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Afropolitan Business Dialogue Dinner - May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:26:00 +0100

Car review: Toyota Fortuner

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:15:50 +0100

Car review: Honda Ballade

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:50:35 +0100

A few words from Brendah

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:05:18 +0100

A day of hope and optimism for a bright future for all on the continent under the leadership of what seemed like a band of visionaries and nationalists. 49 years later the reality is vastly different. Many people of the African continent have nothing to celebrate. Famine, poverty, corruption and lack of democracy are the order of the day in many countries, with citizens feeling hard done by at the hands of those they entrusted with their vote.In this issue of the Afropolitan we look at what went ...

Car Review: VW Jetta - The force is strong with this one!

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:38:50 +0100

The Jetta is a slick looking and compact sedan that is VW pedigreed through and through. The front end is identical to that of the Polo, but the side profile is distinctly different. With smooth lines, which flow from back to the front, the car has a business sedan appearance. It has a low profile, which means that even though it has that distinguished business look to it; it has plenty of sportiness too. It’s not a massive car, so we had no trouble getting it in and out of tight parking spaces...

Book Review: "100 Years Of Struggle - Mandela's ANC" by Heidi Holland

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:28:30 +0100

What was your motivation to write the book?100 Years of Struggle - Mandela’s ANC was originally researched during the ’80s, when the ANC was banned in South Africa. As is the case with most of my books, my motive in writing it was to inform my own tribe – white southern Africans – about a subject that would affect their lives profoundly. In the book’s latest form, it offers readable, indeed entertaining, insights into our past. All of us with opinions about the ANC should be well-inform...

Movies from the Pan-African Film Festival 2012

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:12:06 +0100

LuckyDirector: Avie LuthraStarring: Sihle Dlamini, Jayashree Basavaraj, James Ngcobo and Vusi KuneneThe story is woven around a 10-year old boy who loses his mother to Aids. Lucky (Sihle Dlamini) makes a promise over his mother’s grave to make something of himself and leaves the security of his remote Zulu village for the big city of Durban. He arrives at the doorstep of an uncle (James Ngcobo) who is unloving and untrustworthy. After stealing the money meant for Lucky’s schooling, he kicks t...

DVD Review: Take Shelter

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:08:33 +0100

Take Shelter unfolds in the quiet Ohio countryside. Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) an all-around good guy is suddenly plagued by apocalyptic visions of a storm set to destroy everything he has, including his wife Samantha (Jessica Chastain) and six-year old deaf daughter, Hannah (Tova Stewart).As he questions whether the dreams and hallucinations are premonitions or if he is losing the plot, Curtis begins to investigate his family history of mental illness. He also distracts himself by equippi...

DVD Review: Restless

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:02:48 +0100

Enoch Brae (Henry Hopper) is an angry and depressed young man after the death of his parents and feeds his morbid fascination by gate-crashing people’s funerals. It’s at a funeral that he meets Annabel Cotton (Mia Wasikowska) - a beautiful terminally ill young woman. The two outsiders soon find an unexpected common ground in their unique experiences of the world. Eccentric misfits, Enoch’s best friend is the ghost of a Kamikaze fighter pilot who died in World War II. Annabel is wise and chi...

Music Review: Celebrating Khadja Nin

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:54:42 +0100

Born and raised in Burundi, Africa in a family of eight children, Khadja, by the age of seven had already discovered her voice and love of singing; she was a lead vocalist of a choir in her town of Bujumbura. When she turned 16 she left home for Zaire and was married at 17. Though music was in her heart she had no aspirations to pursue a musical career and settled down to a life of managing lodges for tourists. A move to Europe with her new family turned her life upside down but also gave her the...

Afro Decor: Design your home - from the floor up!

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:02:46 +0100

The Wonder of WoodWood floors are currently a hot home trend, popular in most modern houses for their elegance, charm, and durability. The style of hardwood flooring you choose should be a decision based on your lifestyle, the construction of your house, and your budget. Factors such as price, maintenance and installation can put some people off – but if this is the case, there are other types of flooring that will create the same wood effect at a cheaper price. Laminate flooring is a good opti...

In Conversation with… Loyiso Bala

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:46:59 +0100

You have managed to totally hold your own as an artist next to your brother. Was not wanting to be under his shadow part of your motivation to succeed?Not at all; he played a big role in launching my career. It wouldn’t have taken off as speedily if it weren’t for his success in the industry. For a long time he was my mentor and with his help I quickly got over some stumbling blocks that took him years to figure out. Now I’m in a position where we advise each other through most things.In wh...

Travel: Ghana’s Slave Coast

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:35:28 +0100

A history forgiven but not forgottenPeople come to Ghana’s slave forts for one reason: to shed tears while decrying the monstrosity of slavery. The Westerners are here to cry for the sins of their forefathers. The African Americans and Africans are here to cry about the inhumanity of it all. “To imagine the grave horror that our ancestors went through caged in small cells as they waited for ships that would take them away from the motherland, never to return,” as Kwame the tour guide booms ...

