Read the below article on the mass produced African Craft items being made in China.
African art that's Made in China
African craft artists pump about $300 million into the economy. But the locals are finding it tougher to compete with factories in China making replicas of their crafts. Gretchen Wilson explores how this is a form of identity theft.
• Listen to this Story
TEXT OF STORY• Bill Radke: If you've done some travelling abroad, you may have bought some ethnic arts and crafts for your home. A mask from Mexico, a wood carving from Kenya. But are you sure they're authentic? Globalization means more and more African arts and crafts are being made in factories not in the countries they claim to be from. Gretchen Wilson reports from Johannesburg that real crafters are struggling to compete.
• ________________________________________
• Gretchen Wilson: This sidewalk serves as a studio for South African artist Boas Manzvenga. He strings wires with tiny beads to make the distinctive sculptures this region's known for.
• Boas Manzvenga: This one is a small, small leopard. And this one is a lion.
• He's asking $35 for this lion, about the size of a house cat. It's these skills that put bread on the table for his wife and sons. And his extended family.
• Manzvenga: I think it's nearly 20 people. They depend on me. So I need to support them.
• Many of the 1 million traditional craft artists in South Africa might otherwise be unemployed. But they pump more than $300 million a year into the economy. It's tough for them to compete with Chinese manufacturers who flood the market with cheaper replicas.
• Manzvenga: They can buy things at cheaper price. Then they can go there and remake it and they make a profit out of us.
• And they do, at shopping malls like this one, in Johannesburg, where shelves are loaded with foreign-made baskets, beaded jewelry and wooden giraffes. All mass produced.
• Priscilla Nyoni is with Craft Yarona, a company that promotes local artists:
• Priscilla Nyoni: It's something that has been happening for years now, and our government hasn't been intervening.
• She says there's more at stake than just employment:
• Nyoni: That's African identity, and they're actually stealing it.
• Artists sometimes turn to copyrights and intellectual property laws to protect their work. But that's expensive. So African artists are easily exploited -- especially the rural poor.
• Anitra Nettleton is an art historian at Wits University:
• Anitra Nettleton: They don't have access to the kinds of legal ways of protecting their designs, and so anyone can use them. Because there is nothing to stop. And that's immoral.
• South Africa's artists are trying to innovate to keep one step ahead of look-a-like imports. And they say it's now up to consumers to make sure they're buying the real thing.
• In Johannesburg, I'm Gretchen Wilson for Marketplace.
•
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Mpumalanga Stadium On Track To World Cup 2010
Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla has assured that the province is on track to host some of the 2010 Soccer World Cup games.
On Monday, 2010 project manager, Neil Fourie, also announced that 75% of the stadium was already completed.
"The concrete structure is complete. It is the scheduled demobilisation of the building teams that raised concern about future work amongst the workers," said Fourie.
Spokesperson for the 2010 Integrated Office, Ronny Moyo, said sub-contractors would now complete the project.
"The part that is largely left will be dealt with by sub-constructors. It should be noted that about 1 300 workers were deployed on site and only 450 were shown the door," he explained.
He said the main contractor indicated that with the existing workforce, only a natural disaster would halt the project's progress.
Fourie said the Mbombela local municipality, the Mbombela Stadium Joint Venture (MSJV) and project manager Platinum Sports Consulting all agreed that the stadium would be complete before September 30 - the date set by the 2010 local organising committee.
Fourie said that since construction of the stadium began in February 2007, almost 50 days have been lost to illegal strikes in November 2007 and June 2008.
NUM signed agreement
Through the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the workers signed an agreement that any future illegal strike would result in dismissal.
Therefore, when workers went on strike again last month and demanded up to R70 000 in bonuses each, they were fired.
During his state of the province address on Friday, Makwetla said significant progress had been made in preparing for the World Cup after the provincial government helped the Mbombela municipality address management challenges that threatened to derail preparations.
He said the public transport operational plan was in place.
Construction has begun on the Matsafeni access road, the R40 high occupancy vehicle lane, and the P166 and N4 interchanges.
