Jodene is the co-founder of:
and founder of:
Published April 17th, 2012
Chloé Grové began ballet at the age of four and age eight, enrolled at the Pro Arte Academy and later joined Pro Arte High School for the Performing Arts. At eleven she was awarded first prize in the Satin Slipper Ballet Competition. She obtained her Intermediate level examinations in both RAD and Cecchetti methods having achieved Honours for all her Cecchetti exams.
During Grade 11, she left Pro Arte to train intensively with Paula Olivier. She also took class at the Pretoria Technikon with Principal dancer Irina Zyrianova.
In 1997, Ms Grové was the youngest semi-finalist in the Sanlam International Competition. She successfully auditioned for the State Theatre Ballet Company in May 1997, having just turned 17.
She was promoted to Senior Corps de ballet in April 1999. Her featured roles with STB included Pas de Fianceés (Swan Lake), Pas de Cinq (Papillon), Fairy Winter (Cinderella), 2nd Shadow variation and one of Four Bayadères (La Bayadère), Hermia (The Dream) and Ludmilla (The Merry Widow).
After the closure of the State Theatre in June 2000, she continued with her daily classes and worked with various choreographers for corporate events including the National Aids Benefit. In November and December 2000, she performed in the Malan / Beukes / MacDonald version of The Nutcracker and danced the Arabian Dance in Act 11.
Ms Grové joined The South African Ballet Theatre making her debut in the role of Bathilde and Queen of the Wilis in Giselle whilst on tour with the company in Port Elizabeth in 2001. Other roles for SABT have included Mercedes in Carmen, Lead Sylph in La Sylphide, Big Swans, Pas de Trois, Grand Valse Lady and Pas de Fiancées in Swan Lake, Five Ladies in Who Cares?, Blue pas de deux in Kopano, Teressina Solo in Napoli Act 3, Cavaleria Rusticana Pas de deux, Pas de Cinq in Papillon, Granny Wanda in Rock-a-Tutu, Pas de Six and Madam Flora in La Traviata, Winter Fairy in Cinderella, Arabian Dance, Lead Mirleton Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker ,Prayer in Coppelia and Lilac Fairy, Woodland Glade Fairy and Fairly of The Golden Vine in The Sleeping Beauty .
In November 2006 she was promoted to Senior Soloist having performed in the company’s seasons of Coppélia, Hamlet and Triple Bill. Earlier that year, Ms Grové was one of two dancers chosen to travel to Sweden to perform with The Royal Swedish Ballet in Natalia Makarova’s production of La Bayadère.
Ms Grové appeared as a Harlot, Juliet’s friend, Lady Capulet and Troubador in Romeo & Juliet in March 2007 In July 2007, Ms Grove made her debut in the Mazurka in Les Sylphides and as a Girlfriend and Lead Dryad in Don Quixote. She performed the Lead Grand Valse Lady, Pas de Trois, Big Swan and The Russian Dance in Swan Lake during the Company’s August / September season 2007. Chloé spent November and December appearing in The SABT’s annual season of The Nutcracker and participated in the inaugural South African International Ballet Competition in Cape Town.
In April 2008, Ms Grové was the recipient of the prestigious Madge Cade Award presented to her in recognition of her commitment to the Company which goes over and above the call of duty. That same year she toured with a mixed bill to Knysna to raise funds along with The SABT for Hospice as well as to The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown for a sold-out season of Don Quixote.
In March 2009 she appeared in SABT’s Cinderella choreographed by Veronica Paeper followed by The Cape Town City Ballet’s version of the same ballet in April 2009.
She performed the roles of Prayer in Coppélia at the Promusica Theatre in July followed by Myrthe in FNB’s Giselle at the Joburg Theatre in September.
Ms Grove appeared in Janice Honeyman’s pantomime Pinocchio on the Mandela stage at the Joburg Theatre which ended in January 2010.
In 2010, she appeared in ‘Swan Lake’ as well as in ‘Carmen-the Ballet’ at the Joburg Theatre. She also toured to George and Knysna to raise funds for Hospice. The role of the Christmas Tree Fairy was created for Chloé for the year-end season of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the SA State Theatre.
She re-created the role for a sold-out season at the Sand du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein in March 2011 and also appeared in ‘Romeo & Juliet’ (Lady Capulet) and ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ (Lilac Fairy and Crystal Fountain Fairy).
Chloe tells her project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is a state of mind that resides within oneself and can be achieved anywhere.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
I can! I will! If you dream it, you can do it!
We all have that moment when we need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My mother and my husband. Their honest and constructive opinions really matter to me and they have always been there when I need affirmation.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Instinct and integrity.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
At the age of seventeen, I achieved my ultimate dream of being accepted into a professional ballet company. Performing for PACT Ballet, and since 2001, for The South African Ballet Theatre was an affirmation of all my hard work.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Define them (Are they real or not), face them and work on them.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
To be a professional ballet dancer and perform to live audiences. This was a dream I had from the age of three and I have definitely achieved this! The South African Ballet Theatre performs locally and internationally and we aim to take the magic of ballet to as many communities as possible.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Of what my dream was to begin with. Each obstacle can be used as a learning curve and I need to figure out what to take away from it in order to learn from it.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
The way I am able to express myself through dance. I also choose to share kindness with the world.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Compassion and a sense of community. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The whole universe is inter-connected and we are all part of creation and it is our moral duty to conserve what we have.