Restaurant review: Parc Ferme, Sandton

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:28:32 +0100

Sandton spoils us for choice with high-end dining choices. Parc Fermé delivers this to us with both formal and less formal options;The combination of location, decor, service and fare all collaborate toward delivering a “come back for more” experience, so we hope. Parc Fermé, situated in the very heart of Sandton’s metropolis on Maude Street, opposite the convention centre and lying within the Legacy Hotels building, certainly scores big when it comes to location. With its corner position...

Organised markets – The Future for Africa

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:32:22 +0100

In a world characterized by volatile commodity prices – a few questions beg for answers. Are African markets currently properly organized to enable Africa to extract full reward from its abundant resources? What institutional capacity exists to organize the markets to allow for accessible and transparent price discovery for Africa’s commodities? How much say does Africa have in the pricing of its commodities? The answer to the last question, disappointingly, is very little. A look at the glob...

Undercover Geek: Science and technology in Africa

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:16:06 +0100

Director of Corporate Services at Sci-Bono Fikile Mapela shared her insights with us on the advancement of Science and Technology in Africa. How did you get involved in Science? Growing up in Kwa-Mhashu Durban, I was always interested in how things work. In my teens I used to assist my uncle who is a motor mechanic. He made me his spanner girl, which gave me an opportunity to learn and not to fear technical “stuff”. This fascination led me to take an interest in maths and science at school.Pl...

Profiling Katleho Tsoku - The Bliss Lounge

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:56:31 +0100

We find out just how she did it:Can you give us some background on where you grew up and what your childhood was like?I was born and grew up in Soweto (Meadowlands/Diepkloof) with my mom, dad and older brother. Unfortunately my older brother passed away in 1993 from Hunters Syndrome and my dad passed away in 1997 from an aneurysm. So for the last 15 years it has just been my mom and I. While tragic and life altering, these events allowed my mom and I to have a very close relationship. Your mother...

Tsotsi in the Boardroom - Gabriel Magomola

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:31:11 +0100

What was it like growing up in Venterspost and then in Bekkersdal? What are your favourite memories from that time?Memories about Bekkersdal centre around my late mother who never had a chance to nurture me as she died when I was 15. My parents were lay preachers and faith healers so growing up we had lots of people coming in and crowding us out. At times I had to sleep in the kitchen under the table. But having said that I didn’t grow up in what would typically be seen as a poverty-stricken fa...

The African Dis-Union

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:22:43 +0100

Over the years the youthful and enthusiastic leaders turned into power-hungry old men who seemed to lack the ability to take decisive action, opting instead to hide behind statements, dialogue and committees. While civilians are being killed by government armed forces, they meet and discuss. As children die from cholera the AU forms committees and deliberates.Propelled by what was perceived to be the success of the Organisation of African Union (OAU), 53 African member states convened in July 199...

Lessons Africa can learn from Africa

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:57:44 +0100

NIGERIALearning from Nigerians...by Moky MakuraTAKE A RISK AND LIVE YOUR LIFE WITHOUT FEAR!Nigerians are arguably some of the most enterprising people in the world. Amongst our better-known home grown exports are our movies, our churches, our oil, three very specific digits from our penal code and of course, ourselves - there are millions of Nigerians dotted across the world and we make up the largest group of African diasporans. Nigerians are inherent risk takers, who naturally spot opportunitie...

The Great Debate: Am I African?

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:26:31 +0100

Who is African?Chester Higgins, Jr. said: “We are not Africans because we are born in Africa, we are African because Africa is born in us.” In 1906, an African intellectual Pixley ka Isaka Seme made this rather profound statement, “I am an African, and I set my pride in my race over against a hostile public opinion,” and nine decades later on occasion of the adoption of the new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the then deputy president Thabo Mbeki delivered a goosebumps-induc...

My Brother's Killer

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:09:58 +0100

Many of us are not in South Africa because it is our preference. Circumstances such as extreme hunger, political persecution and desperation drove us to cross borders and attempt to make a life for ourselves hereIn all I have loved most of the 10 years I have spent in this culturally rich and diverse country. However, my love has become tainted by fear. A feeling which was initially a vague and distant sensation, but it has become more dominant in the wake of the xenophobic attacks which erupted ...

Bisquit Cognac Evening- VIP Registration - 4 April 2012

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:56:21 +0100

Win with Afropolitan - issue 26 giveaways!

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:50:00 +0100

Birds, bees and being African

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:31:12 +0100

My first awareness of how “bad and dirty” sex was came when I realised that any time there was a “kissing scene” or any hint of intimacy on television, my father subtly hinted to my mother that we should be sent on a random errand, or, in extreme cases, to bed. I shudder to think how my parents would have handled all the “soft porn” being shown so early on television these days. My parents’ reluctance to expose their little angel to anything so vile taught me that some...

