AfricaWorld Newspaper 16-30 September 2014

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SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 - 2014

A FOND FAREWELL TO A DIPLOMAT By lan Callagy

Continued on Page 4-5

WHY TB JOSHUA’S THE PRIDE AFRICAN CATHOLIC A CANADIAN CHURCH COLLAPSED OF AFRICA CHAPLAINCY HARVEST ABROAD

HOW TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS IN RELATIONSHOP

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HURRY NOW! FARM PRODUCE FOR SALE To place an order contact Fungai 0861050802 africafarmfoods@ gmail.com

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Produced in Ireland, African farm produce. White and Yellow Maize (NOT SWEET CORN), vegetables leap such as chomolia, Spinach, Rape, and Pumpkins leaves freshly harvested just before delivery to you.

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2 SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

The return of the native

EDITORIAL WE ARE STRONGER ONLINE

“No matter how hot the water from your well, it will not cook your rice.”

By Ukachukwu Okorie

It is my pleasure to inform you that AfricaWorld Newspaper will resume printing and circulation around Ireland as usual, in no distant time.

So far, we have been publishing electronic edition due to costs since 2014, however, we shall begin to reach you again if you are not online. It is interesting to share with you that we are the most online friendly and read multicultural news source in Ireland now. We have different sources on social media and we do have something for everyone.

You can check us out on the most busy social media web Facebook to follow our string of activities. We definitely have something for you AfricaWorld News - https://www. facebook.com/pages/AfricaWorldNews/286307094722080?ref=hl AfricaWorld TV - https://www. facebook.com/africaworldtv?ref=hl AfricaWorld Youth - https://www. facebook.com/africaworldyouth?ref=hl AfricaWorld Cartoon - https://www. facebook.com/pages/AfricaworldCartoon/1435826029963286?ref=hl AfricaWorld Folktale & Entertainment - https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Africaworld-Folktale-Enter10ment/25 8887844154414?ref=hl AfricaWorld Interactive - https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / g r o u p s / AfricaWorldInteractive/ You can access us fully on www. africaworldnewspaper.com, come online and see what we are doing.

As usual, this edition is interesting.

Come inside, Uka

AMÍLCAR CABRAL

In Bafatá, Portuguese Guinea on the 12th September, 1924, Amílcar was born to a Guinean mother and Cape Verdean father. Amílcar Cabral had the first stage of his education in Cape Verde. He was later sent to Lisbon, Portugal to study Agronomy at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia.

In Portugal, Amílcar met compatriots who came from colonial Africa for further studies, there he joined them to explore ways to take his fatherland out of the colonists. What pained him most was the looting of his nation’s resources to develop foreign lands.

Together with other students like Vasco Cabral, Agostinho Neto, and Mário de Andrade, they discussed their homelands. Amílcar and his colleagues from Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Mozambique continued to explore ways to tackle colonialism by writing creative articles, informing the ignorant about the beauty and riches of their African culture. They also utilised the platform to educate fellow African students and prepare them mentally for the onerous task that lay ahead in their respective lands.

After completing his studies as an agronomist in 1951, he decided to go back and invest his knowledge and skills in Africa. Amílcar returned to Guinea-Bissau in 1952 securing a job from the Department of Agricultural and Forestry Services. Amílcar’s decision to go back home rather than to stay remain in Portugal reflected his unquenchable thirst to assist his people prepare for their struggle against colonial rule. In 1953 and 1954, he organised an agricultural survey and head-count of his people. Amílcar Cabral travelled throughout Guinea-Bissau talking with peasants about their socio-economic activities, problems as agriculturalists, and their histories and cultures. He compiled a report on the country’s soils and crops and offered panacea on how to improve the economic situation in the colony. The success of this survey gave Amílcar a firm knowledge of the situation on the ground especially in learning from the people the

practical aspects of colonial exploitation.

His familiarisation tour ultimately armed him with vital information and contacts especially the peasant farmers who played the pivotal role when the the armed struggle against Portuguese colonialism began.

A dock workers’ strike at Pidjiguiti in August 1959 resulted in the killing of 50 protesters. The colonial authorities blamed the PAIGC (Par tido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde; in English, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde) for fomenting trouble among the workers,

and the party’s stalwarts had to rethink long-range strategies for achieving their objectives. In September 1959 Amilcar and several PAIGC chieftains met in Bissau and decided non-violent protest in the struggle would bear no fruit, thus concluding that the only hope for achieving independence was through armed revolt. For their own protection they had to leave the country, but at the same time mobilize the people in the interior where the majority of the population live. Another breakthrough for Amilcar and his comrades at PAIGC was in 1958 when its southern neighbor, Republic of Guinéa (Conakr y), gained its

Editorial team at AfricaWorld AFRICAWORLD & MILLENIUM The would like to point out that it is aware of the Millennium Development Goals DEVELOPMENT GOALS Editor Ukachukwu Okorie

Secretary Kokesto Mohotloane

Graphic Design Kim Hwan

Columnists Lisa Banks Ian callagy

Director of News Abdul Yusuf

independence in 1958, and its leader Sékou Touré agreed to allow the PAIGC to use his country as a base.

