Meerkat in (meta)Verse ...

in the void...

2012-01-21T15:51:00.000+02:00

i stretched - my arms

and found the ends of us

seeking to hang on,

clawing at the edges

of this life

we were both standing in this void

- a cliff of hopelessness

crucified by this illness

and in that moment,

you finally let go...

opened your wings and flew:

the beauty of you unfolding

in slow Grace

as i freed you

first, from my mind

then, from our shared heart ache

-mM 21 Jan 2012

Loyalty Programs linked to Social Media - Does it work?

2012-01-13T11:49:00.000+02:00

We all know the group buying schemes online, and the growth and success of social networking sites. We have come to see the value of membership programs linked to retails stores for discounts or 'money back' to encourage loyal customers to make preferred choices. And of course the loyalty programs that work well with customer relationship strategies if done well. Today I discovered a loyalty program called PunchTab and I am keen to see how it will work. I came across it when I updated my Wibiya bar (at the bottom) and integrated the program for loyal subscribers to this personal blog of mine. Would be interesting to see how it works. When I joined I got a Groupon discount voucher - not bad. And I am able to create my own vouchers, so I took the time to create one for @tourismcapetown to support a tag #capetourist that could help visitors to the Western Cape find nice venues to visit. This is going to be fun.... Entertain me and participate please...

Morning sun near Kij Kij #meerkat

2012-01-02T13:31:00.001+02:00

Morning sun near Kij Kij
Originally uploaded by Mike&Lara

what a stunning photo of my favorite little animal... their lives are one of social structure and support...

as humans we have a lot to learn from meerkats, as they are loyal family members and friends that care about the well-being of those that are in their circle

Being the Least - Wees die Minste #inspiration #growth

2011-12-05T19:16:00.001+02:00

I can still hear her voice some times - way back in my mind, but distinctly so - telling me to 'be the least' - possibly in reference to the Biblical principle to be humble. And I usually listen. Mostly. But not recently. I have come to see that being humbled and 'taking it on the chin' as if it does not hurt or matter is NOT the best of ways, as humility is too often mistaken for weakness. A willingness to listen, and to be respectful of another's opinion has been misconstrued recently into being a 'softy'. I have had it.

This has started me on a path of critical reflection, and yes - I know a blog is not a therapy session. But, know this: Our business engagement, our interpersonal relationships are fundamentally injected by the beliefs we pick up and embrace when we are youngsters. One of them being: Be the least. This also means: Walk away (it's easier). Don't fight (it's not lady like). Don't be emotional (it's not business like). Don't be confrontational (it's not respectful). And then there is that ONE moment, the tipping point... that calls you...

That moment when there are suddenly clarity about the things that are WORTH standing up against. The moment that requires greatness - without sacrificing humility. These are surely not mutually exclusive. And then, dear mom, I cannot "be the least' because I am called upon to be the MOST I can be. It takes all my energies, and all my stamina to go forward and challenge the stereotypes and the assumptions, the injustices against women, against a racial or cultural kind like me, or simply a lack of faith in my ability to lead others to greatness. I will not be made smaller. I know you don't want it any other way.

Meal for Six - Nando's gets it right, AGAIN

2011-11-25T22:47:00.001+02:00

If you visit South Africa, there is only one fast-food place you need to add to your list: Nando's and not only for their wonderful grilled chicken, but because they know how to make you smile - from advert (below!) to website to in-store posters. Chicken going viral. Well done, Nando's! Again... You GET us...

Dark Day for our Democracy on #BlackTuesday

2011-11-25T18:08:00.001+02:00

This was a disturbing week in South Africa - filled with high drama as our democratically elected government crossed a line on 22 November 2011 (now termed) 'Black Tuesday'. It is a stark political mirror for some - of an economic disaster on 29 October 1929 with the same tag - when Wall Street crashed. It is said that many Members of Parliament failed South Africa and civil society this week, and the Press Club called for another dark Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Monday and every day...

With freedom of the press one of the corner stones of a democracy, it came as a surprise that the African National Congress actually voted FOR the controversial Protection of State Information Bill - called by most a 'draconian secrecy bill' at odds with the South African Constitution. "It takes us back to the apartheid-era restrictions on free speech" - Noel Katuwa (Amnesty International). Courtesy cartoonist Zapiro:

There is an erosion of principled leadership in South Africa - we have experienced it this year at many levels, and just recently again in business. If a principled decision that would benefit many is held hostage by the narrow self-interest and gain of an individual in power, it is time for ethical determination and moral stamina. Corruption, defined as 'the action of making someone morally depraved or the state of being so' causes paranoia and consternation among the ranks. Indecision. Lack of Leadership. Hiding in the Shadows after questionable action. Refusal to take responsibility or respecting the dignity of another. All the same.

In a chilling account by Dr Lucas Ntyinyana an article saw the light this week: "The ANC has become a monster" and indeed, in a state of ill-disguised greed and personal enrichment, I can not help but wonder: How could we get this so wrong? Or am I missing something...

One thing is certain for me, I would not call it Black Tuesday or Black any day; but rather Dark Tuesday... it was bound to become a racial issue. After all, it is not the color of the day that matters, it is the fact that we had such a day at all! Our Constitution enshrines and protects the free flow of information between citizens, and from our government to our citizens", says the Helen Suzman Foundation when it called the Bill a 'low point in South Africa's transition to democracy' (note the wording). Yes, it was the day our freedom fighters turned freedom takers... and one has to ask: WHY?

"Willing to be misunderstood" -Innovators.

2011-10-31T20:38:00.002+02:00

Some times we have to walk through walls to achieve what we really believe deep down. We may very well be the only ones holding on to a dream, an idea, a better way or doing business. This year has been such a year for me - a year to walk through walls.

When I was in Paris last year, we stumbled upon a statue sculpted by the famous French actor Jean Marais (1913-1998) to commemorate the most famous story of author Marcel Aymé (1902-1967), "Le Paisse-Muraille” or “The Man Who Could Walk Through Walls." I share the moment with the co-founder of our company, and a good friend.

Little did I know I had to walk through another wall or two this year before breakthrough. And it was painful. It still is.

More times, we have to be 'willing to be misunderstood' to risk ridicule and loss, because we may (just may!) gain happiness or success. I have seen this happening earlier this year. But being true to self and taking risks for the sake of a better world (of becoming a better person even) is at the heart of the innovator, the entrepreneur. There are few better examples of innovators loving beauty, than Steve Jobs.

I read the Eulogy by his sister, Mona Simpson, in the New York Times today. Wow. It helped me in so many ways, and I applaud her for sharing this very private experience with the world. It leaves me with a distinct feeling that it is really! "OK" to be exactly who you are until the end of your days - true to self. Thank you for giving all of us a glimpse into the future again, Steve. I am thankful today that there may be an 'Oh Wow!' experience waiting when I walk through another wall in pursuit of something better ...

I am thankful for you, Mr. Jobs. That is all.

bONk!! watch where you are going...

2011-08-11T09:57:00.004+02:00

I love the Madam and Eve cartoons, and this one about Gran texting while walking is hilarious... but also so TRUE at so many levels. Simple comic strips have a way to convey huge life lessons:

1. Don't be so quick to judge. It can happen to you as well.

2. Pay attention in the moment. Hazards ahead.

3. Even if you have someone walking with you, you can still go BOnK!

4. It hurts more when you don't see it coming.

5. Enjoy life when it is good. It can change in an instant.

Linkedin profiles get a revamp...

2011-08-03T20:31:00.000+02:00

Very Nice...

Linkedin profiles get a revamp, adding PDF downloading and more - TNW Social Media

a Mad mood on a winter's day

2011-07-28T18:38:00.003+02:00

I am in a contemplative mood prompted by recent events. I think about the value of life and relationships, or the lack of it for some people I have encountered. Maybe it relates to my mom being so ill and thinking about life as a brief moment in expansive time. I think about happiness as well, and about purpose; and meaning. All deep existential thoughts that barely belong in a blog post read by strangers and friends alike.

But here it is, after my misty stroll on the beach in Cape Town, and reading Afrikaans poetry that always manages to say it better than my best efforts. I think about trust and consequences, friendships, impact and a song called 'Little Wing' by a favorite band The Corrs. I wish I could knit strong wings today for someone I care about - so that she can escape the pain. Days like these I, too, need to ride with the winter wind - eclectic days filled with thought and madness.

a Special Daily Devotion on 27 July 2011

2011-07-27T08:42:00.002+02:00

I don't often post spiritual or religiously-inspired posts. Today, I do. It has such truth and meaning for me, and I am grateful to have found it on the website of Joyce Meyer - one of the Christian teachers that I respect for understanding humanity and the teachings of Christ contextually and contemporary:

Like a Child
by Joyce Meyer - posted July 27, 2011

Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. —Matthew 18:3

Today's verse describes children as trusting, lowly, loving, and forgiving. Just think about how much more we would enjoy our lives and our relationships with God and other people if we would simply operate in these four virtues. Obviously, Jesus thinks these qualities are extremely important because He says we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without them. We cannot enjoy the benefits of God's Kingdom and maintain bad attitudes at the same time.

When I think about hearing God's voice, I see that being like a child is so important because children believe what they are told. Some people say children are gullible, meaning they believe anything, no matter how ridiculous it sounds. But I don't think children are gullible; I think they are trusting. God certainly doesn't want us to be gullible or naive; He wants us to be trusting. Sometimes we are betrayed by people we love and trust and are tempted to then distrust everyone, but we cannot make everyone pay for what one person did to us.

There are people in the world who cannot be trusted, but there are also a lot of good people and we must refuse to live with a spirit of suspicion.

God is completely trustworthy. All human beings, regrettably, cannot be trusted unconditionally, but God can. God wants you to come to Him like a child, trusting Him completely and believing everything He says to you—because He is totally trustworthy.

God's word for you today:

Don't let one or two bad experiences rule your entire life.

My Dad had Ties, but was not Tied Down

2011-07-15T20:01:00.005+02:00

My dad worked in four rural towns, Jansenville, Humansdorp, Ceres and Herbertdale. He had a collection of ties for every occasion, and it was part and parcel of being a 'dominee' (minister). And so it came that we also gave him ties for almost every birthday.

It was always a mission with my mom to look for the 'most fitting' ties in Cape Town when we traveled 'stad toe' (into town) from 'die platteland' (rural parts). My dad treasured his ties, and I remember how he had them neatly sorted by color and shape - thin to broad - in his closet in the master bedroom - smelling like Old Spice and leather. Almost the entire tie history behind those doors: if I read about these ties, I recognize almost all of them, from the wider ties with their patterns to the skinny leather ties .... hehehe

I vaguely remember him teaching my brother how to do the perfect knot as I sat on the bed and giggled. All such good memories.

Most of these colorful ties are still hanging neatly in his closet at our beach house, and I could not bring myself to pack them away yet. It is a bit absurd I guess, and it has been almost 5 years since he got so sick and passed on less than a year later. But I did manage to give some away to a staff member working in Khayelitsha a few months ago - and I smiled when he came to a meeting with a matching tie this month.

Today, I saw his Face Book picture with another one of my dad's favorites. He used to wear it on the pulpit with his black suit custom-made by hand by a kind muslim man in Woodstock. I know my dad would have approved, because he simply was not tied down to earthly things; he just loved his ties while here. Maybe it is time that I give away the other ties as well... We should not be tied down so.

as woorde goud word... #Afrikaans

2011-07-09T16:54:00.005+02:00

Ek skryf nie baie in Afrikaans nie, maar hierdie een kan maar net in die taal gedoen word. Een van die verpleegsters by die versorgingsoord vir my ma het nou net gebel en die foon vir my ma vasgehou (sy kan dit nie meer self hanteer nie). Dit was 'n moeilike dag vol trane vandag.

En haar woorde word soos goud wat ek opvang soos kosbare vloeistof om te bewaar in my hart. Ek skryf dit kripties neer soos sy praat, want ek moet dit berg vir later, wanneer sy stil word. My ma se woorde word daagliks minder. Sy verloor pragtige Afrikaanse woordeskat en eie uitdrukkings soos 'n waterval wat oor 'n afgrond stort en wegsyfer in die sandbanke.

Maar vandag het sy met my gepraat en ek met haar - oor die son wat skyn in die Kaap en oor kinders aanneem ("jy moet een maar 'aanbied'", stem sy saam). En ek herhinder haar ek sal gou weer kom kuier, en sy is helder om te bevestig "ons sal mekaar weer weer..." (sien) - die laaste woord bly weg, en ek voltooi die sin in my hart. Ons praat oor almal wat sy ken (of geken het) en diep in my hart weet ek eintlik hierdie woorde en name is ook besig is om te verdwyn saam met my eie. Maar ek vertel haar almal is gelukkig en noem haar suster, haar seun en skoondogter - en haar huishulp (en beste vriendin vir baie jare). Sy noem dat Nellie vandag daar was, en ek wonder of dit so is. Sal tog bel en uitvind. Volgende keer ander name, ander mense wat haar woorde soos goud vashou soos ek.

Ek vra haar of almal "happy" is daar, en of hulle mooi kyk na haar (met innige dankbaarheid vir die verpleegster wat die moeite gedoen het om te bel). "Is almal happy?" giggel sy skielik, bly 'n oomblik stil en voeg dan 'n liefdevolle goue frase by net vir my, "aaag, my kind!"... Sy onthou my :)

Moeks, ons sal mekaar "weer weer" ...

today I called a man SCHMUCK

2011-06-24T20:12:00.004+02:00

Yes, it is true! Today I actually said to a near stranger: "Oh you look all nice and SCHMUCK" and it was the funniest moment I had in a long time. A friend and I went for lunch and ran into an old (and he DID look old) boy friend in his Eskimo-like jump suit and well, the word that came to me was that he looked SCHMUCK...

My friend looked quite stunned for a moment, and had the courtesy to clarify. Google further revealed I really did insult him without blinking an eye, but now that I know what it really means and think about it, he actually was a big schmuck when they were still going out. I am so naive in some ways, and actually blushed when another friend told me it has a far worse meaning related to male genitals. Oh dear...

Except, I actually meant, he looked 'nice and SNUG' in the Cape Town cold... ummm... the disadvantages of a second language - or NOT. I had a great day. We laughed a lot today. It was the first time I called anyone a 'schmuck'. It felt awesome.

Stand-up makes the World go round...

2011-05-31T21:37:00.000+02:00

I love stand-up comedians - what an extraordinary talent to stand up and make people laugh by being yourself, by making us laugh at the best and worst of us. Live music settles me down and make me peaceful, poetry tells my story best and geniuses like Sarah Millican just bring so much enjoyment. Here she is:

Cape Town: the Mother City

2011-05-28T08:25:00.003+02:00

There are many reasons why one loves a place - and for the City of Cape Town (because it is a city and no longer a town) here in South Africa, I have my own reasons. I can imagine staying in Paris or Texas or Perth or Maputo, but I think I will always return to Cape Town when I look for home, or Port Elizabeth and the small coastal town of Tergniet on the Garden Route when I look for memories.

But it has been Cape Town that embraced me as a child, and our trips from the country to Town were big events of dressing up, packing warm clothes and going to special mysterious places. My aunt reminded me yesterday of our extended family meeting on Table Mountain for picnic in the late 60s, with all the cousins wearing home-knitted matching jerseys. I remember. I love this city - even though I have always hated its cruel disparities between the wealthy and the poor, defining the everyday lives of people.

This new video clip is absolutely brilliant, and it reminded me how much Cape Town has to offer to visitors and to its residents blessed to stay here - it IS our play ground indeed:

For me, Cape Town is really the Mother City for personal reasons as well. It reminds me of the times I spend here with my parents - when they visited, and when we were younger and visited the Golden Acre with wide-eyed wonder. Or came to watch the lights being switched on for Christmas. I remember my mom coming in to bargain for the best prices on the Grand Parade to make clothes for us on her sewing machine at the dining table in the parsonage. Cape Town, with its fascinating history and wonderful corners of experience, you have my heart. It is said that there are more indigenous plant species on Table Mountain than on the entire British Isles. But it is the people of Cape Town that make the place - so diverse in opinion and lifestyle and when I think of the place I choose to call home, I think of my friends that have made this home as well. We should go play more...

Thinking of Caroline and Erna on Freedom Day

2011-04-27T15:24:00.004+02:00

We are going through extraordinary times at the moment as social entrepreneurs at Uthango Social Investments and new opportunities are opening up. As co-founders, Erna Sittig and I, need to make difficult decisions and we need wisdom and courage to make professional connections.

The TED talk 'Looking Past Limits" is coming at the right time, when another social entrepreneur (Caroline Casey) - having worked in the corporate environment and now running the Kanchi Network - tells her story of courage and finding that true freedom is in finding yourself - being yourself. Kanchi is a not-for-profit disability organisation that works to change mindsets and behaviours and I have much respect for their approach.

I find myself often being so hard on myself for not being able to do more in our work, to BE more, or go further... and much is related to the surrounding hardship we see in our day to day work. I find myself being frustrated when I am unable to raise funds for a project prompted by our engagement in poor communities, or when an initiative fails - even if by no fault of our own. (I remain stubbornly determined to make it work - when I should let it go). When times get tough, I turn inward too quickly I guess.

But then I listen to extraordinary people like Caroline and I look at the will and strength of our co-founder Erna - invited to speak at the upcoming World Economic Forum next week (so exciting!) - and I know that all will fall into place. It is a matter of living freely and authentically; and doing the best you can, where you are... impatience and all. Thank you. You bring freedom and peace to my mind by being free and peaceful in your approach. Thank you for the personal cost you have paid (sacrifices made) to be who you have become.

Today is Freedom Day in South Africa as we celebrate the first democratic elections in 1994 and I know that too many people are not yet economically free. More importantly, too many people are not freed from their prejudice and their narrow-minded socio-political views that lead to injustice or simply error of judgement in daily lives. And many of us are not free to be ourselves, due to the consequences that follow when we will go there...

Today I am thankful for people that have the courage to live freely. May you be blessed and inspire all of us. I am glad I hear your voices when I turn inward today.

AfriForum is not doing Boere any favors in Court...

