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.

Dave Duarte

Izimvo would like to introduce Dave Duarte.

Dave, at only 27, is an Internet and mobile marketing specialist holding several senior positions in the academic, commercial and non-profit sectors. He is the founder of two Executive courses at UCT, lectures on their Executive MBA programme and is MD and Partner at Huddlemind Labs.

Dave is also the co-owner of Muti.co.za, Africa’s most popular online social bookmarking application, Public Lead for Creative Commons (CC) South Africa, Dean of Digital Dream Faculty at The Maharishi Institute of Management and the co-founder of 27dinners.

Web: http://www.huddlemind.net
Blog: http://daveduarte.co.za
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daveduarte

Dave 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: Meet Dave Duarte,  27, who regards himself as a bit of a “marketing geek”.  He’s actively involved in something like 11 different ventures, most of which are going along decently. He plays in the Academic, Commercial and Non-Profit space.

Dave enjoys hiking, basketball, tennis and squash – though he rarely beats any of his opponents.

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

A: I started a coffeeshop/bistro in Hout Bay, called Redemption Cafe with Max Kaizen – which we sold in 2004. I still spend an inordinate amount of time in coffee shops, and have around 3-5 cups of the best coffee I can find every day.

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

A: To work intensely, I need to relax properly, so I take holidays seriously. My girlfriend and I try get away to a different small-town every second week, and we take three longer holidays each year where we go overseas or to a resort.

Education  in South Africa

Q: In your experience, have you found that our tertiary education system is keeping up with the rapid changes of technology?

A: The formal structures at universities are not keeping up at all, but on a student level I’ve seen innovative approaches to learning – for example, some students will make their own podcasts, blogs and social-learning-networks to enhance their educational experience.

Other than that,  the pace of development in many sectors is rendering a lot of expensive printed text books practically obsolete. Online and Mobile texts are a must (IMHO).

Q: After running a couple of courses of Nomadic Marketing at UCT, are South African corporates catching onto Social Media & the Web in general?

A: They certainly are! Or, at least the ones that I deal with are.

Q: What do you think can be done to narrow the current divide between public and private schools?

A: Pay teachers more, and work on the leadership crisis in public schools in SA.

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: No-one in my family has been seriously affected by crime, besides the occasional mugging (that’s normal, right?).

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

A: I’m not keen to leave SA, but if I did I think I’d go to another African country- perhaps Tanzania.

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

A: One day?! I’d probably change my socks and underwear, then make a strong suggestion to the Education and Communication Ministers to be more progressive.

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

A: Robben Island, Table Mountain, and the Tsitsikamma Forrest.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What is your favorite cocktail venue to enjoy the beautiful sunsets Cape Town is famous for?

A: Llandudno Beach (bring your own virgin-cocktail ingredients).

Q: With the 2010 World cup only a matter on months away, which of Cape Town’s current sporting venues is your favorite?

A: Greenpoint Stadium (it’s the only one I’ve seen!)

Q: Where do you recommend for those looking for a cultural outing in and around Cape Town?

A: If you’re a well-off local and haven’t been to Mzoli’s for a braai, then I’d recommend that.

General

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

A: Haha! Perhaps a year or two of travelling, writing and thinking. Who knows?!

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

A: Long Walk to Freedom by Madiba.

Q: What was the last movie you saw on the big screen ?

A: District 9. Awesome!

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

A: Marlon Parker, who has set up drug counseling services via Mxit, Twitter and Blogs run by ex-gangsters from the Cape Flats.

A very big thank you to Dave for taking the time to answer our questions. Dave has certainly redefined our definition of a role model.

Please feel free to post any follow up questions you may have for Dave as a comment to this interview. We’d like to start the conversation by asking, you the reader, one of Dave’s questions. “What do you think can be done to narrow the current divide between public and private schools?”

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.

Catherine Jenkin

Izimvo would like to introduce Catherine Jenkin.

Catherine is the IT Manager for HIV911, a comprehensive guide to HIV/AIDS-related support services in South Africa.

Website: http://www.cathjenkin.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cathjenkin
Location: Durban

Catherine 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 introduce me? Hehe. Something along the lines of “Everything. All at once. And yes, she is this short”. In truth though, I’m headed towards 30 with a big stick, and currently oscillating between fear and excitement about it.

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 allergic to aspirin, liars and idiots.

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

A: Truth is, I haven’t ‘gotten away from it all’ in a very, very long time. This week I’ve spent in Cape Town recently has been the first time for as long as I can remember where I have truly relaxed. And heavens, it’s gorgeous.

