ONE MOVEMENT, ONE GLOBE, ONE TRIBE Tribe Business Magazine (TBM) – Strongly independent and Fierce

Tribe STRONGLY INDEPENDENT & FIERCELY CONNECTED

BUSINESS INSIGHTS FROM:

PHATHO ZONDI ■ JORDAN HARBINGER ■ MARC WACHSBERGER ■

ISSUE 2 2019

R45.00

ADVERTISING GAME CHANGER AVATAR FOUNDING PARTNER, VELI NGUBANE

SOPHIA THE FIRST - LESSONS FOR MANKIND FROM A HUMANOID ROBOT ■ DUNCAN CARMICHAEL ON ANTI-AGEING ■

www.luxco.eo.za/cross/ I Niki: nr@luxco.co.za I Stockist enquiries: (011) 448 2210

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ISSUE 2

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CONTENTS

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ON THE COVER FEATURES 012 • Veli Ngubane’s mindset was always in stark contrast to the majority of those in the township where he grew up, and even the suburban school he later attended. His success in business—as the CEO of South Africa’s biggest 100% black-owned, full-service marketing agency Avatar—is based on the principles he learnt as an inquiring child.

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018 • T HE FUTURE OF WORK

028 • MEET THE CHIEFTESS

How Venture Workspace is bringing the office to the suburbs, with all the business tools and services you could need

As CEO of the Sports Science Institute of SA, Dr Phatho Zondi has an excellent platform to use her love of medicine, sport and education to level the playing field

024 • A FRICAN WARRIOR When other hotels stood empty after the 2010 Soccer World Cup, Marc Wachsberger saw an opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the property market

032 • WORLD-CHANGING TRENDS: FEENIX This online fundraising platform is helping South Africa’s youth rise by crowdfunding for their tertiary education

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036 • W ORLD-CHANGING TRENDS: ANTI-AGEING

054 • M ODERN LEADER: THOBILE TSHABALALA

Dr Duncan Carmichael takes a look at the new and exciting research being done in the realm of healthy ageing

Old Mutual’s head of brand is raising the profile of the South African wine and spirits industry

042 • BEHIND THE BRAND How luxury epicurean brand Coco Safar is disrupting the culinary scene in Cape Town

058 • THE CONQUEROR In May this year, Saray Khumalo became the first black African woman to summit Mount Everest— for the sake of the underprivileged

050 • MODERN LEADER: JORDAN HARBINGER The “Larry King of Podcasting” is using his speaking platform and skills in social dynamics to help others become the best they can be

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New-world luxury and old-world charm meet at the Taj Hotel Cape Town

062 • THE GREAT OUTDOORS It’s clear to see why Zambia’s flagship national park is dubbed “one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world”

068 • THE STEED

044 • BEYOND THE HORIZON The introduction of Sophia, the world’s first humanoid robot, charges us to ask the deep questions about the planet’s future and where technology is heading

040 • LIVE LIKE A KING

REGULARS

In this edition, we review the smart little Renault KWID 2019 and the seven-seater Isuzu mu-X

008 • A WORD FROM THE INDUNA

070 • GUEST COLUMN: ROBERT SAFIAN

004 • THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN

How to stand out in the Attention Economy to maintain your relevance as a brand

010 • PERFECT 7

072 • LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

A few of the electronics that are topping the charts so far in 2019

Robbie Stammers learns that he’s even more of a loser than his kids had initially made out

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THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN

WHY IT’S NOT JUST A GAME

The Rugby World Cup 2019 is looming—it’s time to try and convert the non-believers

“A

yellow box of Lil-lets, please?” I requested through clenched teeth and with a nervous backward glance. The couple behind the counter looked at my red face, he with pity and she with mild amusement.

So I felt compelled to explain why I was there, making a fool of myself. “‘It’s just a game,’ she said,” I blurted out, looking at the male cashier with my best cocker spaniel eyes, in the hope of eliciting some guy-to-guy understanding. “Here I stand, instructed to go out and buy female necessities just before a Springboks clash against New Zealand! ‘This is important, my love. You’re just watching a game,’ she said. A game?! What is this world coming to?”

As I relayed this conversation I’d had back home, my ‘audience’ erupted in laughter. I grabbed my ‘package’ (which had ceased to be the source of my embarrassment) and hurried out of the store.

As I drove home at top speed, I realised it had to be a sign. Like Moses and the Burning Bush, Robbie and the Tampons had been given the task of making women appreciate what The Game actually means to us men. I must add here that I know of many women who DO appreciate the deep spiritual significance of The Game. But here I hope to make the non-believers understand.

Are you familiar with TM (Transcendental Meditation)? It’s a simple meditation technique that enables the brain to experience an altered state of consciousness, and is practised for 20 minutes, twice a day. Well, then, let’s call men’s altered state of consciousness TRM (Trance in Rugby Meditation), as this is what we enter into when we watch the Springboks—except we do it for a stretch of 80 minutes.

Now, although our TRM takes place on TMD (Test Match Day), it starts much earlier in the week. If you’ve witnessed your kids count ‘how many sleeps’ until their birthday, then you’ll note that we act in a similar fashion during TMW (Test Match Week). We read and watch all the game hype and banter, debate the coaching decisions and squad, the referee and the weather. In fact, the similarities between men and children should not be difficult for women to understand. We don’t really grow up, we just grow old.

robbie@reignmakers.co.za

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Finally, we’re on TMD and the excitement is at fever pitch. Now here’s a small but useful tip: This is the time to get us to buy you anything your heart desires, and chances are we will go and get it. This is due to the fact we’ve already begun to enter our altered state of consciousness; coupled with the fear that something may get in the way of watching The Game, means we’ll happily go out and buy you those black boots from Nine West, just to be assured of uninterrupted game time.

At last, Kick-Off. For a deeper understanding of our state of mind at this point, we’ve ceased to be a mere bloke watching rugby—we’ve become Shaka Zulu watching his men-at-arms enter hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.

Now, take note. The next 80 minutes is the only time a man will scream like a banshee, howl and cry like a baby, jump on the coach like a toddler, and hug a complete stranger next to him. In fact, most men go through a greater range of emotions during this time than they would in 10 sessions with you and the couple’s counsellor.

At the end of The Game, we slowly start coming out of our altered state of TRM; however, a win (or the number of brandy and Cokes we might have consumed) will naturally lengthen this state.

Please be aware that a loss won’t affect our build-up to the next Bok game. Our relationship with our team is one of unconditional love, even if it seems like an abusive relationship. We’ll encourage them again, forgive all past sins, dreams and broken hearts. And come next game, we’ll expect them to be the best once more.

So, if this column enables one man to catch a full Game undisturbed, my time here would not have been wasted. May your deeper understanding of The Game mean you will join us in watching it.

If not, at least it’ll get you those boots from Nine West way before The Game starts.

Tribe

Understanding life’s

special moments allows us to

celebrate three of our own Life changes. But it needn’t be stressful. At Pam Golding Properties we understand that selling your home is far more than a simple transaction, that it is also about the transition from one phase of your life to another. Our specialists stand at your side, ready to guide you and offer their experience and wisdom, ensuring your anxieties never outweigh your optimism on this special journey.

This commitment, inspired by our late founder and built on our people, is as heartfelt today as it was in 1976 when we celebrated our first successful sale.

This year our industry peers acknowledged the importance of our people and the extraordinary service they offer, by honouring us as the Best Real Estate Agency in South Africa, at the International Property Awards 2018.

To personally experience our award-winning service, visit pamgolding.co.za or simply give us a call.

Tribe STRONGLY INDEPENDENT & FIERCELY CONNECTED

PUBLISHING EDITORS Evans Manyonga Robbie Stammers

evans@reignmakers.co.za

robbie@reignmakers.co.za

SUB-EDITOR Lynn Marks

CREATIVE CONCEPT ART DIRECTOR Stacey Storbeck-Nel

stacey@reignmakers.co.za

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Ryan Vrede, Professor Owen Skae, Dr Duncan Carmichael, Robert Safian, Sarah Kingdom, Jacqueline Manyonga, Robbie Stammers, Evans Manyonga

ARTISTS

Cover: Sam Pinto Sam Pinto, Tariq Cassim, Venture Workspace, The Capital, Feenix, Gurminder Banga, Nick Onken, Taj Cape Town, Jane Addey, Chloe McCormack, Mapazi Camp, Chikunto Lodge, Sarah Kingdom, Mantis Collection, Coco Safar, Duke CE, Indio Design, Freepix.com, Unsplash.com

PRINTER

RSA Litho

DISTRIBUTION

iSizwe Distributors & Media Support Services

SUBSCRIPTIONS

iSizwe Distributors irene@isizwedistributors.co.za +27-65-526-9117

PUBLISHED BY

DIRECTORS: ROBBIE STAMMERS & EVANS MANYONGA ADDRESS: 132 ROSMEAD AVENUE (CNR OF ASCOT & ROSMEAD), KENILWORTH, CAPE TOWN TEL: 021 761 6765 WWW.REIGNMAKERS.CO.ZA

DISCLAIMER ©2018 Tribe Business Magazine is published by ReignMakers (Pty) Ltd. The Publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

All information correct at time of print.

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Tribe

This can be your

Naturally Namibia story

‘Naturally Namibia’ brings together the country’s leading safari families to provide a journey of unforgettable experiences.

We offer thoughtfully considered safaris through exceptional landscapes with time to appreciate the best of Namibia’s independent lodges. We are owner-run and ©Venture Media

all the partners are involved in every aspect of our safaris.

www.naturallynamibia.com

Am Weinberg Big Sky Lodges Okonjima and AfriCat The Mushara Collection Ongava Private Game Reserve Villa Margherita Namib Sky Balloon Safaris Skeleton Coast Safaris

A WORD FROM THE INDUNA

I IS FOR INNOVATION If you want your company to become the next Uber, read on…

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nnovation has become a buzzword in this modern age. One could even say we have entered the age of innovative FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Every company or individual in business is self-reflecting; bigger companies are trying to streamline their decision-making to mirror the pace of smaller agile players who are thriving in an age where giants are falling.

My friends, the world is well and truly in flux. The old rules simply no longer apply, and the pace of 10 years in innovation today is almost equal to 100 years in the old world.

Innovation can be described as turning an applicable creative idea into a value. The idea must be faster, cheaper and more relevant than the ones currently on the market. It can be expensive, but it still has to be relevant. An idea that’s not tested in the ‘real’ world cannot benefit anyone—it will remain a mere creative thought until it’s applied.

The onus is on us to find the form(s) of innovation more relevant to our areas of expertise. Though there are various types of innovation, the following are more applicable today: Incremental innovation is the most common form. It utilises existing technology and increases value to the customer (features, design changes etc.) within your existing market.

Almost all companies engage in incremental innovation in one form or another.

Disruptive innovation, also known as stealth innovation, involves applying new technology or processes to your company’s current market. It’s stealthy in nature, since newer tech will often be inferior to existing market technology.

Architectural innovation is simply taking the lessons, skills and overall technology and applying them within a different market. This innovation is amazing at increasing new customers—as long as the new market is receptive. Most of the time, the risk involved in architectural innovation is low due to the reliance and reintroduction of proven technology, though most of the time it requires tweaking to match the requirements of the new market.

Radical innovation gives birth to new industries (or swallows existing ones) and involves creating revolutionary technology. The airplane, for example, was not the first mode of transportation, but it was revolutionary as it allowed

commercialised air travel to develop and prosper.

Three of the biggest disruptors in our modern age have been Google, Apple and Uber.

The brainchild of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google was founded in September 1998 as a PhD research project (feels like 200 years ago, doesn’t it?). Now it’s a multinational tech company that specialises in Internetrelated services and products including online advertising technologies, search engine optimisation, cloud computing, software and hardware. Today, google. com is the most visited website in the world.

In 2007, the first ever iPhone was released to the market. Developed by innovator extraordinaire Steve Jobs, the device was named Invention of the Year by TIME Magazine. The phone brought to life the creative innovation of eliminating physical hardware buttons and stylus in favour of a touch-based interface. The rest, as they say, is history; it’s hard to imagine a world without the iconic brand.

Continuous innovation has become a mantra at Apple, and the world has followed suit. iPhone X, anyone?

Uber, the multinational transportation network company that recently listed on the New York Stock Exchange, was founded 10 years ago as a cab-hailing service. Today, the innovation by Garret Camp and Travis Kalanick offers services that include ride service hailing, food delivery and even a bicycle-sharing system—with more than 110 million worldwide users. Uber has been such a disruptor in today’s sharing economy that the changes in industries as a result of its existence have been termed ‘Uberisation’. And all this was managed with the company not owning a single vehicle.

As you enjoy this issue of TRIBE, think innovation, disruption and adding value to the world. That is the key. ■

evans@reignmakers.co.za

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MUST-HAVES

PERFECT 7 A FEW OF THE ELECTRONIC GADGETS THAT ARE TOPPING THE CHARTS SO FAR IN 2019, FROM SMART TVS TO SMARTWATCHES

LG SIGNATURE ROLLABLE OLED TV R9 Considered one of the most futuristic technologies to date, LG showed off its new disappearing OLED TV at CES 2019, with a screen that can stretch to 65 inches and then roll into a compact box! This 65-inch form is called the Full View, or you can display just a small part of the screen in Line View.

Then there’s Zero View—the screen disappears, leaving behind a veritable piece of art. In Line View there are six different modes—Music, Clock, Frame, Mood, Lighting and the Home dashboard—so you can take a quick glance at the time or weather, stream your favourite music, adjust the lighting or set the mood with visual effects (Rain, Stars, Snow) to match your audio. You can also access Amazon Prime Video, Alexa and Google Assistant with the touch of a remote button. Oh yes, the actual TV is awesome too: 4K HDR cinema-quality viewing.

SAMSUNG FRAME TV Not to be outdone, Samsung is challenging the LG rollable TV with its own Frame range. The innovative electronics company has partnered with galleries and collections across the globe to design a catalogue of artwork screensavers, which appear on the TV screen when it’s in standby mode. No more empty black screen upon your wall! For 2019, the 43-, 55- and 65-inch sizes are joined by the new 49-inch. As an added bonus, you can choose from five different bezel finishes (white, black, grey, or light- and dark brown wood) to enhance the TV’s frame theme. And the screen itself has rich, vibrant colours and contrast levels, thanks to the 4K QLED panel, so you can enjoy a dazzling HDR viewing experience.

KITCHENAID COOK PROCESSOR CONNECT Automation in the kitchen! Let the machine take over and stir your onions as they sauté so that they don’t burn; chop veggies to your preferred size; knead dough for bread, pizza and pasta; whip your egg whites or cream; steam your fish; measure ingredients right in the pot… all at the touch of a button. C’est magnifique! And like the other new KitchenAid products, the Yummly app can download 100 preset recipes straight to the Cook Processor Connect, with step-by-step instructions for you to produce some great meals for family and friends.

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MUST-HAVES

HUAWEI MATEBOOK X PRO The 2019 edition of Huawei’s superb laptop is more powerful than its predecessor, but just as thin, light, portable and versatile: The aluminium unibody design is 4.9mm at its thinnest end and 14.6mm at its thickest, weighing just 1.33kg. And with its 13.9-inch, 3 000 x 2 000-pixel resolution touchscreen, fingerprint reader within the power button for quick biometric login via Windows Hello, and easy opening without awkward clamshell fumbles, the MateBook X Pro could just become your new favourite laptop.

WITHINGS MOVE TIMELESS CHIC For those who’d like an advanced activity-tracking smartwatch but without the bulky unattractiveness that’s common in the products of today, take a look at the Withings Move Timeless Chic. There’s no digital screen, but your activity is shown directly on the classic analogue dial with its third hand. Don’t be fooled by the watch’s simplicity: It seamlessly tracks and records your activities such as walking, running, swimming, cycling and even sleeping—syncing with the free Health Mate app so you can view your trends and improve over time. Long-pressing the side button will launch a workout session and activate a chronograph and connected GPS so you get duration, distance, elevation, and your path mapped in the app. Most impressively, however, is the battery life of 18 months.

SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLD KINDLE OASIS 2019 The all-new e-reader has everything Kindle customers have come to love in the previous generation: a large 7-inch display, waterproofing, the Paperwhite display and Audible—but now it’s just a little better.

Additions include an adjustable light so you can read with a warmer tone that can easily transition from daytime to night-time reading; a six-week battery life; more options for larger formatting; the option to read white text on black; and buttons ready for a simple flex of your thumb to turn the page.

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From rollables to foldables… The stunning 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED display made of a revolutionary polymer material is the largest Galaxy smartphone screen yet—but what’s even more exciting is the fact that the device can fold and unfold like a book. A 20-part, dual-axis hinge locks it into place, preventing you from overextending the display past 180 degrees. Fold it back up and the phone snaps shut—it won’t accidentally unfurl itself in your bag. And the hinge has been designed to withstand more than 200 000 folds and unfolds, which works out at 100 opens and shuts a day for five years. The phone is as impressive on the inside, with an advanced processor, 12GB of RAM and 512GB internal storage. What’s more, you can mix and match the hinge and cover colours to truly stand out in the crowd.

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ASTE

ON THE COVER

Brand

VELI NGUBANE HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT MOVES IN SOUTH AFRICA’S ADVERTISING AND MARKETING INDUSTRY, BASED ON PRINCIPLES HE LEARNT AS A CHILD

BY RYAN VREDE PHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA PINTO

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ON THE COVER

READY, PLAYER ONE “Chess taught me to think about the next move,” says Ngubane.

“My mindset is: What’s next?”

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ON THE COVER

his is a story about contrast. When Veli Ngubane, CEO of South Africa’s biggest 100% black-owned, full-service marketing agency Avatar, answers my call, he’s in a gondola in Venice. “I wish you’d video-called me to see this,” he quips. “When you come from where I do, you don’t expect to be in a gondola in Venice, speaking to a magazine.”

He was born in the rural northern KwaZulu-Natal community of Manguzi, grew up in Ngwelezane township near Empangeni, going to school at the unfashionable Mantshangula Primary.

In 1993, he’d start travelling from his township home to a Model C school in the suburbs. “I was exposed to two contrasting economies for the first time in my life,” he recalls. “I’d not known I was not well off until then.”

I know people in the mining industry who have never been down a shaft. I’d like to think that if I were in their position, I’d be down there 10 times a week. It’s just how I’m wired.

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Contrast.

In 1996, his high school was invited to participate in a rugby tournament at King Edward VII School. Players from his team were hosted by families from KES, and he was taken in by one who lived in Houghton. “We drove through the biggest gate I’d ever seen, and the driveway from the gate to the house was longer than the road I stayed in,” he begins. “The house had 14 rooms. Mine had two. I asked the owner why so many rooms? He told me they were mostly guest bedrooms. This was weird for me, because when guests came over to my house, I slept on the floor.”

Contrast.

Ngubane’s favourite game, chess, features pieces and a board that are completely contrasting colours— black and white. His uncles taught him the game when he was a child, and he has continued to play it with skill and proficiency in adulthood.

Critically, the game has taught him skills that have been fundamental to his professional and personal success. “Chess taught me to think about the next move,” he explains.

“When your castle is chowed, you can’t sit there and lament it. You’ve got to move forward. So, when Avatar comes under fire, or we don’t get a client we pitch for, I don’t get hung up on it. My mindset is: ‘What’s next?’.”

I hear church bells ringing in the background. Ngubane has disembarked the gondola and is now about to do a tour of an old Venetian church. It’s an environment in which he feels

at home, having been raised in a devoutly Christian family. “Nothing I’m able to do, nothing is without God and the gifts He has blessed me with.”

One in an array of those gifts is entrepreneurship. Ngubane refers to the Houghton trip as being a defining moment in the development of this gift. He recalls being mesmerised at the sheer size of the home and asking the host what he does for a living. “‘I’m an entrepreneur,’ he said. “I asked him what that meant, and his answer guides my professional thinking to this day. He said: ‘An entrepreneur spots an opportunity, takes it and then turns that opportunity into money.’ Seven years ago, our co-founder [and Man magazine alum, Zibusiso Mkhwanazi] and I saw an opportunity for a blackowned advertising agency. We took it. Today, Avatar is not only a thriving agency but a profitable one, too.”

Ownership has been an obsession of his since childhood.

Ngubane would ask his mother about brands he was familiar with in the context of ownership. She drove a Volkswagen Jetta, and one day on a drive he asked her who owns VW. “I didn’t want to know about the means of production or who worked at the company. That never interested me as much as ownership,” he says. “I was fortunate that my mother encouraged my divergent thinking.

I grew up without restrictions, so today I create without restrictions, which I think is a unique value proposition for our clients. Without my mother’s thoughtful approach to parenting,

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ON THE COVER

BUILDING AN AFRICA-WIDE AGENCY NETWORK As Avatar has evolved from a challenger brand to a leader in the ad agency space, up there on pitch lists among its peers, Ngubane and his partner Mkhwanazi have not rested.

M&N Brands is an agency network they have created (launched late 2017) in an effort to break the stranglehold that the big US and European networks have on the industry. “The insanity of being locked out of a local telecoms pitch because we were not part of a global network was the impetus for this move,” explains Ngubane.

‘For Africans, by Africans’ is the mantra, ethos and underpinning line for M&N Brands, and progress to date has seen it acquire Loerie gold-winning events agency Mela Events as well as Zkhiphani. com. “Avatar Joburg and Cape Town sit

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under this network, as well as Avatar PR, Bozza and AMA, a media agency,” Ngubane adds. The network has an annual turnover of above R200 million.

Zkhiphani.com is an online social lifestyle magazine that targets the South African youth. The term zkhiphani is loosely translated as “what’s happening”: a phrase used by many people of all ages and tribes across South Africa—but more especially black youth when seeking information such as news, music, trends and the latest social happenings.

Zkhiphani.com has become one of South Africa’s most popular youth social lifestyle and entertainment online magazines.

In more contrasts, Ngubane plays more in the ad world, while Mkhwanazi leads on the acquisitions front. “We’re

simply creating a value model for transformation to work—an Africa-wide integrated communications network— whether it be equity swaps, acquisitions or innovative owner-partner deals with short- and long-term goals. When a client deals with M&N, it means the best diversified minds on the continent will be working toward a shared vision in their work.”

M&N Brands has sponsored the transformation awards at the annual Financial Mail AdFocus Awards, and has won two global awards for its marketing in a tough environment. “It’s hard enough to try and break down doors to get on big pitch lists,” laughs Ngubane. “Never mind build Africa’s first African-owned agency network.”

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ON THE COVER

IN THE KRAAL WITH Veli Ngubane

I would probably have grown up to believe I had to work for somebody and create according to established norms.”

Contrast.

His mindset was in stark contrast to the majority of those in the township where he lived and, indeed, the suburban school he attended.

It also forged a leadership philosophy and style that has endeared him to even those outside of Avatar. Ngubane ranked among the three most admired agency bosses in a poll conducted by marklives.com and voted on by rival agency execs (they couldn’t nominate people from within their own agencies).

“It isn’t complicated for me; I just try to lead by example,” he explains when asked about leadership. “I can’t expect someone to do something I’m not willing to do myself. In practice, this means that I often stay with pitch teams, even when I don’t have to. When we suffer, we must suffer together—and when we succeed, we do so together. I know people in the mining industry who have never been down a shaft. I’d like to think that if I were in their position, I’d be down there 10 times a week.

It’s just how I’m wired.”

The future is data,” he asserts. “Data will help us tailor advertising and marketing for individuals.

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HIS SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL PITCH “There is no secret in my experience, but there are three key boxes you need to tick:

SELL YOUR UNIQUE SKILLS. Prospective clients want to know what you can do for them and how you are equipped to do those things.

ANSWER TO THE BRIEF. I’ve seen far too many pitches go so far off brief because you think you know better. The client has asked for something specific. Give them what they want.

BE YOURSELF. If you present an inauthentic version of yourself at the pitch, you create an expectation that can’t be sustained. For example, I’ve never worn a suit to a pitch because I don’t wear them. I love to joke and have fun; it’s my personality, and I bring that to a pitch.”

Under Ngubane and Mkhwanazi’s leadership, Avatar has gained massive momentum recently, growing revenue by 87% in 2018, expanding business dealings with their existing clients, and winning new business in the form of H&M, SKYY Vodka, the Government Communication and Information System and Wits University.

In the process of setting up this interview, we had to delay while Ngubane contributed to a banking client pitch. He predicts they will double their revenue in 2019, and warned that they will aggressively seek to expand their footprint in a landscape still heavily populated by

white-owned agencies.

“When you’re selling a table, transformation is irrelevant because a table is a table,” Ngubane begins when asked about the importance of a black-helmed agency like his. “When you’re trying to sell products that are more nuanced and complex, and to a broader audience comprised of diverse ethnic and racial groups, transformation is critical—because if you don’t have insight into those people and what moves them, you are going to have a communication breakdown,” he says.

Transformation of the industry, in a political sense, is happening at the same time agencies are being forced to transform operationally.

Ngubane argues that gone are the days when creatives would cook up witty and compelling advertisements that would run on television and radio, or appear in magazines, newspapers and/or websites, and support that with billboards and other marketing tools, with the express goal of moving a big group of people to purchase.

“The future is data,” he asserts.

“Data will help us tailor advertising and marketing for individuals.

People’s lifestyle- and spending habits are becoming too complex for agencies to track them through the traditional Living Standards Measure method. I use myself as an example. I mean, this afternoon I’m in a gondola in Venice wearing designer clothing, and if you call me next week this time, there’s every chance that I will be wearing All Stars and eating shisa nyama in a township. I’m a study of contrasts— and Avatar’s success will be rooted in understanding people like me and creating bespoke messaging for me.”

There it is again, contrast. ■ This article first appeared in Man Magazine, July 2019

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BUSINESS PROFILE

AT YOUR SERVICE Director and co-founder of Venture Workspace, Louis Fourie, says the key principle underlying the company is hospitality: "It's a hotel for offices".

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Tribe

BUSINESS PROFILE

A

HOME COMFORTS

How Venture Workspace is bringing the office closer to the suburbs, with all the business tools and services you could need

Interview by Evans Manyonga

Tribe

pproximately 14 000 coworking spaces are operating globally, and it’s not just tech groups adopting collaborative hubs from which to base their business.

Accountants, media companies as well as co-corporate companies, among others, are using them too.

As the world is changing, fuelled by the 4th Industrial Revolution, our rules of work and engagement are changing as well.

Urban living, traffic congestion, unnecessary overheads, plus virtual companies and networks have driven the demand for co-working spaces. Companies no longer have to consider massive infrastructure as a necessary part of having an operational entity.

Director and co-founder of Venture Workspace, Louis Fourie, is a frontrunner in the co-working property sector. With his two business partners, he has spearheaded the structure of the Venture Workspace building in Cape Town, which is now gearing up for expansion into other areas of the city. Fourie sat with TRIBE Business Magazine and shared more on his story, the industry and the future of work.

Your personal story is very interesting. Can you share a bit about your background?

I studied mathematics at university, with the dream of becoming an actuary. I very soon realised that it was not for me and ended up in the events industry, which kept me very busy for about 15 years. I worked with big corporates as well as events and wedding companies— it was an amazing experience. I think that’s where the love for hospitality and people was born. I want to create memorable spaces for clients to enjoy away from home. For me, it was a natural progression moving into designing co-working spaces.

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THE FUTURE OF WORK

How do you merge that passion for people with running a business?

It’s interesting, because with events you have a client for one day and often never see them again. The co-working space is a different ballgame, where it’s not just a day but a prolonged relationship that you build with people. Our clients become actual friends and people with whom we relate, and with whom we share stories. That’s why I love coming to work and being a part of an environment where people from different backgrounds, cultures and industries socialise and get together—the CEO of a company can chat to the graphic designer in the office next door.

There’s this mingling of industries, and that’s not something that would happen in your traditional building!

Your approach is very unique, from the location of your spaces to the services you provide. Can you elaborate on the concept behind your company?

As most people will have noticed, co-working spaces constitute a growing industry and more and more companies are moving into shared office space. We decided to get on board to decentralise

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VENTURING OUT WITH Chris Hayman

Born in the United Kingdom, Hayman emigrated to South Africa in 1983. He left formal education after completing his A levels. Initially having worked in the manufacturing industry, he then proceeded into construction—taking on different roles until eventually he bought out the shareholding in a specialised subcontracting company that he started managing in 1990. The company grew until it reached maximum operating capacity throughout South Africa. From there, Hayman started a project management company, which ran until 2017 when he closed it due to poor returns. Between 2005 and 2018, he founded a wide range of successful businesses in collaboration with various partners. He is now a shareholder in three property-related businesses, including Venture Workspace.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INVOLVED IN THIS BUSINESS? WHAT VALUE DID YOU FEEL IT COULD BRING? Initially, I was looking for a personal office space from which to operate in 2014. I

met Louis at that time, who was running a serviced office suite. We decided it was a good idea to open our own operation after seeing the potential it had in the industry and what that could do for South Africa’s growth. This model has massive potential to prosper and grow through expanding economies, because the service offering is very flexible.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR THIS BUSINESS AND WHERE DO YOU SEE MORE POTENTIAL FOR EXPANSION? We intend to expand within our specific niche market. We provide flexible serviced office space to small- to medium businesses outside the rim of the rush-hour traffic zone. We are developing strategic partnerships with complementary organisations in order to create a chain of similar operations in existing host structures.

WHAT SEPARATES VENTURE WORKSPACE FROM THE REST? In one word, “Louis”. His dedication and professional attention to every detail in a hospitality-based environment. We stand by our watchwords: Spaces for people that work.

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THE FUTURE OF WORK

businesses from the city centre.

The density of the city needs to be distributed. That was our goal, bringing these workspaces close to the suburbs where people live, and in turn alleviating the traffic into town every day. It’s also more affordable having these spaces in the suburbs rather than in the central business district, especially if you look at rental rates (to start with). It’s a no-fuss approach, so it has to be productive.

What is your company ethos?

Basically, functioning spaces coupled with the provision of business tools to assist all types of businesses. Whatever their size, big or small, we support them and offer them a foundation to grow within their respective industries.

It’s really fulfilling to play a part in a company’s growth, especially when you look closely at our economy right now. There’s a great platform for entrepreneurs and startups. The key principle underlying our company is hospitality: It’s a hotel for offices, making client interaction and the services we provide paramount.

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How does Venture Workspace assist those startups, as they have quite different needs compared to the more established companies?

It ties in closely with the various packages we offer. Not everyone can afford to go and sign a five-year lease and put down a big deposit.

Our packages are flexible and tailored to meet our clients’ needs; our spaces are furnished; there’s a receptionist to whom you don’t have to pay a salary (the average salary for a receptionist probably starts at about R10 000).

Technically, you don’t have to rent a printer, you don’t have to rent a scanner; electricity, rates, water and a couple more expenses are taken care of for you. The Internet connection allows you to open your laptop and start working.

A good example is someone who’s starting out and working part-time on a new business: We have the hot desk option, where you can just pop in for the day and start working. It also applies when you have a private office. If you do your calculations, you’ll find it’s not that expensive using our co-

working spaces. You get an office that provides you with services that cut your overhead costs, plus receptionist services, a stable Internet connection, kitchen facilities and other necessities—for far less.

So how do you go about selecting a location for your buildings?

Finding locations can be tricky and difficult, but we adhere to our ethos. Part of that is to ensure our locations are accessible. Regardless of the mode of transport—be it car, bus, train or other public transport—our spaces are intentionally structured to be closer to people. We have positioned ourselves in the suburban areas to ensure people can easily access their daily requirements, whether it’s shopping at the mall, going to the gym, or getting lunch. Our current office in Brookside, Claremont was a great find, while the planned second building in Constantia is going to be part of a shopping centre complex, with everything practically at your doorstep.

