He studied fashion, had a career as a make-up artist, has contributed to local publications as a voice of wisdom in fashion and has even created a cartoon which became the basis for a book. Dion Chang is also the founder of the well-respected trend analysis company called Flux Trends which hosts the annual Flux Trends Review conference which provides an overview of “the state we’re in”.

When and why did you decide that you wanted to get into the fashion industry?

I was one of those weird freaks of nature who knew by the age of seven what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a designer, no question about it – that was the dream. I even took part in a national design competition while still in Matric. However, I realised just as quickly that being a designer wasn’t for me after all. I later won a post graduate scholarship to Paris to do make-up, then styling in London, and only came back to SA to await visa papers to be processed. While I was waiting I fell into magazines, doing odd jobs here and there. As I was preparing to leave I was offered a job as fashion editor of BOB T in-house banking magazine, and wrestled with what to do. I just felt I couldn’t turn down the opportunity; I mean how often do these openings come along in the magazine industry. But it wasn’t what I expected, a definite baptism of fire. You had to sell your advertorial before you could do your features. I wondered if I had made the right choice staying in SA. Luckily I did as it led to joining the Elle launch team.

It is commendable that with all your years as a forecaster of global trends you haven’t permanently migrated north – do you feel that you will continue to call SA home?

I’ve lived overseas, and worked in Europe, but SA is always home. Social dynamics fascinate me, and what better Petri dish to observe than modern day South Africa?  London is great but I prefer to visit, and it works well for me. I can visit places all over the world to learn about trends, for instance this year I’ve been to Paris for the décor exhibition Maison et Objet and CES the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas amongst others. The wonderful thing is every trip is work, discovering, observing, learning, but it’s also a pleasure.

My base is South Africa, and I’m finding a lot more innovation coming out of developing countries these days. That’s where the energies are. And for that reason the only other place I could live is China. Look at the BRIC nations, there are such relevant developments here in Africa, a lot of trends have leapfrogged first world concepts, such as banking, mobile technology and services – because people have different needs,  the industries have to find different solutions, and I really enjoy seeing those reverse innovations coming through.

Your trend analysis company, Flux Trends, ‘connects the dots’ for clients in fast-paced times where we have too much information to sift through. In a broad context, how do you decide what trend/ key information is most important to educate the client on?

Well I’d say we have a two-tiered approach. The key is to take a broad overview of what’s happening in the world. I shy away from labels like futurologists, because it creates the wrong expectations, I prefer to look at what’s going on now. Too much information leads us to have tunnel vision. I believe my job is to step back and look at the whole spider web, taking into account politics, popular culture, technology and so on in order to understand. Then it’s about focusing on what’s relevant to the specific client. For instance I’m working a lot with banks at the moment, they find themselves on unsteady ground, the landscape is shifting, the waters are muddy. Of course I’m expected to say what is new or next, but I feel in order to do my job properly it is important to also clearly outline what is going on in the present and show the potential threats now.

You are a published author, columnist and internationally-recognised trend analyst – yet you are known to South Africans for your contributions to the fashion industry. What has been your proudest accomplishment outside of fashion?

I know I have the mantle of being ‘that fashion guy’, but I have rebranded myself outside of the fashion industry. My proudest accomplishment has to be setting up Flux purely based on a gut feeling. People said “You’re mad!”, “You’re throwing away your fashion reputation”, but I really wanted to do it. It was a two year process to create Flux from nothing, and I launched with a trend conference that I funded, which was scary. No one else was doing trend analysis at the time, trendspotting wasn’t really in the lexicon, so the biggest challenge wasn’t just presenting myself seriously without talking handbags and shoes, but explaining what exactly Flux did and why it was important to businesses. It was an uphill battle at first, because companies only used stat-based research, and it was a time when they needed a more human perspective. That was in 2006, and then the recession hit. It was perfect timing, all these companies wanted advice and answers – Doors were open, luckily for us.

Do you ever allow yourself an ‘unstylish day’?

Anybody who says they don’t is a liar. But style is relative; it’s not only about dress code. For example you could be sitting around a fire wearing a tracksuit, but then, if you have a delicious wine… so there are different ways of being stylish.

Tell us a little about your cartoon character Gloria and how she became the focus of a book?

Gloria came from my time at Elle. We needed something to pretty up the stockist page. I mentioned I had developed a character initially for use on gift cards, we tried it out and Gloria found a home. And then she grew and grew, until a publisher approached me about doing a book. I had never considered it because I never thought I could write. I mean, I didn’t go to journalism school, and my thinking was that without a qualification ‘you can’t do something’. So, for me, it was a significant achievement. And of course it was great fun.

You are seen as an ‘original’ – A South African trendsetter who is “Living the Dream”. Do you feel you have accomplished all your goals, or is there still something you strive to achieve?

It’s funny, I’ve never been one for a check-box strategy. It’s only when doing interviews like this where you reflect on achievements. Although when I was a starving student in Paris I remember dreaming of doing a live television link to a South African fashion show or some kind of report back home. Then later, when working with Elle, one day I was in a hotel room having just done a live radio interview, and I suddenly realised I’d just achieved my dream.

