Ashley Hayden

Izimvo has the honour of introducing Survivor South Africa finalist: Ashley Hayden.

One of South Africa’s most popular celebrities, Ashley has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 15 years. Her career highlights include becoming a house hold name as an MNet continuity presenter, traveling the world  as the anchor for MNet’s travel programme Bon Voyage and hosting both the Miss South Africa and Mr South Africa pageants.

As an actress, Ashley has also been in numerous local and international productions. She has hosted corporate events, gala dinners, conferences, fashion shows, and awards evenings and is much in demand as a voice artist for television and radio.

Lookout for the details on how to win an Survivor South Africa hamper at the end of this interview.

Website: http://www.mnet.co.za/Survivor
Location: Santa Carolina

Ashley was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

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

A: I don’t really like to be introduces as anything – a name is enough! Besides, there are so many things that I do that it would get a bit ridiculous – “I’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hayden, Survivor, motivational speaker, voice artist, actress, television presenter and business woman!” Also I don’t like to be put in a box, so a name suffices!

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

A: I love taking long baths, which have to be accompanied by a cup of tea, the telephone, sudoku puzzle, book, specs and sometimes if I’m in for the long haul, chocolate!

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

A: My home is my sanctuary, and the company of Charlie and the children – we hang out, braai, swim, play – it’s the nicest thing to do – i often feel scrutinised in public so being home is a private, comforting, cocooning space.

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

A: Open plan, relaxed and comfortable, with loads of room for friends to come and stay. Ideally somewhere on the coast – where it doesn’t rain at Christmas!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Looking for the affordable holiday home along the Dolphin Coast of South Africa? How about his R830k 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in the Palm Lake Estate, Ballito?

Survivor South Africa: Santa Carolina

Q: Congratulations on reaching the final two! What was your first reaction when you were first asked to be on Survivor South Africa and how long was it before you agreed to become a contestant?

A: My first reaction was…”are you nuts?!” Charlie was a lot keener on the idea than I was, as he is a huge fan of Survivor, and in the past, when the show has come on, I usually head for the bathroom for some uninterrupted reading in a deep tub. When I said to him ” How can I possibly leave you and the kids for a month” he looked at me and said in a very kind way “Dont worry, you wont be there that long”…! I decided almost immediately that I would prove him wrong!

Q: Your charity, The Homestead, is an organisation that helps South African street children. Tell us about your history with the organisation and what are some of the ways the prize money will benefit the children should you go on and win on Wednesday?

A: I first found out about The Homestead last year when I did the Femina Nearly Nude Calender, and the Homestead were the beneficiaries. I was so taken with what an amazing thing it is that they do that I knew I wanted to help get kids away from the means streets and back into mainstream life, so that they stand a fighting chance for a bright future.

If I win on Wednesday, the R500 000 will go towards a new house that they are building for the kids in Kayelitsha. It’s not nearly enough, but its a great start, and I hope to be able to use my celebrity (or should that be notoriety!) to be able to help raise more.

Q: During your time on the island, what were some of the things that you learnt about yourself and which of your fellow contestants surprised you the most in terms of breaking the perceptions you had of them?

A: I arrived on Santa Carolina quite prepared to heartily dislike Gigi on the basis of her profession, and ended up really liking and respecting her – reinforcing once again that you should always actually meet somebody before you make any kind of decisions about them. Dur! I feel dumb even writing this, but there it is!

I also learned that women are amazing, strong, determined creatures, and that the ability to succeed depends not on the strength of your biceps, but in the strength of your determination.

Ashley and Kaz

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

A: We’d wake up at first light, about 4.15am, and then gradually get going. First priority was to get food, firewood etc before the heat of the day hit us. I’d then go and have my morning “bath”, a dip in the sea, accompanied by vigorous scrubbing with sand to try to get the filth off. I’d also wash my clothes in the sea.

Mornings were usually taken up with preparing to go to the challenge, which was often around mid-day (hectic, because the sun is about 42 deg C then). We’d go to challenge, and then in the intense heat of early afternoon, try to rest in a shady spot if possible.

After the challenge, we’d all head off in search of food again, and then at about 5ish we’d start the walk to tribal council. From there it was back to camp, sleep and when the sun came up the next day, we’d start all over again.

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

A: The day after I arrived back I went down to the Fruit and veg store in our neighbourhood and bought cherries, apricots, grapes, strawberries, apples and pears. It seemed like unimaginable luxury to eat such delicious amazing fruit after a month with only boiled ground cover!

Tribal Council

Q: What are your plans for your share of the prize money should you go on to win and what can we look forward to from Ashley Hayden in 2010 and beyond?

A: Alas, the first thing I will have to do is probably give the taxman 40% of it, which frankly is a bit galling, but there it is! Then I want to take the family on a holiday – the furore surrounding the show means that I have been working quite hard, and would really love for us all to spend some fun time together.

I’m putting the finishing touches on my new Corporate Survivor presentation, which extrapolates lessons learned on the island into the business world, and examines leadership, teamwork and strategy. This will run alongside my seminars that I give on the role of women in the corporate sector.

I will also continue with what I usually do – broadcasting, MCing, Conference facilitation, voice work, and various other bits and pieces. So that’s the immediate future – from there – who knows – the Universe is wonderfully random, and presents you with opportunities that you never dreamed of (like Survivor) – I look forward to seeing what else is coming my way that I don’t yet know about!

