ABOUT YOU AS A FUTURES THINKER / PRACTITIONER

You identify yourself as an African futures thinker or practitioner. How would you describe to the woman or man on the street what it is that you do in this regard?

The woman or man on the African street is hopeful about the future. Every day they envision a better tomorrow for themselves and their children. My own small contribution is to create awareness about Foresight and its uses in creating a preferable and desirable future. The ultimate aim is to have ubiquitous Foresight in Africa and the world.

How many years have you worked as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Seven years.

In which countries or places have you had working experience as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

South Africa and Finland

In what languages have you undertaken futures / foresight related work or research?

English

What is it that motivates you to work or participate in the foresight / future studies / related field

My optimism motivates me as I believe there is a better tomorrow where all peoples can live meaningful and resourceful lives.

What goal/s would you most like to reach with your work as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

The application of Foresight tools and methods in all spheres of life, for example ubiquitous Foresight.

Who or what most influenced your thinking as a futures thinker / practitioner, and how?

Olli Hietanen of the University of Turku and Dr. Bob Day of Non-Zero-Sum Development. They opened my eyes to new frontiers of the mind and its possibilities. What’s between our eyes is highly potent and sadly hardly ever used to greater potential for the upliftment of mankind.

What is your main disciplinary background? (i.e. your primary training / qualification)

Economics and public policy

How do other people describe you and how do you describe yourself?

Others describe me as… fiercely independent

I describe myself as… optimistic

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

"The future is certain, make to most out of it” - Unknown

How would you describe the state of African futures thinking right now?

At the moment African futures is still in its infancy, however, it is developing rapidly. As more Africans get the Foresight fever, the better for the continent and its people. What is important is that we must not forget to do what is right for the 'public'. For example, greater good must be the driver for all our aspirations.

What is, in your opinion, the main barrier to uptake of futures knowledge by African institutions and organisations?

It is essentially a lack of awareness and exposure. With time this will be corrected.

If you were to give advice to someone who wants a career in African foresight / future studies, what would you say to him or her?

Do some research on what you want to know. Thereafter, approach several institutions in South Africa or internationally for a programme that will suit your individual needs.

What are your recommended readings for every African futures thinker / practitioner?

• Ritchey, T. (2011). Modeling alternative futures with general morphological analysis. World Future Review, 01/2011, 83-94.
• Rittel, H.W., & Webber, M.M. (1973). Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy Sciences, 4, 155-169.
• Inayatullah, S. (2009). Causal layered analysis: An integrative and transformative theory and method. The Millennium Project. Maroochydore.
• Inayatullah, S. (2011). World futures and the global financial crisis: Narratives that define and scenarios that create. Ekonomiaz, 76(1), 64-86.
• Dostal, E. (2008). Study notes on biomatrix systems thinking. Institute for Futures Research. Stellenbosch, South Africa: University of Stellenbosch.
• Cornish, E. (2004). Futuring: The exploration of the future. Bethesda, MD: World Future Society.

What are your recommendations for other favourite futures resources: websites, newsfeeds, mailing lists, associations, etc.?

• www.foresightfordevelopment.org
• www.wfs.org
• www.jfs.tku.edu.tw