Mike Mpofu, Author at 1Africa

Pablo comes to Africa

Mike Mpofu

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August 19, 2016

It’s finally happening.

Kanye – Yeezy – West is bringing his famous clothing “Life of Pablo” to South Africa.

Yeezy confirmed this in a tweet with a link to his website, showing where he would be opening Pablo pop-stores all over the world:

From what we understand, Cape Town, the only Africa location, will be part of those stores.

Kanye has seen massive success in the clothing industry, especially after the release of his latest album, The Life of Pablo.

He later released some merchandise to commemorate the incredible career of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

West wore the now famous sweater with the words “I feel like Kobe” printed on the front left – to replace the original, “I feel like Pablo” script.

It is believed that Yeezy made $1 million in one weekend after opening a range of pop-ups in New York. The other locations included LA and Paris.

Judging by the online prices of some of the merchandise in the past, it is not going to be cheap. When the “I feel like Kobe” sweaters were up for sale, one was retailing at approximately US$90. Converted into SA Rand, it isn’t a walk in the park.

The pop-up in Cape Town perhaps shows some confidence in his South African fans, or it may just be a good way to test the waters.

So, if you’re a Kanye merchandise fan, chances are you’ll be sitting in a queue for a very long time.

Let us know if you are able to get your hands on some of that stock!

Bon Iver set to end five-year drought

Mike Mpofu

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August 19, 2016

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Five years after their last album, Bon Iver is set to end this drought with the upcoming release of their latest masterpiece, 22, A Million.

As with all things Bon Iver, the title really doesn’t make much sense, but we really don’t care. We simply cannot wait.

Bon Iver broke the news at Justin Vernon’s annual music festival Eaux Claires, in Wisconsin, USA, last Saturday.

In fact, most of the set at Eaux Claires included songs from the new album. Pitchfork live blogged the whole concert.

The album is set to be released at the end of September. In the meantime, you can check out the track list on iTunes.

While I’m sure the new album will carry the distinct Bon Iver sound, I am not entirely sure what to expect. Most of the song titles, as you will see on iTunes, make very little sense.

I cannot wait for the interviews where Justin Vernon explains the journey and creative process behind this work.

September may be a tad too far, if you’re a Bon Iver fan. That’s why they have been kind enough to give us a taste of things to come. Check out the video below – this one is called 22 (OVER S∞∞N):

Olympic history in our lifetime

Mike Mpofu

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August 16, 2016

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As a sports fan, it is slightly frustrating to be subject to the time difference between Rio, Brazil – where the Olympics are being hosted – and South Africa.

However the few events that I have been able to view have been absolutely spectacular.

On Sunday night (in Rio), 14 August 2016, South African track and field athlete Wayde van Niekerk broke a 17-year-old record and ran the 400 m final in 43.03 seconds. This was was South Africa’s first gold – icing on the cake.

In the lead up to the Olympics, Wayde spent some time in the Caribbean, training alongside Usain Bolt.

According to Wayde, Bolt told him he would break the World Record. And after the race, it was Bolt who went up to Wayde to give him the “I told you so”, speech.

Wayde’s story is made even more beautiful because of his humility.

In the post-race interview, Wayde was quick to deflect attention from himself, giving glory to God and everyone who had been an incredible support to him over the years, including his coach – his great grandmother who is 74. Talk about an above average family.

On the same night, Wayde’s now good friend, Bolt, went on to realise part of his dream after attaining his third Olympic Gold medal in the 100m sprint.

“I came out here to prove to the world that I am the greatest, and that’s what I did,” said a very happy Bolt who eased passed the finish line, to add insult to injury of the struggling sprinters behind him.

Bolt denied his long-time rival, US Sprinter Justin Gatlin – who came second. Between the two, Gatlin had a great start, but Bolt easily regained the lost ground and breezed past his competitors, almost effortlessly, to take the gold with 9.8 seconds.