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: Fortunately, we ourselves have never been victims of crime. Friends have had break-ins and being held up by weapons, but we have not, and I think it certainly colours the way you view things – we still feel optimistic and blessed to live in this country. That is of course until certain politicians stand up and make idiots of themselves, and then I think “Oh Hell! We’re heading down the same road as Zimbabwe”

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

A: I’d tell him to stop spending money on wasted things like armaments, weapons and the army, and to focus all his energies on educating the youth. Without a strong moral and fiscally sound generation of youngsters growing up right now, we will doom ourselves to more of the crime and violence we are experiencing now. I’d also tell him to give back the R200 000 from the Survivor prize money that will go off in tax, and give it to The Homestead!

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

A: The faces of children of different skin colours.

Q: With less than 60 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?

A: Get to know the locals! they know the good spots, and we are the friendliest bunch on the planet – we will ensure you have a great time!

General

Q: If you could invite any three contestants from Survivor South Africa to a dinner party, who would they be and what would you serve?

A: Sandi Schultz, Louw Venter, and Kas Pillay, because I really got on well with all of them, prior to my voting them off! I would make roasted cherry tomato pasta with fresh herbs and garlic, followed by a cold lemon soufflé and freshly ground coffee and cream and a large box of the ultra dark Lindor chocolate balls.

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: Possibly The Road Less Travelled by Scott Peck, which starts “Life is difficult..” It certainly is but once you acknowledge that it is, you go about making a plan to deal with the challenges, and then you can move forward.

Q: If the next Survivor South Africa were to be for South African politicians, which challenge from your show would you start the season with and who would you have your money on for being voted out first?

A: We’d play truth or dare. Malema would be voted out first.

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

A: Pro – and how come he got to be such a cool cat?

We’d like to thank Ashley for taking the time to answer our questions.

Reminder to support Ashley during the 90 minute season finale on MNet tomorrow night at 19:30. The winner will walk away with the R500 000 for themselves and their chosen charity.

Win a Survivor South Africa Santa Carolina Hamper
Your chance to win an amazing Survivor South Africa: Santa Carolina hamper consisting of Signed autograph card, a branded lip ice, branded match box and a stylish Survivor hat. All you have to do to win is one of the following:

• Simply tweet the following hashtag: #izimvo_survivor_sa
• Leave a comment on this interview
• or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Good Luck! The winner will be drawn at 9pm after the season finale.

Walter Pike

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing marketing maven: Walter Pike.

With more than 30 years of experience in branding, marketing and advertising, Walter is an international thought leader on social media and digital marketing.  Walter’s  impressive Résumé includes being the former Head of Faculty: Marketing and Advertising, at the AAA School of Advertising, the founder of the Digital Marketing Academy, the first in the world to be accredited by Google and a member of the international chief marketing officers council advisory committee, as well as being the founder of PiKE | The New Marketing Agency.

Website: http://www.pike.co.za
Blog: http://walterpike.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/walterpike
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/walterpike

Walter 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: Walter is the owner and founder of PiKE a new kind of marketing/advertising agency – especially geared to operate in the new always on always connected world. (a new marketing agency in fact). The founder and owner of the Digital Academy, teaching new marketing and digital marketing. A happily single father of three stunning children. His mind is always active and is in demand as a speaker in conferences and corporate events, and has a weekly segment on Classic FM’s “the internet economy” and a frequent guest on international podcasts, radio and TV. If there is a commercial that has been built to summarise Walter’s attitude it is Apple Think Different Oh how old is Walter? that’s a difficult question, he thinks that he is going to live forever.

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

A: I suppose that not many people know that I started off as a farmer, was a very keen Polo player and bred and raced a racehorse who won me a couple of races.

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

A: Ha ha. I have been very bad at getting away from it all. I love flyfishing because it’s very active and can be intellectual – but in a totally different way to what I do all day. It a way of connecting into a different world, I like fishing clear mountain streams.

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

A: Thats an amazingly difficult question as I need to balance both quiet time with connection with the buzz of the city. When I want the quiet I want it really quiet, very far from the crowds my favourite town is Rhodes (near Barclay East) but when I am in work mode – it must be Johannesburg, our unbeatable weather and energy is just what I want. What kind of house? comfortable nicely decorated and a place to leave.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property – looking for the ultimate home on northern Johannesburg? How about this R10m 6 bedroom farm-house mansion in North Riding. Enjoy the lifestyle of the country gentry with all the trappings of modern amenities close at hand. No compromise required…

Education & Digital Marketing  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: Not even close. I have just left a position as Head of Faculty in a tertiary institution and I can tell you that without doubt.

Q: Do you feel that South African corporates catching onto Social Media & the web in general?

A: It is still very early in the adoption curve. We have moved from total ignorance to a position now that people are interested – but really don’t know much, but at least the awareness is there. They will catch on big time very soon.

Q: What are your thoughts on the local early adopter market? Are you finding that consumers are becoming more sophisticated in the choices they are making?

A: Interesting that you should ask that, I did a whole show on the Internet Economy talking about that very point. There is a segment in the market who are very quick in catching on and taking advantage of the market, in this space South African’s are truly world leaders. But – it’s a small group and the rest of the market are miles behind. Fantastic example was when Marc and I were sitting in Ballito and getting updates on Foursquare from exactly the same people.