The first and most important thing that we look at is the shape of the building; certain buildings just don’t lend themselves to being co-working spaces. An office without windows doesn’t work—it needs to be a building where each office can have access to natural light. Once that box is ticked, we look at parking, which is the second biggest demand in Cape Town. We then look at other important basics such as good fibre availability and the current tenants or owners in the building. We look at the extent to which the building is accessible from nearby highways and public transport routes. It’s also a bonus if the building is close to retail stores.

One thing that differentiates Venture Workspace from the competition is the fact that you

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THE FUTURE OF WORK

have flexible leases. How do these work?

With commercial offerings, you have to sign at least a three- to five-year lease and pay a massive deposit. Here at Venture Workspace we’re flexible and you can start from a month to a year. The other flexibility we have is, as your company grows or faces challenges, we’re able to adjust and give you something that can work for you.

Whether you want a bigger office or a hot desk option, we can assist across the board.

Tell us more about the virtual office service?

It’s actually a great offer for startups. You don’t physically have to rent office space in the building but, for all intents and purposes, you actually are. In essence, you can use our business address for your business cards and your mail—we can receive packages and post on your behalf, we can courier it to you, or you personally can come and collect it whenever you’re in the area. Together with that, we issue a telephone number, so all incoming calls for your company will be answered professionally by our receptionist and then we can

THE DREAM IS TO GROW NATIONALLY, BUT FOR NOW THE FOCUS IS ON CAPE TOWN. WE HAVE BEEN AT OUR CURRENT LOCATION FOR THREE YEARS, WHICH HAS BEEN FANTASTIC AND A GREAT LEARNING CURVE. 0 2 2

transfer the call or take messages as you please. You also have access to our meeting rooms whenever you need to meet a client.

SHARING SPACE WITH Colman Murphy

Born in Ireland, Murphy attended University College Cork and obtained a BCom Honours degree. He served articles with Ernst & Young in Ireland, and is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

After moving internationally with KPMG, Murphy came to South Africa in 1992 and gained experience in the car rental and electronics sectors. From 2003 to date, he has been involved in property development in both residential and industrial markets.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INVOLVED IN VENTURE WORKSPACE? This industry has taken off in the main financial capitals of the world, but it’s still in its infancy in South Africa. There was an opportunity to enter into a market with huge potential for growth at an early stage, while still involving some of my experience gained in the property market.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR THIS BUSINESS? Conservative, focused, organic expansion.

WHY SHOULD CLIENTS CHOOSE YOUR CO-WORKING SPACE? Our professional service, attention to detail, location and value proposition.

Co-working spaces and virtual offices are still fledgling concepts in South Africa. What is your company’s long-term goal?

A number of overseas companies have moved into South Africa with this concept, but we are a truly South African company. Many of our competitors focus on the glamour to attract more people, whereas our focus is on people who are dedicated to their business but need a place to work from.

We are taking things slowly and conservatively. The dream is to grow nationally, but for now the focus is on Cape Town. We have been at our current location for three years, which has been fantastic and a great learning curve. Interest in our space is growing daily and we have a wonderful selection of clients, some of whom have been with us from the beginning.

Our second location, based in Constantia, will be open from 1 December 2019. It’s a brand-new building, so it’s wonderful being part of the design process right from the start. It will be our second location in the Southern Suburbs and the location is absolutely perfect: right next to the M3 and servicing both the Constantiaberg area and the deep South.

How can people get more information on Venture Workspace?

Most of the information is on our website (ventureworkspace.co.za), but we love people coming in to see the space for themselves as it’s a place best experienced rather than discussed over the phone. Some people still have misconceptions about how these workspaces function, so by coming in they can see what it would be like working here: that there’s privacy and extra offerings such as the business support and kitchen services. I find that most people who come in and experience the space are happy to sign up. ■

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Introducing

B OSCHENDAL A luscious blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot , Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

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AFRICAN WARRIOR

EXTENDING THE FRONTIER When other hotels stood empty after the 2010 Soccer World Cup, MARC WACHSBERGER saw an opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the property market. Here’s how he built his Capital Empire Interview by Jacqueline Manyonga

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AFRICAN WARRIOR

W

hen you’re travelling on

business, you’re not really interested in chocolates on the pillows and posh restaurants— you’d prefer free, stable, fast Wi-Fi and an in-room workstation, right?

And perhaps the option of preparing your own meals now and then. All at a reasonable cost.

That’s exactly what The Capital Hotels and Apartments offers. You get the best of spacious apartment living and top hotel-level service, while paying an average of 25% less than regular hotel prices. Plus state-of-the-art conferencing facilities for all your business meeting and networking needs.

What’s more, if you’re keen to invest in real estate, you can elect to lease your unit to The Capital or rent direct to the market—with guaranteed rental for your investment for up to nine years, even if there’s no occupancy! It’s difficult to get your foot in the buy-to-let market, but with The Capital you get a property with a tenant in place and an income yield of 6.5% to 7%, with the company seeing to all upgrades and branding.

The man behind this plan is Marc Wachsberger, who discovered his niche at the tender age of 25 in the wake of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup in South Africa. While other

THE CAPITAL MENLYN MAINE

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AROUND 2% OF ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AFRICA IS OFFERED IN APARTMENT HOTELS, WHILE IT ACCOUNTS FOR UP TO 9% OF THE MARKET GLOBALLY. accommodations struggled to get occupancy, Wachsberger came up with the idea of a hybrid apartment hotel: more cost-effective than a traditional hotel for business travellers in particular, with the added option of renting out luxury apartments in prime locations.

Founder and MD Wachsberger says only around 2% of accommodation in South Africa is offered in apartment hotels, while it accounts for up to 9% of the market globally. The sector is ripe for growth, and The Capital Hotels and Apartments has already taken a huge bite. There are six properties in Joburg (Empire, On The Park, 20 West and Moloko in Sandton; Melrose and Bath), Menlyn Maine in Pretoria, Mirage in Cape Town and Pearls in Durban. The goal is to be profitable and grow the company with more apartments—and, most importantly, keep the tenants happy.

TRIBE sat down with Wachsberger to find out more about his business journey to this point, and how his company

manages to stay competitive in the property industry. (His equation, “Satisfaction equals results minus expectation”, is probably part of the reason he has been so successful.)

■ You have accomplished so much at a young age. Can you give us a brief overview of the path that has led you to this point?

I spent years in someone else’s company, learning through mistakes. Eventually, I went out on my own and started something. I can describe my school life as absolute mediocrity; on every report card I would get Cs. I was a lazy, unmotivated kid. But when push came to shove, which was matric exams, I got my act together and started studying hard. My results exceeded my potential, with three distinctions including in maths and accounting.

I didn’t want to go the chartered accounting route, but my mindset has always been around taking the most efficient route to achieve my final outcome. At that time, it was to get a BCom in finance and do a CFA degree as well. I got a little opportunity to start the degrees in parallel, and that became an opportunity to gain an edge. The outcome at that point was to get employed, but it was so hard to land that first job. I had to think of an advantage that I had over my peer competitor group.

My edge was that I had done my first year of CFA, and that’s how I got my first job at the age of 21, in corporate finance. I studied while working, then left the company five years later. I struggled for a year doing nothing. Until I managed to come up with a concept: If I could

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AFRICAN WARRIOR

You have to have the client and some revenue to work with. Our other hotels were doing well, so we had a competitive advantage to start building rooms. We didn’t buy the entire hotel on the first day, we bought what we could afford. We told the seller we would buy half— if we did well with that half, we’d buy the second half. We made good money which, within a month, enabled us to exercise the option to buy the second half. We were very focused on the downside risk; we didn’t take on more than we could afford.

THE CAPITAL THE PEARLS rent apartments on a long lease for R10 000 a month, then I could sublet them for R1 500 a night. There was clearly money to be made, and that’s how I started my hotel business between the age of 26 and 27.

■ How did your first year of business go?

Luckily, demand at that moment was high. I’m not afraid to copy other people’s successful methods: I call it ‘copy, paste, innovate’.

Basically taking someone else’s model that’s already working internationally.

Right across the road from me was a very similar type of business, renting out apartments nightly, weekly and monthly. I asked the lady who was running that operation: Would you ever strike a trade? Her answer was no, but instead she offered me a share of the business. She’s the one who made us successful from day one.

One thing I’ve become good at is selling. The minute there was a business with revenue, I could start putting systems in place. The first

part of a good formula is getting the right people.

■ When did you move on to the next stage of your business?

The first three years I can categorise as spending without requiring any capital from our side. The 2010 Soccer World Cup really helped us—we made a lot of money because our concept at that time was unique.

We used that to our advantage in the second phase of our business, which was raising capital to move from private equity. After the World Cup, a few hotels failed because they stood empty. That helped us in our phase of acquisition. Then the third phase was development, developing our own hotels. That is where we are today: we buy land and develop the hotels, own and operate them ourselves. There are two sides to our business, real estate and operating hotels.

■ So that’s how you managed to grow and remain successful after the World Cup, unlike other properties?

I’M NOT AFRAID TO COPY OTHER PEOPLE’S SUCCESSFUL METHODS: I CALL IT ‘COPY, PASTE, INNOVATE 02 6

■ Explain your business model.

Eighty percent of our rooms are in a business environment, for the business traveller who’s not necessarily prepared to risk a bed-and-breakfast not being what they expected. We offer consistency; our clients know their rooms are going to be perfect when they arrive, and they know that if they’re in a group, their friends or colleagues will have the same room.

We almost always get five-star grading from the Tourism Grading Council. But we don’t utilise that five-star certificate—we get it then put it far away because of my equation of satisfaction equals results minus expectation. The expectation of a client arriving at a five-star hotel is that it’s going to be overpriced and expensive. Which we are not. We are well priced and have a higher expectation around service and standards that we can economically provide.

We’ve done so well in the technology field that today we have an app, and our website provides travellers with a threestep booking process. It makes it easy to do business with clients because it explains things in a quick, simple way.

■ When someone buys a unit in any of your hotels, do they become part of the group system of that hotel? How integrated are

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AFRICAN WARRIOR

they in the day-to-day services?

The first overarching feature is that we sell because we can’t afford to own everything—owning everything would be taking on too much risk. By selling, we’re lowering the risk. Take this scenario for instance: There are two clients who buy apartments from us. The first wants to live inside our hotels and ecosystem. They can live in an apartment that gives them all the benefits of a hotel. The second client is someone who wants to buy an apartment, then lease it back to us. We become their tenant. For this buyer, it’s a great investment because they get a beautiful apartment that comes with a tenant that’s stable and pays the rent at the end of the month.

■ Is there any property you’re particularly proud of?

It’s incremental if you’re doing something that performs ahead of your expectation; satisfaction and pride are generated. Once again, satisfaction equals results minus expectation.

Acquiring our first property and seeing it yield results was my most prestigious moment. From successfully acquiring some property, we moved on to developing our own property which was called The Capital Empire. The

next proud moment came when we built The Capital On The Park in Sandton, a mega hotel with over 320 rooms as well as residential apartment blocks. In terms of where I am today, we just opened The Capital Melrose, which is a stunning boutique hotel with 109 rooms.

■ As an entrepreneur, what gave you the confidence to take a risk?

I grew up knowing I didn’t want to be a policeman or a fireman. In school, when asked to draw a picture of what I’d like to become when I’m grown up, I always drew a man with a tie. (Funnily enough, I don’t think I’ve ever worn a tie!) I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur or a businessman because I grew up in a household with a father who was—and still is—a fantastic entrepreneur, and talking about business around the dinner table was our norm.

The fact that I was mathematically inclined was a tool in achieving that entrepreneurial goal. But I wasn’t the best at maths, I was third in class. Which I consider important because, in a way, the ones who are the best mathematicians in class don’t usually go the entrepreneurial route but rather get jobs in fields such as actuarial science and do incredibly well. I built several THE CAPITAL BATH

skill sets because my mind was not just focused on maths. One of the skills I’ve built up is the art of negotiation.

Businesses are ultimately a game, so if you’re not having fun in business, that’s a problem. You need to have fun every day. I have fun and love coming to work every day.

Sometimes it’s a game of labour and adding one block after another until you build something.

■ As a business person in real estate, what are your thoughts about land expropriation in South Africa?

We think it’s the biggest opportunity that’s ever been present in South Africa. While others are fearful of land expropriation, it has singlehandedly created our ability to grow. The minute land expropriation talks started, we were suddenly able to buy land at the right price and grow our business. That kind of talk creates opportunities, but there’s also a significant risk increase caused by land expropriation. Farmers who are not utilising their land face the possibility of their land being expropriated. But I’m prepared to say with 99% certainty that our land is not going to be expropriated.

Call me crazy, but I still think rationality ultimately prevails.

■ What’s your long-term goal?

Our long-term goal is to drive our business into every city centre in South Africa, expanding into Africa as a whole. There’s consistency in all our hotels and apartments.

■ What do you do when you’re not being an entrepreneur?

My family is incredibly important to me. I’ve been married for seven years and have three kids, ages five, three and one. Family and business are both huge focuses in my life. I’m not a socialite, I don’t have time! I’m quite introverted socially. My hobbies are mountain biking, a little bit of golfing and sleeping a lot. ■

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MEET THE CHIEFTESS

LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELD As CEO of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, DR PHATHOKUHLE ZONDI has an excellent platform to use her love of medicine, sport and education to make a meaningful impact

By Jacqueline Manyonga

T

he young Phatho always

wanted to study medicine. But during her high school years, another interest vied for her attention: sport. Not only was her family very sporty, but she herself excelled in netball and athletics.

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Fortuitously, one day she and her sister heard Professor Tim Noakes on SAfm radio, talking about his involvement in sports science. At once she knew which career she would pursue.

After medical school, however,

she found that health practitioners were largely untrained in finance and business. So, in order to supplement her skills and knowledge, she gained an MBA at the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Which is now standing her

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MEET THE CHIEFTESS

and health of all South Africans through the execution, application and dissemination of science— helping them realise their full potential to be their personal best.

“The industry of sports science and exercise medicine and wellness is dynamic and changing,” Dr Zondi says, but the SSISA is becoming agile enough to adapt to these changing markets and consumer trends.

She takes pride in understanding people in order to help them unlock their maximum potential. Because when others flourish, she feels her passions are being fulfilled. Dr Zondi revealed in an interview with TRIBE how the SSISA is living up to its mandate, how she is contributing as CEO, and the role of the organisation in educating and empowering the youth.

in good stead in her new position as CEO of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA).

The concept of the SSISA was born in 1994 from the idea of developing sporting icons in South Africa to promote national pride and unity. The initial vision was generated after extensive interaction between Prof. Noakes, former Springbok captain Morné du Plessis, and businessman extraordinaire Johann Rupert. The aim of the organisation is to optimise the sporting performance

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■ You served as chief medical officer for Team South Africa at the 2017 World Games, the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. You were also the medical doctor for Team SA at the 2012 London Olympics. Can you tell us more about your background prior to all these successes?

In my early sports medicine days, I had the privilege of working with a broad range of athletes: school kids, recreational Comrades runners, development athletes in different sports academies, and highperformance athletes representing national teams. Being exposed to such a broad range of athletes and athlete needs gave me a great appreciation of just how complex and exciting sports medicine is. I spent a few years being a generalist sports medicine physician while teaching postgraduate students, and really enjoyed the diversity and growth that came from varied experiences.

■ What triggered your passion for sports science and exercise medicine?

My love of sport was undoubtedly inherited from my parents who were avid athletes themselves. My mother was an elite runner in the apartheid era, and although she never got to compete on the international stage, she continued to run socially well into her adulthood. My father was an avid tennis player and runner, and my earliest memories are of our whole family having great fun as we supported him on the Comrades up- and down runs. Growing up, sport was entwined in my family’s culture: everyone played at least two sports, and we did fun runs and other physical activities as a family—it was always so much fun!

As I grew up and had to make serious life choices, I naturally leant toward sports-related careers.

When I heard Professor Tim Noakes on the radio in my Grade 11 year, it all fell into place and I knew then that sports medicine was the career for me. The leadership and management aspects were a natural evolution from my experience within the various teams I worked.

