GiGi

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing the winner of South Africa’s first celebrity Survivor; GiGi.

Recently voted as the winner of M-Net’s Survivor South Africa: Santa Caroline, GiGi beat out 14 celebrity contestants to walk away with the show’s first prize of a million Rand. By winning the competition, GiGi earned R500 000 for herself and R500 000 for Hospice, her charity of choice.

GiGi, a trained actress, has appeared in the successful Nipplecaps and G-strings stage production, sun City’s Spellbound and has been seen on the big screen in Poena is Koning. GiGi is also well-known as the owner of The Lollipop Lounge, an exotic dance club in Johannesburg.

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

GiGi was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

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

A: GiGi, winner of Survivor S.A., business women and actress.

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

A: I was born with six fingers, on every hand. My father was a composer of classical music.

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

A: I particularly enjoy going to the Overberg, especially Franskraal.

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

A: A home away from home with all necessities that prevent you having to pack for a holiday. The Kelders outside Gaansbaai, where the whales gather to breed.

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Winning Survivor South Africa: Santa Carolina

Q: Congratulations on winning Survivor Santa Caroline! Now that you’ve had some time to reflect on the experience, what did you most enjoy about your time on the island and what is the one piece of advice would you offer future contestants?

A: I enjoyed the fact that there were no cell phone calls to answer or emails to write, just the silence was wonderful. The beauty of the location was also spectacular. Be prepared to be REALLY, REALLY, HUNGRY.

Q: Survivor managed to raise R2.27 million for 17 local charities including R530 000 for your charity, Hospice. Tell us about your history with Hospice, why you selected them as your charity on Survivor and what it was like giving them the winning cheque?

A: We, The Lollipop Lounge, have had a long history with them, my business partners wife passed away from cancer and we have since then pledged to help Hospice however we can.

Q: What were the greatest lessons your learnt about yourself during your time on the island and which of your fellow contestants surprised you the most in terms of breaking your initial perceptions of them?

A: I learned that one can do more than one at first perceives, if you apply yourself accordingly. It also taught me never to give up. Proverb surprised me the most as he stuck it out right to the end.

Q: Give us a little insight into daily life on the island?

A: Wake up, realise how hungry you are and try to scavenge for anything that you can possibly eat.

Q: What was the first thing you treated yourself to when you arrived home from the island?

A: A box of Quality Street chocolates and I do mean, the WHOLE BOX.

Q: What is the first thing you bought with your prize money from the show and what can we look forward to from GiGi in 2010 and beyond?

A: I am currently renovating parts of my entertainment venue and the prize money went a long way towards easing that burden, So you can all look forward to a BIGGER and Better Lollipop lounge.

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-in-law was recently, senselessly murdered in Stellenbosch and I and my Business partner and several staff were held up by seven assailants at gun point and robbed. I was also assaulted during this robbery and can truly say that I feared for my life. I think I, my family and all other people in this country tend to admire the beauty from behind trellis fencing and spot lights.

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

A: I would advise him to enter for the next celebrity survivor, as I think that he would have a clearer understanding of what it feels like to be so helpless and hungry. Who knows, it may inspire a man with such power to influence change on those to whom helplessness and hunger is not just a competition that will end in a month.

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

A: The Roads.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Soccer World Cup and the impact it will have on the local adult entertainment industry? Is Lollipop Lounge planning anything special for the duration of the tournament?

A: I and all of us in the industry are hoping that it will result in brisk trade and to that end, we at the Lollipop Lounge will be putting on shows that showcase the local flavor.

General

Q: If you could invite any three contestants from Survivor South Africa to Lollipop Lounge, who would your invite and who do you think will have the best time?

A: Ockert Brits, as just to see him blush would be worth it. Sade, as she is a dancer in an M Net presenters body and lastly, Sandi as she is pretty nifty with a hula hoop, shake it girl as you have certainly got it.

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 Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.

Q: If the next Survivor South Africa were to be for South African politicians, which challenge would you start the season with?

A: The hardest tasks would be first to weed out the weak.

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

A: Always do the things you fear most, as the end of fear is a certainty.

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

A: Mr Nelson Mandela. I would enjoy almost anything he has to talk about and if there were ever a person as well versed in overcoming challenges.

We’d like to thank GiGi for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her and the team at Lollipop Lounge every success for the future.