Maybe more interesting is that in this space the corporates are behind the customers, for example very few are taking advantage of how the lower LSM’s are adopting cell phone technology, the marketing departments just don’t understand what is happening.

Q: Tell us more about the Digital Marketing Academy you started in 2009, and how the course is structured and what accreditation you can receive from the courses you offer?

A: The idea was that I felt that there needed to be a place where people could learn about Digital Marketing because i expect that when the market explodes its going to be really difficult to find the skills.  So far we have only one course which is an overview strategy course, but it’s really comprehensive and we cover 22 topics from search engine optimisation to games and social media. During this year we will also be rolling out intensive courses in some of the topics. Google Adwords, Social Media, SEO etc. The Digital Strategy Course is given in conjunction with the AAA School of Advertising and is soon to be incorporated into the degree so is at NQF level 6 (degree level), graduates get an official AAA qualification.

I am aiming the academy at corporates, the ad agency sector and marketing departments. Interestingly many of the people on the course are people already involved in digital business.

Q: Which international web trends do you believe will shape the future of the web here in South Africa?

A: The adoption of the mobile internet is moving at a pace 8 times that of the “desktop” based internet at the same stage of its development. This will impact countries like South Africa even more than first world countries. the other think that we must keep in mind is that the new bandwidth coming in will change pricing and accessibility.

At the upper levels, smart phone use will similarly change the way people do business – and the big thing will be location based services. I also see augmented reality being a huge thing in the not too distant future.

Q: What can we look forward to from the academy in 2010?

A: A series of new specialised courses and in-house training programs covering the entire digital marketing space. These will include 1/2 day seminars on specific topics.

Q: Your other business PiKE – whats it all about:

A: I don’t believe that most people realise that online is not just another media channel. This is because the connections that are the internet have changed the way society operates and the fact that it provides a platform for people to publish have changed the way people find out stuff and how they buy things. The world changed – so marketing should change. I call this new marketing and it’s what we do.

Notice that it’s not digital, nor advertising, nor interactive its how to use all these tools to deliver marketing results in an always on, always connected world. We can deliver a television campaign for example – but in a different way. We are also very skilled in social media marketing.

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 had a car stolen a year or two back. But to be honest I refuse to be restricted by fear, I am not reckless but in the same vein I live my live as I want.

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

A: Not sure actually – maybe Europe?

Q: What are your thoughts on the fiber optic cables such as Seacom and the impact they will have on Southern Africa?

A: They are going to have a massive impact – huge. Broadband connectivity is a significant driver of growth the real issue is the last mile – how do we get everyone connected, and there are some hugely innovative projects going out around this.

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: Look past all the stereotypes and engage with real people in read places.

Life in Johannesburg

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

A: The pace, and the incredible weather. Also the fact that almost everyone I want to talk to is here.

Q: Favorite restaurant for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch?

A: Papachinos in Midrand.

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: Johannesburg is the biggest urban forest in the world – Trees and bird life.

Q: If you had to pick a getaway less than 2 hours from Johannesburg, where would it be?

A: The Vaal is one of the most interesting and productive rivers anywhere – somewhere below the barrage – say Potch – amazingly enough!

General

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

A: Is there really a single book? At the moment Linchpin by Seth Godin or Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk.

Q: Once piece of advice you would most like to give the 18-year-old you?

A: Listen to everyones advice – but don’t take it – do what gives you a rush. Every single one of my best decisions have been made with my heart. Embrace failure – the only people who have never failed are those who have never tried!

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

A: Avatar.

We’d like to thank Walter for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

Be sure to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can also follow all our previous interviewees on Twitter at http//twitter.com/izimvo/interviewees

Barry Bramley

Today’s inspirational voice belongs to the founding partner of TomorrowToday: Barrie Bramley.

Barrie is the Chief Imagination Officer at TomorrowToday, a company which he co-founded in 2001. He heads up the Talent Development Project where his focus is on strategic consulting and advice on issues relating to the ‘new world of work’ and attraction and retention of today’s worker. Barrie is recognised as a creative and strategic thinker with an ability to influence both individuals and teams.

As a sought after speaker, Barrie has spoken in many countries around the world. He speaks to over 100 organisations every year on important issues like, Talent, Web 2.0, Generations, Communication and the New World of Work.

Website: http://www.barriebramley.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barriebramley
Google Profile: http://www.google.com/profiles/barrie.bramley
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BarrieBramley
Location: Johannesburg

Barrie was kind enough to answer the following question:

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 Barrie. He’s a ‘ballie’ now that he’s 40, works for TomorrowToday, has some interesting choices in footwear, and he’s one of those very energetic and interesting people that grab your attention. (It’s not how I would introduce myself, but it is how it’s often done)

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

A: When I was 15 I received junior springbok colours for BMX. I spent 10 years working with a community based organisation in youth and community development, and I’m game for almost anything that doesn’t require my feet leaving the ground.

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

A: Does this sound crazy? My best ‘escape’ is the big screen. Here’s the potentially weird part, I book a seat that’s one row in front of everybody else. That way I get the feeling that I’m the only one in the theatre. As long as I can’t hear anyone or see anyone I can literally escape completely into what I’m watching. An iPod attached directly into my ears can also do it. In fact I’ve done some strange public things with loud music filling my senses, allowing me to escape into my own world.

