Akhona Damane's blog

A special meeting with the top Strategy Evangelist

2011-09-09T22:21:00.001-07:00

This morning I had a fruitful meeting with one of the South African "Strategy Evangelist", Dr Glen Mansfield who has a PhD and MBA in Strategy.

Dr Mansfield has been in the strategic planning field for more than 30 years. He is also a founding member of the Strategy Institute of South Africa, www.strategyinstitute.co.za. His institute focuses on strategy research, training and consulting.

On a numerous times he trained government officials as well as corporate senior/executive managers in Strategy courses at Business Schools and Government training centre, PALAMA.

Voting panel member for IEEE African Conference 2011

2011-08-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

IEEE is hosting an African Software Conference on the 19-21 September 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa. The ACSEAC (African Conference on Software Engineering and Applied Computing) is attracting over 200 international and African delegates.

I was introduced to this conference by a prospective co-supervisor for studies, Professor Andy Bytheway, www.imbok.org. Owing to my current Studies and my Lecturing engagement, ACSEAC organisers nominated me to partake as a voting panel member for the Best Software Paper.

Visit www.acseac.org for more information.

Day 3 - GovTech conference, Durban

2010-09-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

I started my day by a walkabout around the eye-catching Moses Mabhida Stadium. Took few pictures....

A walk along the South Coast Beachfront and I was hoping to ride on a Rickshaw but they only start a little later than 09h00. I managed to put my feet on the warm Durban waters. I am not so used to such warm water as I live closer to the ice cold Blouberg beaches in Cape Town.

Then during the last day of the conference I sat in the plenary session where a KZN provincial official was presented a Digital Nerve Centre project, which was followed by a presenter that I personally want to meet. He is a professor from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Prof Shaun Pather spoke on Government for Citizens.

Day 2 - GovTech conference, Durban

2010-09-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

The day was kickstarted by real time VC interaction with the Australian Government Chief, Mr Glen Archer of the Australian IM Office. The video conference was made smooth by the Neotel's data lines and Polycom's video streaming technologies. Government 2.0 to achieve the three goals informing, engaging and participation with the citizens. Web 2.0 tools such as blogs (govspace.gov.au)

Followed by a presentation by a Canadian from OpenText who spoke on the Public Sector Social Media. Social Media in organisations is a brilliant KM tool to share tacit knowledge and collaborate to their colleagues. Their recent success story is setting up a social platform for the 2010 G20 convention in Toronto where governments, business, academia and youth in attendance interacted and collaborated on issues being discussed. Another successful social media project is the "Public Sector Without Borders" which encourages all governments to interact and collaborate on public sector issues.

My key moment was interacting with big business on how they are closing the skills gap, for instance, the recent graduates when they leave college they are work-unready and most of them struggle to catch with the work demands in the first year. There are quite a number big IT business that offer Learnerships, Internship and Training opportunities to close this gap. Let's see how far will this assist some of the recent graduates that I know - I will have to link them to these companies.

My personal contribution was at a breakaway session on "Effective Project Management in Government". I informed the delegates about the journey of Project Management Approach in the Western Cape Government and how in terms of the PM Methodology we are finding a balance between Prince2 and PMBOK. I also highlighted the biggest challenge to PMA implementation in any government, that is, residence to change. So Change Management should be a major investment in any PMA. The speaker from SITA, Ms Elize van Straten, agreed with me 100%.

Evening socialising

I ended my day by attending an MTN social party, upon invitation. I interacted with government officials and business as well as catched up with former classmates from university.

Day 1 - GovTech conference, Durban

2010-09-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

The session started late but managed to capture my attention especially with the notion by the Acting CEO and the National Minister of Public Service and Administration on turning around SITA (the South Africa's State Information Technology Agency).

Ms Ntsinde, the Acting CEO of SITA did not seem to be enthusiatic on presenting the change that she is bring to the ailing agency as she iterated that she does not want to be measured on the plans but on the action made. Among other things the turnaround strategy for SITA pointed out to three areas
(1) PRice competitiveness
(2) Supply Chain Management efficiencies, and
(3) Wiping out corruption that has dogged the agency

Dr Harold Wesso, from the Western cape's government and the architect of Cape Gateway initiative, who is now the Acting DG at Comms Dept, made a presentation on the South African move towards broadband. It is exciting how both public and private sectors have finally moved beyond the talks to push for broadband. We cannot deny that the Soccer World Cup was an impetus behind this major investment in broadband. I can't wait for the full rollout that will benefit the Government, SMME business and the ordinary citizens. Within no time we can begin to see the real eGovernment benefits to the Citizens especially the rural citizens.

I was surprised to meet a friend Dr Solomon Bhunu who presented the Presidency's Government-wide M&E framework and system. He indicated that an information system (with GIS, M&E indicator framework and BI reporting capabilities) will be developed soon to monitor and report on the performance of individual Government Departments, National and Provincial. It was interesting to meet him together with other Western Cape based delegates.

One of the presenter made a good impression on virtualisation and cloud computing for government. There is a talk and a practise on Government Cloud (g-cloud) which can be made highly secured as a VPN for all government tiers and agencies.

During the afternoon I visited the UShaka Marine World. Wow, this place is truly amazing. I will be bring my family here. Unfortunate the interesting sections such as the Aquarium were closed.

What I expect at the GovTech conference

2010-09-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I am taking a Durban flight to attend the SITA's GovTech Conference which is kickstarting tomorrow morning until Wednesday. Being my first time to attend this gathering of Government IT Managers & Specialists, I am looking forward not to learning as much as to sharing from the Western Cape's experience of the Modernisation Process of Government.

Among other things my interest is in the following areas...networking with key movers and shakers in IT/IS/IM, knowledge sharing, learning on successful running of a Project Management Office (PMO) in Government, Cloud Computing, deployment of FOSS applications such as Joomla, Business Intelligence tools, eGovernment for Citizens, ICT effiencies and effectiveness etc.

I am looking forward to this one...

In the evening I visited the Sun Coast Casino where I had my dinner.

My passion

2010-08-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

I have found my passion... lecturing and motivating University students.

Recently I have been awarded a second job which does gives me satisfaction. After I have delivered every weekly lecture I go home with a great sense of achievement, fulfulment. This time it is not about money, even though extra money is appreciated. It is about each of my 21 students who listen to me for the 3 hour slot that I have with them.

