Ayob Vania - Writing Examples PDF

CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania
INDEX:
 PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
o Thomas Gumede – [page 2]

o Cecilee Sharon Phatudi – [page 3-4]
o Kgomotso Mosenogi – [page 5-6]
 MEDIA STATEMENTS|ALERTS
o Another world is not just possible, it’s happening… – [page 7]

o South African Meistersinger Celebrates Two Decades of Song – [page 8]
o Sifiso Khanyile’s “Music Is Everywhere” – [page 9-10]
o Independent Publisher Boosts Mother Tongue Literature – [page 11]
 WRITINGS FOR CORPORATE PUBLICATION
o SAMRO Member Profile:

 Louise Carver [Singer-Songwriter] – [page 12]
 Makhosonke Mrubata [African Jazz Pioneers – Musician/Composer] – [page 12]
o SAMRO Licensee Profile:
 SWAD [Indian Cuisine Restaurant] – [page 13]
 T-MUSICMAN [Music Festival Promoter, Manager & Organizer] – [page 14]
o Advertorial Copy
 SAMRO Celebrates SABC’s 75th Anniversary – [page 15]
CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 1
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
“BRAND CENTRED”
Thomas Gumede
[Actor, Stand Up Comedian, Master of Ceremonies and Brand Ambassador]
Written for Monate Fellaz [Branding, Marketing and Communications Firm]

To be used as Marketing and Branding communication collateral in promoting their client Thomas Gumede.
Amongst the many words that have been used to describe Thomas Gumede are zestful, humorous,
vibrant, versatile and experienced, qualities that add to the arsenal of this focused and dynamic all-round
entertainer.
Thomas Gumede is an accomplished actor, stand-up comedian and master of ceremonies.

At the age of 23, this talented young man has an unparalleled strength of character and moral-fibre that
many envy and many more would do well to emulate. It is precisely this general disposition that sets
Thomas apart as a successful, young, black entertainer and youth ambassador.
In the past four years Thomas has appeared as the lead character in productions like the 2005 Short
Feature Film – Brothers in Arms; he has had a cameo role in the 2007 International Feature Film – The
Deal. He stepped back into the lead character role or the 2008 Feature Films - The List and Friends in
Need.
During this same period he has also appeared as both a lead and support character in such memorable
Television productions as Rhythm City [e-tv - 2009], Bay of Plenty [SABC 1 – 2007/8] and A Place
Called Home [SABC 1 – 2006 to 2009]. While his work as a Master of Ceremonies has also translated well
on the small screen, where we have seen Thomas present the youth oriented, hip-hop talk show Cypher
[SABC 1 -2007], and more recently season 1 and 2 of So You Think You’re Funny [SABC 1 – 2008/9].
Along with the attention and extensive youth influence received through the medium of television, his work
enables him the rare occasion to be a walking platform for brand collaboration and association. To Local &
International Brands this represents the perfect partnership opportunity to engage with the Thomas
Gumede Brand. The Ambassadorship of the KZN Youth Commission and the 1st Endorsement Deal
with FNB go a long way to illustrate the level of trust in the brand that is Thomas Gumede and the
responsibility that goes hand in hand with that trust.
Thomas has captivated the hearts, minds and funny bones of audiences as both a host and a featured
Stand-up Comedian at Comedy Shows and Festivals across the country, from the WITS Comedy Festival
[2006] to the 99% Zulu Comedy Tour of KZN [2007/8], and from the Soweto Comedy Festival [2008/9]
to the industry mainstay Blacks Only [2009]. He also played host at the launch of the Lesotho Dance
Academy [2005] and was a crowd favorite on the NubreedComedy Tour to Botswana [2006].
Thomas’s vibrancy for life and his business acumen make him effortlessly adept at straddling the different
mediums of entertainment he has chosen to express himself through. Both the nature of and obvious
differences between these mediums, constantly afford Thomas the space within which to whet his skill set
and grow from strength to strength as an all-round entertainer.
The culmination and proof of these growth opportunities and certainly the ultimate acknowledgment of
Thomas’ innate talent has to be the SAFTA [South African Film and Television Award] for Best Actor In A
Drama; which he received earlier this year; making him the youngest winner of the award to date.
Thomas Gumede is absolutely hilarious, with an eccentric, bold character that encapsulates attitude, wit
and intelligence.
BACK TO INDEX
Thomas Gumede | Cecilee Sharon Phatudi | Kgomotso Mosenogi | Another world is not just possible, it’s happening… | South African
Meistersinger Celebrates Two Decades of Song |Sifiso Khanyile’s “Music Is Everywhere” |Independent Publisher Boosts Mother
Tongue Literature | Louise Carver | Makhosonke Mrubata | SWAD | T-MUSICMAN |SAMRO Celebrates SABC’s 75th Anniversary
CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 2
“HYBRID”
Cecilee Sharon Phatudi

