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This sounds like my dream job. Writing about the many reasons South Africa, I think, is awesome, I want this job and I want you to help me get it.
On Wednesday evening I followed a tweet by @afromedia and eventually found out about this job, http://www.brandsouthafricablog.com/2009/10/29/wanted-a-few-great-bloggers/
In a conversation with @japies, I realise that I will have to change my approach to blogging, which has been rather haphazard in the past, to secure this job. Japie describes the job specs:
- A daily blog posting frequency
- Commenting on other posts and starting conversations
- Inviting guest posts by other bloggers and some celebrities to build brand South Africa
I knew this was coming and at my meeting with Mongezi yesterday, discussing my presentation at his next monthly netweb event, we brainstormed some ideas, see Japie wants me to send him an email describing why I believe I am the person for this job, easy enough to do, but I want to wow him with a few blog posts as if I’m already the resident blogger
All this is really exciting, but my already made plans for today mean that I can only fully devote myself to the task tomorrow, but in the meantime I wanted your help in getting me this job. Please engage with me in a conversation about why you like South Africa and why you believe I should be Brand South Africa Blog’s blogger.
Please leave your comments here:
And check out http://brandsouthafricablog.com too
Well the main reason you should get it is because you ALREADY tick all the boxes..
I predominantly interact with you on Facebook.. And you do post really interesting stuff daily.. 1 small change would be to blog daily instead.. I know i’d read that blog every day.. I go out of my way to read the blogs I like..
So that’s number 1 sorted out.
You already comment on other FB posts, from what i’ve seen, you’re very much like me.. I’m notorious for starting conversations with strangers in supermarkets
Um.. Celebs.. Can’t help you there, but I’m sure you could wangle that
Thanks Dawn, your comments are welcome, would you mind writing a bit about why you’re a passionate South African?
When did i become a passionate south african? Kidding
With such a beautiful country how can you not be passionate about it? I live for my vacations, as we go on loooong road-trips ..
Not when, why
Hehe
Tell me what you love about being South African, and how you contribute to our lovely country.
Haroun, you are already a local celebrity on FB, so developing a brilliant blog will be no prob for you.
I love South Africa because we have such diverse landscapes…moving from the karoo, through to the garden route and then to the eastern cape can all be done in a short road trip, and yet it is like traversing different planets.
I love all the change we have been through, all the potential for change…people who have experiences so much hurt through apartheid, yet are still willing to carry hope in their hearts…to meet their ex-oppressors with openness.
I love that people are starting to wake up here, to care about mama earth…get into permaculture…that ecovillages are springing up as we speak.
I love that the symbol for this crazy beautiful nation is a rainbow…and that we truly believe that even with all we have been through all the hate, oppression and prejudice, that somehow we truly will become one big happy rainbow family….
I love the earth here, the way she speaks to me, the power that buzzes deep under my feet as I walk through the Karoo, the force of the ocean swell that moves my being in unimaginable ways in Cape Town, Natal and the eastern cape…particularly when I dare to don a wet suit and surf board.
I love that I know many beautiful beings who work in vast and mysterious ways to bring about change…like you haroun…motivated passionate loving real….
Hey Haroun
I think it would be a great opportunity for you and wish you the best of luck.
Why do I love being South African?
Well, I have always considered my mixed heritage a gift – the ability to relate to people of different races, creeds and cultures in every day situations, has enriched my life, taught me priceless lessons and has allowed me to cross paths with the most amazing people.
Good luck with the blogging.
Dear Ahrian and Sascha, you guys rock and are the best friends I could ask for.
Thanks for your sweetness x
Haroun
Altho I am in the UK, South Africa will always be my home. There is nothing that can compare to the friendliness of all the true South African regardless of race, creed, colour, sexuality, age….. etc.. I am still in contact with my frined in South Africa and I find them to be so loyal, caring, kind and such truly amazing people. I am not sure if the people of South Africa are that way due to their surroundings and experiences. They are truly deep and wonderful!!
Oh …….. now just have to say it…. I miss my home!!
xxx
Trude, you’ll always be a South Africa, its time you came home, its winter there
P.S. Haroun this would be the perfect opportunity for you…. you already have a following on facebook…….
I hope so angel. It seems like the perfect opportunity to support an amazing cause I totally believe in and build the brand sa blog.
