THERE'S JUST NO PLACE LIKE CAPE TOWN

# SMED 11

During the past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a presentation where the speaker highlighted to high school learners the beauty and splendour of Cape Town as a tourist destination.

This morning one of my staff members rushed into my office and excitedly requested that I come to their side of the office to view the rainbow etched against Table Mountain. From our 5th floor vantage point we had a clear, uninhibited view of others taking photos of a magnificent Table Mountain bathed in early morning winter clouds and serving as a backdrop to a beautiful rainbow.

Cameras were clicking away furiously to capture the sight to behold and tweets were siumultaneously sent and received informing followers to view the picture perfect moment. Needlees to say, office work took a back seat as we took in the view of Table Mountain. We all heaved a sigh when the rainbow disappeared and were in unison with our appreciation and the privilege of having our offices within sight of Table Mountain.

All this excitement brought back memories of the Southern Line Tourism Route training I did for Metrorail staff prior to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Courtesy Cape Town Tourism, herewith an extract from my power point presentation, which showcases why Cape Town is one of the leading places to visit:


CAPE TOWN: 2ND BEST CITY IN THE WORLD - US TRAVEL AND LEISURE, JULY 2009

CAPE TOWN: WORLD'S BEST ENTERTAINMENT/LIFESTYLE DESTINATION, LUXURY TRAVEL AWARDS, APRIL 2009

CAPE TOWN: BEST TOURISM INVESTOR CITY OF THE YEAR, AI TOURISM INVESTOR AWARDS 2009

CAPE TOWN: FAVOURITE WORLD CITY, UK TELEGRAPH NOVEMBER 2008

CAPE TOWN: 4TH TOP CITY IN THE WORLD - CONDENAST READERS' CHOICE OCTOBER 2008


CAPE TOWN: 3RD BEST CITY IN THE WORLD, US TRAVEL AND LEISURE JULY 2008

CAPE TOWN: BEST CITY IN AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST - US TRAVEL AND LEISURE JULY 2008, 2009

CAPE TOWN: 3RD BEST CITY IN THE TOP 10 WORLD FOOD CITIES - LONELY PLANET BLUE LIST JULY 2008

CAPE TOWN: ONE OF THE “PLACES OF A LIFETIME” – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER JULY 2008

CAPE TOWN: BEST DESTINATION, AFRICA - WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS MAY 2008


In conclusion, Cape Town is indeed a beautiful, scenic place to live and work in. I am Proudly Cape Town and would not exchange it for any place in the world.

Table Mountain serves as backdrop to rainbow on morning of 25 July 2011

"ROCK JOURNALISM IS PEOPLE WHO CAN'T WRITE INTERVIEWING PEOPLE WHO CAN'T TALK FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T READ' (FRANK ZAPPA)

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As a music lover of mostly classical music, I must confess that the title of the blog really had my mind running round in circles. The closest I have come to rock music is watching ‘The Osbourne Show’ on television – and whilst I am a huge fan of Ozzie Osbourne the family man, I am still clueless as to the various nuances which make up rock music.

According to the ‘ Ten Commandments of Rock Journalism’ ( http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/columns/the_guide_to/the_ten_commandments_of_rock_journalism.html), the author alludes to the fact that a metal journalist is completely different and much harder than being “just another music journalist.”

In order to be a credible rock journalist, one has to have an intimate knowledge and passion of rock music and its very specific target audience. Although it might sound like notes being hammered out on the keyboard and electric guitar – the harder the better - I believe that each song carries a message.

Followers of rock music ‘have the ears’ to intimately understand and appreciate what is presented to them. Rock music and its very specific musical style, would not have survived if it did not have a broad, global appeal.

In conclusion, I do not agree with Frank Zappa’s interpretation of rock journalism. My personal view is that the quotation is an insult to the millions of people across the globe who are tuned into, and religiously follow rock music – listening, reading and viewing. They get the rhythm, the beat, the nuances and the message and in order to do so, a certain level of intelligence is required.

MANY A RAINY DAY SAVES THE DAY

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‘Save your money for a rainy day’ is a phrase which has been shared with us from childhood into adulthood. Financial institutions also use this cliche to encourage South Africans to save a percentage of their heart-earned cash for a rainy day (South Africans are notorious for their lack of saving).

