Mike Mpofu, Author at 1Africa

Farewell, David Cameron

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July 15, 2016

On Wednesday 13 July, David Cameron attended his last Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – as prime minister – in the House of Commons.

Cameron, who seemed all but pleased, handed over the reins to the UK’s second ever female prime minister, Theresa May. The first was, of course, Margaret Thatcher.

As many would recall, Cameron’s hand was “forced” into resignation after he lost a referendum – that he had promised – on the UK’s membership in the European Union.

After narrowly losing the vote on Thursday, 23 June, Cameron emerged from the Number 10 door to announce his resignation.

When May won the Conservative Party leadership (the details which I do not wish to delve into), Cameron emerged once again from the Number 10 door to announce his imminent departure.

There was a moment of comic relief as he walked back into Number 10 humming a pleasant tune, while not realising his microphone was still on. As usual, the internet went crazy and tracks were released.

In his last days in office, I started thinking about what Cameron’s legacy would be.

I am of the opinion – which may not be popular – that Britain was losing a sound leader.

One of the key legacy items of his premiership will no doubt be his ability to lead a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats for a full term. He managed those tricky waters and gained some respect for pulling that off successfully.

After seeing his party through that storm, Cameron went on to lead the Tories – as the Conservatives are known – to an outright victory, winning 330 seats at the 2015 general election. His government was firmly in place and the ship was steady.

I believe Cameron should be remembered for taking some hard decisions in the face of much opposition, even within his own ranks. Some of these included financial decisions, which he would have done in consultation with the former Chancellor of Exchequer (Finance Minister) George Osborne. Osborne has been a loyal friend and confidant of Cameron over the years. He has also lost his position in May’s new government.

Cameron obviously made some decisions that didn’t pay off, promising a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.

Whether or not he foresaw this outcome, I do not know.

What I do know is that it will be difficult to talk about Cameron’s successes without mentioning the EU catastrophe.

Was he a good leader?

I think so.

Is he irreplaceable?

Obviously not.

And the question that everyone has on their mind: will Theresa May succeed where he has failed?

It is an unfair question.

Both prime minsters faced a different set of circumstances on their arrival at Number 10.

Theresa May’s first act of government will be to initiate talks with the EU on what a successful Brexit would look like – a tough job.

Cameron’s first order of business was to put together a decent government and ensure stability – also a tough job, but a very different one nonetheless.

We wish May the best.

Farewell, DC.

Why Wimbledon was a let-down

Mike Mpofu

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July 12, 2016

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This year’s Wimbledon tournament was just not the same.

Don’t get me wrong, the tennis stars were all present – well, for some of it – with celebrities and other famous people sitting courtside to observe the prestigious event.

But something was missing.

Every year, there is always an “air,” a gravitas and an excitement that is tangible, wherever you are in the world. But for whatever reason, it seems to have passed me by.

It could be because the tennis tournament at the All England Club was hosted during the same period as the Soccer Euro 2016 Tournament in neighbouring France.

It could also be that much political activity – mainly the Brexit – unfolded in the United Kingdom before the Wimbledon guests could settle in for the big show.

And it also could be that we were “missing” some big names.

I think that is it.

It was one of those tournaments where pre-match analysis and write-ups left you longing for game day and the sound of tennis racket hitting aces and the grunts from the players in between, as they gave it their all.

But on reaching game-day, it all exploded in a sad anti-climax.

On the women’s front it all went according to plan as Serena Williams won the tournament and clenched number 22 of her grand slam titles.

This was something to watch, as she later commented that she had been inspired by Lebron James and the Cavaliers. Lebron later posted an Instagram acknowledging the shout-out from the women’s champion! Congrats Serena!

Sadly, the men’s tournament left much to be desired.

Apart from South Africa’s Kevin Anderson being knocked out early in the tournament, we also lost the Frenchman Jo Wilfred Tsonga – who both failed to raise any eyebrows.

Then the two biggest shocks of the tournament – which would have been the ideal final, in my opinion – was when we lost Roger Federer and world number 1 Novak Djokovic!

Both names were expected to easily secure their places in the final, but this was not the case.

Instead, the Scot, Andy Murray, 29, dismantled Milos Raonic in a 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) victory to repeat his triumph of 2013 and claim a third Grand Slam title.

It was a great win for the hosts, as I’m sure they needed something to lift their spirits after the Brexit vote, the current leadership crisis at number 10, and the shocking defeat by Iceland in the Euro 2016.

But for the tennis viewer, I’m sure many left feeling like they didn’t get the tournament they were all hoping for.

