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Published by Beads Magazine, 2020-09-08 00:14:25

Beads Magazine Vol 7

Featuring DJ Cindo

Keywords: DJ Cindo,KZN,Beads Magazine

If you just work on stuff that you like and you re

passionate about, you don’t have to have a master

plan with how things will play out.

- Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook.

When you think of an entrepreneur, who do you think of? Richard Branson? Bill
Gates? These caricatures of wealth and success define entrepreneurship, but for
many young people, this makes the idea of going it alone seem impossibility. The
reality is a little different: anyone can be an entrepreneur, and with the right
attitude, young school-leavers and university graduates can say goodbye to the idea
of working for a boss.

Perhaps you're an entrepreneur already, which means you know full well the
satisfaction of working for yourself. In South Africa, entrepreneurship needs to
grow amongst young adults. With access to the good-quality internet – and
computing – bright young adults have the opportunity to look past the formal jobs
market and make a career out of what they love doing.
Like JP Prinsloo. The 25-year old owner of PriFactor has said no to a 9-5 job in an
effort to make a success of his own business. “Entrepreneurs can be successful at any
age,” he says. “With the right attitude, and a desire to succeed, no dream is too big.”

Enjoy what you do

Do you know what Richard Branson, Bill Gates and other mega-rich businessmen
have in common? They love what they do. Not only is it easier to enjoy what you're
doing when you're working for yourself – it's absolutely crucial. The minute you
start finding the work a slog, you might as well kiss goodbye to your venture. Sure,
you'll have good and bad days, but if your passion wanes for too long, the motivation
to make it a success won't be there.
Work hard

“Hard work never goes away,” says Prinsloo, who has built his events business from
scratch. It means spending days and nights building up your network of contacts,
rubbing shoulders with the right people and establishing your brand. The phrase
“hard work” sounds simple – basic, even, but it's the essential building block of any
successful enterprise.

Never let people mess you around

Being young and inexperienced can often mean you're at the mercy of clients and
contractors who are older than you and will use their experience to their advantage.
The key? Don't let people routinely get their way. As soon as you stand your ground
and start sticking up for what you believe in, you'll build up a reputation of being
firm and forthright. There's nothing worse than being viewed as a pushover. Of
course, if you're in the wrong, have the decency to admit you've made a mistake and
be the bigger person. Being a businessperson is about building a relationship as
much as anything, so be firm – but be fair.

Don t be afraid to take risks

Risk taking is a big part of entrepreneurship. It means the idea of giving up a steady
paycheck and sacrificing your personal capital to make a success of your venture. It
means taking a punt, and sometimes pushing yourself further than you ought to. It
means building a brand with limited resources, and taking on clients you barely
have time in the day to service. “I love the risk-taking aspect of it,” Prinsloo says. “It's
about gambling with what you have – but when you've got so much more to gain
than to lose, what's there not to love?” Prinsloo believes that as long as you learn
from your mistakes, and remember to stay humble, risk-taking will help you get to
the next level.

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On the Rise | BM

Professor Thabo Msibi is not
#AllMenAreTrash

by Xolani Dlamini

Professor Thabo Msibi is challenging the famous trending How was the feeling when you received a scholarship to
#AllMenAreTrash. Msibi has recently been appointed the study abroad?
youngest Dean and Head of School of Education at the “I was very excited and nervous at the same time because I
University of KwaZulu Natal.The 34-year-old Professor was didn't know how well I would do. You know as black people we
born in a small rural village of Ntabamhlophe in Escort north hardly get such opportunities to study abroad and we have this
of KwaZulu-Natal. He obtained his Bachelor of Education belief that our standards are lower until we study overseas.”
Honours at UKZN before qualifying for a Master of
Education from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from the Is this where you thought you would be when growing up?
University of Cambridge. “When growing up I never thought I would be a Dean, but I was
always passionate about becoming a professional lecture to
contribute to the development of the country's education. I
wanted to be part and parcel of changing people's lives for the
better and encourage youngsters to get an education in order to
change our country.”

