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?

I am a champion of content regulation and media development to assist communities in having their voices heard and also being aware of the implications of premature exposure of children to adult content.

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

As a 2006 Archbishop Tutu Fellow at the African Leadership Institute I have led many futuristic strategies. This include the countdown towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup - the First African Football World Cup. I continued to be at the held of rural tourism development and seeking recognition of the sector as one of the contributors to SA's GDP.

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

South Africa and SADC countries through the Commonwealth Youth Advisory role and my responsibilities at the Film and Publication Board.

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

The overwhelming digital infiltration in our society, its ability to reinvent communication and the means to communicate.

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

Bringing the silent voices to the surface through engagement and upholding Ubuntu. Creating a high visibility, high impact public sector environment for all sectors of delivery.

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

The works of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi, Sindiwe Magona in To My Children's Children, Alan Paton in Diepkloof Reformatory.

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

Corporate Governance, Strategy Development and Scenario thinking and planning.

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

Others describe me as… Focused and a thinker

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

"You will be transformed by what you read" and "When you make a choice you change the future" - Deepak Chopra

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

It is still limited by wars, terrorism and migration of nations.

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

Lack of exposure and focus by many institutions.

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?

They should pursue future studies as it is the most significant opportunity to 'sneak' into the future.

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

• Wretched of the Earth by Frans Fanon
• I Write What I like by Steve Biko
• Oxford Scenarios
• South African Scenarios starting from Mount Fleur Scenarios

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

• Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
• The South African Association of Political Studies (SAAPS)