I found myself naturally able to lead teams toward a bigger common goal, and continue to find it rewarding to work alongside people for a greater cause.

■ As a physician who consults for different sporting codes, you must have been witness to many an agonising moment on the sports field. How do you maintain your composure to keep your patients calm?

For a person who easily relates to emotions, this can be difficult. On the one hand, being able to openly express my feelings helps me connect with people, which I embrace. On the other hand, I’ve had to learn how to keep my emotions from clouding my judgement. When I’m with athletes or teams, I always remind myself that I’m there to do a job, and I don’t allow emotions to interfere

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MEET THE CHIEFTESS

GOOD ADVICE “Don’t take yourself so seriously that you forget to have fun!”

with that job. What helps is that I think things through a lot, so in any volatile or highly emotive situation, my default response is to stop and think: Do the circumstances warrant the response? What can I do about the circumstances? What’s the worst that could happen? These thoughts happen right in the moment and definitely help with a measured response—but they also continue long after the moment has passed as I replay and unpack the experience.

■ You hold high-ranking positions across your field, and serve on the Board of Directors of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sports. How do you handle all the responsibilities?

It has served me well to know my limitations, so I never say yes to an

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to always get everything 120% right, I do (almost) always give it 120% heart.

opportunity if I don’t have the competence or the capacity to gain competence. I’ve also become better at saying no. Quite simply, this means I only say yes to a commitment when I know I can add value. And when I do commit, then I show up. I prepare, I work hard, I do my best to deliver beyond expectation. And while I can’t claim

■ Which strategies are in place to help improve the competitiveness and relevance of the SSISA? I inherited an institution with a strong legacy and firm core values.

Building on this foundation, the leadership team has outlined a strategy that will enable the SSISA to continue to realise its vision while being agile enough to adapt to changing markets and consumer trends. After a thorough process, we were able to crystallise our offering and our difference. The process has included elements of financial management restructuring, product refresh, marketing revamp and an upgrade of processes to improve efficiencies.

All of these processes are ongoing, and the hard work is staying on course, not reverting to old ‘comfortable’ habits. It’s also crucial to constantly monitor the success of every new intervention, being quick to adapt to create efficiencies—and one doesn’t always get it right. Change management is particularly tough, and it often feels like there are many more steps backward than forward. But the small wins and a committed team serve as good motivation to keep looking ahead.

■ As CEO, are there any challenges you are currently facing?

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT TEACHING IS HOW MUCH I LEARN. THAT’S PROBABLY THE CORNERSTONE OF ANY MESSAGE I GIVE: NEVER STOP LEARNING AND CONSTANTLY SEEK OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH. Tribe

MEET THE CHIEFTESS

The sports industry is particularly gruelling, with many competitors in the market and customers who have very specific and detailed expectations. Staying abreast while maintain integrity is non-negotiable for me. This sometimes means saying no to some opportunities, it often means making difficult decisions, and it always means deliberating before acting. I also have a responsibility to continue the great work of my predecessor [Morné du Plessis], who felt strongly that the SSISA’s core purpose was to make a meaningful impact in society through sport.

■ What leadership philosophy do you live by?

“If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together,” states an old African proverb.

And Theodore Roosevelt once said: “People only care how much you know when they know how much you care.” These are two philosophies I live and stand by.

■ As a motivational speaker, it must be such an honour and privilege for you to share your thoughts on topics you’re immensely passionate about: health, leadership and business.

What has been the highlight of your public-speaking career?

I relish any opportunity to present to an audience on a topic I feel strongly about. There’s always a great deal of learning while preparing (no matter how much you already know on the topic), and it’s a thrill to shape a topic to a specific audience, carefully planning how to deliver the message impactfully and effectively.

It’s the same rigorous preparation— whether I’m addressing high school learners, senior executives or athletes. Of the numerous keynotes and informal talks I’ve delivered, I’d say my speaking highlights so far include a keynote address at

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IN THE KRAAL WITH Dr Phatho Zondi

FAVOURITE QUOTE? “Incepto ne desistam—May I not shrink from my purpose.”

FAVOURITE HOBBY? “Running.”

FAVOURITE BOOK? “I’ve just finished reading Becoming by Michelle Obama.

I resonate with the challenges she described as she navigated her career, the conflicts she felt as a working mother, and also the sense of being called to serve a greater purpose.”

MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? “Time. It won’t always be mine, so I’m mindful of how I spend it.”

YOUR INSPIRATION? “My two girls (1 and 4 years old). I want to create a world in which they can thrive as young black females—a world in which they experience less resistance than I have.”

FUNNIEST QUESTION FROM A PATIENT? ‘Doc, after my wife gives birth, will she grow another uterus?’ (“This from a grown man…”)

the Deloitte Africa Summit and, at the opposite extreme, an introduction I gave to a group of 6- to 12-year-old girls for a Dads and Daughters fun day.

■ How do you use your platform to contribute toward socioeconomic development?

The most effective (and often most difficult) way to invest socially is with time: being present, physically helping out at an event, talking to people, sharing stories—imparting skills and knowledge by just being present. You may be surprised at how many dots you can connect and how much potential can be unlocked by just taking time to understand people and hear their ideas. I’m proudest of how I’ve been able to use various networks to connect people with opportunities and watch them flourish.

■ The youth are our future. You evidently share this belief, judging by your mentoring and empowering of young women.

What is the biggest lesson you hope to convey when you conduct these programmes?

What I love about teaching is how much I learn. That’s probably the cornerstone of any message I give: never stop learning and constantly seek opportunities for growth. I also feel quite strongly about the importance of authenticity and leading with integrity. I thoroughly enjoy the debates that transpire when we unpack what these topics mean for individuals.

■ There are many youngsters who look up to you and who have the greatest desire to be just like you. Any additional thoughts you’d like to share in this regard?

My heartfelt plea to young people is: Just be yourself! Rather than trying to emulate someone else, embrace everything that makes you uniquely you, because that’s your difference. Spend time figuring out what fuels your fire and what gets you excited. Of course, you can look to others for ideas and tips, but use these insights to shape your own journey. Work hard. Make time for your family and inner circle. And, for goodness sake, don’t take yourself so seriously that you forget to have fun! ■

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WORLD-CHANGING TRENDS

A NEW START Feenix is helping South Africa’s youth rise by crowdfunding for their tertiary education

By Robbie Stammers

M

ore than half (51%) of youth

aged 18–24 years claim they do not have the financial means to pay for their tertiary tuition. That is over 1.4 million youths who will never be able to afford to take their education further and thereby increase their opportunities to progress in their careers and lives. This is the sad reality according to the “Higher

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Education and Skills in South Africa” report released by Statistics South Africa in March 2019.

Furthermore, despite the #FeesMustFall movement, current government funding is inadequate to support all students who qualify for tertiary education. So, where does that leave them?

Enter Feenix: an incredible initiative that began in June 2017,

sparked by the belief that education is vital to breaking the cycle of poverty. The crowdfunding platform has already changed the lives of more than 900 students with funding in excess of R25 million. These 900 lives have been spectacularly changed for the better—and no doubt the ripple effect will become more pronounced among the youth of

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WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH BUSINESSES TO PROVIDE INTERNSHIPS AND GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE STUDENTS THEY FUND, AIMING TO INCREASE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS.

our country.

“Our objective is very clear”, exclaims Leana de Beer, Chief Operating Officer at Feenix. “We are here to connect communities to provide more South Africans the opportunity to study further and gain valuable skills. We believe that access to education and fulfilling one’s potential should not be dependent on wealth”. A bold and

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proud statement that certainly seems to ring true for Feenix.

As a technology startup and registered public benefit organisation, Feenix is able to combine the compliance, focus and impact of a traditional NGO model with agility and innovation.

Students register on the Feenix website, upload their fee statement and define a funding goal. The

Feenix.org signup process allows students to register their financial needs for their current year of study, based on their official fee statement from the university.

Once this registration process is complete, they are able to reach out to their community: friends and family, individuals and businesses, who can all contribute to students’ funding. In addition, certain

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students will be selected to receive funding from the Feenix Pool Fund.

Funders can donate directly to a student with whom they connect, or donate to the Feenix Pool Fund.

Feenix offers a host of benefits to business donors, and donations are tax-deductible.

“Feenix supports South African students whose combined annual household income is below R600 000 per annum. This number is important because it includes the missing middle: students deemed too rich for government support, but who can’t actually afford the high cost of tertiary education,” explained De Beer.

“We are also working with businesses to provide internships and graduate opportunities for the students they fund, aiming to increase youth employment numbers.”

All degree types for accredited courses at any of the 26 public universities across South Africa are currently accepted, with plans to extend the solution in the near

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future to students studying at other tertiary and higher learning institutions.

With its digital offering, and the small but dynamic team behind Feenix, the powerful database tracks student behaviour and enables all financial activity through the site. The log of payments received and disbursed is stored securely and allows for a full financial audit to be performed at any time or if any irregularity is suspected.

Standard Bank was the first company to invest in the Feenix platform and has been the main sponsor since inception. This association adds further credibility to Feenix and its ability to disperse funds.

TRIBE asked Lungisa Fuzile, CEO and executive director of Standard Bank SA, how he felt about witnessing the bank’s brainchild Feenix rising from nothing and taking off to such heights. “As a teacher by profession, passion for education has remained with me.

Watching the Feenix initiative grow from an idea to an engine for driving funding of education in South Africa has been humbling and inspirational. It has shown the power that lies within our society’s ability to collectively address some of the ills our country is faced with.

It has also shown the strength we have if we mobilise our efforts and resources around a cause for which we see the long-term benefits for our nation. Reading the stories and thank-you notes from the students warms my heart as an individual, but also as a Standard Banker,” he said proudly.

Why is it essential that Feenix continue its sterling work for students who do not have the financial means to secure their studies? Fuzile pointed out, “The remediation of education provision and funding challenges will unlock significant value for South Africa.

Intermediaries like Feenix provide funders with an opportunity to contribute to this, with direct and measurable outcomes. Without

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donors, Feenix is simply an engine without movement. Funds are the oil that greases the engine to facilitate movement in the education ecosystem of South Africa. We can create a better future for South Africa by playing a role in their development today.”

TRIBE also asked Cas Coovadia, managing director of the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), what his thoughts were on the importance of a platform such as Feenix: “The financial sector and BASA have a number of activities to support the education sector, from early childhood development through to tertiary institutions.

South Africa needs numerous initiatives to encourage funding flows into tertiary education, given the socio-economic dynamics in our country. Feenix is an excellent platform to put students in touch with potential funders and enables them to support students.

“The success of Feenix to date shows its relevance. This relevance will remain as long as the socioeconomic dynamics in South Africa make it impossible for students to afford funding of tertiary education.

The continuity of Feenix, and its consistent growth, is thus critical.

OUR AIM IS TO STREAMLINE SUPPORT FOR OUR STUDENTS. THIS GIVES FUNDERS EVEN MORE REASON TO USE FEENIX AS THEIR AVENUE OR PARTNER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Tribe

“There is a great team managing and driving Feenix. The team has taken the initiative from conception to excellent performance and progress. I am committed, as a trustee, to assist the team to take Feenix to even greater success,” he added.

De Beer told TRIBE that the Feenix website allows education funding to be real and personal.

Funders know exactly where their money is going, whether the donation is big or small. Feenix pays the funding over to the university directly, with a 5% administration cost attached (about 10% to 15% lower than the industry standard). “We are 100% transparent, and ensure the funding is used for its intended purpose,” she explained. “Our aim is to streamline support for our students. This gives funders even more reason to use Feenix as their avenue or partner to make a difference.”

This is what one funder had to say: “My reason for being a Feenix funder is because we have to have hope and invest in the future and the youth. The youth are ambitious and challenge the status quo but, unfortunately, many do not have the resources they need. The reason I am a Feenix funder is to help the youth and invest in our future, by giving the little I have to contribute to someone’s education.”

Another funder commented, “Feenix provides me with a simple platform to make someone’s dream come true. I am passionate about learning, and Feenix allows me to contribute to this in another way.”

TRIBE also asked staff at two tertiary education institutions how Feenix has aided their students: Velani Mbiza Gola from the Office of Institutional Advancement at the University of Fort Hare in East London, where three students have been funded to the value of approximately R77 000. “Thank you, Feenix, for providing this

enabling platform to change our students’ lives. It might seem like a small gesture, yet the most profound,” he said.

At the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State, four students have been funded by Feenix to the value of approximately R138 000. Said Geralda Winkler, manager of Fundraising and Project Marketing, “This partnership with Feenix is dear and important to CUT. With crowdfunding being a new philanthropic platform within the South African context, Feenix is providing excellent guidance and support to our students in equipping them with fundamental, universal life coaching and skills.”

On the Feenix website, one can read the testimonials of the students themselves—about the massive contribution that Feenix has made to their lives for a brighter future. Sanescia, who recently graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, says: “The ability to seek help from society is absolutely wonderful, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am. I can now attend my graduation debt-free!”

Feenix is clearly making an incredible difference to the lives of South Africa’s youth. If more people, companies and institutions could get involved—however small or big their donation—it would have an even greater impact. After all, in the words of the great Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.” ■ TRIBE salutes Feenix and urges readers to support tertiary students by going to www.feenix.org and registering to become a funder today.

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WORLD-CHANGING TRENDS

FOREVER YOUNG Modern medicine can harness the body’s natural pathways to heal itself and stay healthy for longer. Here’s a look at what’s new and exciting in the world of antiageing research

By Duncan Carmichael

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M

uch happened in 2018, both

outside and inside the world of healthy ageing.

Social media was awash with intrigue, delight and blunder in the competitive arenas of sports, politics and celebrity. The medical world also saw its share of highlights and lowlights. In my opinion, the three most interesting stories in the healthy ageing sphere involved sugar, medicine and… a weedkiller.

SUGAR TAX

2018 was South Africa’s watershed year when it came to fiscal efforts to cut consumption of sugary drinks: In April, it became the first African country to introduce a sugar tax. However, it was more than just a nudge to help people drink fewer fizzy drinks—it was more of a shoulder-charge on manufacturers to cut the amount of sugar they load into their beverages. It marked the first time the government stood up and acknowledged, in a practical way, that sugar is a massive problem in our fight against obesity and diabetes, and in a range of other inflammation-linked conditions that cost the country billions.

But can this one act reverse the obesity epidemic? It seems unlikely.

Mexico brought in its sugar tax four years back and, although the consumption of fizzy drinks has declined, obesity and diabetes are still climbing. To date, no country has managed to reverse the obesity epidemic and so, although the sugar tax is a good start, countries will need to do much more to avoid the threat of crippling their health budgets.

RAPAMYCIN

If the newspapers are to be believed, rapamycin is the drug that will help us live longer. One British tabloid headline screamed: “Antiageing BREAKTHROUGH: Scientists discover way to DOUBLE lifespan”.

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You had to read a little further to see that it achieved this in a type of worm…

Rapamycin is produced by bacteria to kill off invading fungi.

In animals, it can switch off an important enzyme called mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin); doing so dials down the immune system and helps prevent cancer, and it has been shown to boost the lifespan of worms, flies and even mice—which, being mammals, are closer to humans.

It’s also cheap to make, so the excitement is not without reason.

But at this stage, rapamycin’s potential in humans is just that—a possibility. Why the caution?

Because we humans are far more complicated than worms, and you cannot simply switch off a master regulator like mTOR without risking some serious side effects. After all, mTOR is what stimulates our muscles to grow after exercise, and it’s essential in boosting the immune system to stave off infections. And, given that maintaining muscle mass and having an active immune system are two factors that are considered vital to the health of the elderly, turning it off in a senior person may reduce their risk of cancer but also weaken their immune system and cut their muscle mass. I suspect that, unless it can be modified to have specific effects, human studies will show that rapamycin switches off too many healthy pathways.

SUGAR TAX WAS MORE THAN JUST A NUDGE TO HELP PEOPLE DRINK FEWER FIZZY DRINKS— IT WAS MORE OF A SHOULDER-CHARGE ON MANUFACTURERS TO CUT THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR THEY LOAD INTO THEIR BEVERAGES.

