The Black Swan... 2014

  Black on flat water past the jonquil lawns

       Riding, the black swan draws

  A private chaos warbling in its wake,

  Assuming, like a fourth dimension, splendor   

  That calls the child with white ideas of swans   

       Nearer to that green lake

    Where every paradox means wonder.
Though the black swan’s arched neck is like   

       A question-mark on the lake,

  The swan outlaws all possible questioning:   

  A thing in itself, like love, like submarine   

  Disaster, or the first sound when we wake;

       And the swan-song it sings

    Is the huge silence of the swan.

….  by James Merrill

Scatterlings of Africa ... Baba Buntu

Johnny Clegg reminds us:
"We are scatterlings of Africa
Both you and I
We are on the road to Phelamanga
Beneath a copper sky
And we are scatterlings of Africa
On a journey to the stars"


" The biggest challenge is to get people to believe that they can"
- Baba Buntu

What is it about Africa that is so powerful? How do we change the branding of Africa as needy, helpless and dependent? How do we "de-colonize"? Some of the questions posed to Baba in our interview about sustainability through community work and the awakening of social entrepreneurship and the African soul in our country. 

Baba also shared information about Kwanzaa, a celebration based on traditional African harvest festivals. The opening ceremony will take place at Educational Programmes Centre in Malvern on 26 December 2013. There will also be a number of other activities to mark this year's theme: "Owning Our Land - Knowing Our Selves".

See updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/266318763409893/ or the eBukhosini's website: www.ebukhosinisolutions.co.za
 
Baba Amani Olubanjo Buntu is a consultant, lecturer, writer and ­activist-mentor with more than 25 years experience in youth, ­organisation and community work

To listen to the show, just click play:



Thought for the day

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit our brand new website: istart2.com

Hamba Kahle ... Tribute to Nelson Mandela

We pay tribute to Nelson Mandela with songs, personal stories and memorable moments:

"His legacy will live for a long long time and be aspired to by many many people" - Geoff Rothschild - Patron of the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital Trust, the Head of Government and International Affairs at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and its former chairman

"We felt him. We touched him" - Yvonne Chaka Chaka - The Princess of Africa, musical icon

"Let the angels have their wings over his body and family and the world and bring the world to a peaceful world"- Pops Mohamed - Celebrated musical legend and iStart2 Ambassador

"Madiba is my father and my guide on so many things" - PJ Powers - South African Musical icon

"I met him in Japan ... it was the first time I held his hand" - Jonas Gwangwa - Oscar nominee, Emmy Award Winner for Cry Freedom and iStart2 Patron

"Mandela leaves a revolutionary legacy of a nonracial South Africa which is able to reconcile with its past" - Solly Mapaila - Deputy General Secretary of the South African Communist Party and former  Umkhonto weSizwe cadre.

"When he was going to be released we bought two suits for him from the Council of Churches" - Malindy Myeza - Community Leader and iStart2 Patron


Hamba Kahle Madiba!

To listen to the show and tribute songs by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Jonas Gwangwa and Brenda Fassie, just click play:




Thought for the Day

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit our brand new website: istart2.com

Mime or Meme ... ???

An act of silence ... ?

“Please forgive me, but what I was doing, I was doing what I believe is my calling, I was doing what I believe makes a difference to the country,” Jantjie

Ballade vir Madiba ... Gavin van den Berg, Shareen Swart, Kaz McFadden

Vreemde nag.
Skarlaken nag.
Koerantpapiere, baksteenmure, Neon nag.
Sirenes onder 'n donker maan.
Nag na nag.
Mens na mens.
Donker nagte, onverwagte.
Skadufigure.
En elkeen is uiteindelik.
Enkeling, vreemdeling, verstoteling rug gedraai op die ligtekring.
Agterstevoor, onderstebo.
Vreemdeling, enkeling alleen.
Agterstevoor, onderstebo.
Vreemdeling, enkeling alleen.
- Richard van der Westhuizen

  Old ballads never die! Our hero Nelson Mandela will never die ...he will live on in our hearts ... he will always live on through all South Africans embracing the values he immersed into our beautiful country.