It would have been nice to see Novak claim another title or at least view a nail-biting battle between him and Roger.

It was also interesting to note that Djokovic didn’t seem too phased by the loss as he was seen strolling around the Wimbledon grounds and seemingly didn’t have a care in the world.

We will have to watch and see what the future holds. For now, massive congratulations to Murray, who also now goes by the name “dad”.

Not outraged? You’re not paying attention

Mike Mpofu

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July 8, 2016

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Not outraged? You’re not paying attention

There is a common saying that evil prevails when good men do nothing.

I believe this to be true.

There is also another common saying that says “things have to get worse before they can get better”.

I hope this does not have to be the case.

This week in the United States two black men were shot point blank by police officers in two separate incidents.

Parts of both encounters were recorded on video.

The Minnesota video, which begins after the shooting itself, shows the man slumped bloody against the woman who was recording it. Her young daughter sat in the back seat. According to the nine minute video recorded by the woman, her boyfriend Philando Castile (32) was shot three times while reaching into his pocket to get his identity documents.

Castile had allegedly been pulled over for having a broken tail light.

When asked for documentation, it appears Castile informed the officer he had been carrying a gun – but had the necessary papers and license to carry.

While reaching for these documents, the police officer opened fire.

In another part of the USA, 24 hours before the Minnesota shooting, Alton Sterling (37) was shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Police had been responding to a call that a man had allegedly been threatening people outside a supermarket.

On arrival, the police pinned Sterling down. Shortly after, he was shot while pinned to the ground – helpless.

I have seen the amateur footage of this incident and I find it hard to believe he was a threat to the lives of these officers, if anything he was helpless.

Looking through news reports and social media response I noticed one poster which read: “If you are not outraged, you’re not paying attention”.

The statement could not be more apt.

I remember first seeing the news and thinking “this can’t be happening again”.

Today I appeal to our dear friends in the USA to not only get outraged, but to direct the outrage to the right place.

The US Congress and lawmakers need to take responsibility.

I am struggling to reconcile the fact that the responsible officers and their superiors will most likely get off scot-free – a little leave, suspension, and life goes on.

It cannot be.

Hashtags will be used on Twitter, but what will come of it?

Something needs to change.

Someone needs to account.

Outrage needs to translate into decisive action.

God help us!

The Golden State welcomes Kevin Durant

Mike Mpofu

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July 5, 2016

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It was a tough day yesterday for Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) fans as former NBA MVP Kevin Durant (KD) announced his move to join Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors (GSW).

Durant is one of many changes in the NBA as players sign new deals and get traded across the board.

KD – also known as, ‘easy money sniper’ – is the most notable change in the league to date. At the end of last season, he became a “free agent” – in other words, he was able to either renegotiate the terms of his contract with OKC or look elsewhere for a better deal. He chose to leave.

Durant announced his decision on Players Tribune – where he is also the deputy editor – and gave an explanation for his decision, which you can read in full here.

The gist of why he decided to break so many hearts in Oklahoma – and mine in Africa – can be summed up as follows:

“The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player — as that has always steered me in the right direction. But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth. With this in mind, I have decided that I am going to join the Golden State Warriors.”

Shortly after making the decision public, OKC fans were seen burning the legendary Durant 35 jerseys. It brought back memories of people doing the same when Lebron James decided to leave Cleveland for Miami Heat.

For many it will be an absolute dream team at the GSW with KD in the starting five. At this stage, I cannot see any other team that possess the skill and talent to go all the way and take the title away from Lebron and his men, besides the GSW. It will no longer just be the “Splash brothers” comprising of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, but the “Splash Family” – with KD in the picture.

It now remains to be seen whether the team will gel as planned. Whether there will be the spark and chemistry necessary to blend the talent and skill into a single well-oiled unit and become a more than serious NBA team, but one that goes on to make history.

I have no doubt that Durant will add immense value at GSW. But my heart goes out to his former team mates, especially Russel Wesbrook, whom he has formed an incredible partnership with.

For now, all roads lead to GSW for Easy Money.

Kanye West signs long-term deal with Adidas

Mike Mpofu

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July 1, 2016

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Kanye West signs long-term deal with Adidas

Rapper, fashion guru and self-proclaimed genius Kanye West has made the news again.

This time he is making waves in the fashion world.

It emerged this week that West and Adidas have signed a long-term deal, while the exact details and monies have remained very secret.

Kanye first collaborated with Adidas in 2013. He then released his first pair of Yeezy Boost 350 shoes, which have proven successful and are coveted the world over. The shoes were launched in collaboration with his first Adidas fashion collection.