Ms Grové also appears in the upcoming production of ‘Giselle’ as the Duchess, running at the Joburg Theatre until April 29th, 2012. For more information or to book, please contact the Joburg Theatre
Follow SABT on Facebook and Twitter
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published March 28th, 2012
With one of the most recognisable faces in world rugby, Bob Skinstad has recently joined Itec Connect Western Cape (Pty) Ltd as Managing Director. Itec Connect is a vibrant business solutions company and is the fastest growing office automation company in South Africa – the perfect fit for this dynamic business entrepreneur!
Bob was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia on 3 July 1976. He attended Highbury Prep School in Hillcrest and went on to complete his education at Hilton College.
He attended the University of Stellenbosch where he lived in the Simonsberg men’s residence and captained the ‘Maties’ (University) 1st Team.
Bob is best known for his national and international rugby career that spanned more than 12 years from 1995 – 2007. Having represented South Africa at all levels, including captaining the U 21 Springbok side in 1996 and 1997, and playing for the SA Sevens team in 1997, Bob made his début for the Springboks in 1997 against England. In all he played 42 tests for the Springboks, scoring 11 tries and captained the Springboks in 12 games.
He played Super 12 & 14 rugby for 3 franchise teams – the Stormers, Cats and Sharks and played Currie Cup for Western Province, who won the title three times on his watch!
After a stint in the UK that involved more work than play, Bob capped off a successful comeback to Springbok rugby in South Africa with victory at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
His passion for the game continues with his introduction and establishment of The Cape Town Tens which is a firm favourite on the Cape Town sporting and social calendar and one that draws rugby teams from around the world for this first class event.
With a huge heart for social upliftment, Bob has been an innovator with a number of projects including the well-known Bobs for Good Foundation, providing shoes to thousands of needy young school children and he hopes to soon be providing their schools with the technology that is so desperately needed in their environments.
Bob is an entrepreneur and has numerous business interests over the years. He forms an important part of the broadcast team at Super Sport where he commentates and entertains his audience with his informed and engaging manner. He is in great demand as a regular key note speaker and celebrity guest at corporate functions.
Bob is happily married to Debbie and is the proud dad of three young children, Anna, Tom and Charlotte, and loves to relax by fishing, surfing and enjoying good “down time” with his family and friends.
Bob tells his project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Having a goal, achieving it, then wanting what you have.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Believe
We all have that moment when we need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My wife and family, because I rely on them relying on me !
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Proper consideration and kindness
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
When I had family, friends and coaches believing in me
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Override them with positive self talk and hard work
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
Wanted to be a businessman, sportsman, husband and dad – and I am , now I have be good at it !
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
It will all pass and if it suddenly went bad, I would survive, through positive thought, South African hybrid vigour and sense of humour
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I have a few hidden talents, but I think I was born to make and inspire a positive contribution, in all things that I get involved in.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Down time ! A holiday on 3g, wifi and TV is not a proper holiday – we need to be still for a bit more each year. Still and active.
Be sure to listen to Bob’s project me interview on Radio 2000FM with Angela Ludek on Sunday 1st April at 8:20am.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published March 14th, 2012
Now time really seems to be flying by and I can’t believe how quickly it goes from one project me radio interview to the next.
If I thought that moved fast then I really was shocked at how long ago I interviewed Emmanuel and how far we have both come along our project me stories.
Emmanuel has been an incredible support to me as both a friend and since the birth of #FollowSA and when ‘your project me story’ was but a baby. Now it’s my time to be over the moon with pride at the release of Emmanuel’s latest single that I just adore.
Listen to his new single: Stop running away
Read Emmanuel’s project me story interview
Listen to Angela Ludek interview Emmanuel on Radio 2000 at 8:20am on Sunday morning on The Movement.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published February 23rd, 2012
Mike Wronski studied electrical and computer engineering at UCT, and worked as a software engineer for a year before starting Fuseware. Fuseware deals with social media monitoring and analysis, and was created combining Mike’s two main passions for technology and psychology. Mike developed an interest in software development at the age of 10 and was involved in development ranging from games and 3D animations to business software and web applications. After seeing an opportunity to help companies understand what consumers think about them through social networks, Mike jumped into the deep end and started Fuseware.
On a personal note: As both Lifeology and #FollowSA grow to become a well known name in the circles of social media, it has been with much gratitude to Mike and Fuseware for helping us has stats to back up all of our hard work and effort.
Mike, you have also grown to be a good friend and your passion and support of myself, Greg and all of our ventures means the world to me. I can’t wait for both the stats and the friendship to keep getting stronger!