At the 3rd year level they are in the valley of decision where they face certain/uncertain future whether it registering for an Honours degree or looking for a job or starting own businesses. As much as I am a lecturer, I see myself as an advisor and facilitate to link them with possible job opportunities etc.

I am really grateful for this opportunity!

Soccer World Cup 2010

2010-08-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

South Africa has recently hosted the grandest world cup ever to be staged in Africa. Well done South Africa!

2010 Budget Speech for South Africa

2010-02-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

Again it is even more encouraging that South African government is putting money where their mouth is. Mr Gordhan through his budget speech for 2010 has reiterated the words of the President Zuma in that "green economy initiatives will create new opportunities for enterprise development, job creation and the renewal of commercial and residential environments"

Mr Gordhan after noting the challenges that climate change is posing, he on the other hand pointed out to opportunities for South Africa such as creating an environment that will "enable investment in sustainable technologies". He with the same vigour calls for "industries to be helped to manage scarce resources more efficiently and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through appropriate pricing of energy."

Green Opportunities

I believe that South Africa is doing her bit to contribute to the green economy. This is a call to local and foreign investors to reconsider opportunities in the country and in Africa in the renewable energy sector including R&D of sustainable living technologies and efficiency-driven approaches.

President's speech

2010-02-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

Two things that may be of much interest to the Green Community from the South African Presidential State of the Nations Address last Thursday.

Firstly, he highlighted that his administration over 2010 will create green jobs.

I quote his words..."Our Industrial Policy Action Plan and our new focus on green jobs, will build stronger and more labour absorbing industries." I still need to familiarise myself the Industrial Policy Action Plan that he is refering to. This is encouraging as the whole world need to make progress in terms of building an economy that is less carbon-intensive.

Secondly, he also promised to create an enabling environment for the IPP's (Independent Power Producers) as opposed to one ESKOM monopolised approach. This is good news for both local and foreign investors who have for so many years tried to penetrate the renewable energy sector in South Africa but the legislative framework has not been supportive.

Happy New Year, 2010!

2010-01-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

As a proud South African I am ready to welcome visitors to the "Mother Land" for the FIFA Soccer World Cup. It is exciting!

I wish everyone a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2010.

Ntombi is a model too!

2009-07-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

My wife was invited to partake in a demo make-up makeover session.

See the new Ntombi:-

http://www.realwomenmakeup.com/inspire_makeovers.html

Watch the space for more action!!!!!!!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year. 2009 looks promising for South Africa & the rest of the world. As RSA is bracing herself for the 4th democratic elections, we all anticipate a good balance in the polical leadership and opposition (as Obama shown us in 2008 that change is possible). 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup in South Africa is just over 500 days away, and 2009 will see us hosting the Confederation Cup. Hopefully Zimbabwe and other neighbours will find political and economical solutions in 2009. We have confidence that Mr President Obama will push to resolve some of the world challenges - economic crunch, peace - lead the renewable energy revolution and contributing positively to climate change resolutions. Happy, peaceful and prosperous 2009!

Airshow in Cape Town

2008-09-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Excellent display of South African military aircrafts including fighter jets...

more pics....

more...

and

A visit to Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve

2008-09-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

On the 5-7 September, my extended family, my family and I visited and lodge at Kagga Kamma, which is located near the Cederberg mountains. The whole trip, the scenary was refreshing. Driving more than 70km's on gravel road reminded me of the former Transkei region with the mountainside roads. Hikes, Snow, Animals - boks, Bushmen's ancient paintings, all was just amazing.

Pics....

InWent course on Renewable Energy

2008-08-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

On the 14-16 July 2008, I attended a Renewable Energy course, sponsored and facilitated by InWent, a German-based organisation. The course focused on the State of Bavaria - how they are optimising the manufacture and implementation of wind turbines and PV panels.

"Cap your Carbon"! Happy World Environment Day, South Africa!

2008-06-05T06:14:00.003-07:00

Happy World Environment Day to all! Today the world is celebrating the WED by encouraging people from all nations and all walks of life to TAKE ACTION against the greatest threat of all, the global Climate Change. The UN theme for 2008 is "Kick the CO2 habit! Towards a low carbon economy!" In that, everyone is encouraged to put a ceiling to their business-as-usual, carbon-intensive lifestyle and pursue a low-carbon lifestyle.

Our organisation is celebrating the day by encouraging the employees to play "Climate Change Quiz" on a Touchscreen Kiosk (that I personally masterminded). The Quiz has ten questions ranging from what the definition of CC to what actions the Provincial Government of the Western Cape is taking, to personal actions that individuals should adopt.

The prize for the winners is a cap (a tight-fitting headdress...see picture below) with the label "CAP YOUR CARBON". The cap was introduced by the Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Tasneen Essop during her Budget Speech in the Legislative House, encouraging the Legislative members to calculate their Carbon Footprints in order to necessary steps in reducing their footprint. The Carbon Foorprint of all the senior managers in my organisation has been calculated.

The Cap...

The employees queueing to participate in the CC Quiz...

I personally want to challenge, YOU (the reader) to calculate your Carbon Footprint, and then examine what small and big changes you may need to make in your everyday lifestyle.

Happy WED!

GISSA's GIS Week 2008 event

2008-05-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

During 5-9 May 2008, GISSA (Geo-Information Society of South Africa) - an association that represents the interests of Geospatial experts in South Africa - hosted the GIS Week event at the UWC; targeting the School learners and educators. Since GIS has been incorporated as part of the Geography Syllabus for the Grade 10-12 learners in South Africa, there is need for all the geospatial experts and organisation to assist in training and support schools especially rural schools. So GISSA is doing their bit by hosting them.

This year I led my staff in exhibiting and assisting in the training lab. I believe our stall was the best as our touchscreen kiosk (that I designed) was the centre of attraction. Every time the learners get the highest score on the Climate Change QUIZ, they were given prizes (including a bag, water bottle and a pencil case - all with a message on Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Recycling).

Our exhibit theme was "Greening 2010 Soccer World Cup as part of our Climate Change Action Plan". Some of our work showcased included the GreenStaySA - an initiative targeting the hotels to reduce their footprint through clean production, energy and water efficiency, etc. Our aim is to get as many hotels participating in the Campaign. We also demonstrated the possible applications of GIS on Climate Change scenarios, e.g. Sea level rise in an informal settlement. We also promoted Energy Efficiency and the use of Renewable Energy.