This first release came as a result of a deal gone sour with Nike. Kanye had produced shoes under the Nike banner. West said the relationship with Nike did not work because, he argues, he had not been given the creative freedom to produce more and work on some of his other ideas.

Adidas quickly signed West, and the proof has been in the pudding.

The Yeezy Boost 350’s won the sneaker of the year award at the Footwear News’ Achievement Awards ceremony, which honours the footwear industry’s cream of the crop.

Shortly after, West released the single Facts describing his new success and his triumph over Nike in the phrase: “Yeezy yeezy yeezy, just jumped over Jumpman,” (the nickname for Michael Jordan whose shoes are made under the Nike brand).

Kanye’s recent release with Adidas is the 750s boots, including a second batch with gum soles.

The new deal with Adidas is allegedly going to see Kanye working not only on expanding his lifestyle brand in retail stores – making it accessible to more fans – but creating products for the sporting range as well.

I have no doubt that will be interesting to watch.

After the deal was made public Kanye tweeted:

“Beautiful morning @adidas,” with a link to the story of the deal signing.

The Adidas team responded:

“Yes it is, we’re just getting started and we’ve got all day.”

To which, the Adidas sport account added:

“Here’s to creating the next chapter.”

It seems there is a mutual love and respect between Kanye and his brand partners.

We’ll be looking out for the new merchandise to come.

Making sense of the Brexit aftermath

Mike Mpofu

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June 27, 2016

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On Thursday, 23 June, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU) – the end of a 40-year relationship.

Approximately 48% of voters opted to remain in the EU, while the remaining 52% won the day.

Four days later, at the time of writing this, the world is reeling while trying to make sense of the referendum decision and its implications.

The most immediate effect of the so-called Brexit was the resignation by prime minister David Cameron, who is set to leave office in October. In his resignation speech hours after the final results were announced, Cameron said he respected the results but he did “not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination”.

Basically: “This is not my problem, I wanted to stay. Now find someone who will fix this.” This is how I understand his resignation.

On the same day, UKIP leader and “leave” campaigner Nigel Farage was on Good Morning Britain, where he fumbled his way through a question about the £350 million which was allegedly going to the EU every week. The leave campaign had been arguing this money should be directed to Britain’s medical health system, the NHS, instead. Asked whether this money would now make its way to the NHS, Farage couldn’t give a definite response, except to say that the leave campaign “should not have said that”.

While Farage is not in government and was not part of the “official” leave team so cannot make those kinds of decisions, millions of Britons did not take that response lightly. Many, it is safe to assume, had taken this £350 million into consideration before casting their ballot.

On the very same day, former Mayor of London and Conservative Party MP Boris Johnson – who led the charge for the “leave” campaign – appeared at a press briefing. Johnson, whom I believe did not think his side would win, seemed to argue that it was not necessary to begin the process of making the exit official.

Instead, him and fellow leave campaigner, Michael Gove, said there was “no need for haste” in acting on the exit.

Since then, Johnson has not said anything more, save for a brief Sky News interview on Monday 27 June outside his residence. Boris argued that the UK would still maintain strong ties with the rest of the Union and foreign nationals living in the UK had nothing to fear as their rights would be protected. It would be the same for UK citizens living abroad.

Boris would have felt the need to make these remarks, I believe, as a result of the increasing xenophobic and – in some instances – racist insults hurled at foreigners across the UK.

The social media posts about foreigners’ experiences in subways, at bus stops, coffee shops, schools, and other public spaces made my stomach turn.

It reminded me of a conversation I had with a wise man in my life. He reminded me that money was a magnifying glass – it brings out what was always in someone’s heart, even when they did not have much of it.

Simply, people do not change in regards to this, what is inside of them is brought to the fore.

Could it be the same with the vote? That people did not wake up and have a change of heart – instead, the leave vote simply brought out what was always there?

The reality of the Brexit also hit home in the financial markets.

On Friday, US$ 2.08 trillion (US Dollars) was wiped off global equity markets after the Brexit vote – this was the biggest daily loss ever. Wow.

On Monday, 27 June, Barclays and RBS shares were suspended following heavy losses on the London Stock Exchange the week before.

While all of this was taking place, the official opposition is embroiled in battles of its own.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing what has been dubbed on Twitter the “#LabourCoup” – after 12 of his shadow ministers (very senior positions in opposition, in the House of Commons), resigned. At the same time, most of these shadow ministers are calling for Corbyn’s resignation.

As I write this, Corbyn is said to be meeting with senior members of his party to decide on how Labour will deal with this turmoil.

Corybn is adamant that he will not leave without a fight.