Mike tells his project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Mindfulness & appreciation for what you have
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Today is the oldest I have ever been, and the youngest I will ever be
We all have that moment when we need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My dad, he has been an amazing pillar of support and love during the most difficult stages of my life
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Passion
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
Closing a large corporate deal within only 3 months of starting my business at 23
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Meditate on their opposite (e.g. instead of focusing on the fear of failure focus on love for achieving success), always keep on pushing my comfort zone until it becomes natural
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
Owning a company that rocks an industry. I am halfway there.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
The simple things that truly matter
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
An unrelenting desire to change the world
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Compassion for our fellow man
Follow Mike on Twitter
Follow Fuseware on Twitter
More about Fuseware
Read Mike’s blog: Startup CEO
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published January 19th, 2012
Doug Anderson was given a 2% chance of survival at birth. He was born with a condition called Spina Bifida. Dr’s said that he would never be educated and would have no quality of life. 34 years and 37 operations later Doug is very much “alive and kicking”.
Doug was expelled in grd.1 from a mainstream school because he had a disability. After a lengthy court battle, the then TED forced Doug’s parents to place him in a school that catered for kids with disabilities (Hope School).
It was at Hope School that Doug excelled in sports, leadership and academia, representing Southern Transvaal (Now Central Gauteng) in provincial sports for people with disabilities at the National Championships from 1989 – 1997. Doug also represented South Africa at the World Wheelchair Games in 1996. He has 39 Gold, 16 Silver and 5 Bronze medals to his name and numerous sporting awards including “Sportsmand of The Year 1996”, “Best Wheelchair Athlete 1997” and “Victor Ladorum of the National Championships 1996”.
Doug also excelled in leadership becoming Head Boy in 1996 and winning the Rotary Round Table Award for Best Leadership in Schools across South Africa.
Doug studied Alternative Health and qualified as a Reflexologist in 2000. Doug battled to get employment because of his disability and so decided to start his own business which he ran for 10 years and sold in 2010.
In 2004 Doug decided to do a course on Radio Presenting and shortly after finishing the course was asked to present a Disability Talk-show on a community Radio Station called Radio Today. He paid his dues and learnt the ropes on Community Radio before joining National Radio Station, Radio 2000 in January 2007 and has been with them ever since. He has also worked in TV, presenting the 2008 Paralympics and 2010 Commonwealth Games on SABC.
Doug has always been passionate about Making A Difference and has supported many charities in any way possible for many years. He has been the brainchild of many fundraising initiatives for many charities in South Africa. He is co-founder along with fiancé Madelaine Steyn of TheMADNetwork – The Network that is Making A Difference which was launched in November 2011.
TheMADNetwork is a Social Networking platform that enables the user to interact and communicate socially with friends and family AND at the same time make money for their favourite charities without it costing them a cent!
The rationale for the creation of TheMADNetwork is simple explains Doug: “750million people are using Facebook, 250 million people are using Twitter and so Social Networking is clearly the way of the future. If you asked these 950million people if they wanted to Make A Difference, chances are they would say yes. Charities in need will always outnumber the companies and individuals that can give. The two things that prevent you and I from giving to charities in need is time and most importantly money”
Doug and Madelaine wanted to come up with a model that made a difference and didn’t require a person to give of their time or money. “Facebook and Twitter have huge followings but are not designed to help charities and until now the traditional way of supporting charities required you to either give of your time and/or money. So we decided to design a social networking platform that enables the user to make money for their favourite charities WITHOUT it costing them a cent, and so TheMADNetwork – The Network that is Making A Difference was born”, explains Doug.
It took a year of development and it has been funded by the couple. “The way that it works is simple, explains Doug:
1. Advertisers place ads and surveys on the various pages on TheMADNetwork.
2. The user gets exposed to the ads and surveys and earns points by being exposed to the ads and participating in the surveys.
3. These points can then be allocated by the user to any charity of their choice on TheMADNetwork.
4. The charity then exchanges their points for physical money from TheMADNetwork.
So essentially we are using our advertising revenue to help charities in need and in this way, the user gets to make money for their favourite charities without it costing them a cent!
We would like to believe that EVERYONE on the planet cares about something, we may not care about the same thing but we all care about something. We don’t however always have the money or time to help and so TheMADNetwork addresses this.
We are asking people if they go online to download e-mails or if they are on Facebook or Twitter, that they include TheMADNetwork to their list of social networking platforms and help us Make A Difference in the World!
We worked out that if TheMADNetwork had the same number of users as Facebook, that R3.5Billion would have been raised for charities in need in the very first week of launching!”
If you want to Make A Difference, then join TheMADNetwork – The Network that is Making A Difference, http://www.themadnetwork.com
For more on Doug’s life, visit http://www.douganderson.co.za
You can follow Doug on Twitter: dougandersonza
You can follow TheMADNetwork on Twitter: @themadnetwork
You can follow TheMADNetwork Group on Facebook: The MAD Network
Doug tells his project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
I believe happiness is a choice – you can choose to be happy or not.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
As you think and say, you are and as you sow you reap
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My mother, my late father, my fiancé, my family, my friends – I am truly blessed!
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Difficult question. I think there are a few: Passion. Generosity. Gratitude.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
I guess from a very young age. I was brought up with the understanding that I could achieve anything if I believed and put my mind to it.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I am living my dream & I wouldn’t change it for the world! I get to make a difference in people’s lives every day!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Just keep smiling!
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I Make A Difference at every opportunity.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I know that it is the fear of failure that holds people back. I believe that true failure is not trying again
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
What you have become is nothing to what you can become. You matter and you can Make A Difference!
