Kishyr Ramdial

Izimvo would like to introduce Kishyr Ramdial.

Kishyr, at the young age of 22, is the head of research and development at immedia, a successful iPhone development company based in Durban.

I first heard of Kishyr when he was sending Twitter status updates from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco back in July. I’ve since been following Kishyr and have impressed with the frequency and quality of immedia’s iPhone applications targeted at a South African audience.

Their applications include RadioPod, RugbyZone and the ZA TV Guide. Full details and download links can be found on the immedia site.

Website: http://kishyr.ramdial.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kishyr
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kishyr
Location: Durban

Kishyr 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 Kishyr Ramdial, 22, Head of Research and Development at immedia; he’s afraid of llamas and sometimes in his sleep-talks, he’s known to recite Pi to 100 decimal digits. You can call him Kish.

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 haemophobic – that is, I have a nasty fear of blood. It would really suck if I were a vampire. I probably can’t remember what I had for dinner last night; but I have an uncanny ability to remember numbers and dates.

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

A: If I’m hungry, I’d go to Wimpy for their all-day lamb breakfast. That usually takes my mind off things. I also enjoy reading books on my iPhone and occasionally drawing Japanese manga-style art.

iPhone Development in South Africa

Q: With the recent success of your iPhone applications in the South African iTunes store, do you think there is real opportunity for independent South African developers to make a decent living from developing mobile applications?

A: A definite, big YES. When Apple launched the iPhone App Store something radical happened that changed mobile application development forever. It gave the indie developer in Durban, South Africa, a chance to compete globally with all the big guys on an equal playing field. Suddenly indie developers are raking in more money than the likes of EA, Microsoft, Gameloft etc, in the mobile application arena.

It’s going to be the same type of scenario with Nokia’s, RIM’s, and Microsoft’s equivalent mobile stores. No need for a marketing budget, millions in venture capital or hundreds of developers. All you need is a great idea and love for what you’re doing. And us South Africans can definitely make a global impression.

Q: What are a few things that you would change about how iPhone applications are sold in the iTunes store?

A: From a user’s point of view, it’s a pretty flawless store and probably wouldn’t change a thing. From an app publisher’s point of view, there are two things I’d like to see:

(1) the option to charge users for significant version upgrades – currently with paid apps, all subsequent version of the app are free and if you want to charge users for a new version, you have to submit an entire new app under a different name (like Tweetie 2, Tap Tap Revenge 3 etc).

(2) I’d like to see the South African Rand as a recognised currency for local users.

Q: What would your advice be to young developers wanting to get into mobile and more specifically iPhone development?

A: I’ve learnt many things in my life so far, but the most important lesson came while working at immedia, and it’s same advice I’d give to any developer who’s starting to code: nothing is impossible. If you care enough and are passionate about something, nothing will stand in your way to accomplish it. Oh, and you better have patience because those two-week app review cycles sometimes really drive you crazy!

Q: Are you developing for any other mobile devices other than the iPhone?

A: Yes, but we don’t talk about unreleased products :)

Life in South Africa

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

A: I’m in the very fortunate minority that hasn’t had anyone in their immediate family be affected by any type of serious crime (touch wood). We have had cars broken into, items stolen etc; but that hasn’t changed my perception on living in South Africa. That’s not to say I don’t take all the necessary precautions to prevent crime or be a victim of it though.

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

A: I have never considered emigrating. Your often hear and read people complaining about how our nation has a major skills shortage because of skilled individuals leaving. I’m not about to increase that statistic. Emigrating, to me, would be a slap in the face to the likes of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Thambo, Walter Sisulu, my grandfather, and everyone else who gave their lives to give me the freedoms I enjoy today, living in this beautiful country.

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

A: Nothing. I love our country just the way it is. Reducing crime, decreasing taxes, and stopping corruption are tasks that would take decades to complete. I would enjoy a drive up the N2 in the presidential fleet however :-) Oh! I’d probably also arrest Julius Malema. For what? For being Julius Malema.

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

A: 1. A drive from rural KwaDukuza, through the townships, farms, town; to Salt Rock/Ballito, taking the scenic coastal route, to Durban and the city center – showing the many diverse ethnic and cultural groups and lives in SA.

2. One of game reserves in KZN

3. Gateway – the sheer size of it will astound visitors (I’ve limited my choices to just KZN, where else would anyone rather be? :-))

Life in Durban

Q: What, for you, is the one place that defines Durban?

A: The beaches – first thing that comes to mind when I think of Durbs.

Q: What are your thoughts on the improvements being made in and around Durban for the Fifa 2010 World Cup? Do you think the improvements are cosmetic or will they actually improve the lives of those living in Durban?

A: I think the improvements will improve lives. The new airport, new soccer stadium, new trade routes etc, are all in place because of the majesty a FIFA Soccer World Cup brings with it. Durban’s had to upgrade itself to accommodate the level of efficiency it requires to host an event of this magnitude. I think it’s too early to tell if this event will fail to improve the lives of Durbanites after it’s over. The optimist inside me believes it will improve lives all round though.

Q: Are you a beach person and if so which do you consider as Durban’s best?

A: After a near-death drowning experience a few years back, I’m definitely not a beach person :-)

General

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

A: A 6-month holiday visiting as many places as I can.

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

A: This has got to be winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Winning 2007 Rugby World Cup is a close second.

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

A: The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy :-)

Q: Favorite South African band? Have you seen them live and do you own at least one of their albums?

Q: StarPlayer! I haven’t had the chance to see them live yet, but I do have their first album in iTunes and their first CD was just released recently!

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

A: Mark Shuttleworth

We’ve only seen a glimpse of what the future holds in terms of South African mobile applications. With an abundance of devices, decent data coverage and developers such as Kishyr, the possibilities are endless. We wish Kishyr and the others at immedia all the best for the future.