Matthew Buckland

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing South African Internet maven, Matthew Buckland.

Named as one of South Africa’s top 100 most influential media and advertising people, Matthew’s illustrious career includes founding 20FourLabs.com and heading up Mail & Guardian Online.

Matthew has recently left the corporate world to start his own company,  Creative Spark. He has also recently launched Memeburn.com, an online publication focused on startup news and analysis.

Websites: http://www.matthewbuckland.com
http://memeburn.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/matthewbuckland
Location: Cape Town

Matthew 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 Matt – he’s somewhat of a geek. He’s now 35. He’s left the corporate world and now runs his own company Creative Spark, which builds websites, mobile sites and apps, but also publishes memeburn.com and amatomu.com.

Interesting fact? He started programming at the age of 7 (ZX Spectrum 48k in BASIC), did a journalism degree specialising in new media and has a wife, two little daughters and a Weimaraner.

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

A: I have a real issue with Parktown Prawns. I get irrational about them. I can be slightly OCD sometimes.

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

A: Playing squash. Spending time at the family farm just outside George at the top of the Outeniqua pass in the W Cape. Playing the odd game of geek cricket. Travelling. Playing with my two naughty daughters, Isabel and Stella.

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

A: It would be right here in Cape Town, one of the best places in the world to live. I might opt for Kommetjie though, and it would have glass walls.

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South Africa Online

Q: Congratulations on the successful launch of Memeburn. What was the impetus for starting the site and what have been the greatest obstacles in bringing the idea to fruition?

A: Thank you. There were two major reasons for starting Memeburn (pronounced “Meem”).

One: I’m just doing what I enjoy, which is writing and reading about emerging technologies, start-ups, new media and social media trends.

Two: I felt there was a gap in the market for a site that analyses social media and emerging technology trends in South Africa, Africa and broader emerging markets.

The biggest obstacle has been budget and time. Memeburn is 30% of what we are doing — but as the site grows and generates more revenue, we’ll bring onboard more journalists and a full-time editor and begin expanding to Africa and emerging markets. We have signed up some quality advertisers on the site and the site’s done solid traffic for its very first month — so it’s very promising.

Q: What advice would you offer those wanting to start an online business and is an advertising-only business model a viable option here in South Africa?

A: I think you should look at multiple revenue models, which include advertising and transactional revenue. There has been quite a bit of criticism about the banner ad (from yours truly too), but the reality is that this is what the industry knows and understands at the moment — and broadly they work.

The advertising model needs to evolve and adapt however. There isn’t enough innovation happening here. All the advertising innovation is happening at companies like Google and Facebook. The online publishing industry seems to be stuck in a rut, not sure what to do here.

Efforts to create paywalls just show a lack of imagination. Media companies can go ahead and paywall themselves into extinction: It’s a fundamental misunderstanding of what the internet is.

Q: Give us an insight into the daily running of the site. How are stories selected, how many writers do you have contributing to the site and who clicks the final publish button?

A: We have more than 70 contributors signed up, of which we have published just over half. Our contributors are industry leaders and contributors who can write well and have interesting things to say. We have a freelance writer who does the news too. I also sometimes compile the news reports. We have a project manager who subs the stories and puts them live.

Q: What were your initial traffic goals for the site and have your readership numbers been inline with your estimations?

A: I wanted 25k uniques and 50k PI’s in the first month — and it looks like we are on track for this. It’s been an amazing experience because this is a site that has been launched and marketed solely via social networks and the blogosphere. It seems to have worked.

Q: As one of South Africa’s most influential new media specialists, what are your predictions for an online South Africa? Do you think we are capable of producing the next Google or Facebook?

A: I think there are many opportunities for niche social networks. I also think that all major websites should start seeing themselves as “unrealised social networks” and build social layers on their offerings: bespoke and integrated with the world’s major networks like Facebook and Twitter. Networking and sharing is a fundamental part of humanity, why shouldn’t it be a part of the sites we read too?

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

A: Once the revenue model has stabilised and I have a full-time editor we’ll look at Memeburn Phase 2. We need to separate opinion and news, we need to get more news and interviews. We’ll also expand more aggressively into Africa and key emerging markets elsewhere. We need to think about it though, because the current format is working well. I’ll also start paying some of our top contributors.