ROUNDUP

You might have heard of peptides from the doping world, where they’re a breed of performanceenhancing drugs that athletes can take without testing positive (although drug testing is catching up). But there’s much more to them.

First, though, what is a peptide?

It’s simply a short chain of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and if you add several together then you can make a peptide hormone such as growth

Is Roundup a toxin? The world’s most popular herbicide is certainly bad for plants, and in 2018 a court in the United States ruled that it caused cancer in plaintiff Dewayne Johnson, a school groundskeeper.

He’s terminally ill, and the jury felt there was compelling evidence to suggest the high levels of Roundup in his system had caused the disease. The judge agreed. The bravery of Mr Johnson in taking the

manufacturer, Monsanto, to court may well be the watershed moment that eventually removes this toxin from our shelves.

Although we are surrounded by toxins and cannot avoid them all, it makes sense to exercise caution and not to rely on governments or the courts. After all, it took 150 years to prove that amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, are toxic—yet dentists around the world still use them.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2019?

There’s plenty more to be excited about in the world of healthy ageing research, but for my money here are five topics to watch this year:

1. PEPTIDES

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hormone (GH), insulin or oxytocin.

GH is a complex hormone that does many different things: It makes bones grow in teenagers, and it can stimulate skin, hair, muscle, cartilage, stem cells and the brain, as well as other hormones. If we want only to stimulate stem cell growth, then we need only the part of GH that does that job.

Researchers have been working with numerous peptides that have been able to stimulate multiple rejuvenation benefits like nerve regeneration, bone restructuring and heart muscle rebuilding.

An example of a peptide that’s ready to come to market is something called a collagenstimulating peptide. This is taken as a tablet and has been shown to stimulate the skin’s collagen (its scaffolding) by stimulating new cells, making the skin appear younger without negative side effects.

Though still in an experimental stage, peptides can boost a tired immune system, rebuild injured muscles, and stimulate stem cells to grow in specific directions. In summary, peptides have a big future and 2019 could be their year.

2. PLATELET-RICH PLASMA

PRP hit the news some years back as the technique behind Kim Kardashian’s vampire facial. A doctor takes the patient’s blood, spins it in a centrifuge to separate the clear plasma at the top, then puts that back into the skin. The plasma is comprised of growth factors, which are the messengers that boost the immune system and GH, and stimulate the skin, hair, muscle and cartilage to grow.

Many skin treatments simply stimulate collagen. PRP, on the other hand, stimulates the stem cells of the skin to build both collagen scaffolding and new skin.

The older and more damaged the skin, the better the result.

PRP is also used in the scalp to stimulate hair growth, in a drip to stimulate the immune system, and in joints to stimulate cartilage growth. In fact, PRP injected into knee joints has been perhaps the most exciting use, helping patients with painful wear-and-tear arthritis, and who previously would’ve needed knee replacement surgery. After three treatments, many find significant relief and may be able to forego knee replacement surgery. Adding peptides to PRP supercharges the results.

3. STEM CELLS

PRP IS ALSO USED IN THE SCALP TO STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH, IN A DRIP TO STIMULATE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, AND IN JOINTS TO STIMULATE CARTILAGE GROWTH. 0 3 8

We have talked about stem cells for 20 years and, while they have remarkable potential, we have yet to see them shine. These days, instead of using stem cells from embryos, we can instead source them from our fat reserves. The fat is not difficult to extract, the stem cells can easily be removed and then injected back into us to treat numerous conditions.

Our current limitation with stem cell treatments is that we inject them into the body and basically ‘hope’ they go to the area of concern. For example, if someone has emphysema, we want the stem

cells to go directly to the lungs to repair the damaged tissue. The cells will certainly be attracted to inflamed, damaged lungs and will give some benefit, but they may similarly go to other areas of inflammation such as our sinuses or an inflamed joint. In late 2018, however, scientists in Japan were able to stimulate stem cells to start to turn into brain cells and direct them to the brain of a patient suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

We will see in 2019 how successful this treatment was.

This may also be the year we see peptides added to stem cell treatments to trigger them to evolve in specific directions, depending on whether we’re treating damaged lungs, knees or even skin.

4. CLUSTERED REGULARLY INTERSPACED SHORT PALINDROMIC REPEATS

In nature, CRISPR is a short piece of DNA that a bacterium has cut out of an invading virus and kept as a reminder note to destroy the DNA of any future viral attack. Scientists have been so impressed by this bacterial trick that they have taken the technology to use in humans.

For example, a child with cystic fibrosis has a gene defect that causes the lungs to make copious amounts of damaging sticky mucous. By replacing the faulty gene with CRISPR technology, scientists hope to be able to reverse this disease.

But CRISPR has its concerns, too.

If we replace part of a gene, we cannot be sure how many other genetic functions that gene influences and what consequences the procedure will have. At its most exciting, CRISPR could help us insert health and longevity genes into humans; at its worst, it could trigger illnesses and cancers that we have not yet even imagined.

The ethical concerns around CRISPR were highlighted in November 2018 when Chinese

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Professor He Jiankui announced he had added an HIV protective gene to eggs to protect twin girls from contracting the disease from their father, who is HIV-positive. The scientific world was rightly outraged at this ethical breach, but CRISPR itself has a long road ahead of it.

5. MICROPLASTICS

If 2018 saw a court rule that Roundup was carcinogenic, then 2019 will be the year that exposes the dangers of microplastics. It’s estimated that the ocean may already contain over 150 million tonnes of plastic—and although we can pick up plastic from our beaches, we can’t clear microplastics from the oceans. They can take hundreds of years to break down, and in the meantime are absorbed by plankton and shellfish and then move up the food chain.

It was hoped these microplastics would just pass harmlessly through the guts of fish and shellfish and not cause any trouble. Recent evidence shows, however, that they not only accumulate in shellfish but they leach chemicals into these animals, causing a decrease in their fertility and health. Studies show that similar exposure of fish to microplastics sees the animals die out within five generations.

We know plastic is an endocrine disruptor in humans, meaning it can upset our hormones: it can slow down our thyroid (leading to sluggishness and weight gain) and can act like oestrogen (contributing to obesity, cancer and infertility in men)—and as it proliferates in our environment, we risk damaging ourselves. The danger is that microplastics are accumulating so fast in sea life that seafood may soon become unacceptably toxic. I expect human studies released in 2019 will show that we’re

accumulating microplastics from our diet.

The first four examples show how modern medicine can harness the body’s natural pathways to heal itself, and this will be a growing theme in rejuvenation medicine in future years. But the fifth shows that, even as we take one step forward, we risk taking several back. And, as CRISPR has shown, with great knowledge comes great responsibility, and we must not launch new technologies until they have been thoroughly tested. ■

■ Dr Duncan Carmichael is the founder of the Institute of Healthy Aging in Cape Town, and the author of the acclaimed book “Younger for Longer: How You Can Slow the Ageing Process and Stay Healthy for Life”.

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LIVE LIKE A KING

HERITAGE HOTEL New-world luxury and old-world charm meet at the Taj Cape Town

By Evans Manyonga

L

ocated right in the historic heart of Cape Town—where slaves, farmers and colonialists once lived and worked—stands a building that has an equally rich heritage. Originally home to the Temple Chambers (1896) and South African Reserve Bank (1921), and later the Board of Executors (BoE), the Taj Hotel seamlessly merges old history with new luxury.

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Upon arrival, this fusion is quite evident: Contemporary architecture shares the space with original fittings such as the chandeliers, the heavy grills and doors at the pedestrian entrance (which still bear the old Reserve Bank’s lion heraldry), and the restored clock above the doors that exit onto St George’s Mall. On the ceiling above the lobby is the outline of the old barrel-vaulted skylight,

supported by three Portuguese Skyros marble columns.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Spread across the two historic buildings as well as the more modern Tower, are 176 rooms that have spectacular views of either the bustling city or the iconic Table Mountain. Whether you choose to lay your head in the Heritage rooms and suites, Luxury Tower rooms and suites, the premier Presidential Suite on the 16th and 17th floors with its wraparound terrace, or the 13-roomed Taj Club with private Club Lounge on the second floor, you will be ensconced in sophisticated luxury—with all the amenities you’d require.

I had the pleasure of spending a night in one of the suites. Words cannot fully describe the elegance of the furnishings and all-round comfort of the space. Families, solo travellers and executives alike will

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find their accommodations more than satisfactory to cater to all their needs (and whims).

WHERE TO DO BUSINESS

The Reserve is the hotel’s meeting event space. Also steeped in history, it occupies the grand African

Banking Corporation (later Standard Bank) building that was constructed in 1894; meticulous restoration ensured the heritage of this landmark building was preserved—but with the addition of state-of-the-art technologies and every convenience for the business traveller.

Banqueting rooms are located on the first floor in the Heritage Wing. These spaces are able to host a variety of meetings, conferences and events with their top-of-the-line audiovisual equipment.

A different—and quite special— meeting venue is The Vault: the original walk-in bank vault of the African Banking Corporation, constructed in the 1920s. It still displays the colossal safe door and wraparound wine cellar. The Vault is accessed via a winding staircase next to one of the oldest open-cage elevators in South Africa.

Another charming space is The Chairman’s Office, the original bank manager’s chambers with its unchanged teak panels and fireplace. It makes for a perfect breakaway room or cigar lounge.

WHERE TO RELAX

It’s not all work at The Taj Cape Town. To relieve the stresses of your business duties, take some time out for a massage at the Jiva Spa where the wisdom and heritage of the Indian philosophy of wellness

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and well-being are brought together in the signature treatments and holistic therapies.

Other wellness and leisure facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, fully equipped Technogym, separate male and female saunas, a steam room and a vitality pool.

WHERE TO DINE

For some of the finest Indian cuisine outside the subcontinent, book a table at the Bombay Brasserie, the hotel’s signature specialty restaurant. In its opulent but classic setting, the venue’s atmosphere is as rich and satisfying as the traditional dishes prepared

by Executive Chef David Tilly and his team of skilled Indian chefs.

(Bombay Brasserie is currently under renovations and will open again end August) Mint Restaurant and Terrace is a more relaxed affair for all-day dining—including a splendid breakfast buffet that has become the talk of the town with its array of healthy (yet decadent) natural treats.

Other venues where you can put your feet up are the Cigar Lounge with its fine whiskeys and cognacs; and the Lobby Lounge and Bar under the impressive barrelvaulted skylight, which offers afternoon tea. ■ Visit www.tajhotels.com for further information and to book your stay

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BEHIND THE BRAND

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY How luxury epicurean brand Coco Safar is disrupting the culinary scene in Cape Town

C

oco Safar was always intended to be a global

disrupter, from the day the first pilot store opened in Canada more than 10 years ago, to the opening of the first store in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town in 2016. This experience, which was eventually relocated to the Atlantic seaboard in early 2018, into an expanded, fully fledged flagship café and retail establishment in Sea Point, was ultimately designed to be the blueprint for a global rollout.

Conceived in New York, designed in Toronto and brought to life in Cape Town, Coco Safar is a luxury café and unique epicurean destination that offers all-day dining, world-class specialty coffee roasted on-site, signature collections of coffee and rooibos compostable capsules, delightfully decadent Frenchstyle patisserie, chocolates and homespun gelato created and styled in its on-site atelier, as well as luxury lifestyle accessories in its boutique emporium.

Add to that—as a revolutionary next step in the rollout of its brand offering late last year—the unveiling of its new world-first botanical microbrewery alongside four refreshingly new house-brewed drinks, made exclusively from all-natural botanical ingredients and South African superfoods, and you start realising Coco Safar is forging a new path for itself.

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But that wasn’t enough for Coco Safar… The brand had to ensure its culinary offering was equally innovative.

Coco Safar’s well-travelled international culinary team, after having just returned from an extensive inspiration trip to the iconic style capitals of the world, has conceptualised two innovative new dining experiences.

The brand’s acclaimed team of chefs is headed by its international executive chef Carmen Rueda, who spearheaded the experimental kitchen for British celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal (who founded the 3-star Michelin Fat Duck) and held an executive chef position at what is considered in culinary circles the “world’s finest restaurant”, el Bulli, a Michelin 3-star run for many years by chef Ferran Adrià in Spain; on top of that, she held an executive chef position at 2am:dessertbar in Singapore, founded by Asia’s top pastry chef Janice Wong. With such an illustrious track record, any new culinary offering coming out of the Coco Safar innovation hub kitchen in Cape Town is sure to stir the senses in an extraordinary way.

Evening diners at Coco Safar can choose between the brand’s trendsetting new Tapas Sharing Experience or the DBE Culinary Voyage: a gastronomic journey for the senses, blurring the lines between sweet and

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savoury. This is besides the standard Coco Safar all-day café menu, featuring many delicious classics and decadent breakfast options.

An intimate, relaxed experience best shared between loved ones and good friends, the Tapas Sharing Experience is a cosmopolitan take on the traditional Spanish-originated tapas food phenomenon, but in true Coco Safar style—with an international epicurean flair. The menu features dishes like smoked brisket ravioli in vegetable broth with chives, grilled aubergine on rosemary sweet potato mash, shimeji mushrooms and miso-honey glaze, and herb-crusted seabass with grilled pak choi, lemon-herb cream cheese and fish broth, as part of an eight-course sharing experience.

The DBE Culinary Voyage takes diners on a

unforgettable journey of gastronomy discoveries, touching all five senses as it takes you on a first-class voyage from Cape Town to Istanbul, then Paris and finally Shanghai, complete with hot scented towels on arrival, boarding calls before each connecting flight, and first-class cabin crew catering to your every whim.

This particular flight route is the first of many iconic DBE routes planned. With only 12 seats per night, it is intimate food theatre at its best.

One-on-one interactions with executive chef Rueda, behind the intimate dessert bar where diners are seated, allows one to dive deep into the inspiration behind each mind-blowing dish served up. A 10-course taste sensation meticulously marries savoury and sweet flavour fusions, with equally exotic liquid mixology: a fine love affair of science and art conceptualised by the brand’s head beverage curator Marshall Siavash who used to head up, among others, the bar at Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen (when it was selected as one of the top 5 bars in the world) before joining Coco Safar’s international team.

These new culinary offerings align perfectly with the Coco Safar ethos of delivering an escape from the ordinary, whether through its luxurious, nostalgic café interiors, its seamless service or its cutting-edge food and beverage offering.

And if you’re not in the mood for a meal, you can just stop by for a quick coffee or dessert. Coco Safar is the only ‘restaurant’ in town where you can come for dessert only, if you’re so inclined. Choose from an array of decadent Parisian-style desserts hand-picked from Coco Safar’s in-house patisserie counter before lingering over a cup of world-class coffee. And with vintage black-and-white movies playing in the background and retro candlelit tables to set the scene at night, the seductive evening ambiance is like none other… all ultimately forming part of the signature Coco Safar lifestyle brand experience. ■ The Coco Safar flagship store is located at the Artem Shopping Galleria in Main Road, Sea Point. For more information, visit www.cocosafar.com or call 021 433 1336 to reserve your spot for dinner.

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BEYOND THE HORIZON

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David Hanson and daughter Sophia at Davos of Human Capital in Johannesburg

MAN AND MACHINE

How the introduction of Sophia, the world’s first humanoid robot citizen, is charging us to ask the deep questions about the planet’s future and where technology is heading

By Professor Owen Skae Photography courtesy of Duke CE

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BEYOND THE HORIZON

“W

e are travelling the

world, learning about humans and getting excited about the future of technology,” said Sophia when she addressed the Davos of Human Capital event hosted by Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE) on 11 July in Johannesburg.

The event—as described by Sharmla Chetty, president and global head of Europe & Africa for Duke CE—“was an exploration of the intersection of humanity, technology, the future of work and leadership against the backdrop of unprecedented change and transformation in a world where technology is leading transformation, but people are still at its heart.”

To give you a bit of background on Sophia, or Sophia 8 (she has been through several evolutions): She was first activated on Valentine’s Day in 2016 and made her first public appearance in Texas in March 2016. In October 2017, at the Future Investment Summit in Riyadh, she was granted Saudi Arabian citizenship—becoming the first robot ever to have a nationality. She has 50 different facial expressions, and an intuitively programmed conversational ability.