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published January 10th, 2012
Jared Orlin aka Gossip Guy has been writing about celebrities since 2004. As the former sub-editor of People magazine and entertainment editor of YOU magazine he’s become something of a celebrity expert, a passion he translated into his blog www.gossipguy.co.za. He recently made the move out of print media (although he still freelances when he gets the time) into PR (he’s the PR Specialist of the major national radio station, 5FM.)
Follow Jared on Twitter: @The_Gossip_Guy
On a personal note:
Jared is a dear friend of mine who has been an incredible support along my journey as both a blogger and within the social media sphere. Some of the best advice and kicks in the butt have come from this dear soul. Beyond that, so have some of my greatest introductions and I will always be eternally grateful for his faith in me and instilling the important rule of always demanding a stage to stand on when addressing a crowd.
Here is Jared’s project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
It’s the feeling of goals attained, of being successful in what you do. It’s the company of close friends – quality time is so important in our fast-paced world. It’s flirting with a complete stranger and them flirting back. It’s spontaneous hugs. It’s a book you can get lost in. Lots of little things add up to creating that happy feeling.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
“You are loved”. I think everyone on this planet suffers to some degree or another from a lack of self love. We disrespect ourselves all too easily and often let others disrespect us too. I’m guilty of it myself. I am utterly convinced that we are all here to learn, grow and experience and that one of humanity’s biggest lessons is to love unconditionally. There’s too much of love’s opposite – hate – out there. Like I’m forever saying “make love, not war”.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My grandmother and my late great grandmother. I was lucky enough to know and be very close to my great gran and she was fond of telling me ‘The sky’s the limit’. I remember this! My grandmother is an amazing woman. We are very close and she’s my #1 champion. She always tunes in to my radio show and whenever I’m being interviewed on TV or radio she makes a plan to watch or listen. That support is amazing and I’m grateful for it.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
How to juggle…kidding! Be serious here Jared. I think we’re all born with big hearts that we should wear on our sleeves . I think society socialises us into holding emotions back because hey, we don’t want to be seen as rocking the boat or being different. Also, I think babies are born with a keen emotional intuition that we lose a bit of as adults. When you’re upset, they pick that up. The reverse is true too, which is why babies smile back when you smile at them. I think we’re all a bit psychic; we just often don’t trust our gut instincts, our 6th sense. But your intuition is the most important thing you should listen to – much more important than listening to your partner J
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
If I had truly reached that moment I think I’d be Ghandi, or Buddha or [insert name of other enlightened souls here]. Believing something, thinking it and knowing it are not, alas, the same thing. I believe we can achieve our goals. Within limits of course. Turning water into wine is probably out of the limits of my capabilities no matter how intently I stare at that glass….but I do believe we have the ability to shape our destinies. I believe that we are the creators of our journeys here on earth. Which is why I have a vision board and on it I put my goals, dreams and aspirations. I believe in writing down my goals, putting a plan into concrete action. If you sit back and bemoan your lack of success, money, a romantic partner etc, the Universe will just keep giving you more of that lack. Celebrate what you have and write down and visualise what you’d like.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
Mmmmmmmm, I suppose I have and don’t always realise it. Thanks for reminding me that about two or three years ago I got a taste of radio when I was interviewed by Jeremy Mansfield and Sam Cowen on 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s morning show. I was nervous as all hell but I loved it. The experience left me feeling that radio is my future (at that point I was working for a weekly magazine) and my gut was screaming ‘go for it’. Well, I’m now doing PR for one of the biggest radio stations in the country and have my own show, called The A-List with Jared Orlin on another station. Dreamed it! Living it! And yes, there has been a picture of a radio microphone on my vision board for some time now. It’s still there. No point in taking it down as my radio journey is far from over!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Well it’s a bit of a cliché but I remind myself that everything happens for a reason. Like I said earlier I believe we’re here to learn and you learn via experience. The biggest learning curves are those experiences we choose to call ‘bad’ or ‘negative’ like being hijacked or if a sale falls through. But how often do we stop and ask ourselves ‘What did I gain from this experience? What have I learnt from it?’ We’re often so busy having a pity party that we don’t see silver linings. They’re there. I’ll give you an example. When a now-ex dumped me unexpectedly there were plenty lessons I learned: I learned what I am prepared to put up with in a relationship. I learned that it’s okay to speak my mind. I learned what true intimacy feels like. And I learnt how amazing my friends are when I need them there.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
To be honest I hate this question. I’m not convinced I’m offering the world anything but there’s a little Jodene angel on my shoulder going ‘Yes you do’ so I’ll tell you what someone said to me recently: “you don’t realise how many people respect your work and the way you approach the celebrity scene with such integrity.” I am paraphrasing here but the gist of this mini wake-up call was that I might be The Gossip Guy but I’m also spiritual and I believe in chakras, energy fields, intuition etc. Many people think the two are mutually exclusive – what could possibly be spiritual about gossip? It’s all in HOW you talk about celebrities. If you choose to ne negative and cut people down, that’s your indaba, but I maintain a sense of (non-bitchy) humour plus the ability to see the ‘they’re-just-humans-too’ side of celebrity makes all the difference. Plus I love what I do. That’s pretty spiritual don’t you think? Living a passion, when so many people out there don’t, is proof of that.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Sometimes you just have to plunder forward. Just do it! Ask yourself ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’. Think about it. So you maybe made a fool of yourself but did anyone die? Are you in permanent physical pain? Did you lose a limb? If not, well then have a little giggle at yourself and choose – yes choose – to move on. Because moving on is just that – a choice. You can stay and wallow. That’s your choice. You can also get up, get going and move on. Also your choice. It’s up to you. And if all else fails I remind myself that what happens could make for an interesting blogpost or Tweet.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Loving each other. We focus too much on what we can get out of people. It’s all money, money, money, greed, greed, greed. Fine and dandy to have that mansion but does it make your soul sing with joy? The relentless pursuit of financial wealth worries me. Remember, it costs money to maintain money. You think it’s cheap being a millionaire? Wrong! You’ve got to work extra super hard to maintain that lifestyle. So what’s the point of being wealthy if you just have to work harder and can’t enjoy it…
A personal note from Jared about his support for Hospice:
This blog post is in honour of Hospice, who were beyond incredible when my grandfather was ill a few years ago. They do amazing work and allow the terminally ill to pass on in dignity.