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The highlight of your career thus far? Having a platform that you have, how do you
“Being promoted to associate professor at my age, give back to the youth?
that's a major highlight because I never thought of “I'm a founder of a Community Development
becoming a lecture at such an age. Some people Association and Community Foundation, we do lots
still see me as a student. Another highlight was my work to empower young people. We have multi
obtaining my Ph.D. at Cambridge University” branches even in Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo
province where we also offer English classes.”
Since you're lecturing about HIV and Aids how
do we address the scourge of stigma in the Three lessons you have learned that would
country? motivate and inspire others.
“We need to understand feelings of the victims. Work hard, nothing will fall from the sky.You have to
People need proper education about HIV and Aids in do research and ask questions about what you
order to fight the scourge. Let people speak from want. Dream, act and be humble.
their experience.”
Do you have any regrets about choosing your Your words to people who aspire to be like
career? you?
“No no no! I really love what I do and very passionate “We are very privileged to live in this century and
about the education of a black child. It's what I wake there are so many opportunities out there waiting
up to do every morning and what I am committed to for us to grab.Ask questions, it is all possible. I don't
doing. I want to see black people succeed and come from a wealthy family but I have used the
become owners of a country or global economy.” opportunities given wisely.”

What do you believe we need as the province “We need to demand
and country to have more inspirational people excellence, you see in South
as yourself? Africa young people are not
“We need to provide people with opportunities and encouraged to excel in their
open doors for them.We must stop being selfish and education. There needs to be
allow people to become what they want to be. If we a provision if more
invest in education we will have a better country resources to rural schools in
tomorrow.We appreciate what government is doing order to enable potential
on providing financial support to young people but pupils to achieve their
more support is needed on career guidance and goals,”
emotional support.”

What would you change in South African
education?
We need to demand excellence, you see in South
Africa young people are not encouraged to excel in
their education. There needs to be a provision if
more resources to rural schools in order to enable
potential pupils to achieve their goals.

How do you stay content with yourself?
“You have to ground yourself, I am not different to
any other human being. I treat people the same way.
I believe that I have to recognize everyone as human
beings regardless of their race, gender and status.”

Where does your strength come from?
“I'm an activist at heart and dream-driven.”

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How To Jumpstart Your
Busine Post-Rece ion

by ideate.co.za

South Africa's economy suffered weak growth Se le your debt Get a few big clients on board – at a
outcomes in the first half of 2017, owing to two
sovereign credit rating downgrades, a domestic If you have accumulated any debt during the discount
political crisis, and a second technical recession. recession, now is a good time to dig your company
More doom and gloom kicked offspring in the form out of its financial obligations. Start making larger One or two big contracts can really make a
of a fuel price hike. Then, out of nowhere, came payments toward any money you have borrowed, difference to your cash flow. Approach big-name
news from Statistics South Africa that the country's starting with those bearing the highest interest clients and convince them to sign up to your
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) regained its strength rates. If possible, you can also consider increasing business at a discount to sweeten the deal. Once
with a 2.5% increase. your company's operating profit margin, improving you've landed these big contracts, you can begin to
inventory levels, and restructuring your debts. look for smaller, profitable projects that can sustain
Economic activity grew by more than previously your business in the long run.
predicted in the second quarter, according to the Keep an ear to the ground
figures released by Stats SA. The GDP improved by B st confidence
0.4% more than the forecasted 2.1%. The upward Identify the most important market trends that can
revision is mainly due to progress in the primary affect your business in the future. If you keep up During an economic downturn, marketing
sector – which includes the agriculture, forestry and with market trends, it will be easier for you to campaigns have a propensity for reminding
fishing industries. prepare for any changes that may occur in the consumers that they're stuck in a recession. These
future. Some things to keep an eye out for: what messages usually focus on saving and lowering
The improved GDP is not a magnificent figure, but consumers are buying, the latest pricing prices of goods. Now that we're at the lower end of
it's strong enough to break the chains of the conventions, technological advances, What Further economic growth you should strive to keep your
recession and lift consumers' moods as we Credit Rating Downgrades Could Actually Mean For marketing messages clear of financial concerns.
approach the holiday shopping season. Now that the You (in terms of interest rates, inflation and foreign Instead, determine how the recession has changed
nation is revelling in the unexpected run of currency exchange rate), and socio-political consumers' priorities and let your marketing
economic recovery, your business has the developments. campaign position your business as one that will
opportunity to capitalise on the promising signs of grow with their shifting needs.
progress, such as lower interest rates on Personal Recruit additional staff
Loans and increased consumer spending. Here are Conclusion
a few ways, which we've written in collaboration During a recession, the demand for employment is
with Hippo.co.za, to revive your organisation in the higher than the supply. Talented people who have The technical recession has come and gone but the
wake of the recession. been laid off are likely to accept any job that suits ripples and effects will still be felt for months to
their skill set, even if the pay is lower. You can come. Experts say that there is still a long road to
attract quality skills – the kind of people that can recovery ahead, but you can ensure your business
help your business to grow – which you may not gets back on its feet as soon as possible, and take
have been able to afford previously. Small business major strides on the road to future growth.
recruitment software can help you acquire the most
suitable candidates for future hiring.