The current Chancellor of the Exchequer – the Finance Minister – George Osborne made a statement on Monday morning to reassure investors and the international community. He argued that the UK economy was “about as strong as it could be“, despite the vote.

But will this be enough to reassure the Scots who, a few moments after the referendum results, were already hinting at the possibility of a referendum to decide their own destiny? This would see Scotland most likely leave the UK and join the EU.

This would, no doubt, undo whatever is left of David Cameron’s legacy.

Back in South Africa and the rest of the continent, we are yet to see and understand how the Brexit will affect us. But I hope many of the economists and business gurus are wrong in this instance.

It is all rather confusing, but another wise woman in my life reminded me on Friday afternoon – it is “in the hands of the Almighty”.

There can be no truer saying.

God is always in control, wherever you are, whatever you do – it is in the hands of the Almighty!

Guvna B freestyles to Chance’s ‘Angels’

Mike Mpofu

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June 24, 2016

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I always enjoy a decent freestyle, on a decent beat, by a sick MC (the good kind of sick), and UK hip-hop/Grime artist Guvna B has delivered once again.

I spent a considerable amount of time searching for decent rap and hip-hop freestyles after a friend alerted me to the recent “fail” by SA rapper Cassper Nyovest on Cliff Central radio.

As a rapper, one is expected to have a few “bars” (lines in a hip-hop song) at bay, just in case you need to drop a freestyle – sadly Cassper doesn’t.

When asked to rap on Cliff Central, he choked – a few times.

He recently made an appearance on the world famous radio show Sway in the morning, where rappers are nine out of ten times going to be asked to drop a rap off the cuff. I’m waiting for that rap with bated breath.

Thank heavens Guvna B tweeted, not so long ago, that he had just dropped a freestyle.

Guvna B is no stranger to this game and much of his work speaks for itself. Grime, especially in the UK, almost demands that a so-called MC (rapper) has bars to last a lifetime.

This time, Guvna B raps over Chance The Rapper’s beat in the track Angels on his (Chance’s) latest album Coloring Book.

Guvna keeps Chance’s chorus in the original track but fills in the rest himself and he kills it!

I’m sure we’ll find out in time, if Cassper delivers on Sway.

Guvna’s track is available for free listening and download:

You can also check out some of Guvna’s clothing merchandise at www.allomate.co.uk.

Follow him on social media: Twitter and Instagram.

Why the Brexit vote matters to Africa

Mike Mpofu

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June 22, 2016

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As I write this, the United Kingdom (UK) is less than 24 hours away from a historic referendum.

As some of you read this, Brits are already casting their votes on whether their country should leave or remain in the European Union (EU). This choice has been dubbed the “Brexit debate”.

The idea of holding a referendum – a vote to decide on a matter, offered to the citizens of a country – was first introduced by UK prime minister David Cameron during the election campaign last year.

It is believed Cameron promised a referendum in an attempt to unite a divided Conservative Party, which he leads.

It would appear this idea, while great at the time, has proven to be much harder to execute.

Since announcing the referendum, Cameron has faced opposition from many fronts as people campaigned to leave the EU, mainly arguing that British sovereignty had been diminished by the EU’s involvement in its affairs. It is a campaign largely calling for Brits to be patriotic and put their country first, arguing that the EU had taken more than it had given back.

The opposition has not only come from other political parties or opponents, but from within Cameron’s cabinet ministers and members of parliament, most notably the former mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

Johnson has led an aggressive campaign to leave the EU. And it would seem this has been somewhat effective as current polls (as of today, 22 June 2016), still speculate the race is neck and neck.

A columnist speculated that if the Leave camp were to win, surely Cameron would be under pressure to resign as Prime Minister and hand over the reins to Boris. I am not sure about that – we will have to wait and see.

The argument to remain in the EU is as follows:

The EU was set up for various reasons, but one core idea was the economic benefit that could be derived by member states.

Members of this body enjoy travel, trade, and other business benefits that outsiders would have to negotiate to enjoy or be entirely left out. The UK is part of this group, and enjoys benefits in the form of travel, trade, and perhaps political influence.

How does this matter to Africa?

If the UK benefits from EU membership and can build a strong economy on this, then Africa benefits. When the UK’s economy is strong, it has more to spend on trade and imports from Africa. A strong currency helps, too. A strong economy also means Britons have more income at their disposal to participate in the word we love to hear as Africa: tourism.

I cannot over-emphasise how important this is to many African economies. And when tourists are in our countries, they do what we need them to do – spend a lot of money, giving us jobs and ultimately growing our economies.

