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A South African’s Homemade Paraglider

Written by: Erik Hersman

Article Overview: Most of the stories on AfriGadget are stories of work-based ingenuity. However, every once in a while you get an incredible story about someone who creates an amazing do-it-yourself “fun” item.

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A South African’s Homemade Paraglider

Most of the stories on AfriGadget are stories of work-based ingenuity. However, every once in a while you get an incredible story about someone who creates an amazing do-it-yourself “fun” item. In this case Wired is reporting about Cyril Mazibuko who creates his own home made paraglider:

Cyril is the only black South African currently registered with the sport’s ruling body. And it all started with a glider he made from plastic bags, purloined rope and baling wire, a glider that flew — sort of — though it both amazed and horrified the professional paragliders who saw it.

Read the full story at Wired

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Home > African-Accounts > Erik Hersman > A South Africans Homemade Paraglider
Article Tags: Cyril Mazibuko, ingenuity, Wired

About the Author: Erik Hersman
RSS for Erik's articles - Visit Erik's website

Erik Hersman is a rising international technology influencer with a keen eye on the impact of Web 2.0 advancements in the U.S. and his finger on the pulse of technology innovation across Africa. An avid blogger Erik writes four different technology blogs including: AfriGadget; WhiteAfrican; African Signals; and Realty Thoughts. When he is not blogging Erik serves as VP of strategy and marketing at eppraisal.com an online real estate site providing on-demand access to home valuations, real estate professionals, home inspectors and appraisers. In this position he is responsible for marketing implementation, partner strategy and consumer evangelism. Raised in Sudan and Kenya, Erik brings unique energy and insight to the world of technology – bridging the gap between Africa and Silicon Valley. Erik can be seen speaking around the world at recognized conferences including the TEDGlobal conference in Tanzania and Inman’s Real Estate Connect.

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A South Africans Homemade Paraglider


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Paypal now Available to South Africans Paypal now Available to South Africans - I don't know if there are many South Africans on this forum, but recently Paypal announced that South Africans can now receive payments from them. They have done a deal with First National Bank so all that needs to be done is to open an account with this bank and you can receive money from your Paypal account. This is great news as it opens up a lot more opportunities for those of us living in this part of the world. MichelleJ
Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? - [quote="MichelleJ":2a9hm5bq]Hi Topeyinka I am just wondering, with Paypal as long as they can get your credit card verification I don't think that they worry if you are an African or not. I also live in South Africa and there was no problem getting verified with them once they had checked my credit card details that proved the card belonged to me. Michellej[/quote:2a9hm5bq] Hi Michelle, You can use paypal to send money and buy as a South African, but you are limited to receive payment. So what is the use of spending money without making it. You cannot accept payment with your paypal. Any way South Africans can make use of 2CO to recieve payment on theie websites.
Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? - Hi From what I understood, if you are verified with Paypal, you can receive payments into your Paypal account and withdraw money in this country if you get their debit card. I will make further enquiries as there must be a way, there are many South Africans doing business on the internet. I know that other African countries such as Nigeria are unable to use Paypal etc. but don't think it applies to us here. MichelleJ
Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? - Hello, Tope: I can sense your pain and concern and I understand. I know it seems like discrimination of a sort, and perhaps it is to some degree. However, in my opinion, I simply see it as part of the "growing pains" of the global community and Internet econimics. I don't think Africans are experiencing anything in that respect too much different than many Europeans and North Americans felt in the early days of the Internet. Oh, how we went through some of the same challenges with payment systems, etc., that you are now describing for Africans! For us, systems improved as needs were identified, and order and payment processes were fine-tuned to make them more easily available to greater numbers of people and easier to use. I think Africans will experience something similar as technology improves and service providers begin to recognize the needs and the potential in the African market. I would say to you, "be patient," but I know that's not the answer you are looking for! You need solutions now, not next year. Other forum members have offered some suggestions and I am hoping to see more ideas follow as members read this topic thread. The only thing I can suggest at the moment is to be vocal, keep the discussion going within all of your circles of influence (not just the EvanCarmichael.com forums), get fellow Africans talking about it to make the issue publicly known and perhaps that will help draw attention to the need. GT :-]
Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? - Hi Topeyinka, You touched a good point here. Unfortunately this problem is not just for Africans, less for those who live in south Africa, but also in Europe, the far east and the middle east. It is hard but many affiliates showed it is possible to do. If you really want too succeed nothing will ever stop you.


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