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, but luckily nothing severe. We had an attempted burglary in Hout Bay that was, luckily, averted. In Joburg we had a break in and car radios stolen. It just means we are more careful and take more precautions to secure our properties. It would be naive to not be aware of the vast socio-economic inequities we have in this country, which I believe is a cause of the crime problem. I’m not angry at anyone: it’s our reality.

It’s none so apparent in the place I live, Hout Bay, which features simultaneously some of Cape Town’s wealthiest houses and the very poorest. Somehow the community manages and there is a good spirit.

Hout Bay gives me hope for the rest of the country. We’ll work it out.

Q: If you were asked by the Minister of Communications for advice on how to improve Internet adoption and usage in South Africa, what recommendations would you make?

A: Aggressively promote competition. Open up regulation. Provide tax breaks and incentives for those that are contributing towards building our information economy. It’s the backbone of all business. And move at internet speed, not government speed.

Q: With less than 50 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking to sample the best in South African cuisine?

A: I’d tell them to head off to Moyos, do a “township tour” and dine out at some of Cape Town’s best such as Belugas, Five Flies, Katimas etc

Q: If you could wave your magic wand and change one thing about South Africa, what would it be?

A: The inequitable socio-economic situation we find ourselves in. We need to build a strong middle-class — this is the foundation of all successful democracies and integrated societies. This is what we should aim for.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Cape Town?

A: I enjoy the tech entrepreneurial scene that appears to be growing here — and it gave me the desire and confidence to finally go it on my own. Julius Malema feels a million miles away when I drive from Hout Bay on Victoria avenue to Town, with the vast Atlantic ocean on my left and a beautiful mountain on my right.

Q: Favorite destination for a fun outing with a group of friends in or around Cape Town?

A: Groot Constantia, Llandudno beach, Betty’s Bay.

Q: If you were tasked with the building of a new tourist attraction, which other cities would you draw inspiration from?

A: I’d look at Berlin. It’s an amazing city from a historical perspective. So much happened there and so much of it is preserved and celebrated in memorials, exhibitions and museums. The whole place is like a living museum. My best city in the world, apart from Cape Town.

General

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

A: Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Albert Einstein. We’d serve nachos with a healthy dose of guacamole and chilli.

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

A: Netocracy. It helped me understand on a very fundamental level how the world is changing as a result of the information revolution. Also Lord of the Rings: one of the best reads ever.

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: I like being productive. More often than not I’m working. I don’t understand what 9-5 means. My perfect situation is working on my laptop with the Test cricket in the background. I’m trying to cut down on the late nights though.

Q: What advice would most like to give the 18-year-old you?

A: Be bold. Don’t join a corporate. Start your own business. Believe in yourself more. Seek out mentors and don’t be afraid to hound them down.

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

A: Pete Cashmore. Got any traffic to share with me mate?

We’d like to thank Matthew 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.

Justin Scott

Izimvo has the honour of introducing serial entrepreneur and the man behind The Ballito Magazine; Justin Scott.

Heading up a unique technology, media and publishing business, Justin the CEO of Cerodalo, is driven to deliver content to communities through renewed and enhanced channels.

With over three years experience in the estate magazine business, the publishing devision of Cerodalo, Estate Press Publications, has recently launched a bi-monthly magazine, The Ballito, looking at the North Coast way of life.

Website: http://www.theballito.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/theballito
LinkedIn Profile: http://za.linkedin.com/in/estatepress
Location: Ballito

Justin 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: I think my close friends would introduce me as Justin, father of three amazing kids, married to Lorinda – his amazing wife and when not being a dad or husband Justin is a serial entrepreneur and has hundred of ideas about many different things. Interesting facts wise I’m not too sure but I’ve been told that even when amongst friends I have a habit of “geeking”, which means I get engrossed in how technology can become an integral part of our lives considering how divergent and intrusive it has become.

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 a massive fan of the Ellen show. If I’m home between 6 and 7pm then it’s Ellen time. I’m not sure what the appeal is, perhaps a little escapism but there’s no doubt that after watching you feel a little better about the world. I case you haven’t figured I’m also fairly defensive about my quirk, so have to be able to justify it whenever I can :)

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

A: Watching movies with the family. It’s a great way to escape and getting engrossed in a movie helps stop the mind thinking about work or stuff.