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

A: My dream home isn’t big. It’s got enough space, and the space is wide open. As few walls as possible. Ideally I’d want the house to be facing a mountain. My wife would want it facing the beach. So it’s got to be a place that has both, and there isn’t a lot of choice to meet those criteria in South Africa. Parts of the Cape (Western and Southern) meet those criteria, so that would be it.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Professional Training

Q: You are the co-founder of TomorrowToday, a company that researches and communicates trends around young people entering today’s work place. Can you tell us about the company and the services you offer?

A: We started TomorrowToday with the conviction that there had to be a better way to work. We knew that younger people entering the business environment were struggling to find what they were looking for, and that business needed to see this and adjust accordingly if they were going to attract the best and brightest, both inside and out. The majority of our work is spent communicating this to various organisations. Mostly in a business context, but community, education and government are facing that same challenges.

Q: Your official title at TomorrowToday is Chief Imagination Officer. How would you describe your position to someone you’ve just met?

A: It’s a title that was given to me by my colleagues. If you ask them, I see things quite differently to most people. This isn’t always useful because it can be quite counter-culture and challenging, and if I’m honest, not always correct. But I do see myself as a catalyst for change and for challenging the status quo. I don’t believe everything must change, but I do add value in ensuring that things being done have been thought through rigorously.

Q: Which of your projects at TomorrowToday are you most proud of?

A: I’m most proud of the platforms I’ve been a part of creating that allow us to communicate our thoughts and discoveries. Our presentations, our blog, and our continual exploration of the new communication channels that are being created all the time (PodCasts, Twitter, Video, etc) I’m also very proud of our thoughts around the ‘War for Talent’. It’s not main stream, and I do think it gets closer to the real issues than current main stream thought.

Q: What are the greatest challenges facing the South African employer today?

A: I’d say that one of the biggies has to be a combination of a skills shortage we have as a developing world economy, coupled with the shortage of people that the developed world is facing. We’re under constant threat of more developed world businesses reaching in and attracting our most valuable people with a superior offering and package. We also have a tremendous challenge to develop the skill we need while all this ‘poaching’ is going on. It sometimes can feel like 1 step forward 5 steps back, for many South African companies.

Q: What is the secret to a happy employee and what advice would you offer companies struggling with staff retention?

A: It’s a bit of a cliche, but a happy employee is an engaged employee. However that challenge is to fully understand what engagement means to today’s younger people. It’s not what it used to be. So my advice would be that companies need to work really hard to understand the criteria today’s younger people attach to engagement, and then to work extremely hard to integrate it into their organisational structures. This is much easier said than done, as many of these ‘new criteria’ are fundamentally different to what has worked up until now.

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

A: Our biggest focus this year is on building more robust platforms to distribute our thoughts and discoveries. Some free and some paid for. But if we get it right we’ll be able to provide a really useful resource for anyone who finds our work interesting. We’ve also recently developed some new really exciting strategic inputs. One that looks at what the world will look like once we come out of this economic recession (After Shock), and the other on how Web 2.0 (social media and the like) are impacting how we connect with and to each other (Beyond the Hype).

Life in South Africa

Q: How would you rate the current governments performance since the last general election? What would you want them to most improve upon?

A: My own opinion is that, unfortunately, it’s still too early to rate anything. I think that a fairly large change in government has taken place, and therefore it’s not simply carrying on from the Mbeki era. From an operations perspective, I’d like to see the current government strengthen accountability and delivery. These two areas continue to be very lacking. From a strategic perspective I’d like to see clearer thinking around the world we’re entering (10-15 years from now). I fear we’re still trying to find our feet in the current reality, and if that’s all they achieve we’ll continue to fall behind the global changes happening. If I had to name one specific area it would be ‘connectivity’. if more people had access to cheaper (free) connectivity we’d stimulate far more relevant education, greater creativity, increased small business development, we’d be in a place to invite outlying communities into the main stream and they’d be positioned to compete on a far more even playing field. My mind boggles at the possibilities.

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 wife, Leisha, had a smash and grab last year. It was a traumatising event for her and for me. Thankfully that’s been the extent of my family’s crime experience. I know others have had far worse experiences. My view of South Africa is the same as it was when I voted in Kwa Mashu for our first truly democratic election. Do I worry? Yes I do. Do I think South Africa is headed for the scrap heap? I can’t say. But I am determined to play the best role I can in ensuring that doesn’t ever happen. Do I have a ‘Plan B’? Absolutely not.

Q: Which South African personality would you pick to have breakfast with?

A: I’d like to have breakfast with Bishop Tutu. He’s done and seen so much. He knows ‘the conversation’ that happens behind closed doors, but he’s far enough removed to not be sucked in by it. He’s inspirational. He’s a counter-culture human being. He’s passionate. Outside of just taking in his story, I’d like to ask him about how he centers himself. When you’ve had a life like I imagine he has, I’d want to know how he’s help it all together at times?

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: It’s another cliche (I’ve used two now) but it’s got to be our people. I’ve had the privilege of traveling quite extensively outside of South Africa, and I can say without doubt that w’eve got great people. What makes us great is our love for personal interaction, our lack of fear in tackling the tough conversations, by pointing out the elephant in the room, and our wonderful, continually expanding sense of humour.