[Business Leader, Professional Speaker and Poet]
Written for Monate Fellaz [Branding, Marketing and Communications Firm]

To be used on www.cecilleephatudi.com the official website of their client Cecilee Phatudi
Cecilee Sharon Phatudi was born on the 2nd June 1974, in Polokwane, South Africa. A place Cecilee
found quite unexciting while growing up there.
She is the first born of three children, which, coupled with the fact that her mother passed away at an
extremely early age and she therefore grew close to a strict and regimented Grandmother, goes a
long way in explaining Cecilee’s achievement-orientated personality and non-conformist and focused
attitude.
Cecilee is a descendant of the “Ba Pedi” Tribe, whose tribal totem is the hedgehog – commonly
referred to in the region as a “Kgaaga”. Her family were historically privileged, bordering on royalty
and her Grandfathers were great leaders with stature and influence in their communities. A trait which
Cecilee has clearly inherited and embodies in her various roles in the business and social
communities she interacts with.
She is extremely driven and aspires to infuse her spiritual approach to everything, with the
professional services that she provides. Proud and confident in her abilities her professional
achievements draw much attention, which is often uncomfortable and intrusive for her.
Cecilee Phatudi’s purpose in life is to help people transform their lives and achieve their potential,
forming an intimate part of how she approaches life and which will enable her to leave a legacy of
respect and honour.
Cecilee the Poet
Cecilee’s journey as a poet started in 2007, when she left the comfort and financial security of the
corporate environment, as part of a process of personal discovery. She was zealous in her quest to
learn who she was outside of the corporate context, beyond her chosen profession and job title.
Embarking on this journey led her to conquering her fears and surrendering to her artistic self,
allowing creativity to flow freely from within.
As a result of her process and journey, Cecilee’s writing has become her very own course in personal
healing and she hopes through reading and listening to her work audiences will be enabled to heal as
well. Cecilee’s poetry is warm, adventurous and spontaneous; flowing form her eternal fountain of
youth and curious nature it connects with the soul of her audience. Using her personal experiences
and observations of life and society as her muse, she crafts poems of inspiration and empowerment
specifically aimed at women and the youth.
Cecilee does not see herself as a deep poet or even a literary guru, but rather as a medium,
conveying messages of wisdom and positivity often inspired by biblical passages, that is easy for
anyone to understand. Through her practical and accessible poetry she wishes to challenge the
paradigm of her audience, through both the recorded and written mediums.
With words as her channel, she conveys love as the currency for relationships and as the key to a
fulfilled life.
Going forward Cecilee plans to publish poetry book and sees the debut offering of her recorded work
as the first of many poetry CDs she wishes to continue to produce.
CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 3
Cecilee the Speaker
As a registered member of the National Speakers Association, Cecilee sees her purpose as
inspirational and helping people to unleash their inherent potential. Through her speaking she acts as
a catalyst for growth and empowers her audience to thrive and realize their purpose.
Another factor that sets Cecilee apart from other speakers is her ability to connect with her audience
on an emotional and intellectual level. A feat she is able to achieve due to the effortless mastery of
her warm, caring nature and her non-conformist and focused attitude.
Cecilee’s life and extensive corporate experiences serve as a torrent of narratives that are the
hallmarks of a good professional speaker. Her holistic experience also permits her the freedom to be
practical and design value added solutions in her talks which range from Leadership to Diversity,
Managing Change to Managing and Nurturing Talent, Organizational and Personal Transformation to
Personal and wealth mastery and Gender related issues to Effective interpersonal relations and
teamwork.
Cecilee is also an accomplished group coach and has had the privilege of coaching leaders in various
organizations. Some of the specific topics that she has spoken on include:
 Purpose driven leadership
 Leading during uncertain times
 Thriving through times of change
 Leading a purpose driven life
 If you believe you are… YOU ARE
 Building a talent mindset in your organization
 Influencing the emotional state of your organization
 Courage to Be Fruitful

