IMPRINTING
IMPRINTING AFRICA BROCHURE
The Vision Imprinting Africa is an arts and media company, created to tell African stories to the world. Through the use of visual and performance arts, printed media and educational resources we strive to tell stories that instruct and inspire our audiences.
Who are we? Imprinting Africa seeks to normalise access to the marginalised. As we are specialists in varying field of writing, arts, marketing and drama we are able to identify raw talent, and then create platforms for them to explore their gifting. We hope to connect stakeholders with aspiring artists in order to groom and elevate them to international status.
Briann Mashezha CEO
Briann has over 10 years’ experience in the creative writing industry and has served as Incubeta Holding’s Chief Copy writer and editor for 5 years to date. He has vast experience in website content, SEO content and creative writing for advertising material. He has edited several books from many authors including Bernadette Chiponda, SICK & TIRED OF BEING Single. Briann has worked with globally renowned music producers including the Emmy award winners in 2019; A Curtis Farrow, and Hezekiah Walker (USA) The projects included collaborating in an international event hosted in SA – “The Door of Our Return” – courtesy of Marketplace Calling International, as well as partnering with media houses such as the Newzroom Africa and the SABC. This experience shaped Briann into a consummate event planner who thrives on organizing high-end events including virtual setups. Briann has acquired international connections that are essential in marketing any product to a global audience. Briann is not only the CEO of Imprinting Africa but also the MD of IAP Solutions, his brainchild. This is a digital marketing and communications agency that deals with corporate branding, SEO, and internet marketing, as well as social media. Briann who just recently becoming a father again, has a passion to see the “fatherless” epidemic in South Africa addressed and for young men to learn how to be effective contributors back into society.
Lisa Becker COO
Lisa Becker is a teacher, mentor, author, poet and “treasure hunter!” Her greatest passion is to discover the diamonds in the rough and to hone their skills until they are sparkling diadems in the crown of life! She has a degree; B. Prim Ed from Tshwane University and taught for several years in Houston, Texas. In 2010 her organisation “Firelions” entered the 48HR Film Festival with a cast and crew from Diepsloot and Westbury. Thabo Mashaila (From Diepsloot) won the award for youngest director and he later went on to direct three films for Mzansi. (A Zulu Christmas being one of them) The “Firelion” networking sessions, made a way for Tshukudu from Diepsloot exhibit her clothing on a runway in Italy, as well as Zwelibanzi a struggling musician was soon producing music videos and performing in venues across Johannesburg. Lisa returned to the USA after a hiatus in South Africa, where she completed several writing courses as well as produced a short film called “A Noteworthy Journey” for the Louisiana Film Prize Competition in Shreveport, Louisiana. She has published her autobiography, “With Wheels” on Smashwords and is in the process of publishing her novel, “The Blue Door” which addresses the subtle forms of gaslighting and emotional abuse that women accept as normal. She also has three children’s book, “Die Vreemde Gedruis”, “Die Ring Van Goud” and “Gugulethu and the Three Gifts.” She is the secretary of HUGE, and through her position in the organisation she met Nicholas (Founder of Harmoniousinj3ctors) in July 2021. She has since then taken on the role as manager of the choir. She teaches French and does remedial work with children of all ages, she has also written a theatre production for youth. Her motto in life, “He is no fool, who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not loose!”
Kathija Devi Mahomed CFO
Kathija’s experience with Tranquility afforded her the opportunity to win the trust of elite clients by concluding customised deals. This rehabilitation centre is highly reputable for giving addicts the skills to sustain their recovering progress in the most effective ways. Their holistic approach has earned them worldwide recognition. Her brother, is the founder and he has brokered deals with DSTV to put together series such as “Uyaphuza” and “Reasotela.” Kathija broke the sales record after 9 years of the business being in existence. She was employed by Primedia and was responsible for high level marketing of shopping centres, products and brands. During her employ the company won numerous National and International Awards for specific campaigns that they ran at Shopping centres. Her previous employment with Old Mutual Property included great exposure to leading brands where the organization achieved much success and many international accolades. The above-mentioned organisations have developed her intellectual, marketing and business intelligence capacity. As much as promoting businesses and brands inspires her, helping to heal abused women and empowering them to rebuild themselves does so even more! She was highly influenced by her aunt who extracted broken women and children from abusive homes, she fed them, housed them and created ways for them to reintegrate back into society. Kathija has also appeared on Binnelanders and performed in multiple adverts. She has a soft spot for kittens and kids!