This week on the iStart2 Show we asked two actors, Gavin van den Berg & Shareen Swart, from one of the most popular Afrikaans television series, Ballade vir n Enkeling, screened back in the Apartheid years (1987) to reflect on the past and to focus on the challenges facing actors today. Kaz McFadden, a young actor known for roles in 7de Laan, Egoli and Villa Rosa, joined us to reflect on sustainability in the arts industry. 

Jacques Rynhardt & Meisie Moolman. Remember?

 

Messages to President Nelson Mandela:

Gavin van den Berg: "You will be with me in spirit forever"
Shareen Swart: "I thank you for giving us a legacy of reconcilliation"
Kaz McFadden: " I hope there are many more like you Mr Mandela"

To listen to the show just click play:




Thought for the Day: 

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit our brand new website: istart2.com

Africa for Africans ... Nomsa Mazwai

"Sustainability is Life" - Nomsa Mazwai on the iStart2 Show

Through Emthonjeni Arts, her "baby"and an artists' residency in the rural town of Hamburg, she aims to help with the economic regeneration of the small community. 

Mazwai was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 2010, won a SAMA award and was nominated as one of the 200 Top Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian this year. She also had the honour of  giving a presentation to the United Nations on behalf of South Africa on how to engage young people in the Millennium Development Goals.

Nomsa Mazwai starts2!
"iStart2 think about a future that is positive ... amazing ...
 something to look forward too"

We chatted to this energetic entrepreneur about the Peace Concert in Jo'burg at the Maboneng Precinct on 3 December @Zen, Emthonjeni Arts and her views on sustainability through community upliftment.

The Africa for Africans network and The Festival au Desert partnership will be a melting pot of arts engagements, opening of new markets, collaborations and dialogues at a two-week long residency programme at the Emthonjeni Arts centre in Hamburg, South Africa from 3 – 16 December, 2013.

“It is in celebration of Africa that we are hosting this collaboration of Mali and South Africa, in particular the Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape. Africans will come together to create magic! Because Africa is magical”, says Mazwai

To listen to the show and the song "Africa" by Salif Keita, just click play.



Thought for the Day:

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit our brand new website: istart2.com

'n Nuwe Land, 'n Nuwe Mens ... Bianca le Grange

"I love Afrikaans - die taal - I am proudly South African. I choose positivity and life" - Bianca le Grange

One of South Africa's busiest female superstars, Bianca le Grange is an accomplished musician who's talent was showcased to millions around the country through SA Pop Idols 2002.

This sassy, sexy and gorgeous singer, pianist, violinist and actress now runs her own business, appears frequently in popular musical theater, guest presents on television and actively supports young talent with her social responsibility projects. In addition to committed training and mass media exposure, Bianca applies her acting, singing and song writing skills to a variety of lucrative roles – corporate gigs, session recording, musicals, television appearances. 

                 Bianca Starts2 ... with Pops Mohamed (iStart2 Ambassador)

"Together we want to write and record a fresh track with all the elements from the ancient past, the present and the future ... and do that for iStart2"

We chat to Bianca about her song contribution to the iStart2 Compilation cd (and she is going to play an important part in the build-up to the TV series), her view on sustainability issues in the world, her role in Blood Brothers currently running at Monte Casino ... and much more.

To listen to a podcast of the show and a song from her latest cd 'n Nuwe land, 'n nuwe mens" (A new country, a new person) just click play below



Thought for the day:

Willam Shakespeare: If Music be the food of love ... play on.

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

StrussBob ... Tshepo Phologane

StrussBob is an African street culture brand (pronounced Stroes bob) and is a South African colloquial phrase meaning – “The Promise of Truth”. StrussBob is a universally recognised street term representing a promise of truth. StrussBob is known as one of the leading street brands in South Africa and prides itself in being born and bred on the streets of South Africa.

Tshepo starts 2!
"iStart2 be different. Different is interesting" 

StrussBob is a street style brand that prides itself in being born and bred on the streets of South Africa. Our aim is to elevate African street culture to top global status and build a brand that resonates with the youth of Africa and beyond. StrussBob is a representative of African street culture and aims to make a positive contribution in shaping youth identity and aspirations.

We chat to Tshepo Mosa Phologane (Designer & Photographer) who intends to bring StrussBob to the forefront of South African urban fashion and to restore pride in African culture. StrussBob is proud to be AFRICAN.



