SA
FREE! Issue 7 winter13 / bi: on mo a livemag.co.z
the voice of youth
oK MAlUM Kool KAT
WARM IT UP! SHARK CAGE DIVING
y t r i d
p o p
Regulars 02 Ed's Note 03 Contributors 04 News and Views: Stereotypo 05
Voice of the Youth: Are Smartphones Killing Our Social Skills?
06 07 08 10 11 12 13 14
Loves and Loathes: Shopping
CONTENTS 2223
Dummies Guide to Getting the Second Date Must Grabs: Warm It Up Mzansi Diamonds: Seconds, Please! Moolah Wize: Protecting Your Neck Day in the Life of a Personal Shopper Live Eats: Entertaining on the Cheap Live Challenge: Swimming with Sharks
Entertainment 46 Sports: The Games We Played 47 Live Wire: Apps & Websites 48
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! U O Y S T WAN
Ok, Shap! What’s What With the Smanj’ Smanje
50 Live Fresh: Native Rhymes 51 Live Sounds: Music Rewind 52 At the Movies: Biopics 53 Live Reads: For a Laugh 54 Live Politics: The Shareholders 55 Live Jabs: Space Invaders Features 16 Taking the High Road? 18 Street Soccer: Can You Kick It? 22 Art Speaking Volumes 24 Paths Out of Poverty 26 Parents + Social Media = Epic Fail! 28 Cover Story: PopUp Culture 33 The Golden Horns 34 Fashion: Look Up To Us 40 Do You Qualify? 42 The Enemy You Know 44 Identities Under Construction Design Keagan Hendricks 20
Design Byron Stuurman 22
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ARE YOU A... GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER WORDSMITH, Filmmaker BASED IN CAPE TOWN OR JOHANNESBURG AGED BETWEEN 18-25? WE’RE INVITING you TO BECOME PART OF THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH iF YOU’RE SOMEWHERE ELSE, FEAR NOT, WE ACCEPt SUBMISSIONS NATIONWIDE CHECK: LIVEMAG.CO.ZA/HOW-TO-CONTRIBUTE TWITTER: @LIVEMAGSA FACEBOOK: LIVE MAGAZINE SA GOOGLE+: LIVE MAGAZINE SA SUBSCRIBE AT: YOUTUBE.COM/LIVEMAGSA CALL US ON: 021 480 0435 EMAIL: CONTRIBUTIONS@LIVEMAG.CO.ZA
regulars
i crew
z some of our new Jo
ED’S NOTE
This issue is about all things that go Snap. Crackle. (And of course) Pop!
No, this isn’t a free promotion for Rice Krispies. And you won’t find a pull-out poster of 90’s boy band, Nsync* inside. Nor are we offering tickets to Justin Bieber (although come to think of it... why didn’t we?). This PopUp Culture issue is sure to open your mind to a new wave of creativity, innovation and most importantly, keep you posted for all the good times ahead. Oops! I have yet to introduce myself. I’m Fika Msengana, the new Editor at Live MagSA, and it’s my absolute pleasure to be invited into your world. I’m asked almost everyday how it is working at LiveMag, and I wish I had an amazing Shakespearean tale to relay... but I don’t. Working here, I’m fortunate to experience the kind of fulfillment people look for in a job everyday. Yes, there are of course days when I’d much rather sleep in (just a little longer), but then I wake up, pick a ‘hella dope’ outfit, and exchange a resounding “Good Morning” with an amazing team (and yes, I’m kinda saying that because they might be reading this). But seriously, these are the kind of cool kids who keep me on my toes and are energetic and oh-so-opinionated (like, really opinionated – most content not suitable for persons under the age of 16). Enough joking around, then, let’s get to the articles I can’t wait for you to get stuck in to. If you’re worried about keeping your fashion game as amazing as it was in the summer, don’t panic, our Must Grabs: Warm it Up (pg 08) brings the essentials and will maybe even heighten your swag. Cuddle up to a good book this winter with Live Reads: For a Laugh (pg 53) – our comedian biography picks are sure to brighten a rainy day.
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Words Fika Msengana 21
Photos Kgabo Kganyago 23
Design Keagan Hendricks 20
ezi (23) Ntombenhle Sh phawe (22) Relebohile Ne (22) Portia Mokowe ) (24 i ak Md e Lungil eehe (22) Emmanuel Ph e (22) Tinashe Veng ) Gugu Xaba (22 la (22) Kevin Tshabala
ako (25) Lebogang Thl (19) Refiloe Molefe e (23) an ag Tsa o ots Kh ) (22 isa ma Ra Thato ck (24) Balebogile Ja la (23) Sabelo Mkhabe e (21) an ntj Mo di se Le hize (22) Khabazela Mk
For those looking for another way to build on Matric qualifications but worried about the costs, take a look at Do you qualify? (pg 40), which helps weigh the options. Parents are cool, right? And we want our parents to join us on social media, right? We weigh the pros and cons (pg 26). And if you don’t know about PopUp Culture or want insight on our cover star Okmalumkoolkat, here’s your chance to get the 411 (pg 28). For those of you who are confused by the fact that you’re always on a first date but never on a second, flip onto Dummies Guide to Securing That Second Date (pg 07). Our new Live Eats page will get your taste buds watering (and keep change in your pocket) with advice on Entertaining On The Cheap (pg 13). Finally, LIVE has started an Anti-Stereotyping Campaign. Read about it in News and Views (pg 04), and find out how you can join our cause. Remember this (especially in winter): “Consider your day wasted if you haven’t laughed yet.” (Charlie Chapman)
PAT R
Deputy Editor & Chief Subeditor Kyle Prinsloo (19) Features Editor Zama Memela (20) @EatingEasy Art Director Reanetse Kolisang (23) @reanetse1 Production Manager & Writer Zimasa Mpemnyama (21) @ZeemThe1 Mobile Editor & Writer Sbongiseni Phunguza (22) @sbongsenishaun Photo Editor Kgabo Kganyago (23) @supreme_core Social Media Editor & Writer Vuyolwethu Dubese (18) @MsVeeDee Writers Buhle Mweli (24) @BezuluBuhle Celine Agostini (23) @Cln_Agostini Designers and Illustrators Keagan Hendricks (20) Nkosinathi Mkhongi (22) Nabeela Abrahams (20)
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Editor Fika Msengana (21) @itsjust_fika
Photographers Patrick Simba (20) Inshaaf Ismail (25)
VUYOLWET
K IC
Live SA YouTube Team Mendile Mpunzi (24) @mmpunzi Khanya Mpahlwa (21) @mpahlwa Sinetemba Makalala (24) @ Snesta_SA Lesley-Ann Solomons (22) Other Contributors Sibongile Thaphu (20) @SbozaThaphu, Mpho Seoposengwe (23) @phogi89, Joshua Klein (21), Rodney Ngulube (24), Keya Murphy (15), Chifi Mulusa (21), Theo Afrika (21), Byron Stuurman (22), Mabusi Cebekhulu (24) Mentors Lee Middleton: Senior Editorial Kemong Mopedi: Editorial Laskarina Yiannakaris: Design Luke Daniel: Photography Bulelani Mvoto: YouTube Tamara MacLachlan: YouTube Linda Nkosi: Mobile & Social Media FIRST-TIME CONTRIBUTORS: Patrick Simba It’s not only that his pictures rooooaaaarr with flavour, but it’s the ambition canned in this 19-year-old’s craft that makes him a photographer to watch out for. This West African-born photographer who’s been capturing stills for two years just wants to “upgrade my skills and make it in life”. Patrick’s internship at LIVE has given him the opportunity to showcase his skills as a budding photographer, something he believes to be a productive endeavour.
Keagan Hendricks A recent graduate at the College of Cape Town in Graphic Design and Photography, LIVE is Keagan’s first design job. The experience that Keagan is itching to cultivate is his second love – photography – which he’s had the opportunity to do via a street-style shoot. His aspirations are to become a world-renowned designer and photographer, and his start at LIVE is just the beginning. Vuyolwethu Dubese This budding bornfree is Social Media Editor, a writer and YouTube personality for LiveMagSA. With no formal education in journalism, it is the willingness to attend the University of Life to learn, and desire to be a part of something big and vision-driven that led Vuyo here. “LIVE has availed me the opportunity to network with other personalities in this industry and be confident in my work, and most importantly, to work in a team.” SPECIAL THANKS TO: Denzel Obakeng Moyaga of Topco International Models, Gavin Elder, Smiso Zwane, Bongani Kona, Tom Kennedy, Elad Kirshenbaum at Side Street Studios, Qhakaza, Maleh, Tom Porter, Beth O’Connor, Gugulethu Shezi, The Great Dane, Khaya Bhubesi, Thabiso Mohare, Chipo Mapondera, Henrike Grohs, Chris Saunders, Megan Lindow, Makgomotho Ngwasheng, Lolo Veleko, Andrew Putter of Stevenson Gallery, City Varsity College, Lesedi
Oluko Moche, Jasmine Adam at Media 24, Damien Schuman, Kool Out, Sithembele & team, Marikana Boys, Booka T Entertainment, Felix Seuffert, Nu Metro, Patrick Conroy, Cecil Lyons, Charlotte Kilbane, Nuruniesa Allie at eNCA, Shuvai Finos and all at Ikamva Youth, Andries from Mad World, Ntombi Mponda, Petronella Sono, Natasha Miller, Janine Geldenhuys and all at Metropolitan, Jozelle Louw at Sportscene, SANDF, Johann Schwella, Matt Riley and Raf Newman and all at 140 BBDO, Abie at The Makeup Issue, Helen Turvey, Karien Bezuidenhout, Karen Gabriels, Wendy Stoffels and all at the Shuttleworth Foundation, Mark Shuttleworth. Publisher: Gavin Weale Project Director: Claire Conroy Youth Development Producer: Shallom Johnson Youth Development Manager (Joburg): Nkuli Mlangeni Office Manager: Veronica Shumane Editorial Assistant (Joburg): Sid Sidwaba Senior Accounts Manager: Vuyisa Ndleleni Sales Manager: Nickolis Fitzell Sales & Marketing Executive, and Distribution Manager: Papi Mireli For advertising enquiries, please call (021) 4800 400/ email papi@livemag.co.za www. livity.co.uk www.livemag.co.za
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News & Views:
S T E R E O T Y P O
If you’ve ever felt like you’re too young, old, tall or short to be part of something, think again: LIVE invites you to get involved. Campaign. Doesn't the word conjure up an image of a man heading off to war, ready to achieve a large-scale objective? Well, if it doesn't... then let’s just skip to the part where we high-five. We at LiveSA are off to war ourselves. We’re starting a campaign. We're standing up against stereotypes. Here's what we mean. At some point in our lives many (most?) of us have felt like we've been put into a stereotype box because of how we dress, act or what we look like. Haven't you? For instance, if I were to paint a picture of a bespectacled boy sitting in a laboratory, head buried in books and scribbling notes, how many stereotypes jump into your head? Be honest. I'll give you one of mine: NERD! I have no idea who he is, but I judged him based on what he looks like and where he is. Such is the power of stereotypes: labeling and letting that label affect the way you treat someone whom you don’t even know and without their knowledge. We got onto Facebook and Twitter and asked what you guys thought about stereotyping. Sinethemba Duma wrote this on our Facebook wall: “I've fallen victim of stereotype a whole lot of times. Being a Zulu woman who's got traditional marks on her face (ogcabile), I've had some annoying experiences: most people would assume that you're illiterate. To be on point they'll treat you like a barbarian and before you say where you stay and what work you do, they already have their own ideas (you stay in hostel or in a shack if not living with a man and working as a cleaner). People get shocked when they hear my ‘English accent’, job title, what school I went to and my matric result. A thousand times I have to ask myself WHY?” We ask ourselves the same thing, Sinethemba. And we congratulate you on bravely sharing your story with us. Often people don't mean to be malicious in stereotyping others. It’s almost like the default action our brains take when we notice that somebody is different from what we’re used to. But that shouldn’t be an excuse. That’s why LiveSA wants to energetically pursue and accomplish the goal of shaking us all from this default mindset: to press reset. Because if your mother didn’t teach you better (and most of our mothers did), it’s about time you teach yourself.
LIVE CHALLENGE
LIVE wants you to take part in our campaign. How? Make a video/photo/image/piece of writing that challenges a stereotype which bothers you or which you’ve experienced. We will post the best submissions on our Facebook page, and the best of the best will be invited to take part in our campaign.
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Words Fika Msengana 21
Photos Patrick Simba 20
Design Keagan Hendricks 20
L I V E check our youtube youth take on youtube.com/livemag
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VOICE OF TH YOUTHE
Gugulethu Jiyane, 22 People are responsible for their own social activity and have the choice to misuse the resources smartphones give them. If it kills their social skills in the process, then so be it.
When last did you go to a party where you didn’t know anyone, and fight the temptation to take out your smartphone to look busy? LIVE hit the Jozi streets to find out if smartphones are making us less friendly.
Are Smartphones Killing Our Social Skills?
Mareena Bodigelo, 22
Thabo Joy, 19
We don’t interact personally with each other, instead we’re on our smartphones all the time. We spend more time maintaining our virtual relationships while neglecting loved ones.
Smartphones take up most, if not all, our time because they have a lot of entertainment, educational and networking apps. People prefer that to going out and physically interacting with others.
Caruy Phillips, 18 Smartphones are definitely killing our social skills because we spend less time with people that matter to us. School kids are so obsessed with smartphones that they neglect their school work and are bad at paying attention in class.
Khanye Moraka, 22 Those people that misuse smartphones need to have a better understanding of how to use them positively. Smartphones develop our social media skills by helping people communicate. They make for a borderless world where we can now interact with others internationally. They’ve made communication affordable and accessible.
Nabeela September, 20 Smartphones help us communicate and also unify us. Today’s version of ubuntu is on social media – everyone can network with complete strangers irrespective of their background or who they are. As long as people don’t overdo it, then smartphones won’t have much of a negative effect. Words Relebohile Nephawa 22
Words Lesedi Montjane 20
Words Portia Mokowe 22
Design & Illustration Reanetse Kolisang 23
Check OUR YOUTH TAKE ON SMARTPHONES @youtube.com/livemagsa
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l o v e s & lo a t h e s of shopping LIVE takes a walk down the aisles of the loves and loathes of the consumer spirit.
The dreaded turtle-walkers The worst turtle-walkers come from two otherwise very different groups: the “golden oldies” (sorry, gran), and teens who insist on walking in phalanx formation as if they were the army from 300: “This! Is! Spartaaaa!” Uhm no kids, this is when you should Move! Out! Of my way! X-Factor (But you’re no X) You’ve found the perfect outfit, but it’s blue (not red), accentuates that muffin-top you normally don’t have (really), and is over R50. Life is hard, hey?
Alter-Ego Mania You’ve finally found that beautiful leather wallet that fits all your cards, slips, ID and money. Perfect! Head to the next shop, all content with life, only to find the exact same item... except R75 cheaper! Previous cashier’s response? “Sale item, no refunds”. Your alter ego awakens: #WrathTime Parent Trapped Shopping with your parents in general kinda
sucks (except for the weekend after payday, which this is not). Either they start fighting about whether dad locked the door/ if the geyser was left on/who fed the fish; OR they start with the kissing and the hugging and the – dare I say it – fondling. Let’s rather head home, even if it means leaving with nothing. #ShameByParents
All dressed up with nowhere to go The worst is when you miraculously have money but can’t find anything to spend it on! Life is unfair, kid.
That hidden store Be it a vintage thrift shop (selling that big,
bushy, fur coat everyone needs at some point) or a funky home improvement store (lamps in the shape of human heads!), discovering new places is a rush. Dare to walk all the way to the end – of the mall, of that next street – and find the place that shatters the old, allowing the new and improved you to surface!
Life-changing sales Saving 50% comes with a realisation: new stock – like that rainbow after every storm – is on its way! Fiveminute dance party! Them dressing-room moments Sneaking friends into the dressing room to critique fashion choices like Project Runway
judges, followed by the “pouting-diva” and “look-like-you’re-nothaving-your-photo-taken” kind of pics. #ForTheLoveOfFriends
Your HIGHness Sashaying around with bags from Edgars (thanks for the gift card, mom, even if it was only enough for a plain white t-shirt), Woolworths (full-cream carton of milk, check!), and Exclusive Books (so what if you don’t read?). “Look at me peasants, I’m rich and can afford things!” #Deception
Finding that perfect item Those Aviator sunglasses that actually fit your face. The tent that comes with a lamp AND a place to hang it. Life finally has meaning. At least for the next five minutes...