Josias Moleele CMO and Training
Josias Moleele is a theatre/television writer, actor and director. He began his career in 1993 at Tshwane University of Technology Drama Deparment; after receiving his B-Tech degree in drama he became the first black lecturer at the same institution and taught scriptwriting, acting and directing. He wrote and directed many theatre productions including, “Call Us Crazy” performed at the Market Theatre, which won three Vita Awards. Another accolade is “Tapsula” which was also performed at the Market Theatre, they won the “Naledi Award.” He has directed and acted in multiple TV series. He was the presenter on the wildlife TV show 50/50 and refereed in “Crazy Games” a variety show. He has been on shows such as “Rhythm City” and “Mojo Love.” He has appeared in two international films; “Invictus” directed by Clint Eastwood and a BBC television series called “Strike it Back”. His other films include; “An Act of Defiance”, “Kampterrein” and “Mr. Bones 2” a Leon Schuster movie. Josias has published an E-Book called, “Doing the Usual in the Unusual Way.” He is also the founder of GAP “Graduates Arts Projects” an incubation/leadership programme aimed at giving graduate students from arts institutions an opportunity to do Work Integrated Learning (WIL) within the musical theatre, film, TV and digital spaces. He has many a success story to share, including leadership training of 85 public school principals in St. Louis Missouri (USA). He also worked with the International Marketing Council to create brand ambassadors for brand South Africa. He is a man of vast talents and gifting but his number one passion is being a family man! Never a dull moment around Josias! You may have recently seen him in the KFC and Spekko rice adverts.
Kasi Fusion
Mark and Lisa had similar ideas as they saw a need to create an umbrella organisation that enabled vendors to collaborate. Mark invited the leadership team of Alex Water Warriors to a market event at The Stables. Paul captured the vision, and set about enabling the artists in his community to express their talents at market events. Mark saw the need for job creation and identified many talented individuals who had yet fully explored their potential. Lisa on driving past an artist on a street corner, was captured by the beauty of a lioness painting. Pulling into the petrol station to draw cash, she struck an instant rapport with Shepherd the artist. He decided to entrust his artwork to her for sale at an upcoming market in Boskruin. The following Saturday she picked up the paintings and sold two of them at Syringa Farmers Market. There was also a request for the commissioning of a second painting. Other creatives from Alexandra joined her at Syringa and “Kasi Fusion” was born. Kasi is the colloquial word used for township, and it is the melding together of varying talents to create a smorgasboard of choice, from Diepsloot to Alexandra to CBD. Every product is handmade with the finest of artistry. The purpose is for vendors to keep their own identity and even accounting system but to join forces to reach more markets. By collaborating, the artist who might prefer to stay home and create could employ a professional team of sales people. Two of the young men from Alexandra design the most unique clothing items, Karabo does applique work and Linda created his own takkie from blankets and other textures fabrics.
BIN TO BEAUTY
Kudakwashe Chigariro is another creative who has captured Imprinting Africa’s attention. With her haute couture background, Kuda has chosen to share her skills with many while making a sustainable impact on our planet. Situated in Boskruin, this woman with a heart of gold is impacting Orange Farm. She takes in young women fresh out of school and trains them in basic sewing skills, teaching them how to make the repurposed bags. The bags range from carrier bags, to pencil cases, make-up bags and coin purses. They are made from the canvas of advertising billboards and chip, soda drink labels, chocolate and sweets packets. Her products are so innovative and of such excellent quality, since meeting up with our team, we have ensured a way for her products to reach the USA. Her greatest desire is that through mass production and running workshops, she will be able to help scores of abused or abandoned women break free from their oppressors. Kuda is also very willing to equip men to make these products and in turn hope that they will encourage other men to live lives of dignity and integrity.
IKEMELENG
(Stand Up for Yourself) and Harmoniousinj3ctors
Lisa met Percy Malepe, on Mandela day in 2021 in Ext.1 in Diepsloot. She was in awe at how Percy and his team at Ikemeleng had streamlined the feeding of over 200 children. He and the 20+ volunteers ensured every child received a warm meal and 50 of them were offered varying activities; from painting, reading books, singing, drama and composition of their own songs. Harmoniousinjectors performed that day and Lisa was instantly moved by their remarkable performance. Nicholas (the choir director) took her contact details and was prompt to follow up. Lisa invited the choir, to an event at Eagles Nest Conference centre, and they asked her to be their manager. On Heritage Day, Ikemeleng in partnership with HUGE and Imprinting Africa mobilised the community to make an impact in their environment. Armed with large yellow bags, which were donated by Pikitup, they walked the streets gathering up the litter. This created awareness and intrigue from onlookers, which Jonathan from Diepsloot captured on his Canon camera. On our return the young people had prepared dances, songs and poetry reading. Harmoniousinjectors were decked out in their traditional clothing and again delivered a world class performance. Percy remained a faithful encourager of Nicholas and his choir’s aspirations, ensuring that Lisa was updated with all of the choir’s calendar of activities. Percy was later co-opted on to the board of HUGE, with the portfolio of outreach and skills training. Percy is also part of a media company called Black Brain, which are the producers of the telenovela; “Deep City.” Percy recently won the “Collen Mashawana Foundation” award for their efforts at improving the quality of life within communities. Imprinting Africa, has arranged three performances for the choir, as well as the recording of three singles, yet to be released. Nicholas has also composed two songs which are on the choirs “hit list!” The choir is in preparation to host a singing competition in Diepsloot on Youth Day with market. Their hope is for the competing choirs, to compose a song based on standing united against every form abuse, be it against women, child or man, local or foreigner.
