OH, to be a Sizzling Coal at SoulProviders…
Hi, my name is Lindelwa and I’m a Sizzling coal. What does that mean? It means that I’m an impressionable youth with a brain soft and absorbent like a sponge, who is working under the guidance of Bright sparks and a brilliant Firestarter. Technically this metaphor should end with me being burnt to ashes and so becomes the end of me, but we will not get technical with it. Instead, this piece of coal will ignite into a giant flame-woman setting the world alight wherever she goes. In less than 100 words, that’s what it feels like to intern here at SoulProviders. I should tell you about why I like it here and what it’s doing for my personal growth as well. The journey has been quite… enlightening. It was in jest, during the early years of Twitter when I told friends that my first job will be a paid-to-tweet situation. As my Twitter addiction grew I learned and read more, and realized that there is work in social media – real jobs, for real. We millennials have it good, with all the progressive industries coming up with innovation – I cannot begin to imagine what’s in store for Generation Z. Back to SP, my first few weeks here felt hectic. Trying to find my feet in a new environment, everyone was and still is helpful, always willing to lend a hand, and teach me something – and this made it easier to settle in and learn the ways of the Digital Ninja. It’s been like having a room full of mentors and almost 5 months later, I feel like part of the family. In the beginning I struggled to keep up, whoooo! Never has the expression “ASAP” been so literal in my life. In the space of a few weeks I had become so much better at time management and delivering quality work in record time…not to mention “multi-tasking”. As someone working in a woman-dominated environment I can confidently say that WE ARE THE MULTI-TASKING MASTERS. To juggle 8 balls and drop none of them feels great! A sort-of affirmation of my ‘Super-Womanity’. All in all, it’s been an inspiring few months and I look forward to the exciting days ahead. ...
Inside A Mind of design: Meet our new junior designer, Cookie Mylo
By Lindelwa R SoulProviders recently added a new designer to the team; Mahlohonolo Tshangela. The other day last week I stole him from his busy day to have a chat about designer things and his bad movie-watching habits. What do you like to watch? First of all, he does not like to watch movies (you will find out in Q3 why), he watches a lot of music videos, and TV shows “…old stuff.” he says, like Scrubs & Supernatural. He spends most of his TV-time watching tutorials, about things. Favourite books… His favourite books are “Screw it, Let’s do it” by Sir Richard Branson & “The Soul Connection” by Anne Jones. I had to Google the latter publication, and just as I suspected it’s a one of those ‘get in touch with your higher self’ guides. Lo walks around the office with an air of calm around him, no surprise he’s about meditation authors. Do you like eBooks or paper backs? “As a designer you’re facing a computer screen all day…” – I expected that he would be a digital reader, that as a digital designer he is immune to the computer screen-induced nausea and headaches. It’s nice to know there are still people who love the smell of paper along with the words. “Print is different” Does being a designer influence your choice of magazines, books and/or the types of movies you watch? T’was a definite yes on the magazines, he reads magazines which are informative and relevant to his interests in respect to what he does. On book choices he said he is “…directed by the heart and soul of the book.” “I don’t watch movies ‘cause I have an eye for these things Do you enjoy being a [graphic] designer? “I find that the term ‘designer’ is [a limited label] just another one of the boxes we’ve been put into. To me it’s just another hat on my head. I prefer to be [referred to as] an artist who delivers his work through design. It’s the hate which keeps my tummy full,” and then he whispers “…Can I say that?” “Being an artist is one of the greatest things ever; your mind is constantly growing. There are things which influence [me] and I become excited to try them in my next design. You burn passion always looking for new ways to do things. Get inspired. It’s really nice seeing great art things and it motivates [me] to look for greater solutions.” He said to me, artists are like onions – they have so many layers – and as you peel away at each of them,...