The journey you intend is never the one you end up on. I’m always looking for an original challenge, for instance I do have some innovative plans on the publishing side for the future. Trailblazing is a red flag to a bull for me. If I look back, the Elle launch, then starting Elle man which was a supplement well in advance of GQ and the men’s magazines, and of course Flux itself – every achievement has been about starting and nurturing something from the start.

‘Living the dream’ is relative. What in your mind are the key ingredients?

I think sometimes you don’t realise you are living the dream when it happens. For example, I’m often invited on trips, and flown around the world by people: A visit to London will be all paid for – hotel, flights etc. You don’t ask for this, it comes very unexpectedly, but I love to travel, it’s important to me, and I realise how wonderful my life is with all these opportunities.

Of course, ‘living the dream’ is indeed relative. For me it’s about never following the money or the fame. It’s about real passion, and naive blind faith in my abilities. I think ‘living the dream’  is an attitude not a benchmark – If you can keep your naive idealism you’re always living the dream.

To learn more about Flux Trend’s and Dion’s thoughts on hot trends, visit www.fluxtrends.co.za

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Handsome enough to be in front of the camera himself, South Africa can add David to the list of one of its own homegrown hotties with exceptional talent who is impressing the masses on an international field.

Born in Cape Town, David first picked up a camera when he was just a child. With a small 3.2 megapixel camera in hand, David realised he had a passion for photography when his friends started lining up for mini photo shoots. An uncommon dream career for a teenage guy, I asked David why he chose fashion photography in particular: “I have wanted to do fashion photography ever since I was 11 years old and saw a behind the scenes look at a fashion shoot on TV. I decided to focus on fashion because I like the creative aspects of the images, with interesting fashion designs and sets. I have always preferred taking photographs of people and mixing this with innovative outfits,” comments David. Although still fresh in the game, David doesn’t believe he will ever get bored of fashion photography. “I love doing it, but if
I was forced to choose another type of photography I would probably choose Photo Journalism.”

He taught himself photographic techniques, and at the age of 16 his work was featured in the Canadian online magazine The Dinner Jacket which described him as ‘a fresh crop of talent’. David’s classmates started paying him to take shots required for their portfolios and the aspiring models walked into agencies with photographs by David in their hands. The agencies started making enquiries and soon BOSS Models signed him.

Like photographers beyond David in years, this young talent has the eye for capturing the true essence of a person and makes his models feel at ease with his honest approach and calming character. This self-taught photographer is producing raw and edgy imagery and combining natural elements that are arty and sexy.
“When taking photographs of people I always have to find some form of inspiration, if it means having to walk down the streets of London or visiting the shores of Cape Town, I do what is necessary to produce my work,” says David.

David’s goal is to one day shoot for Vogue magazines across the world as well as i-D Magazine, a high fashion publication in London. “I would love to shoot for Lady Gaga as her creativity is just overflowing and is a constant inspiration to my work.”

David Sessions has created a name for himself locally and in London, with celebrities in both countries wanting to work with him. He has already photographed the likes of Eleanor Gecks who is known for her role in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, international model Tess Montgomery, UK actress and model Keeley Hazell, popular British band Murkage and Greg Carlin from Zebra & Giraffe.

It would be worthwhile remembering this young man’s name as he will no doubt be playing an important role in the fashion world for years to come.

Keep an eye out for an exclusive photo shoot David did for LIVEOUTLOUD on his last trip to SA with local star Vanessa Haywood donning a collection of hot brands shot on location in Cape Town coming up in our August issue.

For more information visit www.davidsessionsphotography.com

Natasha Sideris has many years of experience in the restaurant industry and through her familiarity has learnt what it takes to create a popular restaurant that will make patrons want to return repeatedly.

She graduated with a psychology degree from Wits University in 1997 and during her studies she was already gaining experience at her father’s Fishmonger restaurant in Rivonia, Johannesburg and also worked at Fishmonger head office and opened a few stores for them.  Sideris opened a gourmet sandwich store in Pretoria called Everest but was not happy with the take away environment due to the lack of interaction with customers and the limited food offering. “I moved on to work as operations manager for the Ninos group and assisted with the opening of several stores, during this time the Ninos in Bedfordview went on the market and I grabbed the opportunity as I had always wanted to own and run my own coffee shop,” says Natasha.

 It was at this time she realised that there was a gap in the market for her concept and in 2005 opened the first tashas in Athol Square and later converted the Ninos in Bedfordview.

