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?

Is the ability to plan and implement actions today, that will bring about opportunities or mitigate potential threats many years ahead.

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

Two years

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

South Africa

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

Scenario planning and systems dynamics

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

Africa Think Tank

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

• African Renaissance
• Scenario planning

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

Economics/Finances

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

Others describe me as… Dynamic

I describe myself as… Pragmatic

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

"History is not destiny"

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

Embryonic; relegated in academic and private sector; public sector needs to embrace futures thinking.

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

Absence of African vision

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?

• Attend workshops and courses on Future studies
• Be open minded and read as much as possible
• Write on topics of interest

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

Actionforesight.net