Tsotsi in the boardroom: J J Tabane

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:50:39 +0100

A man that has been hailed as one of South Africa’s leading media and communications specialists, JJ Tabane is also a community activist and business executive. He owns Oresego Holdings, a company that specialises in international business support and communications advisory services. Oresego recently partnered with Hope Africa, the social development programme of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa, and leadership-development organisation Sacord to launch the Youth and Graduat...

Undercover Geek: (Hyper) text in the city

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:46:14 +0100

It’s not so hard to imagine that an industry that exploits our most base and animalistic sexual desires and generates billions of dollars in revenue annually (even our local TopTV wants in on the action) could be responsible for driving some of our most important digital advancements. Allow me to elaborate... From affiliate marketing to e-commerce, seemingly innocuous everyday technologies that allow us to do things such as transact online owe their being and perfection to the nascent onli...

Sex scandals

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:32:39 +0100

PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA – ROCK STAR The president of South Africa’s personal life has been in the spotlight for many years and as many reasons. From rape trials and polygamy practices to fathering a child out of wedlock, it reads like a soapie. The latest involves American-Sudanese model-cum-hostess/novelist and actress Kola Boof, who is best known for her affair with Osama bin Laden or “Somi”, as she apparently affectionately called him. I...

One man's child, another man's slave

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:13:42 +0100

The majority of the world’s population of almost seven billion people are minors who are not yet at a legal age to work. Reports have shown that these minors – both male and female – are being recruited by organisations to perform the kinds of tasks that adults would generally consider as immoral and that aren’t fitting for the mental or physical state of children. WHAT IS CHILD TRAFFICKING? Trafficking in children is generally held to mean the recruitment, transportation, tra...

Travel feature: Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:54:24 +0100

Legend has it sailors would be able to make it there through the dense fog and heavy surf, but like in the classic tune Hotel California, they could never leave as that very same surf that had thrust them to shore made it virtually impossible to launch their boats back into the ocean, leaving them stranded. Once they had beached with no hope of getting back to sea, daylight would reveal to them the frightening realisation that they are in fact surrounded by nothing but thousands of ...

Restaurant review: Rambling Vines - Mount Grace country house and spa, Magaliesburg

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:17:51 +0100

Rambling Vines is an apt name, as from the parking lot you need to take a stroll across a courtyard and a turn here and there, to come to the entrance. Two wrought-iron candelabra standing at near head height flank the welcome table. By its own description, the restaurant is a “fusion of contemporary luxury and classic charm”, and with its mixture of “old world” hanging brass lanterns, mirrors and vases, the décor is both elegant and casually country.We waited for our table...

Car review: Renault Clio Sport Gordini - The pocket rocket

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:07:02 +0100

. Each Gordini is numbered, so you know you are part of something special, and the interior is tailored like a fine suit. The blue, white and black stitched leather interior balances sporty good looks with elegant French flair. It is the contrasts that make the Gordini such a stand-out model for us. The seats, although padded and stitched with fine leather, are still somewhat uncomfortable if you find yourself stuck in traffic for more than a couple of hours. The Gordini comes in a beautiful b...

Car review: Subaru Legacy - Forget the Germans

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:02:44 +0100

When you think Subaru, you think 4x4 or rally, and that is not completely off course. The Forester is one of the most lauded 4x4s on the market, and the Impreza WRX STi has garnered praise and a loyal following because of its exploits in the World Rally Championship. The Legacy is a combination of on-road sportiness and business class comfort. The 2.5 litre engine on the model we had packed a 195kW punch, which means that getting from zero to 100km/h takes a short 6.2 seconds, and with 350Nm of t...

Car review: BMW 1 series - A seriously hot hatch

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:58:05 +0100

The 1 Series’s great BMW pedigree is obvious at first glance. The first version was a standalone experiment, and BMW were playing on a field on which they had no prior experience. But they’ve learnt through the years. The new 1 Series has all the features that made the old 1 Series so popular, but they’ve now taken the best of the other BMW series and added it to the baby in the family. At a recent launch we were given a full day to experience and test the 1 Series in both an ...

The other side of sex

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:41:23 +0100

But as an HIV doctor I see people die needless deaths simply because they did not test for HIV. This is a serious problem within certain pockets of our society and drives my passion to save people’s lives. There are three blind spots to highlight when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of HIV: the elderly and HIV, racial stereotyping and HIV, and the closest to my heart – pregnancy and HIV. THE ELDERLY October 2010 saw me working in Orange Farm on the outsk...

Rags to Riches: Denise Mhlanga

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:29:39 +0100

What is your fondest childhood memory? How much I loved books! I would read anything I could get my hands on. In a way books provided me with an opportunity to dream and enhance my imagination. I was filled with an avid desire to know more about the world – not just my immediate surroundings but also places far and wide. I tend to think I was born with ink in my veins. I just had to learn to use the ink so that it would leave impressive marks on any page. H...

