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 produce pragmatic open minded ideas of a whole new world, where men and woman find hope, reason to live, eat, believe and sleep well.

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

My first formal engagements with future studies was in 2007 with Prof. Mark Oranjie at the University of Pretoria. Until I found myself working with City Futures (on a day to day basis) at the SA Cities Network with Geci Karuri-Sebina.

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

South Africa

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

People and Cities.

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

To remind the world of a City in Africa that was built upon changing diverse demands – of a rainbow nation.

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

Geci Karuri-Sebina, Steve Jobs and Søren Kierkegaard – These three people, always remind me that the future comes a day at a time – it is important to plan.

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

B. Town & Regional Planning

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

Others describe me as… focused

I describe myself as… prepared

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forward.” - Søren Kierkegaard

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

What went wrong in Africa is being corrected. What is being corrected was not Africa’s fault, but an opportunity for greatness.

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

There are fewer installations and projects presented to a wider range of themes dealing with African futures and development.

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?

Read as wide as possible. Share and debate. Always know a little about a lot. Future studies is an investment to thyself – a wealth to those you teach.

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

• State of the Future annual report
• Brave New World

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

• http://thefuturesmuse.com
• http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/prweb9982700.htm
• http://cemea.economistconferences.com/event/future-cities-africa