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CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 4
“BIOGRAPHICAL”
July 2011
Kgomotso Mosenogi
[SAMRO Marketing & Communications Manager]
Written for JT Communication Solution [Boutique Media Relations & Corporate Communications Firm]
To be used as Publicity Collateral and in SAMRO NOTES [a quarterly member’s journal] for their client
SAMRO - [UNPUBLISHED]
One often hears the expression that someone had a meteoric rise to stardom, or up the corporate
ladder; but how often is that actually true. After spending some time with the SAMRO’s twenty-eight
year-old Marketing and Communications Manager, Kgomotso Mosenogi, I can honestly say that not
only is it true but also very possible.
Born and raised in Mafikeng, North West Province, Kgomotso was an only child for most of her life.
Being raised by her grandparents at first and a single mother later, she developed a compulsion to
please her mother at an early age. This personality trait stayed with her, morphing into the ambition
and drive that is evident in the diminutively statured adult Kgomotso. Because her upbringing was not
as rosy as most she strived to do and be better.
After Matriculating she opted to enrol for a B Com Marketing at the then Rand Afrikaans University.
This degree is one of two things I discover Kgomotso has not completed in her life. Being a go getter
she realised early in the course that it was too theoretic for her and switched to a BA Marketing
Communications which she completed in 2005. Her learning did not end there as Kgomotso later
went on to do short courses like “Essentials of Broadcasting Management” with the Sol Plaaitjie
Institute for Media Leadership, and “Specialising in Brand Management” at AAA School of
Advertising.
Kgomotso has never wanted to be average, she has always strived not to do her best but always to
over deliver. Her past employers, who read like a who’s who list of Marketing graduates dream
employers, can attest to this.
Throughout her studies she had always only wanted to work for two companies and in 2006, at the
age of twenty three; her first job was as a Trainee Sales Representative at one of those companies,
ABI; where, despite internal policy against it, she was promoted to Account Manager six months after
starting with the company.
She stayed in that position for another six months before landing a job at the other company she’d
always wanted to work at; the South African Broadcasting Corporation. She started her tenure at the
national broadcaster as Marketing and Events Coordinator for Motsweding FM, a position she later
found out she only got because she answered a particular question during her interview in a very
cheeky manner. She was promoted to Acting Marketing Manager at Motsweding FM and stayed in
this Position for seven month before being head hunted by the Peermont Group.
Kgomotso’s term at The Peermont Group’s Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino Convention Resort was
short lived. As Marketing Manager her future was looking bright, so one would be forgiven for being
shocked that she resigned from this position after only five months. As an overachiever and someone
who always finishes what she starts, it must have been an agonising decision for her to make. She
had no choice though. Her personal value system was in conflict with the gaming/gambling industry.
She could not stand promoting a product that was a destructive force in some of its patron’s lives. She
also did not appreciate being treated like a criminal, as employees were regularly subjected to
invasive strip searches.
Her experience with the Peermont Group wasn’t for nought though. Kgomotso discovered her
passions and also realised that there are certain boundaries she will not cross. She describes the
next position she was headhunted for as the perfect fit, because it matches with her passions, i.e.
Media, Broadcasting, the Entertainment Industry and the Music Industry.
CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 5
Kgomotso’s work at SAMRO in the past months speaks for itself. As the Marketing &
Communications Manager for the South African Music Rights Organisation her vision is to see
SAMRO become one of the best Copyright Asset Management [CAM] companies in SA. This vision
she says “will be realised by changing the perceptions of the organisation and increasing the public’s
level of knowledge of SAMRO”.
Her motto is “do what must/needs to be done” and this has enabled her to get right into her job at a
time when SAMRO needed marketing leadership.
In the first six months on the job she is tasked with celebrating the Legacy of SAMRO through its 50th
Anniversary. Thereafter her focus will fall squarely on repositioning the organisations, both internally
and externally as well as establishing good stakeholder relationships and managing perceptions of
the organisation. She believes the best way to do the latter is by putting yourself in front of the storm
and guiding a course through or around it.
Kgomotso has never relied on a man to be her provider or protector. These are roles she has always
filled for herself and wonders how the man who courts her will deal with this.
This strong, confident, motivated young woman has the world at her feet and she is able to remain
humble and focused on the task at hand. Her secret, “I know what it takes to get where I want to be.”
She finds balance from her hectic work schedule by spending time alone with herself. During these
periods of downtime she enjoys reflective activities like reading, yoga for mental and physical
strength, travelling and socialising with friends.
Kgomotso’s personal success mantra’s which she would love to share with other young professionals
are:
 It starts with you.
 Have goals and structure.
 Don’t go with the flow, create the flow!
 Whatever you achieve is through thoughts, beliefs & hard work.
 Don’t ride the wave; if you do you lose focus.
 Age should never determine your fate.
 Where you come from has nothing to do with where you are going.
 If you do not believe in something, don’t get involved.
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CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 6
MEDIA STATEMENT
October 2011
Another world is not just possible, it’s happening… at Hub Johannesburg
All around us individuals ranging from corporate executives to community leaders, policy-makers and freelance
professionals who are pursuing ideas, initiatives and social innovations for a better world, are looking for a new
way to do business. Based at 171 President Street - in the Johannesburg inner-city’s Fashion District, Hub
Johannesburg is the unique eco-system designed to enable these people to thrive.
Hub Johannesburg is a place to work, meet, learn and collaborate with an inspiring community of like-minded
people. Combining the comforts of home, the openness of a coffee shop and the functionality of a corporate
office space, the Hub’s inspiring environment will help you in ‘getting things done’.
As a social business, Hub Johannesburg’s vision is “people taking ownership for tackling South Africa’s most
pressing social issues in an entrepreneurial way”, says Hub Johannesburg co-founder Leslie Williams.
As one of 28 Hubs in major cities around the world and the first in Africa, Hub Johannesburg is part of a global
community of people from every profession, background and culture working at 'new frontiers' to tackle the
world's most pressing social, cultural and environmental challenges.
Set in a 1940s industrial building, Hub Johannesburg offers office facilities at affordable rates and facilitates a
unique range of networking, learning and social opportunities. Hub services include Hub Lectures, focusing on
technical skills development, Learning Lunches focusing on knowledge sharing and an intensive Coaching and
Mentoring program.
“Hub Johannesburg spaces are explicitly designed to provoke collaboration. An open plan space makes sure
members and guests bump into each other, forging new relationships and business opportunities”, says Hub
Johannesburg co-founder, Alexander Overtoom.
Once entered into the community, experienced Hub hosts will facilitate the member in finding their next client,
business partner, supplier or new friend. The element of hosting provides the unique edge to the Hub and its
community.
The Hub is accessible to all people passionate about making a positive difference in the world. We offer usage
based memberships with low-risk monthly tariff options ranging from a Hub Connection (5hrs/month) at R 120.00
to a Hub Unlimited (full-time) membership of R1, 900.00 and increased benefits with higher tariffs.
Global Entrepreneurship Week