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“No one else knows exactly what the
future holds for you, no one else knows

what obstacles you've overcome to be
where you are, so don't expect others

to feel as passionate about your
dreams as you do.”

- Germany Kent

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7

Business | BM

7lessons
from funny man
HlFoeplixhe
by Xolani Dlamini
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Who would have thought making people laugh could MC for our Gala Dinner and he missed his Lesson 7: Be diverse and be able to fit in different
be a career. It took a while and a lot of guts from flight. I was struggling to tell the boss that environments
many talented people to make the South African Mabona had missed his flight. I then On whether the Felix on the radio is the same as
Comedy industry one that create stars with no summoned all the courage and told him the the one on stage, he says the Felix on the
limits. Nowadays the essays “when I grow up” could truth. He told me that was not his problem; so I microphone is a very toned down one guided by
easily include “I want to be a comedian,” Now, had to do something and the only thing I could Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South
unfortunately, comedy needs talent, because it's think of was that I was going to be MC for the Africa. The Felix on stage is a cooperate one
never what you say, it's how you say it. Comedy night. I proceed to the bar and drank two stiffs because he plays a professional MC and the
veteran Felix Hlophe has got it and more. He has and the rest is history” Felix on stand-up comedy is the Felix that
become more than just a comedian; he has also people know and love with jokes bringing
groomed and nurtured a number of talented Lesson 3: Recognise yourself for what you are, a smiles to sad people. "I am that annoying guy,"
comedians all over South Africa including our comedian, it does not matter the league but the he says
May/June issue cover star Siyanda Maphumulo. fact is you are a comedian.
His word of advice to people who look up to him,
Family man, Hlophe, has four siblings including his From that night client companies that were Hlophe says; set your goals, if they don't
three sisters and a brother. His parents have passed present started calling Hlophe to MC. To succeed the first time, get up and try again with
on and he is blessed with a wife, three daughters and Hlophe, it was not clear yet what he had a smile, then the world will smile back at you.
one son. Right here is where his strength comes from. become. When Zulu Comedy was established Take the good things and not the bad ones.
“I want to leave a legacy for my children” He's he turned down the offer twice because he
become a go-to man if you're an up-and-coming didn't see himself as a comedian and on the
comedian trying to make it in the industry, for good third time he took the opportunity and became
reasons. If you want to be in the industry learn from number one and never looked back since
him. then.”

Lesson 1: Make people laugh the first minute Hlophe's career soared from there. The “the first
you're on stage. community of uMlazi Arts and Culture rule of
According to Hlophe – who is also on Gagas recognized him with an award for being the
FM Midday Shandis Show every weekday most popular comedian from the township. becoming a
between 12 pm and 3 pm – the first rule of When he was retiring from comedy – much to successful
becoming a successful comedian is simple; many people's surprise – he hosted a show comedian
you have to be funny from the start. “Go out called “Last dance with Felix” where the is simple;
there with one thing on your mind – I've got to venue was packed to capacity and did two you have to
be funny! I've got to get the audience hours of laughter comedy. be funny
laughing. If you can do that in the first couple from the
of minutes, you've got a winner on your Lesson 4: Have inspirations and ambitions
hands. But if you don't win in the first minute – Felix says his career opened doors for him and start”
forget it and try another career.” offered him an opportunity to meet people
from different spheres of life from icons to
It seems not only does one need to be talented international superstars. However, he still has
to be a comedian but you also need to be born a wish of meeting international comedy icons
with it. “My passion for comedy started in the DeRay Davis and Kevin Hurt from the United
early stages of my life.At home, we used to sit States of America.
around the table and fight for a chance to be
heard. I grew up in a funny family with my Lesson 5: When you make mistakes, own up to
father being the craziest father ever. After them, learn from them and move on.
that, I became that guy who was always Comedians should not always think it's going
surrounded by pupils at school sharing jokes to be a smooth ride. Human nature says we all
even at varsity, there were always students in at some point make a decision that we will
my room enthusiastically waiting to hear regret and Felix is not immune to regrets. “I do
jokes. have many regrets, including the choice of
some material that I used and the timing of it
Lesson 2: when an opportunity presents itself, maybe it was premature. I remember I did a
don't be shy and give in to doubt but go for it, you Sifiso Ncwane's Joke. And I will never touch
will never know until you try. alcohol before I get on the stage again," says
Hlophe's story of his first day on stage proves Hlophe
that when it's time, it's time and no one will
stop you, not even crafted event programs, Lesson 6: Don't wait for opportunities to knock on
flights will leave people who will stand in your your door, go out and make them then own them.
way, maybe all you need are two stiffs and
you're on. Hlophe says opportunity in KZN is immense.
They have a comedy club called Egagasini
“While working at Quest Company, I hired a they are starting soon at MVG Lounge.
SABC 1 sports presenter Tsepo Mabona to be Comedy is growing in KZN and they have
people knocking on their doors for the
opportunity. Even other provinces want them
because they are different. There are,
however, challenges in terms of gate-keeping,
one finds that those ahead will view upcoming
comedians as threats.

