Mike Mpofu, Author at 1Africa

Violent protest – to what end?

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September 23, 2016

This is the single most critical question behind the current university student protests across South Africa.

Approximately this time last year, students took to the streets, Parliament, university halls, and administration blocks, to air their views in what has become known as the #FeesMustFall movement.

At the time, the protests culminated in a massive show of force outside Pretoria’s Union Buildings – the President’s front door – demanding free education, now!

After weeks of disruptions across university campuses, government capitulated to political pressure, and announced a 0% increase (there cannot be a zero percent increase, but that’s for another day). The point is – there was a freeze on all fee increments until further notice.

While that brought some relief in some quarters, it was only an interim measure.

No one wanted any more teargas or wounded students as a result of clashes with police and private security.

But it seems this issue is “not just going to go away” – understandably.

We could discuss the root of the problem at great length, from varying perspectives, but that will only get us so far.

This week, the minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, announced that universities would be allowed to increase fees as they see fit, as long it was not more than 8%.

He argued that the South African government would foot the bill for those students who were too poor to pay and for the “missing middle” – those who did not qualify for a subsidy, but could not afford to pay for themselves.

This effectively means only those people who are already paying for their own fees would be affected by the increase. Effectively, it was another “0% increase” – for the second year in a row.

But university students are having none of this.

As a I write this, a group of 31 students from Wits University had been arrested (and subsequently released); students from the UKZN, in Durban and Pietermaritzburg had been injured after clashing with the police, buildings had been torched at Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape, and classes and libraries had been shut down at UCT in the Western Cape.

Students have opted for a violent approach to their demand for free education, now!

The question is: to what end?

Economically, it doesn’t make sense. Or to put it better, no one can afford to pay for the free education – not yet, at least.

That is the sad reality.

Running universities costs a great deal of money.

Apart from the teaching, sports, and residential facilities offered, one has to consider the research, publishing, and infrastructure upkeep and salaries, among other things.

These all come with a price tag.

And in order to maintain the academic quality at institutions, which includes retaining professors and lecturers with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, there must incentive.

Again, this comes with a price tag.

So, the question is if we are going to burn, beat up, threaten and intimidate anyone who shares a different view to the “cause” – what purpose does it serve and what is this about? Furthermore, who is behind this?

Some reports have indicated that some of those at the forefront of the violence are people who are not even students. Do they represent the majority of those on tens of our campuses? And how?

If government has offered to foot the bill for the poor, why is the violence necessary?

And if those who can afford to pay are committed to doing so – what is the purpose behind the current violence?

The Constitution of South Africa protects everyone’s right to march or protest – but it doesn’t give the authority to infringe on another’s rights in the name of your own cause.

In this instance, one has to ask: have the students actually engaged with the Minster’s communication?

Realising the dream of free education (for the poor) is possible, but it requires economic empowerment. And that means those that are on campus need to get their education, leave, and then contribute to the economy. This alleviates the burden on the state – leaving enough margin to fund education, health, and other services.

But it is no quick fix.

In a county like South Africa, and many others, the socio-economic challenges are vast – rooted in tragic history. And undoing the work of centuries of tragedy is not going to be a two-decade-long process – we must admit that.

But what we cannot do, is destroy what we already have – otherwise we take a hundred steps back and do no favours for those coming after us.

Violent protest? To what end?

Is the United Nations just another talk shop?

Mike Mpofu

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September 22, 2016

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Is the United Nations just another talk shop?

On Tuesday 20 September, Barack Obama delivered his final speech at a sitting of the United Nations General Assembly as US president.

Although he arrived a few minutes late, Obama did what he does best – deliver an outstanding piece of oratory.

He hit the right notes and covered all the globally relevant topics.

The world economy, the power of globalisation, immigration, and different political schools of thought, among other themes.

This wasn’t Obama’s first time at the rodeo. In the final year of his last term of office, Obama has been part of this group – the UNGA – for at least eight years.

This means he has spoken to this crowd before, and perhaps a few new entrants.

Brilliant as it may be, one cannot help but ask the question: what now?

Do incredible pieces of oratory at the UN matter? Will they bring about change?

Almost every member state is given an opportunity to speak.