2011-04-22T11:51:00.008+02:00

There is a current law case in South Africa where the civil society organisations, AfriForum and others took Julius Malema, president of the ANC Youth League, to court on a hate speech accusation against a segment of society. Earlier this year, he was banned to sing the song and this is a further step in the legal process. It is claimed that the song incites hatred and violence against farmers (called 'boere' in Afrikaans) which is of great concern in South Africa - with a farmer being more than 700 time likely to killed than a police person in our country.

However, depending on its context and use, the same word 'boere' was also used (and still is) as a derogatory term, historically referring to the oppressors that constructed and implemented 'apartheid' - it was certainly in this context that the struggle song 'Dubula Ibhunu' was originally sung with the following lyrics:

Ayesab’ amagwala (Cowards are scared)
Dubula! dubula! dubula nge s’bhamu (Shoot, shoot, shoot them wit a gun)
Dubul’ ibhunu (Shoot the boer)
Dubula! dubula! dubula nge s’bhamu (Shoot, shoot, shoot them wit a gun)
Mama, ndiyeke ndidubul’ ibhunu (Ma, let me shoot the Boer)
Dubula! dubula! dubula nge s’bhamu (Shoot, shoot, shoot them wit a gun)
Ziyareypa lezinja (These dogs rape)
Dubula! dubula! dubula nge s’bhamu (Shoot, shoot, shoot them wit a gun)

Personally, I do not see how this process and action contributes in any way to the protection of minorities and how it could achieve better understandings and respect between different people in South Africa. The conversation in the court should be happening in our kitchens, in our communities, in town halls - between people...across the country. We never spend enough time with this, and should have...

This morning, I listened to the cross examination by the appointed AfriForum advocate and he has done no one any favors - least of all the Afrikaans-speaking community. His approach to enter into debate with Malema on the stand is just not effective at all and does not belong in a court in the first place. It belongs in civil society and should have been facilitated by institutions that promote democratic dialogue. You may have a few legitimate points AfriForum, but you are not winning here...and those very points are getting lost in the apparent prejudice and lack of strategy of the legal team...

Julius Malema says to AfriForum, "You cannot speak on behalf of all the farmers", and he is absolutely right - the organisation can also not speak for all Afrikaans people and I am embarrassed by the nature, content and sarcasm of the legal representative for an Afrikaans organisation representing some farmers. Do not get me wrong, I do not support the song/chant to be sung today - in favor of reconciling different races - and precisely to ensure that some young person that has not been part of the struggle, may one day misinterpret the song (against oppression) and go out and shoot a farmer, a criminal act. Only for this reason, it is indeed justified to request comrades not to sing the song. But the way in which the examination is done and the political, ideologically statements! by the AfriForum council is not doing boere any favor.

It is maybe a good thing that the discourse displays the ignorance and fear of some 'boere' and their spokes persons so vividly. It shows all of us how much work still needs to be done in our young democracy - on basics, such as: respect for differences in heritage and experiences, socio-political linguistic interpretation of words and freedom of speech.

We have a long way to go. I am hoping the trial will have a good outcome to bring people closer together - but I fear the opposite is happening, and the upcoming local elections in our country will demonstrate if our democracy is still healthy.

Best of the Meerkats

2011-04-20T21:25:00.003+02:00

absolutely made my day...

I have chosen the username 'metaMeerkat' four/five years ago and it has meaning for me in so many ways - least of it being that these African animals are social... and helpful - very much like the networks I belong to. I love the meerkat.

What do you want to prolong? #Alzheimers: the toughest question

2011-04-19T20:55:00.015+02:00

When one has a cold, you come to a bit of standstill and want people around you that care. I have the flu and now have more time to think - and tonight I watched a show called The Alzheimers Project - brilliant, but oh so close to the personal pain... and one question (asked by a medical doctor to the wife of a victim) resonated with me: "What do you want to prolong?"
If you have a moment... do watch the segment or catch it on DSTV (103). There are bits of my lovely mom in all of the people in the video clip. I have not really ever blogged about Alzheimers and have avoided talking about it in depth - but have started a FaceBook page called "Vriende of Joey Steenkamp" for our memories of her. Join us any time.

And then this question tonight: What do you want to prolong? Without going into my mom's medical details, I can only answer with the woman in the video clip: the person I love, her - I want to prolong her... and yes, it is selfish.

I wanted to tour the world with my mom, have her hold her grand children (yes, indeed)... I wanted to prolong our endless laughter about silly things we see when driving around, or just standing next to her at the stove making a creamy white sauce...and so much more. Just a phone call, a text message... her prayer when I go back to work after a visit. It is already mostly gone... I had to let go of each one by one and the choices I have to make are getting tougher each day. And every time I have to ask myself - is this decision for me, or is it for her. Medication may prolong her life a bit, but it also prolongs her illness, and she has no access to the four clinical trials in South Africa - all for earlier stages of the disease. So, hope has been slipping since her diagnoses...
One of my friends @acidicice in Twitter rightly said today:

@metaMeerkat I think #Altzheimers is a very underrated and misunderstood disease. Most ppl think it's just memory loss :(

She is my best friend. I am losing her. Indeed, it is not just "memory loss" and I am not ready for this illness. Neither was she. Who is... ever?

Tribe of Earth Quakes in Japan

2011-03-17T08:49:00.006+02:00

I have seen some comments about 'the' earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Japan. In the back of my mind I knew that we are not talking about one quake and its devastation but a range: However, it is only after I saw this Google Earth animated video clip of the period 9-14 March 2011, that the real magnitude of the tragedy was clear.

Latest Earthquakes shows all earthquakes with magnitude greater than 2.5 located by the USGS and contributing networks in the last week (168 hours). It is a scary view when you look at this picture of global earthquakes the past 8-30 day period:

I was born in the year of the biggest earth quake in South Africa, in September 1969, and my parents arrived in the area a year after to help the community rebuild their lives. It is recorded that on 29 September 1969 at exactly 22:05 people thought it was the end of the world as the mountains started to burn and a thunderous noise rocked the quiet town of Tulbach. Tremors followed throughout the night after the quake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale took the lives of 11 people (mostly children) and left thousands homeless. Looking at the ChristChurch earth quake of 6.3 on the scale, it was clearly a major seismic event on the fault line running via the Boland region.

Throughout my years in primary school we continued to do earth quake evacuation and had two minor quakes scaring the living day lights out of me. I remember looking at a crack running down the classroom wall from under the desk where I was hiding - and one of my friends wetting his pants :( Significantly, a few years later, we stopped with earth quake drills as the collective memory faded, and started with 'bomb scare' evacuations from the apartheid struggle - some times targeting schools in 'white' areas. Don't know which was worse in terms of the fear these instilled amongst us as children. I would lie if I say that it does not cross my mind: what if it happened again - there in my hometown where my mom now lives.

Today I have the people of Japan in my thoughts again. And especially the children that now fear the earth and the water, and how it could bring sadness upon their families...

The First Hashtag Ever Tweeted on Twitter - They Sure Have Come a Long Way

2011-02-05T15:42:00.000+02:00

as a quick follow-up on the previous entry on Follow Friday #FF and where it came from, I discovered this nice little entry on the first hash tag ever used. Such a simple way to group conversations together across 200 million Twitter accounts. My own favorite hashtag at the moment is #socent :)

The First Hashtag Ever Tweeted on Twitter - They Sure Have Come a Long Way

@Micah got a brainwave one Friday in 2009 #FF

2011-02-04T10:02:00.005+02:00

I have been thinking about Follow Friday in Twitter for some time now, and it bugs me a bit that I cannot make up my mind about it for so long: A good thing that adds value or just annoying? So I started in Google to find out how it all started again (did this some months ago when I was bugged as well, but then forgot). Need to make a call on this #FF tag for my own sanity.

If you turn to Quora - the next big thing for 2011 - the the question is already there: Who are the "Inventors" of Twitter Popular Usage? and no one else than Micah Baldwin answers the question. It figures, he was and remains an early-adopter and innovator:

Micah Baldwin sent out that very first tweet in 2009 and even had the presence of mind to blog about his experience - including the motivation for the tweet and the response:

It only started to take off after one of the 'influencers' in Micah's network, Mykl Roventine, suggested a tag #F ollowFridays (sic, spelled erroneously with a space). And by the end of that first day a tweet was sent out every half-second, reaching an early peak with 90 000 tweets a month in the mid-April 2009. Much later, when it was known, it became #FF and was so widely adopted that applications evolved, such as FollowFriday and FollowFriday Helper.

How many people knew that Micah started this trend with this awesome seemingly small idea, and could even be considered the 'father of the popular hashtag'? Few I imagine, as he does not have thousands of followers, and it really boils down to this #truestory of Twitter 101 that he understood:

"It was awesome. By the end of the day, my name was no longer associated with the tweets. Which was awesomer. It had taken on a life of its own. Which was awesomest. Here is what twitter was able to confirm for me: People are proud of their friends".

And herein lies the essence of tags for me - when one's name is "no longer associated with the tweets" it means that it has spread so far and wide virally, that it is public property. It has become a successful hashtag to organise conversations without our own voice. I love tags. People who know me in Twitter, know that I believe in tags for so many reasons, one being to meet new people thinking along the same lines. I have enjoyed the tags of @CapeTown (such as #capetraffic, #capemusic, #capeadvice, #capepic) in this regard, and have seen that many of these have a life of their own as well.

One of the other interesting aspects I discovered about the #FF tag (which I did not know) is that it is still used in the way @Micah introduced it: not tweeting whom to follow WITH a reason, but just listing people. (Personally, this is the part I find a bit annoying, as I would prefer knowing WHY you like your friend and suggest him/her to me to follow on a Friday). But seems that the first few tags were also only suggestions of friends to follow - no questions asked, no reasons given. Much like a closed referral system from a trusted friend. I still think it only really has meaning when it is made special and not just a name tweeted into a void of similar falling #FF tweets into the Twitterverse.

Well, that's that then. I think I shall use #FF in a way that works for me. Not an endless list of Twitter names, but mentioning one or two names (like Micah did it for @fasterstill and @megfowler in one of those first #FF tweets - at the back of his mind, being grateful for their lessons on friendship and love). Better, yet: saying why I think it may be great to follow someone from my own stream of collective consciousness.

We certainly all have our ideas how it should, or should not work. Thank you to ThoughtPick for making my Friday!

Ps: Oh, and my #FF for today is @uthango - the company I love dearly and have invested so much energy, time and money into that it scares me some times.

Nelson Mandela Foundation - silent spokesperson for a Legend #Madiba

2011-01-27T15:22:00.021+02:00

The official 'spokesperson' of Nelson Mandela (and his family) is not speaking to ordinary South Africans and citizens across the world via social media. And their choice in this moment is not reflecting well on the ability of one of the most prominent civil society agencies in Africa to understand and use new media.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation is one of more than 200 000 registered public benefit organisations in South Africa. The Foundation is well-known world-wide and was established to drive the vision of Mr Mandela forward in a structured way - going beyond his person and lifetime. It implemented a Memory Programme in a few years ago with the intention to offer:

"an integrated information resource on the life and times of Nelson Mandela, giving members of the public, scholars and fellow memory institutions across the globe access to relevant information, primarily through the internet and mobile phones. The programme also prioritises advocacy work around access to information, dealing with the past, and related issues".

Believe me, I have no doubt that the Foundation plays a wonderful role in providing information about Nelson Mandela and the values that he embodies. However, I think a critical opportunity is being missed by the public relations or communications' team at the Foundation to be part of the current (relevant) conversation - as opposed to providing content only. Or simply responding in a knee-jerk way on speculations on Madiba's health that currently spirals out of control due to the selective social media silence of the 'spokesperson' (the Foundation itself in the person of Sello Hatang - out of his depth, I think).

The undated little line on the website simply did not do enough for the public and media, when Mandela's coordinates on earth shifted to a South African hospital on Wednesday 26 January 2011:

Granted, other active users in social networks picked up the little line: "We can confirm that Mr. Mandela is at Milpark Hospital undergoing routine tests. He is no danger and is in good spirits", and it spread across the digiverse.

More importantly, speculation in the media due to lack of further information on Nelson Mandela's health, increased security and visits of close family is running like a wildfire: this is clear from the stream of tweets from across the world via Kurrently. So much so that the South African Presidency (with a presence in Twitter, unlike the Foundation) issued a press statement, with a tweet that blazed to the top and called for 'calm and restraint'.

Of course, we should be responsible with information. However, the point is being missed by our government and the Foundation alike. If you do now own the story (especially in social networks), someone else well. If you do not provide the information, someone will fill in gaps in ways that you may not like. As an aside, some may try and create viral trends for own benefit at the worse of times. Not sure I like what News24 is doing at the moment with its call for viral sympathy, at this time via @MyNews24:

"Here's the challenge, send us a photo of you with your message of support for @Madiba and we'll put them up on News24 - phots@news24.com (sic)"

Fact is: Mr. Mandela is not a young man. At 92 he had a full and event-full life. He said once: "I hoped that life might offer me the opportunity to serve my people and make my own contribution to their freedom struggle," and in what I have learned about him, I know that life did offer him these opportunities. He will pass on one day (maybe today, tomorrow...soon..later) and he will rest in peace. And already, his life and legacy offers his Foundation the same opportunities, but the leaders will need to get their communications' specialists together and ask themselves how to share more and better via free social networks.

Indeed, we need to respect the dignity of people and their families. In the same way, we need to have respect for the rapid (and very different) new mechanisms of information dissemination and the socio-political impact! and influence! it could have if we remain quiet for too long. It is a responsibility that the Foundation should take much more seriously in my humble opinion. They will be called upon to respond with integrity - even more so if Mr. Mandela passes on one day. In February 1990, 50 000 odd people listened to Mandela in Cape Town when he spoke his first 140 characters from a balcony, today his Foundation could have had thousands if not millions hearing virally from the Foundation every few hours (at least). It will not harm, it will create a framework for conversation and quench the thirst for accurate facts in an emotionally charged moment for world already burdened with too much information.

At the end of 2009, we conducted training for 75 of the top organisations in South Africa - in social media and communications' strategies. We did not invite the Foundation, as we believed that they already had the capacity and resources. Desperately searching the website of the NMF for a Twitter profile or Face Book fan page, I realized it may have been a grave mistake to assume so much. We really do need the Foundation to be speaking up clearly in times of uncertainty - via the channels that South Africans use: public meetings, community newspapers, community radio, MXit, Face Book and Twitter - in this order. Or appoint a PR company? No offence intended.

The Foundation says: "During 2011 efforts will intensity to make his legacy available to the world..." A good start would be to talk to the world (and not only to a few select international reporters, celebrity friends and agencies) in ways that ordinary citizens currently embrace. Madiba's legacy and voice was one for the maginalised and the poor, for those without access to information - not for the elite and the powerful. This is not the time to be so quiet...so hope to hear from you soon via a press release... it will help.

The greater test for our humanity and South African society will however come in the way that we (all media - traditional and social) and all reporters (professional and citizens) respect privacy and dignity of one of our most loved leaders. He deserves no less. Until a bit later, this is all I can do:

Trusting the Pain we did not Plan

2011-01-22T09:21:00.006+02:00

No one plans for pain. We plan to succeed, not for failure or making mistakes. We all plan to be happy. To smile back at a world that smiles upon us. Our plans do not include days of loneliness, deep misery, or anxiety about the future... Of course not.

But fact is, pain is part of life and like the seasons of the year, it is certain that new growth can only be real when we go through the dreaded cold. I remember farmers telling me in the region where I grew up as a child: "As die winter lekker koud was, is die vrugte lekker soet..." (when the winter is nice and cold, the fruit will be sweet).

So here I am, still making peace with pain - trusting the pain I certainly did not plan. David Richo writes a book about the things we should embrace - the 'givens' in life (and pain is one such 'given'). I am enjoying this book and have been thinking it may be valuable to others as well. So as I work through it, I construct the lessons of the book into a small workshop that could be used in our community training, or even online - both? Well, whatever direction it takes me, I am grateful for authors that put into words the feelings that make us human, and carve a way forward through it to healing and enlightenment.

For our heart to yield without revolt to the hard law of creation, is there not a psychological need to find some positive value that can transfigure this painful waste in the process that shapes us and eventually make it worth accepting?... Dark and repulsive though it is, suffering has been revealed to us as a supremely active principle for the humanization and the divinization of the universe"...

- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

It often takes a community to hold the pain of one of its own - not only does it lighten the burden of painful experiences that we face, but it also brings people together to seek significance together, not answers - but meaning.To honour the seasons that bring us to meaning, is to embrace the truth that we are part of a cycle of life way beyond our own desires and narrow self-interest - we are connected to a universe of shared experiences. Heinz Kohut, another psychologist, speaks of 'emphatic immersion' (such great term!) which implies a dedicated presence with someone else - being there for some one else on their terms, and with a caring curiosity. We can trust the pain we did not plan - we can trust it to bring people together. This helps.

Dedicated to Lynne Thackery, Friend & PR Manager at Dementia SA

Social Networks are not Therapy Sessions

2011-01-15T18:18:00.031+02:00

I am contemplating the value (or not) of sharing our personal triumphs and challenges - and whether it is considered a weakness or strength to connect in social networks, and then share every day life, and our reflections and emotions. After all, most of the people we meet via these networks are not truly friends. And as much as we are tempted, these networks are not therapy sessions to resolve trauma of unemployment, broken code, illness, divorce, rejection, botched face lift, death, latest fight with a lover, or demise of reputation. Or are they?

We tend to put a high premium on intellectual content shared, but shy away from emotional content - as if this has less value and is inferior. And yet, books are written about 'emotional intelligence' (a barely disguised choice of words to make it more acceptable in the corporate world?). Even the latest technology, like BlackBerry's Empathy Phone is starting to recognise the fact that is emotions that makes us human and aid us in our connectedness with others - beyond the cute emoticons of Yahoo Messenger making us smile or frown. (I remember well the first discovery of using keyboard symbols on Internet Relay Chat when I first connected with friends across the world online in the late 80s).

