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 African street what it is that you do in this regard?

Try to understand the context of where SA is and where it can go

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

Ten years

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

SA

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?

I enjoy it

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

Understand more

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

Prof Philip Spies, emphasis on rigorous analysis

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

Law, Economics, Accounting, Future Studies

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

Churchill: if mankind can live in peace and a helpful attitude towards others technology will do for it more than they can imagine

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

Under developed

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

Credibility and impact

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?

Find a real job and do future studies part time

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

As much and as wide as possible

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

Stay away from group think