Nations with varying political and economic systems or religious and social beliefs, all get an opportunity to have their say.
But I truly wonder, to what end?

Many criticisms have been levelled against the UN and its Security Council – especially the overarching powers of some the permanent members, which often go unchecked.

Are they unfounded and unfair?

Does a body like the UN – or the African Union, for that matter – serve any purpose in bringing about actual global inclusivity and economic change?

Is the UN achieving the goal of reducing the gap between the rich and the poor?

I argue that perhaps that our expectations of the UN and similar bodies need to be a bit more realistic.

The reality – sadly – is that Obama’s words will, in the main, fall on deaf ears.

This was part of my frustration during International Law lectures – no one can do much to enforce “agreements” between nations, or to seek punitive measures when they are broken.

Some nations will see Obama’s belief in a “liberal political system” as an insult to their choice of life. Others may embrace it – but the key question is, will it change the world?

You be the judge – you can watch Obama’s full speech here:

Why ‘Fill up Orlando Stadium’ is necessary

Mike Mpofu

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September 17, 2016

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Why ‘Fill up Orlando Stadium’ is necessary

South African rapper Cassper Nyovest is on a quest to #FillUpOrlandoStadium on 29 October 2016.

This is Cassper’s second attempt at filling a major venue in South Africa, without an international act to headline.

Last year, Nyovest – whose real name is Refiloe Maele Phoolo – became the first South African artist to fill up the Coca Cola Dome as the main act.

The Dome, as it is known, holds approximately 20 000.

This was impressive for a local act, which would normally open for a visiting international artist.

From that momentum, Nyovest is looking to replicate the sold out show, except this time he is aiming for just under 40 000 people – almost double.

But why is this event necessary, and why should anyone care?

I believe it’s crucial in breaking mind-sets.

Often, especially in (South) Africa, artists cannot fill up bars, let alone town halls.

This is not because they aren’t talented. I believe it is a case of “familiarity breeds contempt”. We are used to idea that these artists will always be “around”, therefore there is no “urgency” to catch their next live show.

What Cassper is doing is literally breaking that stereotype and way of thinking about local music.

Whether you like his work or not, you have to appreciate what he is trying to do.

He has run a massive campaign, albeit briefly tainted by misprinted T-shirts (They spelt the word “stadium” wrong), which seems to be gaining much traction. In fact, he sailed through the T-shirt controversy and continues to wear them!

There is something to be said about the almost 40 000 people who will grace Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

It also means (South) African fans are starting to “get it”.

And it’s not just because Cassper is a local.

I think he is just selling a product which they believe in and genuinely enjoy.

Cassper is pioneering: he is first through the wall and those to come should be emboldened to attempt the same feat.

It is similar to how Jay-Z became the first hip-hop act to headline Madison Square Garden, with his Fade to Black concert.

It was a crucial moment then, which hundreds of artists are benefiting from now.

Let’s hope “the friendly ghost” can pull this one off.

The 14 year old ‘blade runner’

Mike Mpofu

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September 15, 2016

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The Paralympic Games in Rio have kicked off, and sadly they don’t get as much attention as the Olympics – in my opinion.

Yet some of the stories from this event are nothing short of inspirational.

And this is one of those tear-jerking accounts.

Fourteen, yes, 14-year-old Ntando Mahlangu made history this past weekend after becoming one of the youngest athletes to obtain an Olympic medal.

Mahlangu won a silver in the 200m for above-the-knee amputees, in Rio.

And what really gets me about his story – he learnt to walk just four years ago.

Talk about an over-achiever!

I have no doubt Mahlangu has a great career ahead of him.

When I came across this story I couldn’t help but think that you and I have no excuses for not doing what we seek to do.

Ntando is the perfect example of what it means to set your mind to a goal, no matter what, and to overcome the obstacle and hit the target.

Often we come up with millions of reasons, why “not” – but this young man reminded me that anything is possible!

What is it that you seek to do? What excuse have you made? How are you procrastinating?

Watch Ntando’s race here:

The iPhone 7 is here

Mike Mpofu

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September 9, 2016

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Apple CEO Tim Cook has finally unveiled the much anticipated iPhone 7 and 7 plus phones.