To listen to a podcast of the show just click play:

Thought for the Day:

The Photograph

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

Across the Universe ... Dan Schreiber

” I love Tea, bamboo, lotus, nature, people, water, architecture, the sun and open minds. I travel and share earth and soil regeneration ‘technologies’ , seeds, tools and ways of harmonic interaction. ” - Dan Schreiber

All the way from Byron Bay, Australia, Dan joined us in the studio on Monday.  He is a gardener, visionary, father, inspirational storyteller, speaker and lecturer, a professional photographer, videographer and multimedia producer. He is a self-taught herbal healer, ecologist and landscape gardener with a forte for creative direction and vision.

Dan Starts 2!

Dan Schreiber chatted to us about "Growing Life", including growing local economies, food, housing materials, medicine and fuel. He describes this as the future of farming, quantum agriculture and the next level of Permaculture. 

He is incredibly well versed on the subject of the planet, earth and soil regeneration 'technologies', seeds, tools and ways of harmonic interaction. He travels around the world to share his  knowledge about organic plant growth enhancers which are on the cutting edge of increasing plant and soil biota health to support the flowering of human awareness via vibrational nutrition. Dan’s most recent direction is exploring systems of perpetual renewal and designing human interfaces to enable harmonic human communication, relationship and custodianship of the natural world.

To listen to the show, just click play below:



Thought of the day:

Growing life

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

One Love, Ngoma ... Keitu Gwangwa & Empress Tallowah

Refreshing and inspiring to have two beautiful artists on the iStart2 Show - a Sangoma and a Rastafarian sharing their views on sustainability and healing. Two women who are passionately living different lifestyles but are united in their quest to promote indigenous traditional African music, art and heritage preservation. 

Keitu Gwangwa, has throughout her life explored various arts disciplines with success, has performed in several countries abroad and continues to work with icons and artists to promote African culture and heritage. As director of Ndebi Creations she aims to blend activism and art in encouraging pride in Africans for our history and identity. Keitu talks to us about her life as a sangoma and shatters some of the myths and preconceptions people have about what it means to be a sangoma.

Tallowah and Keitu start 2

Our Rasta Sista, Empress Tallowah, studied at the National School of Arts where she specialised in drama. Being Rastafarian was more a calling than a choice. Tallowah sees Rastafari more as a way of life rather than a religion but she embraces other religions. Tallowah's message is one of love and greatness. She believes: " We are all great and we need to remember, accept and apply this philosophy in our own lives"

( Note to self: So important that our youth learn about the wonderful diversity and different lifestyles of all people in our country) To listen to the show and some rhythmic music by Bob Marley and Thandiswa Mazwai just click play:



Thought for the day:

Healing Hands

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

Colourful ... Carel Ballack

As Ombudsman of SESSA (Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa), Carel Ballack mediated complaints on Solar Thermal installations. He also kept himself busy with project identification, research into the renewable energy industry and giving feedback to the broader industry on business opportunities and growth opportunities for small business & entrepreneurs. Carel recently joined the Copper Development Association Africa.

"Start2 be more aware of what is happening around you"

 Carel Ballack on the iStart2 Show

We asked him to join us on the iStart2 Show to give advice to those of us who plan to become more energy efficient. Carel also offered some good ideas on the issue of Solar energy. 

If you are interested to find out:

- How does a solar geyser work?

- How much electricity can one save by replacing your geyser with a solar geyser?

- Solar geysers are very expensive. How long does it take it to pay it off from the electricity savings?
- What are the funding options for those who want to make a difference but do not have the money to buy it? I heard the Eskom rebate programme has been stopped - is this true. If no, how does it work?

- What were the typical problems that you encountered when you were the Ombudsman of SESSA?

- Where can listeners get more information if they are interested in buying a solar geyser?
.... then all you have to do is click play below and listen to our show.



Thought for the day: 

"The Road less Traveled"

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

Diphororo (Waterfall) - Jonas Gwangwa

"Music is life" - Dr Jonas Gwangwa on the iStart2 show (21 October 2013).

 Dr Jonas Gwangwa starts 2!