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

A: That’s easy. My dream holiday home is our house at the moment. It’s a 3 storey place with large open spaces that allow us to entertain and be social. Our patio and deck look out over a natural wetland and in the distance is the Zimbali forest area. Where is it, in the best town in South Africa – Ballito.

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South African Print Media

The Ballito

Q: Congratulations on the launch and recent success of The Ballito Magazine. What was the impetus for starting the magazine and which of your milestones are you most proud of?

A: Thank you. Our publishing business, Estate Press Publications, has been doing estate based magazines for just over 3 years and had built a strong understanding of doing closed community publications. The model was solid and operationally we felt secure to find the next thing to scale our business. The idea wasn’t to deviate too far away from our knitting and when we applied our minds we realised that places like Ballito were just larger communities also wanting to know about what’s happening, business growth and development and keeping on top of the social scene.

We’re most proud over every edition we put out. As a small publishing house every edition has a piece of the team invested in it and when we get feedback on the magazine it validates the long hours and effort we all put it.

Q: Give us an insight into the daily running of the magazine. How many people contribute towards each issue, how are stories and covers selected and how long does each issue take to produce?

A: There are 7 people in the team that cover design, sales, editorial and production. We generally start each edition with a post-mortem on the previous edition, look at what we can do better and what we think could have stronger appeal.

Content wise we throw ideas around based on what’s happening in the area, the time of year and what or who we believe is doing exceptional work in and around Ballito to promote Ballito or the iLembe region. We also get to have many cups of coffee with people in the area and each interaction will spark a new idea or plant a seed for a future story.

Once the content outline is done we then get into the production process where we conduct interviews, request information from people involved and take hundreds of photo’s with a view to selecting the best that profile each story or profile we doing.

Overall the magazine takes about 8 weeks to come together, and then we start the process all over again. The Ballito isn’t our only magazine, we currently have over a dozen magazines we look after, so while the process above sounds smooth and simple you have to multiply that several times over to understand the pace, energy and passion that the team puts in every day.

Q: Why print and not an online publication?

A: While there is a trend to online content and magazines, our readership is still interested in getting a paper based magazine. Printed magazines still have an appeal for now, and offer greater flexibility and portability that magazines online. This doesn’t mean we’re closed to the growing trend of online magazines – we recently launched our online magazine site, http://www.theballito.co.za, where articles and news are all available online for readers who don’t get a copy of the magazine. We’ve also placed our last three editions of the magazine online for readers to page through.

Q: What are your predictions for the magazine industry here in South Africa and what impact do you feel devices such as the Apple iPad will have on the industry as a whole?

A: The magazine industry is definitely facing a changing landscape, but that’s the same for many industries out there at the moment. There are more channels competing for advertising spend now and being able to prove a tangible return on ad spend is a challenge faced in print media as opposed to online.

The local industry will follow the international trend towards marginalised advertising revenues in mass consumer brands while niche publications with smaller, more focused readers will be sustainable if they can engage their audience and garner ongoing support.

The iPad is still new to the industry and is not a household product. While it has a niche appeal at a very targeted LSM level it’s not a channel that will impact us in the short term….longer term it’s definitely a platform or channel we’ll take an interest in.

Q: What can we look forward to from The Ballito Magazine in 2010 and beyond?

A: 2010 is where we’ve worked off some of the niggles of getting a publication established and we’re finding out stride. On the content side we’re getting closer to local business and local government in order to understand and help promote the area as a place to live, work and play. We’re also moving across channels to deliver community content, with the launch of the web site and a few other interesting tricks up our sleeve. We have to remain engaged and close to the people in Ballito and on the North Coast, they are our readers, our source of stories and our partners in the long-term.

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: We’re blessed to say no we haven’t, not directly. We live in an estate in Ballito which allows us a little more freedom and the ability to relax a little more than people living in the suburbs.

Q: With less than 60 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking to sample the best in South African cuisine?

A: Come experience it with an open mind and an open heart. South Africa is not Europe, so the way we do stuff is a little different and if you come here and start comparing our food and how we service you compared to what you used to back home it’ll sour the experience. Rather come to Africa with a view to experience the African spirit, relax and appreciate that we are different, we are unique and we have a “gees” like nowhere else in the world.

Q: If you could wave your magic wand and change one thing about South Africa, what would it be?