Hospice’s mission statement:
To Promote quality in life, dignity in death and support in bereavement for all living with a life-threatening illness by supporting member hospices and partner organisations.
Follow Hospice on Twitter
Follow Hospice on Facebook
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published December 13th, 2011
Angela Guastella’s irrepressible personality blasts through the airwaves on Sunday evenings on 5FM, offering listeners the perfect mix of ‘out of the box’ humour, fun and all-round wackiness. Achieving a seamless balance between music, talk and unadulterated entertainment; Sunday evenings with Angela are the perfect way to see in the end of a deliciously lazy weekend.
Angela was producing and co-hosting a syndicated show entitled ‘Point of View’ with Randall Abrahams when 5FM got in touch out of the blue and asked her to submit a demo. Needless to say, she was offered her very own show on the station and soon found her greatest dream coming true.
Angela studied Journalism for a year at Varsity College in Cape Town before deciding to specialise in copywriting. She then completed a Red and Yellow School of Logic and Magic Diploma in copywriting. After a stint at Ogilvy working as a Junior Copywriter, Angela’s increasing frustration with the corporate world and the desire to leap into entertainment eventually grew so large that she made a decision to change direction. She subsequently moved to Johannesburg and worked any jobs she could while simultaneously working at UJFM to gain as much radio experience as possible. She never dreamt that success in the form of a show on a national radio station would come so quickly.
In her spare time, Angela pursues a diverse range of interests – from dancing to playing drums to cultural activities and plays. “I think it’s incredibly important to grow yourself as a person in order to be interesting on air. That’s why I find it hard to separate ‘work’ and ‘life’, the two are never very far apart from each other. The greatest challenge for me is being patient. I want to learn and know everything now. But at the same time I’m glad I’m impatient, it keeps me pushing harder. You’re only as good as your last show.”
Angela is never one to rest on her laurels: “I’m currently learning to DJ – something I’ve been wanting to do for years – and I can’t wait to be able to get dance floors making ridiculous ‘Woooooohhhh I love this song!’ noises. I still do copywriting on a freelance basis and between you and me, would still love to win a Loerie. I’m currently working on a column, which is very much in line with my on- air personality and which I am planning to pitch to various magazines this year. I want to own my own clothing boutique in the next three to five years; I have always had an interest in fashion merchandising. I’d also, in good time, like to explore television opportunities in order to expand on my portfolio as a broadcaster.”
Something not many people know about Angela is that she was trained in dance, drama and singing from the age of four and desperately wanted to pursue a career in Musical Theatre. When the first production of CATS came to SA, she auditioned and made it to the final cut.
That was the moment when she made the difficult decision to explore a more ‘academic’ professional path and study Journalism.
Angela has big plans for her radio future. “I feel that my strength lies in my passion for sourcing and creating unique content, listener interaction and the fact that I have something valuable, entertaining and often off-the-wall to say, very often about the ridiculous. My ultimate slot would be week days 7pm-10pm. It’s a sexy slot. There’s something a little naughty about it. It’s at a time when you can really push the envelope and be a little off the wall and also at a time where people are very open to interaction.”
Angela Guastella tells her Project Me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
For me, it’s the affirmation that you matter. That you are accepted, loved and appreciated exactly as you are.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
How you doing? (Joey/Matt LeBlanc style).
Ok, seriously though, I’d have them say, ‘Don’t let the world change you, go out there and change the world.’