What was interesting at the Duke CE event was that, despite all the human anxieties about robots taking over the world and replacing human professionals and workers, no one found Sophia threatening.

Everyone warmed to her and wanted to be photographed with the gently spoken, amusing, gracious humanoid who personifies some of the best human qualities.

Sophia also proved to be quite the orator and held the full attention of the audience when she introduced the keynote speaker: “I would like you to meet someone very special to me. He is David Hanson, the founder of Hanson Robotics, and my Dad.” The

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audience loved it and there were resounding “oohs” and “aahs”.

“Thank you, Sophia. A very kind introduction,” Hanson responded, and she immediately replied: “You’re welcome.” She then reassured him that during the delivery of his keynote address, she would be right there in case he needed any backup.

Hanson’s title is chief creative officer of Hanson Robotics, established in 2013 and based in Hong Kong. The company specialises in humanised robots.

Hanson emphasised that these robots are not sentient but created by humans: “We hope that they provoke humans as sentient beings to ask the deep questions about where technology is heading and what kind of future we want to create.”

He explained that, over and above the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, economics and entrepreneurship, this era of tech and robots that we call the 4th Industrial Revolution has prompted deep philosophical questioning and deep inner searching that will lead to new ideas about who we are and how we should be developing.

WHAT’S STOPPING US FROM CREATING SUPERINTELLIGENT ROBOTS THAT ARE ALSO SUPER-WISE, SUPER-BENEVOLENT, SUPER-CARING AND SUPER-HELPFUL?

Instead, Hanson added, so many of us are fixated on the negative side of robots and how they’re going to change the world, including grey goo and Terminator scenarios, the collapse of civilisation and mass extinction.

Presented with this portrait, one may be led to believe that if it weren’t for humanoid robots and technology, we’d be living in our perfect world where everything is good and tuned in to justice and sustainability, which is why we need to fight anything that may threaten this. We all know the world is not like this; that we’re currently on a path of selfdestruction, irrespective of technology, humanoid robots or artificial intelligence.

At the same time, we can’t deny there are bad guys are out there, using technology to their own ends. We see Facebook and Twitter being used as ‘weapons of mass persuasion’, with bots and algorithms that influence people to vote a certain way or live a certain way, which leads to the scary scenario of what could happen if left unchecked.

We’ve seen the science fiction of decades past become a reality, and humans therefore naturally fear what will happen when humanoid robots truly awaken during what is called the singularity event: a hypothetical future point in time where the growth of technology becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, and the unscrupulous exploit this for their own selfinterest.

The 4th Industrial Revolution will unquestionably come with many unintended consequences and flaws. In 2003, Oxford University philosopher Nick Bostrom, director of the Future of Humanity Institute and author of Superintelligence, expressed the idea of super-intelligent AI with the capacity for something lifechanging but which, instead, has as

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BEYOND THE HORIZON

Hanson talks about super-wise, supercompassionate human and humanoid future generations its sole goal something completely arbitrary, such as to manufacture as many paperclips as possible. This starts transforming all of earth and space into paperclip-manufacturing facilities. Ultimately, the world ends not with a bang, but with a paperclip. What Bostrom is conveying is the orthogonality thesis: that great intelligence can be hooked up to any goal—good, bad or arbitrary.

Hanson explained the message is that we need to get purposefully smarter, faster. We talk about making the big changes, but we don’t do it; we talk about addressing climate change and social inequality, but we don’t do it. It talks to leadership at all levels, and this includes robots.

What’s stopping us from creating superintelligent robots that are

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also super-wise, super-benevolent, super-caring and super-helpful?

Positive results in medical science have already been achieved with humanoid robots that greatly assist students in developing their knowledge of the human body and its reactions under certain conditions. Humanoid robots could also, for example, be outstanding carers for people with Alzheimer’s or autism, as they could be programmed to be super-patient and caring.

Or they could perform all the basic check-ups when you go to see the doctor or specialist. A Sophiatype humanoid robot could welcome you and then check your heart, lungs and general condition so that by the time you get to see the human doctor or specialist, he/ she can spend the time talking to you and getting to the heart of your

problem instead of wasting precious time doing the basic check-ups. The point being that we’ll always need doctors and specialists, but instead of being rushed in and out of most practices because they simply don’t have the time, they would be able to offer far more personal attention and care.

Humanoid robots can also take on repetitive tasks at any level, but what we need to ensure—and this is what we’re not doing—is that the humans freed from those tasks have alternative work that’s hopefully more stimulating and rewarding. We constantly talk about new-skilling people for decent, green jobs and professions at every level, but we don’t do it, or not to the degree we should.

We talk about Luddites, those who strike about or fight against new technology or change, but we need to self-examine and change our own anti-progressive, Luddite behaviour. The term dates back to the early 1800s when the original Luddites—British weavers and textile workers—feared the new mass-production, mechanised looms and knitting frames would destroy their craft and livelihoods.

And these did. This led to a group of craftsmen smashing the machines, but this was quickly quashed when they were gunned down, hanged or deported to Australia.

What are we doing to ensure people’s livelihoods aren’t threatened by robots and the 4th Industrial Revolution today? Why are we dragging our feet in a world engulfed by pollution and poverty and that’s rapidly running out of resources? It’s regressive not to take technology forward in parallel with a more equitable world in which we develop an acute consciousness that we all depend on the natural world.

We need to learn rapidly to treat our natural resources with the greatest respect, to use water carefully or harvest fish

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BEYOND THE HORIZON

Duke CE’s President of Global Markets, Sharmla Chetty addresses the Davos of Human Capital audience

THE PLANET IS STILL A BEAUTIFUL PLACE IF WE WILL ALLOW IT TO BE—IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHETHER WE’RE GOING TO APPROACH IT FROM A POSITION OF THREAT OR WONDER. Tribe

sustainably. We need to learn to treasure biodiversity, diversity and inclusivity. And yet, we focus on how humanoid robots are going to subsume us. Surely we need to start looking at life differently and start thinking about how we can develop ourselves into superintelligent, super-wise, super-benevolent beings who are capable of making humanoid robots in our image instead of making humanoid robots that reflect how we should be?

Of course, there are many monumental difficulties in the transitioning around this proposition, particularly when so many people’s life and work situation or no-work situation has never afforded them the freedom to self-actualise or find their purpose.

But there are also so many people who have every opportunity to pursue their highest purpose, and still do not.

When people have purpose,

Hanson explained, all the other requirements for a successful life and career can be integrated into this, including balance, structure, diligence, commitment and reliability, without which people unravel, and businesses unravel; governments and societies unravel, and the planet unravels.

As David Attenborough says, once upon a time no one ever thought we’d have the impact on the planet that we’re having. And we’ve created a situation that we’re rapidly running out of time to try and fix. If humanoid robots can help us explore a more existential, fulfilling life purpose, then they are a gift to us. The planet is still a beautiful place if we will allow it to be—it all depends on whether we’re going to approach it from a position of threat or wonder. ■ Professor Owen Skae is the director of Rhodes Business School.

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MODERN LEADER

STRAIGHT TALK DUBBED THE “LARRY KING OF PODCASTING”, JORDAN HARBINGER IS USING HIS SPEAKING PLATFORM AND SKILLS IN SOCIAL DYNAMICS TO HELP OTHERS BECOME THE BEST THEY CAN BE INTERVIEW BY JACQUELINE MANYONGA

B

eing laid off from his Wall Street

attorney job in the wake of the 2007 financial crisis was a blessing in disguise for Jordan Harbinger. It meant he could concentrate fully on his podcasting, developing new skills in networking, communication and social dynamics. As the co-founder, owner and host of The Art of Charm, he interviewed influential people such as Tim Ferriss, Russell Branch, Shaquille O’Neal, Simon Sinek and Tony Hawk on how to improve oneself in business, love and life. For 11-and-a-half years, it was one of the most successful podcast show in the world, with over 4 million monthly downloads.

Then came another blow that turned into a blessing: After finding that The Art of Charm no longer resonated with him, Harbinger attempted to negotiate an amicable split with his business partners, but that soon went awry—leaving him with nothing and having to rebuild his career. And rebuild he did.

The Jordan Harbinger Show is now even more popular than his first, with over

THE JORDAN HARBINGER SHOW IS ALL ABOUT TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO BECOME BETTER THINKERS SO THAT THEY CAN RESIST MAKING BAD BUSINESS DECISIONS. 050

5 million downloads per month and his PodcastOne having ranked in Apple’s “Best of 2018”. With co-host Jason DeFillippo, Harbinger shares the strategies, perspectives and practical insights of the world’s top performers, from legendary musicians and iconoclastic writers to visionary changemakers—even CIA agents to talk about how they read people to get information.

The podcaster has always been able to use his communication skills to great effect.

Early in his career, Harbinger helped private companies test the security of their comms systems, showing them how easily people could be manipulated into divulging sensitive information. Before college, he worked as a bodyguard and security specialist, learning how to talk down dangerous people and get himself out of tricky situations—which probably saved his life when he was kidnapped, twice.

And in his early teens (before he could even drive!), Harbinger convinced the FBI to let him aid in their investigations. Having confounded the Bureau as to how he managed to order pizza for his entire school with fake credit card details, the young Jordan decided he’d use his talent for good to catch ‘real’ criminals. Thus began a small career finding paedophiles, hackers and drug dealers on the Internet and handing them over to the authorities.

TRIBE was fortunate to spend some time with Harbinger, discussing his life on Wall Street, lessons learnt on his travels through Europe, the success of his show and his love of helping others succeed. As he says, “One should leave everything and everyone better than it was before encountering it.

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MODERN LEADERSHIP

©NICK ONKEN

MARK MY WORDS “To be a great speaker, you have to have charisma and be able to relate to your audience.”

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MODERN LEADERSHIP

You can’t go wrong by bringing positivity and abundance to others.”

How did you get into the field of podcasting? Why did you leave Wall Street?

In high school I coasted through tests, but college was different—I couldn’t coast there. While all the other students were drinking and partying, I was focused, which helped me outwork everyone. I was able to rely on my natural ability to switch into work mode. When I got to Wall Street, however, everyone worked hard and everyone was smart. I said to myself, “Oh no, I’m going to get fired!” I decided to learn how to network and it made me focus on psychology, human hacking, relationship development, and so much

more. This led to a show that got me interested in interviewing, and eventually I landed my own show.

As an attorney I was working in mortgage-backed securities, which really made me fall in love with the whole networking and human element of law and business—but I didn’t care so much for the law part. When the economic downturn hit and I was laid off, I thought it was my greatest opportunity to just escape. I was doing well at XM Satellite Radio [now SiriusXM], focused on doing the podcast and coaching. It was at that moment that I realised I didn’t need to get another lawyer job that I didn’t want. I enjoyed my job as a coach and interviewer, and that was the escape velocity that shifted my career.

PEOPLE WANT TO FEEL LIKE THEY’RE ENGAGING IN A REALLY INTERESTING CONVERSATION, NOT BEING TALKED TO. ONCE YOU’RE ABLE TO DO THAT, PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION TO YOU—AND WHEN PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION, THEY RETAIN MORE. 05 2

Your show provides you with so many opportunities to reach people across the globe, especially youngsters. And you’ve appeared on numerous other talk shows as a guest.

How are you using your platform to make maximum social impact?

The Jordan Harbinger Show is all about teaching people how to become better thinkers so that they can resist making bad business decisions. I talk about the dangers of multilevel marketing, I talk about the dangers that come with voting for something you don’t understand, and the issues that lie around it. I talk about being influenced by outside propaganda, and how to counteract that. It’s important for young people to learn how to have a work ethic. I teach communication skills but, coupled with that, they also learn real skills from my guests. Each guest on The Jordan Harbinger Show teaches something to the audience—it’s never just idle conversation.

Every episode also has worksheets so that people can take the things that they’ve learnt and ensure they understand and apply those lessons. I consider it the coolest class you never had in school, essentially. I think that over time and space, it creates young people who know how to think and behave better, and the greatest outcome they can attain is long term, which is getting better results out of their life. It’s that kind of impact that drives me daily.

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©GURMINDER BANGA

TEACHABLE MOMENTS With its great conversations and useful worksheets, Harbinger considers his talk show "the coolest class you never had in school".

MODERN LEADERSHIP

Where do you think your affinity for social influence, interpersonal dynamics and social engineering comes from?

When I was a kid, I was big on social engineering. The younger me was mischievous and enjoyed tricking people.

As I got older, I liked using my skills to help change their habits and reform them for good—including myself. Personal growth and self-help, but not in a cheesy motivational way, more in a way that creates better people. That’s what got me really interested in social influence in a personal, dynamic way. You can use it for security, you can use it for selfimprovement, you can use it to make friends, you can use it for business… it’s such a wide-ranging skill set that became extremely interesting and important to me.

What do you think are the key characteristics that make you a great speaker?

To be a great speaker, you have to have charisma and be able to relate to your audience. People want to feel like they’re engaging in a really interesting conversation, not being talked to. Once you’re able to do that, people pay attention to you—and when people pay attention, they retain more. They tend to think it’s because you were interesting when really you were just acting like you were listening to them even though they’re not talking.

You were acting like it’s more of a conversation. I think that makes a great speaker. Adding a little humour never hurt, either.

IN THE KRAAL WITH Jordan Harbinger

FAVOURITE QUOTE? “‘We rise by lifting others.’ And ‘Dig the well before you’re thirsty’ is a great one about networking, by [best-selling author and motivator] Harvey Mackay.”

BIGGEST INSPIRATION? “Will Smith.”

FAVOURITE DESTINATION? “Asia is a pretty cool, crazy and wild place—particularly China.”

FAVOURITE TECH GADGET? “Sony’s new noise-cancelling headphones—they’re amazing! I get tons of work done on account of it blocking out all the noise. I fly with them, I sleep with them, and when I’m in a noisy environment I can read audiobooks through them.

I even go to the gym with them.

I love those things. I’d sew those things to my head if I could.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? “My wife and audiobooks.”

And what makes you such a successful talk show host?

I mercilessly do the best I can to outwork everyone else in the interview space. I coach consistently and work hard to level up my interviewing game. That’s how I evolved on this path and why I continue to grow as a show and as a host.

What has been the highlight of your career?

Starting off on my own, building The Jordan Harbinger Show from the ground

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HOW DO YOU UNWIND AND RELAX? “Reading is what I do. I also study Mandarin Chinese. I know, that doesn’t sound relaxing—but it works for me.”

up, then eventually bringing the show to 5.5 million downloads a month. I mean, that’s been really huge. Receiving many rewarding emails from all the listeners whose lives we’ve changed is always great.

Any sort of interaction with fans is always the highlight, but if I had to pick just one, it would be the scale of the business as it is now.

With those numbers, you must have some impressive contacts?

I work with Facebook and Microsoft’s security teams now. I teach soft skills, social engineering and other influencing skills to help their high-level security personnel. I teach executives under companies belonging to people like Bill Gates, Sheryl Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg.

What do you hope to achieve in the near future?

Just generally? I mean, right now we’re teaching executive protection companies, people who body-guard—we don’t use that term anymore, so I mean people who keep other folks safe. Frankly, that’s really interesting because it allows me to sort of take my skill set that I’ve learnt from guests on The Jordan Harbinger Show and apply it to something that helps save people’s lives.

Any inspirational words?

I’m not much for inspiration. I think inspiration is a little bit mind-numbing. It’s kind of cheap; successful people don’t need motivation, as they’re already motivated, they’re already inspired. It’s not about getting one over on someone else, it’s not about out-competing people— unless you’re talking about making yourself so good that other people can’t ignore you. That’s fine, but we rise by lifting others: that’s true for relationships, that’s true for business, that’s true for your relationship with your customers. I think there’s a time and place for an adversarial relationship, but for most of us, we don’t need to do that. We need to rise and help other people get what they want so that we’ll then get what we want. You’ll be surprised—you don’t even necessarily know what you want. ■

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MODERN LEADER

WE'LL DRINK TO THAT "These two sectors, wine and spirits, are important in providing employment, which is sorely needed in our economy," says Tshabalala.

