AIM MAGAZINE

Jubilee Issue

AIM MAGAZINE

April Issue

Contributor : Gerald Montgomery

Editors Notes • Feature : Zukiswa Wanner

Good Eats • Fashion • Political Animal

Hair • G-Spot • Chew on this

Travel • Book Review • Health

No Evil • Subscription

Contents

AIM MAGAZINE

Jubilee Issue

Editor : Wangechi RuguaruEditor : Eva Githina

Contributor : Gerald Montgomery

Co-Editor : Wambui Wamutogoria

Contributor : Susan Kabura Designer- Sam Gathenji

Contents

AIM MAGAZINE

#africansinmotion, we have a fantastic October issue for you featuring the talented

Zukiswa Wanner a talented author, fantastic fashion updates from the African diaspora,

easy tips to enhance your life from your health to your wallet and relationship advice from

the efervescent Dr. G.

As you enjoy this issue please think about letting go of your stress, let go and and empty

your mind of all the thoughts that are constantly running through your mind and simply

be in this issue with us. Letting go takes practice and depending on what is going on in

our lives it might be easier said than done. However, let your time with AIM Magazine be

just that. As a matter of fact, make this a habit and learn to do things fully in the moment

for as long as they last, carry the lesson and let the rest go.

One by one let everything go, take it off, erase it, turn your back on it, put it off and leave

yourself open to the lessons, the fun and be here with us as we take you through this

issue.

“For things to reveal themselves to us, we need to be ready to abandon our views about

them.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Come walk with me, let go and be in the moment, I am right with you.

D’Eva

Editor’s Note

Photo by Mutua Matheka

AIM MAGAZINE

Jubilee Issue

D’Eva

AIM MAGAZINE

AIM MAGAZINE

Feature

Dear Africans In Motion,

If you have not heard about Zukiswa Wanner, you need to hurry up and catch up. Zukiswa is a reckoning voice in African Literature and was listed in Africa 39, a list of the best African writers under forty as well as one of the top 20 stories in South Africa. She is a vivacious personality who writes succintly and clearly without using too many words.

Zukiswa is currently living in Kenya and launched her latest book London Cape Town Joburg in Embu in early September and will be touring a couple of other cities in Kenya before doing a final launch in Nairobi. Read more about Zukiswa below and get a more intimate feel for her by checking out her Q/A session with AIM.

PROFILEZukiswa Wanner is a South African writer and the author of novels The Madams (2006) shortlisted for the K. Sello Duiker Prize; Behind Every Successful Man (2008); Commonwealth Best Book Africa Region and Herman Charles Bosman shortlisted Men of the South (2010) and London Cape Town Joburg (2014). She’s also the author of the non-fiction satire Maid in SA: 30 Ways to Leave Your Madam (2013), the children’s book Refilwe(2014), an African retelling of Rapunzel and co-authored with Alf Kumalo, the Mandela home biography 8115: A Prisoner’s Home (2010).

She has contributed articles to New African, New African Woman, The Guardian, The Observer (UK), Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, City Press, Words etc., OpenSociety, Africa Review and The Star (Kenya) among others. She has been a columnist for True Love (SA) and Weekend Star (Kenya).

Wanner has taken part in leading arts festivals in Kenya (Storymoja Hayfest); South Africa (Time of the Writer; Jozi Book Fair; Cape Town Book Fair, Franschhoek Literary Festival); Uganda (Writivism); Algeria (Algiers Book Fair); Zimbabwe (Intwasa Arts Festival, Women’s Film Festival); Germany (Bayreuth Arts Festival); Denmark (Wide World of Words); United Kingdom (London Book Fair) and Norway. She has conducted writing workshops in Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and in four provinces in South Africa for children and adults, is the founder of Read SA, a campaign encouraging South African to read and sits on the board of

the continental short story prize Writivism.

She was selected as one of M&G’s 200 Young People to take out to Lunch (2009), appeared in M&G’s Book of South African Women (2010) and wrote one of the introductory essays for the SA Book of Women 2011. Wanner was selected by Africa Report as one of 2010 People to Watch and in March 2014 was chosen as one of the top 39 African writers under the age of 40. Her short story, The Dress that Fed the Suit was selected as one of the top 20 short stories in South Africa’s last 20 years of democracy http://bookslive.co.za/blog/2014/07/22/the-twenty-in-20-final-list-the-best-short-stories-of-south-africa%E2%80%99s-democracy/.