Bolt now becomes the first person to win three consecutive Olympic 100m titles.

Bolt’s goal in these Olympics is to gain the triple-triple – three gold medals in three events, in three consecutive Olympic finals.

So far, he has the 100m title. His bid for triple glory in Rio also includes defending the 200m and 4x100m he won four and eight years ago.If he continues in his current form, there is no reason to doubt that we will indeed continue to see Olympic history in our lifetime!

It’s coalition season

Mike Mpofu

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August 9, 2016

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Last week, I wrote about the “democracy test” South Africa was faced with as her people headed to the polls on 3 August 2016.

This week, as results were finalised, an even bigger task lies ahead – who will govern and what will that look like?

This year’s 2016 local government elections were the most notable in South Africa’s short democracy as the ruling ANC performed the worst in its history.

The main opposition, the DA, has reaped the benefits of that – managing to bring the ANC below the 50% in three major metros in SA: Nelson Mandela Bay, Tshwane, and Johannesburg. These are significant for economic and political symbolism.

No one can govern without at least 50% of the vote in any sphere of government.

This means coalition governments are the order of the day.

Legally, municipalities have 14 days to put together their governments. And the clock is now ticking.

The question isn’t whether coalitions – where two or more different parties form a partnership to establish a government – are possible. It is whether it will be sustainable.

The first prize – obviously – is to do the work of government without the interference of your political opponents – but when that fails, compromises must be reached.

As political parties continue to negotiate what those governments will look like, they will be careful to make promises they cannot keep. Policies, after all, are restricted to what is within the law.

And whether your opponents respect the law in the same way you do, is something that will have to be determined in the agreements that are reached.

So, perhaps to add to my statement from last week: it isn’t just about casting a ballot peacefully and handing over to the victors. It seems it is about whether the coalition can be formed to last the term (five years).

It is possible and it has been done before.

In 2006, a DA-led coalition took over the City of Cape Town with seven other parties! Wow!

The fact that it lasted and transitioned into a single party government afterwards is an incredible achievement.

Can South Africa replicate this elsewhere in the country?

I certainly hope so.

Obama Speaks to Young African Leaders (YALI)

Mike Mpofu

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August 5, 2016

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Obama Speaks to Young African Leaders (YALI)

On August 4, US president Barack Obama celebrated his 55th birthday. On the eve of this event, Obama spoke to a group of young African leaders.

The US president held his annual “Town Hall” with the Young African Leaders, which has come to be known as YALI, in Washington.

The YALI programme – which is now in its seventh year – was established by Obama to strengthen US-Africa ties, but to also create a platform for young African leaders to benefit from training and forums in the US.

Working similar to an exchange programme, the YALI participants – taken from various countries on the continent – spend the (US) summer in the States. They are placed at various universities across the country where they attend Summer School, obtaining certificates in a range of courses. Part of the process involves talks, tours and obviously the one they look forward to – the Town Hall with president Obama.

This year, Obama was greeted by songs of “Happy Birthday” by the 1 000 strong YALI Fellows.

After thanking them for the singing, Obama gave the opening address to the Town Hall, which was followed by a question and answer segment.

President Obama focused on the fact that he had paid specific attention to the US-Africa relationship. He mentioned how, in his time in office, he had been to sub-Saharan Africa four times – more than any sitting US president.

He continued to comment on the “unprecedented prosperity or opportunity” in Africa as the continent had grown significantly in various areas including technology, medical practices, among other areas.

The US president also acknowledged many of the YALI Fellows’ call for more “trade not aid” – in a push to make Africa more of a “partner” in the relationship with the US than anything else.

Before closing his opening remarks, Obama acknowledged that “democracy is hard everywhere” – referring to the various challenges he has faced in office during his time. He also alluded, very briefly, to the current US presidential election.

Despite the differences in the two camps, Democrats and Republicans, both parties agreed on the important role of Africa in the US and the world over, according to Obama.