In 2010, Hub Johannesburg opened its doors with a pioneering and exhilarating Global Entrepreneurship Week
Program. GEW is the time in the year that Hub Johannesburg celebrates entrepreneurship! We believe there is
no better way to celebrate our first year in existence than with an extensive program of six events during the
th th
week of November 14 to 20 2011. With this program we look to support entrepreneurs in a range of themes to
further develop their businesses. Events will focus on technical skills development, workshops, inspiring
dialogues and topical discussions. Themes include ‘Getting investor ready!’, ‘Purpose & career opportunity’ and
‘Exclusive branding training’. More information on this exciting program of events will follow shortly.
Hi Res images of Hub Johannesburg and its Co-Founders are available on request. For media enquiries,
interviews or to arrange a visit to Hub Johannesburg contact Ayob Vania or Hub co-founders Lesley or Alexander
on [t] +27 (0)11 048 2542 | [e] johannesburg.hosts@the-hub.net
Issued by
Ayob Vania on behalf of The Hub Johannesburg
www.johannesburg.the-hub.net
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CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 7
MEDIA ALERT
2012
South African Meistersinger Celebrates Two Decades of Song
This Freedom Day Weekend gives Johannesburg music lovers the opportunity to celebrate the living
legacy of Sibongile Khumalo. Long revered as being among the world’s most accomplished vocalists,
South Africa’s beloved musical daughter will be celebrating 20 years as a performer in the
entertainment industry.
Titled the “Breath of Life” Concert, Sibongile Khumalo hopes to re-assert the importance of music as a
powerful healing tool. She will take to the stage on the 27th and 28th of April 2012 in a mesmerizing
demonstration of her performance prowess. Khumalo explains that “each breath we take in love and
gratitude comes out and fills the world with more love and beauty. “Breath of Life” appeals to all of us
to live consciously and literally breathe life into our dreams...”
The “Breath of Life” concert; which coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the unprecedented and
ground breaking season of “The 3 Faces of Sibongile Khumalo”*, held at Kippies jazz lounge in 1992;
will see Victor Masondo once again take to the stage with Sibongile Khumalo. This, now legendary,
presentation of Khumalo’s vocal competence, which featured Masondo on the original lineup, resulted
in her receiving the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music. This highlight marked the beginning
of an illustrious, robust and longstanding career.
The first of a number of performances to celebrate this milestone in Sibongile Khumalo’s career is
brought to you in partnership with the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City and About Entertainment.
Tickets for this not to be missed performance are available at Computicket and The Lyric box office at
Gold Reef City and range from R167.40 and R371.00
For more information on the Sibongile Khumalo’s “Breath of Life” concert please contact Ayob Vania
on [t] +27 11 788 7631/2 or [e] media@jtcomms.co.za
NOTE TO EDITOR:
* The 3 Faces of Sibongile Khumalo was, at the time, an unprecedented month long engagement.
Held at Newtown’s legendary jazz lounge, Kippies at the behest of its then manager Arthur Habedi,
Sibongile Khumalo performed with Victor Masondo on bass, Paul Hanmer on the keyboards, Bheki
Khoza on guitar and Sipho Mtshali on drums.
Issued by
JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Magnolia Music Masters
www.jtcomms.co.za
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CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 8
MEDIA ALERT
2012
Magnolia Vision Records declares Sifiso Khanyile’s “Music Is Everywhere”
Through the release of his debut album, “Music is Everywhere”, Magnolia Vision Records and
Sifiso Khanyile hope to remind us that music truly is in and all around us. The songs on this album
are gritty and visceral, which Sifiso says is inspired by the fact that we sing when we are happy and
when we are sad.
Sifiso has an elegant yet edgy style of performance, smooth and distinct. His vast experience
supporting other singers has engendered him with an eclectic and versatile manner of delivery, self-
assured and confident. He digs deep into his soul and approaches each song with a truth and
sincerity that is refreshing.
Born in Mbali Township, Pietermaritzburg, Sifiso comes from a highly musical family and attributes his
love of music to many moments spent singing with his mother in her bedroom. He says, “The sounds
that I heard when I was growing up have been the biggest inspiration for this album, that would be the
sweet and soft voices of my mother and my sister’s singing to the chants and traditional music one
would hear in family gatherings.”
Sifiso continues, “The guitar sounds are also very dominant in my music and that is a direct
inspiration from my father who was a guitarist, he used to play almost every afternoon when he came
back from work.”
The public can expect beautiful music that has been crafted from the soul, melodies and rhythms that
come together to form a sound that defines Sifiso as a solo artist. Most of the songs on the album
were written by Sifiso who was inspired by everyday experiences be it joy, pain, confusion etc. and
what better way to express all of this than in song.
A Durban University of Technology Graduate, Sifiso majored in Voice, Composition, Arranging and
Harmony and this is evident in the well rounded sound of ‘Music Is Everywhere’. From the infectious
and light-hearted title track, which makes the listener want to join in and sing-along, to the gutsy
‘Ubala’, which demands your attention both in its writing and message and the danceable ‘Sobonana
nini?’, to the jazz-infused ‘We Need Love’, with its compelling bass line, Sifiso makes sure that you
pay attention to his story.
The themes that tie the story together on this album are love and hope. He talks about love, romantic
love, yes; but more about universal love; “which is love for your family, neighbour, community and the
entire human race. I believe that this world would be a better place to live in if we had more love. We
live in so much distress these days and we are losing hope for a better tomorrow and I want to
contribute by bringing hope back through my music.” says Sifiso.
This singer-songwriter has an approach to songwriting that is African-centered, Jazz-inspired yet