• Links to your website: http:zukiswawanner.wordpress.com• Contact information: Wanner.zukiswa@gmail.com

AIM: Please tell us your full name and where you come from?Zukiswa Wanner, South Africa.

AIM: What inspired you to become a writer?Zukiswa: I didn’t have any light bulb moment where I said, ‘ók, I shall be a writer.’ I write when I feel I have something to say.AIM: What is your most unforgettable career milestone?Zukiswa: There have been quite a few. Being shortlisted for the Commonwealth Best Book Africa Region back in 2011 (and losing to Aminatta Forna who I absolutely looove) is probably a pretty important one; being part of Africa39 this year is also another. Getting into Mail & Guardian’s esteemed 200 Young South Africans in 2010, a place in the Book of SA Women in 2010 and being counted, a year later, worthy of writing an introduction to the next book of SA Women I think are pretty amazing milestones to have made before 40.

AIM: Where do you draw inspiration for:Zukiswa: All three novels below (and my latest) were inspired by the contemporary middle class African story.Men of the SouthThe MadamsBehind Every Successful Man

AIM: What projects are you currently working on?Zukiswa: My fourth novel and fifth book London Cape Town

Zukiswa Wanner

AIM MAGAZINE

Feature

Joburg (LCTJ) just came out in April this year so I’ve been doing a lot of literary festivals and book tours on that.

AIM: If you had to pick 5 favorite African Authors who would you chose?Zukiswa: It’s not a fair question to ask for only five. I like a lot of writers but if I absolutely had to be put on a stake and name names today I may say. Aminatta Forna, Asenath Odaga, Angela Makholwa, Thando Mgqolozana, Shimmer Chinodya. But then I’d feel like crap because I also really do like Ondjaki, the late Ahmadou Korouma, Nadifa Mohamed, Zakes Mda and and and

AIM: What is your favorite quote?Zukiswa: I don’t have any. I read an average of three books a week so I’m always encountering quotes I like in books. If, however we are talking about a favorite quote I’ve written lately, that would be from LCTJ, “Sometimes booze is like onions, it makes you cry.”

AIM: What causes or issues are you passionate about?Zukiswa: I’m very passionate about human rights and the right of everyone to a worthwhile education.

AIM: What advice would you give to young upcoming writers?Zukiswa: Before you write, read. Then read and read and read again. Then write. Then read some more. The more you read, the better of a writer you become.

Zukiswa is a reckoning voice and we at AIM will be following her work to see what she has to say. We are sure it will be well worth it, so please go ahead and read all the Zukiswa books you can get your hands on.

AIM MAGAZINE

TOTE BAGS

Good Eats

AIM MAGAZINE

This is a cocktail Wambui put together to celebrate our mother’s birthday.

You will need:

Johnnie Walker RedLemon JuiceLimesWater/Ice cubesStalks of lemongrass***

Preparation:

Pour a shot of Johnnie Walker into the glass, add lemon juice, limes and then top off with ice cubes or water depending on the temperature you prefer. Stir the cocktail using a stalk of lemongrass.

Salut!

***Lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese; with minute traces of the B vitamins. How can you go wrong with benefits like those?

SabbySurprise

Sarah Mirie Collection was founded 2008 in Sweden by a human rights graduate/ designer who has a passion for fashion and wanted to created work of art of with east African touch. Her love for Art and Fashion and being inspired by African patterns and materials, started Sarah Mirie Collection and East Afro Jewelry collection was formed as her first line. Sarah Mirie Collection ideas have no limitation, the creativity speaks for itself. The collection has introduced salon instruments such as combs as jewelry. East Afro Jewelry Design is not a work of one person, but a passionate team is behind this project that is dedicated to create and inspire; The Designs are made by Sarah where she works alongside a production team. Sarah Mirie Collection understands that fashion describes a person as an expression tool but also fashion being lifestyle. The key mission is constant creativity and thinking outside the box. The main inspiration was East African fashion but with time Sarah Mirie Collection has grown from only designing jewelry to creating garments inspired by different cultures but also nature and unique patterns. Sarah Mirie Collection has been fortunate to showcase alongside talented designers in Kenya. Sarah Mirie Collection believes that creativity is infinite.