Take some time and have a look at the full Town Hall Session below – you won’t be disappointed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yi5hSPWPyg

Can (South) Africa pass the democracy test again?

Mike Mpofu

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August 3, 2016

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Can (South) Africa pass the democracy test again?

Elections are a big deal.

And depending on when you’re reading this, South Africa will be heading to the polls or votes will be counted, in the 2016 local government elections.

Local government is where mayors and ward councillors are elected to make sure your roads are painted (if you even have roads), among other things.

At the risk of stating the obvious, democracy is a privilege – especially in Africa.

Africa’s history is not secret, colonialism, apartheid and centuries of slave driving and looting by either Western Powers or others has left a terrible legacy.

What that means is that most of Africa is very young. For example, South Africa only became a democracy in 1994. While the first country to obtain its independence on the continent, Ghana, only managed to do so in 1957 – also relatively young.

The transition from being ruled to establishing a democracy, with a government chosen by the people of that very nation, is something countries are learning to do.

And the best way to test whether these countries are learning fast enough or getting this “democracy thing” right – is through an election.

And the election is not just the casting of a vote – it is also what happens after that.

It is not enough for a party or candidate to win, he/she needs to be allowed to assume office, peacefully.

South Africa has, in the main, passed this test.

Governments at provincial and local level have transitioned without much harm or violence during the last elections.

However, certain pockets of the country have shown otherwise. At least 20 people have been killed in the province of KwaZulu Natal – for political reasons, while some towns have seen violence break out over dissatisfaction with candidates in their area. The most notable of these is the capital Pretoria or Tshwane – which burnt for a few days as people took to the streets, looted malls and blocked roads, to express their dissatisfaction with a mayoral candidate.

A great test of the democratic process will be whether South Africa can emerge from this election without incident.

Africa needs a win… desperately.

Only a handful have managed to pass the democracy test: Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia (they are one to watch for the future) are among them.

This while most of the continent continues to grapple with the concept of democracy that truly reflects the will of the people and not just liberation movements.

Whether we realise it or not, South Africa’s win in these elections is a win for the rest of the continent. We desperately need this project to succeed, in order to establish a blueprint for others to follow.

Only time will tell.

Barack Obama Unites the Democrats

Mike Mpofu

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July 29, 2016

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Wow! That’s all I could say after watching US president Barack Obama deliver his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday 27 July.

His speech is probably the second most powerful speech after his famous “Yes we can” address, delivered after winning his first US presidential election in 2008.

On Wednesday night, Obama came out to speak to a somewhat divided party – but left the building having done what only he can: inspire people to follow, even if it wouldn’t be him in the driving seat.

The Democratic Convention had a shaky start after Bernie Sanders’ supporters made life difficult by booing at the sound of Hilary Clinton’s name. They were not convinced, even after Bernie himself made his best effort to unite them urging them to “vote for Hilary Clinton”. To that statement, they simply booed louder.

It took another Obama – Michelle – to do some repair work when she also delivered a killer speech, reminding us why she was the kind of FLOTUS she is. (In fact, after her speech, some argued we may even see Michelle run for the Oval Office on her own one day – I wouldn’t rule that out).

Hilary Clinton was officially nominated as the Democrats’ Presidential Candidate. But it was the charm, intelligence, strength, and humility of Barack Obama that won the Convention. In fact, as he was speaking, someone shouted: “Four more years!”.

Obama’s speech had the right balance between defending his track record, accomplishments or legacy, addressing some unfinished business, accepting responsibility for those areas, reminding America of its founding values, and looking to to the future – and very importantly, making people feel like Hilary Clinton was the candidate they all wanted from the very beginning.

He also did his fair bit of going after Donald Trump, arguing that Trump was not “really a plans guy. Not really a facts guy, either. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women who’ve achieved success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated.”

Obama continued to climb into Trump over his fear-mongering and reminded the Convention that America “is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.”