The world is shifting towards a more person-centred as opposed to profit-centred framework for decision-making. At TED last year, Nicolas Christakis talks about 'The Hidden Influence of Social Networks and how emotions can be 'contagious' in certain areas - could we call it location-based emotion? :

But it is the comment on his talk by Theodore A. Hoppe - quoting from the South African project, 'Social Brain' - that really drew my attention:

"For the last two decades, the model of the rational individual- 'homo economicus'- that has underpinned our faith in democracy, reliance on the market, and trust in social institutions has been consistently undermined by social psychology, behavioural economics and neuroscience. The notion of a profit-maximising individual who makes decisions consciously, consistently and independently is, at best, a very partial account of who we are. Science is now telling us what most of us intuitively sense: humans are a fundamentally social species. The rational individual construct was not based on naivety, but on the belief that this was the best model to help us plan our economies and organise our societies. However, a variety of social, political and environmental challenges, culminating in the current economic crisis, makes this model seem increasingly unhelpful." (In the future, we need to allow for authentic expression of emotion in our social networks and in business and in public life, as opposed to seeing it as 'inappropriate'. And don't let me even start on the bias encountered in the workplace that women are 'too emotional for doing serious business').

The clever Dr Michael Lara, of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, describes an emotion simply and beautifully as 'a feeling of what happens' with the root of the word 'motere' - implying that every emotion holds in it the possibility to move us to action. (As an aside, I have seen emotions play out in social networks just recently by following the tweets on the 2011 #GeekRetreat here in South Africa. Such an interesting discourse. Read a bit about it via this blog, and comments, by Ivo Vegter: Circle of Jerks).

Sure, there is a difference between emotion, moods and temperament and we should not subject our fellow emotional human beings to our every-changing moods (we all have these) or our temperament all the time - unless we have no choice due to illness. Now, I think of my mom with Alzheimers - where the physiology of her brain is altered by this cruel destructive disease (my emotional words) and deregulation of serotonin, as well as degeneration of neurotransmitters, lead to her mood changing from angst to sadness to happiness (less often these days). And we should have such gentle and lasting understanding with loved ones suffering. The rest of us don't get to have excuses when we inflict our moods on innocent - or some times not so innocent - bystanders. And we should be held accountable for our temperament when it crashes into someone's peaceful day...

But there is a fine line between acknowledging emotion in social networks and in business or politics, and not being an enabler for ego-based erratic moods. It remains a fact that feelings/emotions lead to actions and are needed to bring some principle-centred person-friendly business practices back into fashion. (What we get often today is a soul-less appetite for productivity and consumerism, with deceptive advertising campaigns based on emotive slurs to increase bottom-lines).

So, I am still battling with the question: How much do I share of my emotional life? More importantly, why do I share - well, for now, to move to action - to contribute in a small way to changed mindsets about Virtual Worlds, Africa, Alzheimer's Disease, social media, women's rights, South African politics, civil society, and other areas so easy misunderstood. But more than that - to make sense of the world around me (my experiences) by finding that other people have similar feelings. Fundamentally, to know it is OK. Does that make me weak? Or should emotion be reserved for music and poetry, and not for the board room or networking? Or does sharing and expressing make me human? Both? Or does it make me strong when I embrace one of the givens of life: We all suffer and cry, and we all have pain. And it is important to be with the moment and the process in order to let it go. To deny it, is to live an illusion. To share it, is a choice - no better or worse than the person in my network that choose not to be disclose. Just, different. Maybe the key is in allowing freedom of emotion and expression?

Ps: And then there is the question on intellect - related to the company we keep - the question that could keep some of us awake: Is your social network making you stupid? Looking forward to your replies...

Papers out of Poverty - the Zim Dilemma

2011-01-03T17:24:00.001+02:00

On Thursday 30 December 2010 I managed to get hold of our gardener and trusted friend, *Michael, a Zimbabwean, and had a long conversation with him about his 'papers' and if he knows what is happening in South Africa. Our Department of Internal Affairs started with a long process to assist Zimbabwean 'foreign nationals' in South Africa to obtain the necessary documents to be legally in the country. Thousands of Zimbabweans cued across our country to meet the deadline of 31 December or face deportation back to Harare.

I am worried for Michael today. He did not go to stand in the cue from 4am to 9pm to be helped by anyone - and it is said that the Department officials' were really helpful (even though 10 000 applicants were already rejected). He told me: "I have my Aslam (sic) but need to get my birth certificate from Zim..."to apply for a passport (he has no identification with him at the moment!). The news that he did not need his passport to apply did not reach him in time, as this relaxation of requirement was not made known publicly beyond the people in the cues. It is heart-breaking.

I urged him to make this a priority and asked if there is anything I can do to help. I explained about the possible deportation and I could see he is fearful to go back home, where there is no hope of an income for him and his family (that he currently looks after), and little respect for human life.

Neither Michael, nor I or any one of the 1million Zimbabweans without papers know what happens next. Many organisations are making pleas for vulnerable people like Chris who has been fleeing Zimbabwe - and received asylum in the first place. I wish the government of Zimbabwe could realise that its riches are not in minerals and diamonds or land, but in people like the hard working *Michael who seeks only to earn an honest living.

There is a spreading opinion that 'President' Robert Mugabe is a "prisoner of circumstances" but there are close to 2 million ordinary Zimbabweans that are being forced back to a prison and life of poverty by our own government - surely we could do more, or differently?

Dreading 2011...I am sorry.

2011-01-01T00:38:00.009+02:00

It just turned 2011 here in South Africa. I know I am supposed to be celebrating and be happy and look forward. However, I am dreading 2011 and the pain it will bring for my mom, and for me. Tonight in this very personal moment I can only think of my mom in her frail care bed where she sleeps quietly - with her mind quiet after another day of confusion. Neither she nor I could know that this year would be so different when the fireworks go off in Cape Town. Last year, she was with me here at the house with my aunt and we spend a wonderful New Year's Eve together, and I gave them both a foot spa as we cheered into 2010. I wanted to share the moment only with them in a memorable way. This year, I wanted to be alone...and declined the invitations to the parties in our beautiful city.

I wish you all a good year my good friends and am not entirely sure I will hit this button and enter this ramble. Somehow it is profoundly part of my path at the moment. And I want to share it with you - life is very real and to deny one facet is to live without authenticity. So, I also think of others that are on similar paths of a very unsure future where their health hangs in the balance - like my cousin who has cancer. I also thank you for your support. Tomorrow when the sun rise, I shall ponder the good things of 2010 and lift my chin and think how all will work out some how.

And maybe I will just go and walk along the beach of Kommetjie, and sit on the rocks and count my blessings. The life-long friends and confidants, the caring family, the loyal dogs, the supporting online friends, the hard-working team, the compassionate volunteers, the gracious kindness and patience, the safe home, the inspiring work and love... lots of it - undeserved and unconditional. And then 2011 will be quite OK and it will not be necessary to sound so dreary. But thanks for allowing me this moment. I am sorry. Gelukkige Nuwe Jaar Mamma. Alles gaan verby.

No! I won't carry you. But will take a bullet for you!

2010-11-24T18:08:00.011+02:00

Recently, I had the privilege to visit France as part of a group social entrepreneurs, aspiring social entrepreneurs and students studying social entrepreneurship at INSEAD - yes, it is indeed the trendy new bandwagon in development. (Even Hillary Clinton endorsed it In Speech and In Deed recently). It was an interesting and supportive experience to share our thoughts with many like-minded people and professionals so far from home.

I returned with a head full of thoughts about our work to date and our strategic direction for the future - and the thoughtful support of trustworthy people with our best interest at heart. It was an empowering and foreign experience (to be really honest) - this receiving side of entrepreneurial support. One of Uthango's key programmes in the past - recognised by the Impumelelo Innovations Awards Trust (some pictures via link)- is called 'Poverty Alleviation through Social Enterprise Support in Communities' and it focuses on providing training, personal development (coaching) and business mentoring services to micro-entrepreneurs with the potential to make a difference. "All of a sudden" (as a friend would say) I found myself on the other side of the spectrum in a reversal of roles and I had to trust a process that we did not design nor had much influence over at the time.

In the programme, each social entrepreneur was 'allocated' a 'mentor/coach'. This (in itself) was an interesting 'first' as social entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders traditionally travel the road of their cause or (com)passion fairly alone - at least in my experience and view. It is not the popular option to be an entrepreneur in a developing country, such as South Africa, where there is a high premium and status attached to being employed in the formal sector. Compensation is low and working environment tough.

For me, it felt like gaining an instant friend for our business that I just had to get to know better. Someone to carry a bit of me - not all of me! I explored with the dynamics of the relationship and trusted her with business 'inside information' and my expectations were exceeded.

Granted, I find the existing definitions and clarifications of mentoring versus coaching stale and uninspiring and we had to carve our own way forward. How do you describe someone who is trusted as a close friend, with much-needed expert professional knowledge about another industry, and an analytical, critical open-mind to defy all definitions and design a relationship devoid of power politics and personal agenda? I had to resist the urge to climb onto the back of this newly 'assigned mentor' and sigh with a relief: "Carry me, Carry me". After all - THIS would not be the ideal scenario: Apart from me breaking the back of the new trustee with my local burdens of our work, it would slow me down; it would slow all of us down.

So, the gurus write about the difference between a mentor and coach and it appears that a coach is chosen to lead someone to greater personal and/or professional heights with an emphasis on the person, whereas a mentor are more directive, asking the right questions at the right time. with much focus on goals to achieve. There is another interesting piece about the different roles on the Six Figures blog written by Kelly Magowen with her 14 years experience in career coaching. (And coaching is NOT therapy, even though it could lead to it or evolve into it - a responsibility that a coach who is not a trained therapist should defer). By now, I have read several articles and academic write-ups about coaching, advising, consultation and mentoring; and I have decided that in practice - from the social entrepreneur side - there are two elements of the relationship that matters much more than all the definitions combined: boundaries and expectations

I would argue (in my short experience within this programme of support to social entrepreneurs in Africa) that we need neither a coach nor an adviser, and also not a mentor or industry 'expert' as much as we could do with a trusted friend willing to share from her/his network and from her life experience and knowledge as an equal on a path of learning. Setting boundaries jointly and levelling expectations are part of building a stable working relationship. Let's put it this way as well: Social entrepreneurs need someone that believes so much in us that she would 'take a bullet' and is willing to stick her neck out for our business. I also prefer the term 'consigliere' in this sense - not part of the family, but close enough to be family to be mistaken as part of it - always retaining loyal ties with the members. Our faithful counsellor respects our autonomy and would even communicate the vision of the business, but is not afraid to voice her own opinion fearlessly:

The role of a consigliere is a remnant of medieval times when nobles of a conquered court would make themselves available to the new monarch.

Asking too much? Yes, maybe - but why not? Our social businesses ARE different; and it does ask for more risk - more reputational risk, on our side and on the sides of those aligned to us. Some argue the risk is less, because it is a social enterprise, and less money is involved. Nonsense. Much is at stake. Therefore, make the choice carefully, but when you do become involved with a social enterprise, expect the journey to be exhilarating and rewarding.

It is an exciting time for us and there are so many people that are turning to us to ask how they can assist us to scale our initiatives. We are realigning and in this process, we are choosing the friends of our business, and they are choosing us... I am encouraged - not by definitions or programmes or activities of support, but by the expressed good intent of people and the selfless demonstration of their belief in the approach we follow to development and the sincere desire we share to have social impact way beyond ourselves.

I have nothing. Do you remember me?

2010-10-19T20:45:00.007+02:00

Been a tough, but interesting week so far - and we are only at Tuesday! Yesterday, I saw a man with a poster at the stop street close, to the local McDonalds: "I have nothing. Please help me". I knew he REALLY had nothing. We have learned to tell from someone's eyes because we work in communities where there are people with 'some things' and those that truly have "no things". He was such man. Vulnerable, defeated, beyond poor, rejected from within and lost in the public, entirely reliant on the mercy of any passing stranger.

And then today, a few minutes ago, I received a copy of this via our company mail:

=======================================
***** Uthango Website Enquiry *****
=======================================

Date: 19 October, 2010

"....it's me Anthony*...I just hope you still remember me, I've trying to find you with regarding what you were about to help us with. I don't know if you can meet with me regarding that please I really need you more than ever just call me when you had this messege".

Anthony* and his friend approached us three years ago - wanting to open a butchery in a local township. There were many health regulations that concerned our agency, Uthango Social Investments, but they were adamant that 'as youth' they had the advantage of "getting support from government" and the local councillor. With meat being so popular in South African communities, I imagine they had something in mind like Skhoma in Gugulethu - eventually. However, they would start out with some 'rock chickens' (indeed as big as rocks) that they would drive on the back seat of a car from the other side of town and keep in the back yard until... well... (Needless to say, the health regulations were a welcome excuse to advise the young men at the time to "work on their business concept" a bit and get back to us).

So here we are again: Later this week, we shall call Anthony* and ask what their plans are and what progress they have made. Coincidently, there are several other organisations in this particular community, and we have not been directly involved with the men for quite some time. It seems that they have fallen through the cracks like so many enthusiastic young people here in South Africa - leading to an unacceptable high unemployment figure and more than 1 million people not being economically active.

I think when someone has something and not nothing, we should probably assist them to make more of it. As for the man on the corner, with the poster pleading directly for help, I believe that social justice and humanity failed him to date. I wonder what will happen if he has an opportunity to work and earn a living. Just that: an opportunity. Someone that trusted him to deliver to his abilities and paid him fairly.

Ps: I am angy at myself when our organisation cannot do more, when my own weaknesses cannot be overcome, and when our resources are so stretched - when we cannot answer his plea for help when he need it most. In some ways we all stand with posters or drive around for chickens, don't we?

The Unbearable Lightness of Seeing

2010-07-15T12:40:00.019+02:00

Ke Nako! Celebrate Africa's Humanity: This slogan was launched in November 2007 for the 2010 World Cup Soccer and declared boldly in an indigenous language "It is Time" - time for Africa. And it was followed soon by optimistic voices and prophets of doom alike about hosting a world class international sporting event in an African country.

And then there was the 'Waka Waka' to celebrate the optimism - the official song for the event performed by Shakira: "Today's your day. Feel it.... This time for Africa..".

The event has come and gone. It has dominated Twitter for an entire month, with the vuvuzela trending early on every single day. Social Media was a game changer in this African-hosted World Cup - connecting the world on a massive scale, and launching applications dedicated to the fans globally. Our own company also had a small social enterprise in this time to provide earplugs that would prevent hearing damage. "This year’s World Cup has an unprecedented volume of social media outlets and initiatives from Twitter feeds to Facebook fan pages, viral videos to mobile apps and more".(The World Cup's Social Media Evolution, Mashable)

With my love for social media and its potential, and my passion for African development - I will be the first to admit that it was indeed a very special time in Africa. Was it a time for Africa? Away from the world class soccer stadia, the fan parks, elaborate shows, the media conferences, the lobby meetings for business people and the vuvuzela-crazy crowds - in the rural parts, in the muddy townships? Was it also Ke Nako? Did the time come?

“I think as South Africans, we need to remember that we are a teenager in the world of nations and for us this has been a proud moment since 1994 and from the economic point of view all the investment was money well spent,” the South African Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan said at a FIFA press conference early this month.

The government makes the point that it spent more than R33 billion over a period of four years on infrastructure and preparation for the World Cup. Close to R12 billion was spent on stadia infrastructure with another R11 billion spent on transport and R1.5 billion spent on event broadcast and telecommunications. (Source: BuaNews)

I am no economist. It is being said over and over again in the media and in workshops that Africans may not see the benefits of the World Cup immediately and that the investment made now will pay off in the long run for the country, and set South Africa up as economic force on the continent. This is good news and opens a window of hope in terms of the potential white elephants that we erected as monuments for the world's entertainment on the doorstep of poverty. Take the extravagant Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, close to Kruger National Park as an example - with its roof suspended from 18 bright iron "giraffes" and its zebra-striped seating. The local people saw their schools closed two years ago so that the construction company could use these as offices. (Unbearable). There were quite a few such decisions in favour of the one-month event and short term solutions that are difficult to understand. The exclusion of many South Africans from the immediate benefits of the World Cup is even harder to swallow. Mat Mackay, journalist of WWOS, labels the same magnificent Nelspurit stadium the 'stadium of shame' and for good reason as this video clip shows.

Let me share with you my own experience though - one that turned out to be unbearable in this time. of hope. I have seen Africans sell soccer flags made in the East on street corners in freezing cold weather and I saw children huddle together at small television set in a cold room without floor. IYes, I have also witnessed a rainbow of nations speak different languages, but cheer for the same teams. And I have seen thousands of people walk down Cape Town's streets with laughter and joy for having a moment of pride in our country as host nation. But I have heard more conversations of fear amongst Africans for the day after the World Cup Finals, and the frustration of micro-entrepreneurs that cannot access the new market walking down our streets due to FIFA regulations. There was concerns about millions spend on stadia that were not even used for practices as promised. And I have known that there is a lot of sugar coating...

Xenophobia in South African townships is as real as the fact that Paul the Octopus predicted a win for Spain against the Netherlands in the final and was right. The South African government has tried their utmost to play down the problems of foreigner hatred as 'ordinary crime' and 'just rumours' in the media. Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa angrily denied claims from organisations on the ground, saying "an investigation had shown that those leaving were foreign migrant workers returning home". He accused politicians who had raised the spectre of violence of being "peddlers of fear". Yet, there was a heavy police presence in townships on Monday, the day after the World Cup. My own housekeeper from Zimbabwe simply replied on enquiry, about her well-being: "Tomorrow. They said they will kills us, tomorrow. Three-quarters of the people have fled (if true, close to 5000 people in one community!) , but I am staying". The real face of xenophobia showed itself in 2008, and no matter how much denial - or whatever name you call it - it remains an underlying theme in our poor South African communities, as shown by this excellent piece in The Daily Maverick: Faces of Xenophobia. So difficult to face the unbearable light of truth in the shadow of the euphoria: South Africa welcomed the western and eastern visitors with their money, but chased away their own African neighbours with empty pockets - seeking only a way to make a living themselves.

There was such excitement in South Africa, and indeed in Africa, about the Soccer World Cup. It is after all true that soccer (or football, called by some) is not so much a sport in Africa as it is culture - a tradition; a way of life. The Belgium-born photographer Jessica Hilltout 'gets' this about the beautiful game: ""In Africa football is not a religion, but it is everything a religion should be", she says about her inspiring book called 'AMEN' in which she pays homage to those people that will never benefit from the World Cup, no matter how much public relations spin sanctioned by the Swiss FIFA boardroom.