What made you decide to open tashas?
I started the brand in 2005 with a view in mind of opening a daytime café, a departure from the traditional coffee shop and typical restaurant.  A place where customers could get a great meal prepared with the freshest and best ingredients in an environment that was authentic and homely. The food and drinks offering was termed innovative comfort food all presented beautifully. At that stage in Johannesburg the choices were limited in terms of daytime eating. You could go to a coffee shop which had the same old choices on the menu and were more than likely themed, these coffee shops had a similar look and if one were to take the sign off them and replace it with another brand you probably would not have noticed.  Your second choice would be to go to a formal restaurant, not ideal for the day.
I have been in the food business for 18 years but I can only say that I am finally doing what I love in the food industry, I get to be creative with both the food and the interiors, I work with people on a daily basis and I get to feel the adrenaline of opening new stores while still keeping a firm grip on the business side of things.

Is the restaurant a family affair?
My brother (Savva Sideris) is a partner in tashas and he has proved to be integral to the success of the brand. He joined me in 2007 and he is now in charge of all operational standards in the brand.

How did you come up with the concept for the type of food you wanted to offer?
I wanted to offer fresh unfussy flavours presented beautifully, true café food – where things on the menu would appeal to all people and at various times of the day and for anyone’s price bracket. When I decided to open tashas the research for the food was intense, I researched hundreds of books and magazines. I tagged ideas that I liked in terms of flavour and presentation and mixed and matched, I got inspiration from others that made me create my own unique dishes. The key guiding force was always simplicity and it still is today, I am really not into fusion fad, I love rustic dishes that don’t take forever to prepare and use a few simple ingredients. Big inspirations for me were Donna Hay, Bill Granger, Neil Perry and of course Jamie Oliver.

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of owning a restaurant?
Well that’s a tough question – a restaurant is a living breathing thing that’s made up of so many different elements, I could never just choose one thing I would have to say it’s a combination of happy customers, happy staff and producing a quality product and overall experience. Other things that are exciting are new items on the menu, researching new ingredients and finding the best suppliers. No two days are ever the same.

How did it turn into a franchise? Which branches are you still involved in?
 It was never part of my plan to franchise tashas, I opened tashas Athol with one goal in mind – that was to open a warm authentic space with beautiful food, but with that came a huge demand from the public and customers to open in other areas. I decided that the best way forward was to franchise, so when Famous Brands approached me it was the perfect fit. To some this statement seems odd, they are mass market and we are boutique and niche but at the end of the day franchising requires systems and controls and there is no other company that does franchising quite as well as they do. It will never be a mass produced brand with one on every corner in every province – it will remain boutique and small. I still own the Bedfordview branch and only recently sold the Athol branch. I will never sell Bedfordview, I think it is key to keep one store so as to know what is going on from an operational level and to assess what works and what doesn’t.

What is the winning formula of tashas that makes people keep coming back for more?
I think it’s a matter of making sure that we don’t move too far away from what has made us a success from the beginning and if I were to sum it up it would be – good food, in a stunning setting with customer driven service while still being innovative. I would like to think that we serve a great product coupled with attentive and caring service – the customer is paramount.

What is your favourite dish on the tashas menu?
I would have to say the salmon burgers, they are packed with flavour and we make them from scratch using the best Norwegian salmon, and topped with fresh avocado and coriander.

Any plans to change or evolve the brand?
We are constantly evolving the brand but still stay true to the core, I think evolving the brand is key to its long-term success, I am constantly working on new menus and looking at trends, we rework the presentation when we add new items and look at fresh ways of displaying products. Food is a lot like fashion and you have to keep your finger on the pulse.
You have expanded to Umhlanga and now rumour has it that you are opening in Cape Town too? Does this mean tashas could go international in the foreseeable future?
We opened in Constantia Village on the 14th of April. I would love to expand the brand internationally but I think it’s a bit premature; we are still young and have great plans for the brand in South Africa.
For more information on your nearest tashas café visit www.tashas.co.za

According to South Africa’s Number One sports aficionado, Johan Rupert, his icon, Jody Scheckter, never received the full recognition he deserved in his country of birth, largely because Scheckter’s reign as World Champion came before the advent of local television. However, whatever impact Scheckter made in ‘top gear’, which may have eluded the South African public in the 70s, clearly did not escape the discerning eye of international observers. A young Englishman, Jeremy Clarkson, currently the most noticed man on the planet in terms of his own association with fast moving cars, was on his first visit to Silverstone in 1973, when Scheckter recklessly caused a colossal car pile-up. Clarkson acknowledged that it is precisely to witness the thrill of such spectacular collisions, that the public attends the Grand Prix. Thus Jody’s “mother of all crashes” instilled a love – firstly for high risk Scheckter and secondly for the high octane sport.

When six years later Scheckter won the British Grand Prix other influential British racing stalwarts became converts. Thus it comes as no surprise that it is a British Top Gear initiative to pay belated homage to South Africa’s King of Kyalami.