Sarah Mire is a Kenyan that has spent most of her life in Sweden. As an artist, I trust creativity is an important element for growth within the Fashion industry. Sarah holds two degrees from Malmö University, where she majored in Human Rights, but her passion for fashion has inspired her to move back to Africa to pursue a career in the vibrant African fashion industry. Sarah has showcased her work in different fashion events in Kenya where she believes that the fashion industry is promising. She has also graced the cover of AIM magazine and also featured The people magazine /women essence to name but a few.

To view more collection and to purchase:Sarah Mirie CollectionFB: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=194783127200449

Sarah Mirie Collection / Perfection Edition Photo: Sarah Mirie Photography Make up: Sarah Mirie Model: Mary Kuol Director: Katherine Damaris

AIM MAGAZINE

African print running shoes Funfere koroye:

www.funferekoroye.com/

Fashion

That African Sweat; African Print Workout Gear

Jubilee Issue

African print Bikers:

http://tiempolibreusa.com/shop/product/african-safari-print-shorts/

Yoga mat:

www.etsy.com/listing/165701349/yoga-bag-messenger-style-crossbody-yoga?ref=market

AIM MAGAZINE

Nakimuli Serengeti swimsuit:

www.etsy.com/listing/191058755/red-mosaic-serengeti-swimsuit-bottom-s-m?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=nakimuli&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

Republic: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Tunisia, Togo, Tanzania, Swaziland, Sudan, South Sudan, South Africa, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Rwanda, Republic Of Congo, Nigeria, Niger, Namibia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mali, Malawi, Madagascar, Libya, Liberia, Lesotho, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Ghana, Gambia, Gabon, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Djibouti, Comoros, Chad, Central Africa Republic, Cape Verde, Cameroon , Burundi, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Benin, Angola Algeria

Democracy: A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

AIM MAGAZINE

Good Read

Political Animal

Democratic Republic: a form of government embodying democratic principles and where a monarch is not the head of state. Democratic Republic Of Congo

Kingdom: a country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen. Swaziland, Lesotho, Morocco

Territories:Canary Islands Kingdom of Spain, Ceuta Kingdom of Spain, Melilla Kingdom Of Spain, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha United Kingdom,

Sub-National MonarchyZululand South Africa, Ashanti Ghana, Barotseland Zambia, Buganda Uganda, Bunyoro Uganda, Busoga Uganda, Kano Nigeria, Kanongesha-Lunda Angola, Democratic Republic Of Congo and Zambia, Toro Kingdom Uganda, Rwenzururu Uganda

Dictatorship: a country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator.

Definitions That Rule

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Jubilee Issue

AIM MAGAZINE

Flax seed is amazing and very beneficial. There are 2 types of Flax seeds (linseeds), a light golden yellow and brown. The brown Flax seeds are slighty higher in omega 3 fatty acids.Benefits:-Leaves hair soft, shiny, and moisturized-Promotes hair growth-Economical since flax seeds can be reused.-Affordable-Nourishing for the hair for they are rich in omega 3’s-Gives great curl definition-Gives hold with no crunch/non flaking/not drying to the hair/doesn’t cause breakage/or shedding-Fast drying-Great for wash n go’s/sleek styles/dreadlocks/twists and twist outs and sets the twists once dry for a lovely twist out-Mixes well with oils/conditioners/ many products-All natural..organic.-Great for all hair types

Flax seed Gel is easy to make. You will need:Strainer or stocking sockWooded spoonBowl or air tight container ( you can use an old product container 2 cups of water1/4 or 1/2 cup of flax seed (linseed) depending on how thick you want it1 tblsp pf aloe vera gel (optional)3 drops of essential oil (optional)You can also add other oils (optional)

Preparation:• Pour 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of flax seed into a

pot, on low/medium bring it to a boil stirring flax seed often with preferably a wooden spoon.

• Turn off heat when a white, frothy gel like liquid forms (it will have a raw egg white consistency). Continue stirring while it simmers.