Furthermore, some African countries benefit from trade relations tied to EU-British agreements. If the UK were to leave the EU, we could potentially be in big trouble.

Should we be entirely dependent on the UK and EU relations to survive economically? No, and we aren’t.

But in a rapidly globalising world, our economies are inevitably linked – we need one another to achieve economic objectives.

Ask the Venezuelans how they feel about standing in food queues for hours or days on end due to shocking and illogical political and economic policies. Ask the Zimbabweans and Cubans what sanctions do to an economy. They’ll tell you petrol queues or cashless banks don’t make for good economic growth or a happy population.

What happens in the Brexit vote should concern us.

Take it from a continent that is trying to etch its way into the global economic playing field: It’s not very easy when you have to go at it alone, especially given the socio-economic need facing millions of Africans.

Society hinges on this: functioning and growing economies.

We will be paying attention as Britain decides.

Lebron delivers on the Cleveland fairy tale

Mike Mpofu

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June 21, 2016

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Lebron delivers on the Cleveland fairy tale

Sunday night, Lebron James finally delivered the promise he made on his “homecoming” two years ago – “to bring a championship to our city”.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were crowned the 2016 NBA Champions in Game 7 of the series against the Golden State Warriors.

The Cavaliers came back from 3 -1 in the series, forced a Game 7 final, and took the cup on Golden State soil – something very difficult to do in the NBA.

Lebron arguably put on one of the best performances of his career. Whether you agree with him or not, you cannot ignore his influence and leadership in the Cavaliers side.

Crowned the Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player), he contributed a triple-double of 27 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds, following back-to-back 41-point hauls to take the series the distance. Kyrie Irving added 26 points including a crucial late three-pointer to earn a 93-89 win in the tense decider.

As the final whistle blew, tears flowed down the cheeks of the three-time NBA Champion, who later told ESPN:

“I set out a goal, two years ago, when I came back, to bring a championship to this city. Cleveland, this is for you. I understand what the people of north-east Ohio have been through. I’m happy to be a part of history.”

This is the first time Cleveland has won a title since 1964.

An aspect, rather a player, who has not received enough recognition in this series, is Kyrie Irving. While James has carried the team on his back for the most part, Irving has been an outstanding support to lean on.

Arguably one of the best point guards in the game right now, Kyrie is far from done. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the running for league MVP in the upcoming seasons.

Many had written the Cavaliers out of this series. Many, myself included, argued it would be an uphill battle bordering on impossible to make a comeback like the one we witnessed – and we were proven wrong.

For now, we will continue to speculate on Lebron James’ future and congratulate them on their victory.

Congrats, Cavs!

All hail, king James!

Lebron James causes NBA Finals upset

Mike Mpofu

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June 20, 2016

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Lebron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers caused a historic NBA Finals upset forcing the current series to head to Game 7 – the decider!

The current series is one that will be remembered for decades to come after the Cavaliers came back from 3 -1, went on to level the series, and force a decider in the Golden State.

The game was not without its dramatic moments.

The current MVP Steph Curry and his Golden State Warriors (GSW), started the game poorly, scoring only 13 against the Cleveland’s 31 in the first quarter. They failed to close the gap, ultimately losing the game.

Many would have hoped to see a historic comeback from the “Splash Brothers” – Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, but it was James who came out king, scoring 41 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.

This display from James saw him become the eighth highest scorer in history, in NBA Finals.

No team in NBA Finals history has come back from being down 3 -1.

One of the most dramatic moments of the game was when MVP Curry was fouled out.

(When you foul another player more than five times, you are ejected from the game).

This was the first time Steph had been fouled out since December 2013.

After being blown for the foul that ultimately saw him ejected, Steph threw a tantrum not worthy of an MVP. He threw his gum guard in disgust, hitting a fan on the court side. Steph apologised but still had to take the long walk of shame off the court.

The truth: Steph had no reply to a hot Lebron James.

If ever there was a night when Lebron proved his worth to the Cavaliers, it was last night.

James’ effort was complimented by the reliable Kyrie Irving, who put 23 points on the board. Together they silenced the GSW, who didn’t seem to gain any real momentum.

Social media was abuzz – as expected – but mainly because of Steph Curry’s wife. After the game – Ayesha Curry – tweeted:

She became the subject of ridicule and hilarious memes for hours later, and ended up deleting the tweet. She later posted another one:

She tweeted a few more to “explain” her behaviour.

I have no doubt that NBA fans appreciate the Game 7.

It has truly been a series to remember.

Will Steph and Klay have a response for Lebron and Kyrie?

We’ll have to see on Sunday night.

Mike Mpofu

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