Sir Nigel's Journey…

Today Africa – The Good News published an article I wrote. I received the email just before lunch time. It truly was a very humbling experience. 

The article is published here

Interesting discussion here…I’m wonder what others think of this video?

Every time I look at any list of the CEOs of the top companies I see more women on that list than most. Yes I can count like some can – yes we all see 5 or 6 female CEOs out of a list of 50 for example. However I still see more women on that list than most.

Here’s why:  Many weeks ago now I was discussing this very issue with a few friends. One of the ladies proceeded to label me a ‘male feminist’ – a first for me to be honest. I laughed out loud. Not at her or her comment but rather at myself. You see I don’t really know what a feminist is in real terms these days let alone the ‘male’ version. I am so confused by the multitude of images we are constantly bombarded with that, I can’t honestly identify anyone who stands out as a clear example of what a feminist stands for these days. Truestory. I asked others for their working definition in my typical attempt to gain more knowledge about this pertinent issue and I received a variety of non-related answers and a colourful array personalities. For the purposes of writing this scribe, I leave this ‘how to define a feminist’ and subsequent examples for another day – another scribe perhaps.

The discussion on that day revolved around women in leadership roles. My argument related to the term ‘leadership’ and society’s constant focus of particular individuals on that list. Maybe it’s just me, but I am more interested in the stories about women like Sally Mugabe and what her thoughts were regarding Zimbabwe’s Independence, Gukurahundi in Matabeleland and the 1987 Unity accord for example. I am interested in what Winnie did for the liberation struggle in South Africa than what Madiba did whilst in prison. Indeed I am more interested in the role that women play in liberation struggles and revolutions in general.  I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for a Mother to let her children go to war for a cause She clearly supports and yet allow Her own to leave to join that same struggle. I can only imagine the anguish. I am more interested in how Cherrie Blair and Laura Bush felt about going to war in Iraq not so long ago. I fear that this story is seldom told. Indeed this story must be documented and shared! I will admit that my mother and my sister play a crucial role in the way I feel about this particular issue. So it should not come as a surprise when I state that I see more women on that list of 50 top CEOs than most. This life we lead promotes us to see things in black and white most times. Maybe it’s just me but I see more shades of grey than most.

Many times we hear stories of leaders in various roles go home after a day of difficult negotiations with trade unions, employees, tax departments and so forth. Clearly there’s a problem that requires immediate attention. Pillow talk inspired moments perhaps or intimate dinner conversation and a remedy is found. That story is seldom told. Instead most see the man turn up for work the following day with a solution. Crisis over and we move on! Yet few acknowledge the source or the inspiration of the remedy. I was in Zimbabwe in June this year. I was lucky enough to attend a few business events during that period. I noticed one common thread with all the speakers. The various male speakers who thanked their wives first for the support they provided in the home but more importantly in their careers. Each time this happened I smiled from within. I ask why we don’t acknowledge her leadership role in the same way we acknowledge the other 5 or 6 CEOs I mentioned earlier. How come?

So this time, I turned to my old MBA text books. I recall reading a section on leadership with particular reference to the differences in the various types of leadership styles and so forth. In short, there are leaders that are appointed and those who aren’t. The latter can in some cases have greater influence than the former. I grew up seeing Dad tackling the corporate world head on whilst Mum worked tirelessly in the accounting practice she ran. I witnessed leadership in the home I grew up in a variety of roles. If I wanted emotional support then Mum was the parent I turned to – even to this day I still do this. If I wanted career advice I spoke to Dad. Mum was always and still is supportive of most ideas I have as long as I am happy. Even though I understood the importance of financial security, I also understood that money wasn’t always the focal point then.

Don’t get me wrong here but if you have two employees: a male and a female are working side by side doing the exact same job – their salaries must therefore be the same. I write today to challenge or highlight that leadership comes in different forms and not in the black and white version we are now accustomed to. Don’t get me wrong, but I still want to see more women represented in various leadership roles on that list of 50 CEOs I mentioned earlier.

I read a tweet the other day that re-inforced my thoughts on women and the leadership roles they play in our daily lives: -

ideasforafrica 70% of farms in Africa are women run, which is why they are so important when developing agriculture. -M. Gates #CGI2010

This tweet relates to a conference held this week and M.Gates in none other than Melinda Gates herself.

What I have learnt about life so far is that not everyone is meant to be a CEO for example. Leadership exists in other forms too; clearly not in the black and white shade that most of us see. There is definitely more shades of grey than most want to admit.

Here is the Seeff 3rd Quarter Real Estate Report: - RESIDENTIAL_PROPERTY_MARKET_3rd_Quarter_Email

Interesting video about Chinese business people in Africa. I’m wondering how much of an effect (good or bad) they’re actually having across the continent. Will share my thoughts and findings.   