I really believe that we all have that power in us, even if it’s just making someone feel good about themselves. That is change.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
I cannot separate my mom and my dad. They are one, supportive unit in my life that has made countless sacrifices to always give me the absolute best opportunities to reach my full potential. They’ve backed me in absolutely every step of my journey to where I am and have always let me know that I matter, no matter what.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Goodness. We all have it in us. We just need to choose to find and use it.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
To be honest, I don’t believe I can achieve anything, but I do believe I can achieve anything I want to. Let me explain. For example, I don’t think I could be the world’s greatest basket ball player, or the next Calvin Klein model. I don’t have the height or the build. But that isn’t a bad thing. And besides, I don’t have the slightest desire to be either. I believe that everyone is given strengths and talent in some areas. It’s what makes us different and interesting. I know my strengths, and I want to work at developing and achieving in those areas. In that capacity, I know I can indeed achieve incredible things.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I have always dreamed of affecting people through entertainment. I want to make them feel something. Through dance and drama, writing and broadcasting, I have had the privilege of doing this, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say ‘it has been achieved’. I am the kind of person that always wants more.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
That everything happens for a reason and that I know my own worth, no matter what may smack me in the face.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I believe that one unique thing we all have to offer is simply, ourselves. Who we are, our choices, opinions, how we make people feel, how we execute our talents. Each one of us is a unique combination of all of those things, including me.
I also think that we all have the ability to offer the world good and bad – it’s which one we choose that really matters.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I take them on in a staring match and generally they’re the first one to giggle.
I really just ask myself, ‘What’s the worst thing that could happen?’ The answer has never been scary enough for me to quit.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Who the hell we are. Everyone wants to be like the next one instead of embracing and showing the whole world what is so fabulously different about themselves.
The charity Angela supports: POWA
POWA was formed in 1979 by a group of women volunteers in order to provide referral services and sheltering to women who were experiencing domestic violence. POWA was the first organization to establish a shelter for abused women in 1981. The organization also pioneered second stage (or transitional) housing for women in 2009 in Gauteng. The direct services delivery component of the organisation forms the basis of and informs all advocacy interventions, at local, nation and regional level.
POWA currently has 7 physical working sites in Gauteng that provide counseling, sheltering and legal support to women at face-to-face level. Over the years we have become an organization that is considered to be an expert on issues of women’s rights and are consulted by the private sector, government and civil society on educational and decision-making matters pertaining to women’s safety and enjoyment of their rights. As an organisation, our aim is to‘open spaces for us as women in all our diversity to enjoy our fundamental human rights.’
In order to achieve this, we have structured our organization in a manner that allows us to engage with grassroots women’s groups and organizations in various provinces as well as engage and influence national institutional structures such as the legislature, regional forums such as the African Commission on People and Human Rights (ACPHR) and international forums such as the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Working in partnership with other women’s rights organisations and building cross-sectoral alliances with human rights groups has proven to be one of the most successful strategies adopted thus far. POWA plays a leading role in and is the secretariat of the Oneinnine Campaign, a network of 26 organisations formed in 2006 with the following objectives: raising awareness through direct action and public education around the challenges and obstacles confronted by survivors of sexual violence when attempting to access justice; providing legal support to complainants in sexual violence cases and advocating for a more responsive and protective criminal justice system.
In the regional (African) context, POWA is a member of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), a network consisting of 27 civil society organisations and development partners on the African Continent working towards the promotion and protection of women’s human rights in Africa by inter alia, engaging in lobbying and advocacy strategies to ensure the ratification, domestication and effective implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.
POWA’s strategic approach is designed to ensure that women in South Africa enjoy the freedoms and rights entrenched in the Constitution and guaranteed in international human rights commitments.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published November 22nd, 2011
Gisèle’s media career spans a broad range of experience, from editorial, marketing, publishing, finance and advertising sales to media innovation and strategy. Her career highlights include, recognition as the leading Media Personality of the Year in 1992, winner of the International Press Distribution Awards for best International magazine launch for ELLE as well as over 30 local awards for magazine publishing excellence.
She was elected Chairperson of the Magazine Publisher’s Association of South Africa between 2003-2005 and over the years has served as a Chief Judge for the PICA Awards for Magazine Excellence.
During her media career she has launched and re-launched more than ten magazine titles and was responsible for several new newspaper projects, as GM Advertising Strategy and Sales and then GM Innovation at Avusa, including being a member of the strategic planning team for The Times, Sunday Times first Daily Digital Interactive newspaper. In 2008 she joined First National Bank as Media Director and led a team in FNB embracing focusing on social media and digital projects, for which she received CEO recognition at the 2009 FNB Innovators Awards. Gisèle left FNB to participate in the family’s business interests and is currently a non-executive director of OmniMed (Pty) Ltd.
She recently purchased Longevity magazine and website www.longevitymag.co.za and is living her passion!
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Gisèle tells her project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Walking on a long, preferably deserted beach, with the waves tickling my toes, the sun warming my back, the wind in my hair and nature all around me.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. “ Eleanor Roosevelt
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
I’ve had a few mentors in business, family and my partner who have supported me over the years at different occasions in my life, for which I am grateful. However, I firmly believe that if you don’t believe in yourself, then it won’t matter who believes in you, you won’t get there…
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Abundance is the birthright of everyone. However, very few realize it because the term “abundance” is thought of only in relation to money. However, we are born with abundance, no matter who we are or where we are, whether it is in our health, our looks, our disposition, our intelligence, our environment, our religion, our family, to name a few. We all have abundance in one form or another and we just have to see it, believe in it and use it to our advantage!
