Wondering where former police minister spokesperson and journalist Lirandzu Themba disappeared to?
Well, she resettled in Hong Kong, China, 10 months ago. And she is already making waves to tell African stories in that part of the world.
Themba, a seasoned communicator with experience spanning 15 years, including as a practising journalist, said she has been concerned about misconceptions about Africans since arriving in Hong Kong.
African Voices
Instead of complaining and doing nothing about it, she has decided to roll up her sleeves and establish a platform and social movement named African Voices to correct the situation.
“Moving to the dynamic city of Hong Kong has been an eye-opening experience. It’s an energetic city with beautiful nature. Full of culture, good food and loads of interesting people. It didn’t take long for me to realise that the African voice was missing from the professional space,” said Themba.
Diverse backgrounds
“Africans and other minority groups in Hong Kong are often put in one box. And this is despite our diverse backgrounds and our unique personal and professional journeys. It’s these stories that interested me. I wanted to hear them and make sure the world hears them too.
“So, I have started a movement that aims to change this narrative. To promote cross culture learning and further connect Africa to Asia, one conversation at a time.
“I am happy to announce I founded Abantu Voices. It is a platform that boldly amplifies the voices of African professionals, trailblazers, and change-makers in Hong Kong and beyond.”
Through this movement, Themba is aiming to forge African excellence and celebrate diversity. She plans to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in Southeast and East Asia and beyond.
Africa Day launch
She has targeted this coming Sunday (May 25), which is Africa Day, as a strategic date to officially launch the movement.
The first phase of Abantu Voices will see Asian professionals engaging in fireside chats with African trailblazers, hosted by Themba.
The first of such fireside chats will be held on May 30 and addressed by a South African-born dental surgeon plying her trade in Hong Kong, Dr Marlene Grillon, as well as the Consul General of South Africa to Hong Kong, Mojalefa Mogono.
Thereafter, monthly fireside chats will be convened to celebrate African food, music, arts, travel and its people.