Stories yet to tell…
C2C22 Chartwell SA to Chartwell UK Imprinting Africa, will be documenting the trip Mark Mc Clue and his team will be taking up Africa. Through live updates we will be able track their path across Africa and into Europe. The mission is aimed around the ethos and sense of adventure that is needed by enabling youth to earn their way or be selected to go on this trip. As an NPC c2cMissions will allow young people accompanied by a mentor to expand their horizons and understanding of both continents. They will be traveling in the old classic Land Rovers, some vehicles as old as 60 years old. They will be running a ten-year project, with a mission every two years 22,24,26,28,30 and a qualifying year in between through community-based engagements across SA.
Our Stories… Chosen Generation, Media in Motion and Girls SKATE SA An offshoot of Imprinting Africa’s many projects is Media in Motion, an association for like-minded people in the arts and media world to collaborate on projects. Media in Motion invited 30 teenagers from Chosen Generation in Alexandra to attend a workshop at Eagles Nest in Fourways. The event was covered by Imprinting Africa, which included the speakers, meals and transport. Lisa rushed to the local pick-and-pay to purchase the fresh bread rolls before the event commenced. She mentioned to the lady behind the register that the rolls were for youth from Alexandra. The lady was ecstatic and wanted to ensure that Imprinting Africa received a discount. As Lisa didn’t have a card, the cashier instructed the young couple who were next to be served to give her their card, which they promptly did. When Alex and Sharne’ heard about the work IA and HUGE did in Alex, they told her about their many projects. They were teaching skate boarding to young girls in Soweto but would love to be involved in Alexandra as well. They visited Chosen Generation a few weeks later, and offered assistance in building a skate part in the area. (It’s still in planning stages) The ripple effect of the workshop held at Eagle Nest far exceeded expectations… The youth learned drama, dance, music, modelling and screen writing, that day. They were so elated on returning to their neighbourhood, that they started their own after school group. The teenagers would finish up their homework and then go to the “centre” to help the young children with their home work, and teach them to read. There isn’t a centre yet, as it is rather a cluster of homes that have opened their doors to the needs of these children. (One of them being Portia’s mother’s home) Chosen Generation was founded by Portia Modula in March of 2020, when she saw the desperate need around her. Portia’s mother would rise every morning at 4:00 AM to make “vetkoek” for the children in her neighbourhood. Lisa in that same time had met Bernadette who was a head chef at a SPAR, Bernadette kindly offered to make enough soup for 200 children. Through the networking tool of HUGE, Lisa was able to aid in the start of a soup kitchen and delivering of food parcels. Lisa felt the children needed entertainment too, so she taught them songs, dance movements and how to perform skits. Chosen Generation continues to equip and train their young ones to be the next world influencers!
The Global Jewelry Academy The Global Jewelry Academy was the brainchild of Siphiwe Zikalala and Jennifer Becker (Lisa’s mother) in the 90’s. As Siphiwe son was deaf, he was concerned that his son would struggle to find employment and have a career at all. During a visit to Madagascar, Mr. Zikalala visited a jewelry workshop, where deaf students were learning to make jewelry. He returned with the concept to start a school to teach jewelry making to predominantly deaf students. Jennifer with her business background aided him in putting the structure in place to initiate the academy. As Mr. Zikalala had been one of those who had been extradited to Russia because of his stand against apartheid, he had many connections in government who could procure him property. The Global Jewelry Academy was birthed in Lenasia in 1997 The premises sport, fully equipped workshops, lectures halls, industrial size kitchen, computer room, library, dorms rooms (now available for entrepreneurs to rent out) concert hall, large vegetable garden as well as a massive “farmers market” size structure. They have recently enrolled over 120 new students, but varying disabilities as well as able bodied individuals. HUGE and Imprinting Africa intend on creating avenues for the youth to sell their jewelry as well encourage other entrepreneurs and farmers to partner with them in using the space.
View Our Stories
Firelions
IMPRINTING
IMPRINTING AFRICA