What is more ironic is how unaware South Africa is about the extent to which our modest World Champion’s entrepreneurial skill exceeds his genius behind the wheel. Scheckter was born driven, but also dyslexic, an affliction he shares with many high achievers – Winston Churchill and Richard Branson to name a couple – arguably contributing towards their enduring ability to overcome life’s obstacles. Scheckter divulged to me on the eve of a World Cup, that he has always been motivated by a fear of failure rather than the will to win. And as a consistent winner, the only dream not yet fulfilled was his desire to become a professional tennis player, which he attempted immediately after his F1 retirement. With his typical dedication to hard work, Scheckter moved to Monte Carlo and started to spend six hours a day training with whichever ex and current champion tennis player from Borg to Becker, he could prevail upon to practise with. His benchmark of whether he was ready to join the circuit was to challenge ex-South African Number One, Abe Segal, to a match on hotel magnate Sol Kerzner’s tennis court in Cape Town. When it became apparent Scheckter wasn’t going to beat Segal in a month of Sundays, pro tennis fell off his destined agenda – although he continues to religiously play a pro on his own court every Sunday.

It was while in Monte Carlo, browsing through a trade magazine advertising the manufacture of laser bullets at a tennis club, that Scheckter found his next calling – Firearms and Technology Synthesis. His primary intent being to sell bullets back to South Africa where they seemed to be in big demand. Unimpressed with factory premises in the UK, he took a calculated risk in setting up a brand new company, FATS in Atlanta, Georgia, targeting the American military agencies. In the embryonic stages of this venture, one of the US government agencies made the mistake of copying Scheckter’s product and in an epic case, epitomising David (the fledgling FATS company) taking on Goliath (the full might of the American military) Jody with brilliant backing from his wife, Claire, won against overwhelming odds. They capitalised on their then monopoly, selling exclusively to the US Navy, Army and Air Force, simultaneously gaining enormous respect from a host of local senators.

After a decade in America and having reached pole position at FATS, Scheckter was revved up, restless and ready to return to England, to break new ground once again. At a stage when most sane people would have been content to put on the brakes and count “bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover”, Scheckter instead decided to breed countless varieties of animals for organic food production on the lush grounds of Laverstoke Park, the site of the original mill producing paper for the British Pound.

But Laverstoke for Scheckter has always represented a passion, rather than a license to print money: Collecting ‘Silverbacks’ maybe – “but consolidating ‘greenbacks’ has never been a motivating force and I have repeatedly told my elder sons Toby and Thomas” – intent on following in their father’s F1 footsteps – “that I would pay them whatever they believed they might earn at pit stops if they simply gave up racing and it’s inevitable pitfalls,” remarks Jody.

And how does one progress from laser bullets to organic food? Certainly a year too many of consuming American junk food would be enough to propel any self-respecting health fanatic to subscribe to the return towards uncontaminated food. Scheckter, with first-hand experience of Ferrari engines functioning best on high quality fuel, wanted to raise his burgeoning family on the highest quality food money could buy and when a World Champion signals a lifestyle change, the rest of the world changes gear. In less than a decade, Scheckter, having consulted every agricultural manual and organic farming expert he could track down, has established what is now recognised as one of the most sought after organic sources in England.

With a butcher shop at Laverstoke selling the brand and another pending in Twickenham, Scheckter’s organic formula apparently appeals to top sportsmen fine tuning their own fuel intake. Another ex-F1 champion, Jacky Stewart, sends his chauffeured Rolls-Royce down to Hampshire every weekend to stock up on Laverstoke meat and mozzarella. Of all the prize winning species Scheckter has imported, his current pet project is a herd of 2 000 Asian Buffalos and his unique initiative to create Buffalo Milk ice cream – typically outdoing even his Italian gelato rivals and taking the English gourmet market by storm.

Even the Top Gear team have lapped up the ice cream concept and presented Scheckter with a state of the art ice cream truck boasting the Laverstoke crest, a high octave bell and a jaguar engine. The truck’s first pit stop was the VIP lounge at Kyalami, where Scheckter briefly responded to Clarkson’s magnanimous gift:
“I think you are honouring the wrong man here tonight, but I thank you and I will park my ice cream van right next to my Ferrari!” An indication of how his feats beyond the chequered flag mean as much as the indelible skid marks he has left on the track.

The cat, the mountain, lighthouse, sexy girl and tree are recurring themes in your art. What is their significance?
I have been asked this question many a time and the answer is that there is no meaning or significance. I see something, I like it and then I sketch it and if it works I paint it.

Your work has been classified in the “neo pop art” genre. How do you interpret “neo pop art” and what for you, are the main ingredients?
I try to steer clear of art labels, specifically to movements and or art. I would prefer to make such a massive impact one day, that a movement is named after me. I’m not sure at all what Neo Pop means. New Pop perhaps, or Singularly Unique Pop. My main ingredient, excuse the pun, is to take pages out of books of famous artists, visionaries, and successful businessmen and create my own recipe. Once that has been formulated then teach it.

How do you feel about South African art and its evolution in a post activist society?
I just came back from a six country, 12 city visit of Europe and am very excited. Europeans are so much more deeply cultured in art. They ooze with knowledge of art and culture. South Africa has been good to me, but my clients are 75 percent European. South African art has its place and it’s fortunately or unfortunately going to stay where it is and what it is. Artists are slowly educating the public with the masses of high quality art produced, both commercial and academic. Deep down inside I feel someone, if there is someone responsible, is not doing enough to get South Africans out of first gear and into second gear culturally and artistically. It will happen one day. William Kentridge and Marlene Dumas are putting us on the map, but that someone needs to be found.