On a continent where people will walk miles to support their local teams on dusty fields and meet with neighbouring villagers, there is little need for a vuvuzela button in YouTube or a dedicated Twitter portal for the World Cup. A ball, shoes and some players on an uneven field. And the benefits are clear, with free trade amongst the fans and no corporate owners of the game except all those who are part of it and make it happen.

When all is said and done, it is unbearable for me to see that so little immediate benefit has been achieved for those living with poverty every day. I cannot help but remember the elderly Sarah losing her handmade table cloths at the hands of two police men when she sat just 3 meters too close to the entrance of one of the stadiums. So, as much as I really want to celebrate with our President Jacob Zuma, and as much as I also enjoyed the moment - I do not feel it. Not really. It is not here yet. Not from where we stand.

I am the Poor...

2010-04-09T15:29:00.007+02:00

"I am the poor..." says Julius Malema, the African National Congress Youth League leader in a recent interview with 3rd Degree on ETV. From the interview it is clear that this charismatic leader defines himself clearly in terms of association and solidarity with the plight of the poor and his own background as the child of a domestic worker.

And Malema's loyal followers understand exactly where he is coming from, as he articulates the boiling frustration of (mostly unemployed) youth in South African poverty-stricken townships. As a development agency with an ear to the ground, we have seen the growing resentment. In 2004 , during the Mbeki-era Uthango conducted a six-month enterprise programme in Khayelitsha in Cape Town (with its 500 000 odd people, a very young population and 75% under the age of 35 with more than 55% living in poverty) and had various socio-economic discussions with 'comrades' attending the sessions. Frustrated young men and women said they cannot stand the fact that they still live without employment and skills in the same 'shacks' that their parents erected to create a 'better life' for them all when when they arrived in Cape Town.

Township Art by Mogano

And the 'young lions' blamed the government for not moving fast enough... for not transforming society and business to provide much more access for blacks to economic powers. Our entire team sensed an urgency and a human 'time bomb' in the air that day and we facilitated discussion on ways to overcome challenges of poverty and exclusion via enterprise and dialogue. It was not enough... and we realised then already that the system and the leaders need to change along with individual young people that battle for their fragile future on the streets of Khayelitsha. Government. Business. Education. All of it would need a compass towards mutual respect for diversity and creation of equal opportunity.

Political freedom of 1994 did not translate into economic freedom to date - despite the Black Economic Empowerment policies by the South African government. Why not? For me, here is the issue: How can any person, business or any ethnic group transform without a substantial change of heart? I am not talking about a change of policy or environment, nor a change of political or corporate leadership, but a true deepened sense of understanding, and a new united dedication towards nation-wide transformation which seeks respect for all people irrespective of race, background or views. Many South Africans on both sides of the spectrum did not have such change of heart prior to the 1994 democratic elections, but instead, were swept away by circumstances and manoeuvred into a new democracy by their leaders. Deep transforming dialogue together with healing and forgiveness was not facilitated, nor did South Africans truly co-design the future. There was a bloodless exchange and negotiation of power between leaders and followers had to trust the political process. Fears, ignorance and high expectations for the future were suspended in a "wait-and-see" form at grass roots, and everyone waited... and too few actively worked towards the ideal. Too few stories told. Too few people working and living together with too few new skills transferred and gained.

Today is the funeral of the late Eugene TerreBlanche, described in the international media as a 'white supremacist' and leader of the 'Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging' (AWB). He was murdered on his farm earlier this week and it sparked racial tension across the globe (actually). "We are here to avenge his death and to get our country back," said one AWB member who didn't want to be named. "It's been stolen from us; we built it with our blood and it was taken away and given to them for free." (via iol.co.za). I look at the khaki-clad followers speaking my native language and I cannot associate with any of them in any possible way. I listen to the frustrated youth of Khayelitsha and I cannot distance myself far enough from their justification of violence to achieve a political aim. The past week, the intolerance of two groups has surfaced in the public arena when an AWB leader exploded on national television and threatened the co-attendee:

In a similar (and equally unacceptable fashion), Julius Malema, showed his own lack of respect for the BBC reporter yesterday - after the ANC Youth League visit to Zimbabwe:

Both the above incidence have since been strongly criticised by the ANC, as shared in this tweet (and many others) by young South African Gideon Monaise: K2metz ANC condemns Malema's behaviour http://bit.ly/cgBNqv

In Twitter today, I follow various tags and meme's, such as the latest #DearJulius or simply 'Malema' or '#TerreBlanche' 'related to the politics of South Africa. We work in a politically charged environment, and even though our organisation is a-political and a-religious, we allow debate and interaction. It is important to stay abreast of the most important latest socio-political trends. The two most interesting phrases I have heard the past few weeks were this one: "We are not racist, we are nationalists," (Visagie of AWB, on the right) and then "I am not a communist, but a progressive nationalist" (Malema of ANCYL, on the left). Did anyone else pick up on this? Both describing themselves as nationalists. What do we make of this? Possibly, that the "nation" is important. If so, which nation? All of us, or some of us...?

And then there was the remark by an Afrikaans-speaking man in a quick interview (forgot his name now), where he said, I am a 'more moderate racist than those people at the AWB'. There is no such thing! Either you are, or you are not. There is no middle road here.

Words are interesting: If I work with the poor, associate with the poor and live to make the environment of the poor less harsh, and I am the granddaughter of the poor working class - a mechanic that walked to school for 5 miles a day - can I also say (like Malema): "I am the Poor". Or if I believe in the nation and building it, do I say I am a nationalist? Progressive or Conservative?

Incidentally, I believe that words are futile without the actions. I may be a revolutionary at heart, but if I am not one in action - I am empty. Similarly, I can advocate for justice and building a nation in the vision of Mr.Nelson Mandela, and fight for equal human rights and dignity, but if I do not practice peace when the inter-racial heat is turned on after a brutal murder by a person of one race on another (regardless of reason), I am a fool. This is a simple individual call for courageous and honest leadership and less pretence that all is well in the South of Africa in the face of the world (and a Soccer World Cup 2010).

2010 could be our moment - again - and maybe not because we build sports' stadiums and host another world class event, but because we filled it with people RICH in understanding and mutual respect... So we can all say: I am NOT the Poor, I am Rich in understanding with a heart for all suffering from injustice of any kind: Be it a farmer murdered by disgruntled farm workers, or a young woman for being a lesbian in a township, or an activist loosing his life to fight for freedom.

Contact Me

2010-03-14T10:59:00.001+02:00

I use the name Alanagh Recreant in many social networks - borrowed from Second Life. I also use metaMeerkat.

I guess it was originally a bit of a buffer to protect my privacy. The pseudoname has since grown on me. You are welcome to contact me in one of the various ways listed here. Thanks for sharing my journey online as we wade through endless information.

The easiest is via email: metameerkat@live.co.za

in reference to: Alanagh Recreant - Google Profile (view on Google Sidewiki)

Non-Profit Social Enterprises: An Oxymoron

2010-03-09T09:13:00.010+02:00

Today, in Twitter, my attention was grabbed by a 140 characters little headline and my immediate thought was: if ever there was an implied oxymoron, this was it: It simply hints that one should differentiate between 'for-profit' and 'non-profit' social entrepreneurship:

The link posted leads to the respected change.org website on the topic of "Social Entrepreneurship" and an article by Nathaniel Whittemore with the redundant reference to 'for-profit' in the title that deserves attention: "The State of the For-Profit Social Entrepreneurship Field". It is a good article and thought-provoking.

It is indeed unneccessary to so feel compelled to include 'for-profit' in the title (as if the other kind exists) and after reflection, I can only say that entrepreneurship has at its heart ENTERPRISE and PROFIT (thus, an oxymoron to speak about 'nonprofit' social enterprises or social entrepreneurship). Much more valuable is the comment that entrepreneurs or companies are becoming more socially orientated in their thinking and ideas as they explore emerging markets. They may very well move into the space of nonprofit delivery, and (I have to say) some times in a more sustainable way due to better business practices and acumen.

In the same way, and at the other end of the spectrum, traditional 'nonprofits' (a term I have never liked as I prefer 'public profit') find their way into other forms of generating income. This does not make these 'charities' or 'civil society organisations' now suddenly for-profit at their core - but it makes them clever and enterprising in the way they raise funds for charitable work through entrepreneurial ventures. Afterall, Uthango itself just kick-started another venture, called vuvuzela unPluggedTM, for the purpose of generating an income for operational expenses. Many 'non-profits' are led by very enterprising people with very strong desires to be independent from "grant-taking". And many leaders of non-profits are opening their eyes to the social value of economic activity, because they are forced by the global economic crisis and socially-savvy corporates to reconsider options. I totally agree that entrepreneurship could be expected to be social as much as it is profitable:

"I think that recognizing the social value of economic activity at the root of entrepreneurship helps us re-calibrate not only what we think social entrepreneurship looks like, but what we expect all entrepreneurship to mean".

So what are we looking at then? Companies and entrepreneurs (with a focus on profit and viability) moving towards a social agenda and Civil Society organisations (with a focus on social gain and sustainability) shifting in the direction of an economic agenda. And in the middle we find the meeting point of social entrepreneurship - by its very definition FOR PROFIT and FOR SOCIAL GAIN. I maintain that nonprofit social entrepreneurship does not exist, in the same way as for-(personal)-profit charity work has no place.

As our own organisation debate our existing projects vigorously to position it as social enterprises OR funded socio-economic projects, we find ourselves reflecting on the basic principles of good business.

I am thinking, it is unfair to compete with a 'non-profit' status in an entrepreneurial market place and use grants and donations to generate profit as it distorts the market. However, in a competing world, where those companies and entrepreneurs with financial assets could enter the arena where civil society organisations thrived in the past, it is equally unfair that the social deliverables of these organisations are now engulved by corporate agendas. Surely, the middle way lies in recognising the best in both worlds and collaborating in partnerships (and building capacity) rather than reinvent the wheel either way??

Consider this an Invitation to Africa

2010-03-06T20:56:00.007+02:00

It is five years since an article from the UN News Centre warned: "Donor fatique, cynicism could lead to millions of death in Ethiopia". And today, it seems to me that there is not only donor fatigue, but donor paralysis has stepped in. And who is to blame them?? Well-meaning people take their hard earned cash and hand it over to respected international aid agencies in the hope to make a difference. Then, the scandals and stories of corruption hit the media - true or not - and taint the process . Hearts and hands close. One recent story that broke on CNN caught my attention, simply because I remember well how upset I was with the images of dying children as a young South African in a rural town, quite sheltered from realities of Africa by our self-important leaders at the time:

An investigation by the BBC has found just 5 per cent of the money raised by Live Aid and Band Aid actually made it to the victims of famine in Ethiopia. Instead, the millions of dollars of international aid intended to buy food for starving Ethiopians was used by rebel groups to buy weapons. The 1985 Live Aid and Band Aid concerts, organised by Bob Geldof in the UK and the US, raised $250 million.

The comments on this article are even more interesting and disturbing, and show the disillusion of people with aid projects, and their future intention to do it themselves instead and not support the agencies any longer (let alone local agencies), like MiWi saying:

There is only one way to ensure that AID is received by those in need and that is to deliver it personally and ensure that the intended recipients actually receive it.

Let me say outright that I believe many lives were INDEED saved by the funds tof the 80s that found its way to Ethiopia at the time. I do believe that there were good people in the country and at these aid organisations, and good people with good intentions are still working tirelessly to make an impact on poverty. However, most of the time, its not enough to WANT to do just DO something, anything that seems to be a great! idea . Do yourself a favour like I did and spend a few minutes with entries at this blog - part of The Charity Rater: Good Intentions Are not Enough

Oh, and I am not pointing fingers at all. Our own organisation made its share of mistakes and learned some wonderful tough lessons in this regard. Good intentions. Some of our projects not executable due to realities that were unforeseen at the time. Some even in our virtual world of Second Life. This is as much part of the business of development work than it is of any other kind of business practice. Change is inevitable.

The point is: there is value in respecting local civil society organisations when implementing local projects, simply because it reduces the risk of being wrong. More importantly, it becomes indispensable to LISTEN. And this is very much the new thinking of social innovation that has been emerging in development community since the 80s when Africa still stood with a grateful open hand, and the best minds in international development came "to solve its challenges". Some Universities like Stanford Graduate School of Business took the lead in a discourse on different and more appropriate ways to deal with social problems than a top-down hand-out of resource and intel - see there Centre for Social Innovation.

We need to rethink the models of giving. In a big and bold way. We need to distill the lessons learned and unpack them into uncompromisable principles that apply globally to all agencies operating in developing countries. Poor people without skills should not become the marketing vehicle for the latest 'bottom-of-the-pyramid' product nor the 'convenient angle' to any other superior agenda of self-enrichment or power. Which is exactly! why I am so over the moon with the newly launched EVOKE multiplayer serious game on social innovation and social entrepreneurship:

I would encourage any parent and educator to encourage young people to play this game, to become an agent. It will change minds and shape views. I am in love with it. I have the greatest respect for the developers, the World Bank Institute with funding from Infodev and the Korean Trust Fund on ICT for Development. (And by the way, do look at the most amazing project related to spacial data and the Millennium Development Goals - also by InfoDev). The team describes their aim with the EVOKE serious game as:

EVOKE is a ten-week crash course in changing the world. It is free to play and open to anyone, anywhere. The goal of the social network game is to help empower young people all over the world, and especially young people in Africa, to come up with creative solutions to our most urgent social problems.

Life is no game - especially not for people living in hardship every day. We all know this well. However, their is much to be said for using the principles of games in learning about development in the world. In the first Mission in Evoke as 'secret agent', we are called upon to 'shadow a social innovator' and to listen and learn from someone we respect. This is the best possible way to start in development. Absolutely! For us, the Uthango iPekX tool generates indigenous knowledge for decision-making prior to social investment. We know not to develop where we could not listen, or are not listened to.

Why then does THIS simple principle of listening with attention not apply when international well-meaning and good intentioned development workers and volunteers and academics land in Africa, with a healthy budget and sense of adventure? Listen to local organisations and enhance their financial and skills apacity as long-term inheritants of any programme. Marieme Jamme the CEO of SpotOne Global Solutions, is one of my favourite motivational speakers and strategists and makes many more good points about 'How NOT to give money to Charities working in Africa'. My favourite hint is this one:

11. Why not consider a visit to Africa to see for yourself before donating ...

Maybe then we will not have so many paralysed donors now...because we will have confidence in the ability of social innovators from Ethiopia and other African countries to evoke the change we seek... And maybe we will not be so quick to judge...

Ps: Consider this a personal invitation.

Just a Convenient Angle

2010-03-05T22:07:00.009+02:00

We had a verbal commitment with a company for the past eight months: We shall assist them to network and find a suitable investor needed for a project in South Africa and in return, our organisation will be contracted to do much-needed community development work attached to their initiative. We believed them, and after some standard due diligence, was excited about the relationship.

And we prepared the paperwork. We had meetings. Our lawyers look at it. We emailed the agreements after a solid verbal agreement on roles and logistical support. A commitment was made by them to sign "later" when "the time is right", and "later" eventually became eight months...despite our consistant nagging...

Its predicable. We finally got the interested investor three weeks ago. Excited about the prospect to respond to one of the communities on our list. Finally. R35 million. Fantastic people. And the 'partner' we trusted for months, turned around and shared with us in honesty, for the first time: It surfaced that they never had the intention to develop the local communities sustainably as we proposed, but that development of poor communities was a 'convenient angle' to raise funds for their initiative. The deceitful snakes (for lack of a better word) showed their true colours two weeks ago and we immediately laid down tools and talents from our team. Using the social capital and networks of our nonprofit and our staff members, and logistical infrastructure and systemic support (as a convenient office away from home) for pure personal gain is simply not cool. Worse: It is indefensable.

We informed the investor - who asked us how they could trust the people who we could no longer trust. We had a good conversation.

I wonder how we could let this happen?? How could we possibly trust the one representative that we dealt with - so much. Looking into someone's eyes and saying - we trust you to honour your agreement - is just not enough these days. We were a 'convenient angle'. I should have trusted my instincts. Get the paperwork signed before hoping for promises to be kept. We should have stepped away. Opportunity lost. Time spend on a project that could have been time spend on raising funds in other ways - not relying on a 'partner' that now appears to do business without an ethical compass. How could we have been deceived for so long, so well, so cleverly?? Damn.

And the question that lingers with me... Are nonprofits and social enterprises and social innovation and social investments and responsible bottom-of-the-pyramid development and access to microfinance...all these.... are all these terms cleverly disguised capitalism and just 'covenient angles" ??

Floating Hope has a new Tenant @ Virtual Africa

2009-12-29T20:01:00.000+02:00

I am so glad to have met Peter Miller (Graham Mills inSL) and then discover his strong education background and interest. This is exactly the quality of community member that we would like to attract to Virtual Africa Region in 2010. Welcome Mr. Mills. We look forward to sharing some virtual space.... Ps: He also posted a blog entry:

TidalBlog: Floating Hope

Reconcile and Rest in Peace

2009-12-17T18:34:00.017+02:00

Yesterday, it was the 16th of December and in South Africa this day is a declared public holiday since 1838, and then revisited after 1994, and declared a public holiday again. It was also the day that former Health Minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, passed away. And the day that my concerns for South Africa rose to the surface again. It was the Day of Reconciliation. I grew up in an Afrikaans-speaking community and came to know the 16th as the Day of the Vow, described as one of South Africa's public holidays on the South African Government website:

On 16 December 1838 about 10 000 troops under the command of Dambuza (Nzobo) and Nhlela attacked the Voortrekkers, but the 470 Voortrekkers, with the advantage of gun powder, warded them off. Only three Voortrekkers were wounded, but more than 3 000 Zulus were killed during the battle.

In apartheid South Africa 16 December was known as Day of the Vow, as the Voortrekkers in preparation for the battle took a Vow before God that they would build a church and that they and their descendants would observe the day as a day of thanksgiving should they be granted victory. With the advent of democracy in South Africa 16 December retained its status as a public holiday, however, this time with the purpose of fostering reconciliation and national unity.