Life in Johannesburg

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

A: The energy. When I’m driving in our famous ‘parking lots’ I try to see everyone as energy. Going somewhere or coming from somewhere. On one level that’s all true. And there’s just so much energy. There’s always action. You can’t help but be impacted by it. I really try to let it impact me positively.

Q: Favorite restaurant for lunch with the family and what would you recommend on their menu?

A: Leish and I have 2 young daughters, so we’ve been a ‘Spur Family‘. Thankfully we’re emerging out of the ‘Spur Phase’ of our lives and beginning to explore new and interesting places. So there’s no ‘regular’ at the moment.

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: How do you fit the amazing city lights, the growing integration and comfort with diversity you see at venues like Mandela Square, the smiling faces of children playing sport, the energy and vibe depicted in a grid locked highway, the inter-play between vendors and motorists at traffic intersections, the hope represented by all the construction onto one stamp? I’m sorry but I’d have to ask to commission a catalogue of stamps.

General

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

A: I’d want to invite three people that would ensure an edge was created for the evening. The wine I’d serve would be Fat Bastard, and I’d make sure there was at least ‘one of them’ in the room. For example, FW De Klerk, Thabo Mbeki and Julius Malema. Can you imagine when the wine came out the new energy that would be released in the room? Palpable. Or what about Bobby Godsell, Jacob Maroga and Jimmy Manyi (you could also put Julius Malema in here – in fact he’d be a great guest at most of my functions) I’d name my theme – ‘You, me and the FB?’

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

A: One book? Are you crazy : ) But if it’s going to be one, then I’d make it Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘The Tipping Point‘. Here’s why….

It’s not the most sophisticated piece of writing out there, but it’s accessible in that it’s easy and really interesting to read. Gladwell thinks about things in a way that most of us don’t, so they could learn from just that. But it’s a book that talks about how important people are in creating and giving life to a future business, their own ideas and social memes, etc. It’s a book that gives you a framework to use as an entrepreneur (and we need lots of them in South Africa). But my biggest goal in suggesting this book would be to introduce them to an exciting style of thinking that would have them exploring Freakonomics, the Wisdom of Crowds, other Gladwell, and others.

Q: As a prolific blogger and twitter user, how would you say social media has improved your life and what are your predictions for how social media will change over the coming years?

A: Twitter especially, has had a large impact on my reading. I have built my ‘Twitter World’ around people who’s thoughts I’m desperate to hear. I don’t care if they’re taking a shower or having breakfast (I ex-communicate most of those Tweeps). So almost every time I log into Twitter on my phone, there’s someone presenting something interesting. It’s like assembling the smartest people you know into one room and asking them to send you what interests them all the time. It’s amazing.

My view on the future of social media is that it’s going to continue to get more intelligent and personal around who you are. I see it exploding some traditional business models and re-creating new ones. I can imagine a world, for example, in which I can assemble the best journalists in the world, regardless of who they ‘work for’, into one feed that I get everyday. I’ll pay each of them a small amount of money for their thoughts. It becomes ‘MY newspaper’ with the best people available that I choose, instead of someone else’s newspaper with the best people they can afford. That kind of thinking completely blows my hair back : )

Q: Which emerging technology excites you the most?

Q: Some may argue it’s not ‘emerging technology’, but I’d say mobility and the convergence of everything useful to us all being crammed into one device. All the dreams we have for technology become increasingly closer to being realised when it’s accessible, mobile and easy to use.

Apple’s launch of the iPad (no matter how crap you think it is) is significant in this space. Smart phones up until now, have been amazing but for their little screens. The iPad (and the avalanche of competitors to Apple who’ll be releasing now) attempts to take the best of the smart phone, the best of the laptop and put it into one. This is fantastic for all of us. Assuming Vodacom prices it right (fat chance), I can get very excited thinking about the world things like an iPad make possible for people. I’d love to be part of a project that takes 100 iPads and integrates them into the learning programme of a school in a very rural area in South Africa. Imagine?!

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 spoken to?

A: There’s an energy and excitement that I get when I have to stand in front of people to speak. I don’t know if it’s caused by the challenge of ‘taming’ the fear running through my body, but there are not many other places in my world that come close to the feeling I get when I have to speak. I do get nervous, even scared, but as I get in front of that audience, the fear is replaced by the extreme opposite. It’s a completely addictive rush in that moment. I started speaking in front of audiences in my late teens / early twenties, in a youth development context. I got to learn from some of the best communicators in the country in a very nurturing environment.

My biggest audience was around 2000 people with 7 large screens behind me, and a stage that stretched into the middle of the audience, like a cat walk, at the Sandton Convention Centre. It was very very cool.

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

A: I’d like to read about Mark Hayter. He’s the principal of Grayston Prep (www.graystonprep.co.za) in Sandton/Sandown. My kids go to his school. I’ve not enough conversation with him, but I know he’s passionate about the use of technology in education. I’d want to know what he sees that most of us don’t? What the possibilities are? What the obstacles are to achieving the introduction of the best technology and the best of the internet into our schools (outside of just money)? Why we as parents should be working with schools to tackle these obstacles? I’d like to know what pushed him to become passionate about this? I’d like you to ask him to describe his perfect school (from size, to facilities, to curriculum, to teachers, to technology, to resources, to amount of hours in a day, to amount of years to complete, etc)?