The budget for the stadium is R971,5m, but had a R48m shortfall, which the provincial government funded.
Moyo blamed the shortfall on certain adjustments and FIFA requirements that were registered progressively with the project.
- African Eye
On Monday, 2010 project manager, Neil Fourie, also announced that 75% of the stadium was already completed.
"The concrete structure is complete. It is the scheduled demobilisation of the building teams that raised concern about future work amongst the workers," said Fourie.
Spokesperson for the 2010 Integrated Office, Ronny Moyo, said sub-contractors would now complete the project.
"The part that is largely left will be dealt with by sub-constructors. It should be noted that about 1 300 workers were deployed on site and only 450 were shown the door," he explained.
He said the main contractor indicated that with the existing workforce, only a natural disaster would halt the project's progress.
Fourie said the Mbombela local municipality, the Mbombela Stadium Joint Venture (MSJV) and project manager Platinum Sports Consulting all agreed that the stadium would be complete before September 30 - the date set by the 2010 local organising committee.
Fourie said that since construction of the stadium began in February 2007, almost 50 days have been lost to illegal strikes in November 2007 and June 2008.
NUM signed agreement
Through the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the workers signed an agreement that any future illegal strike would result in dismissal.
Therefore, when workers went on strike again last month and demanded up to R70 000 in bonuses each, they were fired.
During his state of the province address on Friday, Makwetla said significant progress had been made in preparing for the World Cup after the provincial government helped the Mbombela municipality address management challenges that threatened to derail preparations.
He said the public transport operational plan was in place.
Construction has begun on the Matsafeni access road, the R40 high occupancy vehicle lane, and the P166 and N4 interchanges.
The budget for the stadium is R971,5m, but had a R48m shortfall, which the provincial government funded.
Moyo blamed the shortfall on certain adjustments and FIFA requirements that were registered progressively with the project.
- African Eye
Friday, February 6, 2009
Ground Hornbill Kingfisher bird nearly extinct
With more and more development of shops and homes, birds like the ground hornbill are dying out because of human invasion of their habitat.These birds are carnivorous and form groups of 3 to 10 at the most.
The World Wildlife Federation now lists this bird species as a critically extinct wildlife species.This bird species is facing extinction especially due to its extraordinary social structure and breeding habits.
Human invasion is causing them to die out typically because they do not move around.As their habitat gets invaded,lack of adaptation skills such as moving to another area with large trees,they simply die out.
Further they are extremely slow breeders.The female lays two eggs,one offspring survives and the other dies because these birds do not have the capacity to nurture both.
South Africa currently has a population of between 1500 to 2000 birds left of this species.Most of them are found in the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga Province.
The Mabula Game Reserve has a research and conservation project in place being run by Ann Turner who is the founder and co-ordinator of this project.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Cuban Doctors Helping in Mpumalanga
Angels of mercy
05 February 2009
Zinhle Mapumulo
Cuban doctors bring hope and much-needed skills to SA’s rural areas
One thing that puts a smile on Cuban doctor Elpidio Lopez’s face is to hear his patients boast “udokotela wami lo” – meaning this is my doctor.
“The thing that has kept me at Themba Hospital [Mpumalanga’s biggest hospital in Kabokweni, White River] for 12 years is the appreciation I get from my patients and the community.
“To them I am a hero who came into their village when they needed help the most,” said Lopez.
South Africa and Cuba signed an agreement to share medical skills and services immediately after liberation in 1994.
Lopez was among the first group of Cuban doctors who came to work in the country’s short- staffed rural hospitals in 1996.
Although he would like to return to Cuba some day, that is presently not an option.
“I love my job. Every day I get stopped by a patient who either wants to explain their case or just wants to thank me for helping them. Forgive me if I am boasting but I think I am one of the most famous people here.”
The doctor wasn’t exaggerating. When Sowetan visited him at his work, he was constantly stopped by people who simply wanted to greet him – or just to find out how he was.
The hospital’s chief executive, Mduduzi Shabangu, agreed that Lopez was highly popular and adored by his colleagues and patients.