Job Ad: Content Producer and Community Manager
We’re looking for a mid-weight content producer and community manager with strong social media experience as well as web knowledge, to work with one of our clients. Please ensure the following is included with your application: – CV and/Portfolio of work – Please include three contactable references – Please make sure you write a cover email Must have a minimum of three years’ experience and get very excited about digital, mobile and content. This position requires excellent copywriting skills, a good understanding of SEO techniques and social media platforms. A strong track record of pan-African content writing is a plus. Your main goals are to produce quality content that will drive sales, SEO, and traffic, plus grow our audience across all of our digital platforms. Most importantly, this candidate should be unashamedly in love with the African continent. Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to: – Researching topics and writing compelling copy that will educate visitors, help with ranking on search engines, and possibly attract back-links from other websites. – Ensuring all copy is optimised for SEO and to continually seek out best practices in SEO. – Coordinating and managing content plan and assets. Execute the content schedule/plan utilising the content management system (CMS). – Proof copy on all marketing initiatives – Create and maintain a style guide for copy. – Participate in the strategy of improving authority for the site. – Hands-on interaction within social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. – Hands-on interaction with off-site social properties – other people’s blogs, other company Facebook fan pages, forums, etc. – Use of a toolkit to measure and monitor social activity- determine what works, tweak and improve content, communications, etc. – Creative input on content, ideas on social media viral marketing Please note, if you do not hear back from us within 14 days of your application, we thank you for taking the time to submit your candidacy and we will keep your details on file. Company Description We’re helping one of our fab clients find the perfect candidate. If you think you fit the description of the ideal candidate we’re looking for – and you can show us a strong track-record, please send through your application asap. Requirements If you answer yes to at least 70% of the list below, please send your current CV/digital portfolio plus a covering letter telling us why you are the best candidate for the job. This is a huge opportunity for the right candidate – no chancers please. – innovative, lateral thinker, creative – degree/diploma – risk-taker, self-motivated, uses initiative – fast working, efficient, effective with fast turnarounds – independent, use initiative but enjoy team work – multicultural, multilingual – interested in the African continent, its regions and cultures – preferably speak an African/other...
Khanyi probes deeper and wider in the new Season of Katch it with Khanyi
Katch it With Khanyi continues into its second season on Friday, 18 July 2014 at 6PM on eKasi+, Channel 105 only on OpenView HD. The talk show is fittingly presented by South Africa’s most controversial personality, Khanyi Mbau, and this season she probes some of SA’s most intriguing personalities. Celebrities and politicians often claim that tabloids embellish information to create drama. The show presents a platform for South African personalities to set the record straight and give viewers insight into their lives. The series takes on the tone of a hilariously bubbly chat with celebrity friends as Khanyi digs deep into their lives. The first episode will feature Nelson Mandela’s grandson, businessman Ndaba Mandela. Ndaba is the quintessential Mandela; tall, good-looking and ambitious. At 30, he already resembles his grandfather’s respectable demeanour. Alongside him, Khanyi will be chatting to the prominent and ambitious media man Kojo Bafoe, editor for Destiny Man. Khanyi finally manages to pin down kwaito’s prodigal son, former member of TKZee Tokollo Tshabalala who has had a life of fortunes and an equal share of misfortunes. From that to chatting to SA’s It Girl, Nomzamo Mbatha about her meteoric rise to fame, her new projects and setting the record straight about her rumoured engagement to Idol’s Khaya Mthethwa. Pallance Dlala is also in studio to talk about his new role as S’bu on Rhythm City, as well as Maps Maponyane, model turned actor. He is currently shooting a big screen film alongside the sultry Nomzamo Mbatha. “The talk show genre requires a strong, intuitive and colourful host. Engaging and probing people of different social standings is a mammoth task that our host, Khanyi, has come to master. A second season means the show has not only worked, but it is a must watch in local programming,” enthused Monde Twala, Group Head,e.tv Channels Division. Host Khanyi Mbau guests Ndaba Mandela (left) and Kojo Bafoe . New Location Not only is eKasi+ bringing you a fresh new season, the show’s location moves from its former Vilakazi Street studio to the iconic Orlando stadium. “The venue has a rich heritage and boasts magnificent paranomic views of Soweto. It is not every day that a non-sport specific show is shot at a stadium, and hopefully guests will enjoy and relax in this space,” said Keshni Rajoo, Manager: Production and Programming at etv. This season, Khanyi will also engage with her famous guests on their opinions of topical issues in Mzansi. From blissfully bitchy moments to compassionate insight, this talk show series aims to highlight the highs and lows of the celebrity world from the stars themselves. In season 1 Khanyi engaged with the likes of Kelly Khumalo, Lulo Café to Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF)...