The Afropolitan Magazine - Issue 26

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:54:16 +0100

HIV specialist Dr Sindi van Zyl takes a look at some of the blind spots and myths that people have when dealing with HIV/AIDS and those living with the pandemic. We break down the facts regarding the crime of sex and human trafficking and also look at the fight to combat this repulsive activity. Top TV has been in the news as South Africans reacted to the channel’s plans to introduce pornography, and our Undercover Geek sheds some light on the business of porn. For a lighter look we explo...

Movie Review: Shame

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:48:04 +0100

When Brandon’s routine becomes horribly disrupted by Sissy’s imposition on his Manhattan lifestyle, his insular life spirals out of control, and her dependency provokes Brandon to violent displays of temper. This intense character study boasts powerful performances by Fassbender and Mulligan. The actors manage to take viewers on a powerful plunge into the mania and self-destructive nature of sexual addiction. Shame is a raw portrait of damaged siblings and sex addiction. Sad,...

Movie Review: We need to talk about Kevin

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:41:46 +0100

The cracks in her marriage to husband Franklin (John C. Reilly) begin to show as Eva must now abandon her career and apartment she loves for a child she hates. As Kevin (the boy is played by Jasper Newell and the teenager by a creepy Ezra Miller) grows up, he becomes more difficult to handle and expresses a mysterious hatred for his mother. Things become even worse when his younger sister (Ashley Gerasimovich) arrives. The teenager then commits an unspeakable crime that leaves Eva ...

Movie Review: My week with Marilyn

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:26:14 +0100

While they were shooting the movie, Marilyn’s marriage to Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott) was on the rocks, and Olivier was becoming increasingly frustrated with her tardiness and sub-standard acting abilities. Cue Clark, who stepped into an emotionally volatile situation to become Marilyn’s closest confidant on set. They spent an intimate week together in the English countryside, and an unlikely friendship unfolded between the movie-mad assistant and one of the most famous women ...

DVD Review: The next three days

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:12:23 +0100

Feeling the justice system has failed her, Lara tries to commit suicide, and John becomes determined to save his wife. He becomes obsessed with the idea of breaking her out of jail and seeks the advice of ex-convict Damon Pennington (Liam Neeson), who staged his own daring prison break. John tirelessly researches and stakes out the routines of the prison as he prepares to put his life on the line for the woman he loves. Lara’s innocence is questioned throughout the ...

DVD Review: Sanctum 3D

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:09:54 +0100

A violent flash flood blocks the team’s only exit and gives them no choice but to bury themselves deeper into the cave in the hope of escaping through uncharted routes. Can they survive an underwater labyrinth of raging water, dangerous terrain and mounting panic? Exotic locations off the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia inspired some great cinematography, which includes 3D digital techniques. Although it is not always comfortable to watch, the breathless quest a...

DVD Review: Life in a day

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:59:49 +0100

The film is ultimately about human connection and affirms the simple joys and sorrows that we experience as human beings. A true mosaic of just one day reveals life at its rawest – thrilling, funny, sad, breathtaking and mundane all at the same time! The mishmash of highly personal, inane, and fascinating clips include, among many, a skydiver freefalling, a young man coming out to his family, a globetrotting Korean man travelling the world by bicycle, an elderly couple having thei...

Culinary Culture: Food of Love

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:49:22 +0100

So in the spirit of good sexual health, we present to you our saucy salmon on a sultry bed of three libido boosting ingredients including: avocado, celery and almonds (amongst others). Saucy SalmonMarinade: 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 4 salmon fillets (about 3cm thick) Cooking spray The salsa bed:1/2 cup peeled and diced avocado1/2 cup diced celery1/2 cup peeled and diced canned peaches / fresh ...

Working towards sexual diversity

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:46:22 +0100

The Project was founded just over three decades ago by GASA 6010, and it was initially only a small support group for gay white men. It now tackles diverse social issues confronting LGBT people of all races. The definition of sexuality is almost irrelevant to the organisation, which focuses on advocating human rights. The Triangle Project’s mission is to challenge prejudices targeted at communities that live outside the conventionally accepted norm of sexuality. The organisation has evolved and...

CULTURE - Even the Philistines had one

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:23:40 +0100

In the last few centuries, my immediate Irish, English and Afrikaner ancestors did agree on one thing – that the white “race” was more intelligent, moral and deserving than all the others. This created a traditional culture, at best condescendingly paternalistic, at worst savagely intolerant, of white supremacy. I managed to outgrow that culture. Probably because I read, rather than getting my worldview from scared old drunk fellow whities. (They’re the only ones who still bang on about t...

An Evening with Simphiwe Dana – Live in Concert

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:14:54 +0100

In her latest double-CD offering, An Evening with Simphiwe Dana – Live in Concert, she gets up close and personal with her audience. Backed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Miagi Youth Orchestra she takes you on a soul-stimulating melodic ride by performing, amongst others, firm favourites such as Ndiredi and Bantu Biko Street. She also throws in treasured classics such as Miriam Makeba’s Meadowlands and Angelique Kidjo’s Malaika. If you are desperate for respite from the...