And then I read an article in the New York Times and my heart sank a bit again as I listened to the views of one Afrikaans-speaking male in his late fourties - and knowing that he represents the sentiments of quite a number of South Africans: "The Day of Reconciliation may be a good idea, but for Afrikaners, the Day of the Vow is still what’s in our hearts,” said Johan de Beer, 46, a teacher waiting on the steps for the gates of the monument to open in the early morning. “This is a religious holiday that is based on our people’s history.”" It is a good idea (only) ?? followed by a 'BUT'... How could there possibly be a 'BUT' these days, in this country?

Now let there be no doubt: I speak Afrikaans, English and German, understand some isiXhosa and Dutch. I can also help myself a bit in sign language. I have a light-skinned female avatar in Second Life and speak with the voice of a female in Skype. I also have a dark-skinned male avatar that I manage for our company. I am more than the stereotype - just like you. I define myself simply as human and South African . Lately, I started thinking I am "Euro-African": only these - not black, not white, not inbetween, nor any cother colour or lack of it. I am also not an Afrikaner, or a Boer merely because 'Alanagh Recreant' is a light skinned avatar from South Africa that also speaks and loves Afrikaans. And certainly not a "whitey" nor umlungu (which means the same as 'dirty scum' from waves)- one of those racially-charged and hurtful linguistic shackles in our collective vocubulary. I defy being defined in terms of my race, my nation, spirtuality, religious background, cultural affinity or sexual preference. And I will not stand prejudice and human rights' violation in any form - have not in the past and will not now..

... which is why I am so uncomfortable about Gareth Cliff's insensitive remarks (which in itself is his constitutional right to free speech!) when the former Minister of Health, 'Manto' in nation's talk, died yesterday - despite the allegations that she did not seize drinking after the first transpart, or the fact that her support of flawed ANC policies on HIV/Aids (at the time) may have done irreversable damage to many families losing loved ones to the disease. For THIS most of us agree upon: the shame of her under-achievement when she had her courageous deputy, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, fired when she challenged Manto's policies on Aids and exposed the state of hospitals in the media. Unacceptable. However, she was also a gender activist and contributed to the struggle in a big way, as so well described by Stephan Grootes in The Daily Maverick:

"Tshabalala-Msimang's contribution to our democracy is huge. We should remember her for that. We should remember that she gave up almost her entire life, put herself in danger, and left her family for the cold Russian winter, in the hopes of making things better for her people. She achieved that, and lived to see a better life for all. For that, we should be grateful. But her legacy is also the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Aids sufferers who could have been saved had her beliefs been different".

The fact is that death is inevitable for all, and that it is the last thing that any human being will do on earth. It is the ultimate human right (although not mentioned explicitly in the top 30 list) to die with dignity in a civilised society. And, it is just unacceptable that her right to such dignity as a human being - even though she passed on - is being disregarded via @GarethCliff and others:

"Manto is dead. Good. A selfish and wicked bungler of the lowest order. Rotten attitude and rancid livers - all three of them."

This is deeply personal for me in a way: My father, an active minister (of religion) in a small community was declined a liver transplant (due to non-alcoholic liver chirrosis) by local doctors at the MediClinic George two years ago. We were told to prepare for the inevitable as (1) there were 'not enough organs available in South Africa' and (2) he would 'not qualify due to age'! He passed on a defeated man five months later at the George Mediclinic. It was a digified moment in the early morning - on 10 January 2007. He was 70 years old. A few weeks later I learned about Manto's liver transplant on the frontpage news, and age not being the main consideration. Today, I read that there are not enough patients for all the available donors. And this knowledge was not enough for either my dad or for Manto, or our families.

Life has moved on, and it will serve no purpose to reflect on the medical wisdom or lack of it in the past and be tortured by 'IFs' and seeking reasons... I can merely remember and forgive - even myself. And believe it was his time to move on, and he has.

The fact remains: Reconciliation in South Africa can only happen at a personal level between people. One on one. It is not pie in the sky stuff. It is respect for humanity and for life - so that a healthy liver (cleaning the body of toxins) is wished upon anyone that needs it regardless of our own subjective judgment on whether she/her 'deserves' it.

President Zuma spoke at Freedom Park in Pretoria yesterday. I could not agree more with him: "Let me emphasise that in this era of promoting renewal, we must promote the values of non-racialism, reconciliation and non-sexism amongst all our people, black and white," he said. However, Mr. President, with respect, please do NOT assume that I have NOT done that already, merely based on what others say or do that look like me or talk like me. And similarly, please do not think for one moment that all those that look different than I do, or talk in one of our other 11 languages, have actually managed to overcome the deeply entrenched hurt of the past by now - without demanding that I suffer for the sins of my 'fathers'.

Yes, we need to get beyond and far away from stereotyping people based on their skin colour, their gender, their income-levels, their fashion, their career choice, their confictions, their associations, their sexual orientation, and most of all, their mistakes of the past - whether they are in the physical world or in a virtual world or social network.

We should be judged by our actions and not by the colour of our skin: and this is exactly where both Manto Tsabalala-Msimang and Gareth Cliff failed in my book. The first by not acting with the power she had to protect innocent people from the deadly spread of HIV/Aids in South Africa, and the second, for not knowing when her influence is over and her family deserves the respect that she did not earn from him.

At least both spoke out bluntly and fearlessly about the convictions, with the necessary disregard for criticism, and were cut from the same cloth in this respect. Few hidden agendas. Freedom of Speech some times knows no boundaries. Maybe it should.

~ This blog entry is in memory of my father, Chris Steenkamp, who challenged me intellectually and supported my visit to the South African Council of Churches in 1989 where I met the late Beyers Naude who made a lasting impression on me ~

Alis volat propriis - it flies with its own wings, or not yet?

2009-12-06T11:04:00.026+02:00

Today I spent some time on my own outside the virtual African Lounge at Robben Island in Second Life(R), and I thought about the journey in virtual worlds to date: Our project has gained its own momentum and has grown wings beyond the small Uthango office at the old Sunset Commerce inSL. But does it fly yet? I am not sure...

I have now just completed distribution of almost 300 notecards to my personal network about the status of Uthango's metaAfrica(TM) project. It is important that people know that we are having a tough time with this project in Second Life due to the financial costs. I think I will also post the same information on our project blog soon.

We currently have four sims - two full sims, and two homesteads - that are located next to each other and form a seamless region (beneath) for 3000 people (and counting) to explore every month. Some are even permanently camping at metaAfrica 1 to support our vision and have a home in Second Life. In these times, we hear much about landowners and projects downscaling, but we have stubbornly clung to the idea of having a region - working towards finding an African-based company or agency to partner with Uthango Social Investments. It has always felt like home to me, but then again - I am home in Africa - being an Euro-African (a term I have conjured up to define myself recently) and given my European roots in France in the 1600s and my place of birth in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in a rural village. Our region has lots of water, because (1) Africa has a coastline of beauty, (2) people love rafting, sailing and fishing here and (3) I am drawn to water like a typical Aquarian:

The month of November has been particularly busy in South Africa, and I could not spend my own time fishing in Virtual Africa on the small jetty overlooking a few animated and competing crocodile. Directions to my favourite fishing spot if you are active in SL: Click HERE.

Yes, we did also start to build a typical township / shantytown as part of our next phase of the project, but truthfully my efforts and energies were directed towards capacity-building workshops for 80 civil society organisations in South Africa on advocacy and campaigning: Online Ambassadors and Digital Nomads Even this national initiative is part of the bigger picture for us, and organisations are SO keen to be part of virtual worlds. We have had the same request from organisations in Kenya and Egypt. Uthango is working on a plan to make that possible, and to enable them to link with the international community via this platform.

We ask ourselves so many questions recently: Is the community in South Africa more important than the community online in virtual worlds - miles away from the continent? If the economy is so cloudy, and resources thinly-spread, is it responsible to be in a virtual world and spend time, energy with advocacy in this format?

So every now and again when my thoughts are pulled in many directions and I face the plight of our clients, I find a spot in a virtual world and remind myself (as well!) WHY we are doing this: And yes, yes, yes - we need to be present in virtual worlds and not just present, but ACTIVE. Information poverty is at the heart of many injustices in the world. And with upcoming European, Asian and American youth that are computer savvy, connected and AVATAR-friendly in a very connected 3D-online space, we have a responsibility to bring Africa into the loop as a parallel strategy to putting cables in the ground and connecting wires to gain access to technology continent-wide.

A young person in Amsterdam, Netherlands SHOULD be able to connect directly with another in Lusaka, Zambia and speak about cultural experiences during the holiday season after playing an online game, or maybe BECAUSE the game is designed to do exactly that. Also, if not, we design solutions top-down and may find that we have missed out on so many possibilities to make the world a more equal place of opportunity.

The virtual economy is growing and is already pinned at 8 Biillion USD per annum. Africa's 1 billion people COULD benefit directly from it if the DESIGN and INTENTION is in place. If the United Nations Millenium Development Goals highlight free trade and global partnerships as one of its eight goals, in MY book we include equal opportunity for virtual worlds as the upcoming emerging platform. Regardless of the developmental goal, it makes good business sense. More about that later...

It is all about timing. The biggest question is maybe: Will our wings be strong enough when it is TIME to fly? One organisation, One vision for Africa in virtual worlds, Several opportunities And all we need is a bit more time and our community. We think.

Google SideWiki & Uthango

2009-12-03T16:40:00.002+02:00

Since I work for Uthango, and manages our digital footprint, I was surprised to log on today and find that Google SIDEWIKI was launched. It is an interesting tool, with no opt out for domain owners.

Nevertheless, it brings the opportunity to engage our new website visitors and extract comments and feedback on our work. Yes, like everything else, there is the possibility for abuse. Looking forward to see if Google adds value to our online experience(s).

Read more about our company under the ABOUT tab, where you will find an embedded profile.

in reference to: Uthango Social Investments - Welcome...! (view on Google Sidewiki)

Seeing the Soul of the Ape one Sunday

2009-09-13T00:56:00.007+02:00

Finally, I return to tell you about another experience in my life here at the southern tip of Africa. For me, the event is one of the 'thin threads' that Stacey Battat, former broadcast journalist, writes about in her book with the same title - it was life-changing.

"I want people to be inspired by other's real life experiences and have something positive come out of that moment", says Stacey and I also hope this story will be a thread leading to a positive outcome. Or at least, prevent a negative one...

It happened on a sunny Sunday afternoon in South Africa with the mountain ridge bright against the blue sky of Cape Town. I have gotten myself into the habit of driving along the coastline past the beautiful naval village Simon's Town up to Cape Point and back home to Kommetjie. Usually, this would be "me time", but a very dear spirited and spiritual friend invited me to share a picnic and we set out on the trip.

And it was the 19th of July - by the end of the coming week, we had to submit a business case to a potential sponsor. Our team at Uthango has been working on a this proposal with an international flavour for almost 18 months. Indeed, an important week was ahead and I was in need of some prayer and reflection with a friend. Almost as important to me was the opportunity to enjoy the wild baboons along the road, and see how the troops are doing with their new offspring. Baboons used to frequent my home over at Kommetjie, but some property development and electric fencing (for crime) changed their habits and I rarely see them in our street now. There are eleven known troops in our area, so I knew we would find the friendly Smitswinkel troop on the "other side" close to Miller's Point, often right next to the road:

I have always loved to observe baboons - from a very young age when my parents would take us to the Kruger National Game Reserve and we would spend hours observing wild life from a car parked at a waterhole. And my all-time favourites have always been the warthogs, the baboons and of course, meerkats. Interestingly enough, I realised later that these animals all have social constructs that make for excellent observation and that my own academic interest in the fields of Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology was possibly fuelled at a young, impressionable age right there in nature: Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth, a husband-and-wife team of biologists at the University of Pennsylvania, have spent 14 years observing the Moremi baboons:

"Baboons provide you with an example of what sort of social and cognitive complexity is possible in the absence of language and a theory of mind," she said. "The selective forces that gave rise to our large brains and our full-blown theory of mind remain mysterious, at least to us." (Source: How Baboons Think, Yes Think by Nicholas Wade)

The events of that Sunday would reinforce my belief that baboons are highly intelligent and adapt to their environment in order to survive. More importantly, I would experience the result of year's of human interference with nature first hand (excuse the pun) when a large solitary alpha male would unexpectedly open the car door with its handle at the driver's side and proceeded to jump on my friend - fangs and all. It all happened in seconds really. We JUST passed the rest of the family (below) and turned into a popular look-out spot (where I took this beautiful picture) and waited to see what the yawning male would do before we settled down:

I treat baboons with the utmost respect, and NEVER feed them - unlike some uneducated tourists that would "like to get the perfect picture" and then lure the baboons closer to their vehicles with fast food or fruit. Doing so, was an accident waiting to happen - and it did: Big Manie (my name for the baboon) stormed to the car, yanked the door open and went directly for my small-framed friend's face where she still sat buckled up in the driver's seat. She had the clarity of mind to grab him at the throat and push back and at the same time, I fell across her to try and get her door closed again. We managed, but before we could shut it, he opened it again and lashed out at my arm - leaving red scratches with his nail and one cut with a very dirty nail deep enough to see the bone of my hand under the bleeding flesh. This wound would later become infected despite best efforts and is still not 100% what it used to be. (Sounds a bit like a bit of fictional horror when I try and describe the moment of sheer angst).

In that instant - Gone was the images in my mind of tiny baby baboons frollocking in the trees along the road, and I was left with the crazed and bewildered picture of a confused and wild animal trying to get to what-he-believed a source of food. We were simply an obstacle to be removed. A few weeks later I would read the LAST line in the warning signs scattered here and there along the scenic road: "Keep Doors LOCKED and Windows CLOSED" and I know why:

In 2006, an article by Biran Hayward appeared in the South African media : "Brutal baboon attacks raise concern" and I retrieved it in writing this entry. I am fascinated by the different opinions of the experts and copy some of it here for your reference:

Johannesburg-based Karen Wentworth, South African representative of the International Primate and Exotic Animal Association, said the problems people were experiencing with baboons were self-inflicted. "A lot of the problems come from people feeding the primates. They (primates) will take food wherever they can get it, and will go back to that place for more," she said. "They become less afraid of humans and it lessens their wildness, which is when they cause problems."

Cape Nature baboon management team head Melikhaya Pantsi said it was important for people to be cautious when dealing with baboons. "It is very rare that a baboon would attack a human being. They might jump on you to grab what they think is food, but they are generally not aggressive," he said.

But Graeme Young, conservationist at the Ndlambe conservation department in Port Alfred, said it was not unheard of for baboons to attack humans without provocation. Sometimes older males were kicked out of their troop and became aggressive towards humans as they scavenged for food on their own, he said. "We've had reports of an old male baboon that has spent up to three weeks a year disturbing residents in Port Alfred - running through gardens and rummaging through rubbish bins."

Jenny Trethowan, of Cape Town-based baboon monitoring project Baboon Matters, said attacks on humans were usually not the fault of the baboon. "When you unpack the attack, usually the person has done something wrong."

We drove to the hospital that Sunday in July and I cried - and of all the things I were thinking at the time, I was deeply saddened and worried that the joy I get from observing baboons would be forever replaced by fear. I was also angry, because I knew that this baboon was mistreated by humans before - there was no respect left towards the two humans in the car that invaded his space. Did we do something wrong? No, not in person. (Except for not locking the doors, but assuming we are safe with CLOSED doors and windows). Did we do something wrong as human beings - collectively? All the time.

Photo by Mike Golby

Today, I am deeply concerned about the way in which the well-respected local organisation, Baboon Matters, was replaced by another new agency, with no track-record that I know of, to monitor the baboons. (This is another matter currently at the Ombudsman). In today's newspaper there is a report that the new appointee's monitors are not just walking with the baboons and encouraging them to stay away from homes and cars (and people) as they used to do, but are now using WHIPS - supposedly to make a cracking noise. The piece in the Weekend Argus, titled 'Uproad over baboon sjamboks' by Helen Bramford, quotes Allan Perrins of the Cape of Good Hope SPC A: "The baboons appear to be up against 'Neanderthal' management techniques which have the capacity to terrify, traumatise and injure any unsuspecting, non-conforming baboon that happens to wander into 'our' space'". His objections about the use of whips to control the troups of baboons are shared by Beauty Without Cruelty: "Surely the role of CapeNature is to defend and protect our natural heritage and not to sjambok them into submission". The National Geographic completed a wonderful video clip about the lives of baboons close to where I live (copied here to view):

It is worth noting that the government and the nature conservation agencies in Cape Town also held a Baboon Expert Workshop early July 2009 and implied that "9 of the 17 troops were being effectively managed". Reading the notes on this workshop, it seems that the esteemed Doctor Justin O'Riain of the Baboon Research Unit at the University of Cape Town is the culprit who proposed the 'bear bangers and bull whips" - amongst others - as one of the 'active management' measures to be piloted. The same report mentions the troop that we encountered on my Sunday the 19th of July:

"We have a year’s worth of data for the Smitswinkel troop. Prior to the intervention, the troop was spending 25% of the time in Simon’s Town, raiding the urban areas regularly. As the home range is a linear area, the situation enabled a unique strategy. A virtual line was drawn and the baboons were to be kept south of this line. A range of tactics were used including bear bangers and bull whips and since the 3 June 09 the baboons have not been back into Simon’s Town. It is important to note how effective the GPS collars are working as the monitors can assess how to employ resources most effectively to keep the baboons out of the urban area".

I am no expert, but I am left to wonder: Did the 'pilot' banging on metal and use of whips in Simon's Town (by people) drive baboons away from the residential areas since June 2009? And did it leave them traumatised? further up the road? So when we met them a month later in July, there was a deeply-rooted bitterness against humans, which I have never encountered before in the South Peninisula. And still we have some people feeding these beautiful and fragile baboons from cars along the road... It MUST be confusing to them. Are humans driving baboons insane by acting so inconsistent? On the one hand, chasing away and with the other hand feeding. Then rather bring back monitors that walk with baboons and bond with them, and understand these stunning animals. Monitors that educate humans and not vice versa. We ARE in fact in THEIR space, and should act accordingly in my humble opinion.