remains Soulful. To be sure the music on this album is ubiquitous, Sifiso willfully made music from
his heart, he adds “its music I wrote when I was down, its music I wrote when I found and lost love,
when I lost loved ones. It’s music from nature, from kids playing in the park, from the questions and
convictions of the individual and many other sources.”
Knowing how much our society loves labels Sifiso says, “It is a bit difficult to label my music; in a
perfect world I would just call it good music. You will note upon listening that it does not sit in one
style, it is African inspired, soulful in its delivery with influences of jazz and it has a world music feel to
it. I want to leave the labeling to the listener.’
Sifiso is a man who has experienced the full gamut of adult emotions. This can particularly be heard
in the haunting melody of ‘The Sun Will Shine Again’, the last track on this album. “I can safely say
that there is a song for every mood and situation, and for me it was tapping into that to the write music
for this album.” says Sifiso.
CORPORATE WRITING
By Ayob Vania 9
‘Music is Everywhere’ is the second offering of Magnolia Vision Records [MVR]. Founded in 2007
by Sibongile Khumalo MVR is an independent record label that aims to produce quality records of
South African classics, young and old, traditional and contemporary.
Born out of the need to create more space for a musical expression that reflects our heritage, MVR
draws from the intense beauty of our melodies, our pulsating rhythms and unique harmonic
sensibilities, providing an intriguing vocabulary from which we draw continually.
For media queries and interview requests please contact Ayob Vania or Andrea Botha on [t] +27 11
788 7631 or [e] media@jtcomms.co.za
Issued on by
JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Magnolia Vision Records
www.sibongilekhumalo.co.za | www.jtcomms.co.za
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CORPORATE WRITING 1
By Ayob Vania 0
MEDIA ALERT
2012
Independent Publisher Boosts Mother Tongue Literature with Multi-Title Release
Striving for excellence in South African literature, Mbuyazi Publishing was established to champion the cause of
the isiZulu language. With the simultaneous publishing of multiple titles, this independent publisher is putting its
money where its mouth is.
At a time of great ambiguity, uncertainty and a lack of leadership around mother tongue education Mbuyazi
Publishing has taken the bold step to declare that our voice will not be silenced, that the time is now to “Think it.
Say it. Do it - all in your mother tongue”.
As the brain child of Phiwayinkhosi Mbuyazi intends for Mbuyazi Publishing to be the spring board from which to
launch “literature as well as education in indigenous languages that can stretch our thoughts, expand what we
say and revolutionise what we do.”
This native of the rural north coast of KwaZulu Natal is an Oxford University Graduate, Economist, Engineer,
Philosopher, Columnist and Crossword and Sudoku compiler for the Sunday Times isiZulu Edition. His penchant
for indigenous language saw him introduce some 450 new words into the isiZulu language and develop a brand
new isiZulu numbering system while writing AMAYIPHENDLEYA – IsiQalo Sakho Konke, which will also be
released in English under the title, The WIBY Kids – How It All Began.
This book tells the story of how four South African teenagers, Kwethu, Jo, Scott and Bobo, began their
adventures of discovery in the world of what lies behind the technological wonders of the world today. It is an
account of how everyone can cultivate a dream and an innovative mind, and how even teenagers can begin
taking the necessary baby steps toward making a difference in their own world.
Other titles being released are Kanjalo Nje and Kusekhona Manjalo. These two books are a collection of 52
weeks’ worth of material that was produced for the Sunday Times – isiZulu Edition. From March 2011
Phiwayinkhosi Mbuyazi has been writing a column and producing isiZulu crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles
for the Sunday Times – isiZulu Edition, and each of the books contains twenty six weeks’ worth of material.
In Kanjalo Nje (which means ‘Just Like That’) Phiwayinkosi’s column writings unpack the various aspects of the
prognosis alluded to above regarding the state of South Africa’s indigenous languages that can be best
described as poorly. However, in Kusekhona Manjalo (‘In the Midst of It All’) he jettisons the predominantly
complainant attitude and delves into subjects hitherto not widely written about (if at all) in isiZulu.
In both books the crossword puzzles are the first ever to be systematically created in isiZulu. The readers are
challenged to sharpen their pencils and engage with their language and its words in ways never dreamt of
before.
The Sudoku puzzles are a bonus. They are there because of their inherent quality of entertaining while imparting
logical thinking skills.
On the introduction of new words into the isiZulu language Phiwayinkhosi says: “even though I was at times
tempted, coming up with new isiZulu words was not a thumb-sucking exercise – it took at least five times as long
to finalise the Zulu version than it did to do the English version. And frankly, if a word is so little used as to be
tottering on the brink of obscurity, and if it cannot be found in existing dictionaries, maybe then a new, ‘much-
more-with-it’ word is required in its place.”
For Media Queries or Interview Requests please contact Ayob Vania or Vanessa Perumal on [t] +27 11 788 7632
or [e] media@jtcomms.co.za
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CORPORATE WRITING 1
By Ayob Vania 1
WRITING FOR CORPORATE PUBLICATIONS:
Written for JT Communication Solutions on behalf of SAMRO for publication in:
Licences To Play [SAMRO Music Users Newsletter]
The Beat Bulletin [SAMRO Music Creators Newsletter]
SAMRO NOTES [SAMRO Members Quarterly Journal]
SAMRO MEMBER PROFILE: LOUISE CARVER