Sex in the workplace

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:54:11 +0100

This kind of behaviour is what is defined by the United Nations Development Fund for Women as sexual harassment. Their definition of sexual harassment as “unwelcome or unwanted verbal, non-verbal, physical or visual conduct based on sex or of a sexual nature; the acceptance or rejection of which affects an individual’s employment” differs little from the South African Labour Relations Act’s definition, which states, “Sexual harassment is any unwanted attention of a sexual nature that ta...

Book review: Morgan Tsvangirai - at the deep end

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:06:56 +0100

Tsvangirai’s book, At the Deep End (ghost written by William Bango and published by Penguin Books) begins with a rather detailed and extensive history of the man himself – starting from his birth in rural Gutu and ending in the power-sharing period of Zimbabwe’s transformation, post-independence. It also offers an equally detailed history of Zimbabwe, the transition from Southern Rhodesia to present-day co-governed Zimbabwe. While the history lesson is the unofficial and seemingly truthful ...

The Afropolitan Magazine - Issue 24

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:41:08 +0100

The Afropolitan Magazine - Issue 23

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:53:17 +0100

"I will not stop speaking truth to power and not stop operating under the auspices of truth and impartiality," she told a press briefing. This saga reminded me of another brave, courageous and principled woman who was prepared to stand up to authority because she felt she was fighting for a just cause. Former Deputy Minister of Health, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, was sacked on the eve of National Women’s Day by President Mbeki following a long-running discord with her principal, the late Manto T...

The Afropolitan Magazine - Issue 22

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:33:40 +0100

The war of attrition between the Jews and the Palestinians in the Middle East is a classic example of violence breeding more violence – a region where young men are initiated into the deadly brotherhood of suicide bombers and brainwashed into believing that the solution to getting even with their “infidel” enemies is to fly into the latter’s tall buildings in suicide missions.The evil twin of such religious zealousness is racial hatred. The year of my birth – 1968 – witnessed the assa...

The Afropolitan Magazine - Issue 21

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:11:25 +0100

Nyerere championed the viability of indigenous systems and pioneered ujamaa, a brand of African socialism. An erudite intellectual, the man known affectionately as Mwalimu (which means teacher) was also one of the first exemplary post-independence leaders to voluntarily step down from office. On the other hand, Nkrumah was forced out of office after eight years in power by members of the army and police who were “acting in co-operation with neo-colonialists and seized power while I was away on ...

The Afropolitan Magazine - Issue 20

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:06 +0100

In this regard leaders in countries such as Kenya and Zimbabwe have set a bad precedent by refusing to respect the outcomes of the democratic ballot process; they’re holding the entire populace at ransom to cling to power at all cost, including the cost to human lives. On the flipside, groundbreaking political developments in Sudan should hopefully serve as a beacon of hope for the continent’s largest country. The historic referendum in that country is an exercise of the will of the people, a...

Undercover Geek: What the future holds

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:14:43 +0100

Of course there is always the remote possibility that the Mayan scribes responsible for documenting the Mayan apocalypse of 2012 slipped up and allowed a typo to creep into their ornate jungle font and the “0” in 2012 was actually meant to be an “8” or something. Phew... I’d be so relieved. I’d have to equate a mistake of such game-changing magnitude to be in the same league as the colossal mistake made by Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, the maverick ex-Microsoft honcho who de...

Tsotsi in the boardroom: Lulu Letlape

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:07:52 +0100

Lulu brings the weight of her experience to how she tackles her work every day at Sanlam, where she is responsible for sustainability reporting, establishing frameworks and compliance with regard to the JSE index, communications and public affairs. She also represents Sanlam in various committees and forums. She took time to share with us some of the lessons she has learnt in her life’s journey up to now. WOMEN AND THEIR RIGHTS As a woman, she has had to overco...

Travel Feature: Mauritius

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:58:35 +0100

For those who have never had the opportunity to experience the gem that is Mauritius, here is some background information. Officially discovered in 1507, Mauritius (named after Dutch Prince Maurits van Nassau) is off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometres to the east of Madagascar. Dutch occupation under Admiral Wybrand van Warwyck ended in 1710, when sugar-cane production and animal breeding on the island failed to turn a profit. A few ye...

When we walked with lions

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:27:56 +0100

This surreal occurrence was part of an initiative set up by Lion Encounter, an active conservation programme organised by passionate people wanting to secure the future of the African lion. In centuries past, lion were the most widespread animals on land after human beings. In 1976 more than 200 000 of these magnificent creatures roamed the plains of the African continent. Sadly today paints a drastically different picture. The latest estimates show a frighteningly alarmi...

No continent for old men

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:20:20 +0100

Their tenures are characterised by an inability and unwillingness to adapt to changing political circumstances and respond to the needs of their people. Deeply rooted in the patriarchal system of governance within which despotic tendencies emerge, these men have entrenched themselves in the conscience and very fibre of their nation and every sphere of life. Their image exists in tandem with that of their own countries. It is generally in the nature of these leaders, whose egos are...