A: Tolerance. I truly believe that the majority of South African’s want to live normal lives and just get on with it. There is a small minority that are less tolerant of each other and have skewed views that unfortunately affect the lives of the rest of us. Can we really wave a wand? Wish it was that easy, but tolerance is something we can develop in our generation that will leave a legacy for future generations of South African’s.

Life in Ballito

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

A: The people – it’s a big family that sometimes reminds me of the clan on Brothers and Sisters!

Q: Favorite destination for a fun outing as a family in or around Ballito?

A: There really are just way to many, and with a family of 5 we’ve all got our favorites!

Q: What are your thoughts on the new King Shaka International Airport opening on the North Coast and the impact it will have on Ballito and surrounding areas?

A: Brilliant. It’s a week away and the impact it will have on the area is going to be amazing. You just don’t get better marketing for an area than thousands of people flying right over the top of it every day. Proximity to Ballito will make people curious, they’ll want to come and see what we’ve got to offer…and we’re ready.

General

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

A: Success Intelligence by Robert Holden for all school-leavers and the book that influenced me the most was probably First Things First by Stephen Covey

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: Put my feet up and relax. Find a free hour is difficult and making time to down tools and disconnect is so important.

Q: What advice would most like to give the 18-year-old you?

A: Every experience we navigate in our lives is an opportunity to learn and grow. Inevitably some of your decisions will be sound and others will be poor – thats simply the way life unfolds. Don’t shrink from your failings, as a leader take responsibility for your actions and learn from them. Risk more and fear less but surround yourself with men and women of integrity and character to help you when you fall and support you when you rise….love the journey, it’s going to be an amazing ride.

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

A: I had a great mentor in my life, Kevin Potter, and I would probably say him. What would I ask him, pretty much the same type of questions I’ve been asked. He’s had great success and been able to do it with dignity and class….I wonder how he’s managed to manage it with a family of seven!

We’d like to thank Justin for taking the time to answer our questions and would to wish him and the team at Estate Press Publications 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 follow all our previous interviewees on Twitter at http//twitter.com/izimvo/interviewees

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.

Lady Lea

Introducing house DJ, founder of Divas on Decks and Survivor South Africa contestant: Lady Lea.

As one of South Africa’s leading DJs, Lady Lea has been a guest DJ at almost every popular club in South Africa. She has also performed in various other clubs around the globe including Ibiza, Amsterdam and the UK.

European tours in October 2006 and July 2008, the German Love Parade to over 1.2 million people in 2007, and performing at the ICC T20 World Cup Cricket matches are just a few of Lady Lea’s career highlights.

Lea has recently also been a contestant on MNet’s Survivor Santa Caroline.

Website: http://www.ladylea.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/djladylea
Facebook: Fan Page
Location: Pretoria

Lady Lea 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: Lea the DJ at school.

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 quite gullible and trust very easily.

Q: For those who have not heard your music, which one track would recommend they listen to?

A: Lady Lea & Nick Supply – Rumble in the Jungle.

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

A: I’m living in my dream home in Pretoria. ;)

This question was proudly sponsored by- Have a big family or looking to open your very own guest house? How about this 18 bedroom, 9 bathroom home in Arcadia.

Dance in South Africa

Q: Can you tell us about how you got started as a DJ and when did you realize that this could become your career?

A: I started DJing when I was in Grade 10. I never saw it as a career, I just had fun playing and the money was a bonus.

Q: What have been some of the highlights of your career as a DJ?

A: My highlights would be starting my own record store Flipside Records, DJing at the ICC T20 Cricket Word Cup and the Loveparade in Germany in 2007, appearing on LG the LG music phone television campaign and billboards, starting my female DJ agency Divas on Decks and my own record label Beat Boutique and having released 14 albums and doing 14 national tours.

Q: Which do you prefer, playing a set for a large crowd at a big event or a smaller crowd at your favorite club?

A: I love both – they have their time and place, but small is always good.

Q: There is an automatic association between raves and drug use, do you feel that event organizers and promoters are doing enough to combat this perception and eradicate the problem?

A: Yes there is, but if people want to do it they’ll find a way. There is only so much we can do to keep it out of the club scene.

Q: Dance fans are some of the most passionate around, what are some of the craziest things fans have done during your sets?

A: A whole row of guys took off their shirts and bowed to me at a New Years Party and once a girl cried so hard that she loved my music, that she passed out.