We all need to get this right. And soon. I can live with the slight nerve damage and subsequent pain in my little finger which surfaced only last week as the wound healed inside. I can also live with the scar at the top of my hand which may need a bit of plastic surgery one day. I will battle to accept it if a child or unsuspecting tourist gets seriously hurt over at Simon's Town by this troop. We drove past the same place two week ago - and children were running outside (!!) a few metres from the baboons grazing on plastic bags filled with KFC left-overs. No monitors in sight.

So please, this is a very personal appeal: GET this. Please do not confuse baboons and sign their death sentence - or that of a human being observing them innocently - by feeding them or making them aggressive. Let them find their food naturally in the beautiful mountains of Cape Town and lead them away from human dwellings with ethical ways.

I continue to love baboons, and my respect for them as truly wild animals has only grown due to this incident. Like the blogger, AfricanPenguin, I wish to also share facts about the Chacma Baboons that frequent our world. The agencies working with baboons here made various information posters - like this one outside the Kommetjie Supermarket. The Kommetjie Primary School also completed a nice educational project (website) on understanding and dealing with baboons.

An Afrikaans naturalist, poet and writer wrote a wonderful book in 1912, translated as "The Soul of the Ape" and he based it on his behavioural study of the chacma baboons in the Waterberg. Eugene Marais "became the first man to conduct a prolonged study of primates in the wild". He spent time with baboons and termites to learn from them. It was published in the year I was born, in 1969. My dad introduced me to the book as very young child and I think my love for baboons and literature started right there between the yellow pages. Marais was years ahead of his time:

Years later, he wrote in a letter, “No other worker in the field ever had the opportunities I had of studying primates under perfectly natural conditions. In other countries, you are lucky if you catch a glimpse of the same troop twice in a day. I lived among a troop of wild baboons for three years.

“I followed them on their daily excursions; slept among them; fed them night and morning on mealies (corn); learned to know each one individually; taught them to trust and to love me – and also, to hate me so vehemently that my life was several times in danger. So uncertain was their affection that I had always to go armed with a Mauser automatic under the left armpit like the American gangster!

“But I learned the innermost secrets of their lives. You will be surprised to learn of the dim and remote regions of the mind into which it led me. I think I discovered the real place in nature of the hypnotic condition in the lower animals and men. I have an entirely new explanation of the so-called subconscious mind and the reason for its survival in man.

“I think that I can prove that Freud’s entire conception is based on a fabric of fallacy. No man can ever attain to anywhere near a true conception of the subconscious in man who does not know the primates under natural conditions.”

I had a life-changing day on the 19th of July - one sunny day in Cape Town. I really did think it's our last day on earth when a massive alpha male opened the door and attacked my friend and I - and this, in the 'safety' of our car without provocation or without any food visible. And to fight of a baboon, to walk away relatively uninjured, reminded me how fragile life is and how quickly it can pass. May we do the best we can with what we have, every day. There are quite a few things on my own list that I would like to get to....

On a lighter note, I just LOVE this MamaTaxi comic strip by Deni Brown and Gavin Thomson and hope we will never have to ask, "What baboons? There's not one":

Grief Dies - like Whales do

2009-05-31T20:37:00.010+02:00

It was an eventful and stressful weekend. Let me confess: There is a sense of loss that is ever-present in my life since my father passed away after a very short illness early 2007. A blog entry is hardly the place to spill emotional beans, but some do say it is therapeutic, so allow me a moment. The beaching of 55 fake killer whales on our Kommetjie beach early yesterday hit me hard and going through the experience of loosing them after trying to save them untied some knots in my mind and heart. Emotionally, it was a paralysing moment ending in grief and trauma - especially for the children that were there! I wish the authorities dealt with the entire situation differently as suggested on BBC by another volunteer helping with the effort. It also makes me wonder about Cape Town's abilities to deal with crowds ahead of the WorldCup Soccer 2010.

In the end, we all had to walk away and I returned with a dear friend returned later on Sunday and it was as if nothing has ever happened on the stretch of white sand. It made me think again about life and how it simply moves onwards - even after an incident or crisis. We need to keep perspective - even in a moment of sheer emotion. And it is not always easy, but there is ALWAYS another angle to the same experience, as is clear from the write-up from 6000 Miles on the entire incident.

We need to hold on to our memories and wrap them like small blankets around us. There are memorials yes, and there are gravestones and memories in photo albums that tie us to people, pets and places. However, ultimately, it is the only the altered way in which experiences of gain and loss shape us (and our moulded perception of the world) that remain. Today, I think of a school friend of mine who lost her two children two weeks ago in a terrible accident when her husband ran them over on the farm as they fell from the car. And I can not even start to imagine their heart ache and loss.

And maybe we can only hope that grief do not die. I can never understand how people are expected to 'just go on with life' when life itself is no longer what you know. For me, it all changed when my dad passed on... and life is altered a bit again with every new loss, even when whales strand on the beach where I walk my dogs every day.

Sonnet: Grief Dies was written by Henry Timro:

Grief dies like joy; the tears upon my cheek

Will disappear like dew. Dear God! I know

Thy kindly Providence hath made it so,

And thank thee for the law. I am too weak

To make a friend of Sorrow, or to wear,

With that dark angel ever by my side

(Though to thy heaven there be no better guide),

A front of manly calm. Yet, for I hear

How woe hath cleansed, how grief can deify,

So weak a thing it seems that grief should die,

And love and friendship with it, I could pray,

That if it might not gloom upon my brow,

Nor weigh upon my arm as it doth now,

No grief of mine should ever pass away.

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Sooner Death than Digital Indignity...

2009-05-26T19:59:00.032+02:00

At the back-end of this blog seven draft entries sleep soundly. I never bothered to publish them. The sunset on the way home from work was something else, but it was gone within a few minutes. And so, the moments of those entries have also passed and they will never come into digitial light. Their value drowned as new thoughts dawned.

But the time has come to move and publish something again - mostly to clear my head. Much has happened in my corner of the world since I wrote here in mid-February, and I thank my online friends for enquiring about the silences and responding so tactfully on my absence. I have been in and out of hospital and had time to think a lot. Allow me to dwell a bit on a the interesting issue of individualism and community that relates to my experiences here in Cape Town and online...and thoughts that fountain from these...

A few of my friends lost an online friend and her reported death sent ripples through the metaverse and networked community. I did not know Rheta Shan well at all, but we met once and we were connected loosely via other people that I do know. I realised in that moment of discovery how vulnerable our digital ties are - like a kite only tied to the hand holding it... and when cut loose (either deliberately or due to unfortunate accident), it slips far away into a world that may very well not be accessible to online friends. It leaves a real sense of loss - irrespective of whether the relationship was primarily digitial or transcended into the physicial world. Much has been said over the years about online relationships and social networks. Our human interconnectedness via technology has become the study of numerous anthropologists, sociologists, economists, (not-so-new-anymore) media experts, community builders and marketing companies. Stephen Baker recently wrote an interesting article in Business Week, "Learning, and Profiting, from Online Friendships":

"Companies are working fast to figure out how to make money from the wealth of data they're beginning to have about our online friendships...(and later), Calculating the value of these relationships has become a defining challenge for businesses and individuals..."

As an academic at heart, I understand the need to analyse the interaction between people and individual choices. It helps us to identity shifts in human behaviour and spot global trends in order to be responsive - either commercially or socially. Speaking of trends, the book by Mark Penn on 'MicroTrends' is an absolute must-read to start understanding new laws of doing business in a very fragmented world: "The argument is that societal fragmentation occurs because, in a post-modernist and individualistic world, people are beginning to make personal choices. In the process, many niches are being created, and the world is becoming more complex".

We instinctively think that multinational companies and global initiatives will set the tone for the future, but Mark points out that there are 'small forces' that become the real trendsetters. In this context, I cannot help to think about Twitter's 'Trending Topics' where individuals use #hashtags in their tweets to effectively! create a trend - organising group-think. (Here's a good piece by Ben Parr on how to use #hashtags). And of course, the same fundamental philosophy is obvious from the thinking of Seth Gordin on the creation of tribes - a social construct giving 'ordinary people the power to lead and make big change'.

And so, our company was approached this week in South Africa to 'build a community' and make change happen and we respectfully declined. Let's get this right: Communities are not build, communities grow organically when a trend emerges - based on common practice or opinion. And a trend only emerges when individuals speak up through their text messages, their podcasts, their blogs, their micro-blogs, their tweets, their pictures, their songs - conversations with each other about the same shared matter of interest. So, we are back to the 'individual' whose experiences are indeed central to communities and are expressed in many forms online, but could also easily be drowned by the digital noise made by other voices.

"Social media mirror and magnify teen friendship practices", according to research by the respected Danah Boyd (Digital Youth Research). For many it is certainly true that our digital interaction mirrors our personalities and our practices. I would add that social media - and here I definitely include virtual worlds - also and above all magnifies our values and beliefs. We may not have the benefit of seeing eye-to-eye in a physical world and measure attitude via body language - so we start reading behaviour and trends in how we are treated by others and how they do business with us in a digital format. Practices are under the microscope in a microcosm of communities. And we start to know each other's values through one-on-one interaction. In another book, Structures of Participation, Danah completed a chapter called " None of this is Real" and says insightfully:

"Millions of people worldwide are now connected through networked digital infrastructures in forms that grow increasingly sophisticated and contextually rich. The notion of the global village remains powerful, but individual sociability will never operate on a global scale. Large social networks will always be mediated by and constructed through smaller communities and individual relationships".

Closely connected to the matters of identity, individualism and community building based on common values, is the search for meaning and desire to live with digital dignity. The Yoruba have a saying in Africa which translates literally as 'sooner death than indignity' - "Iku ya j'esin lo" and the African philosopher, Wole Soyinka, points out that this expression "finds equivalents in numerous cultures, and captures the essence of self-worth, the sheer integrity of being that animates the human spirit, and the ascription of equal membership of the human community". Dignity or respect for the individual (also termed 'honour' since medieval times) is a human virtue that carries much priority in many communities. The value that a person places on her/himself often equates directly to 'dignity' (or self-regard) which in turn links to her/his perceived experience and interaction with others. Which brings me to the interesting matter of 'digital identity' again and living or dying with dignity in online communities. What does that mean?? Or is it easy to 'execute' an 'avatar' when her/his reputation has been shattered or he/she has been humilitated by others in a community? Do you step out of a relationship in a different way, because you don't have to face the person on the street every day, but could purge him/her from your 'friends' list' at the push of a button? And how does it affect the person behind the digitial persona? Or does it not matter because it is "only online"?

In the Oration on the Dignity of Man (1486), the famous philosopher Count Giovanni Pico della Mirandola writes that "after God had created all creatures, he conceived of the desire for another, sentient being who would appreciate all his works, but there was no longer any room in the chain of being; all the possible slots from angels to worms had been filled. So, God created man such that he had no specific slot in the chain. Instead, men were capable of learning from and imitating any existing creature. When man philosophizes, he ascends the chain of being towards the angels, and communion with God. When he fails to exercise his intellect, he vegetates".

Fast forward more than five centuries and the dignity of man comes up in quite a different form: Millions of young people headbang to the lyrics of a song 'Before I Forget' written by a group Slipknot and stating: "I am a worm before I am a man'.... and in 2008, a South African youngster pulled a mask matching the lead singer's over his head and killed a fellow student in cold blood. More worrying are the responses to the killing captured at Metal News (a website for fans of heavy metal). And one cannot help but wonder: How did society get to the point where taking the life of someone else has become a trend? Or have we always had this dark side as a tribe of humans and it shows up in periodically in acts of terrorism, the war against terror, in domestic violance, abuse of children, our indifference to poverty and hunger ... or as simple as spreading a lie, planting a rumour - executing a person's reputation in a digital community.

A co-worker has been the victim of an attempted carjacking in her own drive-way last week, with her two toddlers in the car. A man stuck his arm through the window and held a gun to her head. And she told me yesterday that she felt violated on her own property and her kids now suddenly ask questions like, "what happens with bad people when they die?" Innocence stolen in an instant. Dignity affected?

And how do we get back? Or go forward? Maybe part of the answer is to reconstruct the world we live in according to the hope we believe in. If enough people could have enough conversations about the same constructive solutions and create together; then just maybe, we will gravitate towards the same communities. And we will become the small influences rippling downstream from all parts of the world towards an ocean of global consciousness that restores the value of a human life and dignity. After all, dignity may just be worth more than life itself.

Balloons that Float and Tweets about it...

2009-02-13T17:52:00.014+02:00

Like most things related to great causes on the periphery of one's daily work, it was a matter of do it very quickly and as best possible - or just let it pass by quietly. In which case, Cape Town might not be (offically) part of the meaningful global conversation between connected people about one topic: access to clean water. I blogged about our experience at the Twestival this week, where 185 cities came together on one day to raise awareness for charity : water:

Because (1) the issue of access to water is very much an African issue with 19 of the 25 nations in the world (with the greatest problems in terms of access to water) all in Africa!, (2) Africa is a big part of the world map and needs to be represented in initiatives attempting to solve its problems, (3) social networks are inherent to communities in Africa even if the technology do not support them, (4) there is an opportunity to promote social media and Twitter to Cape Town residents and (5) we can! and all great things start with a first step.Cape Town South Africa Twestival 2009, Feb 2009

And we jumped in to assist another charity thousands of miles away, because it just made sense on so many different levels. You should read the whole article, and also find some other entries. It was a busy week and a bit, but it was worth this little sleep. I have seen again how a few people can make a big difference. Even though I am disappointed with the number of people attending the Cape Town Twestival (only 30 odd) I am encouraged that we made a start and critical 'who's who' in the social media scene in South Africa were there...

We have organised events before, but I am by no means an events' organiser by trade or reputation. A good thing too! It was a stressful experience to say the least and when one of the other volunteers shared via Facebook on Thursday that he was really really busy and does not actually 'want to be involved with the sound set-up' (after we relied on his relationship with the restaurant, I grew a few more grey hairs and realised just how difficult it is to hold the strings to the drifting balloon gaining momentum and still 'tweet' about its colours at the same time - so to speak.

It was, however, an awesome event and we have only had good feedback so far. It was an evening for another non-profit in the spirit of collaboration, and I am glad our own was not mentioned much - if at all. However, the association with, and volunteering for the Twestival in Cape Town was a good decision - it exposed our staff members to an issue that is not central in our development work and also not the biggest challenge in the communities we serve in South Africa.

It it also good to know there was a Second Life Twestival as well and it was covered in the news by CNN iReport in the same way as we got much media attention as well - but I was simply too tired to attend the one inSL after we got home...

Glad it is weekend... and thankful for friends.

Cape Town South Africa Twestival 2009

2009-02-11T09:30:00.001+02:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

Sylvestre was born in Pointe-Noire, on the coast of the Congo republic. He represents a “new generation” of African artists, using his acoustic guitar, dynamic lyrics and melodies, and rich baritone vocals and percussion to produce a unique sound rich in emotion and sentiment. His contemporaries include Salif Keita, Youssou Ndour, Papa Wemba and Zao.Cape Town South Africa Twestival 2009, Feb 2009

You should read the whole article.

Cosmos opens in my garden

2009-02-02T14:42:00.000+02:00

Isn't this beautiful?

Sleeping on "Thin Things"...

2009-01-31T22:21:00.002+02:00

Matrasses Need Replacement!
Originally uploaded by metaMeerkat

When we visited Aquila Pre-Primary School, these mattresses caught my eye. The little ones sleep on them daily but gosh! they really do need some new ones - or at the very least, some covers. Another day, another mission...

Resources in schools in Africa are most of the times not elaborate, but really the basics. One would wonder, why could the school not just get what they need from fees? However, it is a simple calculation to realize that the small salaries of educators (not much more than $250/month), daily food, educational variable costs and maintenance of the premises cannot be covered by school fees paid by unemployed parents in these communities. The assistance of the government and private business sector is needed and organisations like ours make it just a bit more easier on the management of these places. We hope to be able to get the matrasses for the small ones... and replace the 'thin things' as the local gardener called them as he carried them out to make up a few rows for the 2-4 year olds to sleep that afternoon...

On the playground at Aquilla Pre-School

2009-01-26T18:50:00.003+02:00

Today was a special Monday as we set out to Ocean View, a community that has its share of challenges with drug-abuse and poverty - with numerous kids growing up in unacceptable social conditions. I spend the better part of the morning there and reflected on so many aspects of our company's strategy and ways in development in Africa. Mostly, I just enjoyed playing... - simply enjoying the new toys with the kids! More later...

Books that keep me Busy

2009-01-26T18:31:00.000+02:00

(Not) one of the "only white tribe" of Africa??!

2009-01-14T15:52:00.021+02:00

Jacob Zuma, President of the ANC (and most likely the party's presidential candidate for South Africa in this year's election) made the statement that 'Afrikaners' are the 'only white tribe' in Africa and much needed:

Now I am asking myself ever since, am I part of the 'white tribe' he refers to and do I really associate myself with those who 'play konsertina'? It is easier to answer the 'konsertina' question than the former, as it strikes at the heart of identity and relates to my very roots. It also reflects on the active or passive role that I have played (or not played) after and before(!) 1994 in South Africa. There are many assumptions about diverse peoples living in South Africa. I encounter these daily in my digital life - meeting new people - and also in the South African business environment and political arena. It is simply assumed that I vote for an opposition party; it is assumed that I do not speak an African language; it is assumed I played no role in the struggle against apartheid; it is assumed that I do not intimately know the poor communities where we work; it is assumed that we could learn much and teach little, and it is assumed that I have (or do not have!) money, depending on who I speak to - mostly because of the color of my skin and (maybe) location in Africa.

I have learned much about diversity in Religious Studies; and I have learned more about it in our own home where all were always welcome. Lately, it has been virtual worlds that taught me new lessons about identity and culture: I have two avatars in Second Life (R) - Alanagh Recreant, a pale-skinned and slender English speaking woman and Wilberforce Rau, a dark-skinned and slightly overweight English-speaking African male. There is a reason for choosing these two avatars and over the past year and a bit I have seen how people react VERY differently to each, UNTIL they understand the one to be an alternative of the other, which I may already know. I am fascinated by this observation and wonder how much of it is a reflection on reality. I have never bothered to declare my ethnicity inSL and interestingly, in all this time, only two people have asked me straight-out, "Are you black, Ally?" (In this regard, if you have some time, please read Marion Walters personal observations about identity and Second Life Skin in 2007. I quote a bit: "That said, I really hate the fact that the default color on the Second Life avatars is white, and that you just never see dark-skinned avatars in these online environments. Most people in the real world are dark-skinned, dammit. There are probably a couple of reasons for this. For one thing, global economic and geographic inequities mean that you don't find many Africans playing online games!" I have found that there are many many more dark skins inSL today than in 2007. An analysis needed!