Working for an NGO

Q: Please could you give us a brief description of exactly what HIV911 does?

A: HIV-911 is a national referral network of HIV/AIDS service providers. Our database spans nearly 13 000 HIV/AIDS and social welfare-related organizations across the country.

Now, because a database is just a database, we focus on enabling and empowering people – from other HIV/AIDS service providers, prospective funders, and the man on the street, to access critical information on what’s really happening around HIV/AIDS in their chosen area in South Africa.

We produce, annually, hard copy directories for each province, enable easy database searches via our website and run a referral/data collection centre. We’re also very excited to be moving into utlising mobile technologies. Watch this space because that’ what’s really got me excited at the moment!

Q: What is the typical day like as the IT Manager of HIV911?

A: Insane. Hehe. Our office opens at 07h30 and it’s entirely common for me to work late into the night from home, after Cam has gone to bed.

I run on caffeine, Earl Grey tea and regular smoke breaks. The truth is, though, were it not for an exciting environment, inspirational management team and dedicated staff, I would be a complete madwoman.

The biggest hurdle of every day for me is annihilating my inbox and keeping up to date with what’s going on in the world that has an influence on our work from an IT perspective, and keeping an eye out for new opportunities that could improve our accessibility and operations.

Q: Which social media services have you found to be most affective when publicising HIV911?

A: We have a pretty exciting partnership coming into being that’s I’m terribly excited about, but I won’t talk about until the launch. That said, though, Twitter has presented us with a myriad of opportunities and connections, that have proven to be hugely exciting and liberating.

Q: As a mother of a young child, how will you talk to your child about HIV? What age do you think parents should start talking to their children about the disease?

A: Ah, my Camster. Part of my daily routine with Cameron is talking about our days, and obviously the topic of HIV/AIDS has come into the conversation.

I think it is essential to normalize HIV/AIDS in our society, and in our conversations. True, HIV infection can be prevented on a personal level but, the socio-economic and interpersonal effects are so tied into every day life now, that it needs to become acknowledged not just as a disease but, as a fact of life, specifically in the South African context.

So, yes, we’ve spoken about it, in very simple terms, but I’ve not moved into the “how does one get it” realm and suchlike. Cam knows that what “mommy does on her computer” is about “helping sick people and their families”. I think that’s a good start for a four-year old!

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: Unfortunately, yes. Cam and I had our house ransacked and numerous items stolen in March this year, and her dad’s had two cars stolen. It’s a scary experience, and worst of all, it’s the thinking we all have of “well, at least noone was hurt” that scares me mostly.

The truth is, we shouldn’t have to live like that. But, I believe in this country, more than I believe in the goodness of cheese on toast, so no, I won’t be leaving. My sister lives in the UK, and the rest of my family live in Durban.

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

A: Yes, I have, very seriously. The UK and Canada. But, as I said, I love this gorgeous country a little too much to leave it.

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

A: As terribly un-human rights-related as it sounds, but I would institute instant castration or hand-removal for all child and animal abusers.

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

A: To be honest, I’m not into conventional sightseeing.

In Durban – The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). My mom works there, and the amazing care and love that comes with devoted staff, and a love for animals shines right through. Plus, I grew up around the corner from the Centre!

In Cape Town – Camps Bay. For cocktails in La Med. It’s beautiful. Just serene and gorgeous.

In Johannesburg – Gold Reef City. Mainly so that I can prove that we know how to have fun, with a South African twist. I had such a good time there recently, avoiding the rollercoasters though!

Life in Durban

Q: Where do you most enjoy spending that “Me” time in Durban?

A: At home, in our little garden. Sunshine, reading and playing with Cam.

Q: What are your survival tips for local Durban residents during the December influx of holiday makers?

A: Stay home and rent DVDS, or get your Vitamin D rations in your own garden. Avoid the regular tourist attractions like the plague. Hehe.

General

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

A: Wow. 40th? I’m battling with the notion of turning 30 already. But, as a 40th birthday present, I’d want to be able to walk into a bookstore and purchase my own novel. That’s a hell of a goal, I know.

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

A: The Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell. Thank you to Justin Hartman for the recommendation. It reminded me of how lucky I am. And how hard work is worth every second.

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

A: I have numerous favourite Durban bands (and they know very well who they are :) but the two most well-known, I think are: The Parlotones and Fire Through the Window. And yeah, I’ve seen both live numerous times and own their albums.