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 are just a lot more aware and cautious.

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

A: No never. I love South Africa!

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

A: Spend more money on education and fighting corruption.

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: Go down the Garden Route and then up the Karoo. Stop at every town at least for one day, then come to my party and jam! ;)

Life in Johannesburg

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

A: Moy0 – it’s an awesome venue.

Q: If you were hosting a Lady Lea outdoor event, which venue in or around Johannesburg would you pick and who would you ask to play the opening set?

A: The Wild Waters Complex in Boksburg and I’d want Twisted Sistas to play the opening set.

Q: When looking for a great night out, where would you go and do you ever go out dancing if not performing yourself?

A: I do go out dancing. I love dressing up and going to dinner, movies or the theatre, then maybe to an upmarket club to end the evening nicely.

General

Q: Do you have any inside-information on which international DJ’s will be performing here in South Africa next?

A: Paul van Dyk and Riva Starr – watch the press for details.

Q: What CD do you currently have in your car and which types of music, besides dance, do you enjoy the most?

A: I enjoy Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul RnB and Drum ‘n Bass.

Q: If you were not a DJ, what do you think you would be doing today?

A: I think I’d be a stylist or event coordinator.

Q: Many people dream of being on Survivor? How did you find your experience on Survivor Santa Caroline? Can you tell us who goes on to win?

A: I am sure a lot of people dream to be on Survivor. ;) It was amazing, very difficult and you don’t get royal treatment off-camera. It’s the real deal. I don’t know who is going to win, but obviously it won’t be me.

Q: Who would you most like to collaborate with in the future?

A: Locally I’d like to collaborate with Goldfish and internationally I’d say Erick Morillo.

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

A: Pink. I’d ask her if she parties a lot.

We’d like to thank Lea for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her every success for the future. Reminder to catch Lady Lea at H2O Sat, 27th March. Visit h2oparty.com for further details and to book your tickets.

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.

Brad Brown

Izimvo has the honour of introducing 94.7′s Brad Brown.

Brad, a familiar voice on Johannesburg’s 94.7 Highveld Stereo, is a great example of determination. After an unsuccessful Hot Jock audition in late 2002, Brad got right back into the massive audition lines and tried again. Second time round Brad made it through the preliminary judging and went on to book his place in the final. Although he did not win, Brad used the opportunity to push for an audition show which he finally got in 2003.

As well as Radio DJ on 94.7, Brad is also an accomplished voice over artist, club DJ and successful entrepreneur with interests in three companies.

Website: http://www.bradbrown.co.za
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/bradbrown947
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brad-Brown/158393978752
Location: Johannesburg

Brad 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: I’m not really big on huge social events but my best mate would introduce me as Brad, 33, entrepreneur, radio jock and proper South African bloke.

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

A: I have secret ambitions of being the front man of a rock band! Seriously, I got into radio because at the time I got an opportunity to get into the entertainment industry and I thought it would be a way to get to my goal. Thirteen years later I’m still on radio and don’t have a band.

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

A: I love the bush. I really don’t get to go often enough. I also enjoy a round of golf to put things into perspective. With my golf game you realise things can’t get much worse that that!

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

A: Ideally it would be in the middle of a game reserve. Nothing to big, but comfortable, all open plan with huge full length glass sliding doors so that it can open up the entire house. If I could run my businesses from the Kruger Park I’d move out there tomorrow.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Radio in South Africa

Q: You first stated your radio career at RAU Radio where you hosted various shows and eventually becoming head DJ. What were the most important lessons you learnt while working for the student radio station?

A: The few years I spent on RAU Radio (Now UJFM) were probably the best foundation I could’ve ever hoped for in my radio career. We had a phenomenal group of on and off air talent. Many of them have gone on to successful careers. I learnt two big lessons on campus radio. The first was to find someone you could learn from take their advice to keep getting better. As soon as you think you’re good enough you stop growing. The second was to believe in yourself. I learnt quickly that if you don’t back yourself no one will. Those two lessons haven’t only helped me in my radio career; they’ve been invaluable in my businesses too.

Q: Your 94.7 Highveld Stereo “lucky break” included a failed attempt at their “Hot Jock” Idols like competition. What made you come back again and was there ever a stage where you thought it was not to be?