You are extremely business savvy, is there ever any conflict between the artist and the businessman?

Yes all the time. Every second and every thought. My mind is 10 years ahead of what I produce. I come with a creative idea and my business mind kicks in and that kills most of my ideas and concepts. Business is a reality, you need to do commerce in order to make money, in order to live and feed yourself and family. Art and creativity are dangerous luxuries. If you can get the two to balance on a scale, as I have, then you have found the main ingredient to becoming a successful artist. It’s about business.

I have a big vision to build seven buildings across the world under the Richard Scott Art Foundation. You reap what you sow.
A self-confessed “Scottaholic”, successful entrepreneur Carl Smyth has invested a substantial amount on acquiring Richard Scott’s art. He personally owns every Richard Scott painting in his collection. The Carl Smyth Collection – his “destination gallery” which was opened last year at Eden on the Bay in Blouberg, Cape Town – highlights the distinct character and beauty of the art by complementing it with exquisite surroundings. Carl does not only believe in the aesthetic beauty of Richard’s art, but also in the value it will return for those who make an investment in it. Carl’s gallery currently displays the works of three artists, ensuring that exclusive attention can be given to the promotion of these select few.

To book an appointment to view Carl’s Collection, visit www.thecarlsmythcollection.com or contact The Carl Smyth Collection on +27 73 915 8897.

www.richardscott.com

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One school of thought describes an image consultant as a professional who specialises in helping others improve their visual, verbal and non-verbal communication.

Successful Outcomes, established in 2008, was born out of Emma and Laura’s passion for empowering and encouraging others to be their best. It is where women learn how to get what they want from qualified mentors.

Emma is a free spirited individual who thrives on creativity. “Being creative brings joy into my life and keeps me stimulated,” says Emma.
When she is not dishing out advice on how to be your best, she likes to spend time with family and friends, watching a movie, reading a good book or supporting the Blue Bulls. Emma loves to shop and was dubbed “The Shopasaurus” by her family and she’s proud of her title.
“My greatest extravagance is clothes. There is nothing better than wearing a beautifully designed garment cut from plush fabric and tailored to perfection,” says Emma.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Communication and Marketing degree, a Masters degree of International Business and Marketing and she graduated from the London Image Institute with her Foundation and Executive image qualifications.

“I have always wanted to work in a field where I can ‘pay it forward’ to others and image consulting enables me to do this.”
According to Emma and Laura, they were once just part of the crowd. This was neither a good nor a bad thing. But this was not what they wanted. They wanted to run their own company, meet the men of their dreams, be wealthy, live the lifestyle they most desired and be afforded really great opportunities that they just weren’t getting by blending in.
So how did they get more?

They studied through internationally renowned institutions under the best business coaches, communication experts and fashion and image consultants to learn the knowledge, tools and tips to enable them to get what they wanted.

And now they’ve created a programme, specifically for women, to help women get what they want.

Successful Outcomes is introducing an innovative residential image programme, a first of its kind in South Africa. The week long course will provide clients with the knowledge, tools and tips to synergise their appearance, behaviour and communication so that they know how to dress their best, converse eloquently and perform at their peak.
“When people seize their dreams, magic happens,” says Emma.
It is most rewarding for Emma and Laura to meet beautiful people who are courageous enough to take the step to grasp their successful outcome.
Laura believes that Successful Outcomes has the ability to enable clients from all walks of life to realise that image consulting is not only an outward approach but a channel to openly acknowledge and communicate one’s self-worth. Her job gives her the opportunity to learn about various cultures and personalities, something Laura thoroughly enjoys.

“I love the challenge of unlocking the ‘aha’ moment for everyone as people begin to share their thoughts and express their desires,” says Laura. This information is then used to positively change a person’s life.

Laura’s most memorable event in 2010 occurred during a consultation when single mother, Simone, experienced her magical ‘aha’ moment. Post her style and colour consultation and wardrobe audit, Simone realised that image consulting is so much more than the clothes you wear (as so many people often think) but rather the channel that enabled her to acknowledge and express “Oh my God! I am actually beautiful!” for possibly the first time ever. This particular moment touched Laura because she realised that Successful Outcomes has the ability to grant this wish to so many other beautiful women.

Laura successfully graduated from The South African Image Academy with her Foundation and Executive image qualifications. Before co-founding Successful Outcomes, Laura worked in the IT industry managing large corporate accounts. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Management and Marketing, Training, Project Management and numerous IT qualifications.

Laura’s vision is to internationalise Successful Outcomes by further developing the image industry using their unique residential image programme.

“I hope to bring to life the freedom and enjoyment of each client’s personal journey.”

Laura enjoys spending her free time dancing Latin American and Ballroom, walking her dogs and spending time with family and friends.