“He loves and respects his job. People want to be treated by him because of that. As one of three senior and specialist doctors, his experience and opinion are valued. He was twice named the best doctor at the hospital by his colleagues,” said Shabangu.
Lopez is not the only Cuban doctor who has gained his patients respect.
Another remarkable man is doctor Rusbel Medina, who came here as a family physician more than a decade ago. Today he is the head of the intensive care unit at Witbank Hospital.
“I have enjoyed working in this country. I cannot say I do not miss home because I do. But as a doctor you have to put the lives of your patients first. I took an oath to help those in need.
“I will stay in South Africa for as long as I am needed.
“When I came here the environment was different. The language barrier was a huge problem, but I have since learnt to speak basic words and phrases in isiZulu. This helps me to communicate with patients. Some of them are shocked to hear me speak their language,” he said.
Provincial programme coordinator Kuki Khambule said: “Cuban doctors have helped us address the shortage of doctors in our province . We are happy with their work and commitment.”
· About 450 foreign doctors, mainly from Cuba, were contracted by the government in 1996.
Mpumalanga was allocated 13 while the rest were sent to other provinces. Nine are still working in government hospitals while four opted out of their contracts. They are still in South Africa but in private practice.
05 February 2009
Zinhle Mapumulo
Cuban doctors bring hope and much-needed skills to SA’s rural areas
One thing that puts a smile on Cuban doctor Elpidio Lopez’s face is to hear his patients boast “udokotela wami lo” – meaning this is my doctor.
“The thing that has kept me at Themba Hospital [Mpumalanga’s biggest hospital in Kabokweni, White River] for 12 years is the appreciation I get from my patients and the community.
“To them I am a hero who came into their village when they needed help the most,” said Lopez.
South Africa and Cuba signed an agreement to share medical skills and services immediately after liberation in 1994.
Lopez was among the first group of Cuban doctors who came to work in the country’s short- staffed rural hospitals in 1996.
Although he would like to return to Cuba some day, that is presently not an option.
“I love my job. Every day I get stopped by a patient who either wants to explain their case or just wants to thank me for helping them. Forgive me if I am boasting but I think I am one of the most famous people here.”
The doctor wasn’t exaggerating. When Sowetan visited him at his work, he was constantly stopped by people who simply wanted to greet him – or just to find out how he was.
The hospital’s chief executive, Mduduzi Shabangu, agreed that Lopez was highly popular and adored by his colleagues and patients.
“He loves and respects his job. People want to be treated by him because of that. As one of three senior and specialist doctors, his experience and opinion are valued. He was twice named the best doctor at the hospital by his colleagues,” said Shabangu.
Lopez is not the only Cuban doctor who has gained his patients respect.
Another remarkable man is doctor Rusbel Medina, who came here as a family physician more than a decade ago. Today he is the head of the intensive care unit at Witbank Hospital.
“I have enjoyed working in this country. I cannot say I do not miss home because I do. But as a doctor you have to put the lives of your patients first. I took an oath to help those in need.
“I will stay in South Africa for as long as I am needed.
“When I came here the environment was different. The language barrier was a huge problem, but I have since learnt to speak basic words and phrases in isiZulu. This helps me to communicate with patients. Some of them are shocked to hear me speak their language,” he said.
Provincial programme coordinator Kuki Khambule said: “Cuban doctors have helped us address the shortage of doctors in our province . We are happy with their work and commitment.”
· About 450 foreign doctors, mainly from Cuba, were contracted by the government in 1996.
Mpumalanga was allocated 13 while the rest were sent to other provinces. Nine are still working in government hospitals while four opted out of their contracts. They are still in South Africa but in private practice.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Soccer 2010 stadium attracts property buyers
Construction works at the 2010 Soccer World Cup in Nelspruit is attracting property buyers.
An eclectic collection of buyers including transferees, wealthy retirees and investors are purchasing properties in Nelspruit, all with very different goals in mind but all keen to take advantage of what the area has to offer.