A: I had sent demo tapes through to Highveld for a couple years with absolutely no luck. I’m the proud owner of a whole bunch of standardised rejection letters. By the time Hot Jocks came around in 2002 I had been on campus, community and retail radio consistently for about 4 years.

I remember standing in that line waiting to audition like it was yesterday. My nerves just got the better of me at the first audition and I blew it. I knew that I was better than that and I decided to get back into the line and try again and ended up winning that regional round and made it through to the final week of the competition.

Although I didn’t win it was a foot in the door at the station and I bugged them until they gave me an audition. I was determined to work for Highveld and the thought never crossed my mind to stop trying.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about working at 94.7 Highveld Stereo?

A: I think it has to be the people. Our line up has some serious superstars on it and I am extremely proud to be part of the same team as the likes of Jeremy Mansfield, Alex Jay and Mark Pilgrim. I am often dumbstruck in that building when I realise that I am on the same line up as those legends.

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: Alex Jay. He is without a doubt the most genuine, down to earth bloke I have ever met. If anyone in the radio industry could afford to have a big head it would be Alex but there isn’t even the hint of an ego with that man. He is so humble it’s amazing.

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

A: Get used to rejection and never give up. There are nowhere near enough radio stations in South Africa so the amount of on air time slots are very limited. Keep sending demos and bug programming managers until they give you a shot. But also make sure that you are 100 percent prepared when the opportunity presents itself. You might only get one shot.

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

A: I’m in two minds whether podcasts are going to be a threat to radio in South Africa or not. I do think that digital music platforms are however already a threat to local radio. We live in a world of instant gratification and the internet and technology is making it easier and easier to get what we want when we want it.

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: We have but fortunately nothing to serious. It is probably the thing that scares me most about the future of South Africa. I think we have a real problem that needs to get dealt with urgently. I also think there needs to be an adjustment in the way average South Africans think about crime for the situation to get better.

The way I see it is if everyone just took care of what they were doing the authorities would be able to deal with the bigger issues. Having a police officer pull you over for speaking on your cell phone is preventing him from perhaps apprehending a more serious offender. I’m not sure if that make sense. By breaking the law yourself you are contributing to the bigger problem. In my mind shoplifting is the same as robbing a supermarket with a firearm, they are both theft. Granted one is more serious that the other but both are still a crime. What are you teaching your kids by breaking the law, like speaking on your phone while driving? You’re teaching them that it is ok to break the law as long as you don’t get caught and that is not ok in my book.

What really grates my carrot is when people write letters to my local paper bitching about how the metro police hide in the bushes with their speed guns catching people speeding. There is a simple solution to that problem. Don’t speed. If you take care of the little things the big things will take care of themselves. It is up to us as individuals to take care of the little things.

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

A: I have thought about it but I do not want to emigrate. After matric I took a gap year (by gap year I mean 3 years) and travelled quite a bit. I lived and worked in the US and the UK and enjoyed living in both but I realised I am South African and this is where I belong.

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

A: This country is so vast with so much to see it is difficult to narrow it down. I think time in the bush is a must for any visitor to SA.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: The England cricket team.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: If, at the flick of your fingers, you could change anything about life in Johannesburg. What would you change?

A: If we could have Cape Towns beauty this would be the best city in the world to live in.

Q: As a father, what is your families favorite kid friendly restaurant and what would you recommend on their menu?

A: We love Papachinos in Crowthorne. Their pizzas are really good and it’s a great place for the kids. They get to make their own pizzas and they have a really cool area for them to play in with child-minders to keep an eye on them.

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

A: I think the Joburg skyline at sunrise. There is something beautiful about watching the sun rise over the Brixton tower and Ponty on a clear Highveld morning.

Q: You are currently training for the 2010 Comrades marathon. What are your favorite training routes in or around Johannesburg?

A: There are so many. I really enjoy the tree-lined streets in the Ranburg area, especially when the Jacarandas are flowering. There is also a hilly little suburb close to where I stay called Noordkruin that has some of the most spectacular views of Joburg.

General

Q: As a father, radio DJ, voice over artist, emcee and a successful entrepreneur with interests in 3 businesses. Where do you find the time for everything? Do you have any time management secrets that you can share with our readers?

A: I think proper planning is the key. I schedule everything from my runs to my son’s sports games. That way nothing gets forgotten and I manage to work everything in that is important and needs to get done.

