Manufactured in Africa

We speak to Lucky Mqoboli, the originator of the Wits creative symposium. The symposium of this year was the 3rd installation, it focused on unpacking opportunities in the South African film industry. We explore what inspired him to start the symposium.

Moapola Ngwanathole Nong, is a fitness and health lover. She hails from Limpopo but lives 1000 km away, all the way in Beaufort West!

She studied Finance and Marketing but has found herself working in construction. A highly versatile individual, reminding us about the importance of mental strength, fitness and health.

Fitness and running started as a weight loss journey and has since become a passion and a hobby. She keeps training because she constantly keeps setting new challenges for herself!

A hobby can become a career!!!

Hear for yourself and be inspired…

We speak to Prof. Majozi, a renowned Chemical Engineer who is the current Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand. Prof tells us about his academic journey during apartheid South Africa and how he overcame all the obstacles stacked against him. His journey was not easy but the universe and his own doggedness worked together aligning such that he achieved that which was meant for him. He gives advise on how to become the best you can be in your field and ultimately successful! He loves South Africa because of the people! Listen and be inspired…

We have a chat with Obett Motaung who is a multi-disciplinary artist. He is a film-maker, a theatre actor and director, an advisor to the NFVF and NAC as well as a photographer (hobby). He takes us through his journey of being in the arts and some of his accomplishments. He implored us to try as much as we can to do what we love. But most of all he reminds us to be accountable to ourselves!!!

Thlalefang Moeletsi born and bred in rural North West in South Africa. A young entrepreneur who started a custom bag brand - called "Mebala" (Colours). He tells all, about his career journey. Showing us that regardless of all the odds stacked against you, your aim is to "Seek excellence"... in fact his personal brand is excellence!!!

He gives us tips on how to create a sustainable start-up and tips on when to scale. My most favourite take-away was when he said that "you need to perfect the quality of your product thereafter you can grow the brand!" In essence he is saying, quality is everything.

Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of a tribe or rather your network that is always supporting the vision.

Listen and be inspired... Thereafter buy a bag!!!

I sit down and have a chat with the versatile and stylish fashionista and presenter who holds a BA Degree in International Relations and Politics. Londiwe Khuzwayo takes us through her experience of being a township girl that is a coconut... how she has navigated her academic career (fulfilling family expectations) and achieving her goals of working in the entertainment and fashion spaces in her spare time. Her aim in life is to pay it forward and teach others!!!

#African #Art #Artist #Inspiration #Fashion

I speak to Ntombi Zwezwe Baartman - she of many hats!!! She is a mother, an entrepreneur, a social worker, a prayer warrior and many more. She owns a catering and events company ZeeZee Events, specialising in South African themed deco.

She speaks to us about her journey to the UK, the challenges she faced and the culture shock.

She reminds us that "never giving up on your dreams and education is the key" is key to achieving that which you want to achieve. She now uses her culture to make a living, her business serves African food as well as African inspired deco in the UK.

She closes off with "Do not be afraid to DREAM and do not be afraid to FAIL"

We are in conversation with Mike Tavare (CEO and Founder of Ojimah) and Tamara Maqabangqa (Creative Director of Alaking Creatives and ambassador of Ojimah).

Mike - takes us through his education and career journey having worked for large international hotel chains such as the Hotel Collection International which manages hotels such as Hilton, Accor etc. He works across continents and has worked as far as Brazil and as close as Zambia!

Tamara majored in Philosophy and English and decided to jump into digital marketing. She is an e-commerce expert and defines herself as a serial entrepreneur!

Mike has birthed an app called Ojimah - a Swahili word meaning - "Collective work and responsibility" a principle about working together to uplift your community! Putting Africa on the map for the rights reasons!

The app is designed in such a manner that you can get all your hotel bookings, flight bookings, visa applications, travel guides and price comparisons. Visit the sight https://ojimah.com/ and follow them on social media to learn more :)

Aaron Mdolo hails from Malawi, he is a BSc. Environmental Science and Technology graduate from the University of Malawi and a MSc. Epidemiology graduate from London Business School. His work used to focus on HIV research and has evolved to focusing on adolescent and young women and reproduction research. Mr Aaron has also stated that he is willing to assist young Africans needing assistance with UN job interviews.

He is an entrepreneur as well, he is the Managing Director of Ngondongo Investments a construction block manufacturing business. He stresses the importance of resilience in all that you do, stay focused and hold on, things always fall into place. He also emphasizes the importance of integrity and being honest in your dealings. Lastly, quality products and networking are key in your journey as an entrepreneur.

We sit with Simanye Sam a versatile PhD in Chemistry candidate. He takes us through his journey as a chemical analyst and then the transition to academia. He worked at Johnson and Johnson and then moved to Aspen after which he saw it fit to go on and pursue academia.

His PhD project is focusing on using clay and polymers to purify water and thereafter generate electricity from the purification process. Sam reminds us about the importance of networking in any form. DM the person you need help from and just tell them you are interested in the work they do and would like them to advise or mentor you! Talk to people in any situation - even at a funeral converse with people! The greatest lesson is that research before you embark on any leg of your life's journey and always go for what you want!