Pics...

Solar Water Heaters Launch at Hessequa, Riversdale

2008-04-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

On the 17th April I participated in a Solar Water Heater Project Launch that was held in Riversdale in Hessequa Local Municipality (just about under 100km away from George). The event was graced by the presence of MEC Tasneem Essop, the Provincial Minister of Environment, Planning and Economic Development, and the National Minister of Minerals and Energy, the Honorable Minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

As South Africa is facing power outages as well as load shedding, this initiave aims at contributing to Electricity Savings in the Province. Solar Water Heaters/Geysers have been identified as one of the measures to be installed by households and businesses in order to save electricity. In this project, 240 SWH units will be installed in Riversdale alone, and about 760 in Cape Town.

This project will also address three areas of challenge, namely,
(1) Global Climate Change (SWH uses clean energy to heat water - no emissions released during the operation of the unit),
(2) Job Creation & Poverty Alleviation (about 50 jobs were created in Riversdale alone - a training academy for SWH is to be established during 2008)
(3) Save electricity (this technology save up to 40% of the total electricity consumption for heating water)

More pics...

Exhibition for the Cuban visitors

2008-04-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Due to my exhibition experience in my organisation, I have been tasked to lead a team of staff to exhibit for the "Friends of Cuban Society" in Cape Town as well as Cuban visitors to South Africa. Among the delegation is the son of the former president of Cuba, the Nuclear Physicist Professor Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart.

On the 31 March he presented a lecture at CSIR where he noted that Energy Conservation and the use of Renewable Energy (wind and solar) is an alternative to nuclear energy. He made a note that there was a time when Cuba had power outages just like South Africa, but they no longer have. Some of the topics being presented by him and the South Africa research institutes and Government are Biotechnology, nanotechnology, nuclear and energy technology as well as climate change.

The workshop between the Western Cape Provincial Goverbnment and Cuban will focus on "Energy and Climate Change" issues. Our organisation has made strides in the area of Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy policies, and Climate Change strategy. We will be exhibing some of the work done by our organisation.

During the Event

The venue was packed to full capacity with activists, representatives from NGO's, and the public. A documentary on "Cuba and the Peak Oil Crisis" was played. I was so impressed by how the Cubans managed to survive the energy crisis. They used bicycles to commute, created mixed use buildings (houses/schools/shops/workplace in close proximity), practiced urban farming, organic farming (with less use of fertilisers and pesticides), conserving energy, increased the supply using renewable energy (Solar PV, Solar water heaters, wind facilities), etc.

The documenntation was followed by followed by powered speeches by the MEC Tasneem Essop and Dr Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart. The Western Cape Environment minister highlighted the challenges of 2006 power outages in the Western Cape, and how the province joined hands to save energy. She also dealt with the hot issues of Climate Change. "The poor people are the most vulnerable to Climate Change effects", she said. Dr Castro noted that Cuban theme for the year is "Energy Revolution". He highlighted what Cuba has gone through and had their breakthrough with regards to energy issues.

Photos...

GDEST 2008 conference: presentation

2008-03-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

I made a presentation to the US and African Scientists at the GDEST 2008 conference on Geospatial Sciences for Sustainable Development, which was held on the 17-19 March in Cape Town. The conference is sponsored by the US Department of State.

GDEST 2008 (Global Dialogues on Emerging Science and Technology): GEOSPATIAL SCIENCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA is a conference that was attended by 98 participants from the US and Africa who engaged in geospatial science and technology analysis and applications. The overall objective of the conference is to engender increased collaboration between and among US and Africa scientists in a number of applied areas using geospatial science, information and technology. It had about 35 presentations, panel discussions and workshops over the three-day period of the conference.

As my organisation hosted an exhibition stall at the conference, we (the exhibitors) were requested to make Technology Showcase presentation to the audience that included the Geographer of the United States, Dr Lee Schwartz. I enjoyed every moment of the presentation.

Climate Change Quiz for 109 Schools Project

2007-12-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

I am proud to have introduced and acuired a Touchscreen Information Kiosk for my organisation. It will be used for the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Climate Change awareness-raising campaigns. After the it was first introduced to the public during the GIS Day 2007 event, it was placed at our organisation entrance for use by staff and visitors. I have heard good report about the use of the kiosk.

The Touchscreen Kiosk content consists of a Climate Change Quiz, a GIS Map, PowerPoint presentation on Climate Change Strategy, video clips on GIS, a brief information about the Department's programmes, and an intro slideshow with the background music.

The Climate Change Quiz on the kiosk has only 10 simple questions prepared for the Grade 12 learners. It is intended to test general knowledge such as what cause Climate change, list few Greenhouse gases, the predictions for the Western Cape region, what actions should be taken by ordinary citizens, what Government is doing about Climate Change, etc.

I believe that my organisation, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in Cape Town, South Africa is one of the leading regions in the world in terms of being pro-action w.r.t Climate Change strategies and forward planning. The Department has developed the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan in June 2007. The Department has identified 109 Schools who will be receive the Climate Change Education Programme until October 2008. It is also contributing to Renewable Energy projects in the region.

Barney in Cape Town, South Africa

2007-12-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, my wife and I took our son and his friend to see Barney (the original one from the USA) at the CT-ICC in Cape Town.

See some pics...

Happy GIS Day, Western Cape

2007-10-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the 25th October I led my task team from our organisation to host what became a successful GIS Day event. Every year during November, all over the world, most GIS (Geographic Information Systems) users and vendors open up their doors to schools, businesses, and the general public to showcase real-world applications of this important technology.

The International GIS Day 2007 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 14 November during Geography Awareness Week.

Our organisation hosted the Departmental GIS Day event whose theme was "GIS Mapping 4 Climate Change" , in October, to kickstart the Climate Change Education and Awareness Programme to 109 target Schools in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

16 of the 109 Schools attended. Members of various Environmental NGO’s and CBO’s as well as officials from all the Provincial Government Departments attended. CapeNature and the Western Cape Branch of the Geo-information Society of South Africa (WC GISSA) partook in the GIS Day event.

The event started by Drama, Dance and Poetry performance by a Time Theatre Group, followed by the Opening Address by MEC of Environment, Planning and Economic Development, Ms Tasneem Essop. Presentations were made on the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan, GIS application on Disaster Management.

The School learners afterwards participated in interactive activities with Maptrix, MapAware, GPS Treasure Hunt, and the GIS touchscreen kiosk.