Dr Jonas Gwangwa was born in Orlando East in Soweto almost exactly 76 years ago. As a young man he electrified the famous Sophiatown music scene. He left the country in 1961  after touring with the musical KING KONG. He ventured to the United States to further his education at New York’s prestigious Manhattan School of Music and worked under the patronage of musical legend Harry Belafonte. Later Jonas joined forces with George Fenton to create the original score and theme song for the much heralded Richard Attenborough film, "Cry Freedom". The score achieved Oscar, Grammy Bafta, Golden Globe and Anthony Asquith award nominations and won Ivor Novello and Black Emmy Awards.

One of the many highlights of his career was performing at the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute concert in Wembley Stadium and to see Mr Mandela become the first President of a free South Africa. His lifework crystallised when he served as composer, arranger and musical director of "Amandla", the much acclaimed worldwide ANC cultural ensemble tour to which he devoted ten years of his life.

Jonas Gwangwa is a very humble man. He cares deeply about his family, indigenous music,  our country and the future sustainability of musicians and artists. It is indeed a great privilege to honour one of the greatest sons of Africa as an icon of the iStart2 Movement.

To listen to the interview with Dr Jonas Gwangwa and his songs Cry Freedom and Diphororo, just click play:



Thought for the day:
"In time, we shall be in a position to bestow on South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face" - Steve Biko

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

Too young to die ... Raymond Rampolokeng

"We have to take action to preserve the earth for future generations" - Raymond Rampolokeng, a man who makes bird watching sexy and appealing. He will entice you to take out your binoculars and enjoy the sounds, flight and sights of Soweto's feathered friends. He'll even take you to climb Enoch Sontonga Hill overlooking Orlando Dam and the colourful Two Towers. He might even convince you to be brave enough to do a bungy jump with him. 

A young man who takes pride in training and capacitating the local community on biodiversity and ecological awareness with an emphasis on heritage and eco tourism. His warm personality, kind heartedness, passion about bird life and knowledge about Soweto make him the right guy to take you on that township trip you have always wanted to do. This guy is all about changing mindsets and really giving you an experience to take the spirit of the people of Soweto home with you.

The words of Raymond's favourite song by Jamiroquai echoed in my mind after the interview. Let's rather build bridges in this beautiful country of ours. Raymond surely does.

"Everybody
Don't want no war,
'Cos we're too young to die,
So many people,
All around the world,
Seen their brothers fry.
What's the motive?
In your madness.
You've made my people cry.
So politicians this time
Keep your distance.
'Cos we're too young to die"

To listen to the show - and music by Lesley Rae Dowling and Jamiroquai - just click "play"





Thought for the day - Eco Tourism vs Ego Tourism

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za. The show is on every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

Citizen Uprising... Dr James Motlatsi

"We need people who are committed to give 4 hours a month, share their resources and share their skills" - Dr James Motlatsi on Radio Today, 7 October 2013.

My guest on the iStart2 Show this week is one of the most prominent business icons in South Africa. He played a major role in changing the face of Labour Relations in our country. Not only was he the first President of The National Union of Mineworkers but also a founding member of the Congress of South African Trade Unions.

Dr James Motlatsi starts 2!

Currently he serves as a non-executive Director of the Shanduka Group, Verimark, Executive Chairman of Teba Limited, Patron of the National Basic Education Trust and Chancellor of the Lesotho College of Education. Indeed a great honour to join hands with an inspirational guru who, together with Mr Bobby Godsell, call on all South Africans to join the Citizens Movement. Please Do it here

To listen to the show (and some great music by Jonas Gwangwa) just click play:

South African citizens taking responsibility to develop and unite our country:

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za. The show is on every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

Runaway Train ... Michelle Constant ( CEO BASA )

Multi-talented thought leader and CEO of Business & Arts South Africa lightened up the iStart2 Show this week with her views, insights and sometimes tongue-in-cheek comments about the world we live in. Michelle is a South African award winning journalist, popular Radio DJ, producer, presenter, entrepreneur, served as judge for the South African Music Awards and columnist for various magazines.

We chatted to Michelle about the kinds of censorship (and self censorship) that has grown over recent years on the South African Artist circuit, corporate thinking, investment in art and her views on sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  Art is the heart ... why is it barely mentioned in the National Development Plan - Vision 2030? An opportunity in disguise?