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
When I launched a school newspaper with a friend. It was a first in the history of the school, we were in our early teens and I believed we would conquer the world
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
No not yet, but I will get get there. I would really like to make a difference to people’s quality of life, not just my own!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
It’s always darkest before dawn and you’ll always come out with more wisdom, no matter how bad it is
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I have more guts than sense
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I meditate on them, debate them with myself (and others) even get angry and depressed by them, but I work at processing them so that I can move forward and not fear them any longer
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
The world we live in has become far too motivated by greed. The gap between rich and poor in many countries is simply too great. So many seem to believe enough is not enough. But how much is enough? We all have to be productive and our societies and economies must move forward, innovate, develop and create. The very imbalances we see are often result of this advancement. However, at what cost?
In ancient greek mythology Erysichthon was a Thessalian king who chopped down the sacred grove of the goddess Demeter in order to build himself a feast-hall. As punishment for the crime the goddess inflicted him with insatiable hunger, driving him to exhaust his riches and finally, in poverty, devour his own flesh. Sound familiar considering our current global financial crisis, growing death rates of lifestyle related diseases and of course more and more natural disasters?
We are living in a world of contradictions. Science and medical advancement is ensuring those with access to education and money live longer. People in developed countries are eating more badly than ever before and there are rising levels of obesity in these countries resulting in lifestyle related diseases which need to be treated at great cost. On the other hand there are millions of people in developing countries dying of starvation. There are more obese people in the world (some 1,5 billion) than there are starving people (around a billion) according to the International Red Cross.
And while this all goes on our environment is taking a beating as we continue to abuse the earth’s resources.
Humanity is its very own ticking time bomb and in a way I am glad I won’t be around when it explodes (and maybe this is just what humanity needs to bring some sense to it). However while I am here I would like to be able to say I tried to do something to make a difference even in the smallest way, if not for now, but for future generations.
Gisèle’s supports The Girl Effect: http://girleffect.org
The Girl Effect is a movement driven by girl champions around the globe. The Nike Foundation created the Girl Effect with critical financial and intellectual contributions by the NoVo Foundation and Nike Inc. and in collaboration with key partners such as the United Nations Foundation and the Coalition for Adolescent Girls.
It is devoted to the idea that the empowerment of girls is the key to significant social and economic change in developing countries. When a girl has the right tools in place, a chance to use her voice and systems set up to work for her, she will transform the lives of everyone around her. Studies show that when you improve a girl’s life, you improve the lives of her brothers, sisters, parents, and beyond.
The Girl Effect is about encouraging people around the world to use their voices, talents, and communities to help girls help themselves—and, as a result, everybody else. It’s about providing the tools and the network needed to spread the word about what girls can do.
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With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published November 9th, 2011
Mr Ntumba was appointed Chairman of the SABT Board in February 2010 having beena member of the Board since 2009. He is a Chartered Accountant, a member of the Institute of Directors and of the Investment Analysts Society of Southern Africa. He is also an Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow (Oxford University, United Kingdom and the African Leadership Institute) and a member of the African Leadership Network.
Mr Ntumba is also Deal Executive at Capitalworks Investment Partners, a private equity investment house recently recognised by the international DealMakers publication as the South African Alternative Asset Management Firm of the Year 2011.
Mr Ntumba has significant Board experience in both the private and public sectors. Some of his responsibilities include the following: for the five years ended August 2011, he sat on the Board of Directors of the Railway Safety Regulator, a department of Transport institution, where he was a member of its audit committee and chaired its finance and procurement committee. The South African Parliament has recently extended his term for a further 3 years on this Board. He also was a member of the Audit Committee of the Gauteng Provincial Treasury. He is the former Chair and still committee member of the Audit Committee of the Energy Sector Education and Training Authority.
He obtained his professional qualifications with Deloitte and Touche Southern Africa where he was part of its Financial Services Team and went on to be involved in numerous leadership development programmes including the Gordon Institute of Business Science ‘s Dialogue Circle, the African Leadership Academy mentorship initiative and the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa JHB (ABASA) – where he co-founded the ABASA Leadership Programme and was the body’s Board Vice-Chairman in the Gauteng province, South Africa.
He holds finance and executive education qualifications from Oxford University, UK and the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
He is multilingual. Some of the languages he speaks fluently are French and Swahili. He is married to Mrs Jena Mukina and they have a wonderful daughter. He is a keen tennis player, an avid football follower, a buddying photographer and a motoring enthusiast.
Mr Cedric Ntumba’s project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
I define happiness as the ability to be present in the moments which matter most to those who love me unconditionally.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Dream big, dig deep and make it happen.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
Without doubt that person is my wife, Jena Mukina. She has been able to take me to my personal boundaries, then stretch them.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
I believe all qualities can be taught or developed if one is determined and dedicated enough.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
There were many such moments along my life and they were very opportune. Growing up in different countries one has had to adapt to varying circumstances regularly.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
Wow. This is an interesting question. I am passionate about the tangible development of the African continent, including its heritage. I love the continent and its people and its rich offerings. I hope I am playing a part in making the continent a better place for all. I am from the DRC. But it will take many of us to put up our hands and make our voices and actions count, in meaningful ways.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Tomorrow will come. Just do your best.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
Difficult for me to say, but if pressed to answer I would have to say my positive outlook to life. I am the forever dreamer.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Not very well! I have surrounded myself with driven individuals who push boundaries continuously. I am also working on better enhancing my spirituality.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Selflessness.