Woolworths and Africon sponsored the catering for the event!

Kiosk with GIS and Climate Change

2007-10-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

For the last 12 months I have been motivating to my managers to acquire an information kiosk for branding the Government Department. Today I finally received the kiosk from Dicoll Interactive (service provider based in Johannesburg).

I personally created with the structure and the content for the kiosk which includes the GIS Viewer Map, Climate change Quiz, Videos, Powerpoint presentation, and other text information.

See the kiosk pic...

My article on SDI-Africa newsletter

2007-10-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have recently submitted an article about "The Sustainability Atlas of the Western Cape 2006" (a project that I co-facilitated)on the SDI-Africa newsletter. You can download the October newsletter at

http://www.gsdi.org/newsletters.asp

Short course: Sustainable Development and Climate Change, 25-28 September

2007-10-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

There is no place where one can say "I know it all". That is why I have motivated to attend this free course, sponsored by C3D, at the Energy Research Centre at UCT (University of Cape Town), South Africa.

This course is being facilitated by Professor Mohan Munasinghe, who is a Vice Chairperson of the UN's InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Mohan is the founder of an NGO called MIND (Munasinghe Institute of Development). Himself, together with the UCT Professors, have facilited the various sesssions. The course was focusing on applying a sustainable development framework to the problem of Climate Change. We also learnt a brilliant model/matrix called AIM (Action Impact Matrix) which was used in Climate Change application.

The course is worth attending...

See the picture of the class group together with Professor Mohan Munasinghe...

Soweto Gospel Choir at Baxter

2007-09-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I was invited by a friend to attend a Concert by the world-renown Soweto Gospel Choir. This group exceeded by expectation. They were so perfect, so organised. No wonder they won an award in Europe. I wish all the South African groups and solo artists may take an example from this group.

It was a bonus for me to be photographed by Cape Times together with ArchBishop Desmond Tutu's office (Cape Times was a sponsor for the main sponsor for the concert). This morning I could not wait to see my pic on the Cape Times newspaper, but to my surprise the newspaper was full of stories of some people who were arrested during the weekend. I guess that's why my pic did not appear on the newspaper. The pic was later emailed to me.

L to R: Myself (Akhona Damane), Mrs Lavinia Brown, Mr Terry Crawford-Brown, and Mr Gilbert Diego (my friend).

My technical article on PositionIT Journal

2007-06-28T01:18:00.001-07:00

Today, I have just received a copy of the PositionIT Journal which is a national magazine published quarterly by EE Publishers (Pty) Ltd.

The EE Publishers are the national publishers of a range of journals including the EE Publishers’ journal, EngineerIT, Energize and PositionIT. They serve the electrical, electronics, computer, information and communications technology sectors. The PositionIT journal is an official journal of GISSA (Geo-Information Society of South Africa) and SAGI (South African Geo-Informatics Institute). Its coverage includes Geo-Informatics, Surveying, GIS, GPS and location-based services.

After my presentation at the GIS Conference in April 2007, I was approached by Ms Clare Van Zwieten, the Editor of the EE Publishers’ and PositionIT journals, to compile and submit a technical article on the Sustainability Atlas for the May/June 2007 issue of the PositionIT Journal.

I am so excited to have received this magazine with my article. Download a copy at http://www.eepublishers.co.za/view.php?sid=9010

Leaving the US for South Africa

2007-06-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 25th June, we woke up as early as 03h15 to catch a 06h00 flight at the Phoenix International Airport. We had to give more time as we did not know what to expect was we had to go through security points where we always had to take off our shoes and belts. To make things worse our flight was delayed by about 1 hour. But we managed to catch our next flight at Atlanta International Airport which headed to Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dakar in Senegal.

It was indeed the longest journey I have ever taken in my life. We arrived in Johannesburg about 2 hours later than anticipated. And as a result we missed our 18h00 flight (on Tuesday evening). We were fortunate to be put into a 19h00 flight to Cape Town. I was very excited when we finally landed in Cape Town especially when I met my wife and family.

I had great moments in my trip to America. I enjoyed every moment.

Day 7 - Grand Canyon, US

2007-06-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we woke up from our Tasayan hotel room and rushed to the Canyon which is about 3km away. We visited the Desert View point and spent some time at the Tower where we took pictures and videos. I also bought some few items for my family. The Grand Canyon just could not stop to amaze me. It made me to sign, "How great Thou art!"

We also went to the far west side of the South Rim where we took a shuttle bus to the Hermits Rest Point. The views of the Grand Canyon are really impressive. You just can stop to thank the Creator.

Later in the afternoon I enjoyed swimming in both the swimming pool and a spa pool. My colleague and I then drove from Tasayan to Flagstaff to catch a flight to Phoenix - a desert city in Arizona State. I am wondering why Phoenix is the one of the fastest growing cities in America because it is very dry and hot. When we arrived in the evening the temperature was 41 degrees celcius. As soon as we lodged at LaQuinta hotel which is about 3km away from the airport, I went for a swim to cool myself.

Pics...

Day 6 - Grand Canyon, US

2007-06-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we visited the Grand Canyon South Rim. The Grand Canyon is awesome, there is nothing to compare with - it is truly the world most natural wonder. God is a mastermind to have created such a wonder.

We visited the Mather Point followed by a drive at the Grand Canyon Village. We also stopped by the famous Bright Angel lodge and hiking trail. I then drove a left-handed car on the right side of the road, which is opposite to what I am used to in South Africa. In the afternoon, my colleague and I visited the Grand Canyon to experience the beautiful sunset. Late in the evening we had a supper at McDonald's to take their burgers - everything is the same as in SA. After that we visited a Canyon Star restaurant and bar where there was a live performance of the Red Indian Dance.

Pics at Grand Canyon...

I drove on the right side of the road in America. I had to take my colleague to the Grand Canyon Airport.

Day 5 - Leaving San Diego for the Grand Canyon, US

2007-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Yesternite we have lekket time with the Americans. The ESRI night party ended at about 22h30. There was lots of live band performances from all the corners of American - Hollywood, New York, Luisville, New Orleans, and more.

This morning we are leaving San Diego to the Grand Canyon. (Looking forward to seeing this world national wonder.) We will fly to Phoenix and then to Flagstaff where we will hire a car. (I will be driving a left-handed car on the right side of the road - Wow!) We will drive up from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon-South Rim.