I left the studio feeling comfortable that we have people like Michelle influencing the landscape of Art in South Africa. Michelle struck me as a woman who knows what she wants, but she carefully weighs complex issues in her quest to find solutions for the people in an industry that so desperately need to impact the soul and moral high ground of our nation. An honour to have such a dynamic leader supporting the vision of the iStart2 initiative.

To listen to a podcast of the show ( and some great new music by the Hinds Brothers ) just click play:




Thought for the day:

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za. The show is on every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

New Website soooooooooooooooooooooooon! Watch this space.... ;-)

Nxae (Sorry) ... Luanga Choba

The reasons why Luanga Choba rates right up there on my list of South African artists is glaringly obvious. Luanga (a medical doctor by profession) is passionate about sustainability, the environment, supports entrepreneurs in waste management, authentic in her music and daring in originality. She is a pure gem! 

 

Her song "NXAE" (Setswana for "SORRY") is about how we need to say sorry for what we have done to the earth and to it's people. It is a song about forgiveness and the healing that needs to happen not only in South Africa, but also in the rest of the world. "Nxae" forms part of the iStart2 Compilation Album that will be released later this year.

While deeply connected to her roots as an African woman, Luanga’s music also reflects elements of earthy international artists like Tracy Chapman. With her distinctive sound and songs reflective of her free spirit, energy and eclectic musical sensibility, Luanga Choba has proven that she is one of the freshest acts to hit the South African entertainment landscape.  Her advice to artists entering the iStart2 Challenge is simple: “Be authentically YOU - that is your brand," says Luanga.

Luanga, Samkelo & the Umoja Dancers 

at the Istart2 Challenge Launch @ Soweto Festival

To listen to a podcast of our interview with Luanga just click 'play'



Thought for the day:

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za. The show is on every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.

iStart2 Challenge Launch at the Soweto Festival

iStart2 is an initiative that strives to provide a platform where people can take hands across boundaries and connect to create practical solutions for a sustainable future.

It's about getting involved, creating awareness and inspiring people to change their perceptions about the way we live. Wouldn't it be great to be given the opportunity to paint a new picture of what the world we live in can look like?

COUNTRY-WIDE ART COMPETITION

With this in mind iStart2 is launching an exciting national art competition open to all South Africans aged 16 – 35. The competition will accept entries in seven categories of art including music, creative writing, dance, fine arts, applied arts and design, acting and multi media.

SEVEN SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPTS

Artists are invited to express their ideas of how we can bring across the message of sustainability. The key sustainability concepts that artists are encouraged to highlight are:

• Water

• Waste

• Energy

• Health & safety

• People with Disabilities

• The Elderly

• Indigenous peoples

Finals in the competition will be held in 27 cities/towns throughout South Africa in 2014 with an event showcasing the winners.

SHOWCASE TV SERIES PLANNED

But that’s just the beginning – there’s more excitement in store! The winning entrants are headed for even greater things. A 26-episode television series is planned to showcase our young artists, enabling the public to share in every moment of their inspiring journey.

iStart2 Challenge launch at the Soweto Festival

iStart2 is partnering the organisers of the Zindala Zombili African Music and Dance Festival. The major launch of the iStart2 Challenge takes place on 21 & 22 September at the Soweto Festival in Nasrec at 13h30, Johannesburg.

Join us for a day of Dance, Music and Song. Meet our inspiring Ambassador,  Samkelo Radebe (Gold Medalist Paralympic Games, Sports Personality of 2013) .

 " I don't want to sit back and watch other people change the world for me. If I can be a part of it to make a change, I want to be a part of it" - Samkelo Radebe

 

Performing a few of her songs on Saturday 21 September at the Zindala Zombili African Music and Dance Festival, will be fresh and sensational new artist Luanga Choba. She will also perform more songs from her album 'Luanga who?" at the iStart2 launch on Sunday 22 September at 13:30. She will be joined on stage by the popular Umoja Dancers. A South African celebration!

Luanga's hit song 'Nxae' together with songs by other great artisits such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Pops Mohamed, Ntsiki Mazwai and Bianca Le Grange will form part of the iStart2 compilation CD that will be available from end October.

 

 Click for Full Program here

FOR MORE INFO VISIT www.istart2.com - new website up soon