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Words Kyle Prinsloo 19
Illustrations Keya Murphy 15
Design Keagan Hendricks 20
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DUMMIES GUIDE to securing that second date Whether you think you’re a hopeless romantic, a stud-muffin or a luuurv doctor, being on a first date – and snagging the second – can be frightening. LIVE offers pointers to ease the nerves, ace that first date and secure the next. DON’T ACT A FOOL
BREAK THE ICE
DRESS TO IMPRESS
You could be tempted to start acting like your date’s favourite celebrity just to prove that you’re cool... uhm, no. Stop right there. You want your date to fall in love (or in-like – let’s not push it, kid) with the person you are, not who you’ve been pretending to be for 30 minutes. Being yourself doesn’t cost a cent. Pretending, on the other hand, is like buying on credit. Eventually it catches up with you.
Ever noticed how people sometimes ramble on for hours on end to hide their nerves? No, you didn’t, because you’re probably doing it right now. Stop! Give your date a chance to talk too. If they’re not the talkative type, get them to open up by asking questions about their childhood, dreams, favourite artists and (heck) even shoe size! Also, go easy on ‘em cocktails. You don’t want to end up oversharing.
Rock something comfortable that you’ve worn before, allows freedom of movement and gives you that sense of being super fly. You don’t want to walk around like a robot or have to think twice before bending over because you’re scared of something “ripping real good”. And please, take into consideration that you’re probably going to sweat, so leave white for like the fourth date, K?
HUMBLE PIE PLEASE?
LOSE THE ‘TUDE DUDE
FOLLOW THROUGH
Chances are your date probably saw your fancy-schmancy iPhone when your mom called to find out if you’re okay, or your dad’s flashy merc when you got chauffeured to your date. Unless you want your date to be turned off, don’t get into details of how much they cost or how you’re the only one who has them in your hood. Not cool.
After you part ways, wait an hour or so. Give Being rude to your waiter and then turning the person a little time to settle down and take to your date and putting on a smile is just everything in before calling and plain wrong. Not only do you look like a presaying something like “I really tentious jerk, but you’re probably making your had a great time earlier. date look AND FEEL like one too. Treat every You mentioned your love person you bump into with the utmost for Italian food, and I just respect. This will show your date what a remembered there’s this genuine person you are. Smile, make Italian restaurant opengood eye contact and smile again. Let ing tomorrow, would your date ponder over the hopes for an you like to check it awesome second date (and that smile). out?”. Smooth operator.
Words Emmanuel Pheele 22
Photos Khotso Tsaagane 22
Words Kyle Prinsloo 19
Design & Illustration Reanetse Kolisang 23
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warm it UP
Butterfly necklace
@Jay Jays R69.95
s l a i t n e s s e winter
Printed leggings
@Babette R150
GIRL: Blue high-waisted jeans @Babette R490
Leather jacket
WIN
@Babette R1200
Leopard print wellingtons
@Jay Jays R199.90
Want to win big with Sportscene? Tell us about your must-have winter clothing, accessories or beauty products, and you could stand a chance to win a voucher for R1000! Send in your entries by 16 august 2013
Green jersey @Jay Jays R229
Neon yellow vest @Jay Jays R90
Nerd glasses
@Jay Jays R69.95
BOY: Grey shawl sweater @sportscene R699
Maroon chinos
@Revolution R739.95
Email to: win@LIVEMAG.CO.za or post on Live Mobi: www.livemag.co.za
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Maroon v-neck @Jay Jays R79.90
Nerd glasses
@Jay Jays R69.95 Photos Kgabo Kganyago 22
Design Nabeela Abrahams 20
Words + Stylist Buhle Mweli 24
Words + Stylist Chifi Mulusa 21
Words + Make-up Lesley-Ann Solomons 22
must grabs
Maroon t-shirt @Free-dom R150
RALO COSMETICS BEAUTY PRODUCTS ralo contact details • info@ralo.co.za • www.ralocosmetics.co.za • 021 949 5534
Skin
GIRL: Mustard high-waisted pants @Babette R420
Orange jersey @Babette R320
Scarf
@Babette R190
Black wellingtons
Lips
@Jay Jays R199.90
Scarf
Model’s own
BOY: DK Vintage denim jeans @sportscene R449
Navy Russel jacket @sportscene R399
Shoes
Model’s own
Eyes
FOR live’s make-up demo and behind the scenes footage Check out OUR YOUTUBE PAGE youtube.com/livemagsa
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MZANsI DIAMONDS
SECONDS, PLEASE!
Of course, you can’t scream for more without expecting a second bill. Because our stomachs become bottomless pits when enjoying a good meal, LIVE found a couple of affordable buffet restaurants where you can try new traditions in eccentric places: just bring your appetite.
A Cape Town destination to top all destinations
Johannesburg’s Friendly Meatery
THAT’S NOT ALL FOLKS... Peddlars On The Bend
Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia 021 794 7747 www.peddlars.co.za R145pp Sunday buffet A cosy spot for you and the girls before settling on a couch with a good book.
Centre Star Grill & Buffet
Situated atop one of the Northern Suburbs’ highest hills, Bloemendal Restaurant resembles a medieval cabin with its stone-age facade and timber-framed thatch ceiling. Diners can appreciate the dangling chandeliers and contemporary jazz whilst sipping on a glass of sherry. Bloemendal’s ambience makes a cozy getaway for a calm Sunday afternoon. The traditional Sunday buffet menu includes buttered pot bread, sweet pumpkin prepared traditionally (reminds me of my grandmother’s), mouth-watering sweet and sour basted ox tongue, beef ribs (falling off the bone) and a fluffy chocolate mousse that will melt any pre-Monday blues. And these are just a few of the buffet menu highlights. The service was on point with waiters dressed in crisp white shirts and black waistcoats, trained to present and pour a glass of wine with a connoisseur’s flair. The buffet is a little on the pricey side at R200 per adult (kids cost R45-R100), so consider this a special occasion destination. Not for shallow pockets, but great for those with larger-than-life appetites. [ZM]
Whether you’re looking to fuel Friday’s party, or a Saturday lunch spot to enjoy with friends after hectic shopping, The Meat Co will satisfy every taste bud. Located on the piazza of the Clearwater Shopping Centre, which is ideal for watching people, the ambience with its dark wooden chairs and beautiful view is homely, intimate and professional all at once. At the aptly named the Meat Co, you can expect saucy steaks, beef ribs, pork chops and oxtail. The award-winning Meat Co is part of a global chain that specializes in (and has made a name for itself by providing) meat cooked to perfection. The Meat Co in Clearwater offers a buffet at a minimum price of R129 for a soup starter and salad, main and dessert, or there’s the all-you-can-eat option for R170. Only Meat Co Clearwater offers a buffet, the Monte Casino and Melrose Arch branches don’t. [PM]
BLOEMENDAL RESTAURANT
MEAT CO
TEL: 021 975 7575 ADDRESS:
TEL: 011 11 6754431 ADDRESS:
Bloemendal Estate, Racecourse Road M13, Durbanville, Cape Town
Clearwater Mall, (Coner Hendrik Potgieter Road and Christian De Wet Road, Strubens Valley)
www.bloemendal.co.za BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
www.themeatco.com
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Words Zama Memela 20
Words +Photos Portia Mokowe 22
Design Nabeela Abrahams 20
Photos Kgabo Kganyago 22
Shop no. 4 Silver Star Casino, Krugersdorp 011 662 2126 R109-135 buffet Soda fountain, plasma screens, young, playful and family friendly.
Mike’s Kitchen Milnerton
Centre Court, Koeberg and Bosmansdam Road, Milnerton 021 552 8626 www.mikeskitchen.co.za R70pp Tuesdays and Thursdays R98pp Sundays For juicy grills and ribs that fall off the bone, you can’t go wrong at this joint.
Fruits and Roots Wholefoods Restaurant
Hobart Corner Shopping Centre, Bryanston 011 463 2928 www.Fruitsandroots.co.za R79 per plate Get your vegetarian/organic buffet on!
Harvey’s At The Mansion
221 Beach Road, Sea Point 021 434 2351 www.winchester.co.za R120pp breakfast buffet Feeling bouji? Harvey’s will wine and dine you till your toes curl!
why eat at a buffet? check livemag.co.za/buffets
regulars REGULARS
MOOLAH WIZE:
PROTECT YOUR NECK It’s 09h53 and you’re impatiently counting the minutes before you cuddle up with the Dlomos and Memelas in the Generations omnibus, and then it happens… Some balding guy appears on the screen, using that word that makes you think of thriving corporate bodies and affluent dynasties: INSURANCE. What the hell does this have to do with me? I’m just a recent graduate on the cusp of success. Right? Maybe. Or not. Baldy may not speak to you, but LIVE thought it wize to have a chat about the I-word.
What’s a “tailored package”?
Take the example of Sthandwa Love. A third-year nursing student at the University of the Western Cape and independent from her parents, she must cater for her everyday needs. She’s taken a weekend job as a sales assistant at Toy Kingdom, with a salary of of R1800 per month (double commision on public holidays and 3% sales commision). How should she be insurance wise and moolah wize at the same time? Wilfred suggests the following: Take R800 from your salary at the beginning of the month and: •Invest R100 in short-term insurance, e.g., a current bank account (aka, savings). •Invest R200 in medium-term insurance, e.g., a low-risk stock market package (this type of insurance is a life insurance). •Invest R500 in long-term insurance, e.g., a unit trust (a form of retirement insurance).
Why bother? What type of insurance should I get?
First off, insurance is not just about having a heart attack or protecting all your expensive things. Just having some money in the bank is a type of insurance. “Savings, life insurance and retirement planning insurance [are] the top three vital types of insurance that young people should be taking care of,” explains Metropolitan Investment Strategist, Wilfred Moyo. The details of each of those fundamental policies can vary according to your own situation. “Insurance should be a tailored package according to an individual’s lifestyle, age and monthly income,” Moyo says. “Speak to a well-versed financial advisor who will cater to your needs, instead of mining your money into their insurance company to meet their status quo,” he advises. Words Vuyolwethu Dubese 18
Illustration Rodney Ngulube 24
Fast forward a year later. Sthandwa didn’t invest a small portion of her salary into insurance, and has been involved in a car accident. Who’s going to pay the hospital bills? When she’s discharged, will she still be able to work and earn a salary at Toy Kingdom? How will she pay her last school fees, especially as she couldn’t work while in hospital? A flood of worrisome questions – all preventable by being moolah and insurance wize. And if you don’t have R800 a month, then invest R500. It’s never too late to invest! As young adults, it’s imperative to know that at the end of the day we have to familiarise ourselves with insurance and savings, even if it is a huge pain. Even if you don’t have a lot to invest, you can do more than just put your money in a bank for safety: diversify your investments for better returns. To do this you must educate and discipline yourself. So remember kids, SAVE, coz YOLO.
Design Byron Stuurman 22
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Things to Keep in mind when considering insurance
· REMEMBER that insurance companies are confident when their insurance policy holders are young and healthy, so start saving at an early age. · RESEARCH as much as you possibly can about the type of insurance you want. Do not be afraid to visit a consultant of the insurance company you’re looking at – it’s FREE. · ALWAYS compare insurance rates and
remember to review the premiums at the end of the year, if you’re dissatisfied you can change companies!
· ENSURE that the consultant sells you what you want, do not yes and amen to everything said – ASK for clarity if you don’t understand something.
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REGULARS
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PERSONAL SHOPPER
Perambulating through the Bree Street buzz on a rainy Capetonian Tuesday, I can’t help but keep check OF the way I’m dressed every 5 seconds, literally. My floral blazer, denim pants and takkies don’t seem good enough (on any other day this would’ve been okay) as I check the profile of the list of celebrities Natalia Keet, former fashion coordinator at Glamour magazine, has worked with. The list includes Toya DeLazy, Cindy Nel, Vanessa Carreira and the cast of The Pure Monate Show, just to name a few, so you can pardon my distress. Keet charmingly giggles at the idea when I share my thoughts about my atrocious attire. “This is always the romantic perception that people have when they meet me, that at first value I will tell them the dos and don’ts of their style – I’m not here to judge,” says the personal shopper/wardrobe therapist and stylist, who has freelanced in the industry for over 13 years. So what is a “wardrobe therapist”? Keet explains that the job involves package consultations that include personal shopping and wardrobe management. “Before I kick start a session, I meet up with my clients to ensure there is a clear understanding of their needs. This also gives me an opportunity to streamline their wardrobe and get a list of what is needed in their wardrobe,” Keet says. After putting together a brief that tells her who the client is – including their style, budget and lifestyle – Keet shops till she drops (not as easy a mission as you’d think). “I got a brief from a client who wanted to revamp her wardrobe. Having met up with her and understanding her body shape, budget and lifestyle from the wardrobe analysis, the work began,” says Keet. “I shop at various outlets, where I source the clothing,” she explains, adding that this usually happens without the client. She then takes the clothes to the client for a fitting. “The clothes which worked she kept, those that didn’t, I returned.”
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Words Vuyolwethu Dubese 18
Photos Inshaaf Ismail 25
Design Nkosinathi Mkhongi 22
After seeing which clothes worked for her client, Keet spends a session briefing her on “the ins and outs of shopping”, also sharing secret shopping spots that are perfectly tailored for the client’s taste and budget. To ensure that all her work doesn’t go to waste, Keet offers a monthly service check-up, which ensures that the client’s wardrobe is as streamlined as she had left it, and also allows Keet to take care of any errands relating to the client’s wardrobe, such as dry cleaning, leather repair and small tailoring jobs just to mention a few. How did Keet come to this career? At the age of eight, she was torn between being a ballerina or a fashionista. Ultimately the hoarding of Vogue magazines and recording of video clips on subjects like “how to organise your wardrobe” pretty much sealed the deal. Forward 13 years, and she’s a fashion design student in Midrand’s Archie Leggit Fashion School (ALFS). During her studies at ALFS, she worked at Diesel Style Lab for roughly one year, where she gained a mountain of experience and great exposure to the fashion industry. That exposure availed her of the opportunity to move to London and work with high-end labels such as Prada, Hérmes and Louis Vuitton. She now juggles between working as a stylist, personal shopper and “wardrobe therapist”. Glamorous as it may sound, a day in the life of Natalia Keet requires perseverance and a real passion for fashion. “The industry is cutthroat, so don’t give up. You need to go into this industry and realise that what the Sex and the City characters sell is not [how it is] in real life. Educate yourself about your craft and you will make it,” Natalia advises aspiring fashion shoppers/stylists.
wanna be a fashion buyer? check livemag.co.za/buyer
regulars
LIVE EAT S
ENTERTAINING ON THE CHEAP Dear Diary, I love cooking and hosting dinner parties for my friends, but I’m just a student so not exactly rolling in racks of cash to buy food to feed the nation. If I can find a way to design a menu that is cost effective yet still filling and tasty, I’ll be dubbed the new Queen B (for budget, LOL). Challenge accepted! I have R250 in my piggy bank and my friends are having a bring-and-share potluck lunch. My dish simply has to stand out! Oh, what to make? Summoning all the food gods!!!
07:37
SHOPPING LIST
Today is the day of the Potluck Club lunch. At 13h00 there will be all these chef wanna-be’s thinking they can get away with renditions of their grandmothers’ cooking and crusty cheese and tomato sandwiches. That’s when I will come flying in on my wooden spoon to save the day with a Spinach and Peppadew Feta Quiche. This is exactly what Google was invented for: finding awesome low-budget recipes that I can tweak to suit my taste buds. Lovely! :-)
I REALLY HOPE I CAN GET EVERYTHING I NEED ON THIS R250 BUDGET...
08:26 Drawing up the menu is the easy part. It's the purchasing of ingredients that’s trickiest thanks to the constantly fluctuating food prices. The recipe must often be altered by a limited budget, but this is where the creativity comes in.
14:00 The food gods truly had my back when I managed to purchase all my ingredients and get a bottle of wine for R189.06. And now all thats left is the fun part: BAKING!!!