Source: – More info here   

I remember when I was growing up and every parent I knew wanted their child or children to achieve good grades so they could go to university, get a good job and ultimately climb that corporate ladder. I cannot for the life of me remember any parent advocating for their children to pursue the entrepreneurial route or even hands-on careers like being chef or a plumber. I am currently reading amongst others a book entitled 1000 CEOs.I’m particularly fascinated with the upbringing of people like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and now Mark Zuckerberg. What does it take for parents to allow their children to simply drop out of college or university to pursue their dream? Is it faith? Lack of concern or have the parents just raised their kids to be entrepreneurs?

What do you think?

I learnt a great lesson last week – size doesn’t matter. Instead of jumping in and writing about Pastor Terry Jones  and his plan to burn the Koran, I decided to take a step back and simply watch from afar. I was curious I have to admit. I honestly didn’t think he could pull it off.  I figured some organisation like the FBI et al would sit down and have a ‘chat’ with Pastor Jones ‘one on one’. Alas, this didn’t seem to happen or maybe it did?

So in brief, Pastor Terry Jones in Gainesville Florida decided to call others to burn the Koran. When I first heard this story, I thought it was joke until the major mainstream media sources started running the story. I couldn’t believe that this pastor with a congregation of approximately 50 people was having such an effect on what was otherwise a rather quiet week leading up to 9/11 events in the US. See, size doesn’t matter - 50 people in his congregational versus the 1.4 billion Muslims worldwide. It just takes one of these individuals to remind us how fragile or sensitive this issue really is.

I’m saddened by many aspects of this story. How can anyone think that it’s perfectly normal to burn such an important book? What happened to religious and cultural tolerance? I am a Christian but even I know and can appreciate the significance of the Koran. What irks me most I suppose is the fact that this person isn’t just a Christian like me but a Pastor in a community. What does it say about the community he represents and those who appointed him I wonder?

I blog here too: - http://www.africaontheblog.com

This is my first post: -

The Forgotten Children

Last week on Tuesday, I received a text message which simply read ‘Tune to BBC2 now’.  A good friend of mine had sent it while I was making dinner. I stopped and immediately switched over to BBC 2. What she wanted me to see was a documentary about Zimbabwe narrated by Xoliswa Sithole -  entitled Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Children. – Read more

08.30:  Registration and refreshments

09.00:  Chairman’s welcome
Adam Roberts, News Editor, The Economist

09.05:  The Economist Group briefing: scenarios for Zimbabwe
Xan Smiley, Middle East and Africa Editor, The Economist

• The future of the power-sharing government
• What current policies are likely to mean for future economic development
• Key players: the roles of South Africa, China and the UK
• When will Zimbabwe be rebuilt? How long will the brain drain last?
• The structure of the economy and the potential for future development
• Are there relevant case studies from elsewhere in Africa?

09.30:  Keynote address
Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister of Zimbabwe

10.45:  Refreshment break

11.05:  The long-term outlook for Zimbabwe: reconstruction and risks

• What is the timeline for economic recovery?
• Assessing the country’s reconstruction needs
• Potential in key sectors: mining, agriculture, tourism
• When will there be significant new FDI beyond the mining sector?
• Zimbabwe’s future role in the southern African economy

Panellists include:
July Ndlovu, Executive Head: Processing, Anglo Platinum
René Snyman, Managing Director, sub-Saharan Africa, Beckman Coulter
Admassu Tadesse, Group Executive, Development Bank of Southern Africa

12.05:  Human capital and the brain drain

• How severe has the brain drain been and is there any realistic prospect of reversal?
• What role can the Zimbabwean diaspora play in rebuilding the country and developing local capacities?
• Will foreign investment help to develop Zimbabwe’s human resources—and when is the right time?

Panellists include:
Kamel Abdallah, Chief Executive Officer, Rani Investment-Aujan Group
John Legat, Chief Executive, Imara Asset Management Zimbabwe
Trevor Ncube, Executive Deputy Chairman, Mail and Guardian

13.00:  Lunch

14.00:  Agriculture and food security

• Repairing the agricultural sector; what needs to change?
• Balancing urban and rural food provision; the roles of aid agencies and the private sector
• The future of land policy and property rights
• Dealing with drought and climate change
• How could Zimbabwe become a breadbasket again?
• Should Zimbabwe grow GM crops for export to markets like Brazil and China?

Panellists include:
Blessing Karumbidza, Fellow, Tshwane University of Technology
Carlman Moyo, Regional Director, DuPont sub-Saharan Africa
Sam Moyo, Executive Director, African Institute for Agrarian Studies
John Worsley-Worswick, Justice for Agriculture

15.00:  South Africa’s relations with Zimbabwe

• How are relations changing under President Jacob Zuma?
• Does South Africa benefit from Zimbabwe’s problems?
• South African investment in Zimbabwe: trends, impact and challenges
• Assessing the impact of Zimbabwean migrants on South Africa’s economy—and what this means for bilateral relations
• Farm seizures and the implications for the bilateral investment treaty

Panellists include:
Kuseni Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer, Old Mutual South Africa
Heidi Holland, Journalist and author of Dinner with Mugabe
Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni, Assistant Professor, University of South Africa

16.00:  Refreshment break

16.20:  The ethics of investment: is it the time right to invest in Zimbabwe?