We’d like to thank Barrie for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him and the team at TomorrowToday every success for the future.

Reminder that you can now listen our interviews at http://izimvo.com/listen or subscribe to our Podcast feed http://bit.ly/bgC35E

Simon Dingle

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing technology journalist, writer, broadcaster and professional speaker, Simon Dingle.

Simon, who writes for Finweek magazine and contributes to Fin24.com, also presents shows on Talk Radio 702 and hosts the weekly ZA Tech Show Podcast.

Website: http://www.simon.co.za
ZA Tech Podcast: http://zatech.co.za
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/simondingle
Mahalo: http://www.mahalo.com/simon-dingle
Location: Johannesburg

Simon 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: “I can’t remember who this is, but I like his t-shirt.”

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 rubbish at hacky sack. And I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite movie, but something by Wes Anderson would be right up there. I have no real phobias, but hippies do worry me intensely. If I was capable of studying I would go back to varsity and sign up for quantum mechanics.

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

A: I really like my jobs and so I don’t really view life and work in a modular way. It’s just one big mash of awesomeness. Every day is part work, part holiday and all rad. I spend most of what some people would regard as ‘free’ time with my two sons who are 1 and 4 and very busy. I love console gaming, tai chi – although it has been two years since I last attended a class, single malt whisky, travel, inspiring conversations, writing, listening to audio books in traffic and I occasionally pine for my days in the music business, but that’s another story.

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

A: My goal is to have a few houses in choice locations around Mzansi. We’ve just moved into a new home in Johannesburg that is great. I would also like a large apartment in Bantry Bay, a cottage on the beach on the KZN south coast and a lodge in Limpopo. I don’t ask for much.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property:

Journalism in South Africa

Q: Do you think that our tertiary education system is keeping up with the rapid changes in journalism?

A: I honestly have no context from which to answer that question. I don’t have much experience with tertiary education. At least not recently. I have worked with some sharp interns this year, from a variety of institutions, but I believe that you define your own capabilities. Formal education is just an accessory.

Q: You host the weekly South African technology podcast, ZA Tech Show. Can you tell us a little about the show and how it started?

A: It started as an idea of a good friend of mine and fellow tech journalist Brett Haggard. He was instrumental in getting the whole thing going. We used to listen to international technology-related podcasts and felt that there was scope for something that focused on the local scene and offered tech-related discussions relevant to South Africans. So Brett called up Duncan McLeod, Ben Kelly and Jon Tullett. We lured them to our offices with beer. And the rest is history. To some.

Q: What are your thoughts on the recent news that Rupert Murdoch’s online newspapers will be implementing measures to block Google in an attempt to get readers to pay for content?

A: I think that Murdoch is hoping that by pushing an extreme view on content provisioning he will manage to forge an exclusive arrangement with Google. If he is successful it will also set a precedent for how “professional” news outfits engage with search providers and aggregation services in the future.

At face value his rantings are shortsighted and the only outcome of playing hardball with Google will be his publications falling by the wayside of the information super highway. He doesn’t seem to grasp the dynamics of our information economy and where the value of content lies. I think he should call me and pay me a couple of million dollars to sort it out for him. I have time Rupert. Seriously.

Q: If you were to pick a single technology story of 2009, which would it be?

A: That’s a tall order. I could pick the reduction of mobile interconnect rates, undersea cable Seacom’s landing, MTN and Bharti agreeing not to do anything together, Apple’s market-beating results or Icasa and Vodafone duking it out in court. There were many big stories this year, but I could sum it up as, ‘things happening in telecommunications in South Africa. And quickly.’.

Q: Who have you most enjoyed interviewing and do you ever get nervous before an interview?

A: Again, I couldn’t pick just one. I’ve spent an hour interviewing podcasting god Leo Laporte over Skype, had coffee with science fiction writer and open content activist Cory Doctorow in Croatia and interviewed Creative Commons founder Larry Lessig and the father of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales in Cape Town.

I’ve spoken to most CEOs of listed tech companies in South Africa and recently met some remarkable technology professionals in China, not long after interviewing Nokia’s Kai Öistämö in Stuttgart.

I also have a long list of musicians and other artists I’ve interviewed, including hanging out with Nelly Furtado for an afternoon in 2001 and chatting to Will Smith when he visited Johannesburg in 2004.

I don’t get nervous before interviews – they are an integral part of what I do and something I thoroughly enjoy.

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, yes and no. Crime is scary, especially the resentment-based violence we see in South Africa. But the truth is that crime happens everywhere, on varying scales, and intelligent people are careful all over the world. More so in Africa.

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

A: I consider myself to be a global citizen, even if my South African passport somewhat limits the reach of that statement. I spend much of my time traveling internationally, but South Africa is home. If I had to live anywhere else it would be the USA. Probably on the west coast. I also wouldn’t mind spending more time in China, Japan and some other places. But I wouldn’t live there. And I can’t think of anything that would make me live in the UK, Europe or Australia. Bleh.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of interviewing the president, what would be your first question?

A: I would switch off all recording equipment, put down my pen and ask him what really happened with the arms scandal. There are greater forces at play in politics and economics in South Africa than what are immediately apparent. As former head of intelligence for the ANC, JZ knows all about them.