Am I seen in virtual worlds as part of the 'white tribe of Africa' ??? Nope. I don't think so! I am cautiously embraced by the African-American community and welcomed at vibrant initiatives, but the realities of free enterprise and sustainability inSL, fear of the unknown, a desire to do your own thing on your own terms, geographic distance and using the right lingo define me quickly as an 'outsider' from the inside Africa. I also don't think my African brothers and sisters here in South Africa really see me as a 'tribal person' - black or any other shade! :)

I am an Afrikaans-speaking forty-something business woman living in South Africa and being accepted by other citizens - not for my language (tribe) or my skin-color (undefined for the purpose of this discussion) but for my day to day actions, for building relationships one at a time in each circumstance; for breaking down age-old barriers of racism and prejudice through conversation and by not 'fitting' into the mold that history so tragically and painfully tries to pour me and others, into - on a daily basis. I defy definition. I am. And this, "just being" is no less true for virtual worlds than it is for my first life...(I use the term 'first life' as oppose to 'real life' as I believe all of what I do is 'real' and an extension of reflection of my personality). I do, however, debate issues of unity and respect (not tolerance!) and agree it is much needed in the world and in South Africa. We some times tend to be so politically correct, that we walk on eggshells when we talk about issues of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion and culture. These are the matters that are part of humanity. Lets not wish it away by not raising the issues.

I am a 'tribe' member, I guess. If one listens to Seth Godin in his video presentation, it is simply clear that tribes are here to stay in the new economy of scale. And, that we all belong to one tribe or another... However, let me at least choose my leaders and my tribe members and don't cluster or box or associate me - merely because I look a certain way or speak another way. I am too much of an individualist to be defined by anyone's prejudice or tribalism... or is that socialism?

One thing I do agree on, and do believe as surely as the sun rises in the morning: I am African and I am serious about doing business whilst trying to do some good.

The Nobel Prize Winners

2009-01-14T14:00:00.001+02:00

The Nobel Prize Winners
Originally uploaded by Justin Hartman

Recognition of South African Nobel Prize winners...

"On my way to Court", she said...

2009-01-12T00:22:00.003+02:00

I was driving back home. I was 23:30 and I saw her from the side of my eye - the small woman pushing a pram on the dusty sidewalk in the dark. A pram?? I looked again in the mirror, and eventually stopped. It is a dangerous stretch this time of night with many lurking drug lords and gangsters. No place for a woman and a baby (?). She looked no closer than eighteen years old and the baby was tiny and quite wet.

Her name is Shereen, with baby boy Chadley and she is on her way home to Ocean View, she said as I stopped beside her, having turned again. "Get in, I'll take you", and I threw the passenger door wide open. "Why this time of night... with a baby so small?", I inquired, as she started breast feeding to get the baby to quiet down. "I am on my way to Court... tomorrow", she added.

So, this is how my rather full day ended - taking Shereen to her home close to midnight, so she could get a lift from family who demanded she be there tonight already in order to be driven to the Court house: in the morning. She is claiming R800,00 from the father in the SA Navy for "child maintenance" (as she calls it) and described to me how baby boy Chadley needs "way too much" for an eight-month old and she can't keep up. She never asked me for money or for any other help. Maybe the drive in the middle of the night from a perfect stranger, when she so clearly feared the walk, was quite enough. And maybe she will get the R800 for little Chadley tomorrow.

As for me, I know I will return to their shack - "that one without the windows and the door wide open" where the drunken man was scratching his stomach and the rubbish was rotting outside the front gate. I want to keep track of little Chadley...

The Chilbo Road Press

2009-01-10T09:40:00.001+02:00

I found this fascinating quote today in an excellent article:

President-Elect Obama’s planning team is using web-based and social media tools in unprecedented ways to encourage participation and feedback from US citizens. Draxtor reports on how virtual worlds like Second Life might extend their reach beyond the Change.gov website to include citizens who might not be able to attend community discussions in the real world.The Chilbo Road Press, Jan 2009

You should read the whole article, which also highlights the great value of using Second Life for discussions on public matters.

Lunch with the Birds At Glencairn

2009-01-09T16:41:00.003+02:00

This beautiful seabird, I don't think it is a gull, joined us for our work lunch close to GlenCairn, Cape Town. It was good watching him/her.

I wish I knew more about birds, but not really into bird watching. One of our clients want us to facilitate a bird photography competition for conservation - I better get my act together and starting with lunch among the sea bird may take me in right direction...

I was also disturbed to see the lovely tourism posters of the Southern Right Whale (many in the area!) damaged by vandals. So unnecessary.

Reflecting on Cory's Predictions for 2009...

2009-01-09T11:49:00.009+02:00

I quote directly from the blog of Cory Ondrejka, sharing predictions for 2009:

"1) Second Life will return to steady growth and have a shockingly good 2009
By shockingly good, let's say 50% growth in concurrency and James' measure of active users. Why do I expect SL to rock 2009? A few reasons. First, world-wide recession makes SL more valuable as a source of income, cost effective collaboration tool, substitute for expensive travel, and educational resource. Second, the same recession -- combined with Lively's demise -- means competition will remain non-existent. Third, Linden has had time to adapt to the many organizational changes 2008 brought".

Read the rest of the entry as well:
collapsing geography: predictions for 2009

I have the urge to ask: What do you predict in terms of Africa and virtual worlds; and digitial divide trends? However, maybe I will venture a few predictions myself instead, later. It could be interesting to see how it plays out during 2009.

More importantly, to get back to Cory Ondrejka's prediction of Second Life, that it "will return to growth": I could not help but think about the latest blog entry by iYan Writer inSL where he states he will be busy flying internet space ships instead of bringing new clients to Second Life. I have to add that I have been having my own share of challenges trying to bring executives and professional innovators into SL, and am constantly looking at ways to make it easier.

In our case, affordability is a bigger barrier (even to companies!) than commonly understood. (This was discovered again recently in a conversation with a friend where it was news that I actually pay per 'databyte' download for the entire SL experience - much like paying by the second for mobile connectivity. For me, on one computer, the data download cost alone is 8-10 USD per day or about 300 USD a month., and that excludes telephone monthly rental for the broadband facility itself. We are going through the annual exercise now to calculate costs - in relation with benefit - for Uthango inSL). One of the exciting developments - long awaiting! - is of course the new infrastructure of IC T that is snaking along the African continent and will have a very specific impact on prices in Africa. Costs will drop substantially and accessibility for many Africans to the internet will become a long-awaited reality. I am keen to set up systems to measure impact on virtual worlds in terms of African accessing the platform and will be setting out doing this little piece of research during 2009.

Anyway, I do share the optimism of Cory Ondrejka - don't get me wrong. But I have to check myself, that I am not just of positive disposition and enthusiam, but that it is indeed grounded in real trends. These I am still anaylising....

"Runway Magazine"

2009-01-07T18:15:00.001+02:00

Mimmi Boa for "Runway Magazine"
Originally uploaded by mimmiboa81

I really get excited when I see the amazing ways in which the Second Life community is using the Virtual Africa sim(s) for different purposes. Here is Mimmi Boa for the RunWay Magazine inSL for a photo shoot. I need to blog soon about all the experiences I have had this past month or so - it leaves me grateful!

Brutal name-calling on Christmas Eve...

2008-12-24T18:10:00.010+02:00

I just returned from the local Superette owned by Asians - and (before today) supported by myself for the odd last-minute shopping. I left with a bad taste in the mouth and almost a broken noise... and a long time afterwards still a sense of amazement and lingering fury:

Imagine a isiXhosa-speaking youngster in a bright red soccer sweat shirt at the bread counter - as thin as a reed - with a cold drink under the arm. See, also a big, bold Chinese-speaking business owner in a suit with a stick... and throw in the accusation that he is trying to steal in the shop. In broken English both tried to make their cases: The Chinese gentleman with fury, the youngster with sheer embarrassment and smiles, and the entire scene of staring customers and shouting from the small community of Asian workers escalated quickly to the cacophony of sound at the counter next to me. At which point, the business man decided to hit the young man against the head and called him 'your bloody liar and thief' ... and right there I lost it!

I should probably NOT have done it, but I stepped in between the two and held up a flat hand: "Please stop it. Just... Don't!". (It was like being trapped in a movie strip...) He basically stepped right through me, as one would guess. I stumbled against the sweets counter and tried to stay upright with some dignity. But there was a brief moment of sheer disbelief before he continued to bully the man into the street and threw him onto an equally bewildered security guard. On his return, I told the suit that hitting is unacceptable and he tried to explain how the young man allegedly 'planned to steal from them'. I was furious. Lost. "Here, in this country, we don't hit our customers. You make a case with the police if you have a problem with someone".

I patiently waited outside the gates for *Zolile and called him over. Asked him about the incident and yes, there were tears and again, the embarrassment. Shock. He was bleeding. "Do you want to go to the police... I will be a witness of what happened"? ... and he said, "Yes, please"... but friends convinced him otherwise and he walked away with them. "Spend your money elsewhere, those are dangerous people *Zolile; and they will mark you..", I managed.

I do not know if he did or did not steal. I also do not know if he did or did not plan to steal. I *do* know that he was assaulted and humiliated. I do not know if I (too) am prejudice towards Southern people from the cultural group we engage mostly in our projects - and in simply assuming that the young man spoke the truth in my short talk with him, with the man from the East not being justified in his behaviour. Maybe I should not have judged. Then again: I *do* know violence cannot be tolerated where dialogue could have been used, and I also *do* believe that there are still laws in our country and processes (like I was reminded by the fellow customer at the cashiers). I also understand I could not possibly be welcome there anymore, and I also won't do last minute shopping ever again at the small supermarket in Kommetjie Road at Sunnydale in Cape Town.

There may be good relationships at a macro-level between the Chinese and South African governments. And this may be an isolated case of prejudice and fear between different cultures doing business on the same corner. But I am convinced this is not the first and not the last clash between people at this little store....

And so, my Christmas Eve starts with much on my mind: a young man with tears in his eyes, and a white bread and soup powder on my kitchen table, that I cannot touch yet...

Dylon's Birthday before Christmas

2008-12-22T18:00:00.007+02:00

I just received a call from a fellow Director who was on the telephone this afternoon with Berenice Bougaard, principal of Sunrise Educare Centre in an informal settlement, Vrygrond - South Africa. She called on behalf of one of their learners, Dylon (7 years old), who suffers from cancer and is terminally ill in a wheelchair. The prognosis is really not good and there is every chance this will be his last birthday and final Christmas.

I don't normally do appeals like this, but lately my heart has recently been drawn to the under-resourced primary schools and educare centres in our country. This particular centre is supported by the Alexandra Stark Memorial Foundation in France in terms of infrastructure, but this is an ad hoc appeal for a particular learner who is loosing the battle against cancer: The request from Berenice was for a financial donation of R1000,00 ZAR (or 103.06 USD) to have a special birthday party for Dylon and his friends at the centre tomorrow (23 December) evening South African time.

Please let me know if you are willing to assist with a direct donation. We will not apply any funds received for any other purpose and the entire amount will be transferred directly to the centre via Uthango Social Investments. The nature and time frame of this appeal (the event is tomorrow!) make South African donors the most appropriate in this instance, but we would appreciate any support from the global community for similar initiatives. Please contact us directly or visit our secure donation page with credit card facilities on Uthango's website...

Half-way there for Auntie Rosie...

2008-12-18T23:15:00.025+02:00

Today, I was in Heinz Park, close to Mitchell's Plain, to deliver Christmas gifts and represent a company at a party for a local orphanage and safe house. I realised how relative 'safety' is some times...

It was incredibly hot in Cape Town and I was glad the bizarre and unfit-for-Africa 'Father Christmas' outfit (complete with white beard) remained behind. The ordeal would have surely led to an unfortunate collapse of a staff member, no doubt ... The children did not miss him one bit, as they started to sing 'Happy Birthday' to one of their own instead at the sight of the gifts!

It was an tiresome day with ambivalent feelings of wishing to be elsewhere when we were told the 'stories' of each child, indiscreetly, openly. I politely tried to divert "Auntie Rosie's" show-and-tell to the direction of the incomplete rooms of the home instead - a fruitless attempt to increase the privacy and dignity for the children listening to the traumatic version of their lives, shared with newcomers. The reality of everyday struggles was amplified by a visit of a drunk uncle demanding that his twelve-year old niece return home soon. Auntie Rosie met him at the closed gate to chase him away firmly (handing him some cake in the process). Dinah* was taken aside with a few encouraging words... She needs to know 'he is NOT her father and she should NOT let him walk all over her". I could not help but see how she collected herself, her anxiety, slowly and shifted herself into a faint, shy smile - for the guests. (In that moment, I asked her about school and her progress and started to think I may have a possible sponsor in mind to assist her next year with school fees).

And the small ones sat on the cement floor fixated on the icing and chips, and assisting each other with plates. There was no fighting or squabbling for the two hours that we were there and it was crystal clear that Auntie Rosie and her assistants rule supreme. (The backyard is filled with dangerous building rubble on the hot white sand, and yet, ideal for creating a small playground).

This very small informal settlement is close to Phillipi and Mitchell's Plain in Cape Town and has been described by the Education Department as follows:

Poverty takes on an ugly face at Heinz Park Primary where 99% of the parent body are unemployed and dependent on social grants. Social evils that often accompany poverty – abuse (both physical and sexual) of learners, learners with AIDS, tuberculosis, drug dependency, hunger and a host of learning barriers – are highly prevalent at Heinz Park and educators struggle on a daily basis to instil (sic) better values in the lives of their learners and to help them see that a sound education holds the key to improving the quality of their lives.

Our company ended up here this Christmas due to one of our corporate clients wanting to 'do something for Christmas'. (It really DOES boil down to the willingness of the leaders in a company to 'do something' and I was particularly glad for this call, as the staff members also participated. Corporate Social Investment is less about giving money, it is more about also making change happen in a world beyond the boardroom).

I see many townships annually, but Auntie Rosie's tears about her son dying of HIV/Aids last year and the physical state of the two bedroom home for 17 children - with some sleeping in the kitchen - will haunt me a bit longer than others. The most important need here is (again) one of infrastructure, and in this case it is the resources to complete the home - a slab for the half-completed building. This is the same building (without roof!) that will serve as the local Christmas venue for the families - "because we have so many rooms here already", she adds with a big smile. They are "half-way there" with the building and build further each month as they can afford it. A lot of things are half-way there... here.

There's much to do at Sinethemba but it is the desperation with this group of children that I have not seen this year, and that finally gets to me - keeping me up a few hours longer. Even the smiles of brothers Robbie* and Jeremy* did not seem to go further than the surface and a tearful gaze (for no apparent reason) of a nine-year old boy will linger in my mind. Nellie* fetches the puppy from the back to show us, and I wish she didn't. Three puppies died already. I want to take it home for more than one reason.

I battled with leaving the home later that day and finding two more boys hanging from their front gate - looking in on the party. Some times, I cannot stand my work...

Today, I hope that 2009 will be a better year for Sinethemba (meaning Hope) and that there will truly be a better outcome for each of the children - one that decreases the sense of loss that is so vivid. "Oh, it has been eight years", says Auntie Rosie, "eight years since I have been to the sea with my kids". I am speechless for a moment: "We will have to make a plan", I say, "but I can't promise". (I repeat my motos in my head: Never, ever-ever promise. Never create expectations. There are too many broken promises. Just do what you can when you can with what you have).

There are three women that stand in the void for these children. They stand in where humanity has failed them. They do what the rest of us cannot or will not do: They manage an orphanage and a safe house without any cash flow, without security, with a broken washing machine, without a decent roof on their house, with an outside kitchen, a few uncovered mattresses and three beds, with little support from government, with little compensation (if any) , without all the necessary skills and with not much prospect for change... And they wish on us blessings when we leave...

Ps: Let me share with you - I have never wanted to be 'a bleeding heart' or a fundraiser that appeal to others purely on the basis of dire poverty and need (with matching pictures of hungry children). I have always wanted to run with innovation, with sustainability, with indigenous solutions as the focus of grant-seeking actions. But there comes a time, like today, when your heart DOES start to bleed and you slip into that same desperation that you see around you. In this moment, you want to cry 'help' - toward others - in the same way as those that look toward you. The challenge would be to move beyond this moment - like the people I met today.

For More pictures, visit our FaceBook group
For supporting this project in any way, please email us.

Ripples from the Zambezi reaches Uthango...

2008-11-18T17:57:00.011+02:00

"If people do not wished to be helped, leave them alone - this should be the first principle of aid!!" ("Small is Beautiful" by E.F Schumacher)

I really enjoyed this video of Ernesto Sirolli as I have much respect for the way he deals with development in Africa. He is one of the most respected development experts that echo the philosophy of our own work. He discovered the same lessons in working with indigenous communities as we did - and came to some of the same conclusions. I had the pleasure of meeting Ernesto Sirolli in Johannesburg at the South African Business and Technology Incubation Association conference in 2006. I left inspired and am grateful that his talk is now captured on a small video.... Thank you!

Please do play this one; it will enrich your life....

I am excited that Ernesto visited our project online and hope to share virtual worlds with the pioneering Sirolli Institute - that recently started a new social network, HippoNexus, for enterprising people with enormous potential. Maybe we could organise a talk in Second Life (R) and more people could benefit from his experiences...

Not that Connected - Missed the Course (Cause?)

2008-09-19T09:25:00.002+02:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

Connectivism and Connective Knowledge is a twelve week course that will explore the concepts of connectivism and connective knowledge and explore their application as a framework for theories of teaching and learning. It will outline a connectivist understanding of educational systems of the future. George Siemens (SL: Whatever Russel) and Stephen Downes – the two leading figures on connectivism and connective knowledge - will co-facilitate this innovative and timely course. The course will run from September 7, 2008 to November 29, 2008 and will be fully delivered online.
Fleep Tuque, Chilbo Community Blog, Sep 2008

You should read the whole article.