Restaurant Review: Marion on Nicol

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:09:42 +0100

The kitchen is run by executive chef Michael Colling. The menu opens with a few words on its philosophy, “This menu can best be described as a combination of old classics with new innovations and techniques that are simple and honest.” Highlights from the starter menu include oysters served with gazpacho and caviar, beef consommé served with oxtail ravioli and herbs, a mushroom cappuccino, a vegetable tower (a must for our next visit), and a tomato and bocconcini dis...

Marrying Black Girls for Guys Who Aren’t Black

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:01:49 +0100

And then actually date them and start going out in public together and stand in the queue at movies with them and all that? Go to braais and say, “This is my girlfriend, Letsego?” or Lonwabo, or Sibu, or Kate because she grew up with a white family. Or whatever. If this sounds like you, and you follow things through to their natural conclusion, you may even end up marrying her, differently coloured as you might be. It happened to me, so I have prepared a li...

Rags to Riches: Shaun Battleman - Activist, Teacher, Entrepreneur

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:42:16 +0100

Shaun’s first foray into the business world came when he lent R2 000 to a teaching colleague who wanted to launch a cupboard manufacturing business to supplement his income. When his colleague struggled to return the initial funding, he stepped in to administer the business and discovered a passion for growing and managing enterprises. South Africa’s transition to democracy inspired him to be part of a generation that would focus on economic freedom, chart a new course and alter the face of i...

Company Profile: An African brand with global vision

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:33:05 +0100

The Mosa group of companies represents a diverse collection of businesses in the engineering, retail and minerals sectors. Mosa also has an established Ugandan operation and an international division. Christopher is nothing if not pragmatic, yet his successes to date are founded on his ability to dream and a desire to empower himself and others. The group’s vision embraces the dream of a self-sustainable continent. For Christopher this is not a lofty ideal, and his own ...

Afroprofiles: City of Johannesburg

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:44:33 +0100

The City continues to follow a policy of upgrading its facilities and as such requires funding the normal levels of replacement capital expenditure while ensuring a smooth flow of its normal service delivery operations. The Treasury division – the City’s central banker - is tasked with ensuring that our municipality is financially sound and committed to excellence and service delivery, and always strives to ensure that budgeted funds are made available in time to support the C...

Movie Review: Friends with benefits

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:40:40 +0100

Jamie is a headhunter who lures Dylan, an art director, to an interview for GQ magazine. She needs him to take the job to earn her bonus and so sweetens the deal by showing him around New York. The super-sexy young professionals both decide that an occasional quickie between friends is the perfect pick-me-up. Don’t allow your low expectations of the film to keep you away. In fact, you may be pleasantly surprised with a few good laughs. If romcom is your favourite genre, then Fr...

Movie Review: The First Grader

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:38:52 +0100

Local parents of the already overcrowded school don’t want to waste a seat on the old man, but head teacher Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris) is moved by his passionate plea and courageously supports his struggle. Together, they face fierce opposition from parents and officials and attract attention from the media. Maruge manages to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest primary-school pupil. The film moves between Maruge’s memories of the ...

Movie Review: The Help

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:37:07 +0100

Skeeter conducts a series of probing, in-depth interviews with the women who cook, clean and raise the babies of the wealthy families in the neighbourhood. After so many years of biting their tongues, Aibileen and her rebellious friend Minny grow excited by the opportunity of finally expressing themselves, as Skeeter encourages them to tell their life stories and unveil their secrets. The interviews begin with Aibileen (Viola Davis), who has raised 17 white children over ...

The Nissan Pathfinder – a bold statement

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:31:35 +0100

I recently drove the Nissan Pathfinder and had a whole week to put it through its paces. This is a big 4x4, both inside and out, meaning that the Pathfinder can take you, six friends and some luggage around town and the bush with maximum amount of comfort and space. Normally the Pathfinder comfortably accommodates five passengers, but I needed to ferry seven of us around town for the day, and with the flip of a few seats and switches, I was able to convert some unneeded boot space...

Lexus CT200h – blue with envy

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:29:35 +0100

The exterior of the CT200h instantly won me over. It is sleek, aggressive and sexy, which draws the attention of fellow motorists as you silently zip past them on the bustling city streets. The interior of the Lexus is that of multi-million rand car and boasts the best gadgets, finishes and extras you could ever hope to have. The little touches make all the difference; these include a leather dash, flip up and down navigation and a rocking entertainment system. It has cru...

Honda Accord – a cut above

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:27:54 +0100

The Accord boasts a host of fine specifications that put it in a class of its own. These fine features include dual-zone climate control, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory function and heated front seats with leather trim. It also has Bluetooth phone connectivity, six airbags, vehicle stability assistance, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist. The model I had, the 2.4l iVtec Exclusive, also has a USB...