METHOD •Preheat the oven to 180˚C. •Spray a deep casserole dish with Spray & Cook to prevent sticking. •Roll the puff pastry into a large circle and gently lift and line it into the casserole dish. •Prick the surface of the pastry with a fork, then lay a baking sheet on top and fill with brown sugar beans to prevent pastry from puffing up when baking. Bake for 25-30 min. •Meanwhile, chop spinach, crumble feta and grate onions to form a mixture. •In two separate bowls, grate mozzarella and beat eggs. •Once pastry is golden brown, pour in spinach and feta mixture, then pour egg mix over, and top with grated mozzarella. •Bake quiche until cheese is golden brown.
SERVE & ENJOY! Everybody LOVED my Spinach & Peppadew Feta Quiche, and I even saw the club leader go back for thirds!!! They couldn’t believe that I could create such a tasty dish with such a small budget. I guess they don’t call me Queen B for nothing. Entertaining on the cheap is as easy as...
Do you have any tasty, cheap recipes we can try out? Share with us on our Facebook page at LIVE Magazine SA
SHOP, CHOP, BAKE!!! Words Zama Memela 20
• 2 packets puff pastry • 2 bags spinach • 2 tubs peppadew-flavoured feta • 1 white onion • 18 eggs • 1 large block mozzarella • Spray & Cook (oil) • 500g brown sugar beans (or any dry beans) • Grease-proof paper
RECIPE SERVES 8-10 PEOPLE
TIPS
1. Always try to keep the carb
as an ingredient that is cheap and also easily extendable. Puff pastry is inexpensive and one packet will yield enough to feed four.
2. Not everyone is a vegetarian, and there is nothing worse than being forced to eat a plate of veggies when all you want is a fat juicy steak! But meat is pricey! Always try to find meaty ways of seasoning veggies, e.g., using BBQ spice in my egg mixture, or adding a well seasoned sauce so that the focus isn’t on the greens but rather the flavour.
3.
But don’t go buck on the spices either! Long gone are the days of preparing food with all 50 spices in your aunt’s cupboard. Keep dishes simple by using one or two fresh herbs like coriander, parsley, basil or rosemary with a large pinch of salt and pepper. This will do wonders for your dish, allowing natural flavours to come through.
4.
Don’t forget to prick the pastry with a fork and line with greaseproof paper, and put beans on top to prevent the pastry from puffing up when baking.
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Photos HAVE YOUR SAY Design AND JOIN Nabeela Kgabo THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST Abrahams Kganyago www.live-east-mag.com 20 22
LIVE CHALLENGE
swimming with sharks You know that saying “white people can’t dance, black people don’t swim”? That stereotype is well correct in my case. I CAN’T SWIM. And yet I agreed to go cage diving with sharks, nogal! My brother asked if it was a suicide mission. I was like, nope, just this little thing where we risk our lives, confront our fears and reassess our values. We call it the Live Challenge. No biggy. Even though initially I was supposed to photograph and not dive, circumstances led me to being the diver. So on Monday morning at 4:45am I’m out of my house, a bit freaked out, I’m so excited and not even thinking about how my day will unfold.
A two-hour drive later (I slept the whole way), we arrive in Gansbaai. The White Shark Diving Co. HQ has breakfast ready for us: sandwiches and all sorts of muffins (probably to fill us up for the sharks). Among the tourists’ curious faces, pictures of this great white monster and its humongous teeth line the walls. Suddenly reality kicks in and I start questioning if I’m really going to go through with this madness. Before I can further evaluate my daring mission, I have to get into my wetsuit, which is its own mission (it’s heavy AND clings to every fibre of your skin). The dive master is busy pulling cracks and throwing jokes, but for me nothing is funny at this point. Nothing. All I’m rehearsing in my mind is that white shark finding pleasure in snacking on what I would call my arm... Yep, I’m about to dance with the devil, mama! Finally after an hour or so (breathing lessons), we board a small open boat. This wetsuit is so heavy and tight, I genuinely feel like shark-bait. We motor out to the middle of the ocean, which to me pretty much looks like the end if there is such a thing (I guess that’s where the sharks chill on their off-days?). At the dive spot, the metal cage – like a pigeon coop that fits five people – is hanging from the side of the boat. It has these huge viewing points that look big enough for a shark’s head. I’m busy thinking about how if I hide I can go last, but then one of my mentors, Uma, distracts me from the top deck and when I return to focus, the dive master happily says: “There’s that smile, you’ll be part of the first group”. Now to get into the cage, neh... You literally jump straight from the edge of the boat into the cage in the water. With my facemask on and wetsuit tight, I get into the water of 15-16 degrees *FREEZING*, and we float for a good two minutes until the dive master yells, “go down!”
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(a sign that a shark is approaching). We all breathe in and dunk into the water. This is when I meet the beautiful monster. I can’t believe my eyes. This creature swims by like it was the norm. I run out of breath and head back up to catch some air, but now my anticipation and willingness to go back down is fueled by the marvelling of this magnificent creature. The crystal turquoise water, everything as clear as daylight: even seeing the little sardines swimming around is just amazing. Swallowing the salty water is disgusting, but it doesn’t really bother me – I’m too excited to care about such things. When the dive master yells for the second time, I don’t even hesitate. This time I see another shark, BIGGER this time. More striking. When we come back up we find him wrestling the fish heads (aka chum: what they use to attract the sharks) right in front of us, his teeth sharp as blades, his fins swinging around creating waves and ripples in the water. The beauty of it all is just unbelievable.
All I’m rehearsing in my mind is that white shark finding pleasure in snacking on what I would call my arm... In total we see five great white sharks over the four hours that we’re out. They say a good day sees 5-18 sharks! *Bummer* The biggest is 3.5m (looks more like 50m to me). I can see its individual teeth and the marks on his body as he swims by. Yes, I was that close. We empty the cage for other divers, and now I see the sharks from the diving dock: an amazing view. Well, almost... there’s this one shark that’s either racist or camerashy, because every time I lean in for a closer picture of it attacking the fish head, it slaps its fins around and covers the entire dock with water, including me and the camera. But still, it was totally awesome. Being so close to this huge creature and knowing how dangerous it was is by far the best feeling I’ve ever experienced since birth (especially since I didn’t have any interest whatsoever in doing this). If I could, I would do it all over again, but next time I’d spend the whole day in the water with these creatures. From the boat crew to the spirit of the other divers, this day couldn’t have been more perfect.
Is it really safe? Check the debate on livemag.co.za/SHARKING
regulars
That Jaws “da-na” moment. My chum! My chum!
Still my chum!
For more info: WHITE SHARK DIVING CO. 9 Kusweg, Kleinbaai Harbour, Gaansbaai, Western Cape www.sharkcagediving.co.za Tel: 082 559 6858
N O I T I T E P M CO d you
ul e? to Wod armobi siteyou or ur
ive f ck o Che a free d friend. win and a
Words & Photos Kgabo Kganyago 23
Design & Illustration Nkosinathi Mkhongi 22
Mama I’m alive! (and I danced with the devil)
watch kgabo face her fears @ youtube.com/ livemagsa
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Taking the High Road?
Cannabis, marijuana, Mary-Jane, weed, dagga, grass, pot, magical herb... so many names for only one plant used nearly everywhere on earth. ome countries have legalised its consumption. Most countries, South Africa included, have forbidden its use. But really, what are the ins and outs when it comes to using weed? The destinies of two young South Africans, linked by SA’s most commonly used illicit drug, follows. Imiël Visser is 28. Hailing from Pretoria, he is an activist for the legalisation of cannabis in South Africa and a daily user of the plant. In contrast, It’s been nearly two years since 21-yearold Calvin Hendricks* completely stopped smoking. And for a good reason, since from the age of 12 to 19 he was a cannabis addict.
Imiël, who in recent years has dedicated his life to the legalisation of cannabis. For two years he has led The March For The Legalisation of Cannabis, organized by the The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML ZA) in Cape Town. He also manages the website of the “dagga couple” (well-known activists for the legalisation of cannabis). Slim and of average height, Imiël could be another face in the crowd. But this young man’s energy and conviction is captivating. He is very careful with the words he uses: being an activist for the legalisation of cannabis doesn’t mean acting like a stoner. And Imiël wants to be taken seriously.
“It is more the society that becomes the problem than the cannabis itself,” says
“We are talking about cannabis, I don’t want to use another word. If you are talking about
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Words Celine Agostini 23
Words Kyle Prinsloo 19
Photos Inshaaf Ismail 25
Design & Illustration Reanetse Kolisang 23
something without using its real name it’s hard to be serious about that,” explains Imiël. For two years now, 100% of his energy has been devoted to this plant, indigenous to central Asia and East Asia. But his fight for the legalisation of cannabis is not only a fight for the high: Imiël wants to be able to create a complete lifestyle around the plant. “There is a lot more to cannabis than the high,” the young activist insists. “This is the thing. It’s a touchy subject, but lots can be done with cannabis beside being high. I have clothes made from cannabis. Even more can be created, like plastic products,” he continues, referring to products made from hemp, the cannabis fibre. But cannabis remains illegal in South Africa and the law is very clear: the consumption, possession, dealing and growing of cannabis is strictly prohibited in the country. *Names have been changed
feature Calvin is a student in English and philosophy at the University of Cape Town (UCT). At 21-years-old, nothing in his appearance shows a trace of his years of addiction. On the short side, Calvin looks like any student in South Africa. Nevertheless, at age12, Calvin was already smoking cannabis recreationally. “[I] first started drinking and smoking cigarettes with my friends,” recounts Calvin. “It was easy for me to have weed, the parents of one of my friends were dealers.” At 16, recreational use turned into addiction. Nothing mattered anymore for Calvin, except cannabis. “To be honest I don’t remember a moment where I was not smoking through that period,” he recalls. “When I didn’t [smoke] I was just really aggressive. And very depressed even while I smoked. So if smoking was normal, when I didn’t smoke, it was below normal,” says the young man with a very calm voice.
For like a year and a half I was struggling just to have at least a couple of days without smoking
Calvin’s case is not so rare. Or the possibility of “becoming a Calvin” is not so unlikely. The 2007 study “Cannabis Use Trend in South Africa” (published by the South African Journal of Psychiatry) showed that cannabis is the most used illicit drug in the country. Nearly 2% of the adult population have used cannabis on a regular basis, and between 5-10% of young South Africans (14 to17-years-old) use it daily. Imiël, the young activist, is not impressed by those numbers. He deeply believes in the virtue of the plant, which he says changed his life. Like many, he began to smoke recreationally at 18. But a 2010 car accident put an end to all his activities. “I cracked my back... I had chronic pain and my life changed,” explains Imiël. “I tried lots of painkillers, and I started relying more on cannabis. That’s how I started to integrate it more into my life.” Imiël finally quit all the other painkillers as the side effects were too severe. “I was struggling at work, I was struggling with my creativity, I couldn’t focus, my internals were not happy,” says Imiël of that time. He now only manages the pain thanks to smoking cannabis. Because of all this, Imiël wants to “give back” to the plant, as he likes to say. A few months after his accident, he began to get more involved in the fight for legalisation. At the same time his consumption of weed increased considerably. “Some mornings I smoke two joints by sunrise, because I wake up quite early, but it also depends,’’ Imiël says. “Some days I only smoke in the
morning... and I might come back and only smoke one. But there are some days that I might smoke five or ten joints.” This daily consumption is not cheap. “I can spend from R500 to R3000 a month, it depends on my needs and what is going around,” says Imiël. Calvin also used to spend a lot on his cannabis consumption. “Between R150 and R200 a day,” says the former addict. A lot of money for a young student. Gradually, the need for cash became so important that Calvin had to deal cannabis, thereby breaking his own values. “I did cross some lines without realising what I was doing. I did a lot of lying, stealing and manipulating people,” admits Calvin. “If you knew me at this time, it will be what I can get from you that would make our friendship.” But that time is over now. Calvin has been clean for 21 months. At 19, realising that he couldn’t stop smoking, he joined a rehab program. “For like a year and a half I was struggling just to have at least a couple of days without smoking and it just wasn’t happening. If I didn’t smoke then I was drunk. I also smoked at school. So I stopped because I couldn’t stop,” explains Calvin. In addition, Calvin’s parents – helpless against their son’s addiction – gave him an ultimatum: stop smoking or leave their home. In two years Calvin hasn’t touched a joint, and is still very active at the rehab program. “It was a temporary solution to make everybody happy, to go to rehab. But I shared common interests with lots of addicts, whatever they were using,” explains Calvin. Thanks to this therapy, he has also realised that, more than weed, he has an addict’s personality. No matter what drug he might use, he is going to be obsessed by it. In addition to his student life, Calvin still goes to rehab where he is now a tutor for newcomers who need help. These days Imiël is also very busy juggling his activism and his current job as a marketer and gardener for the rooftop garden at a backpackers in Cape Town. But he hopes that in the future he will be able to earn money – legally – through cannabis. “Ten years from now I would like... to either build a boat or a plane out of cannabis resin, and to have created housing and warmth in the winter thanks to cannabis,” says Imiël, who didn’t specify how the technology behind these projects would work. “Ten years is not so far, but I think I have already done quite a lot.” Calvin also has a good idea of what he wants for the future, even if his path – like that of many students – is not perfectly clear. “I want to be a lawyer. I want to help others,” says Calvin. “In ten years’ time I also see myself still trying to stay clean, because for me I know it is a progressive thing. Not because weed is what it is, but because of me and my personality.”
JUST THE FACTS Attorney Ben Mathewson has been practicing criminal law for 18 years. This is what he has to say about cannabis in South Africa. Q: What is the one thing many people don’t know when they are caught with cannabis? A: Once you are caught with cannabis and report to the police station, you then pay the commission of guilt fine for the possession of cannabis. The result is you get released immediately, but in most instances it is not explained to you that you have now pleaded guilty to the offence. It then goes on your record that you are now guilty of the contravention of the drugs and drug trafficking act. You now have a criminal record. This can take place no matter what quantity of cannabis you’re caught with. Q: What is the strictest sentencing that one can receive for cannabis? A: Firstly there are two offences directly involved with cannabis: dealing and possession. Possession of cannabis can lead to a maximum of 15 years imprisonment. Dealing has greater consequences. Dealing can include any act in the connection with the transhipment, importation, cultivation, collection, manufacturing, supplying, prescription, administration, transmission or exportation of cannabis. The maximum sentence for the offence of dealing is 25 years. Q: What is one case involving cannabis that you deal with very regularly? A: Many instances youngsters are found in a car and one possesses the substance and the others knew about it but didn’t care, and then all are arrested. In the preconstitution there is a presumption that if you are in the area of the substance then you are guilty of the possession. This is when they pay the fine at the police station and don’t know that they have just pleaded guilty to the offence.
yay or nay? what do doctors say about weed + how to get help? livemag.co.za/dagga
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The grubby roads of Skaapskraal are home to they who are the next Itumeleng Khune and Lionel Messi. This is more than just a game...
"After a hectic day at work, the only thing on my mind is to kick off with the boys and do some street soccer. The street game is more than just a game, it’s a way for us ouens to get together and destress the day's work."
I AM CARDO ANDREW. I AM THE NEXT LEHLOHONOLO MAJORO.
Nineteen-year-old Cardo’s dream is to play with the big dogs of the UEFA Champions League and bend it like Beckham.
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photo regulars essay On the streets of Skaapskraal, it’s all about the hustle. The youth of this community gamble with the last few rands and prized possessions that they have. With hopes high that that Nokia 3310 will be a good sacrifice, a silent prayer is made for a BIS’d Blackerry – the gamble win of the day.
“Gooi to me Nandos, pop my dice,” says an aspirant winner, throwing in his last R20.
The hustle continues on the field as the gamers assemble to play...
photo essay
"Is it a bird? Is it Itumeleng Khune diving to save that goal? No ma'am, it’s just us, trying to make it. It’s more than just a game, more than just a few hustlers kicking a ball on dirty ground – it’s a skill developing and a way of keeping us off the streets," says an exhausted player.
The spectators come in support of the game, and the number keeps growing, pop-up game after pop-up game.
Street soccer is a game of life, a way of life and more than 90 minutes could ever package.