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

A: Mmm. Sue Rutherford of The Forge. Now there’s a dedicated, inspirational and hard-working woman if I ever met one. I’m lucky enough to call her my friend.

A big thank you to Catherine and the others at HIV911 for the amazing work they do on a daily basis. We look forward to hearing about the new mobile venture and wish you all the success for the future. Thank you for being a true inspiration.

Mike Stopforth

The honour of our first ever interview goes to entrepreneur, writer and professional Speaker, Mike Stopforth.

Mike at the age 29 is the CEO of Cerebra, a social and mobile media company based in Johannesburg and is also the co-founder of Afrigator.com and the 27dinners.

Website: http://www.mikestopforth.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mikestopforth
Location: Johannesburg

Mike 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 might not be very complimentary :) Mike Stopforth, 29, currently the CEO of Cerebra, a social and mobile media company based in Johannesburg. Also the co-founder of Afrigator.com and the 27dinners.

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

A: My only nightmares involve heights. I’ve only ever really been scared of heights. I have tried to overcome this by being a little more daring over the years and think I’m getting better :)

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

A: I love the bush, game viewing, camping, scuba diving, fishing or even hunting. Being in nature has a primal, healing effect. If I can’t get away I love listening to classical music, oddly enough.

Business in South Africa

Q: As a South African entrepreneur, what advice you would offer would-be entrepreneurs wanting to start their own company?

A: I get asked this a lot, and I guess my primary advice would be start. Most guys have great ideas, and some even have the means to make those ideas happen, but are so afraid of failing they never get off the ground. I believe you only live once – so you may as well give this life your best shot!

Q: What has your experience been working with corporate South Africa in regard to social media and the web in general? Is the perception that many companies are only now starting to see the true benefit correct?

A: Not really, I think most companies have many smart people working at them who have long understood the opportunities and challenges of the social Web.  However when you’re not in a corporate it’s easy to forget the necessary structures, regulations and processes that keep those massive engines running.  It’s not as easy to try new things or change old things.  There is also the fear that ‘getting in’ to social media means having to behave remarkably different, causing hesitation and trepidation among key decision makers.  But generally companies are very receptive.

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: You know, apart from a relatively tame mugging of my brother in town one day, we’ve been remarkably lucky. I am not naive enough to say that violent crime would not change my perception of this country, but I’d like to believe that I’m in South Africa for the long haul, primarily out of a real passion for the country and the opportunities available for people like me here.

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

A: At one stage I did. Very briefly. Of the places I’ve seen I really liked Germany and fell madly in love with Austin, Texas in the States (real music-loving geek friendly culture) – those might be options. I have friends in Brisbane too and they love it there.

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

A: Most small businesses fail in their first three years of operation.  I think I’d throw them a bone by offering a tax rebate of sorts (perhaps even wavering VAT) for these businesses, with up to 25 staff, in their first three years.

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

A: Tough one.  I love the Kruger Park so would obviously like to take them there.  Then a whistlestop tour of the sights and sounds of Jozi and iKapa respectively wouldn’t go amiss :)  Very general, I know, but how do you narrow down such a beautiful place into just three destinations?

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What is the best nightspot in Johannesburg?

A: Crikey you’re asking the wrong person.  I’m not much of a party animal.  I guess it depends what you’re in to, but I’m going to be flat out honest and say the best night spot in Jozi is the back yard of a mate, braai sizzling, beer flowing, music blaring and friends laughing.  Nothing could be more South African.

Q: As father, which Johannesburg restaurant do you consider being the most kid friendly?

A: Is the Spur a restaurant?? :)

General

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

A: Jeez, good question.  Probably a car, if I don’t already drive my dream car by then.  Maybe a holiday home somewhere nice.  Maybe just a hamburger.

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

A: Has to be the 438 ODI between Australia and South Africa.  Nobody could have scripted it, nobody could have guessed what would happen.  All seemed hopelessly lost when Ricky and the boys posted 434 and yet our lads pulled off a miracle.  Insane stuff!

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

A: Probably Moby Dick.  It’s an amazing story.

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

A: Favorite band is without a doubt Zen Arcade.  Sadly, they no longer exist and I never got to see them live, but their EP is one of my most prized possessions :)

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

A: I would like to be introduced to people not currently in my circle – people who are interesting and insightful!

A massive thank you to Mike. We look forward to following your career and successes with great interest. Thank you for being an inspiration.