Until you take the step to meet them, Successful Outcomes have said it before and they’ll say it again…The best thing you can wear is a smile!
Visit www.successfuloutcomes.co.za

I once asked golf icon, Gary Player, whether he felt somehow cheated in the sense that as a South African, despite acquiring nine major golf titles (three on British soil), the one award that could never be bestowed upon him would be a knighthood from the Queen. His reply was that on the contrary, the greatest award he could ever wish for was to be nominated as Sportsman Of The Century in his country of birth.

Another patriot of note, Winston Churchill, arguably the greatest British leader of all time, initially refused a knighthood from the Queen on the principle there would be no merit attached when after winning the war, the British people promptly and unceremoniously booted him out of No 10.

Sol Kerzner, a Polish immigrant’s son from humble Johannesburg origins, should probably have been voted in as South Africa’s first Minister of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment after creating an oasis in a volcanic crater –  “Sun City”, the recreational modern day equivalent of Camelot that has become one of the most sought after tourist and sporting destinations on the African subcontinent. Instead Kerzner is becoming a Knight Commander of the British Empire of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George for his contribution to economically transforming a Caribbean island, a million miles north of Bophuthatswana.

The Bahamas before Sol was like the Ryder Cup before Seve – an isolated, if not incestuous ‘tea party’ with not enough allure and little competition. Until along came the swashbuckling Sun Kings respectively – Seve to rescue European pride in a major event – Sol to rescue an island. As Bishop Tutu put it at a recent Global Fortune Dinner hosted by Kerzner in South Africa: “I can guarantee this man a one way ticket to heaven!”

I was surprised Tutu didn’t add: “Meanwhile we’re sending him one way to Haiti!” – because there is nobody better qualified at reconstructing an island in disrepair than Sol Kerzner. Before him, tycoons Donald Trump and Merv Griffin had both failed in ambitious attempts to kick start hotels in the Bahamas. For as the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, RT Honorable Hubert Ingraham, later confirmed at this same dinner, Sol has built two bridges to link Paradise Island to the Bahamian mainland to make it more accessible. He has removed drug dealers and criminals from acres of previously debauched beachfront and restored these to a pristine condition. He has given the main port, Nassau, a complete facelift and restored national pride by creating jobs for 8 000 Bahamians with his colossal three Phase “Atlantis” hotel and Aquarium project. Basically Kerzner has breathed life back into a flagging member of the commonwealth, or in mythological terms, uplifted a nation at sea.

It is for this that he is being knighted by her majesty Queen Elizabeth and not for his unequivocal contribution to South African Tourism, nor for being the largest contributor to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. This should dispel any pervading sense of scepticism about how one can crawl all the way up to red carpet recognition, simply by dishing out gargantuan donations in the right royal direction.

Thus Kerzner’s knighthood is a fitting tribute in a year in which he has just celebrated his 75th birthday, on a boat from Rome to Nice, on a day commemorating victory at The Battle of Britain.  Never have so many owed so much limelight, to just one Sun King:  A host of luminaries from Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole, KC and the Sunshine Band, all of  whom had appropriately serenaded the official opening of Atlantis in the Bahamas and Dubai – to Naomi Campbell, Joan Collins, Johan Rupert and the Duchess of York were on board. In the absence of Nelson Mandela – a regular visitor to the Sun King’s archipelagos, Zelda Le Grange, the former president’s personal assistant, read out a letter to Sol from Mandela, adding that, “There are few people Madiba, in his frail state, would get up for at any hour of the day or night to see but Sol Kerzner is definitely one of them”.

This is perhaps some compensation for not having received an official Medal of Honour from a Head of State in one’s own country, despite countless international awards. It is worth noting that there are less than a handful of South Africans, who have received a knighthood, to the extent debate rages amongst baffled locals as to the correct terminology by which to address the man everyone simply knows reverently as “Sol”. Taking a leaf out of Madiba’s book, Sol called a few of his closest friends, including the least reverent, former South African tennis No 1, Abe Segal, to announce the good news: “I want you to know Big Boy, that from now on you’re going to have to mind your Ps and Qs!” – bearing in mind that Segal famously has never minded his Ps and Qs.

Clearly no one was more surprised by this royal accolade than Kerzner himself. He is now Sir Sol and as much as those who know him best like Segal, will tell you – “the title means little” – particularly as he has already earned himself the people’s title of “The Sun King” – so you can drop the Sir on the envelopes and invitations. However make no mistake, that physical laying on the shoulders of the sword, that acknowledgement from an authentic monarch of the realm means everything, especially to our ‘One and Only’ South African born hotelier at the pinnacle of a brilliant career, spanning not just the commonwealth, but several continents…. “Arise Sir Sol!”

The company offers tailor-made travel experiences to Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands with a concierge twist. Co-owners and managing directors, the sisters said they have always wanted to go into business together. Having both reached managerial level in their respective industries, the timing was right to try something new.