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Tourism | BM

The low down on TGCSA

(Tourism Grading Council
of South Africa) Star Grading

When picking your holiday accommodation, it's
easy to go by star grading, provided you know
exactly what they entail. However, there are many
guests who are disappointed by their choice due to
their - sometimes unrealistic - expectations not
being met. It was during my exciting game drive
experience at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve,
while observing elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard
including over 350 bird species at this luxury safari
that I asked myself, if Thula Thula, one of the most
luxurious destinations in South Africa is graded 4
stars, then how do they grade accommodations?
How do I tell the difference between a 2-star and a
5-star graded establishment?

“We have been four stars from the beginning, We
have all standard criteria, size of the rooms and
facilities in here.We could get five stars but we don't
want that because that comes with too much
pressure,” said Francoise Malby Anthony the owner.
Francoise took over the passing of her husband
Lawrence Anthony five years ago.

The breakdown To be 4 or 5-star graded establishment is more of a gamble as you can't be
sure of what to expect.
The TGCSA Star Grading is an independent quality All the above and Accommodation must be available
assessment and official ranking system recognized 7 days a week, Dining facilities on site, On-site Ÿ 1-star
around the world that helps customers realize the parking, Concierge, porter, and luggage handling,
overall quality of the establishment and the kind of Central business centre, ange of other services such A 1-star accommodation offers modest to good
facilities they can expect. The accommodations are as babysitting, Other exceptional facilities, such as a quality in terms of the overall standard of
graded from 1-star through to 5-stars (with 1-star gym, beauty spa, etc. Full housekeeping and laundry furnishings, services, and customer care. A 1-star
being the most basic in terms of facilities and 5-star service, Universal Access Compliance, Valet establishment should be clean, comfortable, and
being the highest, offering all the bells and service functional. You should expect an en-suite bathroom
whistles). with complimentary toiletries and towels. An
Ungraded adequate breakfast should be offered.
Accommodations are divided into 9 categories
Many ungraded establishments operate at star Ÿ 2-star
Hotels, Lodges, Bed and Breakfasts, Guest Houses, graded standards, however, an official star grading
Country Houses, Self-Catering facilities, Caravan awarded by the TGCSA is the best quality assurance It should have everything 1 star has but must
and Camping sites, MESE (Meetings, Exhibitions you can get. In other words, an ungraded include a colour television, and an in-house bar or
and Special Events) venues, Backpackers and restaurant. Breakfast should include some hot food
hostels 57 items.

Basic grading requirements 53 | Oct/Nov | www.beadsmag.co.za

Ÿ The accommodation must have a formal
reception area

Ÿ An on-site representative must be contactable
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Ÿ Breakfast should be provided or available.
Please note that breakfast is not necessarily
included in the rate, and guests should inquire
about this before they confirm their booking.