Marriage and Money

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:20:07 +0100

What are the key questions that you should ask your partner to help you understand their financial circumstances?Ask about their priorities. What are the most important priorities that this person has in life? Is it the accumulation of material gains such as an expensive vehicle or is it investing in a property? If material wealth is more important, chances are they will loot their money for short-term gratification and compromise long-term gains such as investing in property. The other critical...

Win with Afropolitan - issue 25 giveaways!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:50:46 +0100

The Gaddafi I Knew

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:39:22 +0100

Backing Idi Amin: Idi Amin came to power in 1971 with the support of Britain and Israel because they thought he was uneducated enough to be used by them. Amin, however, turned against his sponsors when they refused to sell him guns to fight Tanzania. Unfortunately, Gaddafi, without first getting enough information about Uganda, jumped in to support Idi Amin. He did this because Amin was a “Muslim” and Uganda was a “Muslim country” where Muslims were being “oppressed” b...

The Badge

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:25:16 +0100

Siener in die Suburbs was, before rehearsals even began, a massive hit. With the censors. “How,” they asked, “can you have a character who has only one line?” “How,” they spluttered, “can this character’s only line be, ‘Ma, I’m preggers’?” Life is not like that! When it was explained that the whole narrative revolved around this line, the character and her line were allowed to remain in the play, and it is on the actress who would interpr...

Questions for Kabelo Mabalane

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:08:55 +0100

Your career goes back to the beginning of TKZee. How has Kabelo the man changed over the years? Wow… I was an arrogant, self-centred, angry young man who made lots of mistakes. I crashed cars, fixed them, sold them and bought more cars [laughs]. I took too many drugs and chased too many women… everything was about me. I even thought at one stage that the moon was following me around as I drove around at night! But I’ve come to realise it’s actually not all about me. The wo...

Movie Review: A Better Life

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:09:00 +0100

Carlos buys into the American dream of running his own business, with a new truck, a client list and some gardening tools. But disaster strikes when the truck is hijacked. The massive blowback event exposes the strength of character required when dreams are destroyed. Featuring a mix of Spanish and English, this socially conscious film keeps it simple and understated. It’s ultimately about a father’s love, the meaning of family and the lengths a parent will go to to g...

Movie Review: Beautiful Boy

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:06:51 +0100

\Their emotionless 20-year marriage is on the brink of collapse when they receive the news. Now with their only child dead, they realise they only have each other as they struggle numbly through the funeral, the media onslaught, and the awkward pity from relatives and friends. The film’s greatest strength is the gripping performances by Bello and Sheen. Director: Shawn Ku Starring: Maria Bello, Martin Sheen and Kyle Gallner...

Movie review: Bridesmaids

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:03:26 +0100

As Annie stumbles through the expensive and bizarre bridal rituals, she is constantly upstaged by perfectly composed and mega-wealthy fellow bridesmaid Helen (Rose Byrne). In the meantime Annie’s personal life is rapidly unravelling. She loses her job, gets evicted from her apartment and is involved in an unfulfilling relationship with a self-absorbed and uncommitted man. Through the trials and tribulations of wedding planning friendships are made and broken. Ultimately...

Afro Decor: Paint with imagination

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:50:03 +0100

Feature wall Creating a feature or accent wall is a simple way to give a room a dramatic focal point. It’s also a great way to inject some colour and personality into a room. Here, a minimalist kitchen is reignited by a feature wall in energising red. As a basic rule, choose a wall that’s as plain as possible, without doors or windows that will break up the flow of colour. It may seem obvious, but adding high-impact colour will draw attention to your chosen wall – ...

‘Tis The Season To Drink Cocktails

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:41:39 +0100

Afropolitan Fashion - issue 25

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0100

issue25/fashion

Music: Zahara - "Loliwe"

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:03:11 +0100

Armed with her guitar and her hauntingly beautiful voice, Zahara serenades listeners with tracks such as Umthwalo and Loliwe, and one is left in no doubt at all of her talent. Many have likened her voice to the late great Brenda Fassie’s, and it’s easy to see why – just listen to Xa Bendingena Mama. The raw edge in her vocals is most definitively reminiscent of the amazing talent of South African music legends of bygone days. As with most singers, Zahara started her...

Music: Kabelo Mabalane "Immortal Vol. 1"

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:45:26 +0100

From Amapantsula Ajabulile featuring Professor to Novacaine with Danny K, Kabelo successfully manages to bring two different sides of the South African music industry together to produce magic. Sexy tracks on the album including Bouga Ngiyak’thanda and Like I Do featuring Lungi Naidoo will take listeners back to the much-loved “Bouga Luv” style without losing the edge of an artist who still has his finger on the pulse.

Power to the people

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:35:17 +0100

To understand how we got to this dire situation where climate change threatens the very continuation of human civilisation as we know it, let’s start at the beginning. Back in the murky shadows of time, a curious, hairless and unique primate emerged that had developed a unique ability to manipulate and change its environment. Once Homo sapiens arrived on the scene with our big problem-solving brains, opposable thumbs and our desire to explore, Mother Nature has not rested much. ...