[Singer-Songwriter]
Music sensation Louise Carver has been a SAMRO member for a decade and considers it one of the best
decisions she’s made in her illustrious career.
A consummate creative, with an honours degree in economics, it’s no wonder that she is constantly on the
lookout for alternative ways to express herself and find new revenue streams.
She believes that it is imperative for musicians to take the time to understand the business aspects of what being
an artist is about. Being protected for Performing, Mechanical and soon Needletime Rights through SAMRO,
Carver reveals that the bulk of her earnings as a musician are from song writing and live performance.
Without her royalties, she believes that she “may never have realised my dream of starting the Evergreen record
label, my own recording company. My royalties have allowed me to develop the confidence not to play second
fiddle, and not to be manipulated into anything by a record label, promoter or organiser.”
Carver feels strongly that it is beyond important for broadcasters, businesses, concert promoters, live event
venues and others that play music in public to pay licence fees – because it is just “the right thing to do!” She
says “artists need to be compensated for the hard work and creativity that goes into creating original works.
These businesses are able to generate an income either exclusively or partly from playing our music.”
She says: “The royalties I receive from SAMRO have enabled me to become a better musician. It is a very
important revenue stream for us musicians and it has enabled me to make the best decisions for my career. I just
want to say ‘thank you!’ to all the licensees for diligently paying their licence fees.”
SAMRO MEMBER PROFILE: MAKHOSONKE MRUBATA