• Place strainer or stocking sock on top of your bowl or container and pour mixture in. Let it cool down, add aloe gel and essential oil. Proceed to use gel while hair is cleansed and damp :).

Place the rest of the gel in an air tight container. The shelf life is 12-14 in the refrigerator . Place used flax seeds in a container and place in freezer for next time.

HAIR:Flax Seed Gel

Great Hair

AIM MAGAZINE

Parable: A modest homeowner had what he believed were three inconsequential home-improvement concerns, which he repeatedly delayed acting upon. These items were 1) a toilet that ran until the handle was jiggled, 2) no seal at the base of this toilet, which subsequently leaked into the basement anytime too much water got on the floor (usually when taking a shower), and 3) an alarm panel mounted in the basement on a wall directly below the bathroom’s exposed plumbing. Separately each issue was minor; something he would eventually get to when he had more time.

Still, the homeowner didn’t completely ignore the issues. As a way to deal with them he had shown his young children how to jiggle the handle, and also to be mindful of the shower curtain placement during showers or not to “splash around” during baths. He merely mentioned the workarounds to his wife; as he was confident she already knew how to manage the matter. As for the panel, he intended to schedule a service call to have the alarm panel moved 10 inches, or so, away from the plumbing. So in essence these defects were viewed more as inconveniences than problems.

One day the unthinkable happened. His wife, a very sweet but rather forgetful woman, took a day off from work and decided to do some light house cleaning. After thoroughly cleaning the upstairs bathroom she discarded the paper towels in the toilet. She had discarded paper towels in the toilet many times before, and admits that on occasion the towels would clog the toilet. Whenever this happened in the past, she merely waited until the water stopped running, usually just before overflowing, and then plunger the stoppage until the water drained freely. Not a big deal, right? Sure. But that was before the “handle needing to be jiggled to stop the

running water” era.

Well, on this day, since the toilet now ran until the handle was jiggled, which by the way the wife forgot to do, the water didn’t stop. The paper towels clogged the toilet causing the water to rise. Frantic, the modest homeowner’s wife thought to plunger the stoppage, but was quickly overtaken by the fountain now soaking her feet. By the time she remembered to jiggle the handle the small river had reached the carpet just outside the bathroom. And since the toilet base wasn’t properly sealed, the water leaked into the basement. And since the alarm panel was mounted just below the plumbing, the water got into the alarm panel, shorted the main PCB card, and ruined the backup battery. The alarm panel repair and relocation cost the homeowner $150; not to mention the earful he got from his distraught wife for not fixing the minor issues before hand!

Moral: Like the unaddressed home improvement issues mentioned above, little problems unchecked could combine to make a bigger one. Sometimes a little problem just “grows up” on its own; eventually becoming a huge problem. Very few, if any, issues should be ignored in a relationship if that relationship is to mature into a healthy one. Now, I’m not suggestion that you make a big deal out of everything. But what I am saying is that ignoring early warning signs is never good. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Iron sharpens iron; so let’s be better because of it!

G-Spot

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Gerald Montgomery

AIM MAGAZINE

Chew on This

Evalyn Githina

Canola oil comes from pressed canola seeds also known as rapeseeds. Both canola seeds and rapeseeds belong to the exactly same genus; however, the name canola (Canadian oilseed- low acid) is labeled for modified plant developed by Canadian scientists using traditional plant breeding methods to get rid of rapeseed’s undesirable qualities – erucic acid and glucosinolates.

Both rapeseed and canola plants belongs to the same genus of the crucifer family called Brassica, the large family of plants, which also includes turnip, mustard, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli ...etc.

Canola is good for your heart. it is low in saturated fats and high in the omega-3 fatty acids and other monounsaturated fats that help to promote healthy cardiovascular function. Canola oil is ideal for salad dressings, cooking and baking.

To enjoy canola at its best, here is a quick balsamic vinaigrette recipe. Whisk it together and drizzle over your favorite salad.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

You will need: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 1/2 tsp crushed mustard seeds 1/4 cup Canola Oil 1/4 tsp salt

pinch of cayenne and black pepper

Preparation:Whisk together all ingredients or combine all ingredients in a container with a tight fitting lid and shake well.