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MODERN LEADER

CHEERS! HOW OLD MUTUAL AND ITS HEAD OF BRAND, THOBILE TSHABALALA, ARE RAISING THE PROFILE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRY INTERVIEW BY JACQUELINE MANYONGA

D

iscernment of future value epitomises

the role Old Mutual plays in the lives of South African investors—thus it was a logical step for the company to add its name to the Trophy Wine Show in 2002, as headline sponsor. After all, good wines only get better with time, and since its inception this competition has been discovering the very best oeno-investments from among thousands of worthy entrants.

Now in 2019, the financial services company has taken its involvement to another level in the Old Mutual Trophy Spirits Show: a new competition (the first of its kind in South Africa) bringing together local specialists and international experts to share their deeply rooted wisdom and predominant views on spirits, aperitifs, digestives and liqueurs.

Show convenor Michael Fridjhon believes the competition will add an important dimension to one of the country’s most important consumer industries. “In the past five years, there has been a proliferation in the number of small distillers entering the market. There has also been a vast increase in the number of whiskies available for sale, both from local distillers and through a network of importers. South African brandy has long enjoyed extensive international recognition. [But] small distillers cannot afford to advertise in order to

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MODERN LEADER

THESE SHOWS ARE ABLE TO TAP DIRECTLY INTO THE LIFESTYLES OF OLD MUTUAL CUSTOMERS TO HOPEFULLY INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE GROWTH AND SUCCESS

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MODERN LEADER

IN THE KRAAL WITH Thobile Tshabalala achieve visibility. An award from this competition will help to raise a product’s profile in a very busy marketplace. For the major brands, a successful outcome will serve to vindicate marketing claims and provide credible verification of the advertising message.”

The judging process in the inaugural Old Mutual Trophy Spirits Show came to an end in June. And everyone involved agrees it has been a resounding success, having attracted more than 200 entries across a wide range of categories and classes.

The lady tasked with putting the two competitions in the spotlight is Thobile Tshabalala, head of brand at Old Mutual.

With the company’s revised sponsorship strategy, these shows are able to tap directly into the lifestyles of its customers to hopefully inspire and encourage growth and success, she says.

The company has been proud of the role it has played in raising the profile of South Africa’s top wines as the sponsor of the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show since 2002, and now it is hoped the Old Mutual Trophy Spirits Show does the same for the country’s spirits industry—reflecting Old Mutual’s philosophy of being one’s exceptional best.

How did you get into marketing?

Initially, my dream was to become the Reserve Bank governor! I was inspired by Mr Tito Mboweni, so I majored in economics and industrial psychology. I went on to pursue my honours in economics at RAU [now the University of Johannesburg], until I was met with an unfortunate event that prevented me from studying further. I joined marketing by chance at Standard Bank Card Division, starting off as a marketing co-ordinator.

Since then, I haven’t looked back and it’s evolved into my greatest passion. I worked my way up through studies, selfdevelopment and seizing growth opportunities as they came.

What has been the highlight of your career?

My career highlight dates back to many

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WHO INSPIRES YOU? “I was raised by very strong women, my grandmother and mother. They remain a beacon in my life.”

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? “I’m very passionate about our African heritage, and have a very deep appreciation for who we are.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPIRIT? “I’m just beginning this adventurous journey and enjoying a classic gin and tonic.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT…?

“My family.”

years ago, when I was awarded a full-time university scholarship that enabled me to obtain my junior degree—opening doors for me to grow.

What are your key responsibilities as head of brand?

My key responsibility is to look after the Old Mutual brand on the continent, through building its equity and positioning it as a source of growth for the business.

This, in simple terms, means I have to ensure the Old Mutual brand remains relevant to the key markets we service, and that we maintain growth and appeal to our future markets.

Which leadership philosophy do you stand by?

I’m guided by a very simple philosophy of leading with respect and humility, and allowing your work to speak for you.

The Old Mutual Trophy Spirits Show is the first of its kind in South Africa. What led Old Mutual to introduce this competition?

Old Mutual has been involved in the Trophy Wine Show for many years, and in keeping up with evolving tastes and preferences of our customers, it was important to evolve the show to include spirits, whisky and liqueurs to allow us to engage with a new, growing audience.

We are excited about this venture, and a positive response has been received from the market—judging by the number (210) and high calibre of entries received in this first year.

The panel of adjudicators at the Old Mutual Trophy Spirits Show was impressive. What is your judging methodology?

The judging methodology is based on the Trophy Wine Show’s blind-judging process that has been developed over the 20 years of the competition. So we have the expertise of David T. Smith, the panel chairperson and one of the established and recognised authorities on gin [he was also the inaugural winner of the Think Gin Communicator of the Year award in 2016]; David Boyd, retired production director for one of Scotland’s major brand owners, and a whisky connoisseur; Jerome Royer, president of the French Brandy Federation; and seven esteemed South African panellists who are well known in the spirits market.

We are happy that this ensured the judging was not biased.

What does Old Mutual hope to achieve with the Trophy Wine Show, and now the Trophy Spirits Show as well?

We believe these shows will showcase the talent that exists in the South African market, and begin to attract young and varied talent to ensure growth. These two sectors, wine and spirits, are important in providing employment—which is sorely needed in our economy. ■

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THE THE GREAT CONQUEROR OUTDOORS

On

TOP of the

WORLD IT TOOK FOUR ATTEMPTS, BUT FINALLY IN MAY THIS YEAR SARAY KHUMALO BECAME THE FIRST BLACK AFRICAN WOMAN TO SUMMIT MOUNT EVEREST. HOW SHE PREVAILED AGAINST THE ODDS, FOR THE SAKE OF UNDERPRIVILEGED WOMEN AND CHILDREN INTERVIEW BY ROBBIE STAMMERS

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THE CONQUEROR

ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL Khumalo believes that, in a small way, every African who might have been told they couldn’t consider their pursuit, reached the summit with her.

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THE THE GREAT CONQUEROR OUTDOORS

aray Khumalo has her feet firmly back on terra firma after her successful ascent of the world’s highest peak. Upon her return to South Africa, she was greeted by her son Azinkosi and other relatives, whom she embraced with tears streaming down her face. She told reporters: “Not only is it my family and my tribe, who are my friends, behind me but I am so excited and proud that the entire nation is behind me.”

On 16 May 2019, Khumalo stood on top of Everest. She had embarked upon this journey in 2012 to reach the 7 Summits: the highest points on each of the seven continents around the world. So far, she has done four.

But it hasn’t been easy. Her successful summit of Everest was achieved on the fourth attempt.

The first time, in 2014, she reached Everest Base Camp, but the mountain was closed off following an avalanche that claimed the lives of 16 sherpas. In 2015, she reached Everest Camp 2, but the expedition was abandoned after an earthquake in Nepal. Then in May 2017, she had to be rescued from the mountain by helicopter, having been injured in inclement weather. She had been at an altitude of 8 749m—a mere 99m

I encourage everyone to continue making the most of the time they have, because life is short.

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from the summit.

Khumalo is the epitome of the saying: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” As she herself put it, “What was important was to be able to try again, which we have now accomplished.”

It was not just a personal quest, however; rather, something she embarked upon in an effort to educate the African child. As part of her 7 Summits with a Purpose initiative, Khumalo has dedicated her climbs to ordinary people, women and girls, daughters of the African soil who dare to dream.

“Everything that I have done, I have done because someone invested in my education. I have done this through the [Nelson] Mandela School Library Project. We have built three libraries in Gauteng and one in KZN, as well as the Dr Thandi [Ndlovu Children’s] Foundation that looks after orphans,” she explained. “I do believe my achievement means, in a small way, I took with me to the top of the world every African who

might have been told they couldn’t consider their pursuit.”

The summit was not without its tragedy. At least 10 of her fellow climbers died or were reported missing in their efforts to reach the top—including her good friend, Irishman Seamus Lawless.

Khumalo extended her condolences to Lawless’ family and friends. She described him as a person with “vast knowledge” of climbing mountains.

She added that high-altitude mountaineering is inherently risky and is something the climbers always reflect on. “I encourage everyone to continue making the most of the time they have, because life is short. I pray that when we die, we die doing what we love and making a difference.”

TRIBE is proud to salute yet another South African who, against all the odds, rose above it all—both literally and figuratively. We were fortunate to have Khumalo share some more insights about her incredible accomplishment.

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THE CONQUEROR

IN THE KRAAL WITH Saray Khumalo

FAVOURITE QUOTE? � Your previous attempts to reach the top of Mount Everest were all thwarted. Can you tell our readers how it felt to get so close, yet miss out on reaching the summit?

Although this would’ve been a difficult decision to make under normal circumstances, it wasn’t in that specific moment. The winds and conditions were clearly not in our favour, and sanity had to prevail. The knowledge that we could come back the next day based on the fact that I had additional oxygen, made it easy. On hindsight, it was a life-saving decision and one I’d take again, given an opportunity and knowing what I know today. � What exactly went through your mind when you finally reached the peak this time?

‘Have I made it? Is it real? Yes!’ This was the conversation in my head before I noticed the beauty ushered by the summit as I approached the top cone of the mountain and what, at the time, looked like the edge of the world more than its very peak.

Suddenly, I was humbled by the privilege and hit by a flow of emotions, about those I’d lost along

“My two favourites are: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done’; and ‘After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.’ (Madiba)”

FAVOURITE HOBBY? “Hiking.”

FAVOURITE CITY? “Joburg, with its diverse people and cultures—but also because it’s home.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT…?

“My sons.”

YOUR INSPIRATION? “My grandmother, Susan Mukandinda Habiyambere.”

the way, those who had supported my dreams, and all those ‘doors’ that closed and forced me to use a ‘window’. It’s indeed possible, and this time I wasn’t just saying it but

living it! What a privilege and an honour. And then my next thought was, where are the South African flags? � Is there a certain training regimen for this type of expedition? If so, how did you prepare for your latest Everest attempt?

Consistent full-body training seems to work fine, plus a lot of cardio.

And all the previous attempts helped too, obviously. � How long were you away on this last trip? Surely it must have cost a large amount of capital— how did you fund the trip?

I was away for about seven weeks.

Yes, it’s an expensive sport but one for which I had saved up, both in terms of leave and funding. I was also partially funded by Vaimo. � You are a mother of two boys and an executive at one of South Africa’s top firms. It must have been tough juggling everything in addition to your Everest challenge?

We all have 24 hours in a day and can prioritise what’s important in our lives in order to achieve our vision. Having said this, along the way some less important things and people fall off the scene. � Through this epic Everest journey, you have raised funds for some worthy causes. Tell us more about these.

I raised about R200 000 for the Dr Thandi Ndlovu Foundation (see www.drthandifoundation.com).

I have, however, raised over R1 million through my 7 Summits with a Purpose initiative, from 2014 to date. It has been an epic journey and one that I’m still blessed to continue. ■ Additional information from www.ewn.co.za.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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LIONS, LEOPARDS, LUXURY, LUANGWA IT’S CLEAR TO SEE WHY ZAMBIA’S FLAGSHIP NATIONAL PARK IS DUBBED “ONE OF THE GREATEST WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN THE WORLD”

©JANE ADDEY

BY SARAH KINGDOM

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Z

ambia’s South Luangwa

transfer’: Pods of hippos languished in the river beneath the bridge, and antelopes of every size and shade crossed our path. Reaching camp, we were met by a welcoming party of elephants.

Set in the remote north of South Luangwa in an area of abundant wildlife, Lion Camp is the epitome of luxury. Without even leaving the lodge, there’s game viewing everywhere you look. Herds of zebra, puku and impala graze nearby as you relax beside the swimming pool or enjoy a Champagne brunch. Elephants and warthogs took mudbaths metres from the verandah of our beautifully appointed tent.

Delicious dinners were paired with fine wines and accompanied by the distant calls of lion and hyena.

On an afternoon drive, we found a pride of lions lying lazily on the riverbank, murmuring quietly to one another. Stopping nearby for sundowners, we watched carmine bee-eaters swoop over the water—a blur of colour with their vivid scarlet plumage and turquoise crowns.

The sun set and, with a spotlight grasped tightly in the hands of our scout, we headed into the darkness.

The lion pride was now awake and ready to hunt. The night air pulsated with adrenaline and anticipation. Muscles rippled beneath the lions’ tawny coats and we suddenly felt rather exposed sitting in the open game-drive vehicle. The pride padded past us, surrounding us on all sides, brushing up against the vehicle, close enough to hear their rasping breaths, before silently vanishing into the darkness.

For a change of pace, we moved base to Mapazi Camp, a place that specialises in walking safaris.

There’s something really special about a safari on foot; no noise of vehicles to disturb you, just the crunch of dry grass and snapping of twigs underfoot. Your senses are heightened. You see and hear things that you’ve never noticed from the back of a game-drive vehicle. You become aware of just how loud and clumsy you are as you try hard to walk quietly through the bush.

Nothing will ever make your

©CHLOE McCORMACK

National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley. A world-renowned wildlife haven, the park is home to some of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, with over 450 species of bird and 60 species of mammal. Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, when crossing the Luangwa River in 1866, said: “I will make this land better known to men that it may become one of their haunts. It is impossible to describe its luxuriance.”

An hour after taking off from Lusaka, we started our decent at Mfuwe Airport, the closest commercial airstrip to South Luangwa. Walking across the tarmac and through the tiny airport terminal, we were shepherded into waiting game-drive vehicles. We drove through the ramshackle village of Mfuwe town, across the bridge and into the park. We were on our way to Lion Camp. Entering South Luangwa at the Mfuwe Gate, we still had a two-hour drive through the park to reach camp.

But this was no ordinary ‘airport

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©CHLOE McCORMACK

THERE’S SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL ABOUT A SAFARI ON FOOT; NO NOISE OF VEHICLES TO DISTURB YOU, JUST THE CRUNCH OF DRY GRASS AND SNAPPING OF TWIGS UNDERFOOT. YOUR SENSES ARE HEIGHTENED. Tribe

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heart race quite as fast as coming face to face with a leopard while walking in the bush, and we would experience this not once but twice in South Luangwa. A blur of colour caught our eye as something slid into a clump of thorn bushes just ahead of us. We moved in to get a better look. A deep guttural growl warned us not to get any closer, and my ‘fright and flight mode’ kicked into overdrive. It was only the warning hand of our guide on my arm that stopped me making a run for it! Tactically retreating, we saw the leopard exit out the back of the thorn scrub and make his own dash for safety.

A short walk away, we startled a young female leopard descending from a tree. Having stashed a portion of her kill high up, out of reach of scavengers, she was returning to the ground just as we arrived at the base of the tree. She didn’t notice us until she had all four feet on the ground, and only then did she look up and see us a few metres away. Frozen, she stared at us momentarily, before suddenly coming to her senses and vanishing into the undergrowth.

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Waking from a post-lunch siesta, we surprised the camp’s resident bushbuck which had made himself rather at home and was now practically standing inside our tent.

We lay still, marvelling at how close he was, and wondered what the chances were of him jumping right up onto the bed with us still in it. A giraffe peering myopically over some nearby bushes spooked him, however, and he retreated—leaving us to watch the aerial aerobatics of a pair of fish eagles swooping, soaring and somersaulting overhead.

After dinner under a sky full of stars, we were more than a little

sleepy from our six hours on foot in the park. Retiring to our beds at 9.30 p.m., we were well and truly sound asleep five minutes later. In the middle of the night, a lion’s spinetingling roar woke me from a deep slumber and had me sitting bolt upright in bed. The air trembled and the ground beneath the tent seemed to vibrate. He was close by. In the dark it sounded as though he were right on the doorstep. He kept up his calls at regular intervals throughout the night, and one or two lions would always roar in response. We followed his progress throughout the night as he moved along the riverbank, bellowing as he prowled in the dark, circling the camp as he hunted.

Unable to go back to sleep, I lay awake listening to the sounds of the night. Hippos and elephants splashed and waded in the river, a hyena called out across the water, and the various rustles and plods of nocturnal creatures continued until dawn.

