism and hermaphroditic phobias, then this democratic society will be one that we will strive to create as a system within not only our own democratic beliefs, but ones within that other people from other nations would also want to believe, because our democratic duty to the people of South Africa is one that cannot be ignored as a democratic society, and furthermore…” Beautiful.

Back in June, Don and friends made international headlines when a single prop plane collided head-on with a bakkie they were traveling in.

A huge thank you to Don for taking the time to answer our questions. Be sure to download Don’s wallpaper, said to officially be the worst in the world.