Words Vuyo Dubese 18
Photos Patrick Simba 20
Design Nabeela Abrahams 20
Design Byron Stuurman 22
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ART
SPEAKING VOLUMES
As we all know, thousands sacrificed their lives in the fight against apartheid. What is less discussed is the role young artists played in getting us to the historical moment of 1994. So what role do the arts have in expressing the struggles of youth today? The year 1994 marks a historical moment that South African youth played a pivotal role in helping our country arrive at. Young people from all walks of life sacrificed their lives in hopes of a better future. Young artists and writers also used their crafts in that fight, pushing our nation towards freedom through their articulate and vibrant political expressions. During the height of apartheid, artists – people like Mama Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Wally Serote – helped campaign against the system of apartheid by writing music and poetry that exposed to the world the injustices occurring in our country at the time. As a consequence, passports were revoked, some were arrested and others forced into exile. “We are the voice of the people,” says controversial artist Ayanda Mabulu about the role artists play in society now and then. “Therefore we need to tell the truth as it is and portray what is really going on in our society. We should not sugarcoat the truth just for the sake of being politically correct,” says Mabulu who is a visual artist based in Cape Town. Mabulu’s 2010 painting “Ngcono ihlwempu kunesibhanxa sesityebi”, which means “it’s better to be poor than a rich puppet”, portrays various world leaders in the nude, including South African President Jacob Zuma.
Title “Ngcono ihlwempu kunesibhanxa sesityebi” by Ayanda Mabulu
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WATCH MASELLO PERFOMING @LIVEMAG.CO.ZA/MASELLO
FEATURE In 2012 Mabulu painted President Zuma with his genitals exposed, a response to the ANC condemnation of Brett Murray, whose painting of a similar nature caused an outrage. According to Mabulu, a man’s private parts symbolise his power, and to him, painting the president like that represented how much power Jacob Zuma holds. “I did a painting called ‘Sidubul’ibhulu’ (shoot the Boer) because that song is part of our history. It has meaning to us and when we sing it, it does not mean that we will go out shooting people, it is just a way of expressing ourselves. My work speaks about the things that people say behind closed doors, it is a true reflection of the way I see things and what I see happening around me in the townships,” says Mabulu. Literature was also a powerful tool that young writers pre-94 used to communicate injustice to the world; voices which the government continuously tried to silence. Writers like Lewis Nkosi, Can Themba and Es’kia Mphahlele were regularly banned by the apartheid government under the Suppression of Communism Act. This means it was illegal for their work to be published in South Africa and they were forced to go into exile in countries like Swaziland, the United States, Nigeria etc. One of Lewis Nkosi’s first and most famous novels was Mating Birds. Published in 1983, the story follows young black South African, Ndi Sibiya, who awaits a death sentence. Wandering the segregated beach, Sibiya sees a white girl on the other side. After several silent encounters on the beach, Sibiya follows the girl into her bungalow where they have sex. When caught by the neighbours, the girl accuses Sibiya of rape. White judges find Sibiya guilty and sentence him to death. This story – and many of Nkosi’s other works – was banned, as it told of the gruesome racial disparities at the time. The government knew that if these stories were shared, a fire that they could not extinguish would be lit in the people.
Thando Mgqolozana
We should not sugarcoat the truth just for the sake of being politically correct “The act of banning these stories became a story itself, and the people were even more suspicious. Suspicion is all that needed to be roused, the rest is history,” says Thando Mgqolozana, a 29-yearold writer based in Cape Town. A graduate of the University of the Western Cape, a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, and recipient of the Golden Key International Honour for scholastic achievement, the writer was also chosen as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans. Mgqolozana’s debut novel, A Man Who is Not a Man, tells the story of Chris, a young man who undergoes a traumatic botched circumcision in a traditional initiation gone terribly wrong. The book poses questions about manhood and masculinity as Chris has to decide whether to stay in the bush and be accepted, or go to the hospital and risk being rejected by the whole community. His second book Hear me Alone is a controversial story of the birth of the messiah set in an Africanised Nazareth. He offers an alternative to the story of the conception and birth of Jesus. In Mgqolozana’s view, there is always space for new stories, and because the masses are so fragmented in the country that we live in now, there is not only one specific way of writing these stories. “The story today is not confined to one umbrella theme,” he says. Some artists take a more direct approach in showing how they feel about the problems facing our society and how it impacts them through song, poems and stage productions. One such artist is Masello Motana, an actress, writer and performer. Motana has published poems in national anthologies (collections of contributions by different writers), and has inspired South African crowds with
Words Zimasa Mpemnyama 21
Words Sbongiseni Phunguza 22
Photos Patrick Simba 20
Masello Motana Perfoming powerful musical performances. Her latest solo narrative project “Cyrillina Ramaphosa’’ came about as a result of her disgust at the Marikana Massacre. “What depressed me the most is the fact that Cyril Ramaphosa was elected deputy president of the ANC right after Marikana, and that the media cheered on the decision,” she says. In her performance, she describes Cyrillina as a “playgirl singer” in search of pop stardom. Cyrillina’s single “Makarena on Marikana” sings about the wealth of South African leaders who couldn’t care less about the struggles of mineworkers and the unemployed. Using her work to expose what she sees as the current state of the country, Masello is one of our prominent artists who sticks up for what she sees as the truth. South Africa is almost in its 19th year of democracy. We can all agree that our country has changed tremendously since 1994: artists can now freely express their views about the government, state power and social issues, as seen in the work of artists like Mabulu, Mgqolozana and Motana. But youth unemployment, the poor quality of education and the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in SA are some of the challenges that young people continue to face. As the youth of ‘76 stood up against the injustices thrust upon them, we have a duty to continue to use arts and literature as a tool to fight against the injustices of our times.
Design Nkosinathi Mkhongi 22
HEar WHAT iconic rapper ZUBZ HAS TO SAY @LIVEMAG.CO.ZA/ZUBZ
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feature
Paths out of Poverty
“I regard myself as a hustler,” 25-year-old entrepreneur and DJ Vincent Manzini told LIVE. The bubbly founder of the Jumpstart academy – an artist management agency and DJ academy based in Khayelitsha – has an infectious bounce to him, and once he starts talking, it’s very hard to make him stop. Passionate about improving the lives of others, Vincent is also co-founder of the iKapa Live media agency, the proud organiser of the iKasi experience, a showcase for young talent and entrepreneurs from the townships. Vincent Manzini is well placed to help others, as he’s familiar with struggle and hardship. Born in Nyanga East, he moved to Khayelitsha when he was five. At nine, his whole world flipped on its head when his parents divorced. Lacking a stable income, his mother (who had been a domestic worker) moved him and his sister from shack to shack. In grade 8, with financial pressure kicking in further, Vincent got his first job. “I was a taxi gatjie (conductor)... to earn enough money to travel to school and give some to my Mom,” Vincent recalled of his weekend job in Wynberg. After that he became a restaurant runner, collecting and washing plates. But Vincent wouldn’t be washing dishes for long. With a friend DJing at Bush Radio, Vincent continually pestered him to give him some time on air. Through his curiosity, enthusiasm and eagerness, at the age of 16 he became a radio DJ at Bush Radio. He says he owes all of this to his willingness to learn. “I’m one of those people that even when you tell me I can’t do something, I make sure I try.” That character trait obviously worked well, because having never studied IT, at 20 he got a job as an IT technician at Vodacom. “I’m a starter. A lot of people are in love with the idea of hustling, but they are afraid to start. I think that’s what sets me apart from other entrepreneurs,” said the Raymond Ackerman Academy and the AAA school of advertising graduate. In 2008 Vincent lost his sister in a car crash. This tragedy fueled his decision to resign from Vodacom and pursue his love for music and giving back. “My sister’s passing was very painful for me. [It] made me realize that life is too short, so I decided to follow my passion: music.”
Starting Jumpstart with the support of SAB, Vincent had four main objectives: To create an organized structure for DJ’s to come unite and showcase their talents. To wash away the perception that the townships lack talent. To allow people to study what they love by providing training and expensive equipment. To make parents realize that DJing isn’t just a hobby for kids, and that it keeps them off the streets and away from crime. “I don’t want other people to go through the same challenges I faced as an up-and-coming DJ and entrepreneur. Paying my dues for me means making it easier for the next person to enter and thrive in the industry,” explained Vincent of his desire to start Jumpstart. Some of the challenges he highlighted are accessing markets, building trust in your product (from both media and industry players) and – the biggest problem – funding and access to resources. Vincent’s advice for young entrepreneurs? “If you understand why you are doing something then you will never drop the ball. So choose something you do because you believe in it and are passionate about it, and not because your parents or friends want you to do it.”
RISK TAKERS AND ROLE MODELS “I have no excuse to not go after what I want, as [my mom] showed me that anything is possible,” Vincent said of the woman he calls “his biggest role model” and a “risk taker”. A recent divorcee and domestic worker, Vincent’s mother decided to go back to school (grade 11) at the age of 46. Her determination earned her a degree, and she now works as a Chief of Medicine at a hospital. Considered a role model himself within his community, Vincent agrees that role models play an important role is shaping a society and its people. But even with a good role model, Vincent concedes that the pressures from the townships, like substance abuse and gangsterism, can make it hard to stay focused. “It’s still a challenge. One needs to understand that you are not invincible,” said Vincent, who adds that role models aren’t made by money or wealth. “My story may not be the greatest, I may not be a millionaire, but I understand the challenges that young people from ekasi face. And I understand that our start, as black people from the townships, was a late one; so we need to unite, we need to partner and help each other come up with active solutions to our problems.”
“I literally write down a list of all my expenses and I carry only just the amount of cash I need”
BUSINESS FINANCES: Vincent speaks
yourself a blackberry & your community a tv & dvd player!
“The best way to handle business finances is to have a system,” advised Vincent, who says it’s vital that your team includes someone who understands and handles all finances. “You need to know your strengths and weaknesses. I’m not good at handling finances and I accept that,” confessed Vincent, whose business uses a specific software to control stock and expenses, which helps them to manage finances. “We make sure we know how much we spend so we can budget and plan properly.” Also, as cash flow in small businesses can be tight, Vincent advises making smart deals. “A lot of government gigs and big companies pay after a period of 30 to 90 days, so you always need to ask for a deposit, so that production costs are covered, logistical costs are covered etc.” Finally, Vincent stresses the importance of a good business plan, which should be your business “bible”. A good business plan will show you if your business is on the right track and will help you make informed decisions on where you need to invest energy and time.
BUDGETING “I’m usually a very impulsive shopper, I am not very responsible when it comes to money. I’m the guy who is not to be trusted with ATM cards,” laughed Vincent. As a result, he has recently disciplined himself: “I literally write down a list of all my expenses and I carry only just the amount of cash I need. I only have this much in my pocket,” he said, showing a bunch of coins, amounting to roughly amounting to R7.55. “My colleagues now even call me ijananda (stingy) as I am now very careful about how I spend my money. So yes, budgeting is very important!”
WORDS OF WISDOM “You can’t change something you’re not willing to confront, so always confront your weaknesses and make sure that you surround yourself with people that are disciplined and that will build and complement you always. No man is an island!”
Over the next year Metropolitan will be giving away FOUR TVs, DVDs and BlackBerry Curve 9360s and other awesome prizes to the value of over R30 000! You could win by answering this easy question:
What role do you think role models play in shaping society and who is your role model and why?
> email YOUR ANSWER to win@livemag.co.za. Terms & conditions apply - see www.livemag.co.za for more info. Visit our mobile site at www.livemag.co.za and youtube.com/livemagsa for more tips and more chances to win. Entries close 16 August 2013. Rules 1. The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into 2. Prizes are not transferable and may not be converted into cash 3. Staff members of Live Magazine, Metropolitan and the sponsors and their immediate family members may not enter 4. The competition is open to readers in South Africa 5. Any incidental costs are not included in the prize 6. The prize is valid for six months from notification. The closing date for entries for this issue is 16 August 2013 and no late entries will be accepted
“It’s never too early to start getting the correct financial advice from the right people. Metropolitan has been serving South Africans for over a century”
In Association with
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Words Zimasa Mpemnyama 21
Photos Inshaaf Ismail 25
Design Keagan Hendricks 20
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Parents social But does it really? Yes, you have valid reasons for wanting to keep Facebook to yourself. But what about
New Message Dear Mom, Last night when you were buzzing about my room, trying not to look at me while I was at the computer on my Facebook wall, I had a sneaking suspicion that you were beginning to grow curious, not just about Facebook, but all my social networks. And I was right… because you asked me if I could help you “sign up” to Facebook after dinner. To be honest ma, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry because, well, I’m just not sure how I feel about that really, and here’s why: Uhm, you’re my mother so… It makes this “arrangement” awkward by default. I understand you have friends too, and this is a way you can catch up with them at no cost, but what happens when you want to be friends with me? No, really, what happens? There’s about a 90% chance you’ll go through my photos and comment on each one (which isn’t necessary by the way), and not to sound strange, but the chances of you being mad at me based on my Facebook status is rather large. In fact I can feel your wrath right now, so let’s move on, shall we? Great! Invasion of internet space? Yes, I just went there. If I accept you as my “friend” please note this isn’t an opportunity to cyber stalk me. It’s not that I don’t trust you, I’m just a little suspicious of your motives (I’m actually like, WTF?), which brings me to…
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Words Fika Msengana 21
Words Kyle Prinsloo 19
Illustration Joshua Klein 20
Social terminology Remember when cellphones were just cellphones, for example that trusty 3310? And remember when I started using SMS language? For example: hi ma, wat tym r u gnna ftch me 4rm skool? And remember how much you hated that? Well welcome to the world of LOLs (Laughing Out Loud) and TGIFs (Thank God It’s Friday)! Yes mother, keep up, this is the next level from the dreaded SMSworld you worked so hard to get out of my system. I guess it’s my turn to be teacher (don’t you love it when the tables turn?). But here’s my concern – once I’ve defined every abbreviation, will you know when to use them? Correctly? And let’s not forget trends, hashtags, tagged, wall, DM’ing, following/followed and emoticons. Please don’t take this as me testing your intelligence or competence, but rather as a warning. Are you ready for this commitment? Stick to the basics Mom, honestly I don’t mind you having any type of social network. I’m just not ready to share that world with you. So let’s compromise. I’ll help you download WhatsApp or add you as a contact on BBM or let you Skype me from your bedroom. And maybe sooner than later I’ll be writing you another letter, letting you know how wrong I was about you and social media and how much I love seeing you here. Love, Me
Design Nkosinathi Mkhongi 22
FEATURE
media epic fail
your folks? Will you accept or decline your mom’s request to be her “friend”? LIVE takes a look at both sides...
Reply Message Hey sweetie-pie. So I just checked Facebook and it says you declined my friend request. I don’t understand. I brought you into this world, accepting my friending is the least you can do for me. I’m feeling offended right now and here is why: I am your mother first and foremost Honey booboo, I’m not that old! There is like a very insignificant age gap, ok? If it wasn’t for my providings you wouldn’t even have the devices to roam on your Facebook. The least you can do is accept me as your friend. It could help me understand your head space (like love problems or feuds between you and friends or just how stressed you are) and give us something to talk about. And I’d like to believe that I am a cool mom, so give me some credit. I’m soooo hip right now #CoolShadesOn (see I can even Hashtag!!!). My internet space is ten times cooler than yours, my angel I’m not here to profile-stalk you! I have work to do too. And you’re special, but let’s face it, my Facebook is probably cooler than yours. I have friends in high places (people I actually know!!!). I’m sure there aren’t 2 000 people in your school, and you probably don’t even know all of them so... point made.
Regarding social terminology Yes, back in the Blockia ages I admit that idiotic typing was annoying. But these new abbreviations are so much better! “TTYL” is so much better than “tawk 2 u lata”. I can actually kind of respect it. Yes, I might not know all of them, but give me some credit – I’m a fast learner. I mean I helped you with counting, and now I help you with maths. So let’s be fair. You’re asking more of me than I am of you, angel. Realisation and reconciliation You can keep your Facebook to yourself if you must. That’s ok. But one day when you grow up and move out, you’ll want to see what I’ve been up to; and I, of course, will want to see what you’ve been up to. And by then we’ll both be more mature and wiser. Until then I am willing to compromise: no to being FBFs and yes to being each other’s WhatsApp contacts. I can deal with that. I just want you to know that I’m here for you no matter what. You are my world, and nothing can ever change that. Not silly pics or vulgar statuses or ANYTHING! TTYL ILY #SmileyFace (see how good I am at this?) Mom
THESE PARENTS REALLY SHOULD STAY OFF FACEBOOK: LIVEMAG.CO.ZA/ FACEBOOK FAIL
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P E O R P CULTU UP Instagram this
Artist: Fuzzy Slippers artwork @ Its A House
Afro’s chick’n food truck
Imagine: sunset from a rooftop in an old industrial part of the Mother City.