Book Review: "My Father, My Monster"

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:28:29 +0100

Seemingly abandoned by their parents, five-year-old MacIntosh and his little sister, Zinhle, were left in the care of his mother’s extremely impoverished family in rural KwaZulu-Natal. From this point on their lives became a hellish nightmare of poverty, mistreatment and bullying by the older children and brutal physical punishment by the adults. MacIntosh’s only hope and encouragement for his sister was that their mother would return and take them home to the happy life he re...

Contact Media rides high on PICA win — 18 November 2011

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:21:47 +0100

The Afropolitan Fashion Show 2011 All Access video clip

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:51:26 +0100

Stepping up to the plate (Pabi Moloi)

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:57:35 +0100

Over the past couple of years All Access Mzansi presenter Pabi Moloi started receiving countless requests from young people requesting her to act as their mentor. She really had no idea what the term meant and what responsibilities were involved. After lengthy discussions with friends and colleagues it became clear to her that though there were many successful people, such as herself, who had grown up in disadvantaged areas such as Soweto, Diepsloot and Alexandra, there was still ...

The Suzuki SX4 (Review)

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:44:06 +0100

The Subaru Forester S Edition (Review)

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:38:45 +0100

Kaburu: Sudsy Malone’s and the washing of the soul

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:23:33 +0100

“From Holland. You know, Europe? No, no, not Europe, Nebraska. Oh, never mind.” Besides the fact that all you had to add onto the word “Dutch” was “man”, and I’d be nailed, the good folks of Ohio bought it hook, line and sinker. Now, what Afrikaner, you may well ask, would deny the Springbok? Well, the way I went on you’d swear I’d never even heard about rugby, never mind the “Sprungbox” or whatever ya call ’em. You’d be amazed how quickly you learn to ...

Afro Food: Yamato

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:57:34 +0100

The Volvo V 60: Practically perfect

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:54:53 +0100

Volvo’s new ethos is to produce something that is naughty but nice. The fabulous new range of S60s and V60s gave us a chance to see, feel and embrace a car that has come a long way to tackle a demanding market head-on. The V60 is a very practical car that has been built with the family in mind. It has generous amounts of space, both for passengers and luggage. The model we had was the V60 T6 all-wheel drive, with a six-cylinder 3.0 litre engine. While the space provides real co...

The Range Rover Sport - Big car, bigger delivery

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:50:58 +0100

The interior is nothing short of perfect, with the driver and all passengers given everything they might need and then a little more. The seats are made from the finest leather and are supremely comfortable. They are electronically adjustable with a memory setting, and the leather steering wheel has multifunction switches and cruise control that have been redesigned to give you maximum control over your environment. There is also climate control with an automatic air filtration system tha...

The BMW 520D - The WOW Factor

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:47:17 +0100

If you think the car’s exterior frame is large, you should see the interior. There is plenty of space for both front and rear passengers. It has all the comfort elements you would ever need including individual climate control for all four passengers, DVD entertainment in the back to amuse the kids on a long haul and automatically adjustable seats with a memory function, which means no matter who sits behind the wheel of your car, you can always slide back into your seat the way it was ...

Issue 24 Gadget Reviews

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:40:54 +0100

Click here to browse the gadgets reviewed in Issue 24 of The Afropolitan magazine.

Movie review: London Boulevard

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:08:54 +0100

Farrell gives an awesome performance in his role as a hard ruthless man with a desire for redemption, and the performance by Keira Knightley trades cleverly on her stardom. There are no surprises as the story plays out, and although the plot is predictable, it is surprisingly an enjoyable one to watch. Director: William MonahanStarring: Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Ray Winstone...

Movie review: The Perfect Host

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:06:06 +0100

When this pair of twisted characters finds themselves in the each other’s extraordinary company, things quickly get out of hand. The conman suddenly finds himself intoxicated by a cocktail of sedatives and alcohol. When he comes to, he is tied to a chair with his hands bound behind his back, forced to play witness to his dinner host’s mad schizophrenic visions and insidious dinner chatter. This dark comedy is offbeat, strange and slightly deranged but quite fun to wat...

Movie review: The Tree of Life

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:01:58 +0100

The film is an intimate observation of Jack’s typical 1950s Texan family – besides the stern, business-minded father, there’s a loving, compassionate mother (Jessica Chastain) and Jack’s two brothers –and the star-studded cast is able to offer viewers a palpable portrayal of the complex relationships between them. Acclaimed director and master storyteller Terrence Malick says, “The family – our first school – is the only place that most of us learn the truth about ...

Book review: Patchwork – Ellen Banda-Aaku

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:55:10 +0100

In the first half of her offering Banda-Aaku uses the setting of Pumpkin’s early life to raise serious issues without allowing them to distract from the story. The events are often shocking, but, told in a young girl’s voice, they do not take on any additional significance – they merely become part of the complex journey of growing up. Despite all that Pumpkin observes and learns about her father and his imperfections, she continues the live in awe of this fatally flawed man...