Few minutes before leaving San Diego. This pic I took from the 2nd floor at the San Diego Convention Centre.

Pic of Phoenix, a desert city in Arizona, taken from an aircraft window view.

Day 4 - ESRI Conference, US

2007-06-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

I started my day by visiting an Internet cafe sponsored by ESRI at the San Diego Convention Center. Checked my email as I always do in the morning and afternoon.

Today, I spent most of my time attending the demo sessions at the ESRI Exhibition Pavillion. Exhibitions on netCDF,. I attended a session on ModelBuilder - Dynamic Simulations with demos on Wildfire simulation and flooding. Another session attended was on optimising visualisation and performation of ArcIMS web maps. Yesterday I entered for many competitions including one for Apple's iPhone. The lucky draws will be done today and tomorrow. I hope to win something really good!

Tonight there is a Night Party. I am looking forward to enjoying the American night party, starting at 17h30 to 23h00. I will see how it goes....opportunity to network, perhaps make good friends. And you don't know which country I may end up visiting next.

Pics...lifting hands in the party mood

Day 3 - ESRI Conference, US

2007-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Today, I started my day by using a treadmill to keep myself in good health. I met a US African-American gentleman by the name Desroy Gordon who's from Florida. He works for the engineering division of the Florida Government. He has an IT background but was introduced to GIS. We had a talk about Africa - he wants to visit Ghana and Zimbabwe (and probably meet Mugabe) - he is not keen to visit South Africa because he says it is developed just like any other country.

I attended my first session on GIS and Learners Programmes where I learnt about TheDigitalBus of Hawaii. This is what I would like to see in South Africa - a mobile class on a bus with laptops, GPS and other Science tools. TheDigitalBus is used for specific projects that require the students to go out to the field to capture information and then return to the bus to do analysis and mapping, and the present the findings.

Soon I will be attending some sessions of GIS and Business Intelligence, and other interesting sessions. You just can't have enough of the exhibitions. I was fascinated by a GIS/video/streaming solution that is also used by GoogleMap Streetmaps.

I did not visit the Waterfront as planned, but I took a walk in San Diego Downtown until I reached the FreeWay to Los Angeles. On my way there I met a lot of people walking very fast. I decided to follow them and see where they are heading. To my surprise, there were heading to the Baseball stadium where some big teams were playing. I am not a Baseball lover and I was not prepared to spend money and time to watch the match. However I took some videos and also interviewed one lady about the Baseball game.

Different timezones...
I haven't got used to the different timezones of San Diego and Cape Town. I wanted to remind my wife to take some thing to her workplace, so I phoned her at 08h30 (San Diego time) in order to reach her at 05h30 (Cape Town time) just before she goes to work.

Day 2 - ESRI Conference, US

2007-06-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today was the first opening for the exhibition booths. I was so exhited to meet some guys from Google (Google is one of my favourite companies in the world). After they developed their famous GoogleEarth view, they continue to venture into new fields. Yesterday morning as I was watching CNN news from my hotel room, I learnt that Google has installed PV panels on their campus builds - the energy produced will cater for their electricity requirements. Google also announced a huge grant of $10 Million towards research and development of hybrid vehicles. These guys are doing their bit to act against carbon emissions which is threatening the global climate.

Microsoft is also present with their Spatial viewer, the Microsoft Virtual Earth. I was also shown their new smallest computer called OQO - a pocket laptop. Technological developments do not stop to amaze me. From digital pens, to camera's with GPS, and more. Through attending the workshops in hundreds of break-away rooms, I was impressed by the netCDF tools which allows to display spatial data in multi-dimensions and allows for animations and simulations and videos. Some of the applications for the netCDF is the weather forecasts, wind speed and direction, etc. The netCDF is a powerful that comes with ArcGIS 9.2 that allows you to plot your normal x- and y-coordinates together with altitude above the ground, and a time factor. That's how you can map out the weather simulation as you always see it on TV - it has always been done by Weather Systems, but now GIS is taking ground. (You will understand that GIS is one of the took that has been highlighted to play a big role in Climate Change mapping.)

At the end of the day I attended a an Africa Regional Users Group, where I met representatives from the UN, and members of other African countries. I was a very interesting session indeed. There was a general comment that there is a lot of data in Africa, but it is not well catalogued (meta-data). It was concuded that all African countries should catalog and share their public data at all costs. This was much desired by the researchers. I think I have made good contacts that I will follow up. (Out of 44 South African attendees only 3 were present in the meeting.)

As always I took a walk through the San Diego streets at night. Perhaps I can meet one of the Californian celebrity because they are often spotted in this beatiful and peaceful city of San Diego.

Day 1 - ESRI Conference, US

2007-06-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

I am having good here in San Diego...a friendly city. After I retired last night, I woke up refreshed ready to network with other GIS users.

The conference was opened by ESRI's president Jack who highlighted some of the success stories of implementing GIS to solve real-life problems, from disaster management to humanitarian reliefs, hospital tracking systems to . I was much fascinated by a demonstration of a picture camera that has an onboard GPS, that captures an image and geographic co-ordinates that can be used in an online mapping systems. They is so much development in technology that is readily available through the web provided by ArcGIS online Explorer, Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth...and these three are looking at co-operating to create seamless online maps.

I was also impressed by the keynote speaker Prof. Maathia from Kenya, the founder and president of GreenBelt Movement (a Non-Governmental Organisation that plants trees and creating economic livelihood from rural women in Kenya). She was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize from her contribution to the environment and contributing to peace efforts (especially fighting for the rights of women and the environment). She has personally planted 3 million trees through her programme. She believes that for every person who lives today, 10 trees need to be planted to offset carbon (carbon sequestration). She challenged everyone to do their best as long as they live to make this world better for our generation and future generations.

Pics...

Arrival at San Diego

2007-06-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

We flew for 23 hours from CPT-JHB, JHB-ATL, and finally ATL-SDG. We arrived at about 13h30 (East American timezone) while it was already 22h30 (South African timezone) - the timezones are amazing. I only managed phoned my wife when she was far asleep at 23h45 (SA timezone). I am really impressed by the way the Americans live - these guys live large. They eat meat-meat-meat all the time, big burgers. They drive huge SUV's (bakkies). When I compare with the X5 and Range Rovers in South Africa...the cars driven here are huge. Thats why some extreme environmentalists say that if everyone in the world can live as the Americans do we would probably need 3 or more planet Earths.