This interview is in support of: The South African Ballet Theatre
The South African Ballet Theatre is a non- profit performing arts (ballet) company proudly resident at The Joburg Theatre. SABT was founded by six dancers in 2001 and celebrated its 9th year of existence in February 2010. SABT has a Board of Directors, an Executive Committee, an Artistic Team, 16 full-time dancers, nine apprentice dancers, an extra-curriculum Ballet Academy for high schools students and three outreach schools offering weekly classes to 300 children in Alexandra, Soweto and Katlehong with weekly classes also being taught at the Foundation School (for remedial children) in Melville. The professional ballet company gives an average of 80 – 100 performances a year, gives two major seasons a year at the Joburg Theatre and has toured internationally (Denmark, Zimbabwe and Russia) as well as nationally (Port Elizabeth, East London, Grahamstown, Durban, Hilton, Nelspruit, Welkom and Kimberley).
In 2008 SABT was the winner of the 2007 PetroSA Proudly South African Nation-Builder of the Year Award.
The South African Ballet Theatre is committed to bringing classical ballet performances of Quality, Glamour, Escapism and Magic to the South African stage – to make ballet an art form to be known, loved and shared by all South Africans.
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With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published October 20th, 2011
Johannesburg resident Kona Brown is a national finalist at the crowning event of Mrs United Nations Pageant on 1 – 3 December 2011.
The uniqueness and importance of the Mrs United Nations Pageant lies in the fact that it is not a beauty pageant, but rather is designed for “real” women with a passion to add value to other people’s lives with the finalists being judged on the humanitarian work that they do for the community on an on-going basis.
She is judged and selected based on her family values and established family support and love. She is a spokeswoman, role model, and a recognized leader for married women all over the country and world.
Kona Brown entered the pageant on this basis, and is thrilled to have received the confirmation that she is now through to the final round, where Mrs United Nations SA will be chosen, to go and represent the country in the worldwide competition being held in November 2012 in the USA.
The local competition is part of an international pageant series and has been running in South Africa since 2001 with previous winners including Liesel Krause-Wiid (2005) and Nadine Blom (2006), both of whom went onto represent SA in the International Pageant during their reign. In its short 9 year participation thus far, South Africa has already produced 5 international winners.
Back in 2006, Kona was no stranger to the corporate boardroom, being a successful senior business analyst in the Banking Sector. Even during that time she was involved in charity work and various corporate social investment initiatives where she donated the little time she had spare to volunteering at Mother Theresa’s Hospice in Yeoville.
Leaving the corporate world to start her family at that time, she found such fulfilment being able to make this difference in the community so desperate for help she made the decision to continue volunteering her time, on this occasion at Rays of Hope, and in 2009 start volunteering 4 mornings a week. She has since become the project manager for their Child Headed Households Project. This project focuses on assisting orphaned and vulnerable children in Child Headed Households in the Alexandra Township. (www.raysofhope.co.za)
They currently have over 30 families in the project, assisting over 100 vulnerable children who have been orphaned by AIDS and who now have to take care of themselves and their siblings – basically children raising and caring for children. Through a variety of initiatives the organisation aims to move the children out of the victim cycle and assist them in finding a more hopeful and better future.
Says Kona; “When I left the corporate world almost 5 years ago I never dreamed that I’d be able to apply any of my skills in a non-profit organization. But it has changed the way I see my country and has deepened my love for South Africa and its people. There are so many opportunities to do good.”
She continues; “Now as a finalist in the Mrs United Nation SA Competition, I hope to inspire other regular South Africans to get involved within their communities and to create greater awareness around the ever growing plight of child-headed households and orphaned and vulnerable children and the projects aimed at them.”
About Kona, courtesy of Artslink.co.za
Kona tells her project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Being used for a purpose
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Today I will have grace with myself and others
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My husband and kids think I’m invincible. It might have something to do with iron-fistedly running a household where I am thoroughly outnumbered by the amount of testosterone. My husband has seen me at my best and at my worst and has always been the person who brings out the best in me and spurs me on to be a better version of myself.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Hopefulness
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
The day I started believing in The One greater than I, who is able to do more than I can ever ask for, hope or imagine.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I’d love to be part of a UN humanitarian outreach or relief effort, especially somewhere on the African Continent.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
To live and be present in the moment.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
My relentless pursuit to better the lives of those less fortunate and my ability to inspire others to do the same
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I spit at them! Quite literally.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
That we belong to each other.
Follow Kona Brown on Twitter
Kona’s charity of choice: Rays of Hope
Imisebe Yethemba (trading as Rays of Hope) is the community based outreach arm of Rosebank Union Church. It is an independent Section-21 (non-profit) organization which manages a large number of social outreach projects with a particular focus on Alexandra Township, northern Johannesburg. Many of these projects have been initiated by Rays of Hope, but we are also actively involved in supporting activities of other NPOs, NGOs and CBOs which align with our vision and values.
We are “hands on” in Alex and have developed close relationships with community leaders, the police, High Schools, the Alexandra clinic and the Department of Social Development in order to leverage appropriate assistance where it is available. Rose-Act was started in Alexandra in 1991 in an effort to enhance education in Alexandra.
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With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
