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What would you do if you were one of the select to get a call from Burberry or Louis Vutton store telling you what’s in stock for you to buy before anyone else? Post it all over Facebook, Twitter and any other forum where you can be “felt”, of course!
There are people who have made names on social media by depicting fabulous lives. Two Zimbabweans who have crowned themselves sheikhs seem each determined to be crowned the king of bling. One of them, Sheikh TBoss Forbes, has caused waves as he posts pictures of himself in all the right spots that most of us only ever see on the internet and in close contact with rich people’s toys. But of course one would argue that there is no failure on Facebook, it is peopled by successes.
The Saturday Herald Lifestyle’s Tafadzwa Zimoyo (TZ) spoke to the self-styled sheikh (STF) to find out what is real and what is hype.
TZ: Who is ‘Sheikh Tboss Forbes’?
STF: Sheikh TBoss Forbes is a Social media person whose real name is Tatenda Makonese. I am 25 years old. The name Sheikh is an Arabic name which means “Leader” or Boss” and the name TBoss came from my first name Tatenda while Forbes is inspired by my goal to be the youngest black Zimbabwean ever to enter the Forbes Magazine by 2016. I am a Zimbabwe-born businessman based in South Africa’s financial hub of Sandton. I was born in Harare in a family of four with three girls where I am the last born. I attended pre-school at Hatfield Primary School, high school at Phoenix College and went to varsity college at Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa, to pursue my business studies. I also play golf, while I also enjoy horse riding. I watch formula one, boxing and football, being a Manchester United fan.
TZ: Define your lifestyle, you are always showy on social media, how does it feel?
STF: I use my social media for motivational purposes. The lifestyle shown on social media is simply a basic lifestyle centred on motivational images and captions. I believe in living for a purpose and having significance within my areas of domain. I serve as an executive director of a diverse investment holdings company domiciled in Sandton which I co-funded in 2011.
TZ: Describe your wardrobe, what inspires your fashion style?
STF: My sense of taste in clothes is inspired by Italian fashion dress code. I buy my clothes all over the world such as South Africa, United States, Dubai and Turkey, among others. Wherever and whenever I come across an eye-catching piece of clothing, I grab it. However, I have a few suits, not more than 14 if I recall well and only 11 pairs of shoes. I love my designer brands and slim fit wear but I don’t invest much in clothing as it is not as significant to me at this stage to have hundreds pairs of shoes and suits when I will find myself only wearing the same pieces from time to time. I have a few favourite and certain colours that do well for me formally and informally. I buy my own clothes and dress myself though the regular stores I often buy from which include Marco Adamo, Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vutton, Cadducci just to name a few. They often send me new releases for my consideration which helps me to keep up with new trends.
TZ: So where do you Live?
STF: I reside in Sandton CBD in a simple two-bedroom penthouse with a dining area, kitchenette and a lounge with gated 24-hr security which is just three minutes drive to Sandton’s Rand offices next to Sandton City Mall.
TZ: Describe your work schedule.
STF: I work for a living and business is my pleasure. I am the executive director of Sandton Rand Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and my designation sees me working flat out 18 hours a day, six days a week and seven if need be. Sandton Rand Holdings has strategic partnerships, financial, technical and works very closely with different governments. Unfortunately I cannot say much about our political connects but all government ministers, heads of state I engage with, I regard them as civil servants which in reality that’s exactly what they are.
TZ: Interesting, so what is your most prized possession?
STF: My most prized possession is my good health and ability to do anything.
TZ: Any business plans in Zimbabwe or any other parts of the world?
STF: Zimbabwe is very close to my heart as it is my country of birth and therefore I have interests there within he private sector. I am currently working towards finding ways through which I can add value to the Government and its plans to see growth in the private sector. I conduct business regionally and internationally due to the nature of our company and our influence stretches across most African countries through different forms.
TZ: How many countries have you travelled to and can you list the top five?
STF: I’ve been privileged and fortunate enough to be able to have visited and continue to visit different countries either conducting business or on holiday. I visit the US at least twice a year, Canada, China, Dubai, Mexico, Mauritius, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia and Angola just to name a few.
TZ: You are always posting pictures on social media do you own a plane or a private jet and what type of car do you drive?
STF: (Laughs) I don’t own a plane let alone a private jet but I intend to invest in one in 2016. I often charter when necessary. I’m a Mercedes, Porsche, and Bentley man.
TZ: Given a chance to rule the world what one thing would you change and why?
STF: I should say when I pursue my political career in the near future, running for presidency is one of my greatest ambitions and during my tenure I would want to add value more towards human growth and development.
TZ: Let’s talk about the food, drinks, what constitutes your diet and the expensive beer you always post on Facebook?
STF: I love my traditional home food of sadza, fried rice, BBQ meat and Thai Food. I only drink red and white wine, Scotch and Irish single malt whiskey.
TZ: Who is your role model and why?
STF: I find myself as my own role model because I am yet to come across someone with the same sense of unique style of living and doing things in my own peculiar fashion. There are better folk out there than me but I have different goals, ambitions and achievements that most people my age group won’t ever dream of which leaves me my own role model. I do something different and better everyday and that’s only to enhance myself to be better.
TZ: Are you married or in a relationship?
STF: I’m currently single and not searching; I often don’t look for things but believe more in natural ways of engaging. I’m more attracted to a model-bodied light-skinned lady with values, morals and ambitions, one who loves family and can cook sadza,s also known as “Pap”.
Online Reporter