Prior to arrival at San diego, I took some pics which I was planning to display but will only be able to do so when I get to SA or tomorrow. Actually I was planning to moblog (blog from a mobile/cellphone device) them to this blog, but I just can't by a SIM card here its too expensive. (Because of high competition in SA we get a sim card @ R2.50, but here @ $60 or R430). I was shocked when I was sold a SIM card for this amount.

I am looking forward to learning during the conference and enjoying myself to the fullest outside the convention centre.

Pics...

Attending an ESRI Conference in San Diego USA

2007-06-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

I will be blogging my day-by-day activities during my trip to the ESRI International User Conference in San Diego, California, United States of America.

I am so excited to be selected to attend this International GIS conference in America. It's my first time leaving South Africa. Wow! "America, here I come!"

The conference will be hosted at the award-winning conference and exhibition facility, the San Diego Convention Centre on the 17-22 June. On the 22-24, I will definately be visiting the Grand Canyon, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. (Grand Canyon is number 1 on the must see list of places you
must visit in your lifetime, published by Jim Shahin in American Way Magazine
) I also intend to visit the famousSan Diego Zoo and, only if I can miraculously get extra bugs I can visit, the DisneyLand Park in Anaheim, CA (2 hours drive from San Diego).

Visit my blog daily for an experience of my American Trip.

2nd Radio Interview on Climate Change and Human Health

2007-06-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand, I was called by Umhlobo Wenene fm for the second time to participate on my 2nd Radio Interview. The tomorrow's slot (Monday, 11th June)at 10h00 is for Health Education Programme. Last week was the World Environment Week so they want to know how the human health will be affected by Climate Change.

Listen to your radio or log on to www.uwfm.co.za to listen to the webcast.

Solar Geysers Competition on today's Cape Argus newspaper

2007-06-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

Solar Water Geysers competition on the today's Cape Argus newspaper (5th June 2007, which is also the World Environment Day). To enter to win 1 of the 2 SWG, simply SMS the word 'SOLAR' to 34995. Good wishes!

The advert is as follows....

A Solar Water Geysers competition is on Cape Times today!

2007-06-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

One of my work as part of creating groundswell towards the Departmental Climate Change and Renewable Energy Conference/Summit is on today's newspaper....a competition on Solar Water Geysers.

If you live in the Western Cape Province in South Africa and you own a residential property, then you are eligible to enter the competition to WIN a solar water geyser valued at R10,000.

Simply SMS the word SOLAR to 34995! There more you enter, the more chances you stand to win.

On page 3 of the Cape Times newspaper, you will find this article...

A live Radio Interview on Climate Change and Global Warming

2007-05-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

I'm over the moon! I've been seconded to represent my organisation (a Western Cape Government Department) to speak on Umhlobo Wenene FM on Thursday, 7th June 2007 at 17h30-18h00 (South African Timezone). I will be interviewed on Climate Change and Global Warming matters.

The interview is part of SABC's roadshows - Fundanathi Faire - that targets the Grade 11-12 School learners. On the 7-9 of June, the SABC will hold the Western Cape's event at the Velodrome in Bellville.

About the Radio Station: Umhlobo Wenene FM is the second-largest vernacular radio station in SA and has an average of 4.9 million listeners per day. Umhlobo Wenene FM has transmitters in 7 of the provinces but the majority of its audience is the Eastern Cape. The station targets 25-49 (core) and 16-24 year-olds (secondary) in LSM 4-8. The station broadcasts to the Xhosa-speaking and -understanding community and offers music, information, talk, drama and sport. The music repertoire on the station consists of Jazz, R&B, Kwaito, House and Gospel.

Listen to the stream radio broadcast from their website www.uwfm.co.za

Dealing with Bulk SMS services

2007-05-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be able to arrange my organisation's competition for Solar Water Geysers that will be advertised on Cape Times and Cape Argus. Through this process,
I've learned and understood the process of Bulk SMs services. We will be receiving
bulk SMS's from the entrants and conduct a lucky draw. If you are living in the
Western Cape province in South Africa, you are eligible enter by sending an SMS.

Hosting a Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit

2007-05-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

My organisation is busy preparing to host a conference/summit on Renewable Energy and Climate Change at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on the 7th and 8th June 2007. If interested to attend, you may register at the www.climatechange.org.za or sending an email to registration@climatechange.org.za or phone +2721-637-6761.

It has been aired that the African countries, especially the poor communities, will be the most vulnerable to climate change effects. Our conference theme is along the lines of poverty.

Stanford University - International Environmental Programme

2007-05-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

I am so exciting to be part of an interaction on the Environmental issues between 3 African educational institutions (Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa) and the best American university (the Stanford University). What fascinates me even more is that we are using the best of technology, including mobile phones and the web. We use moblogs, weblogs, mms, email in order to send video, graphics, pictures and text messages across to one another.

I am one of only 5 South Africans who are participating in this International Environmental Programme. The website for the programme is http://duniamoja.stanford.edu

Thanks to the University of the Western Cape, Meraka and CSIR, and other partners.

MSc GeoInformatics programme

2007-05-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that I am commencing with my M Sc studies. I have just been awarded a good bursary. I will bestudying courses in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Environmental Economics, Sustainable Livelihood, and Climate Change. I intend to do a research in GIS and Climate Change focusing in the African continent.

Now, I have started participating in a course offered by Stanford University (the second best University in the work, which is based in the United States). Through the course we will interact and share our knowledge and experiences in Environmental issues with 2 more other African institutions (Tanzania and Uganda), together with Stanford University.

I am looking forward to this amazing opportunity.

Buhle Damane - the International Model

2007-04-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Halala, Buhlelele! Look at my son at only 2 and half years of age, he appears as an International Model in the London's Freemans Kids Clothing Catalogue. To God be the glory for the things He has done.

1. Winter clothes
2. Dungarees

National GIS conference presentation: Sustainability Atlas

2007-04-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I made a joint presentation with Ms Elizabeth Hicken on the topic "CASE STUDY: The Sustainability Atlas of the Western Cape 2006". The Atlas is an information tool that has been developed using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to make out the local municipalities of Western Cape of South Africa, according to some 5 themes under Sustainable Development which includes Human Settlement, Socio-Economics, Natural Resources and Tourism, Biodiversity and Agriculture, and Energy and Climate.