T HE P R O OF ISING IN THE P UD D
An entrance accompanied by free drinks and heaps of roaring laughter bouncing between old and new friends. Low beats and a thumping bass echo, luring one into the space with a mix-up of some of the best of 90’s hip-hop, including Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize”. Cushions and bean bag chairs lay scattered, waiting for warm bodies to cuddle up and get comfortable around a large projection screen. Guests mill about, ready to view the Italian movie classic, The Bicycle Thief. What is this all about? you may ask. We call it a bite of PopUp Culture.
WHAT IS POP UP ?
“The idea of trade has existed since the beginning of mankind,” says Yang Zhao, founder of the PopUp dim sum Restaurant, Beijing Opera. With roots in that age-old thing called trade, the PopUp concept has been embraced by young entrepreneurs wanting to showcase their skills without the burden of anything as fixed as a space or even a consistent product.
PopUp isn’t a f o l a o g e s th te In many case sell products, but to crea necessarily to d buzz for the brand. a platform an
Usually using an impermanent or mobile location, PopUps showcase food, interior design, retail products, dance, theatre and all leisurely aspects of life. The spirit behind PopUp? Networking, staying relevant, keeping the crowd waiting with baited breath for the next event. Its very concept being one of reinvention, this trend towards the temporal has seeped into the streets of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg alike.
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From food trucks and trailers, to designerthemed dinners in warehouses and science labs, to innovative dishes showcased at traditional markets; chefs and foodies have found a new platform to share their culinary concepts. Cape Town’s most popular food truck, Limoncello – a pale blue and yellow caravan that produces mouthwatering authentic Italian dishes like baby squid spaghetti and ricotta and mozzarella pizza pies – has been traveling the hills of the Twelve Apostles and festivals like Rocking the Daisies for the past three years. “PopUps have provided an alternative for food lovers passionate about the splendors of food, [but not wanting] to be bound by a lease and a routine lifestyle that strips the creative of the freedom and flare that a food truck can provide,” comments Luca Castiglion. The founder of Cape Town Food Trucks, Castiglion’s mission is to get the Mother City to embrace the food truck concept. Meanwhile, in KZN, Durban’s Finest Curry food truck keeps it authentic with chef Invin Vandiar’s freshly cooked curries, biryanis and savoury snacks creating a taste jam of note wherever they go.
live cooks with cape town food trucks @ youtube.com/livemagsa
cover regulars story
Owners Scott& Dave of It’s A House
“It is impossible to get excited about a new place that’s opening indefinitely. You think, ‘Oh yes, I’ll go to that at some point’ and you end up there in 20 years.”
As a customer, there is something appealing about having to track down the next PopUp location. The search creates an air of exclusivity, and also means you won’t bump into every Tom, Dick and Ntombi you attended primary school with. Also, in this day and age where there is nothing you can’t find on Google Maps, not knowing what’s on the menu makes dinnertime kind of exciting. In fact, part of PopUp’s appeal is that very old-school thing called spontaneity. Just follow the PopUp Tweets like breadcrumbs to the gingerbread cottage in the forest. Good times!
swaps... the list goes on,” says Luke Pederson, a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy with an o’bed (out of bed) hairstyle. “We pop up wherever, really, we’re just two guys focused on design and coffee and we want to help anyone who wants to venture in either one of those fields.” Giving both established and aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to introduce a brand or product, in many cases the goal of a PopUp isn’t necessarily to sell products, but to create a platform and buzz for the brand. “You have to market your product in order to create a demand that you can supply for. It comes with the title of being an entrepreneur,” The creative hub, “It’s a House”, hosted a explain Chantal Louw and Thessa Bos, cotattoo-parlour PopUp where tattoo artist Raoul owners of The Fringe, a retail store used by upGoetze could lay down his art in ink. With the and-coming designers as a PopUp exhibition ambience of a golden tree house, the space platform. Major brands such as Adidas and is rustic and inviting, adorned with framed Puma also use this concept to boost their photographs and chalkboards scribbly with appeal and test products (e.g., new shoe or quirky statements. A buzzing tattoo gun grazes t-shirt designs) by offering limited and exclusive the skins of rebel youth surrounded by t-shirts, editions, hoping to attract trendsetters. caps and bling displayed on eco-friendly wooden shelves. In flash retail – another form of PopUp – merchandisers use the platform of different spaces to display their designs and styling qualities to best effect. “People like to come here because the space is inviting. It’s funky – the perfect blend of old and new school. There’s an added level of interactivity; basically you just can’t ever get bored,” says PopUp event-goer, Calvin (23). By it’s very nature, flash retail isn’t limited to any one space. The owners of the Field Office, a Cape Town coffee shop, occasionally showcase their furniture – sold under the label Pederson and Lennard – in their cafe, as well as at the weekly Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock. “We created this cafe as a showroom for our furniture and found that people enjoyed it. So we started hosting events such as end-of-range furniture auctions, vintage bicycle shows, clothing
Pedersen+ Lennard Funiture at Field Office
Jozi PopUp
The phrases “Respect the Hangover” and “Sometimes Victory is a Phone Number” flashing in bold neon lights are the first thing that catch the eye when walking into Braamfontein’s recent Puma Social Club. With Puma sneakers swinging from the ceiling, this PopUp in the middle of Joburg’s hipster zone ignites serious FOMO (fear of missing out) with its constant social media updates displaying (among other things) pictures taken from the club’s popular photo booth. With a huge following in different cities around the world, including Moscow, Prague and New York, entrance is free if you login and register on the website. Each Friday different alternative bands and artists perform. Crowd faves have included Spoek Mathambo and LIVE’s previous cover star, Zaki Ibrahim. “When Okmalumkoolkat blogged about Dirty Paraffin getting ready for their performance at the Puma Social Club, I knew that there was really no time to waste: it was time to join Jozi’s cool kid movement,” says Ntombenhle (23), a newcomer to the Johannesburg PopUp scene, of being pulled into PopUp by the presence of one of SA’s favourite upcoming local bands. Brands like Head Honch and 2BOP used this same kind of marketing model to create hype and build a market for their 5panel caps and baseball tops. The sense of urgency, surprise and exclusivity that are at the core of PopUps give them an additional commercial edge. “The thing about a PopUp is its element of surprise. Like pop art or those wind-up Jack in the Box toys, something about it – either the location, or what they’re selling – pops out at you,” states Shane (24), an avid PopUpgoer. He goes on to say “It is impossible to get excited about a new place that’s opening indefinitely. You think, ‘Oh yes, I’ll go to that at some point’ and you end up there in 20 years. Whereas if it’s temporary it’s like: ‘We’ve got to do it right now.’”
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Cape Quarter Village @capequart1h Join us tomorrow at The Market Bar for yet another OTT ~ ‘Open Tap Thursdayz’ Get there early as the taps open promptly at 5pm, for FREE Beer, and close at 6pm or until the keg runs dry.
Woul dn ’ t yo?u wan t to g o Based on the number of followers retweeting this post, The Market Bar can almost guarantee a full house at the next event. Yes, almost. Successful PopUps understand that reputation is everything. Meaning the success of the next event relies on that of the previous. Nothing spreads faster than word of mouth (especially from the mouths of people we know and trust), and social media has taken this form of “marketing” to another level. Because the masses can be relied on to move in smaller cliques through mediums such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr (to name a few), PopUps can take advantage of these self-created marketing platforms. Uploading pictures and posts for others to Like, Share, Retweet and Tag their friends, PopUps can expose “consumers” (aka, friends) to products that they wouldn’t necessarily have known about in the past.
PopUps
are creating a hopeful ripple effect in all communities and have the potential to attract and include individuals from all different economic statuses. “Art is too expensive and galleries are seen as snobbish spaces,” says Galya Bender, who with business partner Choni Gavin, started Art360, a PopUp gallery in Johannesburg. Art360 aims to showcase the work of young up-and-coming artists in different spaces around the city. Because the PopUp scene appeals to a broader audience than the average art gallery can, using the PopUp concept for exhibitions helps Art360 access a new market. Art360 is also making contemporary art more affordable to people who don’t have a lot of money, through a lay-by payment plan, where customers pay for their art over a period of three months.
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Cape Quarter OTT
GET THE ( POPUP ) PA R TY STAR TED PopUps select the coolest places. Like a rooftop party where a bass-filled, bottle-popping party has guests spinning around to check the beautiful 360 degree view amid a picnic area, chillout zone, large double bar, DJ booth, dance floor and snack bar. But cool often has a limited shelf life. PopUp culture is about generating excitement, and that’s what people are looking for. There is nothing entirely new about PopUp parties or clubs, but the current crop further blurs the line between once-off raves and regular clubs. Instead of roving affairs that hop from warehouse to warehouse, these PopUps are limited engagements at the same or different venues, opening and closing at the whim of the fickle target market. In 2012, a group of friends in the heart of Observatory, Cape Town started a series of house parties called The Pink House Party. In large houses around the neighborhood, they plug in turntables, spin music, and crash social media networks by bombarding invites to the young, broke and inspired.
“If you really want to give them something special, you have to go outside into some unused space that the kids themselves haven’t been to”
“Young people here – and I mean young outgoing types in fashion and music – go out quite a bit: four, five times a week,” observes Simon Wilson, organiser of Cold Turkey. A PopUp event that happens every second Sunday in Cape Town, Cold Turkey operates under the philosophy “Beats, Braai and Bloody Good Times”. “If you really want to give them something special, you have to go outside into some unused space that the kids themselves haven’t been to,” Wilson explains. PopUps may be trending right now, but the concept behind what we hope isn’t just another fad actually began back in the days when the world was divided by tribes and cultural practices rather than countries. As Queen of Dim Sum, Yang Zhao, says: “By breaking bread with [people] and sharing their home-cooked meals, tribes would be ‘popping up’ in each others’ homes, which is what society has now dubbed as ‘PopUp culture/trend’.” It is here. Expand Feel it. It will make you go POP!! Be part of the kulture.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OKMALUMKOOlKAT AND HIS ALTER EGOs @ LIVEMAG.CO.ZA/SMISO
cover regulars story
POp ping wit h
OK M ALUMKO OLK AT Okmalumkoolkat, Mfuture Mfana, Dj Zharp Zharp – we all know who these cats are, but who is Smiso Zwane? A true hustler, Durban-born Smiso juggled two jobs by interning at the Department of Finance and utilising his graphic skills at Sunday World. LIVE went to discover what drives the creativity that got him to where he is when the mic is unplugged.
“Yes, I definitely feel like I am part of the PopUp scene,” says Smiso Zwane when asked whether he has contributed to the new movement of PopUp culture. The Corner to Corner Pop-Up Tour is a collaboration between musicians, skaters and dancers who have come together to share the mobile Red Bull stage built on a truck that parks on random street corners. “We hit schools, taxi ranks, tshisa’nyamas, car washes and so on. It’s been good times being able to share the stage with the likes of Spoek Mathambo, BFG, DJ Spizee, Choc and Bhubesi on the music front,” says the rapper best known as Okmalumkoolkat, aka Dj Zharp Zharp, aka Future Mfana – take your pick. “Its all about change and mobility,” says Smiso about how the PopUp culture in Jozi is growing. “Creatives are always on the move, therefore so is their business.” He gives the example of Punk and Ivy, a menswear label by his good friend Bhubesi. “It is a shop on wheels that moves around taking merchandise to potential customers. This is his way of creating a sustainable PopUp.” Meanwhile, the Corner to Corner gig was recently found popping up at the biggest hip-hop festival in Johannesburg, Back to the City, as well as at Cape Town’s candy-coated Harrington Street (right next to the great Charlie’s Bakery). “I’ve seen the Red Bull truck about a hundred times but I haven’t seen it in ‘action’ before. I really loved [the Harrington Street Pop Up]: it was amazing. PopUps draw in big crowds generally, but this PopUp had such a vibrant and energetic crowd, which made me really excited and engaged in Okamalumkoolkat’s performance. I loved it,” says Okmalumkoolkat fan, Kyle Prinsloo. From the second Smiso’s alarm goes off, he’s got his game-face on and is ready to conquer another crowd. Check this #kwelkid on Twitter @okmalumkoolkat or on his swazzing okmalumekoolkat.tumblr.com blog to find out what’s what with this “spitting cobra”.
BEHIND THE SCENEs WITH DIRTY PARAFFIN @ youtube.com/livemagsa
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cover story
Create a Plan BEFORE Opening
1
Even though PopUp stores have many benefits that regular retail spaces do not, make sure you plan ahead. Before renting a PopUp space, create a realistic budget and plan out your objectives at least a few months before getting started.
Plan Your PopUp’s Concept
2
Since instant retail is temporary, you’ll need to get your customers interested in your products or services before your doors even open. You can use many different strategies to your advantage. Think about what type of business you’re opening and what theme would work to draw in customers.
Thinking about setting up in a short-term retail space? LIVE put together these tips to get you started. PopUps allow businesses to test local waters before making longer-term investments like signing a lease. PopUps are appearing all over the country, and both small and large retailers are using them. “My advice for anybody wanting to start a PopUp is that the focus should always be local. Always cater to a local audience first, and if possible, showcase or sell local products in your shop. Some PopUp owners...get these great spaces but people aren’t buying because what’s in those stores isn’t what caters for [their communities],” suggests Gareth Cotterell from Edit[ed], a men’s retail PopUp Shop in Cape Town.
3
Consider Your Location
Are you opening a bakery, record shop, holiday store or clothes shop? Whichever PopUp store you decide to open, make sure the space you rent is in a location your customers will visit. PopUp shops can be in markets, stand alone buildings, small office spaces within a shopping center, a store in the mall, mobile trucks or in a subsection of your home. Choose a place with good exposure.
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Words Fika Msengana 21
Words Zama Memela 20
Words Ntombenhle Shezi 23
Photos Inshaaf Ismail 25
Decide on Your Lease Duration
4
Flash retailing is temporary by nature, but how temporary should be decided by you. Factor in your industry, location and products to determine how long your lease should be.
Plan Your Inventory Around Your Floor Plan
5
Before ordering in your products, have a look at your floor plan or if you plan to host your PopUp from something like a food truck, your customers need to have either enough floor space to walk around and view products on display or space to get to or from the food truck without bumping into other pedestrians. Keep to this rule: Map out, before stocking it up.
Photos Patrick Simba 20
Photos Khabazela Mkhize 22
Design Reanetse Kolisang 23
FEATURE
Whether you’re in the dusty streets of Soweto or the native yards of Gugs, it’s likely that you’re listening to your favourite local jam, from Mi Casa to The Parlotones.
THE GOLDEN HORNS SA is a music crazy nation. It’s no secret that our diverse music scene is internationally recognized; from Lira to Mi Casa, SA musos definitely represent. Reflecting this reality, two significant music award ceremonies are staged every year to honour your favourite artists. The South African Music Awards (better known as the SAMAs) and the Metro FM Music Awards (aka The Metros) are SA’s two most prestigious melodic decorations. But what goes into actually being eligible to get nominated for a trophy in these adjudications? Do they prove to be the cherry on top in an artist’s progress, and how vital is the role played by the media in this triangular link between artist, media and the awards at large? According to the MTN SAMA Rulebook, every year both awards announce the opening of nominations to record companies (the small labels are repped by bigger ones like Sony BMG, etc). Companies then submit artist nominees in accordance with the relevant categories. In theory this means that all artists are legitimately given a fair chance at these awards. The same applies for the Metro FM awards. But let’s take a deeper look. It’s often the big-guns or chart-toppers (i.e., previous or recent award winners) that dominate media airplay, so it’s no wonder the most-anticipated award is song/record of the year. But is it the awards or the media that determines what music meets the consumer’s ear? We spoke to recent Metro FM Best Afro-soul award-winner, Berita Khumalo (aka Berita Afrosoul), who said that the media in her home province of Eastern Cape has been very supportive, and that national radio stations in particular have made sure that her voice is heard. So radio, TV, the internet, Words Sibongile Thaphu 20
Design Nkosinathi Mkhongi 22
social media, newspaper/magazine reviews come across as the main link between an artist and the market, as people won’t vote for someone they’ve never heard (record of the year is chosen by public vote). Think of it this way: where did you first hear Donald’s “I Deserve” or Zahara’s “Loliwe”? Probably on your favourite TV chart show. “The Media does plays an important role in an artist’s career, but it does not guarantee success. If you want to succeed in the music industry today, social media and social networking are one of the most important tools needed in order to make real success,” says Pretoria-based House DJ and Producer, Funk Deepstar.