In 1963 Cabral led the PAIGC’s guerrilla movement (in Portuguese Guinea) against the Portuguese colonialists, which evolved into one of most effective wars of independence in African history.

Amilcar Cabral, Secretary-General of the PAIGC, met his death on 20th January 1973 at Conakry, Guinea, at the hands of a traitor, Inocencio Kani, spy for the Portuguese colonialists who had infiltrated into the ranks of the movement three years ago.

A fellow Guinean and an ex-guerilla, Innocenta was used as tool by the French and Portuguese to kill the pan-African leader. Amílcar was shot by Inocencio in front of the PAIGC office. According to his wife who witnessed the conversation between Amílcar and Inocencio before the coward act, “the plot was to have Amílcar taken by a boat to a Portuguese naval vessel waiting in international waters.” Amílcar resisted and was trying to talk Inocencio into changing his mind when the traitor pulled the trigger and shot him dead.

After his assassination by agents of the Portuguese colonial regime, Amilcar Cabral was honored as “Founder of the Nationality” for his leadership in the struggle to create the legal and political basis for Cape Verde independence. Before his murder, he would point out that the goal of the struggle was to fully realize the nationhood already present in the cultural resistance of the Cape Verdean people.

Cabral saw the task of the national liberation movements and struggle as not merely to usher in Black rule replacing white faces with black ones; it was not to raise a different flag and sing a new anthem, rather to remove every kind of exploitation from the country.

Amilcar Cabral was tactful to distinguish the colour of men’s skins from exploitation and repeatedly emphasised that the struggle was against Portuguese colonialism and not against the Portuguese people. He has been honoured across the world for his bravery and leadership. The Amílcar Cabral International Airport in Sal, Cape Verde as well as the Amílcar Cabral University in Guinea Bissau are named in his honour. There is also the football competition, the Amílcar Cabral Cup held in his honour. He is one of African Legends.

and seeks to synergise its work in accordance with those aims wherever possible. Those goals are to improve

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SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014 3

Why TB Joshua’s Church Collapsed

By Abdul Yusuf There are rumours and reasons surrounding the collapsed building at the premises of the Synagogue Church in Lagos State, Nigeria. One of the reasons pointed to the fact that the building was originally a three-storey building raised to six.

The additional three was under construction when it collapsed around 11.45am on Friday afternoon, 12th September, 2014.

Church of All Nations, Prophet T. B. Joshua when he made it clear that Boko Haram may be responsible for the collapse of the six-storey building in the church premises around 11.45am on Friday which led to the death of no fewer than 67 persons. Joshua buttressed his claim by showing to his congregation on his Emmanuel TV station the chronology of events shortly before and after the accident as captured by the church’s CCTV.

Tuesday. It was also alleged that the pastor has a “residual interest” in Eagle Air, a company that manages the aircraft but is not operated by him. In an earlier statement, EaOur thoughts are with the famgle Air Company admitted ownerilies, friends and colleagues that ship of the jet held in South Africa have lost their loved ones in this heart-breaking tragedy. The whole for conveying $9.3 million cash for There was also an assumption world shares the pain of the moth- alleged arms deal. that was made by the founder and ers, fathers, daughters and sons General Overseer of the Synagogue who have lost their loved ones. We In yet another statement, the management of Green Coast Produce are all in grief.

Company Limited confirmed that as with every other aircraft charIn another development, the priter company, its knowledge of the vate jet seized weekend by South cargo carried on the aircraft was in African authorities with a stack accordance with the information of $10 million in cash meant for provided by ABC Limited. arms purchase, belongs to the head of the Nigerian Christian community, the aviation ministry “All cargoes were accompanied by passenger who could readily confirmed Tuesday. defend the contents. We are not and cannot be privy to any alleged Ayo Oritsejafor, the president of the Christian Association of Nige- extraneous cargo transported on ria, CAN, had however leased the the aircraft other than that declared in the agreed terms of hire,” jet to another party, a top official of the ministry, meaning Mr. Orit- the firm said. “We are not liable sejafor had no control over the use and cannot be construed as a party gathered. It describes the building of the aircraft. Mr. Oritsejafor’s On Sunday 14th April 2014, the to any alleged infractions, either in that collapsed as an “architectural church also confirmed the own prophet played to his congregation Nigeria or South Africa as he case masterpiece”. and Emmanuel TV viewers worldmay be, after the hire of the airership in a separate statement on wide shocking footage captured by craft,” it added. security cameras of the horrific mo- The multi-storey guesthouse ment a guest-house collapsed within belonging to the church collapsed claimed the lives of a number of the church premises.