Carl Jacobs, principal of Homenet Nelspruit said the growth-point for Mpumalanga, Nelspruit is increasingly attracting transferees from other towns and cities who are bringing their families with them. Typically these buyers are purchasing freehold homes priced at around R1,3m.
Overseas buyers buy into new developments with a view to letting and are purchasing guesthouses, while wealthy retirees are also making their mark, buying quality lock-up-and-go type accommodation priced at around R1,5m and above.
"But investment isn't restricted to outsiders. "Locals looking to upgrade or downsize are also generating activity in this market, "said Jacobs.
Nelspruit is ideally centrally situated on the Maputo Corridor and is within easy reach of the Kruger National Park and Mozambique as well as the picturesque countryside around Hazyview, Pilgrims Rest, Sabie and Graskop.
The Kruger Mpumalanga International airport located 20 minutes from Nelspruit has done much to channel tourist traffic into the area, with flights arriving from all major cities daily. Major malls and chain store groups have also sprung up in response to increased demand for such amenities.
Fuelling this momentum, said Jacobs, is the fact that Nelspruit is a 2010 Soccer World Cup host city and construction on the 2010 ‘Mbombela' stadium is well under way.
Activity in the rental market is relatively stable. Many who have re-located to the area are renting temporarily until they find a property they like. And interestingly, many landlords are opting to waive rental escalations in order to retain good "permanent" tenants.
An eclectic collection of buyers including transferees, wealthy retirees and investors are purchasing properties in Nelspruit, all with very different goals in mind but all keen to take advantage of what the area has to offer.
Carl Jacobs, principal of Homenet Nelspruit said the growth-point for Mpumalanga, Nelspruit is increasingly attracting transferees from other towns and cities who are bringing their families with them. Typically these buyers are purchasing freehold homes priced at around R1,3m.
Overseas buyers buy into new developments with a view to letting and are purchasing guesthouses, while wealthy retirees are also making their mark, buying quality lock-up-and-go type accommodation priced at around R1,5m and above.
"But investment isn't restricted to outsiders. "Locals looking to upgrade or downsize are also generating activity in this market, "said Jacobs.
Nelspruit is ideally centrally situated on the Maputo Corridor and is within easy reach of the Kruger National Park and Mozambique as well as the picturesque countryside around Hazyview, Pilgrims Rest, Sabie and Graskop.
The Kruger Mpumalanga International airport located 20 minutes from Nelspruit has done much to channel tourist traffic into the area, with flights arriving from all major cities daily. Major malls and chain store groups have also sprung up in response to increased demand for such amenities.
Fuelling this momentum, said Jacobs, is the fact that Nelspruit is a 2010 Soccer World Cup host city and construction on the 2010 ‘Mbombela' stadium is well under way.
Activity in the rental market is relatively stable. Many who have re-located to the area are renting temporarily until they find a property they like. And interestingly, many landlords are opting to waive rental escalations in order to retain good "permanent" tenants.
THE THREE RONDAVELS
The Blyde River Canyon is a significant natural feature of South Africa, located in Mpumalanga, and forming the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment. It is 16 miles (26 kilometers) in length and is, on average, around 2500 feet (800m) deep. It consists mostly of red sandstone. The highest point of the canyon is over 6300 feet above sea level (over 1900m) whilst its lowest point is well under 2000 feet (under 600m) above sea level. By some measures it is the third largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia but this depends heavily on one's definition of a canyon. By any definition it is one of the largest canyons on earth, unquestionably being the largest 'green canyon' due to its lush subtropical foliage, and it has some of the deepest precipitious cliffs of any canyon on the planet. It is the second largest canyon in Africa, after the Fish river canyon, and is known as one of the great wonders of nature on the continent.Possibly the best view in the whole of the Blyde River Canyon is of the Three Rondavels; huge, round rocks, thought to be reminiscent of the houses or huts of the indigenous people, known as rondavels. This canyon is part of the famous Panorama route. This route starts at the town Graskop and includes God's Window, the Pinnacle and Bourke's Luck Potholes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