At the end of this national conference, I was informed by the organisers that our presentation was voted by some delegates as the best presentation of the conference. (This is yet to be confirmed). I was also approached by an editor for PositionIT magazine, who requests for a news article from me.

I had a real good time during this 2-day conference on the 3rd and 4th April 2007. We also had lovely views of the beach from the Monkey Valley in Noordhoek in Cape Town (Southern Peninsula).

Saturday, Cape Town Jazz Festival

2007-04-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Because of a well-networked friend of ours Shy Mngxekeza, we were given free tickets to attend the Saturday Jazz Festival at the CT-ICC. We really had fun. We enjoyed Sbongile Khumalo the most.

Lion's Head hike

2007-03-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today, my wife and I took 1 hour 10 minutes to walk up to the top of Lion's Head, the mountain located
on the uphill side of Sea Point in Cape Town. Our guides were Birgit Andrich and her friend Inga. We also drove to the top
of the adjacent mountain, the Signal Hill.

When we were walking down the Lion's Head we met two guys who thought that we were tourists maybe because we
were a group of a Black couple and two White ladies who look German. So these guys greeted us with a funny accent,
"Welcome to Cape Town". I always knew that I like the extreme. We opted for the chains route on our way down.
We used the chains to mount down for about 7m distance.

Green Market Square's Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2007

2007-03-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yesternight, I had a great time attending a musical concert at the Cape Town's Green Market Square. This is the second musical concert I have attended in Cape Town after the Kanye West one. (Last year, I won a ticket to watch the live Kanye West concert at Bellville Velodram). Yesternight, we enjoy both the local and international performance of jazz, pop and hip hop music. My highlight was Hip Hop Pantsu, HHP, one of the top South African hip hop stars. I also enjoyed CODA, Siphokazi, and Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band.

This was just a foretaste of what will be enjoyed at the 2007
Cape Town International Jazz Festival which will be held at the CT-ICC.

My wife and I's photo was taken by Thunda.com.

A visit to the South African Navy Festival

2007-03-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

My family and I spent our time at the Navy Base today in Simon's Town, which is located about 30km south of Cape Town, South Africa. It was amazing to can view the SA Navy vessels ranging from the smallest boat known as the Lima boat, to the second largest ships, the Valour Class Corvettes. Unfortunately their largest ship, the SAS DRAKENSBERG, did not be participate at this year's Navy Festival. During the event she was escorting their first Type 209 submarine.

To my disappointment I did not see any submarine. And that's what I wanted to aboard on and to be submerged into the depth of the sea.

Yes, we saw many navy sailors in their all-white uniforms. When we arrived they had just finished marching on the Entry Parade.

As we approached the Navy Base, we saw families from many places around Cape Town rushing towards the main entrance. One thing I like about Cape Town is that it is a family oriented city. People here have good family values. Most of them take vacation leave during School holidays in order to take they children around the beatiful Western Cape province. If it's not nature and hiking and camping, they usually go out to see the special events such as this one.

From the distance we saw the huge military ships with many people on board. My son and his friend Axel Boltney could not wait to get to the Navy Base...

We aboard an "Environmental Protection" vessel (ship), the Sarah Baartman, that is used by DEAT (the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), the Marine and Coastal Management branch. We took a photo (above) inside the DEAT's Sarah Baartman, which is also displayed on the poster. They use the vessel when doing their research and also during monitoring, control and surveillance of human activities in the South African seas. South Africa is collaborating with other nations to patrol our waters to enforce environmental laws and policies that poachers and illegal fishers don't respect.

a military helicopter landed on the ship...

I (holding my son, Buhle) was the captain for the moment...

...and my wife as the Madam Captain

More pics...

another navy ship, the Valour Class Corvettes

Gun runs and dog shows were demonstrated during the day. My wife took a picture after one gun run was done from one of the navy ships...

My wife and kids on the lower deck

Preparations for a conference presentation

2007-03-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today, I will be submitting my PowerPoint presentation for a National GIS Conference that I will be speaking at on the 4th April 2007. I will be presenting a CASE STUDY on the "Sustainability Atlas of the Western Cape 2006" that we developed last year. I was the project leader for this product that display the set of thematic maps that spatially represent the local municipalities of the Western Cape in terms of the Sustainable Development categories.

See the Sustainability Atlas cover

The conference "GIS for Environmental and Land Use Management", which is organised by TCI, will be hosted in Cape Town on the 3rd and 4th of April 2007. About 200 delegates from around the country will be attending. I will be sharing the stage with some of the top GIS experts in the country.

I Have just snail-mailed a letter to Tata

2007-03-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I have just snail-mailed (or mail posted) a letter and my book's manuscript to Tata (my father). I feel so good to be sending my manuscript to him before sending it off for publishing. I need to get his views and recommendations on the book.

Actually the main reason for sending him the book is that the book is about him - how he has influenced my life in many ways - positively and negatively. My father was very harsh in the way he brought us up.

I want to give him an opportunity to comment. I think this will challenge him to see the need to have a closer relationship with his children. To be honest with you, I do not know how he will take it, but I know it will turn out to be good at the end of it all. We all need to reconcile and redress the deeds of the past.

My book - eBook publishing or traditional publishing

2007-03-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting for a positive response from publishers but until now have not got any positive response. We are very fortunate these days because of technology. I am now already thinking of taking option 2: online publishing (as an eBook).

You may advise me if you have any experience in bookwriting and publishing.

See the book cover for my draft book...

Nature, Work, and Pleasure!

2007-03-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

On Monday and Tuesday (5th and 6th March 2007), I went out with my colleagues to an Operational Planning and Team Building session at Club Mykonos in Langebaan, West Coast Region of the Western Cape, South Africa.

We really had fun! We arrived at the Club Mykonos at about 9AM on Monday at the Conference centre.

We visited the nature reserve to watch the birds or rather disturb the birds as some of us were making a lot of noise.

All of us standing on top of a huge bolder or rock. We saw the beautiful views of the lagoon facing the beaches around Langebaan, and further on we could see Saldanha from afar.

Back at the Mykonos, it was fun time. Know your team members' strengths as well as their shortcomings. Maximise on their strengths... team building exercises along the beach.

My team's name was Mellow Yellow. You can see it from my face painting...

The waterfront scenery from the Conference centre. I also want to be rich and own one of these yachts...

In the evening we lodged in one of these superb hotel rooms.