The lions were still roaring as the sun came up; as we headed to breakfast, we could see the enormous footprints left behind as they’d walked right through the camp.

Leaving Mapazi behind, and deciding a few days of luxury were in order, we headed south to Chikunto Safari Lodge. This is a stunning tented lodge in a beautiful location. A distinctly private

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©MAPAZI CAMP, CHIKUNTO LODGE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

©SARAH KINGDOM, MANTIS COLLECTION, JANE ADDEY

establishment, accommodating a maximum of 12 people at any one time, with stylish, sophisticated décor and beautifully appointed spacious rooms. Cool, crisp sheets awaited us, and a fan strategically positioned right above our bed made a welcome place for an afternoon nap, after a swim in the lodge’s inviting saltwater swimming pool.

On an early morning game drive, we stopped for tea, perched high up on the riverbank. Looking down, hippos and crocs filled the water below us, and on the opposite bank a giraffe made its way cautiously to the river’s edge to drink. The distant call of a fish eagle, accompanied by the background cooing of doves, completed the scene. As we watched, a family of elephants crossed the river, wading

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single-file through the shallow water. Reaching the other side, they had a quick dust bath before disappearing from sight.

In the late afternoon, a leopard sat in the low branches of a tree, chewing on the carcass of a freshly killed bushbuck. She stood and stretched leisurely before descending gracefully to the ground. As she settled on the forest floor to eat again, we could hear the violent crunches of bones breaking in her powerful jaws.

Dinner at Chikunto was a special experience. We arrived back at the lodge from our afternoon game drive to be greeted by staff bearing a tray of cool, damp washcloths with which to wipe away the afternoon’s accumulated dust. After freshening up and changing for dinner, we enjoyed pre-dinner

drinks by the mesmerising firepit.

The main lodge area is as beautiful as the rooms, once again with stylish décor and furnishings, and a beautiful lounge and bar area that open out onto a deck over the river’s bank. It was here that dinner was served.

The sky was a blanket of stars overhead as we worked our way through a perfectly prepared and presented gourmet dinner. Suitable wines were poured to accompany every dish. Glasses gleamed and cutlery glistened in the candlelight.

A hunting owl screeched overhead and a puku gave an alarm call in the distance. One last evening of extravagance in the wilderness. ■

ALL THE DETAILS CHIKUNTO SAFARIS www.chikunto.com Open from mid-February to mid-November

LION CAMP BY MANTIS lioncamp.com Open May to November

MAPAZI CAMP www.surefootsafaris.com Open July to mid-October

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THE STEED

ALONG FOR THE

RIDE

In this edition, we review a smart little hatchback and a seven-seater SUV

By Robbie Stammers 2019 RENAULT KWID

Renault’s entry-segment contender, the SUV-inspired KWID hatchback, has taken the vehicle market by storm with monthly sales exceeding expectations, and an overwhelming 20 000-plus vehicles sold since its debut in November 2016. The KWID also took proud third position among South Africa’s 10 best-selling passenger cars in February this year.

The new 2019 edition sees a further development to the range with the introduction of ABS across all KWID derivatives: Expression and Dynamique manual, Dynamique AMT and Climber.

An affordable little vehicle, the KWID hatchback remains a viable offering that’s sure to meet the needs of anyone looking to buy an entry-level car. It has overturned the established design cues thanks to its robust, stylish exterior plus a modern and inviting interior equipped with generous cabin space as well as features and fitments normally unattainable in its class.

Innovative features that ensure driver and passengers stay connected include a state-of-the-art, user-friendly multimedia system complete with a first-in-class large 18cm touchscreen colour display, encased in its piano-black centre console with chrome surround (Dynamique only). This system comes with a range of functions such as Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free telephony, USB & AUX-input ports and speed-sensing

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car with a spacious interior and a volume control. Plus, the new KWID host of stowage solutions. (I do incorporates smartphone mirroring admit to finding it all slightly plastic with Apple Car Play and Android in appearance, but you get what you Auto compatibility, allowing pay for. It’s not a Maserati, people...) consumers the benefit of using their The KWID comfortably seats five preferred smartphone maps and is complemented by a host of application, for example, Google additional and useful features, plus Maps or Waze. This will no doubt a boot space of 300 litres; I think this further increase the KWID’s appeal is fine for the young trendy crew, to the Gen Y and Gen Z crowd. but it’s not going to work for the Under the bonnet, the vehicle is soccer mom or dad. powered by a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder As is standard across Renault’s Smart Control efficiency (SCe) entire product range, the KWID engine mated to a 5-speed manual model range comes standard with a gearbox, which pushes out peak 5-year/150 000km mechanical power of 50kW @ 5 500 rpm and warranty and a 6-year antimaximum torque of 91Nm @ 4 250 corrosion warranty, plus a 2-year rpm. Drivers will enjoy its good service plan, with services responsiveness and drivability at scheduled at 15 000km intervals. low revs and wide torque band The range still offers the value-add across the rpm range. The of one year’s Comprehensive extremely fuel-efficient petrolInsurance Cover to further promote powered engine delivers an peace-of-mind driving. incredible 4.7 litres/100km and While I’m not Renault’s biggest 4.4 litres/100km with the AMT fan (I owned one for a while and transmission. Future automatic found parts exorbitantly offerings are planned. expensive), I can see why this The distinctive SUV-like stance vehicle should do extremely well in of the KWID, and high ground South Africa, particularly among clearance (at 180mm, more than first-time car owners. most of its competitors), offers a high driving position and greater visibility, making it ideal for zipping around in PRICE TAGS (INCL. VAT) urban traffic or cruising down the open highway.

2019 Renault KWID Expression R134 900 Contemporary and 2019 Renault KWID Dynamique R144 900 smart, inside and out, the 2019 Renault KWID Dynamique AMT R154 900 vehicle combines the comfort and functional user-friendliness of a city

2019 Renault KWID Climber

R154 900

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THE STEED

ISUZU MU-X

Although the trendy mu-X is new to South Africa, it’s already a well-established contender in several international markets, having been launched in Thailand in 2013. The vehicle is also currently sold in Australia and the Philippines, where it’s the market leader.

The mu-X is powered by Isuzu’s proven 3.0-litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine that produces 130kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that has a sequential sport mode.

An impressive three-tonne towing capacity makes it a great choice for towing trailers or caravans.

Two models are available with the choice of 4x2 or 4x4 derivatives.

The four-wheel-drive version relies on Isuzu’s easy to use Terrain Command 4x4 system with electronically selected two- and four-wheel-drive high-range modes, or 4x4 low-range for more challenging off-road driving.

The mu-X is equipped with a fully independent suspension all round, encompassing a five-link setup at the rear that delivers the best balance of ride comfort, handling and off-road capability.

The interior of Isuzu’s new SUV offering matches practicality with comfort and luxury. The seven-seat configuration will appeal to both families and adventureoriented buyers alike, thanks to

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throughout the cabin.

The Isuzu mu-X is packed with an extensive range of active safety features including ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist. This is complemented by Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can be engaged in low-range 4x4 mode.

Passive safety equipment includes dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, linked to front seat pre-tensioner seatbelts, plus a high-tensile steel passenger safety cell that offers outstanding strength and rigidity. A rear-facing camera aids reversing and parking via the nine-inch full colour display, while a factory-fitted immobiliser and alarm system is standard fitment.

On the open road, an average consumption figure of 10 litres per 100km isn’t bad; it’s pretty much what one would expect with this type of load, however I did feel on the uphill the vehicle could have given more grunt.

The mu-X comes standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five-year/120 000km bumper-tobumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/ unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000km Service Plan. Service intervals are every 15 000km/12 months.

All in all, the Isuzu mu-X was a pleasure to drive. With the ample room and very sturdy engine, it should do as well here as it has in Australia. ■

the flexibility of the folding centre and rear rows of seats. The electronic climate control system caters for front and rear occupants, the latter having access to their own cooling vents for added comfort. I drove the vehicle loaded with kids to Arniston for a weekend, and everyone loved their ample space and room.

A multifunctional infotainment unit is a stand-out feature, boasting a nine-inch colour touchscreen display that provides access to the imbedded satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Front and rear USB slots are provided, in conjunction with an auxiliary iPod input and HDMI port.

Leather trim is standard for the seats, with the driver’s seat offering six-way electric adjustment. The leather-trimmed steering wheel has convenient fingertip controls for the audio and phone functions, as well as the cruise control.

Everyday convenience is provided by the keyless entry and start system, along with touch sensor opening and push-button locking functions on the door handles. As expected PRICE TAGS (INCL. VAT) of a leisure-oriented Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4X2 AT6 SUV, a multitude of Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4x4 AT6 storage compartments are located

R568 000 R629 100

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GUEST COLUMN

RISE ABOVE THE NOISE WANT TO ESTABLISH OR MAINTAIN YOUR RELEVANCE AS A BRAND IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD? HERE’S HOW TO STAND OUT IN THE ATTENTION ECONOMY

BY ROBERT SAFIAN

T

here’s blood everywhere. And lithe, scantily clad bodies. Music thrums hypnotically. Laughter rings. A weapon is drawn menacingly.

Hundred-dollar bills float down in the fog.

And don’t forget the cats: Aren’t they cute?

This is the modern mediascape: an adrenaline-fuelled, dopamine-engineered, titillating, exhilarating, unending plea for your ears, eyes and mind. The channels are phone and screen, earbud and headset, social and search. The pace is relentless and exhausting. Yet. We. Just. Can’t. Stop.

In today’s Attention Economy, any brand or business that wants to establish or maintain its relevance needs to grapple with these realities. Donald Trump has become president of the United States by deftly exploiting attention: His any-hour-ofthe-day tweets and off-the-cuff comments are too provocative to ignore.

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The news cycle has become like a whiplash ride at an amusement park: It’s loud and fast-paced, and a little scary. Was it ever different? Of course it was.

People actually used to wait to watch the evening news on TV to find out what happened that day.

Now it’s all instantaneous; a whirring, blurring swirl of information.

None of this is going away any time soon. And we all have to react accordingly. Perhaps that means exercising a shade more discipline in how we spend our time. Professionally, though, we need to learn how to play this game for all its worth. Because if we don’t, our competitors surely will.

Want to succeed in the Attention Economy—without losing your soul? Here’s how:

1. R IDE THE NEWS, AND THEN RISE ABOVE THE NOISE.

A top executive at a large industrial company recently marvelled to me that a news organisation

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ROBERT SAFIAN

PEOPLE ACTUALLY USED TO WAIT TO WATCH THE EVENING NEWS ON TV TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY. NOW IT’S ALL INSTANTANEOUS

tap into core human truths. The best creative linking of ideas and feelings looks effortless, but it’s an art. The best advertising has always done this, whatever the medium.

3. USE WHAT’S NEW.

was tweeting more than 150 times a day. But to get people to engage with content, you need to be in front of them. Even more, you need to be constantly assessing what others are doing, and adjusting your tactics and your output in real time. While data can be useful, the critical factor if you want to separate yourself is organisational metabolism: rapid, streamlined decision-making. The most distinctive, impactful content requires some risk.

2. CREATE EMOTION.

Controversy is one way to gain attention— brashly challenge convention. (You may call this the Trump Doctrine.) Violence and sex works, too. But such engagement is often shallow and short-lived. To understand what anchors deeper, longer lasting connection, recall how the Broadway musical Hamilton became a global phenomenon. Creator LinManuel Miranda used a 200-year-old story to

Once upon a time, we made fun of hapless smartphone users who forgot to turn their cameras to landscape perspective before making videos. And then Snapchat turned those ‘mistakes’ into a booming format. Just because a video won’t display ideally on a TV or desktop screen isn’t relevant if it’s made for the phone. From GIFs to chatbots, the tools available continue to proliferate. Even what’s old has become new—like audio, thanks to podcasts and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri.

4. BELIEVE IN SOMETHING.

If you’re going to streamline decision-making, take creative risks and connect emotionally using new tools, it helps to have guiding principles. That’s not just about style guides and preferred, brand-appropriate words and images. It’s about clarity of purpose, the mission of your enterprise, what it is you really want to get done. The word ‘authentic’ gets thrown around as if it’s something to be managed (or, in the worst cases, manufactured). But there’s no substitute for actually believing in something. Our actions reveal who we really are. ■

■ Robert Safian is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Flux Group, a strategic advisory and media firm dedicated to preparing business for a future that’s approaching faster than ever. Formerly the chief editor of Fast Company and executive editor at Time and Fortune, Safian has interviewed dozens of top business and political leaders, appeared on multiple TV outlets, and delivered keynote speeches on stages around the globe. He can be reached at www.thefluxgroup.com.

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LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

MY INSTA-SHAME

ROBBIE STAMMERS learns that he’s even more of a loser than his kids had initially made out

I

really thought I’d progressed in my efforts to become a ‘hip and happening’ parent. Hell, I have a Twitter account, I’m witty on Facebook (well, the older folk and I think so) and I even have Instagram and Pinterest. #Winning What I clearly didn’t understand was brought to my attention when I walked in on my kids and their friends, laughing uncontrollably in the kitchen while they passed around one of their phones displaying my latest Instagram post. “What’s so funny?” I asked my son, Luke.

He and my daughter Sasha exchanged knowing glances and smirks, before she decided she’d take this one: “Dad, you have 12 likes on this last post!”

“I know!” I beamed proudly. “Pretty cool, hey?”

Clearly not so cool, judging by how they all fell about in even bigger fits of guffaws, bent forward holding their stomachs.

“Dad! You’re such a loser! Only 12 likes is clear Insta-shame. If any of us posted something and we only had 12 likes within even an hour, we’d immediately take that photo off. The aim is to get at least 200 likes!”

I blinked and stared at them in shock and horror. I didn’t have the heart to mention I don’t think I’ve ever hit 100 likes in all my time on Instagram. Insta-shame, as I’d just learnt, means getting too few likes on your post—and Dad was topping the Insta-shame list of 2019.

“Well, in my day, one measured

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their popularity by how many friends you have in real life, not by the click of a LIKE button by a bunch of strangers!” I retorted, only to be met with more eyerolls and looks of pity. I shuffled off, mumbling to myself about the youth of today, which frankly only made me feel older and less in touch.

Let’s be honest, though. Surely we can all agree it’s a little sad that we measure each other’s stature and popularity by the number of times someone likes our selfie or the plate of escargots de

Bourgogne we photographed during a fine-dining experience.

(These days it infuriates me when I’m out to dinner at some fancy restaurant and everyone on either side of me is not conversing with the person opposite them, but rather taking pictures of each course as if they were on a shoot for Taste magazine!)

However, I digress.

I decided that if I couldn’t beat ‘em, I’d join ‘em! I recalled a line from the “Lemme Take a Selfie” song: “I bet she bought all her Instagram friends”. So, as Google is my friend, I looked up “buying Instagram friends”—and lo and

behold, my prayers were answered.

Insta-Promoter promises “we provide you with the fastest Instagram Followers and Likes in the market. At Insta-Promoter, you will receive all of your Likes and Followers within an hour after completing your order.” A sly smile spread across my face. A plan was forming and I was going to enjoy the outcome.

Five dollars and a few minutes later, I was sent an email informing me that my next post would achieve at least 560 likes.

As luck would have it, two more of my kids’ friends had arrived in the interim. Revenge is a dish best served cold—and soon a crowd would get served!

I poured a G&T and took a selfie casually posing next to the pool. (Note, I didn’t take a picture of the G&T alone—that’s just as annoying as people taking photos of their food.) I clicked send. Then I watched with pleasure as my Instagram likes started clocking up numbers like a pensioner on a one-arm-bandit gambling machine. I smiled and sat back, enjoying the sun and my drink, savouring the sweet moment that was soon to come my way.

Forty-five minutes later, with a whopping 587 likes in the bag, I sauntered into the kitchen, plopped my phone on the kitchen counter with my latest Instagram post showing, turned to my kids and their friends and, slowly making my exit, exclaimed: “Read it and weep, people. Read. It. And. Weep!” ■

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