Thanks for your friendship Trude.
Aloha my friend,
What an ideal match for you. Whichever, of the many subjects, we chat about, you have at least 3 experts to hook me up with – your networks are broad and diverse. You reflect the path that SA can choose, that of a conscious, earth loving, peace loving, people loving, joy and celebration loving, sharing and caring adventure. All this neatly bound in a techie, social media, progressive wrapper! Good luck my honey, it’s yours to manifest.
Hello Haroun,
In the time we have been facebook friends I have found that you are interesting, engaging and kind. Your posts are informative and helpful and I really enjoy reading them. I also find them to be global, which is not only exciting, but so important in connecting people. I love your lessons of the heart. Thank you for sharing them and I look forward to more from you through your blog. It’s so exciting to know, that there are people showing others the postitive side of life on our beautiful planet.
Big Hug Haroun,
You have touched so many lives through the internet and now an opportunity for another outlet to reach the Hearts and Minds of your followers in the interest of South Africa! I love Ahrians description of South Africa. I believe much of the World isn’t aware of all SA has to offer, so there is much room for education and you’re the guy who can do it in a loving, eloquent, pointed manor. I wish you all that is wonderful Haroun
Hello dear Haroun,
I have always loved this country… so beautiful and sometimes so harsh. The ways of our people are truly reflected in nature… sometimes violent and brutal like the thunder storms on the highveld or the lions hunting in the Kruger… at its most basic it is pure survival… but we are also blessed with an abundance of beauty and an incredible number of courageous souls… sometimes its utterly heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time… but it reminds us to appreciate every moment that we are here.
Namaste,
Tracy
Thanks for your comments everyone. Wow, this response has been amazing and I’m touched by all you’ve said and shared.
Thanks for making this experiment a success for me, even if I don’t get this job, you’ve all touched me and made me realise that I’d love to be part of the positive growth for this amazing country.
Bless you
hey,
love all of your posts and will look forward to more….just wish i could come to some of your events , sadly to far away .
much love
yvonne
xo
Hey Yvonne,
Thanks for dropping by here. I’ve always appreciated your friendship and I’m grateful for your support. You’ve visited our country a few times, would you mind writing a bit about why you love visiting here.
Thanks and big love
Haroun
xox
Haroun,
You are the best! I don’t know you for very long but I do know that you have a huge fan club and I am one of them for sure. You have the ability of bringing people together. South African’s from all walks of life and i admire that in you.
Why I’m proudly South African? Cause I’ve traveled and I know for sure there’s no place like home. Warm weather, diversity, love and family. I try to go out everyday in love and try to make difference in the lives of others. Even if it’s just a smile to make someone’s day. After doing this for a little while I attracted many people who have similar visions who have taught me amazing lessons of just how beautiful my country is. Growing up in a country of struggle and change I have grown to love SA and hope to be one the many people like you Haroun who promote positive change.
Haroun for President….LOL how beautiful would that be.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Take care
i’m only a few days late writing this, sorry. Really dont know what to talk about so i’ll probably write more tomorrow as i’m a wee bit knackered now. But i really hope you get your dream job, i do read most of your blogs daily & they’re truly interesting, some i’ve shared with other friends too as i know they’d like them. AND the photo’s etc have really fired my imagination so much that me & my friend are planning on visiting your beautiful country sometime next year!!! yaaaay! x
Hi Haroun
I think you do fantastic as I read you posts regularly.I know people love your energy just like I do!
South Africa is a fantastic country. We have 3 Nobel Peace prize winners, we have hosted the Cricket, we are hosting the Fifa World Cup.We have hosted the Miss World competition in Sun City.We have one of the strongest economies on the African continent, not to mention so many precious minerals!
We have such beautiful scenery which is absolutely breathtaking like in Knysna,George and Drakensberg.We have places that has such a spectacular view when driving like Chapmans Peak in Cape Town.
This country is filled with so many foreigners as well.This country is indeed an amazing country and I think you will make a fantastic blogger for South Africa.I say go for it!
Oh Yeah!
Ejaz
Hey Ejaz
Thanks so much for your comments and your cool compliments. I love too the positive impact your making to help other South Africans and as importantly, Africans build businesses.
Please come and visit the new blog often, and please continue to share your passion for living with others.