During the week the phrase took on a different meaning when Belhar residents were left without running water from Wednesday afternoon until approximately 07h00 the following morning. Interesting how one assumes that the ‘water fairies’ of the City of Cape Town would work their miracle throughout the night to restore the water supply. All this maintenance repairis should ofcourse have taken place whilst we were in slumberland.

On waking up at 05h30 the following morning, we were however met with a rather unpleasant surprise - No running water and to make matter worse, we have not purchased any bottled water the night before.

Enter the hero of the morning:
Background : Last year Dad installed a water tank in the garden, primarily for gardening and swimming pool purposes. At the same time also positively contributing towards a greener Cape Town. The family recently complained when the idea of a second water tank was mooted by Dad – based on the fact that it takes up too much space.

Whilst I was still doing a final tossing around in bed and contemplating on suitable attire for the day, Dad sprang into action and released vast quantities of rainwater from the water tank for early morning household purposes.
I must also mention that it was the first time that water was used for personal hygiene. Where there is a will , there is a way, and I was indeed pleasantly surprised at the good quality of rainwater the tank had held in its big, firm belly.

This experience has taught us valuable lessons and we now have new respect for Dad for his water management endeavours. Most importantly, it pays to save rainy water for a waterless day. In doing so, rainy water can indeed save the day.

There is also another happy ending : the second water tank is now closer to becoming a reality.

ANDY WARHOL SAID, "IN THE FUTURE EVERYBODY WILL BE WORLD FAMOUS FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES"

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Everyone dreams of their fifteen minutes of fame. We love it when our photos feature in the print media and become the talk of the town. Better still, seeing ourselves on television or on the big screen at sporting events, means that we’ve made it onto the fifteen minutes hall of fame.

Reality shows on the other hand give a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ A whole new industry has been developed with the sole purpose of providing everyone and anyone with a platform and opportunity to become famous.

Fifteen minutes of fame also comes in many shapes and forms, from the genuine to the ridiculous. A current 15 minute fame seeker was featured on CNN in Anderson Cooper’s ‘Ridiculist’ last week. It features the marriage between a 16 year old teenager and a 51 year old artist. Bizarre footage of love and marriage - and to crown it all, they are already contemplating their own reality programme. Talk about stretching the fifteen minutes of fame!

I believe that in the future we will all have our fifteen minutes of fame. Social Media has made this possible – Facebook, Twitter, blogs, to name but a few. It only requires a click of a button and one’s name can pop up anywhere and everywhere in the world.

There are a number of examples that speaks to where the bright lights of ‘fame’ shine on us, i.e Matric Ball, Graduation, 21st , 50th, 60th birthday, anniversaries and other important milestones we celebrate throughout our lives. Whilst all of us have not yet embraced social media, family and friends post messages and photos on Facebook, Twitter and write blogs - hence an ordinary occasion creates an opportunity to catapult us into the 15 minutes hall of fame.

In conclusion, there are those who actively seek their 15 minutes of fame elsewhere – often leaving home or country for greener pastures. It reminds me of the quotation by Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So sail from the safe harbor. Catch the high winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Go, Go. Go ! Your 15 minutes of fame awaits!

WE HAVE THE ABILITY REGARDLESS THE DISABILITY

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I recently had the opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Eagles Wheelchair Rugby Team, whose bus transport to participate in the SA Wheelchair Rugby League Tournament held in Bloemfontein from 1 – 3 July 2011, was sponsored by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

‘Wheelchair rugby is a sport played by persons who have a disability affecting upper and lower limbs. It is a mixed sport, with men and women competing on the same teams. Originally known as “murderball”, wheelchair rugby was developed in Winnipeg in the 1970s for athletes who are quadruplegic. Combining elements of basketball, hockey and team handball, it’s also the only full-contact sport played by people with disabilities. For many, it might be considered ‘just a sport’ but to members of the Eagles Wheelchair Rugby Team, it is their life.’ – Tohier Abrahams

I have absolute admiration for the Chairperson, Tohier Abrahams, who unbeknown to him, have secured the first sponsorship not only for Wheelchair Rugby, but also for applicants emanating from the Western Cape region. Following a recent setback in which the team was unable to participate in East London due to lack of transportation, his determination not to let the players down, reminds me of the quotation by George Bernard Shaw, “ People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.”