At the same event on Wednesday 07 September 2016, Cook launched the Apple Watch 2.

The iPhone 7 is the first generation iPhone to get rid of the earphone jack.

Should you wish to take it to the next level, you can always purchase the new wireless AirPods for a small fee of approximately $159.

These will be available at the end of October. The pods have probably been the most criticised element of the new launch – both in design and price.

The cool thing is they are wireless. The “sucky” thing is they are pricey. What happens if you lose one? (All the best). A few people have also taken a jibe at the way they look. Each to their own.

The new devices will be shipped with AirPod headphones and a Lightning to 3.5 millimeter headphone jack adapter, which should help mitigate backlash over the new design feature.

Other key features of the new iPhone include the new colours – matte finish and a deep, high-gloss jet black. They also include Apple’s signature silver, gold, and rose gold finishes.

The phone is also splash and water resistant. This is a long awaited game changer.

Just to clarify, the splash and water resistant features don’t mean you can go swimming with your phone – it just means if it rains and you get caught in the downpour, you should be fine, or if you spill a glass or bowl of water over your phone, you’re still winning. It’s still a cool feature.

The Home button has finally changed. It is now an advanced solid-state button. In laymen’s terms – it will be “on the screen”.

They have obviously upgraded the camera, but with the 7, they have gone a step further and put two cameras on the 7 plus. This apparently means you can get higher-quality zoom from farther away. Not bad.

According to Tim Cook, the 7 will have the longest battery life of any iPhone ever! We’ll see about that.

Apart from the actual phone, the presentation was awesome – nothing but excellent.

There is a reason why you have never seen an Apple TV advert: their presentations are all they need.

I look forward to owning this device.

Happy iPhone 7–using!

Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History series

Mike Mpofu

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September 6, 2016

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Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History series

Author, reporter and now podcaster Malcolm Gladwell’s latest project is an incredible piece of work – trust me.

Gladwell has been a reporter/contributor for the world renowned publication New Yorker since 1996.

He has authored several books, including Blink, What the Dog Saw, Outliers (one of my favourite books of all time), and David & Goliath.

Gladwell’s latest work involves a 10-episode podcast titled Revisionist History.

I came across Revisionist History through one of Gladwell’s tweets and have been hooked since. In fact, I have re-listened the first episode tens of times.

The series looks back at certain events in history, and investigates what “really” happened, or whether something has been misunderstood or searches for some aspect that may have been missed. Gladwell makes the case that as a people we have been terrible in recording our past.

“I think we are bad historians. Something happens, we see it, watch it, remember it – file it away. But then if you look back at what you filed away closely you discover it’s all wrong”.

Gladwell’s first season – of 10 episodes – covers a range of events. Each with a central theme or idea that we have missed and ultimately changes the way we look at history.

As part of the series, he explores the (lack of) funding for education in universities. He looks at the role of satire in political discourse. He re-opens the “scandal” of Toyotas that had to be recalled for “faulty accelerators”. And he revisits what really happened in the Vietnam War.

Gladwell hosts the series in a way that makes you want to relive or at least be present, if you weren’t, during some of the events in our history.

He takes you on an emotional journey, especially in Episode 9, Generous Orthodoxy, where you feel as if you played a part in the failure or success of whatever is being discussed.

I highly recommend you listen to all 10 episodes.

You can access all of them at revisionisthistory.com.

I also like the fact that you can listen “on the go”.

I understand that not everyone has the opportunity or the time to sit and read a book for however long it takes. The beauty of this is that you can listen to the series and it feels like you’ve actually read a series of insightful works in a few moments. Each episode is an average of 40 minutes.

Give it a go – you won’t be disappointed!

Apple ordered to pay a whopping £11 billion

Mike Mpofu

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September 5, 2016

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Apple ordered to pay a whopping £11 billion

The world’s biggest company, Apple, has been found “guilty” of flouting European Union tax regulations.

This past week, Apple was ordered to pay a whopping £11 billion – or 13 billion Euros.

Apple is expected to pay for its operations in Ireland. The EU found that Ireland had been giving the company tax breaks far above and beyond any other company.

For example, the EU said Apple was allowed to pay a maximum tax rate of just 1%.