[African Jazz Pioneers Musician|Composer]
When one thinks of musicians we hardly ever think of how they make a living. We had a chat with Makhosonke
Mrubata recently about a musicians income streams and how royalties and license fees form a part of it.
Makhosonke Mrubata sought performing and mechanical rights protection from SAMRO some 15 years ago,
when he joined the African Jazz Pioneers and became involved with the arranging, composing and recording of
material for the group.
As a family man with his musical ability as the principal means of making a living, Makhosonke says “aside from
performance fees and album sales, royalties and license fees are one of our main revenue streams, and this has
encouraged me to continue developing my skills as a composer.”
He feels that it is only fair for musicians to benefit from the playing of their music in public spaces; through the
paying of license fees; as concert venues, clubs, restaurants and even retail stores benefit financially from the
use of music to either attract clientele or create a pleasant atmosphere.
His message to Licensees is to “carry on paying license fees as this ensures that musicians are able to earn a
living from our original creative works and continue composing music and writing songs which enables us to
support our families.”
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CORPORATE WRITING 1
By Ayob Vania 2
SAMRO LICENCEE PROFILE: SWAD
[Indian Cuisine Restaurant]
To truly experience a nation one must immerse oneself in it. One of the best ways to do this is to partake of its
cuisine and culture. With Johannesburg’s culturally rich and diverse history authentic Indian cuisine is plentiful, so
what is it that sets SWAD apart from the rest.
SWAD at Melrose Arch was designed to be a destination that brings to South Africa the unique flavours, tastes
and experiences of India. Voted as the BEST Indian Cuisine Restaurant, The Star- Readers Choice Awards
2011; service excellence, a regal atmosphere and a wonderful culinary journey is the SWAD experience. This
experience though would not be complete without creating the right ambience.
SWAD Events and Promotions Manager, Suchitra Nagarajan explains that in orders for this fledgling SAMRO
Licensee to create the right ambience: “We need to play the requisite background music, as it helps set the tone
for the restaurant.”
Music sets the tone and helps create an environment conducive to your needs. “One minute you could be having
a productive business lunch, change the music and the room turns into a romantic candle lit dinner for two. Yet
another change of music and it’s a celebratory party with friends & family. The choice of music changes the
dimension of the room without having to make any physical changes. The SWAD Experience would be
incomplete without music!” continues Sunil Menon, SWAD Manager/Co-Owner.
“As a responsible business entity SWAD feels, that by paying license fees, somehow, in a small way, we are
keeping the arts alive and indirectly encouraging the artists to create more music,” says Suchitra in recognition
that having a SAMRO license gives an establishment the legal right to play/broadcast music at their premises
and the fees paid go towards protecting the rights of the music composer/creator and forms a part of their
livelihood.
When asked about SWAD’s role in the Music Business Cycle, Menon believes: “the role of this and other similar
businesses is to use our establishments as an avenue to promote new composers and artists and simultaneously
keep the classics alive by playing their music.” He continued by saying: “most establishments understand the role
they play, individually, in the process but may not necessarily understand the bigger picture. Information
exchange between SAMRO and end users might be helpful in this regard.”
Since inception, in July 2010, SWAD has always supported and encouraged the Performing Arts in every way
possible, either through sponsorships, co- hosting events or participating in any way that would help promote the
Arts.
SAMRO hopes that along with fresh ingredients like coconuts, tamarind, wholesome ground masalas, basmati
rice combined with coriander, ginger, garlic and the chilli to tempt your palate; SWAD will continue to serve up its
rich aural feast to lull ones senses into a more authentic Indian Experience.
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CORPORATE WRITING 1
By Ayob Vania 3
SAMRO LICENCEE PROFILE: T-MUSICMAN
[Music Festival Promoter, Manager & Organizer]
It truly is one thing to love our music and quite another to make sure it keeps on getting better. This months’
Profiled Licensee – T-Musicman – has been at the forefront of ensuring the industry improves and becomes even
more sustainable for over two decades and has witnessed the resilience of an industry that has endued
challenging and turbulent times.
Music is one of South Africa’s richest cultural resources, and since our political transformation there has been
increasing acknowledgement of music’s social and economic roles. Licensed by SAMRO in 1994, Peter Tladi’s,
T-Musicman has been one of the companies at the forefront of endeavours to nurture and grow our music sector.
Since its inception, in 1989, T-Musicman has operated on the premise that music is an entirely reciprocal
industry, with all the segments feeding off each other. Its understanding of the live music landscape has seen it
actively initiate and support various efforts to develop its part of the industry, through workshops, internships and