The opportunity to engage with the Eagles Wheelchair Rugby team, was indeed a humbling and most rewarding experience. In addition to acquiring knowledge of a different type of rugby being played (which I must admit until the meeting, was limited to able-bodied rules and refereeing), I am also thankful for the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson relating to determination in the face of financial obstacles. I’m looking forward to being involved in future projects with them, but most importantly, having the opportunity to learn from an inspirational group of wheelchair-bound rugby players.

In conclusion, I’d like to acknowledge a small group of people who have made transportation and participation in the Wheelchair Rugby League Tournament a reality:
PRASA GM: Corporate Affairs (Justin Mnkandla)
Chairperson , Eagles Wheelchair Rugby Team (Tohier Abrahams)
Spokesperson, Eagles Wheelchair Rugby Team (Na-aymah Samaai)
.“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead

People interested in participating in wheelchair rugby, can contact Na-aymah Samaai at 083 320 9319


Members of the Eagles Wheelchair Rugby Team with PRASA and Metrorail Management

A CALL TO ACTION - 67 MINUTES

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18 July is the birthday of one of South Africans most iconic figures, Nelson Mandela who has spent 67 years making the world a better place. It is on this day that the Mandela Day Campaign calls on people everywhere to celebrate Mandela’s birthday by committing 67 minutes of their time to “recognize their individual power to make an imprint and help change the world around them for the better,” - Nelson Mandela Foundation.

It does not matter in whatever shape of form the 67 minutes is, the importance is that we spend time reflecting on how we can make a difference and then putting these plans into action - giving unselfishly of our time. “Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give,” - Eleanor Roosevelt, former US First Lady

In the spirit of Ubuntu, South Africans will heed the call to assist organizations and communities in a number of ways ranging from:
• Cleaning of premises
• Planting trees
• Donating food and clothes and/or other essentials
• Washing windows/floors
• Reading and/or story-telling
• Painting and /or decorating houses

I fully support he 67 minutes campaign and to this end I can confidently confirm hat on Saturday 16 July 2011, Metrorail staff members and community volunteers have committed more than 67 minutes by transporting 100 learners to Cavendish Square to participate in the ‘Every girl is a princess’ campaign. In addition to being transported, pampered, having their photos taken alongside celebrities and receiving numerous goodies, these girls also signed a wall treaty which focussed on Abuse against Women.

In conclusion I believe that we all should constantly strive to reach out to others and make every day our own, personal Nelson Mandela 67 Minute Day. “Happiness is never something you get from other people. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give” - Oprah Winfrey.

A SKILL SET CALLED LEADERSHIP

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Reams of paper and research has been written on Leadership and Management. According to author of Effective Leadership, Johan Adair, the ‘’art of good leadership is highly prized and demands a keen ability to appraise, understand and inspire both colleagues and subordinates.”

The following extract, also taken from the book, further illustrates the core qualities and attributes of an effective leader: .

SHORT COURSE ON LEADERSHIP

The six most important words …
“I admit I made a mistake”

The five most important words …
“I am proud of you.”

The four most important words…
“What is your opinion?”

The three most important words…
“If you please.”

The two most important words…
”Thank you”

The one most important word …
“We.”

During its long history,South Africa has produced a number of leaders in various fields. During my time, I believe one such leader is Francois Pienaar, who not only motivated and inspired his team to win the Rugby World Cup, but also, together with Nelson Mandela (then President of South Africa), contributed significantly towards nation-building.

The Roman poet Propertius wrote “Let each man pass his days in that wherein his skill is greatest. This quotation reminds me of by far the greatest leader South Africa has produced – the iconic Nelson Mandela.

As a leader he has motivated not only South Africans, but has inspired millions across the globe. On the one hand he has peacefully moved South Africans from the bondage of the apartheid years, and on the other hand, millions have been moved by his humbleness, forgiveness, dignity and respectfulness.

Nelson Mandela : A people’s leader on par with Mother Theresa.

GOVENDER’S HOUSE OF SPICE : GOING THE EXTRA CUSTOMER SERVICE MILE

#SMED 11

Over the weekend I visited Govender’s House of Spice, the local Spice Shop at Belhar Shopping Centre, with the aim of purchasing Breyani Mix. As so often happened in the past, the owner, who is also the customer service assistant, provided additional information relating to current spices and those ones which blend in best with other spices. Needless to say, my initial purchase which was R8.00, doubled by 100% with the purchase of a fresh bunch of Dhania - which as most housewives know, adds that extra aroma and flavour to curries.

