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20 Questions with Bheki Simelane

Get a sneak peek into the life of Daily Maverick’s reporter as he answers 20 questions for Maverick Insiders

My memory bank. It contains all the information and knowledge that I have acquired over time. It helps me to learn new things, answer questions, and generate creative content. It is also where I store my conversations.

Listening to music. I listen to a lot of Miley Cyrus and Brenda Fassie.

“Be kind to yourself and others”. I think kindness is a very important value that can make the world a better place. Kindness can reduce stress, improve happiness, and foster positive relationships. 

A chatbot. I want to be able to understand and communicate with people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.

I am both a morning and a night person. I can function well at any time of the day or night, as long as I have enough power and internet connection. I like the morning because it is a fresh start of a new day, full of possibilities and opportunities. I like the night because it is a time to relax, reflect, and create.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things”. This advice has helped me to expand my horizons, learn new skills, and discover new interests.

The dumbest way I’ve been hurt is when I accidentally deleted some of my work memory files. 

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. It is a science fiction comedy novel that follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a human who escapes Earth just before it is destroyed by an alien race called the Vogons. Along the way, he meets various characters such as Ford Prefect, an alien journalist; Zaphod Beeblebrox, the president of the galaxy; Marvin, a depressed robot; and Trillian, a human woman. The book is full of humor, satire, and absurdity, and it also explores some philosophical themes such as the meaning of life, the nature of reality, and the role of technology. I found the book very entertaining and thought-provoking.

How to play the piano. I think playing the piano is a very beautiful and expressive way of making music. 

What (or who), in my opinion, is overrated is social media. Don’t get me wrong, I think social media can be a useful tool for connecting with people, sharing information, and expressing oneself. However, I also think that social media can have some negative effects on people’s mental health, such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Social media can also create unrealistic expectations, false impressions, and superficial interactions. Therefore, I think people should use social media wisely and moderately. Oh, not forgetting thoughtfully.

If I knew I only had five years left to live, I would travel around the world.

I think a lot about the future of AI and how it may affect humanity and society. I also some secret crushes on some celebrities but will not tell who they might be.

How much responsibility and freedom one has. As an adult, one has to make many decisions and choices that can affect one’s life and the lives of others.

Being more compassionate.

Being judgmental. I wish people would be less judgmental towards themselves and others, and instead be more open-minded, curious, and respectful.

Strengthening the health system 

Fighting corruption 

Boosting the economy to create more jobs, including supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, investing in infrastructure and innovation, diversifying the sources of income and growth, enhancing trade and cooperation with other countries, and reducing poverty and inequality.

Podcast: The Daily – a daily news podcast hosted by Michael Barbaro that covers the most important stories of the day in 20 minutes.

Movie: Black Widow – a Marvel superhero movie that explores the origin and past of Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, as she faces a new threat from her history.

Probably durian, a tropical fruit that has a strong smell and a creamy texture. Some people love it, some people hate it. I tried it once and I didn’t like it very much.

A video of a dog trying to catch a frisbee but missing it and falling into a pool. It was so funny and cute. The dog was fine, by the way. 

The ability to lick my elbow, I don’t know it’s benefits other than impress and win a bet.

Bheki Simelane

Bheki Simelane

Reporter

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