Ÿ Room servicing (including linen and towel
change, removal or rubbish, and cleaning)

Ÿ En-suite or private bathroom

Ÿ 3-star customer care. You should expect multiple
room or suite options, a colour television with
A 3-star accommodation offers very good at least 12 channels, a work area (desk,
quality in terms of the overall standard of telephone, and Wi-Fi), and an en-suite
furnishings, services, and customer care. You bathroom stocked with complimentary
should expect multiple rooms to choose toiletries and towels. On-site facilities could
between that are slightly bigger in size; extra include a business centre, concierge services,
furnishings like a desk, colour television, or bar a swimming pool, gym, babysitting services,
fridge; an in-house bar or restaurant; safe an on-site restaurant or bar, and room service
available on request; conference facilities; and available at least 18 hours of the day. A full
an en-suite bathroom with towels and breakfast should be offered over an extended
complimentary toiletries. Breakfast options period of time, with the choice of a la carte
should be varied. dining.

Ÿ 4-star Ÿ 5-star

With its unique atmosphere, stylish décor and A 5-star luxury accommodation offers the
superb cuisine, Thula Thula offers you the highest quality in terms of the overall standard
choice of exclusive accommodation between of furnishings, services, and customer care.
the stylish Elephant Safari Lodge, renowned You should expect multiple room or suite
gourmet destination, and the Luxury Tented options, a colour television with at least 12
Camp, offering an authentic African bush channels, a work area (desk, telephone, and
experience in a relaxed atmosphere where Wi-Fi), and an en-suite bathroom stocked with
children are welcome. Thula Thula Conference complimentary toiletries and towels. On-site
Centre - with its elegantly decorated facilities could include a business centre,
boardroom and lounge can welcome up to 32 concierge services, a swimming pool, gym,
delegates. Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation crèche or babysitting services, an on-site
Centre for the rescue and care of orphaned and restaurant or bar, and room service available
wounded animals. 24 hours a day. A full breakfast should be
offered all day, with the choice of seated or in-
A 4-star accommodation offers superior to room dining.
excellent quality in terms of the overall
standard of furnishings, services, and

Did you know?

The TGCSA star grading is
valid for a year, where after a
property must be re-assessed.

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Tourism | BM

THE MAGIC OF A

Morning
Game
Drive

There is so much that goes into a Morning Game during the dead of night. Often, you will see the On Morning Game Drive, it is the stillness that
Drive. The Guides are up, preparing their Game aftermath of a kill, Jackals circling the perimeter, makes them magical. You feel as though all of
Viewers, tea, coffee and rusks all before the first nervously looking into Game Viewer lights as they Africa is beginning to arise from a deep slumber.
wake-up call, and long before the sun comes up. suss out their opportunity for breakfast. The absence of bright sun, the sheer beauty of the
For guests, it’s a matter of pulling yourself out of At once, you will turn a corner and realise that the sunrise, the silence from all those in the Game
an impossibly soft bed, getting dressed and sunrise is upon you. Far in the distance, you will Viewer slowly waking up with nature, and of
making sure you’re awake enough to take in every see magnificent shades of pink, orange and course, the sense that there is truly no better way
moment about to unfold. crimson – the kind that no photograph does to greet the day.
justice. In the midst of this, a spectacular sighting
Why then, do so many people brave the dark early will appear from the thicket – the vehicle goes
morning to experience an Early Morning Game silent to take in this moment. The silence and
Drive? The reason is really quite simple – morning calm of nature is overwhelming. You forget that
game drives are unlike any others. your face is prickling from the chill of the
After a cup of coffee jolts you to life, you’re morning, or that you have been sitting with your
climbing into a Game Viewer, pulling on a poncho hands nestled between your legs to keep them
for warmth, and feeling the crisp air slightly sting warm.
your face as your vehicle roars to life. At moments
like this, it truly feels like the bustle of the engine is You listen – there is no noise. Only the sound of
the only sound for miles. The excitement of what two birds, being woken up by the sun. Now, a
you could see starts to mound as your eyes adjust, cheetah slinks in front of your Game Viewer and
looking carefully into the dark space around you. you can hear the crunch of dry grass beneath his
padded feet.
Slowly but surely, the sky changes colour, from
indigo to cobalt blue and the expanse of land
around you becomes more visible. It is then that
you will start to see the crepuscular animals of the
wild. The ones that come out in the hours between
light and dark. Barn Owls, Shrub Hares, Bats – all
bringing with them, secrets of what happened

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