In May 2008, they launched the company in London just before the world economic recession. Born in South Africa, they spent 21 years living and working in London. Despite travellers cutting budgets due to the tight global economy, the company grew at a rapid rate. They soon became the “Girls to know” in bespoke travel to Southern Africa, thanks to their quirky name which Clare chose.

The company has an office in Tamboerskloof, Cape Town and it also operates out of London and Amsterdam.

“Travel is increasingly moving towards an internet based and automated service. We have gone against this, offering absolute customer focus ensuring that clients achieve the ultimate experience when visiting Southern Africa,” said the sisters.

Their biggest market is the honeymoon sector which makes up about 60 percent of the total business with families and couples following closely behind. Clients span the globe and the two have worked with holiday seekers from London, Hong Kong, honeymooners from Toronto and even a wedding party from Sydney.

The sisters said that they have sent many Capetonians to the Eastern Cape bush lodges and recommend quaint areas close to home such as the Cederberg, Paternoster and Roberston.

“South Africans are blessed with incredible options literally on their doorstep.”

They mention idyllic honeymoon hideaways in Mozambique, Seychelles, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius and Madikwe.

“As we are a made-to-measure travel business, each client is completely unique and has their own travel criteria to meet.”

The success of Here’s My Card is the combined hard work of Kerry and Clare who are inspired by people they have met in life and admiration for women in business. “We also admire and take inspiration from the arts, in particular architecture and interior design, photography, music and fashion.”

When asked what they would be doing were it not for this business, the sisters said they would be working together as they have a perfect working equilibrium being such close sisters. They could be in property development as they are both passionate about architecture and fine hotels.

Kerry has 10 years experience in public relations having worked with some of London’s leading brands from boutique hotels, designer shoe and fashion labels to bespoke property developers.

She has travelled extensively as part of her job which has enabled her to experience some of the sublime properties in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.  She loves the Sabi Sands and has fallen in love with Londolozi and Granite Lodge, two of the 14 camps she visited in less than two weeks last year. Other favourite travel places are Antigua in the Caribbean and the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Of her travels she said spending 10 days on a catamaran sailing down the Grenadines with friends, swimming with dolphins has been her best experience. The worst was being five feet away from a rhino on a stubborn horse who refused to back up. She also fainted in the lobby of a five-star hotel in Johannesburg during a site inspection.

Kerry loves shoes and when she is not working, she plays golf, samples new and funky restaurants and watches ballet.

After university, Clare pursued a career in marketing for eight years in the architectural industry. She worked for leading international players in both design and real estate markets.

In all her years of travel, Clare loved spending three weeks in Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore because of its diversity, service and amazing food. Other locations she has travelled to include San Francisco and Santa Barbara in the US as they remind her of Cape Town.  Her best travel experience is arriving at one of SA’s luxurious safari lodges after a very long dusty day to be greeted with a glass of champagne and a hot bubble bath.

The worst experience for her was getting lost in the souk in Morocco. She cannot live without the internet, it is a minefield of information she said. She relaxes with cooking, cleaning and washing.

Both sisters are passionate about giving back to the community and have aligned themselves with several charities.

“With a positive attitude and strong determination, we have grown tremendously and are pleased with our success so far.”

Check out this dynamic duo www.heresmycard.uk.com

South African sportsmen and women have set remarkable records on international playing fields. We praise our rugby, cricket and swimming pros and of course our male golfers but Natalie Hilleli discovers a new look for golf – the striking, blonde-hair, blue-eyed, 24-year-old Tandi Cunningham

Only in her early twenties, Tandi Cunningham is drawing quite a bit of attention on the golfing circuit. As reigning SA Women’s Open 2009 champ, she is expected to be a name to look out for in future international tours. She is respected in the industry as a consistent golfer and one of the straightest hitters on tour – one of the many reasons why she has recently been signed as the new brand Ambassador for Adams Golf.

Tandi is a Joburg girl born and bred and has her head screwed firmly on her shoulders, especially when it comes to her professional golf career. “It takes tenacity, confidence and patience to play golf professionally,” she remarks. “You have to be resilient, to be a strong competitor. Golf is truly a test of a player’s mind, and you have to learn to remain calm in trying moments,” says Cunningham.

Tandi’s start in golf came more from clowning around with a few of her own cut off clubs as a child, but no real interest in making the sport her life. Her father played golf and told her she had a good basic golf swing, but it was only when Tandi was 14 and her father unfortunately passed away that she decided to take his clubs and get more involved in golf. “I have quite good natural ability and the game caught on. Before I knew it, I was hooked!”

In 2001, Tandi met the man who would change her life forever both professionally and personally – her future husband Paul Cunningham, a golfer himself. Tandi met Paul when she was 15 and helping a friend with his golf skills at a local driving range. Paul was eavesdropping on her conversation with her friend explaining the game. “I couldn’t help myself,” comments Paul, “I was interested to see how this young girl was going to teach the game, so I asked her how she had learnt about the game. She quite cheekily replied that her dad had been a three handicap and that who was I to question her anyway? I told her that I was a tour, junior and senior provincial player, who was now coaching at this range.” Tandi was embarrassed and tried to make up for it by asking Paul to help her friend with his game, which he did. “I have never seen such raw untapped talent, and knew that with a bit of refinement she could be a future golfing star. I gave her my business card and asked her to give me a call if ever she needed some help.”