Yebo
Haroun
Hey Haroun
I think you’d be a great asset to Brand South Africa Blog- I’d hire you if it was up to me! You add a lot online, with interesting info and engaging with others, plus supporting them
I love South Africa because of it’s rawness, it’s energy! There is a vibe here I haven’t experienced anywhere else. South Africa for me is full of possibilities and opportunities, and all you need to do is apply yourself to experience these opportunities. I love the diversity- of landscapes, nature, entrepreneurship, weather, and especially the people!
Best wishes!
Thanks Shazia,
I wanted to personally thank you before I did so publically on this blog, so check your Facebook inbox too.
And for your words here, I’m at a loss for words to respond so I’ll give myself more time before I properly do so.
Telana, I’m happy to be part of this blogging adventure and part of your story too, let’s hope we can collaborate further on making both our dreams come true via our respective blogs.
And even if I don’t get this particular job, perhaps it’s a great spur to collaborate on our respective blogs. Chat soon
Haroun
Haroun,
We connected on your birthday through fb. Ever since that day, I’ve been very happy to receive your links and information on this site. You are a truly remarkable light on the web, as I am sure you are in person as well.
I do not live in SA. I live in the US, in Alabama as a matter of fact, and as a mom of a biracial child in the home state of the US civil rights movement, I can understand and appreciate the progression of a richly diversified community of people. Regardless of where on this Earth we are, we are One. You help people realize the treasure of Unique~ness and the beauty of One~ness. I love your photos as well. As I said to you earlier, we may be on different paths, but we are on the same journey. Peace and Light! 
Thanks for dropping by and for your comment Diane. What a blessing for us to be connected since my birthday, and thanks for following my links on Facebook.
Its been a pleasure to know you. Thanks for sharing some of your life and your experiences with a multi-racial child. Since we had our democratic election here in the mid 90s, we are beginning to see many more such children here in South Africa.
Thanks again for dropping by here, and I look forward to getting to know you more.
dear Haroun,
The time I receive your messages and I see the efforts of you, I know you are someone who is dedicated to that what has your attention. My intuition say , my feeling in my heart you are a man that can bring people together. The words you mention: we are One.
Succes with your new job. love Ingrid
Dear Ingrid
Wow, thanks for your beautiful comment. It was unexpected. I value what you see and am grateful that you’ve taken the time to keep in touch.
Bless you dear friend.
Love
Haroun
I think you should get this job because you are so up to speed with the technology, was setting up before most of even knew what blogging was, and you are on a daily basis communicating with everyone using the most inovative and interesting technology incorporating all the latest social networking, even i who am scared of it feel comfortable using your set ups and sites.
I love South Africa, i love the vibe, the smell, the people, the drama, and the intrigue. You never know just what may happen, and even though the inter action between all groups is not always the most friendly, it always is, which means we are still talking to each other. The age of the countries democracy lends itself to so many new opportunities, changes and challenges. I embrace this land with all my might and will do everything to encourage people to come see and experience for themselves.
Thanks Rosemary, being the geek that I am, I love being on top of the latest technologies. Thanks for coming by and always supporting me.
Especially in booking for the Sound Journey through me, it was my first attempt at being a “booking agent” for some of my friend’s cool things so I highly appreciate your support.
And thanks for your comments on South Africa, I love this country as much as you do and I hope that we can work together to encourage people to come and visit us here
what i love about south africa…
I love the thrill of jozi thunderstorms washing the dust down, and reminding us that our plans are just that – imagined plans, and nature may have other plans..
I have never loved the Big 5, never loved the sea or Cape Town. No. I love the heat through the cloudless winter Highveld sky, I love the high mountains, the brown veld, the aching attachment of the very different people to “their” land, which they love with the same fierceness.
I love that we are on the raw nerve end of life – when stuff happens, (and it happens) we feel it. Pain is close to the surface, but so is joy, and it doesnt take much to touch either…
I love the unexpected kindness from the person who has less than you, and when you accept their help, you know they have more than you – you know that its true – you only get to keep what you give away… so you can be as rich as you choose to give away.
I love the unexpected, the unplanned delay, the turmoil that life throws at you, the daily impossibilities and you realise (again) that you only get to choose your reaction, and you can make it as bad or as good as you like.
I love the fact that its real – it may be messy, it may scare the crap out of you, it may challenge every assumption you ever made, but isnt that what you wanted? the real stuff.