In 2014, the tech firm paid tax at just 0.005%. The usual rate of corporation tax in Ireland is 12.5%.

The investigation into Apple’s tax dealings in Ireland started three years ago.

The EU said Ireland’s tax arrangements with the company between 1991 and 2015 had allowed it to attribute sales to a “head office” that only existed on paper and could not have generated such profits.

The result was that Apple avoided tax on almost all the profit generated from its multi-billion euro sales of iPhones and other products across the EU’s single market.

It booked the profits in Ireland rather than the country in which the product was sold.

However, in a recent exclusive interview with the Washington Post, Tim Cook explained his company’s position, saying:

“Let me explain what goes on with our international taxes. The money that’s in Ireland that he’s probably referring to is money that is subject to U.S. taxes. The tax law right now says we can keep that in Ireland or we can bring it back. And when we bring it back, we will pay 35 percent federal tax and then a weighted average across the states that we’re in, which is about five percent, so think of it as 40 percent. We’ve said at 40 percent, we’re not going to bring it back until there’s a fair rate. There’s no debate about it. Is that legal to do or not legal to do? It is legal to do. It is the current tax law. It’s not a matter of being patriotic or not patriotic. It doesn’t go that the more you pay, the more patriotic you are”.

(On a side note, you should read the full interview. It is a great insight into the mind of the Apple CEO and his vision for the company).

After the recent ruling by the EU, Tim Cook immediately hit back saying the ruling was “total political crap” and “maddening”. (His words, not ours).

“It’s disappointing, it’s clear that this comes from a political place, it has no basis in fact or in law, and unfortunately it’s one of those things we have to work through.”

“When you’re accused of doing something that is so foreign to your values, it brings out an outrage in you, and that’s how we feel. Apple has always been about doing the right thing,” Cook added.

Apple and Ireland will be appealing the ruling.

Whatever your take on it, these are definitely interesting times, especially as Apple is set to launch the next range of iPhone(s) in the coming weeks.

We’ll be watching this closely.

Kanye West delivers another VMA speech

Mike Mpofu

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August 30, 2016

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Kanye West has delivered what is seemingly becoming his annual “speech” at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The 2016 edition of the VMAs saw Yeezy being given the opportunity, by the organisers, to do whatever he wanted.

Kanye took it to screen his latest somewhat controversial work, the Famous music video.

Before screening the video, Yeezy came out, dressed by himself no doubt – and gave a six-minute speech, covering a range of topics in the process.

“I came here to present my new video, but before I do that, I’mma talk,” said the controversial artist.

He opened by acknowledging the fact that his Famous video might lose to Beyoncé – which it did – but he didn’t mind because, “I can’t be mad, cause I’m always wishing for Beyoncé to win!”

Kanye went on to talk about the thought process of making the controversial piece of work, calling it “an expression of our now”.

He moved on to acknowledge the influential role artists play in leading pop culture.

Any Kanye rant/speech is incomplete without addressing the “haters”.

He talked about a lecture he had delivered at the Chicago Art Institute, where a young man described how he feared for his own life because he had seen three of his close friends killed around him.

Kanye responded by saying he had been told on several occasions by those around him to stop comparing himself to Steve Jobs, among other pioneers and industry leaders.

He said there were three ways to keep people impoverished: taking away their esteem, taking away their resources, and taking away their role models.

West – in retaliation – went on to name the very role models people told him not to compare himself to. He ended of the sentence by referring to himself – “West”.

It’s classic Yeezy, but that’s the Kanye people love, including himself.

Watch the full speech below:

My frustration with ‘critics’

Mike Mpofu

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August 26, 2016

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As Apple prepare to launch the much anticipated iPhone 7, several rumours have been doing the rounds.

This is to be expected. It only happens before an Apple (iPhone) launch. Pictures are circulated of what the product might look like with speculative pieces accompanying them.

The most recent criticism, if you could call it that, comes from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who left the company back in the 1980s.

One of the biggest rumours about the new iPhone is that Apple will be doing away with the headphone jack and opting for something wireless. At this stage, it’s just a rumour.

Wozniak expressed his reservations about this possibility.

