Zama spends most of her work week working as a customer operations management consultant mostly in the telecommunications and public services industries in South Africa. She is also one of the founding directors for Youth Lab, a newly-formed think tank focused on creating platforms for youth-led socio-economic, policy and political discussions. Between studying towards Honours in Public Administration at the University of Stellenbosch, and writing for Mail and Guardian’s Thought Leader, and freelancing; she tweets under the handle @JoziGoddess. She is also politically active and the organisational development executive for the youth political branch in her area.
We had a few questions for her and this is what she to say.
1. What was your first phone?
Goodness! The only thing I remember is that it was a silver motorrola that had the most basic internet browsing capabilities at exhorbitant rates.
2. What do you prefer? Facebook or Twitter? Why?
Twitter. It’s better suited to my personality and how my brain functions. Random thoughts that I document as I move through my day and its impersonal enough for people to engage with your ideas without making value judgements on who you are or who they expect you to be because they know you.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years
I see myself playing a stronger political role in South Africa, especially in policy development and monitoring and evaluation of implementation. I am very passionate about women and sustainable development and I hope by then I will have enough power to push discussions and actions in those areas. I also hope that I’ll be doing my PhD in Development Economics then, and maybe having written my first book already? We’ll see.
4. Any question for us? We’ll publish our answer as well
What are your plans in getting young people from the continent working more closely together in the creative arts?
5. What would you do if you were president for a day?
I would put South Africa’s key economic and development ministries in one room and show them just how their siloed planning is sabitaging them. If I were chairperson of the AU, I’d do the same exercise with Africa’s presidents. We all have these wonderful ideas but lack of cohesive planning is killing our continent. We have all these people in the same boat rowing at their individual paces and our boat is therefore not moving in any particular direction.
6. Whats your favourite book & movie?
My favourite book is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus Finch has always been one of my true heroes. I have always hoped that I would be a woman strong enough to stand up for what is right regardless of social consequence for myself.
Movie: Forest Gump. There’s a childlike quality about the main character that I wish we could all hold on to as we grow older. He never takes things personally and he always understands that people always do the best with their individual level of cosciousness and that has nothing to do with him.
7. Who/What inspired you to do what you do now?
Love.
8. If you were to change jobs, what profession would you get into? Why?
I would move into a public service role most likely in the National Planning Commission or a ministry that plays an important role in economic development of South Africa. I believe that young people must play a more active role in understanding how their countries work, and directing the definition of public policy and the implementation thereof. Otherwise how will we become better leaders?
9.If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The power to make people believe in themselves. I’d work my magic on myself too!
10. If you were deserted on an abandoned island what 5 things would you want to have?
My iPhone (I’m cheating here!)
A thick notebook
A pen
Sunscreen
A book about meditation
11. If you were a car, what car would you like to be? Why?
I’d be a BMW M3. I have always had a serious crush on this model of BMWs. They are just the sexiest things.
12. If you could be in any band in the world, which one would you like to be in? Why?
This is easy: Two Door Cinema Club. it’s an Irish band that does Indie Rock music. The lyrics are positive and uplifting, the kind of lyrics you wish more kids would grow up listening to. Their basic message is that everyone can be all they want to be. Yet the music does not drip in cheesy lyrics, just an authentic message that more people should hear and believe.
13. What drives you?
Love. I’m very passionate about the things I love, and that passion drives me to no end. When I love, I become a selfless worrier, I fight, I cry, I work long hours, I get mad, I become demanding, I push, I encourage for what I love.
14. Share something interesting about yourself with our readers.
The first degree I enrolled in after high school was a BSC in Mining Geology. After working in mines across South Africa during my vacation, I ran out of there kicking and screaming. This is how I discovered that loving what you do is so important and since then I’ve worked very hard to mentor young women especially to find their passions and be committed to their truths. Love is everything.