Obama’s 45-minute address could have been longer and no one would have noticed. In fact, his speech was so good that a series of Republicans sent out tweets approving of the address!

What remains to be seen is whether Hilary will use this leverage and momentum in this right way.

Watch Obama’s full speech below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uersAHFcjA

John Gray on the Breakfast Club

Mike Mpofu

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July 27, 2016

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Yet another preacher – John Gray – has found himself on the world famous radio show The Breakfast Club.

This comes after Pastors Carl Lentz and Rich Wilkerson Jnr also made appearances on the hip-hop show.

This time, Gray – Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church, in Houston Texas – uses the platform to share his thoughts on a range of current affairs including the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Brexit, marriage, and the US presidential election.

He also talks about the role of the church in reaching those who don’t know Christ. He looks at why most people are turned off by the idea of church in general.

It is probably one of the rawest interviews we have seen – especially from a church communicator – in a long time.

Have a look for yourself:

It’s time to act grown up Mr Trump

Mike Mpofu

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July 22, 2016

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Last night in Cleveland, USA, Donald Trump officially accepted the nomination to run as the Republican Presidential Candidate.

Simply put: he is closer to the White House now – more than any other time in his life.

I’m sure most of us are familiar with Trump’s many antics.

And whatever our opinion is of him, we have to accept that the Republicans have nominated their man. And if they – and him – are to succeed or even come close, then some things are going to have to change sooner rather than later.

Trump is famous for his “shoot from the hip” approach in his public speaking and speech delivery. This cannot persist.

Because from this point forward, everything he says will be under serious scrutiny. He will need to not only articulate himself like an adult, it will have to make sense and very importantly, it will have to be consistent. He cannot change his tune as the media cycle turns – he will be held to account. Donald Trump is probably one of the few presidential candidates to get this far without tangible “policies”. Much of his campaign has been off the cuff. This cannot hold for a man who will be responsible for the livelihood of millions of people.

Secondly, Trump needs to mature.

In his acceptance speech last night, Trump said the first order of business in his first day of office would be to ensure national security.

Enthusiastic as he may be, he needs to set some realistic targets.

Government cannot and will not operate like Trump Towers.

He cannot blurt out: “Get me a missile now, or else you’re fired!” That approach may have worked in Trump Towers, but the White House, the Senate, and Congress have rules and procedures to protect from dictatorships and abuse of power.

Even Barack Obama has had his fair share of resistance from Congress at the best of times.

So Mr Trump will have to get a crash course on how to manage a government within the boundaries of legislation and the Constitution.

Going forward, many expect Hilary Clinton to win this easily. If Trump is to stand a chance, he needs to clean up – and quickly.

People like a good laugh on the odd occasion, but when their livelihoods are threatened, they will and should make sensible decisions at the ballot box.

So if the Trump White House dream is to be realised, it is time for him to act his age and grow up!

Mrs Trump vs Mrs Obama

Mike Mpofu

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July 19, 2016

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I never thought I would see the day when we would witness someone actually plagiarise another person’s work – and to do it so confidently.
It’s something people always talk about, but we rarely come across real life incidents. Until last night.
Last night – in the early hours of South African time – the Republicans all gathered for their Convention where they are expected to either endorse or reject Donald Trump as their official presidential candidate for the elections later this year.
As per tradition, rounds of speeches are given in support or against the campaigning candidates. These speeches are delivered by various people.
Last night, mrs. Melania Trump, Donald’s wife, took to the podium in Cleveland to ask the Republicans to back her husband.
And it seems wherever the Trumps go, the drama is not too far behind.
Little did the people know, when she took to the stage, she would basically plagiarise massive sections of a similar speech delivered by Michelle Obama in support of her husband’s campaign. Only Mrs. Obama’s speech was delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
I didn’t believe it when I first saw this, but have a look for yourself:

Mike Mpofu

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