Q: Public speaking is rated as one of the most feared activities. What do you enjoy most about it and how did you overcome the natural fear? What is the biggest crowd you’ve MC’d to?

A: I still get nervous when I need to be on stage in front of a lot of people but I’ve learnt to deal with it. I think it just boils down to doing it enough so that you become comfortable with doing it. It’s the old cliché that practice makes perfect. I’ve emceed a few big concerts probably around 12 000 people. But when your eyes are as bad as mine you only see the first few rows of the audience.

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

A: The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz.

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

A: Madiba. I think he is an amazing man. To go through what he went through and not harbor any hatred is unbelievable. I think we owe much of what we have in South Africa today to him.

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

A: I am sport mad, anyone sporty would be good. I would love to ask Bruce Fordyce if he thinks he would have been as successful as he was and won 9 consecutive marathons if he was at his peak now in 2010.

We’d like to thank Brad 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.

Gary Player

Izimvo has the distinct pleasure of introducing the most successful international golfer of all time: Gary Player.

As one of the true sporting legends of our time, Gary Player has cemented his place in the record books with an incredible career of 164 victories. Spanning five decades, Gary’s achievements include winning the Grand Slam and nine Majors on both the regular and senior PGA tours, winning the World Match Play Championship a record five times and winning tournaments in 28 consecutive years.

Off the course, Gary, is renowned as a golf course architect with over 300 design projects throughout the world. His company, Blake Knight International, includes Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Gary Player Enterprises and The Player Foundation.

If there ever were to be a true Mr South Africa, Gary Player would be it.

Website: http://garyplayer.com
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Player

Gary 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 favourite meal.

A: I like to sneak an occasional Snickers chocolate bar and drink a Coke when no one is watching.

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

A: To spend time on my stud farm in Colesberg, in the Karoo, with my thoroughbred race horses.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Q: Your choice of actor for Gary Player the Movie?

A: Antonio Banderas (in his early years) or John Travolta.

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: As you have mentioned, South Africa has some of the best golf courses in the world and it would be difficult to only mention 3 so I will have to mention my top 5 which are, in no particular order of preference: Gary Player Country Club and Lost City at Sun City, The Links at Fancourt, Blair Atholl in Johannesburg and Leopard Creek in Malelane.

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

A: No. We need more public courses and development funds to really make a difference.

Q: If you were the selector for the Olympic golf team and were able to select players from any era, which 4 South Africans would you pick?

A: Bobby Locke, Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, and Trevor Immelman.

Q: If you were to single one moment from your illustrious career, which would it be?

A: I can not say that there was a single moment, but winning the Grand Slam on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour were my greatest personal accomplishments.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you consider to be the greatest challenge facing South Africa today?

A: Ensuring that all our children receive a proper education.

Q: If you were able to sit down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: It is not and easy question to answer and I am not a politician. I wish him love, wisdom, patience and humility.

General

Q: If you could play a round of golf with any 3 South Africans, who would you invite and where would you play?

A: Nelson Mandela, My wife Vivienne and my brother Dr. Ian Player. We would play at the course that I designed with a few workers and some basic equipment at my farm in Colesberg. This course is a passion because I designed it to be environmentally friendly – it uses 80% less water than a traditionally designed course – and has helped me develop a sustainable design philosophy that we are now implementing in all of the courses we design around the world.

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

A: Fantastic! I am thrilled that golf is being included again and I believe that it will do wonders for the growth and development of the game around the world. With Brazil hosting the games I expect to see the game’s popularity grow significantly in South America and also in India and China.

Eating - Mike Anderson

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

A: I would make students watch a DVD called “Eating” – 3rd Edition – by Mike Anderson. I have always been an advocate for healthy living through exercise and good nutrition and this DVD is a fantastic way to help teach kids and their parents about how to eat properly.

Q: Golf Digest rated you as their 3rd greatest golfer of all time, who would you pick as your best player of all time?

Q: Ben Hogan.

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

A: My brother, Dr. Ian Player. He dedicated his life to helping protect Africa’s natural resources, wildlife and environment and I would like more people to learn about what he was able to accomplish. He saved the White Rhino from extinction and started the Dusi Canoe Marathon. His life story is quite interesting.

We’d like to thank Gary for finding the time in his incredibly busy schedule. It has been a true honour to feature this sporting legend on Izimvo.

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.