Day 2: I woke up very late because I did not set my alarm. But that was not a big issue as we all went there to relax, have fun and do a little bit of work. I made brilliant presentation on my Division's project targets for the coming financial year. I was so relaxed and in control as I shared some few jokes with the group. (No photos taken for that).

Beating the drums! Just before lunch time we had an hour-long session drumming. This was my 2nd time involved with Drumming. Tim is the gentleman who instructed or coached us as we all played songs that originated from West Africa. We were told that some time in the past, Africans used to play drums to communicate with one another. Each drum song had a specific meaning.

I am playing the Lead Bit Drum...

[Photos: Courtesy of Lehan Fouche, Jeffrey Williams and Andre van der Merwe]

Intro to Sustainability Course

2007-02-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to DBSA (Development Bank of South Africa) who funded a 2-day course that I am attending today and tomorrow at Lynedoch's Sustainability Institute (near Stellenbosch). So much I learnt and am reflecting on in terms of my lifestyle. With the global warming and climate change challenges (and the depletion of cheap oil), we all need to need to think of ways of adjusting our lifestyle to live simpler, less depended on fossil fuel (coal, oil, natural gas) - in order to preserve our planet for our kids and the generations to come.

Watch the space...

Sustainability Tour

2007-02-23T02:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had a "lekker dag" because I led my colleagues in touring Oude Molen Eco-Village, Lynedoch Eco-Village, and Klipheuwel demonstration wind farm (a tour which I organised).

See some of the photos taken by myself and Jeffrey Williams.

At Oude Molen Eco-Village, which is located at Pinelands in Cape Town, we were tour guided by John. He narrated the history of Oude Molen and Alexander Hospital. There are quite a number of projects that are running at the site, such as Organic Farming, art work, woodwork (to make garden furniture), music studios, horse riding, etc.

There are also future projects which will act as a model to be followed in South Africa. Such projects as Biolytix solid waste system linked to a Methane plant. This system will take in human solid waste and allow it to decomposed organically/naturally; the water residue after filtering could be used to flush the toilets, the dry solid waste could be burned to produce methane gas which can be converted into a cooking methane, and the humus (soil residue from the solid waste) could be used as a fertiliser in the soil. Oude Molen is also planning to use Air Cars within their site.

Lynedoch Eco-Village, which is located near Stellenbosch, was our next stop.

The group was taken around the Eco-Village which also houses the Sustainability Instute - the first International ecological learning centre in Africa. The Lynedoch demonstrate sustainability living, which is displayed in the green design of the buildings (recycled building material, mug bricks, skylighting, passive air cooling), use of renewable energy technologies (PV panels, Solar Water Heaters) and other sustainable technologies (e.g. biolytix waste system, bio-digester).

After introducing my Organisation, Ms Eve Annecke - the director of the Sustainability Institute and Lynedoch Eco-Village - presented the history and the purpose of this ecological village (Eve is standing next to me).

You can see two of the subsidised houses fitted with Solar Water Heaters (SWH); they are built using hydrophome (mud-and-grass) bricks. The indwellers make a significant cut on their electricity bill by using the SWH. On-site in the Village, there is a demonstration of RE (PV panel and small wind turbine) use to pump water.

After Lynedoch, we visited Spier premises whether they practise organic farming, waste management (seperation and recycling), RE (electric gates powered by PV power), card-key activation of the hotel-room electricity, etc. Below, look at the mud bricks that are being developed by local people; these bricks will be used to construct the African Cultural Centre.

We then droved to ESKOM's Klipheuwel demonstration wind farm, which is located north of Durbanville in Cape Town. Three wind turbines were mounted between August 2002 and February 2003 (all imported from other countries). All three of them have capacity to produce 3.1 MegaWatt of electricity. This is clean technology which does not emit greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming and climate change.

See more pics...

We all entered inside the Vestas V66 which is 66 meters tall with each blade 32 meters long. Wow! These things are really huge! (The technicians have proposed to install lifts inside the turbines as it's really tough to climb up inside these masts.)

I am climbing up inside V66...

WC Premier's address

2007-02-16T04:23:00.000-08:00

Standing by my colleagues, Shy Mngxekeza and Simphiwe Vanqa, is myself (on the right). We were watching on as the police force were matching just before the Western Cape Premier Rasool made his opening address for the Provincial Legislative.

See photo (courtesy of Andre van der Merwe, my colleague).

Buhle watering the garden

2007-02-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

It is such a blessing to watch your son watering the garden and also washing his own toy scooter. Watch the video clip below.

A weekend of an illness and a modeling shoot

2007-01-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

This last weekend was full of the worst fright of my life and also a wonderful time for my son. On Saturday, my 2-year old son was very sick with high fever. His temperature increase very high until he collapsed. Thank God we were already at the hospital when he loss consciousness. We feared we did not want to lose him. To God be the glory, thanks to doctors and nurses.

On Sunday, we took him to a modeling shoot for a UK-based clothing catalogue. We had a great time together with my wife as we watched our son entertaining the photographers as they took some shots. They had to play in the grass as they were sprinkled with water, they also swam in the pool. The kids had fun that spread to the parents.

Writing my first book

2007-01-10T04:26:00.000-08:00

I have always been dreaming of writing books but I did not know where to start. Last November, I started writing my first book, which I am concluding now (January 2007). This book entitled ”My Black life in South Africa, pre- and post-democracy” is about my life – my family upbringing, and how the apartheid and racism has negatively affected my life, and a call to reconciliation and friendship relationships. My book also covers religious and educational background; economic and political landscape of SA as I see it; and prospects for the future of this country, South Africa. This book may not be everybody's cup of tea, but this is my lifestory and how I look at the world around me!

Watch the space!

First Table Mountain hike

2006-12-29T00:18:00.000-08:00

It was a cold Saturday morning on the 9th December 2006 when my wife (Ntombi) and I (accompanied by a friend, Birgit Andrich) walked up the famous Table Mountain. Using the Platteklip gorge we took 1 hour 35 minutes (instead of 2 hours) to get to the top of the Cape Town's famous landmark.

Even though it was windy and cold on top, we enjoyed ourselves. It was like we were dreaming. Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula is very beautiful. The Mother City is truly the place to visit before one dies!

After spending about 30 min near the upper cable station, we walk down. The cable car was not operating because of the strong wind. I want to share some of our picture we took during the hike. I believe this is the beginning of Ntombi and I's hiking hobby.