“If it’s missing the 3.5mm earphone jack, that’s going to tick off a lot of people,” he told the Australian Financial Review. “I would not use Bluetooth … I don’t like wireless. I have cars where you can plug in the music, or go through Bluetooth, and Bluetooth just sounds so flat for the same music.”

When I first read his comment, something bothered me.

It wasn’t that he had an opinion, but I think it was that he was speaking from the “outside”, and not as a member of the Apple team.

At the end of the day, Wozniak, like you and I, has the right to have an opinion.

But more often than not, when giving our opinions, there is an underlying motive. Whatever it may be.

I am not sure if they are paid and who pays them, but critics probably have the worst job in the world. They sit back and watch people getting on with their lives, achieving great things, just so they can say “something”.

There is a famous saying that “dogs only bark at moving cars”.

Most of the time, it is true.

Show me a critic and I will show you someone who has an underlying motive: bitterness and jealousy.

But show me someone who is committed to making something better – nine out of ten times, they are a part of the team.

I’m not saying Wozniak is bitter, jealous, or that his opinion is not valued.

I’m saying that if you truly care about a product or organisation, then join it and bring your influence to that space and turn things around!

This is not a stab at Wozniak, but his comments made me think about how critics influence much of our daily actions, yet they contribute the least.

I am also not saying buy the iPhone and never criticise it – you are free to buy whatever you please.

But in your world of influence, are you the Wozniak – commenting from the outside – or the Tim Cook, trying to make a difference from the inside, building the team and bringing the change you want to see?

Kirk, meet Pharrell

Mike Mpofu

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August 24, 2016

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I grew up listening to a lot of “gospel” music.

The majority of that was Kirk Franklin, mainly due to my older brother who brought a lot Kirk’s stuff home for us to blast on the hifi (as they were called) whenever we got the opportunity.

In fact we – mainly my brother – were so into Franklin’s music he earned himself the nickname “Kirk” among his peers.

Looking back, those Kirk Franklin & GP (God’s People) cassette tapes saved my life. They brought me closer to Jesus in an incredible way.

Kirk was relevant to me as a pre-teen and teenager and remains even more relevant now as a young adult.

He has managed to preach the gospel in a way that showed many that “church should be enjoyed not endured”, as one of my pastors would say.

And that’s the truth.

I recall one of Franklin’s tracks in his The Nu Nation Project album, in 1998 where – at the beginning – he reminds us why he does what he does:

“Young people there’s nothing wrong with dancing for Jesus…”

A simple statement that seems laughable today, yet carried great meaning and freedom for many young people that were grappling with their faith and religion back in those days – myself included.

And now Kirk remains committed to that cause.

Apart from his recent collaborations with Chance the Rapper and Kanye West on Chance’s latest album, Coloring Book, and Yeezy’s The Life of Pablo, Kirk has been in the studio working on his own stuff alongside Pharrell Williams.

Pharrell needs no introduction.

Kirk and Pharrell have remixed the song 123 Victory, which is on Kirk’s latest album, Losing My Religion.

The two speak about the creative process in making 123 Victory (Remix) on Beats 1.

The song is an absolute banger and is a mile better than the original. Bopping your head is a non-negotiable – in fact, it is inevitable.

The track is available on iTunes/Apple Music depending on what you prefer.

Listening to the track I was reminded why Kirk was able to help a young Christian boy figure out his salvation and see Jesus past religion.

Besides being the musical genius that he is, Kirk has an incredible heart, which is evident in his music.

Pharrell and other artists will testify to this.

Thank you Kirk for being one of the first through the wall. Yes, the wall. To do what you have done consistently over the years took courage – you no doubt had to bash through the wall. But you did it anyway. You were obedient when it was least convenient. You were transparent, even when it hurt. But it is because you saw beyond yourself and into the future.

Your ministry has impacted millions the world over.

And I love that you have worked with tens of artists from various walks of life. I have no doubt they agreed to work with you because they felt comfortable enough around you to trust you like a brother, father, and friend.

Instead of bashing people with the Bible, you have simply lived out what it says.

Friends, give the new track a listen.

Be encouraged, things may be difficult today, but in Jesus, we have the (123) Victory!

Mike Mpofu

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