If you want to succeed in the music industry today, social media and social networking are one of the most important tools needed in order to make real success
Indeed, the media is a powerful communication tool, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Award ceremonies such as The Metros honour artists who were dominant on the radio in that calendar year. The music played by DJs in clubs, or what people want to hear when they’re driving is often derived from what they hear on the radio and TV or what they read about in reviews, often setting the tone for award favourites! Hence radio shows, chart shows, magazine shows, music
shows and magazine/newspaper reviews all make an essential part of getting music to the people... and to the awards. So what about the not-so-mainstream artists and musicians who also need a platform to showcase their talents? When and how will they ever become part of the musical array that meets the average listener? Everybody needs that big break to make it, and the media plays an instrumental role in an artist’s exposure. Funk Deepstar says that the Internet has played a major role in building his fan base across South Africa and the world as a whole. “My mixes have reached parts of the world where I have never travelled,” says the “Got This Feeling” hit-maker. Other artists take a backseat for years, despite being super talented. An example is soulsensation Zonke, who voiced her dismay in Rolling Stone magazine at the South African music audience not recognizing her for earlier hits that she was involved in, like Winnie Khumalo’s smash “Live My Life” and Thebe’s “Groover’s Prayer”. Zonke only won a SAMA and a METRO for her album Ina Ethe recently. Other big names that have yet to win an award include DJs Fresh and Euphonik. The moral of the story is that being a great musician doesn’t guarantee success. You need to have a solid PR team to push your brand, and not only on social media, but on print media, radio and TV. You have to get yourself out there. Media platforms are always on the lookout for fresh quality material (and so are listeners!). Talented musicians and artists who have also mastered the art of self promotion and stood the test of time have gone on to be recognized and honoured for their efforts.
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K O LO TO While everyone looks abroad to find a new meaning of style, Jozi city kids are challenging conservative thinking with Prints, tunics and play.
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P U US
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Snake Skin Top @Intervention R100 Union Jack Jeans @Religion Clothing Store R1399 Red Sweater (Model’s Own) Zebra Print Hoody @Intervention R150 Union Jack Leggings @Religion Clothing Store R699
Floral Cap @Intervention R50 Dashiki Top @Stylagang R150 Adidas Shoes
Floral Cap @Intervention R50 Black Tunic @Super Ella R950 White Top @Stylagang R150
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regulars FASHION
Black and White Camp Hat @Intervention R50 Black and White Latex Top @Intervention R150 Shoes (Model’s Own) Gemini Cult Print Vest @Cult Collective R299 White Pants @Fruitcake R70
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Leather Jacket @Intervention R200 White T-Shirt @Fruit Cake R70 Black Denims (Model’s Own) Adidas Shoes
Partisan Camo Jacket @SupremeBeing R1799 Gemini Cult Print Vest @Cult Collective R299 Denim Jeans (Model’s Own) Adidas Shoes
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Styling & Words Thato Ramaisa 22
Photos Lebogang Tlhako 25
Design Theodore Africa 21
Models Boitumelo Mathega 22 Kam Risenga 21
CHECK OUT VINTAGE CRU IN ALL THEIR AWESOMENESS @LIVEMAG.CO.ZA/VINTAGECRU
MR DLAMINI, YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY.
NOW LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER. For over 100 years Metropolitan has been helping South Africans like Mr Dlamini to confidently shape their futures. When he started his own business 15 years ago, he never thought he’d be where he is today. But thanks to the right advice, and a hard-working investment plan, he made his dream a reality. South Africans have worked hard to get to where they are today and that’s worth protecting. With a network of expert advisors across the country and a range of education, life, health, funeral cover and investment plans, we’re making sure South Africa goes even further. For more information visit www.metropolitan.co.za
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DO YOU QUALIFY?
In a world where you need experience to get experience, and you need money to make money, what becomes of the vast majority of SA youth who have neither? I took an interest in advertising after I met two inspiring individuals, Bella Evans (21) and Mawande “Manez” Sobethwa (24) at 140BBDO advertising agency. They are both copywriters, but they took different routes to achieving success in the ever-changing world of South African advertising. By the way, copywriters are the people who provide the content (i.e., words) for advertisements, slogans and taglines, websites, brochures, leaflets, you name it. Voice-overs and dialogue that you hear on radio and TV ads? Also scripted by copywriters.
There are professions where a qualification is a benefit rather than the determining factor for employment
I
happened upon some alarming stats recently while browsing the Department of Education website. In 2009, 55% of South Africans between the ages of 18-25 were unemployed. As 95% of tertiary graduates are employed in SA, these eye-opening figures can be attributed mainly to a lack of formal education. But as a varsity student myself, I found the cost of my education to be higher than I could produce. A situation which begs the question: can we actually afford to study? Granted, not all tertiary institutions will set you back R120 000 (the amount I paid for my first year as a medical student at UCT). However, if R5 000 is all you have for the month, you won’t be too enthusiastic about budgeting for an education. To add some perspective, the average fee for a copywriting course in most advertising schools is about R60 000 per annum; if you need accommodation, count on another R2 500 a month. So if you want to go into advertising, it might help to have R7 500 lying around every month.
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Words Buhle Mweli 24
Photos Patrick Simba 20
Though Manez developed a curiosity for advertising at a young age, he only learned what a copywriter was two months before he started working as one. He dropped out of tertiary after studying both IT and chemistry. “All creatives drop out,” he quipped. “I’ve been industry-hopping for years now.” Having hopped from theatre production to film, it was a non-paying video journalism internship that led Manez to 140BBDO. “With all these professions, I wasn’t qualified,” said Manez of his search to find his niche without a degree. “It was just hard work and creativity.” Apparently those qualities paid off. Bella agrees. “I think you can make it in advertising without a degree. You have to have the talent, dedication and [put in] hard work. Manez is a great example of that,” said Bella, whose experience was very different from Manez’s. She walked into an advertising agency at the age of 12 and decided: “This is what I want to do”. Having studied at Vega (school of advertising) post-matric for three years, she approached 140BBDO upon completing her studies – coincidentally the very same agency that planted the advertising seed years before. Design Reanetse Kolisang 23
“Ad school is expensive,” exclaimed Bella of her formal training. But there’s no question about it: a formal education is ideal. However, given its cost, it’s clear we need a fresh manner of approach. There are other ways in which we can learn. If you want to become a doctor, for example, the bar is cut and dry. Go to varsity and get a degree. But there are professions – like copywriting – where a qualification is a benefit rather than the determining factor for employment. Think journalism, tourism, acting, music, food, entrepreneurship, fashion and so much more. So if you are a young South African who is determined to succeed: take stock. Firstly, establish where your passions lie. It’s selfdefeating choosing a career path you don’t love, because not having a formal education means you will have to work twice as hard to get ahead. Your foot-in-thedoor will be your talent, passion and hard work, sometimes without remuneration. Most local governments run internships and skills development programmes that normally offer a stipend to cover transport and food. Be proactive. Check newspapers for posts every week. The internet must be your friend.
Your foot-in-the-door will be your talent, passion and hard work, sometimes without remuneration For instance, the Western Cape government launched the PAY (Premier’s Advancement of Youth) project a year ago, where matriculants are placed in a department of their choice with a stipend, on-the-job training and career guidance. There are several other options, so take a trip down to the Department of Education and hustle for information. If a government job is not up your alley, join a youth organisation that can expose you to a myriad of opportunities. Or volunteer your services with a drama group or publication (some magazines and newspapers take unpaid interns). If you make the effort and work hard, someone is bound to notice. These are the principles Manez used. Within a month of working at 140BBDO, Manez wrote a Xhosa radio advert that later won the agency a Loerie Award (the equivalent of a SAMA award for ad-heads). So young, talented and ambitious visionaries out there, remember that nothing is stopping you from achieving your goals. Not even your education.
What are the options? livemag.co.za/options
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the
enemy you know...
“Hearing women scream is normal in my hood,” says Sabelo Jimlongo, a 22-year-old student from khayelitsha. Sabelo is a member of a men’s support group in Khayelitsha, which offers help to young men with personal problems. Hearing them speak about what happens in their neighbourhood is an eyeopening view into a terrifying reality. “We do try and help, but it’s not easy to interfere,” Sabelo says. “You see a guy hitting his girlfriend and when you try and intervene, he’ll say that she is his girlfriend and he will do as he pleases with her, and that you should mind your own business,” Sabelo explains. He goes on to say that men in his community don’t respect women, that they have a sense of entitlement over them, and that this is the kind of behaviour boys grow up witnessing.
good young men in SA. Melanie Judge explains that most men who rape are brought up in homes where they are not taught to respect women, so the existence of such organisations is critical. The support group was formed by a group of men who saw the need to educate each other on the importance of treating women with respect and to give advice to younger men on social issues and gender equality. They are in the process of registering the group as an NGO.
According to Melanie Judge, an independent gender activist in Cape Town for 15 years, there has been an increase in men rallying against the abuse of women. “But not enough,” she says. With 25% of men admitting to raping a woman, South Africa remains the “Rape Capital” of the world. Stats SA reports that between April 2011 and March 2012 alone, more than 60 000 incidents of rape were reported; it is estimated that three times that number go unreported every year. “I had just turned 16 at the time, and was gullible enough to believe that he loved me,” Thembi begins, giving an account of one such unreported case. The 23-year-old went on to describe how a man she trusted and looked up to as a brother and mentor took inappropriate interest in her. He was eight years her senior, but quickly introduced “the sex topic”. Thembi explains that they were in a friend’s apartment one day when they kissed. He began to undress her, at which point she refused his advances. “I asked him to stop but by then it was too late. I was confused, I didn’t scream.”
of men in sa admit to raping a woman
Thembi says that when it was all over, she was overcome with guilt and shame. Even though she had refused and was in great pain, she acknowledges that her body enjoyed some of what happened. “I couldn’t face him. It was the first time in my life that I felt pure hatred for someone. That was my first sexual experience and it’s etched in my head.” It took Thembi three years to break the cycle of abuse, to forgive her rapist and move on. Like Thembi, most victims of rape know their abuser. “What good has all this done?” Thembi angrily asks, tears welling up in her eyes. ''Women all around the world have been speaking out and campaigning, but the problem is not us, it's the men who do this. Criminals, brothers, fathers and friends. I want the men to say something, the men [need] to stand up and do something,” Thembi demands. Fortunately some men are standing up. The support group in Khayelitsha has been operating for three years. The members believe that there is not enough focus on raising
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Words Buhle Mweli 24
Words Sbongiseni Phunguza 22
Photos Nkosinathi Mkongi 22
say that they've raped more than once Design Keagan Hendricks 20
“I see women getting beat up and being sworn at every day, so to me that is normal. I do not see it as disrespectful,” says Xolani, a member of the group. There is a saying in the Xhosa language, “Indoda ayikhali”, which means “a man does not cry”. It represents the sort of mentality that many young boys grow up exposed to, believing that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. There is another saying in the townships: “Izinto zababini azingenwa”, which means “you never interfere in the affairs of a couple”. As teenage boys start dating, they carry that mentality of not speaking out, even if they see that something is wrong. In a world where men are taught to avoid speaking about their feelings or commenting on what they see around them, groups like these are of paramount importance. In the
read thembi’s complete story @ livemag.co.za/thembi
regulars feature
“there are no grey areas”. Whether the woman was drunk, scantily clad or making advances, no means no, and rape remains rape. group, these men can engage emotionally, face their issues and help each other grow. They discuss what behaviour is acceptable and what is not. According to Mbuyiselo Botha, an activist with the Sonke Gender Justice Network, the education of young men on how to treat women with respect will significantly decrease the number of women who are raped every day. “Most women are raped by men they know and trust,” says Melanie Judge. For a variety of reasons, mostly to do with their own shame, many women – including Thembi, who still feels guilt about the “pleasure” she experienced – choose not to report their cases to the authorities. But according to Ziyaad Hendricks*, a rape detective based in Cape Town, “Rape is a crime of consent. If a women said no before penetration, what follows is rape.” He further emphasises that: “there are no grey areas”. Whether the woman was drunk, scantily clad or making advances, no means no, and rape remains rape.
“Women all around
the world have been speaking out and campaigning, but the problem is not us, it’s the men who do this”
Programs like the Man of Strength Club – a US-based program now launching in SA – aim to teach young men about gender equality and expose them to non-violent role models, which South Africa lacks. Sonke is also hoping to open a South African MenEngage Network, part of a global network active in 11 African countries where young men are educated about gender equality. While we eagerly await the inception of these programmes, boys like Devon Goode, 17, are already taking action to the streets. Devon is one of the hundreds of men and boys who attended the march to Cape Town Parliament as a stand against women and children abuse on 16 March 2013. “We are tired of all this nonsense that’s going on. Boys have to lower their egos and start respecting women,” Goode says, describing how he has decided to take a stand as a young man. He says that he will no longer allow boys to objectify women in his presence. “It begins with our generation!”
1 in 3
SA women have been raped before *Names have been changed.
Are you a guy who wants to take a stand and make a difference? Check www.livemagsa.co.za/men to see what orgs you can get involved with.
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Identities
Under
Construct
ion
As young p things. LIV eople we live in dy defining o E investigates if trnamic times and ar e ur identit adition, re ies. ligion andinfluenced by so ma culture ar n e still rely different evant in
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Words Ntombenhle Shezi 23
Words Lesedi Montjane 21
Design Joshua Klein 20
Design Byron Stuurman 22
Photos Khotso Tsaagane 20
regulars feature
I
t’s lunchtime on day one at the Live Mag offices in Johannesburg. In an effort to get to know each other, a group of us find ourselves talking about whether traditions, cultures and religions are responsible for shaping who we are today. The debate takes many turns with some people remembering childhood games like “Diketo” and “Bhathi” (a tin game), which some reference as being at the root of their identity. Other people go as far as questioning whether cultural rituals mean anything to them. While we still acknowledge the African context we live in – with its staunch traditions and cultural practices – many of us expressed different opinions about whether we care about tradition, cultures and religions at all. According to Dictionary.com, tradition is defined as “the handing down of beliefs, customs and an inherited way of thinking”. So, do young people today feel the need to follow blindly, or would they rather establish their own way of being that relates directly to the times they live in?
“It’s only logical to allow young people to construct new identities”
The Modern Traditionalist Joburg-based account executive Paul Ramaisa describes himself as a traditional Tswana guy trapped in a modern world. This 26-yearold believes that there are some cultural teachings that he’ll never outgrow. “I was brought up to refer to anyone older than me as my brother, sister, mom or dad, even though I’m not biologically related to them. I believe in giving any elder the same respect I would give to my parents,” he says. Paul defines a modern lifestyle as one that has instant access to technology, and beers available on the clock. His family keep their traditions alive through sacrificial rituals like slaughtering a sheep to introduce a new child to the ancestors as soon as they’re born. “My ancestors are still relevant to my life today. I believe that they left a path for us to follow and it’s important that we follow in their footsteps.” Senior lecturer in Anthropology at UNISA Dr Nokuthula Hlabangane, whose area of research includes religion and ritual, urbanisation and the anthropology of community, believes that more young people are merging aspects of their traditional beliefs into their modern lives. “Some traditional and cultural aspects will obviously change because of the dynamic times we live in. As much as young people are liberated, they still engage in traditional practices but adapt them to their modern lives,” says Dr Hlabangane. Hlabangane gives the example of young people who boldly wear isiphandla (goatskin bracelet that protects one from evil).