Although it took her eight months to finally contact Paul and start lessons with him, once she did she became very dedicated and her future in the game was becoming evident. Her bond with Paul grew stronger and they developed a great friendship. “I eventually decided to combine my final two years of school and finish them via correspondence course. This gave me the freedom to practice whenever I wanted and time to catch up to the girls my age who had gained experience in the Junior Foundation,” Tandi recalls. “I played professional events as an amateur to gain experience and also played events overseas before turning pro. That gave me the experience to then go to the Ladies European Tour School in order to compete for my privileges to play overseas.”

“I truly love the game of golf, and I am spoilt because I get to do so much travelling. I have experienced many cultures, food and ways of life,” says Tandi about one of her greatest passions. “Apart from travel I love golf because of the mental and emotional challenges it presents.” Tandi has certainly proven that she is up for the challenges that come with her professional golfing career and showed that to the industry and its supporters when she won the South African Open in 2009. “It was my first win as a Pro in only my third tournament. I broke three records in achieving this feat.”

With youth on her side she is set to have a long career in professional golf and has the goals to keep her on the right path. She aims to achieve the highest honours in the game – world number one in the LPGA and be entered into the Golf Hall of Fame. Even after retiring she still plans to be active in the industry. “Golf is still one of the fastest growing sports in the country in the world and shows no signs of slowing down.” – And neither does Tandi.

Rapelang and her two colleagues Wilter du Toit and Lungisa Matshoba, then 23 years old, founded Yeigo Communications shortly after completing their studies at the University of Cape Town. She graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor in Business Science majoring in finance and an Honours in Computer Science.

Yeigo specialises in the development, implementation, deployment and marketing of software-based communications solutions that take full advantage of convergence trends within the mobile arena.

TelFree takes the four most popular means of communication and combines them into a single application where one can access everything at once. The four have a unified single platform referred to as Calls where TelFree provides a single global call rate to anywhere in the world for the same price, she explains.

When Yeigo launched in 2007, it was among the first companies worldwide to offer Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services for cellphones. Asked about the relationship between Yeigo and TelFree Group, she says “This partnership brought the latest unified communication solutions for mobile phones, pioneering carrier-grade telecoms infrastructure on par with the incumbent operators, locally and internationally”.

Rapelang is very passionate about Yeigo and what it has achieved and says that her role remains to continue with the delivery of cutting-edge mobile technology. At TelFree, she assists in utilising Yeigo’s technology within the broader telecoms environment for the benefit of the group.

Always busy and on the run, she says, given her two important jobs, she has yet to attain a complete work-life balance. However, this is a decision she made consciously to relinquish for a few years in order to establish the success of what TelFree is doing.

Like many young companies, she says life does not follow a typical day, telecoms and technology move fast making it hard to tell what will grab her attention on that day. Rapelang is yet to find balance between her work and life and has received acknowledgement from the industry thanks to Yeigo’s innovative technology. In 2007, she was selected as an Endeavour Entrepreneur and was a finalist in the BBQ Young Business Achiever Award.

She attended Roedean School in Johannesburg and passed Matric with seven distinctions and went on to study at the University of Cape Town. She assumed leadership roles in the Commerce Students Council and Young Women in Finance.

Her strong leadership abilities led to her selection to attend a number of leadership conferences with companies such as Accenture, Unilever and Edcon. She also completed internships and vacation programmes with Deloitte, JPMorgan and Business Beat before graduating in 2005.

Although she has achieved so much since her graduation, she says there is always room to improve and challenges to deal with, especially in her industry.

South Africa still has slow telecoms deregulation processes when compared to its African counterparts such as Uganda. We have finally seen the regulator remedy, the absurd reality where new operators such as TelFree had to pay a wholesale rate of R1.25 to terminate calls to the incumbent operators while the incumbent operators pay a retail rate to business customer for less than R1. This makes it difficult for new entrants to compete because of the high costs of telecoms in this country, she says.

Another major limitation has been access to quality international bandwidth from South Africa and this is still being addressed with the new undersea cable, Seacom. “We are in a position to change how people, particularly in developing countries communicate such as MzansiSMS project.”

Through her work, she wants disadvantaged communities to be touched by the benefits of communication and mobile technology. She believes that the mobile phone will be the key to the advancement of many people in the continent and one such initiative is the mobile learning platform called EduMandla.

“By making information and learning available on the mobile phone, many lives would be improved through education.” She lives in an apartment right in the centre of the Cape Town, which is easily accessible to all places. When not working, she visits the amazing wine routes in Cape Town and reads a lot of business and inspirational books. She cannot live without internet access of some sort, mobile phone and TelFree on her phone.

Asked if there is anything she could change about her life, she says she would decide to live with less fear, as this takes something away from us.