Marlon Parker

Izimvo is honoured to introduce technology lecturer, Marlon Parker.

Marlon is a Social Entrepreneur and an Information Technology Lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He started a programme of rehabilitating drug addicts on the Cape Flats using mobile technologies such as MXit. The programme, which has been a massive success, has grown to include services in other parts of South Africa and in other social areas such as HIV/AIDS and debt counselling.

Website: http://marlonparker.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/marlonparker
Location: Cape Town

Marlon 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: A close friend would introduce me as “Makes” from Silvertown or more formally Marlon Parker from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and RLabs, Social Entrepreneur who have a passion to reconstruct communities.

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

A: I always wanted to be an actor while growing up.

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

A: Spend quality time with my wife and watching movies.

A Mobile South Africa

Q: Your PhD thesis involved using mobile social networking tools such as Mxit and Twitter to combat drug abuse in South Africa. Can you give us an update on the progress of the project.

A: The project itself has grown so much that we are expanding services to other parts of SA and in other social areas such as HIV/AIDS and Debt Counselling. What has been important for us has been mobilising the local communities to be champions of these projects.

Q: What advice would you give to local companies wanting to market to a mobile South Africa?

A: Realise that mobile phones have gone past the stage of just being a device owned by a user, but that it has become part of who the user is and their daily activities. Do not just push your message to your mobile market but use it as a medium to engage and personalise.

Q: What are your thoughts regarding governmental involvement in the reduction of South African cellphone tariffs?

A: This is definitely a move in the right direction and I fully support this initiative. It is important though that the average user of cellphones in South Africa should be able to have access to connection services and this could open more avenues in the use of mobile phones for social change.

Q: What are some of the more interesting uses of mobile technology that you have seen during your research?

A: The use of mobile phones in the area of Agriculture in Rural parts of India. I am also very impressed with the guys of the broccoli project and how they are using mobile technology.

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, our family has been affected by drug and gang violence. NO I still believe this is the best country to live in and that those experience were instrumental in the work that I’m pursuing now.

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

A: All paths lead back to Cape Town, South Africa.

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

A: Free Education and healthcare.

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

A: Cape Flats, Table Mountain, Robben Island.

Life in Cape Town

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

A: The People.

Q: What do you think will be the biggest benefits for Cape Town as a result of next years Soccer World Cup?

A: Infrastructure and new friendships that will be developed with visitors to the Mother City.

General

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

A: Uhm, well hopefully the world’s first mobile phone that can microwave my food.

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

A: King Solomon who was described as being the wisest man to have ever lived.

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

A: Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

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

Q: Seuns van die HoutKruis, Yes saw them live but they are yet to release their first CD.

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

A: Other social entrepreneurs.

We’d like to thank Marlon for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future. The manner in which he has managed to touch and improve the lives of many is a true inspiration.

Reminder to become a fan of Izimvo on our Facebook page. It’s a great place to submit suggestions for future interviewees.