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.... ;-)