I wish I did not miss this opportunity. It could have been interesting to learn more about the theories linked to 'connective knowledge'. Well, Google and self-study for me then!

Social Networking - Tools, Hobby or Sport?

2008-09-15T16:58:00.007+02:00

I found this fascinating entry about a few social networks on a blog today - mind you, I actually found it VIA a microblog entry of Aliza Sherman (a professional marketing specialist et al) whom I met for the first time as the optimistic 'Cybergrrl Oh', again via an international cyber-volunteer for our Virtual Africa project in the virtual world, Second Life.

This personal experience of knowledge sharing demonstrates in a small way the very nature of connectedness in social networks - one leads to another in a bemusing cluster and we slowly grow the individual swell of professional and personal connections. However, to return to the point (that often gets lost in these type of conversations!), I read the entry and realised there are even MORE social networks and applications that I do not know - and always will be, I suspect. And the question that the entry starts with is a valid one...

How many social networks and Web 2.0 tools are enough? I clearly don’t know when enough is enough. What if the one I don’t join is the one that will truly change my life/work/future?Web Worker Daily, Sep 2008

You should read the whole article. More important, however, is reflecting on the question: What is the purpose of your own engagement with these networks and developments? The first time I deliberately started to 'network' it was an extension of our communication in every day nonprofit work. The need for more appropriate tools in development work led me deeper and deeper into innovative alpha and beta tools... and what started out a search for tools, soon became an entertaining hobby. Then, a part of my life that I do not wish to set aside...

Social networking is not a sport for me yet, but I know some people that take the discovery of these tools and application of them REALLY serious! Getting a good grade on Twitter or more karma on Plurk is an important achievement in their eyes. (And I don't refer to those professionals that need to be doing so, due to the nature of their profession). What *is* the purpose of social networks and Web 2.0 tools? This is the question that has plagued me for the past few months and (only recently) I feel closer to an answer... In the mean time, I am blessed by those people across the world that enrich lives - including my own.

SimSalabim; I have a favourite Rose...

2008-09-15T12:40:00.005+02:00

I discovered these roses at a small shopping mall in South Africa, and I bought a bunch for my mom's apartment. I am completely, head-over-heels, crazy about these flowers. I never had a favourite rose - now I do. These are from God's paintbrush on a rainy day, I am sure..

Written on the Side in a Spaza

2008-09-10T19:42:00.021+02:00

Recently I visited a tiny home shop (called 'spaza') in a township in South Africa. It was part of a fact-finding mission to see how the small business landscape changed in a particular informal settlement that we surveyed two years ago. I stopped by a local shop owner to get some cool drink. It was not the 'WHO'S NEXT?' signage above the counter that attracted my attention - but the two words scratched to the side of it on the frame: "WHY ME?"....

Those words kept me awake for a night or two as I pondered their meaning - the feeling behind them, and it also resonated: These days I often ask: Why me? The reasons are different, but I do ask the exact same question - especially when I wonder about being part of the development arena here in Africa and we get so frustrated with 'red tape' and political unwillingness. Just yesterday, it was another organisation that was jealous of our support in a community, and particularly "offended" by the local City of Cape Town Council for allocating a grant to our initiative - and they demanded promptly to "be part of the project" (read, share in funds that we acquired after 2 years of battling with Council) "or else"... which could mean anything from outright sabotage to creating destructive drama during the implementation. One of our Directors reflected yesterday in a public meeting: "It is no wonder that development is so slow in this community - there are way too many personal agendas". And she also asked me afterward: "Why (make it so difficult for) us?" A collective version of, "Why me?"

But if I think about it more clearly, it is the simple words scribbled on a wooden frame in a cold spazashop that hit harder and ring more true than my own frustrated thoughts as outsider development practitioner. It is after all the person standing behind the counter that has been asking this question for some time now - at least since our democratic election in 1994. Why do I still live like this? Why do I struggle still? Why is my income still below the poverty line? Why did my place burn down last year, and flooded this year? Why me? I also speculated that the graffiti possibly appeared as a disgruntled response from an impatient, waiting customer at the wooden-tin shack. (In our 2005 research of 3700 township customers we found that township residents often find shops locked up and people cue restlessly while the shopkeeper "feed babies at the back", "do not care about me". We have been told to shout for service...)

Until I asked the shop owner eventually: "Who wrote these words?" and the answer came: "I did. A long time ago. It is because I am blessed to have this shop. I remind myself everyday - Why me?" And I learn... never, ever assume anything in Africa. Ask, and Ask again. And I start to count my own blessings and think: "Why me?"

When "Freedom" translates into "Public Theft"...

2008-08-13T18:59:00.004+02:00

Image via Wikipedia

On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison in South Africa. For his 90th birthday on 18 July 2008, we celebrated at Uthango in virtual style and spent real time thinking what it means "to be free".

Ironically, the rumors about the mismanagement of funds by the Robben Island-based Mandela Museum surfaced again the same time, with CBS reporting: "The museum received $5 million in government funding this year, an amount Langa would like to see tripled. But two executives were suspended last year after the museum reported an unexplained deficit of $3.2 million. Government arts and culture minister Pallo Jordan says an audit uncovered "shocking mismanagement."

I wrote from the Mandela celebrations on the Africa in Virtual Worlds website:

"How DO we measure the value of people? The man we honor, said once: “We accord a person dignity by assuming that they are good, that they share the human qualities we ascribe to ourselves”. For a variety of reasons, we have not been able to (yet) build the Robben Island that we see each day in our actual Cape Town, here in South Africa. The place of which Mandela wrote, “I see it as a celebration of the struggle and a symbol of the finest qualities of the human spirit…” However, we HAVE seen the people living in virtual worlds that carry with them the very values that Nelson Mandela defends, the greatest of this being: FREEDOM"Alanagh Recreant, Africa in Virtual Worlds, Feb 1990You should read the whole article. However, the issue troubling me today is: "How 'responsible' executives could so easily, and for so long, manage to cross the boundary between being trusted by the public (having the FREEDOM to manage a public asset) and slowly stealing public funds"? And this disgrace! happening at one of our most important world heritage sites: Robben Island

Nella leaves DeBalke

2008-07-16T12:45:00.014+02:00

It has been a cold winter day in Stellenbosch two weeks ago, when our organisation met with Nella Paulse* (real name protected) and her father to help vacate the home she stayed in for the past seven years.

She could not choose a worse day to tackle the move - the mud was thick and heavy and so the little rented 'bakkie' and trailer could not make it up the tracks. She and her family carried all of her belongings in the rain, and made eight small trips from the premises they occupied illegally for many years. "Can't I just come and get the matrasses tomorrow?", she asked at some stage, "it will be soaked!". There was no more tomorrow for her at this place, so we all made a plan instead with borrowed plastic sheets.

I could sense the collective emotion in the air, and the old barnyard (a popular and naughty student dance hall in my years at university) was filled with memories. It hung over all of us as the entire family helped to clear the space where the bar was still dark and prominent at the heart of the barn. I could physically feel the plastered farm walls calling out for repair - holding years of laughter and also many, many tears of hundreds of people crossing its doors. It is a sick building now - cold and huge. Not conducive for human occupation; let alone a family with children. But our Nella made it home for them all, with artifical flowers standing tall at a 'lay-buy' lounge set, and dim electricity fed from the local security hut to open light bulbs via a patched, snaking 'lead' across the wet grass. We fear for her young son to electrocute himself as he boldly disconnect their 'wires' to take it with them. "Rather leave it", I ventured, but Nella's brother interjected determinately "Hurry up, Nella won't leave without her stuff!" An old coal stove - probably more valuable than the home itself - belongs to her grandmother, she said. It worked for them, until recently. Made some 'pap' in it and it kept them warm. I took a picture and my mind spun back to our own home where my dad built such stove into our fireplace.

We managed to broker a reasonable deal with Nella after a complete deadlock and legal cases between her and the developers. She drove a hard bargain. All parties are pleased and relieved that it is all finally over, before the dreaded date of the 'balju' and police ending on the door step to 'put them out on the street again'. No-one wanted that...luckily. It is one of very few happy endings to the extreme housing crisis here in South Africa - where we need more than 400 000 houses to cover a shortage in Cape Town area alone. This will not even stem the tide of homelessness, where the number grows with 16 000 per year as people migrate to the city for opportunities away from rural poverty.

There are several innovative solutions to housing in South Africa, and communities are willing to contribute to their own future. Often, facilitation is needed. In the case of residents at the Doornbach informal settlement at Milnerton, Cape Town, the residents from form a housing scheme themselves and have already saved R41000 since September 2007. The experiences of residents to 'step out into muddy water when you get out of bed' are common during the floods of Cape Town and 'invading' a derelict brick house (like Nella) is certainly not an option. We need to understand that many informal settlements are erected in natural (winter) flood planes, and these conditions are inevitable unless more suitable land and resources are found. Property developers could (and should) play a role together with government to address the challenge.

Why do so few people know about the housing crises that is escalating here in this beautiful part of Africa...??

This is my life here in South Africa. The 'Nellas' with their broad smiles and tired eyes that seek a space for themselves, and end up 'making their own deal' with someone else that needs cash quickly and move on. I stood watching quietly as she handed over the key to 'her home' - a smile of expectation breaking through. Nella shivered and swept the old stone floor for one last time, because "one does not leave a place like this"...

Alanagh Recreant in SL

2008-07-12T16:44:00.002+02:00

Alanagh Recreant in SL
Originally uploaded by MeerKatje

Visited Desperado for the latest sim creation by Eshi Otawara. I have taken some stunning pictures of my avatar there and we were certainly seeing something else that is "Not Possible in Real Life"!

Walking with Tigers

2008-07-12T13:22:00.003+02:00

I recently returned to the book 'Walking with Tigers' written by Frank Furness and I must say I enjoy the simplicity of the messages. There is also the personal touch that makes for a good read. These days I am so aware of the 'short' lives we have here on the planet and time should (and could) be used more productively. Years ago I also read a book, and now forgot the title, where the phrase 'riding tigers' was used and stuck in my mind. I feel daily I am riding tigers here in South Africa, in the work we do. More later...

What do I want from life? More importantly maybe - what does Life want from me?

Dedicated to my Mom

2008-05-31T12:33:00.000+02:00

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
And have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
Your walls are ever before me."

Isaiah 49:15-16

Hermit's Unreality Check

2008-05-13T07:31:00.002+02:00

I ran into Hermit Barber on Second Life and am fascinated by the project that she works on, called Reticulus - essentially it is "an utility infrastructure model that provides multiple utility services simultaneously; it provides handling for fresh water, waste water, data and communications, gas, electrical energy, heating and cooling in a single connection".

But more importantly, I enjoyed her philosophical insights into the reality of Second Life on the CoV website and quoted in full beneath:

"Sneering that SL is "just a game," or perhaps suggesting that the "real world" and people in it should come first, or even that the norms and ethics of the physical world can't, don't or shouldn't apply to the virtual world, are all assertions that the person making the statement is in desperate need of a reality check, a perception tune-up and, or, a lesson in politeness.

All of the argument that SL is somehow not reality - or that reality does not incorporate SL - is futile. Not only because Virtual Worlds (including SL), are already a superb and continuously evolving tool for visualization (making real) of non-existent things and things which are difficult to visualize in the physical world, as well as being, potentially, an unparalleled didactic, consensus and explanation generating tool, but also and probably more importantly, because such an argument misses the fundamental psychological, philosophical and ontological issue, which is that while SL is a "virtual world", the opposite of "virtual" is not "real" but rather "physical."

A virtual world like SL is just another source of sensations and experience, exactly as is the physical world. Both the virtual and physical worlds have to be interpreted by our brains - in precisely the same way - to establish a "map" or "interpretation" of how we perceive and project the underlying reality - which we establish inside our heads in order, as Plato put it, to interpret the shadows on the cave walls. To those capable of recognizing that the map is not the terrain, that any and all maps may be useful, but none are more or less "real," merely more or less appropriate for whatever purposes are to hand; virtual and physical are, after all, merely aspects of perceived realities which exist only within our own skulls; until such time as they are shared with, and accepted or rejected by others.

We can safely conclude from the totality of the above that the differences between SL and the physical world are much smaller and less important than their similarities. Both are vehicles for conveying meaning, stimulating and providing access to those malleable constructs existing only within our own minds, wherein we manage, manipulate and prepare to share our perceptions of what we call reality. For this task, SL is as effective, and being more plastic, is in many ways much more suited to the task, than the physical world.

Now consider that all the improvements we know of in the human condition are the result of creativity and thought, of people who were able to change the maps and imagine the theretofore unimaginable. Examples abound. Geometry and the concept of zero, atomic theories and the development of the scientific method, the calculus of infinitesimals and the laws of special and general relativity all have played significant roles. All were small steps on the way from the physical world to the virtual world, easing the process of manipulating and communicating different realities. All of them improved our cartography of the mind in one way or another. Second life and other virtual worlds continues and accelerates this process; allowing almost anyone with a pulse and a functioning imagination to more easily express creativity. Granted that virtual realities are seldom used to seek fundamental change, but, and this is extremely significant, they can be, and when they are, they have the potential to go far beyond any of the previous mechanisms we have evolved, if only because virtual reality can, and eventually will, incorporate everything we have developed to date, in a largely user transparent and easily applied format.

From this it follows that anyone attempting to argue that there is a fundamental difference between the "game of life" in the physical world, and the "game of second life" in the virtual world, other than that the one is physical and costs more to manipulate; the other virtual and much more suited to exploring alternative scenarios; is making a sad statement about their lack of comprehension of themselves, of thought processes and of reality; as well as denigrating those who are too busy creating things to pay attention to the rather minor differences between these aspects of reality. And, of course, denigrating others is impolite".

Copyright Hermit 2008. License Creative Commons Attribution + Noncommercial + ShareAlike (by-nc-sa)

A bit more of Africa in Second Life (R)

2008-04-29T18:34:00.008+02:00

Uthango had an awesome time on Thursday 24 April with the launch of our Virtual Africa sim(ulated) savannah environment in Second Life (R) - combined with hosting the first annual Africa Day in Second Life, on Orange Island!

The event was 8 hours long across 3 different sims and attended by more than 230 unique visitors! It was an unforgettable experience for our company. Please feel free to visit VIRTUAL AFRICA ON FLICKR for some event pictures (or post your own!) and also our main project blog to read more. The complete log is posted at AFRICA IN VIRTUAL WORLDS....

in There

2008-02-25T22:16:00.002+02:00

in There
Originally uploaded by Dizzy Banjo

Some of my friends visited the virtual world THERE; I still need to go although I registered ages ago... I think it is important to visit other virtual worlds before developing an absolute loyality to one. I hope it is not too late for me!

My Tweet Map

2008-02-23T17:07:00.001+02:00

If you are a user of Twitter, you can enter your Twitter name and password, and all the "tweets" by the people you follow will pop up on a Google Map, showing where they are located.

read more | digg story

American Elections...

2008-02-08T09:19:00.000+02:00

We have our favorites here in South Africa. Our policy at work is to keep politics and religion out of the workplace, and certainly out of our community work - it could be the cause of much conflict and we do not seek to complicate our presence in communities or our relationship with influencial leaders. It has been really difficult...

And then there is international politics; and specifically the political arena of the United States of America. We have followed the elections very carefully - since I was a child. It has been important, because American politicians and their related policy towards Africa and the East always affected us in one way or another. And so, I also watched President Bush getting elected a second time and our jaws dropped to the ground. Yes, I am much more bias and outspoken about American politics, and my views are shared by every single African I have met the past six years. We all spoke about the second time election of a Republican to office with stunned amazement. How could so MANY people in the USA believe so many obvious lies? But it is not our country, and it is not our vote...and maybe we should not have an opinion...but we do...So, here I offer my perspective, for what it is worth and for maybe being able to swing one vote towards a presidential candidate that could bring hope to the world:

Frankly, I do not care whether Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton gets elected, as long as one of them actually do! However, I think it is critical to elect the one that has the BEST chance of representing the ideals of the country towards a free society that respects human dignity and diversity, above corporate interest groups. I also think that the candidate needs to have the BEST chance of winning the elections to return it to the Democrats. At a fundamental level, it seems to us that the Democrats have a far superior international policy and APPROACH to other nations than what the world has seen the past few years. For that reason alone, I selfishly declare myself an non-voting supporter...

I watched some of the speeches of Barack Obama and have the same sense of hope that we had in our 1994 elections here in South Africa. There is something in the air when he speaks, and because I believe in the wisdom of crowds and not the intellect or experience of one person - I do not care much for his so-called 'inexperience'. Having said this, I think that Hillary Clinton has the makings of an incredible Commander-in-Chief and has what it takes to lead the country! It simply does not matter - both candidates offer the hope we all need...

Fog and Information...and me - somewhere!

2008-02-03T15:59:00.000+02:00

Some mornings when I get up here in Cape Town and the air is still crisp and clean, I find fog outside, hanging across the lake and reaching to the sea in the distance. Yes, I live in a beautiful area. A few miles north, our clients wake in the wetlands and deal with the same fog (meeting a muddy front yard as they walk from the front door) and prepare to go to work in the early summer mornings... Most mornings the view is clear for all of us and the fog lifts quickly as the sun rises, but some days, it hangs for a while and I feel connected with a larger universe - and at the same time, overwhelmed and unsure.

This is the same for me, most days, when I reach for the keypad and look at the screen: Information overload. Too much to read, to find, to discover and to throw away. Indeed, a foggy affair which asks for skills of discernment, sound judgment and the ability not to horde! Because, so easily one can sign up for every second social network, freebie and once on the inside, get bombarded with even more information.

I am trying to be selective these days. I am trying to listen to reputable friends and when there is genuinely a trend that seems to make sense to more than one in my trusted circle of friends, I go for it. I fearlessly sign the MEERKAT in to be part of a meaningful conversation with people I have come to trust. Well, I have just joined Blogger... and I hope this will be a journey in itself.

I feel rather foggy today - with more than one 'personal' webblog on the Internet. There is a need to consolidate my online life. This much I know. And the sun will come out tomorrow again.... and I will feel connected with many others despite (or maybe because of!) all this information and opportunities...