A few weeks before this year’s general elections, I caught up with the inspiring Lindiwe Mazibuko, then parliamentary leader for the Democratic Alliance, for an interview on all things travel. Here’s a look at what didn’t make it into the mag.
Extra, extra: check out our magazine interview archives ›
Lindiwe Mazibuko seated outside parliament
What’s your best tip for packing light but staying chic?
I have a trick. For local travel, I make my life easier by keeping my suitcase packed. I have a carry on suitcase, which has duplicate toiletries. So everything I have at the house from moisturiser to deodorant, from toner to face wash is all duplicated in my travel suitcase so I never have to pack my toiletries ever. I have two toothbrushes. So all I have to do when I have a quick turn around is drop off the laundry, pop it into the machine and a tumble dryer and pack the clothes only. I also always carry one of those big cotton, never ending scarves in a big loop as planes tend to be very cold.
What is your favourite place in South Africa / the continent?
I don’t actually have a favourite, I try not to compare the different places in South Africa. I have just recently been to Upington for the first time, and it’s beautiful, dry but there is this beautiful river running through it, the views are incredible. You cannot compare that with Durban, which is tropical and rich. It’s humid even in winter, warm even in July. You can’t compare Durban to the Highveld with its brilliant tropical storms that take place, and you cannot compare it to Cape Town with two beaches; one icy cold and the other warm, and the amazing views. I try not to pick favourites. I like the diversity of environments, the variety, and that we have so many seasons, climates, and things to visit and look at all in one country.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee.
Beer or wine?
Wine.
Which country has the best public transport for travellers?
I want to say the UK, just because the signs are in English and I can understand it. Countries like Austria and France have also got very good transport but because I don’t understand it, it can often be confusing. But I find the transport system in the UK , particularly in London, easy, very user friendly. The developments we are having here like the Gautrain and My Citi Bus, I think are very much following the model of having clean lines, easy to read maps, simple routes. I would rate London’s underground train and bus network as very good.
What one change could dramatically improve travel for visiting tourists to South Africa?
Public transport. A lot of tourists have to rent cars to get around South Africa and our public transport isn’t geared towards foreign visitors. They don’t know what the mini-bus taxi signs are or where they are headed. The routes between the airports are pretty easy in Gauteng and Johannesburg, but non-existent in places like Durban. A lot of tourist don’t have drivers licenses because the transport is good where they are from, which means they can’t hire cars. These are all barriers for visiting tourists. All the pieces are there; we just need to enable people to travel easier.
If you could only eat food from one country for the rest of your life, which country would it be?
South Africa. My mother’s cooking, no problem.
Read the rest of our interview in the June issue, available for download here.
More interviews: Off the Record with Ferial Haffajee.
