FireID are a hugely successful and proudly South African Startup mentored by Justin Stanford of Silicon Cape Fame.

For those who don’t know what “OTP” relates to in terms of the online usage of the abbreviation, it stands for One Time Password. A technology which is become increasingly popular with websites which require secure logins.

I must praise FireID for their progressive workflow, one that pretty much tries to emulate a Google-like feel.
- Flexi hours (10am – 3pm core hours)
- Free breakfast and Lunch
- employee stock options
- Walking barefoot around the office is cool… etc

Watch out for FireID in the coming months as this will soon be one of our greatest South African Startups.

Some Pics below:

Painted by the Staff

Justin Stanford giving the welcome speech

a little humour?

On the 25th of January the doors will open to this stunning Hotel.
I was Part of the Cape Town Tourism team that went on a Preview Tour today. The variety of Restaurants, conference venues and exquisite suites are highlighted by the fact that our tour lasted 2 Hours. Leanne, our guide for the day was extremely courteous and proffesional while being approachable and humorous. All of the staff had a similar demeanor and made it an awesome experience.
This five-star hotel is ideally located in the centre of historic Cape Town at the entrance to the famous pedestrian precinct, St George’s Mall. The Main entrance however is on Wale Street just before the bend into Adderly.

Taj Cape Town Lobby

Some information from the Official Taj Cape Town website:

Restaurants:

The Taj Cape Town offers an eclectic variety of cuisine and culinary experiences including an Indian specialty restaurant, a relaxed all-day dining restaurant, a champagne and oyster bar and a cigar lounge.

Some Pictures of the Taj Cape Town:

5 Star bathroom

Taj Bombay Brasserie Restaurant

Taj Presidential Suite View of Table Mountain

I’m sure to visit again, once the Hotel is officially opened. Perhaps a Proper review is in order?
-A-

So, inform yourself and learn a few words from this unofficial 12th language

THE GAYLE

PS. As a straight guy thinking back on conversations I’ve overheard it’s quite interesting in hindsight.
-A-

9 reasons to go see District 9 (Mike Stopforth):

1. It has already amassed a formidable rating of 8.7/10 on the Internet Movie Database – which has it currently ranked #41 on the IMDb’s Top 250 Movies of all time list – very significant achievements
2. The director, Neill Blomkamp, is South African born and thus yet another example of the horde of amazing young talent South Africa has to offer the world
3. The cast is all South African. No overexposed Hollywood faces. Fresh, exciting new talents that more than hold their own throughout the film
4. It’s shot in Jo’burg. Need I say more? Gritty, dusty, broken, sad, triumphant, beautiful… my city
5. It will remind you as a South African about what happened here not so long ago, and in my opinion, there’s a whole generation of young Saffas who need reminding. Non-South Africans may see, if they choose, a deeper side to our story. Or feel free to ignore the political undertones and enjoy the action 
6. The word ‘doos’ in a Hollywood blockbuster is not just worth viewing for, it’s priceless 
7. The CGI is phenomenal, and the action scenes are brilliant
8. Sharlto Copley delivers a moving performance as the protagonist, Wikus van der Merwe, and I hope to see some nominations steered his way…
9. I have not seen a reaction in a cinema, to both the humourous and shocking elements of a film, like I saw to D9 in a very long time. People REALLY laughed. People were REALLY challenged. People were REALLY in awe. It made me proud to be called South African

These are awesome achievements for any movie, let alone a South African one.
As I’ve said before, go out and see the movie, perhaps you’ll enjoy the nigerians as much as I did.
-A-

1. Bart in Africa Statue
2. Waterkant Street
3. St. Andrews Square
4. Corner of Chiappini & Somerset Rd
5. Somerset Rd
6. Gallows Hill
7. Greenpoint Stadium

For a larger version of this map click here.

The day was actually an historic one as the walk was done as a partnership between Cape Town Tourism and CTRU as the Provincial Marketing Organisation.

1.  The start of the Fan walk at the Bart in Africa statue. This is a great start point as it will tie in well with Cape Town Station which is currently undergoing a major facelift.

Bulelwa from Cape Town Partnership with Calvyn, CEO of CTRU

2. Waterkant Street is a great example of why Cape Town is a walk-able City, the lively stalls along this section of route make for some unique capetonian snacks . For those looking for affordable lunches, you can’t beat the stalls on Waterkant street.

Waterkant Street Food Stalls

3. St. Andrews Square is a forgotten piece of land. It has deep roots in the history of slave trading in Cape Town. The Church on the square was the first church that allowed slaves to freely enter and pray. During the 2010 World cup it will be the staging area for post match chill out lounges.

CTRU and CTT Teams stop for a break

4. The Corner of Chiapinni & Somerset Road is where the fun begins, Someset Rd is lined with many bustling Night Clubs and Bars. Bronx, perhaps the more notorious amongst them.

Chiapinni Street starts just after St. Andrews Square

5. Further developments on Somerset Rd will ensure that the Fan walk will be an engaging experience from start to finish. During the 2010 World Cup it is proposed that some of the roads feeding into Someset Rd have restricted vehicular access.

Somerset Rd developments in preparation for 2010

6. Gallows Hill is currently a non-descript Parking situated next to the Cape Town Traffic Dept. In 2010 however it will be developed into public space along the Fan walk

Gallows Hill with Somerset Rd along the right

Upgrading of the Fanwalk in progress

7. Greenpoint Stadium  the focal point of soccer in Cape Town during the Fifa soccer world cup.

From Left - Leanne Pohlman, Simon Obholzer, Aslam Levy, Shelton Hlongwane

Have you been to the Greenpoint Stadium Visitor Information Centre? It’s awesome, I’ll cover it in more detail in the later post but enjoy the pics below of Cape Town Routes Unlimited  and Cape Town Tourism learning the diski dance.

Livin it! Loving it! LOUDER!

Greenpoint VIC outside seating with stadium in background

Greenpoint VIC Entrance

Lianne Burton (Middle) doing the Diski Dance

Cape Town Tourism and Cape Town Routes Unlimited Teams in front of our banners

I would encourage every capetonian to walk the fanwalk, visit the Greenpoint VIC and learn the Diski Dance.
2010, we are ready to welcome the world!
-A-

The seven Steps

The last year has been an odd one for me as I have started to read up a bit about the Malay community in Cape Town, how we ended up here on the southernmost tip of Africa. District 6 become “our” home away from home. Though most of the original residents have passed away, their descendants can be found scattered across the Cape flats (That’s a whole other story, I’ll get into it sometime). Though the government is now looking to hand back the land, I don’t think it’s such a great Idea. I really feel that a portion of the land should be developed into a memorial/public space with some of it left the way it is, in rememberance of what happen here.

I start to realise that District 6 is more than just a grassy slope between the N2 and De Waal drive, a part of my heritage lays buried on that land. A piece of my heart beats under four decades of rubble.
-A-

The Wikipedia Page on District 6 can be found here.

Costing $30 Million to make the movie has already made a profit in it’s opening weekend by bringing in $37 Million. Can you believe that? A South African movie making $37 Million in it’s opening weekend! This was enough to knock G.I Joe off the top spot. I seen G.I Joe and I’m not surprised D9 has knocked it off. See the numbers on the charts on yahoo movies.

I’ll put up a review of the movie when it launches this coming wednesday (19th August)
I think it’s time we give ourselves more credit for the local talent we have and stop comparing ourselves to the US Market. Support this local movie an visit the D9 website to find out more.

I hope you are planning to go out and support this proudly South African Film
-A-