Zamantungwa Khumalo Represents S.A at the World Economic Forum
The multi-talented, multi-tasking Zamantungwa Khumalo recently returned from a trip to Abuja, Nigeria, where she and other young South Africans from the Global Shapers community “represented” at the World Economic Forum. A lot has changed since we interviewed Zama last year! Find out more here: Thanks for chatting to us again Zama, first off, who are the Global Shapers community? We are a network of city-based Hubs developed and led by young leaders between 20 and 30 years old. We play an active role in shaping the communities in which we live. Sounds interesting, what kind of people are the shapers? Shapers are highly motivated young leaders who have a great potential for future leadership roles in society. We are selected on the basis of our achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to make a difference. Through the Global Shapers Community, we are provided with opportunities to connect with the worldwide network of Global Shapers, to network with other World Economic Forum communities, and to represent the voice of youth at World Economic Forum events. And what role do you play? I’m a member of the Tshwane Hub and participate in the different hub projects and initiatives that we support, as a hub. How did you get involved in this? A few months ago, Shapers had the opportunity to apply to be 1 of 50 Shapers to attend the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa. I actually applied at the last minute, after some encouragement from a fellow Hub member. Then I received confirmation that my application was successful and started preparing for the forum! What was the role of SA in being the ‘Youth Voice’ at this year’s forum? We participated in the different forum events, not just as delegates, but as discussion leaders and panellists. For example, I was part of a plenary session which was televised live on one of the biggest morning news shows in Nigeria, and it was streamed live – the views expressed went beyond South Africa and some of the challenges we face. Our contributions were not necessarily about the respective countries we come from. Can you give us an idea of how the days were spent? Before the Forum, we firstly attended SHAPE Africa. SHAPE Africa is an annual regional meeting of Global Shapers from Africa and its platform for change makers to discuss and come up with practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. Sounds great, what were the highlights for you here? The two-day (SHAPE Africa) event had phenomenal speakers such as the Finance Minister of Nigeria, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigerian investor, banker and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, Director,...
“World’s first autobiography of a city … by the city of many world firsts”
By Thina Mazulu Dubai now easily holds its own amongst the world’s most opulent cities. It is also a testament to what a city can achieve with a vision and a solid long-term plan of action. In the last fifty years the booming desert kingdom has risen from the dust, and successfully forged an identity for itself as the jewel of the Middle East. Boasting infrastructure firsts such as their iconic Burj Al Arab – the only 7 Star hotel in the world; the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, to innovations such as the man-made islands plus a wealth of technological advancements. Dubai is on a fast track towards being one of the best cities in the world. Aside from the international accolades, the world-renowned landmarks & the jet setters who make it their playground, not much is known about the average day-to-day life of the Dubai nationals.Who are these individuals behind this Mecca of leisure? Google says they’re a population of 2.1 million, comprising of over 200 nationalities, but that’s about it. What do they do outside of their jobs, where do they dine, relax or party hard after working hard all week to keep the industry machine well oiled? This lack of visibility by everyday Dubai nationals is the inspiration behind the project by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, fondly known as Prince Fazza. The World’s first autobiography by a city is a campaign that invites ordinary people of the desert kingdom to contribute photographs of their daily lives via Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MyDubai. So far the campaign has been wildly successful with its first week resulting in more than 27,000 Twitter mentions, and creating 198 million Twitter impressions. Of course it helps to have the weight of the prince’s 630 487 strong twitter following as a starting base. The prince himself contributes to the campaign through his own submissions and continuously encourages his people to participate as well. In spite of their royal position, which opens them to all sorts of unfiltered criticism, the Dubai royal family seems to have embraced new age communications technology. The Prince’s father has recently been named the 7th most engaging World Leader on Twitter and has a following of over a million. As the year progresses, the campaign will be expanded to various multi-media platforms. Submissions from the ongoing crowdsourcing exercise will inspire art installations, films, books, and other creative projects, which together will be combined to create the autobiography. For a city that’s positioned itself to be at the forefront of technology and innovation, implementing a campaign with digital at the core of its strategy is...
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