• What are the ethical issues around investing in Zimbabwe?
• Are foreign businesses doing more harm than good?
• How are the relations between the EU and Zimbabwe likely to evolve?
• Do targeted sanctions have any impact on the economy or is this just a red herring?
• Reputational risk, corruption and compliance

Panellists include:
Conze Albrecht, German Ambassador to Zimbabwe
Andrew Cranswick, Chief Executive Officer, African Consolidated Resources
Tawanda Nyambirai, Group Chief Executive, TN Holdings
Khadija Sharife, Journalist and author of Aid to Africa: Redeemer or Coloniser?

17.20:  Q&A with Zimbabwean Government Ministers
Elton Mangoma, Minister of Energy and Power Development
Tapiwa Mashakada, Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion

18.30:  Chairman’s closing remarks 

Source: – More info here

I read an article this week and a plethora of thoughts ran through my mind almost immediately. If the truth be known, I’ve been reading up on our President over the last several months now. Now more than ever, I want to know who this man is – this Robert Gabriel Mugabe born 21 February 1924. Who is he really? Many things have been said and written about him in the last 30 odd years. I am no longer as interested in the ‘main things’ as I used to be, and in fact I am not even sure what to believe any more. That line between the truth and the multitude of theories is so blurry now I don’t know what to believe. A few months ago I embarked on a journey and decided to find my own way to the truth. In typical fashion I ‘consulted’ Amazon and I purchased some Mugabe-related literature and recently acquired the ‘Mugabe and the White African’ DVD among other things. I Google like most and continue to digest the enormous volume of information on the web. You see, I am just so tired of the various articles (and there are plenty of them like this) which typically support what I regard as the ‘popular opinion’. I now wait for the day when I read an article, watch a documentary or read a book with a balanced view of who this man might actually be. I have to admit that I patiently await his own book, his version of events – the ‘Robert Mugabe Autobiography’. As time passes on I often wonder whether we will ever read this book. However I’ve been informed that a certain ex-minister is currently in the process of writing his biography. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

I am intrigued by certain sections of his life for a variety of reasons, not least my attempt at understanding the interplay between these sections listed below and the history of Zimbabwe. I decided to list the broad areas of interest as follows: -

• Upbringing and formative years
• Sally Mugabe
• Pre-Independence
• Joshua Nkomo, ZAPU and the Unity Accord
• Post-Independence
• 1990 to 2008
• 2008 to Present

However, for the purposes of this particular scribe, I will focus on the Tony Blair article in The Independent.

There is so much negativity associated with Mugabe that it has simply left me wondering – ‘what is the reality these days’? What am I missing? Lately I’ve met a number of people (non-Zimbabweans I might add) who cast doubt over the typical news reports i.e. one sided. I guess we all seek the truth – who is this man really? 

As I finished reading this article, I immediately wrote this down: -

What happened in Zimbabwe between 1980 and 1987? – What happened in Matabeleland in the early 1980s, Joshua Nkomo, ZAPU and the events that led to the Unity Accord?

Mugabe is awarded an honorary degree by Edinburgh University – What events lead to this? Whose idea was it in the first place? Why the change of heart in 2007?

Mugabe is knighted by the Queen in 1994 – Who was there? Again what events lead to this? Whose idea was it in the first place? Again, why the change of heart in 2008?

The infamous Land Distribution Programme - Who really kicked started this major event? Who are the major stakeholders really? I am tired of hearing the bits and pieces that make for great headlines on BBC, CNN et al. What really happened with these stakeholders: -

• War vets
• Farmers (both black and white)
• Blair and the British government
• Mugabe and the Zimbabwean government
• Others

(pause)

So I ask what events took place in between all this craziness for Mugabe to become the person he has now become in the media’s eyes. He went from being a liberation war hero to being one the world’s dictator’s according to this Foreign Policy’s article. What happened in between then and now? You see, my main concern is the pursuit of the truth. I am interested in our Zimbabwean history. I might ask the questions, discuss this pertinent issue with others and conduct some research to find the answers. Knowing me, I’ll probably share my findings as I typically do. As I network more and meet more Zimbabweans, especially in the diaspora, what invariably stands out most has been the alarming number of disenfranchised Zimbabweans I come into contact with. Some simply blame him directly for their own predicaments. I cannot fault them for this. They have experienced many difficult things but that story is for another day. However what concerns me most today is the lack of information about who this man really is. Many who lack proper facts about our Zimbabwe simply regurgitate what Mum & Dad have feed them or worst still – what the media constantly feeds us today. Call me naive if you want, I simply want a resemblance of the truth. I firmly believe it is imperative to understand this man if we are to understand the history of Zimbabwe.