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

A: If we were confined to Johannesburg then Maropeng (The Cradle of Human Kind), Constitution Hill, Newtown for dinner and Soweto for drinks. And then out on the town. Sorry – I know you said “three” but I can’t help myself. If I could zip them around nationally then I can think of at least 20 places that are must-sees, including the Northern Cape, Limpopo, the Waterburg, Cape Point, Table Mountain, the Union Buildings, the Apartheid Museum and many more. We have a vast and diverse country.

Life in Johannesburg

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

A: The weather, the people, the hustle and bustle. Johannesburg is big and colourful and unassuming at first take. The city has so much to offer once you scratch below its surface, including art galleries, monuments and some of the best restaurants on the globe. This city stands up to the best in the world. I know, because I’ve seen many of them.

Q: Who makes the best coffee in Johannesburg?

A: I do.

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

A: I really enjoy Casalinga, Orient, Kong Roast, The Meat Company and Longmeadow Restaurant and Piano Lounge, amongst others. I can’t pick one as favorite.

General

Q: The ZA Tech Show podcast features the panel’s weekly picks / pick-ons. What would your pick of 2009 be?

A: If I had to pick just one it would be the iPhone 3GS for its all-round awesomeness. But I would also assign honorable mention to indy adventure game Machinarium, Nokia’s Linux-powered N900, the ultra affordable Blackberry 8520 that takes smartphones to a wider market, and Twitter, which was around before but was defined in 2009.

Q: Favorite South African brand?

A: Cadac. They make really good braais. You can’t fuck with that.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: In my bed in Johannesburg next to my beautiful wife and with our two boys.

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

Q: This will potentially come across as cheesy – but I treat most of the people I meet as having something to teach me. Most of the “famous” people I’ve met aren’t that interesting or inspiring, they merely have jobs that place them in the public eye. The wisest among us are often the most unassuming.

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

A: Someone I’ve never heard of before. I like meeting new people.

A massive thank you to Simon for taking the time to answer our questions.

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

Don Packett

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

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

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

Don was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event?  i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Comedy in South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life in South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life in Johannesburg

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

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

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

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

General

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

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

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

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

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Medjumbe Island off the coast of Mozambique

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Pilgrim

Izimvo is excited to introduce radio and television personaliy, Mark Pilgrim.

With his distinctive bald head, warm personality and easy going demeanor, Mark is one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio and television personalities. He has spent over 14 years entertaining millions of listeners and viewers.

Mark has also hosted numerous television shows over the years, including Big Brother South Africa on MNET and Face2Face on SABC2. In 2008 he hosted the country’s biggest ever television game show, the Power of 10 on MNET.

Website: http://www.markpilgrim.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Mark_Pilgrim
Location: Johannesburg

Mark 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: If it was an informal event, my friend would probably just say “This is my friend, Mark”! if it was a corporate event, it would probably be along the lines, of “he has a face that is recognizable from television and voice that is recognizable from radio”

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

A: People always expect you to be the loudest person in the room, and are surprised when I am actually a very quiet person!

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

A: I am an avid reader. Got myself an Amazon Kindle recently so love downloading books from the net. I also fly radio controlled choppers.

Q: You’ve survived both Cancer and a recent heart attack. What has been the greatest advice given to you during these difficult times?

A: It’s more the advice I have given myself I suppose, which is not to let the small problems in life get you down. As the cliché says “don’t sweat the small stuff”.

Radio in South Africa

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: Kevin Savage! I used to listen to him on Capitol 604 and the old Radio 5. He was a jock that didn’t talk “at” you, but seemed like he was having a conversation with you. I would also put David Gresham in there from the word go. I used to listen to him host the Springbok Radio Top 20…thinking …WOW…one day I want to do that!

Q: Who have you most enjoyed interviewing and if you could sit down with anyone for an interview, who would it be?

A: My favourite interview ever was Mel C from the Spice Girls. She was just so lively and fun to interview… and I got her to say “bliksem” on air!

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: Yep, my wife has been held up twice. Yes, it does taint your perceptions. We have just built a new house and spent more money on security than anything else.

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

A: I am British, so have thought every now and then of going back home. The biggest problem is, I love this country. My wish is that lazy self absorbed politicians got off the gravy train and realized the value of better training our police force and giving them better remuneration.

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

A: Tolerance towards crime… and fire every corrupt minister. I guess we would have to look for a new cabinet!

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Favorite venue in or around Johannesburg for a romantic dinner?

A: Pigalle in the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton. They make the best apple & berry crumble!

Q: Who makes the best breakfast in Johannesburg?

A: Probably Tasha’s in Athol Square. The food is delicious and the presentation on the plate good as well.

General

Q: Who was your favorite Big Brother South Africa contestant?

A: None!! They all got on my nerves after a while! :)

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Beau Rivage Resort in Mauritius. It’s where Nicole and I got married on 7/7/7.

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

A: Nelson Mandela. A man who inspired change.

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

A: Well, you got me thinking about old radio personalities. How about Kevin Savage!

We’d like to thank Mark for taking the time to answer our questions and congratulate him and his Wife Nicole on the wonderful news that they are expecting their first baby girl in April 2010.

David Grier

Izimvo has the privilege of introducing inspirational speaker, celebrity chef and extreme adventurer, David Grier

David, 49, has recently completed the first ever joint continuous run of the Great Wall of China, some 4000km in 98 days, as well as the first continuous run of the coast of South Africa.