Canola Oil,Goodness!

AIM MAGAZINE

Chew on This

My Trip to South Dakota

Travel

By Wangechi

On my bucket list, I had Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota as a must see. Mount Rushmore has always fascinated me, and I talked about it all the time until finally this summer I took the trip. What no one told me was this was going to be a spiritual trip for me and that there was more to see than Mt. Rushmore. The drive from Minnesota started for us at 10:00 am in the morning; it was a straight drive literally with no interesting views until we got into South Dakota. A friend of mine Gabi had been to South Dakota and she spoke of it very highly but nothing would prepare me for what my eyes would see.

About South DakotaSouth Dakota was the 40th state in the USA; it became a state on November 2, 1889. State Abbreviation - SDState Capital - PierreLargest City - Sioux Falls Area - 77,121 square miles [South Dakota is the 17th biggest state in the USA]Population - 844,877 (as of 2013) [South Dakota is the 46th most populous state in the USA]Name for Residents - South DakotansSouth Dakota ranks 16th in size among the 50 states. It was the 40th state to join the Union in 1889. South Dakota encompasses 77,123 square miles, averaging 10 people per square mile. South Dakota is the second-largest producer of sunflower seeds and oil in the nation. South

Travel

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over, reminded me of the fair a little, but a good resting spot if driving.

Custer ParkThe 71,000-acre park is home to a herd of 1,300 bison, along with pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, elk and mountain, this was an interesting drive to say the least, there were time I was holding on for life because the roads are extremely narrow and the drop down seems endless, the view though was beautiful, the trees, the hills... an awesome drive. Don’t be surprised to find yourself driving slower than your 98-year-old grandmother along Needles Highway the surrounding scenery and wildlife have a tendency to capture the imagination and delight of everyone who come through this area. But don’t worry about hurrying, either. The narrow, windy roads and tunnels primarily attract tourists and sight-seers looking to take their time among the pine and spruce forests and open meadows of the Black Hills.

Mt. RushmoreFew attractions stir the emotions of visitors the way Mount

Dakota is also a leading producer of a variety of small grains including oats, barley, rye, flaxseed, sorghum and alfalfa. The Black Hills are the highest mountains east of the Rockies. Mt. Rushmore, in this group, is famous for the likenesses of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, which were carved in granite by Gutzon Borglum. A memorial to Crazy Horse is also being carved in granite near Custer. Other tourist attractions include the Badlands; the World’s Only Corn Palace, in Mitchell; and the city of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok was killed in 1876 and where gambling was recently legalized.

Places I visitedCorn PalaceThis was a fun little place to visit. Although I didn’t get to go inside due to closings’ I got to see the palace from the outside. Mitchell Corn Palace is a multi-purpose arena/facility located in Mitchell, South Dakota. The Moorish Revival building is decorated with crop art; the murals and designs covering the building are made from corn and other grains. There were little fun shops to visit and food stand all

AIM MAGAZINE

Travel

Rushmore does. Since its completion in 1941, it has joined the Statue of Liberty and the Stars & Stripes as one of America’s most inspiring symbols of democracy. For me I was checking my bucket list for this one, so I stood there in awe and took it. Its not that big of a mountain, its actually pretty small, it’s the work that went into it that fascinates me. Mt. Rushmore is visitor friendly, they have a 20 minute documentary which is great. The gift shop is a zoo, but it has a lot to offer. I will say though the ice cream was insanely expensive.

Crazy HorseThis is the one I was most looking forward to, but to me was the most disappointing. Seemed a little disorganized and the price tag to get in was a whopping $28 and you have to pay extra to get closer to the monument. The monument depicts Crazy Horse, an Oglala Lakota warrior, riding a horse and pointing into the distance. The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, to be sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski. It is operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, a private non-profit organization. The monument has been in progress since 1948 and is far from completion. I will leave it up to you to read more about the controversy surrounding this monument. I pray I live to see it complete because it is the best fitting monument for the people of that land.