Not Into Tradition However, some young people believe in paving their own spiritual paths without being dictated to by the past. Raised in a “traditional” family, 24-year-old theology student Aaron Sibiya sees Christianity as the only truth. “Traditional practices may have been a good thing back in the day because they taught us concepts like Ubuntu and respect. However Christianity brought a sense of morality and modernity. People need to stop holding on to old things,” explains Aaron. He continues to explain how his family respect his choice of lifestyle enough to leave him out of any traditional rituals. “It was great for them to change their views once they realised that I was not going to change mine,” he says. Aaron has learned that it’s important to respect others while also not losing the individual path you’ve chosen.
Paving Your Own Path Dr Hlabangane agrees that it’s important for young people to be allowed the option to question what they have been taught if it
doesn’t make sense to them. They should also feel free to experiment with other religions and traditions should they feel the need, she says. “It’s only logical to allow young people to construct new identities.” Zaheeda Tshankie was born into a Christian Zulu family. A selfdescribed independent thinker, Zaheeda recently converted to Islam because of its emphasis on prayer as well as the importance of community ties and unity. She is currently studying higher Islamic studies in Pretoria. “I’m quite happy with fully covering my body and face. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on trends or anything fashionable because I believe trends strip a person of their sense of individuality anyway,” she says. Dr Hlabangane says we must be open to the idea that traditions and cultures will always transform. “Young people start their own traditions because, for them, it’s a way of defining and reinventing their identities.” Zaheeda puts it another way, suggesting that young people should open their minds and allow themselves to form unbiased ideas about other people’s belief systems instead of blindly accepting what their family and surroundings feed them. “It may prove to be a surprising spiritual awakening.” The discussion amongst the LIVE team also showed a similar range of perspectives. Some people took sides and favoured the African way of doing things. Others choose to merge their African heritage with the changes Western religions and influences have brought. Others tried to express how words like tradition, culture, spirituality and religion could be widely interpreted and that it is okay to define them in whatever way makes you comfortable. After all, our culture and religion should serve us as people, not the other way around.
FOR MORE VIDEOS Check out OUR YOUTUBE PAGE youtube.com/livemagsa
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entertainment
THE GAMES WE PLAYED
Traditional childhood games – or indigenous sports as they are formally known – are gaining popularity and catching the attention of young athletes looking for something different.
Ugqabhu (rope skipping), also known as double dutch, has always been popular in South Africa (at least until gaming and social networks took over). With its origins in the Netherlands, rope skipping has grown into an international sport boasting its own World Championships, which take place every other year (hosted in South Africa in 2008). Freestyle skipping is the most exciting type of rope skipping. Unlike traditional rope skipping, freestyle requires individual athletes to perform insane tricks like backflips, somersaults and suicide kicks while skipping the rope on their own. It also allows for creativity, as athletes make up their own tricks, like sideflips or exaggerated jumps (again, while continuing to skip rope). LIVE caught up with Sibusiso Sodo, a 22-year-old freestyle rope-skipping athlete from Khayelitsha. Sodo was National Freestyle Champion in 2012; at number 59 in senior freestyle, he is also our highest internationally ranked freestyle skipping athlete. Sodo
started skipping in 2007 as a way of avoiding the crime and substance abuse so common in township streets. “Rope skipping has done a lot for me as a young person coming out of the townships,” said Sodo, who visited England and the United States to compete in the World Championships. “Those are places I would have never even dreamed of if I was not doing rope skipping,” he added. SA’s rope skipping team has ranked in the top ten in the last two World championships. Within the country, our Provincial and National tournaments are organized by the South African Gymnastics Federation. Due to its close affiliation to gymnastics, fans and athletes are calling for rope skipping to be included in the Olympics. ''Including rope skipping in the Olympic games would be great as it would increase participation and financial support,'' said Sandile Ntombela, the rope skipping programmes manager for the SAGF. So whether you’re after a gold medal or just wanting to stay in shape while having fun, rope skipping is a great sport for everyone. All you need is a basic skipping rope and some open space. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. Or should I say, one jump.
10m
Chigago/black toti/drie blikkies 5m
WHAT’S NEEDED:
An even number of players, divided into two teams; three cans (of the same size); a tennis ball; a playing area ten metres long and five wide.
THE RULES OF THE GAME:
• The cans are stacked on top of each other at the center of the playing area. • Two players from team A stand on opposite sides of the playing area. The rest of team A kicks the cans apart, and then goes behind the two players. • Team B tries to stack the cans back together. Only one person at a time is allowed to try and retrieve/stack the cans. • Team A’s players try to hit all of team B’s players with the tennis ball, which must bounce first before hitting a person in order for that person to be out of the game. • Whoever achieves their goal first – striking out all of team B with the ball, or stacking the cans back together – wins. • Teams switch roles after each game. Whoever wins the most games out of five is the overall winner.
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Words Sbongiseni Phunguza 22
Design & Illustration Keagan Hendricks 20
Photos Thomas Marincowitz 25
Check out more of Thomas’ work at www.thomasmarincowitz.com
Watch sibu’s exercise videos at livemag.co.za/sibu
entertainment
iPad
apps & websites
Whether you’re disorganised, an aspiring photographer or a lazy nerd, LIVE features some of the coolest apps and websites that will add some spice to your life.
INSTAGRAM ALTERNATIVES
Ever since Instagram announced that they now have the right to sell your pictures, there’s been outrage with fans and users looking for alternatives. Here are LIVE’s picks:
Little Photo: Free on Android, Little Photo transforms your photos into stunning shots using the 70 effects and filters. It’s easy and fun to use, but – crucial difference – there is no social network to join; meaning you can download and use right away.
Camera Awesome: Free on iPhone, Camera Awesome is a popular alternative for iPhone users. The intuitive interface is easy to figure out, especially for previous Instagram users. The only drawback is the lack of variety in filters/effects available – considerably less than Instagram’s. But the few that are there should prove sufficient, especially if you’re using the iPhone 5’s stunning 8 megapixel camera. Molome: If you’re a Pre-Z10 Blackberry user, Molome is the best free Instagram equivalent on Blackberry. You have dozens of filters to choose from, as well as a small social community to share with. Judging by the number of Blackberry users in South Africa, you’ll probably be able to convince friends to join, making it even easier to share your pics.
ORGANISE YOUR LIFE
There are so many ways to increase your productivity using the internet and smartphones. Because we all have different needs, LIVE has compiled a shortlist of our faves that will hopefully sort out one (or more) aspects of your life.
For the Forgetter: Evernote Never worry about forgetting any of your amazing ideas again. Available on all smartphones and the internet, this app syncs all notes/to-do lists with your username, making them accessible anywhere with an internet connection. Upload notes as text, voice, pictures or even video. For the Planner: Workflowy.com This website is the best brainstorming tool ever. It
allows you to jot down different ideas, and within each idea, you can expand on your inspiration by clicking on the umbrella idea to elaborate. The collapsible menus and quick interface make navigating through your different ideas and categories a breeze.
For the Mobile Reader: Pocket No time to read that funny article? Save it with Pocket and read it later. This app allows you to download an article you’re reading, and makes it available whenever, even if you are offline. A must-have for readers who are always on the go and not always with internet.
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WEB
The internet can be a strange place, but it also hosts some hilariously brilliant secrets.
File Destructor: Tight Deadlines? Need to buy some time? This website will create a fake file in any format (Video, Doc, PDF etc) and size of your choosing, and then make the file appear corrupt. Blame it on your faulty PC and say you’ll send a new version shortly. Of course we aren’t advocating cheating, lying or missing deadlines, but... you never know when it may come in handy.
Gizoogle.net: Imagine what Google would look like if it was founded by West Coast rappers rather than Messieurs Brin and Page. Well, Gizoogle.net makes that thought a gangsta reality. Tip: search for your twitter name. A hilarious way to search for information. Words Tinashe Venge 22
Design Keagan Hendricks 20
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ok, ! p a sh
Your year has been uneventful, and you’re itching to redeem 2013 before it’s too late? Well live has identified a slew of happening african events to warm your winter. OK? SHAP!
Bushfire Festival (May 31-June 2)
Taking place in Swaziland and showcasing African musicians and artists, the 7th Annual MTN Bushfire Festival is expected to attract more than 20 000 people from around the world. For the past seven years, proceeds are given back to the community, feeding hundreds of orphans and supporting an organisation called Rural Bo Make. South African favourites like The Soil, Toya De Lazy, BIG FKN GUN, The Brother Moves On, Nakhan Toure, Shangaan Electro and Gcina Mhlophe are among those lined up.
Venue: House on Fire, Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland www.bushfire.co.sz
City Hall Sessions (June)
The Brother Moves On The Brother Moves On let LIVE in on what they have planned for this year’s festival. What is The Brother Moves On all about? There are only two words that describe the band appropriately: Fun and Pop-You-Lah. I cannot elaborate any further [chuckles]. What sets you apart from other SA bands in a similar genre? Firstly, there is no band with a similar genre –
we created a completely new one. We provide performance art and we are playful. Although we are a South African band, we are not obviously South African. What can fans expect at the festival this year? We are literally going to set the stage on fire. Our Bushfire Festival performance was one of our most favourite sets of all time, it has a social outcome. What’s up for the months ahead? Our website www. thebrothermoveson.com has a fun campaign where we are protesting against Tuesdays. South Africa is the protest capital of the world, so why not protest against a day as boring as Tuesday? Also in the pipeline is a tour called 18 Days. The plan is to do nine shows in six countries. Next on the cards will be the Four Masihlalisane tour in July. Our aim is to perform at every taxi rank in South Africa. Lastly, look out for our campus tours in August.
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Words Mpho Seoposengwe 22
Words Portia Mokowe 22
Words Gugu Xaba 22
Words Sabelo Mkhabela 23
Words Mpendulo Ndlovu 21
An annual series of concerts organized by Creative Cape Town, the City Hall Sessions aims to expose people to high– calibre African and South African music at affordable prices in the beautiful space of Cape Town’s old City Hall. Previous Sessions have hosted big names like Ismael Lo and Thandiswa Mazwai. The Sessions team also hosts workshops for young people around music, improvisation and festival production. The first Session was on 27th April, and included pianist Paul Hanmer, saxophonists McCoy Mrubata and Moreira Chonguiça, and Acapella group Amaroyoni. The next date is in June (TBA). Located opposite the Grand Parade and a stone’s throw from the bus and train stations, the Sessions are accessible, and at R80 (a reasonable R50 for students and pensioners), also affordable. Venue: City Hall, Cape Town www.cityhallsessions.co.za Words Emmanuel Pheehe 22
Design Nabeela Abrahams 20
entertainment regulars 40 Years of Arts and Entertainment: Grahamstown Arts Festival (June 27-July 7)
www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
ProFILE
Q&A
n
Helping South African filmmakers produce and distribute documentary films for over a dozen years, the Encounters film festival’s theme in its 15th year is “Women Direct”. With short and feature-length documentary films playing in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, it’s one of the most exciting film festivals of the year. This year’s festival includes 30 films, 15 from South Africa. One of the selections, Forbidden Voices, should particularly appeal to us: the generation glued to computer screens. Looking at bloggers from different parts of the world (Cuba, China and Iran), the film shows how they describe conditions in their countries and face possible attacks in different forms (e.g., an Iranian blogger had to flee her country and now lives in Germany). “Interconnectivity of the world through different multimedia platforms is what’s interesting to any viewer,” says Festival Director Lesedi Moche of Forbidden Voices.
© Suzy Bernstei
The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival (June 6 -23)
For forty years the Grahamstown Arts Festival has been entertaining us with the best of Mzansi’s arts and culture scene. This much-anticipated gathering takes place every winter in Grahamstown, and promises to provide nothing short of the year’s most intriguing arts, culture and entertainment productions. Some of last year’s Standard Bank Young Artists Awards winners will be showcasing their work in G-town this year. Among them, theatre winner, Prince Lamla will be debuting his theatrical production “Asinamali”, while performance artist Anthea Moys will present a series of contests entitled “Anthea Moys vs City of Grahamstown”. Anti-apartheid photographers Benny Gool, Zubeida Valie and Adil Bradlow will exhibit the show, “Martyrs, Saints and Sellouts”. On the musical side of the festival, expect to be blown away by the legendary Vusi Mahlasela, Jonas Gwangwa, Gloria Bosman as well as the SAMA award-winning group Mi Casa.
Prince Lamla LIVE’S Encounters Picks • Forbidden Voices: Three women bloggers use the internet to describe the conditions in their countries. • Solar Mamas: The journey of a woman from a desert village near the Iraqi border, who goes to India to attend the Barefoot College, where illiterate women are trained to become solar engineers. • Jeppe on a Friday: Set in the neighbourhood of Jeppetown in Johannesburg, the film explores the lives of the people who live and work there.
Venues: Nu Metro V&A Waterfront and Fugard Theatre (Cape Town) Bioscope (Johannesburg) Tickets: R40 at Computicket or at cinemas Volunteering submissions open on 3 May 2013
www.encounters.co.za
ArYA LoLLA, Director
Jeppe on a Friday documents a neighbourhood in Johannesburg over a period of 24 hours. Following the lives of eight very different characters, the film is a celebration of urban living in the city of gold. Ayra Lolla, whose previous films, Citizen X and Alexandra also focused on social dynamics in urban communities and townships, was no stranger to this neighbourhood. Though she had lived around Jeppetown, it was through making this film that she learnt the ins and outs and “got to see the hidden nooks”. “I would like to affect the way people feel, even if its just for a moment, because that is what art does best and what made me want to become a filmmaker,” says Lolla about making films.
Winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award Prince Lamla briefly tells us about his Grahamstown Arts Festival plans. Why should people look forward to the play Asinamali? Asinamali was written by renowned playwright Mbongeni Ngema. This tale of five black prisoners brought together in a South African prison is acted out as a theatrical poem, with the sounds of singing, dancing, shouting and speaking. This classic South African play was inspired by events that surrounded the 1983 rent strike in Lamontville township, led by activist Msizi Dube, in which the rallying cry was “Asinamali!” (Zulu for we have no money). What do you love about theatre? Theatre has the amazing ability to make stories more visible. Some of these stories help the audience reflect on their own lives. In one
for the 411 on art events check livemag.co.za
way or the other, that is liberating. What message will people take from this play? It shows us how apartheid was able to damage our society, especially black people. But perhaps the most powerful lesson in this story is in how the prisoners overcome their daily challenges and manage to survive. No matter how hard life may be, you should work hard to achieve your goals. Who would you like to collaborate with in the future? South African directors like Mncedisi Shabangu, Yael Farber, Vice Motshabi, Paul Grootboom and Lara Foot. Internationally, it’d have to be directors like Simon McBurney, Elizabeth LeCompte and the old man, Peter Brook.