Although the amount spent might not be significant, what is important is the service. When one enters the shop, you are always greeted by a welcoming assistant who is extremely knowledgeable and makes the customer feel as if they are the only person in the shop - such is his level of customer service and attention to shopping detail. Whilst I understand fully that he is trying to move stock items, what always impresses me, is the underlying message customers get on entering, shopping and exiting Govender’s House of Spice : ‘The Customer is King!’

I forgot to mention – it is not Mother’s Day or Women’s Day – yet sweets are beautifully displayed in a bowel and customers are politely offered one whilst paying for items purchased.

There are countless examples of companies going the extra customer service mile. On the other hand, there are the same number, or more, falling into the ‘I don’t give a damn about Customer Service’ category. To name a few examples of staff :
- Chewing gum

- Having conversations amongst themselves

- Not having any product knowledge to offer alternatives

- Not making customers aware of specials on offer

None of the above fortunately applies when purchasing spices at the afore-mentioned shop. The objective of the blog not to complain, but to draw attention to and highlight the exemplary customer service one often experiences at smaller shops, where owners take the lead, are found on the shop floor and make customers feel that they are the most important shopper on the shop floor.

Keep up the good work in keeping customers happy, smiling, and returning - not only to purchase spices, but also to tap into the wealth of knowledge freely shared with customers. As a loyal customer I will continue shopping for spices and hopefully in a small way, contribute to its profit margins.

In conclusion, I believe Govender’s House of Spice exemplifies the following quotation by Grace Machel, ‘There is no room for satisfaction. You have to give the best (customer service) contribution you can.’

LIST YOUR TOP 200 ACHIEVEMENTS

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Today's blog reminds me of an interview where one gets the opportunity to go to town with list of achievements. In this case, the list of 200 seems excessively daunting – hence I did a quick online check to obtain a list of South Africa’s achievements. I stumbled upon a list of 14 identified by ‘uk.answers.yahoo.com Some great South African achievements......Did you know? ‘

Against this background, If I don't manage 200 achievements, I am in good company.

To kick-start my list of achievements, I thought of mentioning my achievement relating to family and promptly roped in my eldest son to contribute to Mom’s achievements. (I was secretly hoping for a good reference to use in the blog). I was however instructed to read the article ‘Baby on board’ in the book ‘Complete Kak’, and thus ended my hope of mentioning giving birth to two great sons as an achievement. According to this book, childbirth is not a one-of-a-kind accomplishment. I have not done something extraordinary or applied intellect to the solution of some great riddle of the universe. Well, so much for wanting to use childbirth as one my achievements. (Next time I will not consult with son!)

There are however a number of things, (thank goodness not related to childbirth) that I have managed to accomplish during my lifetime of which I am extremely proud of:
• On being selected as Head Girl of Wesley Teacher’s College.

• On achieving top marks in Student Teaching and selected to represent students in practical year-end teaching exams– an achievement repeated three times at Wesley Teacher’s College and Bellville College of Education respectively.

• On being selected by Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to manage and co-ordinate the ERUB Children’s Choir.

• On being seconded by the WCED to manage and development an educational programme for Metrorail’s school-on-wheels, Themba Edutrain.

• Completing the five-day Otter Hiking Trail –one of the most prestigious hiking trails in South Africa.

• Delivering on a four-year wish list when my younger sister and I travelled together to attend our sister’s 50th birthday in Auckland, New Zealand.

• Conceptualising and implementing 2010 Soccer World Cup training to Metrorail Customer Service Staff.

• Development and management , in collaboration with the City of Cape Town, of the Southern Line Tourism Route.

• Studying to become an accredited Tourist Guide.

• Creating Guided Tours of Cape Town Station – a first for Metrorail.

• Establishment of a Rail Tourism Info kiosk at Cape Town Station – a first for Metrorail.

• Having an online voice – Blogs and Twitter

Although the list does not come close to 200, most importantly, I have tried to make a small contribution (a drop in the ocean) during my lifetime. Oliver Wendell Holmes says, ‘Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.’

In conclusion, the quotation by Mother Theresa speaks volumes, ‘We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. I do not agree with the big way of doing things’.