Black hillsI never understood why they called them black hills until I laid my eyes on them. The Lakota Indians called this place Paha Sapa, or Black Hills, because its pine-covered slopes appear black from a distance. The fabled Black Hills of South Dakota are an uplifted island of pine-clad mountains rising from the Great Plains. With their impressive pinnacles, mysterious geologic formations, and dense forests, the area provides a number of picturesque views, hiking opportunities

BadlandsWe tackled the Badlands on our way back to Minnesota. It was $15 charge per car and I will tell you that was the best $15 dollars I have ever spent. The view is breath taking, it is like nothing you have ever seen before. The Lakota gave this its name, “mako sica,” meaning “land bad.” Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. It is desolation at its truest, where you can look for miles and see no sign of civilization.

1880 CitySouth Dakota’s Original 1880 TOWN has more than 30 buildings from the 1880 to 1920 era, authentically furnished with thousands of relics, historical accounts and photographs, a Casey Tibbs exhibit, Dances with Wolves movie props, and fun activities for kids. The have the horse that Kevin Costner rode in the movie Dances with Wolves, Buck” (Cisco), one of the horses ridden in the movie, lived at 1880 TOWN until he passed away in 2008 at the age of 33. There is a memorial for him at his burial place in the 1880 TOWN.. The Dakota Hotel was moved from Draper, SD. Built in 1910, it still carries the scars made by cowboys’ spurs on the staircase. The Gardel & Walker Livery Barn holds a variety of early engines and two wagons from the Indian war

era. On an open lot next to the livery is the antique machinery display. It was a fun experience for me; the staff there is very friendly.

DeadwoodWe didn’t spend much time here, but we drove through the city. But since I love Western movies, I wanted to see what the hype was about. The famous and the infamous have called Deadwood home over the last several centuries. Lewis and Clark, Wild Bill Hickok, Wyatt Earp, George Armstrong Custer, Poker Alice, the Sundance Kid, Calamity Jane, and many others have all passed through here in search of fortune and adventure. If you love western movies, this town will amaze you. There was nothing much to the city, but if you know the history of Wyatt Earp, it will intrigue you.

Wall DrugNo trip is complete without a stop at nearby Wall Drug. In 1936 its owners put up highway signs advertising “free ice water” to travelers, hoping to attract customers. It worked. Nearly 80 years later the 76,000-square-foot drug store – which now includes restaurants, Western art galleries, shops and children’s activities along with a pharmacy – draws thousands of visitors each summer day. It’s worth a stop, if only for a homemade doughnut, a free glass of ice water, and the best view ever. We stopped for breakfast here before tackling the badlands and I must say the food was exceptional.

This ended up being a spiritual trip for me. If you have watched Dances with Wolves, visiting South Dakota will put it into perspective for you. I want to return next summer; I feel I have to see what I saw again, almost like watching a movie for a second time, that’s how good it was for me. I now completely understand why the Native Americans fought so hard ….I could feel the spirits of the ancestors in the air. I have a new found respect for mother earth.

AIM MAGAZINE

Book Review

AIM MAGAZINE

Book Review

Excerpt: London - Cape Town - Joburg by Zukiswa Wanner

Zukiswa Wanner released her latest novel London – Cape Town – Joburg earlier this year. The following is an excerpt in which a mother grieves for her 13-year-old son who has committed suicide.

It’s a week after Germaine Spencer found her son lying in his bath with a suicide note addressed to his father on his bedside table: “he left the most hurtful message to me in his suicide note. Which was nothing. He said nothing to me.”Germaine recalls how her son would come to her to cry when he was upset after his father had told him that boys don’t cry, and at all the little things she did for her son over the years and she wonders where she went wrong.

Read the excerpt:Zuko Spencer-O’Malley is dead. Dead via suicide. At the tender age of thirteen.My son is dead.

And I failed to notice he was troubled. For three days I was too self-absorbed, so intent on changing the world that I couldn’t see the pain my child was going through. What’s more, he left the most hurtful message to me in his suicide note. Which was nothing. He said nothing to me. A testament perhaps to how insignificant I had become in his life? The letter, left on his bedside table was addressed to Dear Papa. Papa. I hadn’t heard him call Martin that since he was four. Martin. His dad. My husband.