ENTERTAINMENT
native rhymes
South Africa’s eleven official languages are increasingly being used by young people to express their art. LIVE profiled four up-and-coming vernacular rappers.
iSiXhoSa ConSCiouSnESS
Elroy Macklaglen, also known as MC Verrassings, is a 24-year-old poet and MC from Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town. Freestyling (improvising lyrics) since the age of 12, Verrassings raps in Afrikaans and English, sometimes incorporating IsiXhosa and a bit of French in his rhymes (he studied French at school). “The best part of being an MC for me is the performing. I enjoy seeing the crowd’s reaction when they realise I’m freestyling,” said Verrasings, who told LIVE that one of his best-ever performances was at this year’s Hip Hop KasLam at Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre. Verrassings’ music talks about hiphop culture, politics, crime and day-to-day issues that affect poor people. His unique freestyling style and strong stage presence have secured him loyal fans around Cape Town. MC Verassings is currently working on a mixtape that will be due for release during the course of the year. [ZM]
Jargon Music is a hip-hop crew from Delft South, Cape Town, whose two members, Ncedisa Mpemnyama and Lukhanyo “Freeze” Zondani, rap mainly in isiXhosa and English. Known for energetic and moving performances, their thoughtprovoking lyrics cover tribalism, sexism, homophobia and poverty, among other things. They’ve shared the stage with well-known Cape Town crew Driemanskap, renowned rapper Zubz, and poet and novelist James Matthews, to name a few. They have performed at the Grahamstown Arts Festival and in hip-hop shows all over Cape Town and the Eastern Cape. The best way to describe their sound? Think Tumi and the Volume, Ian Kamau, Mzwakhe Mbuli and a bit of Ringo Madlingozi mashed up. Established in 2007, the crew has two mixtapes under its belt: Times Have Changed and Too Gifted to Surrender, both available from the duo upon request. [ZM]
Facebook: MC Verrassings Email: mcverrassings@gmail.com
Facebook: JargonMusic Reverbnation: www.reverbnation. com/jargonmusic youtube Channel: www.youtube. com/JargonMusicTV1
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Words Zimasa Mpemnyama 21
Words Sabelo Mkhabela 23
Photos Patrick Simba 20
Twitter: @AbdusOne Facebook.com/AbdusOne Reverbnation.com/abdus
photo courtesy of artist
wESTERn FREESTyling
Durban punchline MC, Abdus, whose name means “servant of peace” in Arabic, released his highly anticipated debut album The Library last year. His previous mixtape Abdus vs Nyambz was produced by renowned underground producer Nyambz, and the second, The Fixtape, sold 4000 copies. Abdus says he chooses to rap in Zulu to make his music more accessible to his people. Other achievements include opening for Usher at the Hansa Pilsener Festival in 2011, performing alongside Lil Wayne during his Joburg concert in 2010 and traveling to Barcelona, Spain for the annual Primavera Music Festival. Touring to promote The Library, he will be appearing at the Castle Lite Extra Cold concert, at the Boulevard in Florida Road on the 1st of June. Details on how to purchase his album can be found on www.isupportdoyou. com. [SM]
photo courtesy of artist
iT RhyMES BETTER in Zulu
REPRESEnTing MoTSwaKo Born Kabelo Oageng, the 22-year-old Motswako rapper who goes by Notshi appeared in 2012 alongside Khuli Chana on “Tswa Daar” – arguably South Africa’s biggest hiphop single (the track won in The Metro FM Award’s “Best Collaboration” category). After major collaborations with HHP, Tuks, Mr Mo’lemi and appearing on DJ Lemonka’s Motswako Tape Vol.1 and Motswako Tape Vol. 2, Notshi finally dropped his debut album, Insert Coin, in 2010. Born and bred in Itsoseng, a small township in Mafikeng, Notshi believes that rhyming in English would be a job half-done, as his thoughts are best expressed in his mother tongue. The release of his second album this year will confirm that the Motswako movement is concretely here to stay. Having just finished a tour with Khuli Chana in the Free State and Gauteng, Notshi has a tour to Botswana in the pipeline. [SM]
Twitter: @Notshi_ Facebook: Notshi-(killa-bee) Design Reanetse Kolisang 23
meet some Vernac rappers @livemag.co.za/ vernarap
live sounds
ENTERTAINMENT regulars
Music Rewind e OF our favourite old-sc som h wit e lan ry mo me n dow p tri a es tak E LIV DLALA MAPANTSULA
TKZee
TKZee was the first kwaito band to breathe fresh beats and refreshing lyrics into kwaito. The “Dlala Mapantsula” music video starts off with the three members –Tokollo, Zwai and Kabelo – singing in the boxing ring. Dj Fresh and Bad Boy T also make an appearance as the match commentators. Some parts of the video were shot at the corner of a dilapidated building with the guys lounging about and singing. True to the title of the track, the video also features a whole lot of pantsula dance. This track really made 1998 a memorable year.
RATING: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
TKZee last released their album Coming Home in 2010. The guys each have solo careers but still perform together from time to time.
ARTHUR MAFOKATE
KAFFIR
This single, off Arthur’s1995 album of the same title, was released just after South Africa’s first democratic elections. In the song, a rebellious Arthur is pleading with his “baas” (employer) to stop calling him a kaffir. He even goes on to tell his employer that he wouldn’t appreciate it if he called him a “bobejaan” (monkey). The song represented a political and social change that needed to take place soon after the elections. “Kaffir” was one of the few kwaito tracks that was educational and entertaining at the same time.
RATING: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Even though he’s no longer the undisputed king of kwaito, Arthur is still an active musician and the owner of the production company 999 Music. He’s currently putting together a talent search TV show.
Words Relebohile Nephawe 22
Words Lungile Mdaki 24
Design Nabeela Abrahams 20
hool kwaito music videos.
TROMPIES
RATING:
MADIBUSENG
Old-school kwaito music videos were known for having a lot of dancing, and this one is no exception. The Trompies guys, in their infamous colourful outfits, are shown rocking their coordinated pantsula moves. The song speaks of a woman, played by the late Lebo Mathosa, who suffers really bad mood swings: happy, angry or emotional whenever her boyfriend comes to visit. Her unstable emotions and sometimes erratic behaviour earn her the name “traffic light.” The quality of the footage is not the best, but the storyline makes up for it.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Of the four members, Mandla Spikiri, Mahoota and Jakarumba each released solo albums, while Eugene took the academic route.
BOOM SHAKA
RATING:
IT’S ABOUT TIME
“It’s About Time” was the song that launched Boom Shaka’s career. The video shows the four-piece band performing and travelling around the country, teaching fans how to move their waists, ala Boom Shaka style. The Boom Shaka girls – the late Lebo Mathosa and Thembi Seete – were known for their sexy and provocative dance moves, after all, and this song injected some fun into kwaito. To this day, “It’s About Time” is a nostalgic track that still packs dance floors.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
The group last released an album, Rebellion, in 1998. Lead singer, Lebo Mathosa, sadly passed away in 2006.
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ENTERTAINMENT
At the Movies:
Dramatizing the lives of real people, biopics give a human face to some of the worlds’ biggest icons. LIVE reviews a few Hollywood classics and introduces the big screen lives of two history-makers.
What’s Love got to do with it
Ali
Lincoln
Hitchcock
Rating: Tina Turner played by Angela Bassett Director: Brian Gibson 1993, 118 minutes
Rating: Muhammad Ali played by Will Smith Director: Michael Mann 2001, 157 minutes
Rating: Abraham Lincoln played by Daniel Day Lewis Director: Steven Spielberg 2012, 150 minutes
Rating: Alfred Hitchcock played by Anthony Hopkins Director: Sacha Gervasi 2013, 98 minutes
Tina Turner enters a hotel, face bruised, clothes ripped and without a penny. She is at the height of her fame and has endured years of a physically and emotionally abusive marriage to Ike Turner. Having continuously wrestled with the idea of leaving her husband, it is at this moment that she finally makes a decision. The rest of the movie follows Tina’s path: her fight with her fears, and how she became the legendary solo singer and performer we know. Women abuse, drug abuse, ambition, excellence and diligence are among the issues the movie focuses on. Angela Bassett does an amazing job portraying Tina, and Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner is on point, as usual. This movie will warm your heart and make you see Tina Turner in a whole new light. [ZM]
With Will Smith as the title character, this film follows the evolution and transformation of young Cassius Clay into the world famous boxer Muhammad Ali. It contrasts his meteoric rise as an assertive, opinionated, confident young black boxer in a racially divided America in the midst of the civil rights movement, with his religious conversion from Christianity to Islam. The movie also grapples with Ali’s friendship with Malcolm X, his membership in the “controversial” Nation of Islam, plus his refusal to fight for the US army in Vietnam. Ali’s most famous fight, the “Rumble in the Jungle” with George Foreman in Zaire (D.R.C), is beautifully shot. Another amazing thing about this movie is how Will Smith transforms into Ali: from his physique to how he trashes his opponents. After all these years, Ali remains a mustsee. [ZM]
Lincoln is about the life of US President Abraham Lincoln and his quest to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery through the United States House of Representatives. The movie is set during the fourth year of the American civil war: 1865. Portraying the former President as a caring father, husband and friend, Lincoln shows the conflicts he faced as a leader, as well as how people respected him. If you’re a solid lover of anything director Steven Spielberg (director of Jaws and The Colour Purple among others) has done and don’t mind concentrating for two and a half hours, this movie may be for you. However, I found myself getting restless and actually fell asleep a few times. [ZM]
Hitchcock follows the love story of influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville during the 1959 filming of Psycho. Anthony Hopkins plays Hitchcock so well you forget that this isn’t the “master of suspense” himself. Helen Mirren as Alma provides the emotional pull the film – also a story about couples reconnecting after letting the sparks fly away – needs to work. The supporting cast is full of big names (Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel); they all do fine, but let’s just say there won’t be any Oscar nominees. The exception is James D’Arcy, whose performance as Anthony Perkins is so unnaturally creepy that I wished he had more screentime. Unspectacular, Hitchcock is entertaining enough, offering some insight into the man behind Psycho. [FM]
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Words Zimasa Mpemnyama 21
Words Fika Msengana 21
Design Nkosinathi mkhongi 22
watch the trailers here livemag.co.za/biopic
ENTERTAINMENT regulars
LIVE READS:
If you’re a laughing enthusiast then take a gander as LIVE celebrates the comedic banter of some pros. Seriously...I’m Kidding
By: Ellen DeGeneres Grand Central Publishing (2008) 241 pages Rating: The renowned talk show host Ellen DeGeneres always starts off her show with a monologue commenting on everyday issues that interest her. She uses this same style throughout this light, witty and sarcastic book that describes the past three years of her life; including everything from her experience as an American Idols judge to her decision not to have children. Chapters are mostly really short, making it possible to read five chapters in like thirty minutes. Not only do these bite-sized helpings make you feel like you’re doing something worthwhile, they’re a good strategy since sarcasm works best in small doses. The book has no particular storyline and sees DeGeneres bouncing between topics while touching on stereotypes (like how the perfect lesbian is supposed to own exactly three cats). Though her sarcasm can sometimes be a bit much, her book is still definitely worth reading. [LM]
Bossypants
By: Tina Fey Sphere (2011) 275 pages Rating: Screenwriter, producer and award-winning actress Tina Fey is known to wear the pants in American comedy circles. This highly anticipated book proves why this title is so fitting. This quirky autobiography describes Fey’s various funny childhood experiences, such as being confused for a boy in a supermarket due to her bowl haircut. In the chapter “Dear Internet”, the comedian tackles a twitter comment that once referred to her as an “ugly pear-shaped bitch and an overrated troll”. She returns that her body shape comes from spending too much time in business-class. Snap. The book’s funny tone doesn’t prevent Fey from showcasing her business savvy, describing her rise from just making jokes to creating her successful comedy series 30 Rock, running since 2006. A light and quick read, Bossypants’ humor will definitely appeal to young adult readers as well as give Fey’s fans insight into her bubbly personality. [GX]
50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa By: Alexander Parker Mercury (2010) 238 pages Rating:
At face value this book appears slightly racist, but that impression changes as soon as you get to the third chapter. Media personality Khanyi Mbau, former President Thabo Mbeki and Idols judge Randall Abrahams are some of the people that made the book’s list. Even more amusing is the fact that Randall received only half a page, versus the other stuffer-uppers who get three or more. If you’re not much of a newspaper reader, you will be shocked at some of the revelations in this book. It’s equally informative and entertaining, with semi-profiles of people involved in pre-1994 South Africa, like the infamous Wouter Basson and PW Botha. The book is a must-read for the funny way it tackles Mzansi’s political scandals, while also providing relevant information on its featured public figures. The author is straight to the point and opinionated, making for an educational, humorous and easy read. Cartoon illustrations by Zapiro make a big contribution to the book’s overall success. [PM]
Words Portia Mokowe 22
Words Gugu Xaba 22
Words Lesedi Motjane 20
Design Nkosinathi Mkhongi 22
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entertainment
LIVE POLITICS
The Shareholders
LIVE sat down with Dr mamphela ramphele to find out what electoral reform is, and the importance of the youth in the political landscape.
What is electoral reform and why is it something young people should care about? Young people have invested hugely in this freedom. If you look at some of the most pivotal moments leading up to our freedom – like June 16th 1976 – that was led by young people. In the current political system there is no accountability between the government and the people they’re supposed to represent and serve. Electoral reform will change the current voting system. Currently, we vote for a party and the members of parliament (MPs) are decided upon within this structure. The people have no say. Electoral reform will allow young people to be involved in choosing who represents them in parliament. If the chosen MPs do not serve the people, we as the people who voted them in, will then be able to remove them.
When election time comes around parties go on rallies and they promise us heaven and earth. What does the current electoral system say about the state of our nation? The party and the state are separate entities, yet this is not what people see. Young people have already started challenging public service delivery. We need to understand that the party, the government and the state are separate. Regardless of who you vote for, you are entitled to certain rights like pension, education, housing and many others.
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Words Ntombenhle Shezi 23
Electoral reform is top of your agenda. You talk about establishing a new system in which voters could choose their MPs directly. How do you plan to achieve this? Agang will fight the 2014 elections firstly by going around into provinces asking the people on the ground who they’d like to see represent them. We want to draw up a national petition led by young people proposing a change in the current electoral system. We want something that will be current and appropriate to the people of South Africa. So far the response has been overwhelming.
You the youth are the majority. So why are you letting a minority rule? How will changing the current electoral system affect the constitution? The constitution makes provisions for the review of the electoral system. The constitution allows for change, and not allowing this sort of information to be available to people is a violation of our constitutional rights.
Why do you think South Africa has such a low youth voter turnout? Young people have grown up in a political culture controlled by older people who tell them, “We liberated you”. No one has the right to tell us that. Most young people don’t understand as citizens they are shareholders in this country. Every time you don't vote, you are allowing seven out of ten young people to remain unemployed. This country has no voter education. To vote is an expression of power that each citizen is entitled to. The majority of people in South Africa are under forty years of age, this means that you the youth are the majority. So why are you letting a minority rule? Design Nabeela Abrahams 20
Photos Lungile Mdaki 24
What aspects of electoral reform are relevant for the youth? The key message is that the promise of freedom has been betrayed. We cannot wait one more term for children not to have teachers in their classrooms or for children to keep going without textbooks. Twenty years is too long to wait for high quality education, the provision of jobs and health. Young people need to stop thinking of themselves as future leaders – their future is now. The youth should be ensuring that the government takes accountability for their actions and that they operate in a transparent manner. This could be achieved through reforming the current system.
CURIOUS TO KNOW MORE?
CHECK AGANGSA.ORG.ZA
entertainment
live jabs
Space Invaders Standing in line waiting to use the ATM, I look down to find a big yellow sign printed with the words: STAND HERE Stepping onto the yellow block, I take a moment to think about this command from the powers that be. And then it hits me: the reason the bank has to spell this out for people is a) to prevent the next guy in line from sneaking a peek at your PIN number and b) because some people just don’t understand the concept of personal space… While I wait (and marvel at my Oprah ahha moment of brilliance) I begin to sense someone moving in on me. I close my eyes, clench my purse and whisper to myself, “Respect the bubble, respect the bubble, please resp...” Too late! Official awkwardness: I’m back-to-front and side-to-side with a Space Invader.
AND WHAT’S A SPACE INVADER?
So glad you asked. Space Invader (n.), an individual who intrudes on somebody else’s personal space, repeatedly-unintentionally/ intentionally (weird).
RESPECT THE BUBBLE
Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about: everybody has a personal space bubble. Mine floats on my back like a snail shell. The size of your bubble is really up to you. I like mine small and compact like a backpack. Others like their bubbles big (like, “I will slap you with a restraining order” big). Words Fika Msengana 21
Design & Illustration Reanetse Kolisang 23
THE SPACE INVADER TEST
The question of whether the Space Invader knows what he’s doing has popped into my head. My answer: “UHM, DUH!” Don’t take my word for it though. If you aren’t sure, put the question to the test. Move to the left. If the Space Invader shifts left, he definitely knows what he’s doing. Mine just took a step left. AND forward! Help!!!
LAYING DOWN THE LAW
Look your Space Invader in the eye and let her know that the government has just (like, one millisecond ago) passed a law on Violation of Personal Space, and if she knows what’s good for her, she’ll kindly take a step back. OK, so that’s not true. But it sounds plausible enough, and I’m sure I am not the only one who wished a law like that really existed.
I DID IT AGAIN. OOPS! NO, WAIT, YOU DID
Space Invaders are usually strangers, which makes telling them off a little difficult. I could come off mean in my efforts to claim my “freedom”. Or worse yet, my Space Invader might flip the script and make me wish I hadn’t said anything at all by starting a screaming match with me (you gotta think of the worst case scenario here, folks). So now I’m the freak? Not fair. So, while practically holding hands with my Space Invader, I wonder if he’ll remember this moment we shared together (kidding). But seriously, I do wonder whether any of this sounds familiar (Invaders out there, are you reading?). No worries though, if you have realized that you might have Space Invader tendencies, kindly etch this mantra into your head: ALWAYS respect the bubble.
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