South Africa is all of this – the pain, the belonging, the alienation, the anger, the joy and the challenge. Go on. Take it.
Haroun I believe that no one else out there could fill the shoes of South Africa Brand Blogger quite like you! I have had the pleasure of meeting with you and your energy’s as infectious and addictive in person as in your blogging. You are a man who lives with passion and a zest for life and you appreciate what ‘life’ actually means. This qualifies you big time in my eyes.
Why i love SA so much: the fact that we have such freedom to say and do what we feel is a huge privilege. When I compare the nanny states and police states that others find themselves living in I count my blessings, daily! Sure it may have allowed crime and corruption to spiral out of control but our policies are some of the most enlightened in the world. Through this freedom we have the chance as a race to evolve and all reach our full potential and for this fact alone I appreciate my home land.
I think you should get the job because you have a good positive outlook towards life.
Haroun! I know you should get this position. I cant imagine anyone else who could give it the love and life it deserves. You are a a warrior of the internet age and the information age. And more potential awaits…
I enjoy reading your blogs. South Africa is definitely a WONDERFUL topic to discuss from the point of view of cyber space or any other point of view for that matter! Bring on Ubuntu!
You will surely add a fresh perspective – one that comes from a positive and loving place. There just isn’t enough of that kind of news in South Africa.
I believe a person should love and be passionate about what they do. What you do should be a form of true self-expression. Only then can you create from the heart. We need many more people to start creating from their true self in the way that you are. Dear Haroun, in your case it’s all passion and heart. You love South Africa and it’s people and you are an internet and network fundi. A natural!
I love this beautiful country of ours. It is a place of unique experiences. I can be with the cool, quiet forests of Knysna or Tsitsikamma or the vast, rugged spaces of the Karoo. From the majestic Malutis of the Free State to the Magalies mountains with it’s special meandering arts and crafts route. It all depends on the mood. I can experience the ocean in all her majesty, from swimming in warm waters of the Indian Ocean to diving with Great Whites in the cool Atlantic. So many choices. The biggest decisions are always where to go explore next, so many interesting places, so little time!
Have fun with this experience. Do it!
I think you are a perfect candidate for the job…I love all the articules you put up on facebook it keeps me informed what is going on back in South Africa…
I lived there many years ago and have not fogotten, beloved Beautiful South Africa..still have freinds in Durbanvillae Hills in Cape Town… and hope to visit her and her family next year…I have wonderful memories of the culture and land and its people and miss it greatly … love and light Susan~
You are such a positive and uplifting person
I LOVE South Africa it’s in my blood. We are a nation with hope, love, community, we are all coming together and I believe the world will look to us as an example one day ‚ô•
Wow everyone, I’m overwhelmed by your responses here, I don’t have time to respond to each of you individually but I thank you deeply for taking time and engaging me on this subject.
I’m meeting with Japie tomorrow at midday to get to know each other a bit more and to see if we are a good match for each other.
Thanks again for your support, I hope to get this job and to continue blogging about the amazing things happening here in our beautiful country, and I hope that I can count on your continued support if and when I’m blogging for Brand South Africa Blog.
Thanks again everyone, I love you all x
Well, if I didn’t know you from a bar of soap, I’d say that, just from the amount and depth of responses, “you get the job”, Wow you sure can get us hopping, nattering and commenting with gusto, and perhaps that also reflects the nature of South Africans: so generous!
Personally, whilst I agree with the beautiful comments of all these posts, I believe South Africa has taught us and primed us to be change fit, ready to deal with the current and coming global shifts with grace, love, resilince, patience and compassion. There are teachers the globe over and from the pages of history that cannot teach the experiences we have had in South Africa that make us a nation that will survive and even maximise the potential of the shifts.
South Africa is a final destination and opportunity to clear the slates of karma: we can share, help, contribute and love on such a real level and we have come full circle back to the cradle of our humankind.
I am a South African, and I love it! I am fiercly patriarchal with a passion for engaging in the healing of our planet and each other at our birth place on Gaia, South Africa!.
I look forward to reading your blog Brother.
Sat NAm
Sat Nam
Thank you for your comments sister Natalie, I’m blown away by the response I’ve had to this post, it’s really the first time that peeps have responded to something I’ve put out there and I’m so grateful for the response.
