Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Gesels by die koffietafel >> 1 October 2006

Diane Abrahams

If you want something done, give it to Diane Abrahams, is the impression which the Free State Business Bulletin has gained in official dealings over time of the person profiled in this edition of the regular column Up close & personal / Gesels by die koffietafel.
Excerpts from interviewing her:
Brief background about yourself? I was born and bred in the Diamond City of Kimberley. My father is a school principal and my mother a science teacher.
Which school matriculated? Floors Secondary School in Kimberley
Tertiary education? I attended the University of the Witwatersrand and obtained B Sc (Hons) with MSc with full time study and with part-time study PhD. The field of local economic development is not only my study field, but also a passion.
Work experience in a nutshell? I worked in the private sector with consulting engineers, as well as in the non-governmental sector, the policy research environment and in local government. In so doing I have dealt with local economic development, land reform, defence conversion and broader human security. This was not only in the South African context, but also with perspective on Africa and globally.
The subject of your doctoral thesis? It concerned base conversion and local economic development in South Africa. It looked at how the closure of military bases could either constructively or adversely affect the economy of the local area. In the SA context, there are some hugely interesting case studies.
Praat jy Afrikaans? Verseker. 'n Meisie van die Noord-Kaap moet Afrikaans kan praat...!
Own family ties? Married to Shafeeq Abrahams, a chartered accountant in the employment of Eskom. I have two younger sisters.
Interests outside the workplace? I am an avid reader, while I enjoy dancing and socialising. I also go to the gym when I have time or feel that way inclined.
What do you profoundly dislike? Laziness, superficial people, dishonesty.
Favourite food? Anything spicy...
Music taste? Wide range of music tastes - jazz, soul, blues, R & B, classics....I am a bit of an old soul!
Your vision for LED in Mangaung? We should build an inclusive economy where local people can actively participate in sustaining their livelihoods with less of a dependence on the state to make things happen. Create an environment where business can flourish and not be stifled by red-tape.
In your present position you are directly involved in preparations for Mangaung as a host city for 2010 – your vision about it? 2010 is an event that could launch our local economies to great heights. It could fast track delivery times for most of the projects that we are undertaking, such as the public transport projects and developing tourism in the area. It's really a huge challenge.
Anything we should not know about Diane Abrahams? Not sure if you mean anything you do not already know about me...well perhaps that I've worked extensively with militaries on the African continent!