He is currently preparing for the Madagascar 2010 Challenge where he plans to kayak 700km to Madagascar, run 3000km up the center of the island and then kite board and kayak 1200km back to South Africa.

Website: http://www.davidgrier.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DavidGrier
Facebook: David-Grier
Location: Cape Town

David 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: Born in the summer of 60, weened on the outdoors open space and often in earshot of the ocean. Father of 4 children, my inspiration. A chef by profession, extreme adventurer by chance, as one day someone left the kitchen door open and the rest just keeps on unfolding. Through an overload of life changing experiences brought on by adventure, the only way that I could share them was to write about them as they unfolded, this has now culminated into 2 books. I now spend a lot of time traveling the country and sharing my inspirational stories with corporates.

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

A: Heights just seem to get to me, normally when I least need it. But if I look at things that spook me when I am out there, there is normally a warning sign attached.

If I think back as a chef I have this recurring nightmare which always happens during season time. Picture me standing at the door of my kitchen looking into the restaurant. I only have 1 frying pan in my hand things are going ballistic, the whole restaurant is full of people who on seeing me all stand up and start shouting I want food, I want food, I just can’t cope and the pressure is on.

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

A: To drive out-of-town and head up the coast to my folks farm at Stanford on the kleinriver. A quiet tranquil private nature reserve, just us.

Extreme Adventures

Q: What do you think sets you and other extreme adventurers apart from us “normal” folk?

A: I don’t see myself different to any one else, but i do believe that as an individual I am driven by a passion to make a difference. If I look at extreme adventure, it is a mind-set of self belief that is key to success, Adventure is a mental journey and needs massive preparation.

Q: You recently run the length of the Great Wall of China, an amazing 4200km in 98 days. What were the greatest lessons that you took away from the experience?

A: My journey along the Great Wall of China, achieving a world first record-breaking run of the entire length of the great wall. Pushing my body to the limit. Reaching deep into the inner strength of my mind.

Through this run I had to deal with life threatening situations and life changing decisions, ultimately realizing that in order to continue with my journey I had to embrace change and evolve.

I found out how important it is to be able to change as we travel our personal journeys through life to ultimately meet with success. We all have this ability, but must make that personal commitment to want to embrace change in order to move forward.

Q: Your next challenge is a solo run of the island of Madagascar with a few “twists”. Can you tell us about these twists and how you came about them?

A: Starting on 1 December in Pemba, Mozambique the multi-discipline, four-month event will see me kayak 700km across to Madagascar where after I will run the approximately 3000km up the centre of the island to the northern tip of Madagascar, before kite surfing and paddling the 1200km distance back to South Africa.

I decided on a multi discipline event as I wanted to involve aspects that would challenge me in a different way. The ocean has always played a massive part in my life from a young age, it’s intrigued me, yet terrified me and has my utmost respect. By including the paddle and kite, I feel this will be my most difficult challenge yet as they are both relatively new sports to me so I am going to have to dig really deep as I’ve already experienced in training.

Q: Which part of your preparation for an adventure is most difficult, the physical or the mental?

A: The two are intertwined, from good physical preparation comes mental strength by knowing that you can physically handle what lies ahead. But the mental resolve will pull you through, knowing that you are capable but you have to dig deep on a daily basis, the longer the event carries on the more difficult it is to remain focused, and to keep grinding on daily as your body becomes depleted and weaker.

Q: Which historical expedition impresses you the most?

A: What amazes me about historic expeditions is how the adventurers managed with the gear they had , clothing that was basic, navigation and lack of communication.There are two that stand out and that is the polar crossing and Everest – men of steel.

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: Crime is a global problem and experienced wherever one goes. It touches ones life, yes but there are far more positive things that we as a family have been through and more importantly look for and associate with – I feel its up to you as an individual to look for the positive side of each day – come on, I am so “Gatvoll” on negativity.

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

A: No I have not, but I do love traveling and experiencing life in other countries and cultures. If I had to emigrate, I would take a return ticket to Cape Town.

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

A: I have no magic solution, but communication and accountability to the people who put me there would be a start. Install a simple value of respect.

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

A: The drive from Gordon’s bay to Betties Bay, The view from Blaauwberg to Cape town. The view down the valley from th top of Franschoek pass.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What are the benefits of living in Cape Town for an extreme athlete?

A: There is the mountain to run on. The constant changing weather conditions for different training simulations, the ocean to kayak and kite in. Importantly, they all right next to each other. Then there is the sport science institute for the specialist training sessions.

Q: As a celebrity chef, which Capetonian would you most like to cook for? Which venue would you select for the occasion?

A: My Wife Lizelle for a Crayfish braai on the edge of Robben Island looking back at Cape Town.

Q: When not cooking yourself, where do enjoy going for the perfect Sunday lazy lunch?

A: The Foodbarn in Noordhoek Village or a simple lunch at Polana in Kalk Bay.

General

Q: A single piece of advice for anyone looking to set out on an extreme adventure?

A: Look at the risk and prepare well.

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

A: There is a recurring one. Seeing the pride and joy in the fans eyes when south Africa succeeds.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Right where I am.

A massive thank you to David for finding the time in his training schedule to answer our questions. We wish David God-speed for his Madagascar Challenge and look forward to following his progress with great interest.