It tells me that blogging is taking off in South Africa and Info indeed have the ability to make this potential job a success. I’d just need to keep working and be consistent at it.
Thanks again lovely sister, will keep you informed what happens tomorrow
Hey Haroun
I think you are perfect for the job, because you’re so interconnected with
whats happening, in every day and have a wonderful ability to share
what inspires you and others. It is always uplifting with a spritual
undertone, you have a way that is able to reach to all of your friends
and those who dont know you, soon become your close friends.
South africa needs people like you to chat with!
Hey Haroun,
This is definitely the thing for you. With your online profile and the commitment to understanding and developing in the space over the last couple of years, it is a natural progression. Good luck.
Easy
Thanks everyone for your amazing responses. I’m blown away by all your words of encouragement and support. I meet with Japie in about 2 hours time and I’m so excited to show him all of your comments and encouraging words. I hope that you all come and pay a visit at the new blog and tell me your impressions about this beautiful country and help make a positive difference in our world.
Love
Haroun
Wonderful our dear fellow Earth/SA/Sentient/Human/Being- lover; this should be right up your alley! The beauty of our Beloved Mother and the location where we are blessed to be certainly gets celebrated here, on the blog, on your warm and caring FB page. Why not the oppertunity to celebrate it on Brand SA Blog and share with all our fellow brothers and sisters in being and body the splendour of our rainbow love as we are surely celebrating our oneness in SA in splendid various ways. Contributing to our community and communion i am blessed to be teaching yoga and share the ancient healing art of Reiki with all whom wish to be exposed to this most blissful way of living. As for your path of service; What more could you have asked for- sounds exciting, creative, movement from the soul my fondest blessings and love on your new venture!
I love reading Haroun’s blogs. I may not ever comment, but I read them with zest. I love the passion he writes with, often an inspiration for how we are to live in this life. Good luck Haroun and many blessings.
Haroun this position was made for you!
As was written in earlier posts you meet all the requirements. Your blogs always emphasise the positive, magical qualities in life. All the light from your soul moves through your fingers as you type your blogs.
You are well known and liked in circles of yoga, healing. An event is not an event if you are not there, which means you have ur finger on the pulse. And even though I’m such a lousy communicator and very rarely answere my mail you keep our friendship open and the channels open. Thank you
South Africa, wow, what an amazing country. We are so fortunate be living in such a liberal, multi-racial, multi-cultural land. A place where we are allowed to choose what we think,who we are and what belive in.
South Africa a coutry which all the people of this world can call ‘home”…dis mos lekker
All the best. Keep me updated!
love
Dear Haroun
I am grateful that you are willing to serve for the Highest Good of All. South Africa is the place for people with a willingness for change, a love for communication and an ability for transformation. You have all of the above.
Let the Beauty we Love be what we do – Rumi
Lovelight
Dehon
I’m through to the second round of interviews. Its tomorrow at 1pm. I’m so excited, and I can’t wait. I’ll let you know more as I find out
Thanks so much everyone, this has turned out to be the most successful blog post I’ve ever done. I hope that you all join me if I get this job, or even if I don’t, that you continue to engage with me. If you have a website, you can also help yourself by getting a link back to your website that will help in your google page rank.
Commenting on other websites is a great way to get traffic to your site.
Thanks again beautiful people and chat soon
I think you are an internet guru and a local celebrity. Go get it man ’cause you got what it takes… Cheers!
Because I love Afrika, going Suud is not a bad ideal offcourse finding you there as I know you would be great.
Go get it.
Tukam
I would like to learn about South Africa. You would be a great source.
Thank You,
Sue Widney
Let us know how it went!
Thanks again everyone, the meeting is postponed to 1:45pm tomorrow, I’m really excited and looking forward to meeting the other people there, will let you know what happens.
Great Idea, I wish You all the best in helping creating heaven on earth.
All The Best To You. Valuable job
Hello Haroun
Did you get the job? I think this is the first time I’ve been to your blog, and this blog post was interesting.
You’re doing great with your blogging – although one of my blogs is the top riser today on the South African blog aggregator myScoop, the next 4 spots all belong to blogs of yours – well done!
Hi Teresa
Thank God I didn’t. getting the job would mean long hours of sitting in boring government meetings and other unpleasant stuff.
I’m much happier getting a real life