Dear Papa, it starts. By the time you read this letter . . .No reference to me in the address and yet I loved him. No Dear Mummy and Daddy. Nothing.I know they had a special bond but it was me who carried him for nine months. It was me who woke up to check his cot and

see whether he was still breathing when he had a cold. It was me who woke up and got him ready for school every morning while Martin slept. Granted, Martin’s schedule did not permit him to and I was willing and more flexible but still. It was me. All me. And when he hurt himself, it was me he used to come crying to when his father and stupid uncle told him that boys don’t cry.

And remembering this tosh well, even in Martin’s absence, when he would fall and hurt himself or get in a fight with a playmate he would walk “bravely” into the house. Crunched face, lower lip between his teeth, he would pull my hand to take me to his bedroom and only when we were safe there, let out the tears. After he had calmed down I would ask him what was wrong. “It’s Mike/Tyrone/Sally/Ibraheim. He hurt my feelings?” Always stated like a question.

Me (trying hard not to laugh at this child who took himself so seriously): “And how did he/she hurt your feelings, darling?”

He: “He/she called me a baby.”Me: “But are you a baby?”

He: “No, I’m not a baby. Sally/Mike/Tyrone/Ibraheim is younger than me. She/he is a baby.”

Then I would tickle him and he would start laughing and he would say,“Sally/Mike/Tyrone/Ibraheim is just jealous of me, neh, Mummy? Because my nana is on television, neh, Mummy?”

I would nod. We would both smile, and then laugh. And it would be all right with the world.

So where did I go wrong? Where did I lose my son?

Book Review

Zukiswa Wanner London - Cape Town - Joburg

Health& Fitness

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AIM MAGAZINE

I am an avid reader of all things fitness and I have noticed an increase in the number of fitness challenges that promise increased fitness, weight loss and a flatter stomach with the ever unattainable six-pack.

I thought it would be fun for us, yes, you and me to try out the following fun 30 day challenges for the next three months. The fitness challenges I have picked are fun and easy to incorporate into your daily work out and I know that at the end of every 30 days you will notice that you will be fitter and healthier.

So let us try the following challenges:

Bruce Lee Challenge

For October let us take on the Bruce Lee challenge which consists of kicks, punches and push-ups. This challenges slowly builds up your capacity and if you are consistent, the Bruce Lee will not break you but make you stronger instead. Download your poster at http://neilarey.com/challenges/bruce-lee.html

Core Challenge

In November, we can work on improving our posture and getting closer to that six pack by taking on the Core Challenge. This is a great challenge and is well paced to allow for challenge without overwhelming any beginners or underwhelming the more experienced. Download your poster at http://neilarey.com/challenges/core-challenge.html

Homerun Challenge

December is usually busy for most of us due to the holidays and the numerous number of parties that we have to attend. The Homerun Challenge is easy enough for you to do on the run, pun intended and is especially beneficial to strengthening your lower body and building your energy so that you can easily run those errands that cannot be ignored or delegated. Download your poster at http://neilarey.com/challenges/home-run.html

#africansinmotion, let us gear up to smash these challenges and I look forward to seeing fitter, trimmer and healthier versions of you.

Health& Fitness

Three 30 day Challenges to take

on

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NO EVILSpotlight

Speak No Evil

“There is a lot of good in Zukiswa Wanner’s London Cape Town Joburg and in this issue’s Book Review we included and excerpt. I am sure Zukiswa will take us on a poignant and soul-awakening journey. Read on!!

See No Evil

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is now on film. The story is of a generation living through the tumult of Nigeria’s independence and the ensuing Nigerian-Biafran War through the thorny romantic journeys of two sisters. Olanna (Thandie Newton) married to Odenigbo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Her twin sister Kainene (Anika Noni Rose) is in love with a British writer (Joseph Mawle) who has come to Nigeria to teach. Playwright Biyi Bandele has fashioned it as an emotionally gripping example of contemporary Nigerian cinema, and honors the ongoing strength of that country’s women in the process.

Hear No Evil

Coke Studio Africa has been posting an amazing collection of music collaborations that bring together artists from all over our fine continent and although we do not know why Coca Cola is doing all this, we appreciate the final, rythmically moving, soul-satisfying result. Coke Studio Africa show brings together artists from different genres, eras & regions to create a modern and authentic sound through musical fusion. Check out the videos and dance along.

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April Issue

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April Issue