other development initiatives.
Tladi says: “Only through education, cooperation and collaboration between different industry players can T-
Musicman and others who rely on music to do business become more involved in efforts to improve complicity
with legislation meant to protect the arts [music specifically]”
One of the ways in which T-Musicman observes this complicity is through its license agreement with SAMRO.
Tladi says: “It’s important to be licensed with SAMRO because it enables song writers and composers to get their
royalties. Paying license fees rewards creators of music for their contributions and also means we’re not
exploiting musicians because we pay for what we use. Without writers and composers we would not get new
music and would thus stagnate.”
As organizer, manager and promoter of internationally renowned live music festivals such as the Standard Bank
Joy of Jazz, and a long standing professional in this field, Mr Tladi believes that most role-players in this industry
only have an holistic understanding of their own role in the music business cycle, and that is ‘We provide Live
Entertainment’.
What sets T-Musicman apart from others in the industry though is its acute recognition that at one level live
entertainment (music in particular) provides direct economic benefits. Tladi says: “It generates turnover that pays
musicians, artists, organizers and event staff. Venues, merchandisers and other support personnel also benefit.
Significant positive benefits are derived for community building, social cohesion, cultural development, tourism
promotion and a greater sense of pride.”
Considering his many years of experience and T-Musicmans’ longstanding relationship with SAMRO Tladi has
the following advice to share on improving the licensing process and experience: “back stage data capturing of
songs to be performed on stage, because in most cases, artists don’t always perform what is planned once they
get on the stage.”
He also feels that SAMRO should conduct more music summits across the country to educate music promoters
and event organizers, and: “SAMRO personnel should also attend more live music events, as this is a great
opportunity to engage various stakeholders in the industry.”
BACK TO INDEX
CORPORATE WRITING 1
By Ayob Vania 4
ADVERTORIAL COPY:
SAMRO CELEBRATES SABC’s 75 th ANNIVERSARY
Written for JT Communication Solutions on behalf of SAMRO for publication in the SABC’s 75th
Anniversary Journal
In the same year that SAMRO celebrates our golden jubilee; another corporate citizen has also
reached a grand milestone. As the SABC turns 75 years old SAMRO would like to honour the
broadcaster’s journey and the decade’s long relationship we enjoy.
SAMRO’s relationship with the SABC predates our own existence, with SAMRO Founder Dr Gideon
Roos Sr. leaving the SABC, where he was Director General, to start this organisation. We would like
to believe that his history with the broadcaster paved the way for the longstanding and mutually
beneficial relationship we have nurtured over the years.
Since 1936, when it was formed, the SABC, as a broadcaster, has taken its obligation to the
development and showcasing of the arts, particularly music, very seriously. It has since its inception
and to this day remained especially dedicated to promoting locally produced music on all its platforms.
With 3 national television as well as 18 national and regional radio stations, the SABC is a key
SAMRO stakeholder making up approximately 25% of our annual License Sales Revenue, ensuring
that artists are properly compensated for the original works they produce. It is this unswerving
commitment, over all these years, which has proven the SABC to be an exemplary corporate citizen
and has left an indelible imprint on the history and psyche of our nation.
We would also like to commend the Acting Group CEO, Mr Phil Molefe, for his courageous, visionary
and unwavering leadership at the helm of the SABC in the year of its 75th Anniversary. At a time when
the organisation needed to reinforce good corporate governance and show stability he has stepped
forward to meet the challenge.
On behalf of all SAMRO staff and members we would like to congratulate the SABC on a journey
well-travelled and for reaching its 75th Anniversary with grace.
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CORPORATE WRITING 1
By Ayob Vania 5

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CORPORATE WRITING

o Thomas Gumede – [page 2]

o Another world is not just possible, it’s happening… – [page 7]

 WRITINGS FOR CORPORATE PUBLICATION

o SAMRO Member Profile:

Written for Monate Fellaz [Branding, Marketing and Communications Firm]

Thomas Gumede is an accomplished actor, stand-up comedian and master of ceremonies.

Cecilee Sharon Phatudi

Written for Monate Fellaz [Branding, Marketing and Communications Firm]

Cecilee the Poet

Another world is not just possible, it’s happening… at Hub Johannesburg

Global Entrepreneurship Week

---------- ENDS ----------

South African Meistersinger Celebrates Two Decades of Song

----- ENDS -----

Magnolia Vision Records declares Sifiso Khanyile’s “Music Is Everywhere”

This singer-songwriter has an approach to songwriting that is African-centered, Jazz-inspired yet

----- ENDS ------

Independent Publisher Boosts Mother Tongue Literature with Multi-Title Release

SAMRO MEMBER PROFILE: LOUISE CARVER

SAMRO MEMBER PROFILE: MAKHOSONKE MRUBATA

SAMRO CELEBRATES SABC’s 75 th ANNIVERSARY

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