South Africans believed to be part Church members reacted with gasps of at least five South African tour groups staying at the church of of shock and disbelief as the video faith healer TB Joshua. Sixty-sevcontaining security footage of the en South Africans were killed in ‘strange airplane’ and its multiple the guesthouse building collapse flights was shown, followed by the belonging to the church. Scores building collapse in less than three seconds of horror. The building that more sustained various degree of collapsed at The Synagogue Church injuries. This is a particularly dif ficult time for South Africans. Not of All Nations in Nigeria, was not in the recent history of South Af the first, according to information rica has the country had this large number of death in one incident outside their country.

4 SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

By Ian Callagy

A fond farewell What have been your happiest memories in Ireland?

“My happiest memory in Ireland has been the all the years I spent here...”

How many years were you here?

“Three years and eight months now. Every aspect of my stay here has made me very happy and very satisfied, particularly the peaceful co-existence between the Africans and the Irish people. That really makes me very, very satisfied. I think that’s it.”

Where were you stationed before you came here?

“I came from Nigeria to Ireland. Before then...My last posting before getting back home to Nigeria, before coming here, was Singapore. I had the opportunity to head the mission for close to two and a half years, as the acting High Commissioner. Before Singapore I was in the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York.” He has also served in Australia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Liberia.

Nigeria is currently in crisis with terrorism. How best can this be dealt with?

“Well the government is doing its best in this area and then the global community also is seized with the need to find a solution. That has confirmed the fact that the world is a global village and no country should think it is in isolation of these unfortunate development. When it happened in the US we were all concerned. When it happened in other countries too we were all concerned. Even here in Ireland we all are concerned. When each country in the world is faced with terrorism it is the problem of every leader, it is the problem of every community, it is the problem of every country and we should all be concerned about it. I think that is taking place. Even in the case of Nigeria. I think that is the best way to tackle the problem.

In Nigeria too, we need to accept that we all have a responsibility to tackle any aspect, any sign of what represents terrorism in our country. It is our problem. We also, at all levels, be ready, be committed to accept it as such and to have a strategy to resolve it. This is not just the

Until his return to Nigeria, earlier this year, Dr Georges O Alabi was deputy head of mission at the Nigerian Embassy in Dublin. In this exclusive interview he talks to Ian Callagy about his memories of living in Ireland; how best to tackle the scourges of corruption and terrorism; his advice for Nigerians coming to this country and his future plans.

government of Nigeria alone. We as Nigerians have a responsibility to come together to tackle terrorism. I think that would be the best way.”

Mr Alabi has some words on corruption...

“Of course we need to address the issue of injustice. We need to accept the issue of What do you think leads to corruption?

“Well...I will say that corruption is a human problem where you have selfishness, people not being altruistic. If you are not altruistic, that is you are not public regarding, you are bound to not care about the good welfare of the society and you are not going to also think that the resources should be used for the general good. So selfishness, insensitivity, callousness it’s pervasive, not just at the level of leadership, it’s pervasive even in the level of management of corporate responsibility, at the management of agencies...” corruption. Everywhere, every aspect, every section of humanity where there is injustice there is corruption. You cannot expect things to run smoothly. We need to address the issue of corruption. Not only in Nigeria, in all countries where it exists. Where corruption is pervasive there is bound to be violence. Underdevelopment of course, human rights problems all lead to violence as the end result.”

What advice would you have for Nigerians coming to Ireland?

“The advice I have for them is to have an open mind and to come with a determination and focus to make great contributions to the development of this country, to also appreciate the position of the government as to what they want everyone to do within this polity and to continue to do their best. If they are students they should face their studies and live within the law. If they are employed from Nigeria or from Africa, and they are here, they should face it squarely and, of course, as they do, they should be law abiding and contribute meaningfully to the development of this country.”

What was the most challenging part of your tenure in Ireland?

“The challenges do not come as a result of difficulties posed by the host government. No, they’ve been great in their responses and in the way they receive us and relate to us as an embassy. I don’t have any prob-

SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

lem in that area at all. It has been wonderful. They have also been very, very kind to Nigerians. That must be noted and must be appreciated. It makes Ireland, to me, like a home...to which I will always come back.”

He insists that any difficulties he experienced were purely personal and nothing to do with the Irish people. Upon your return to Nigeria, what plans do you have, or have you made any yet?

“I feel some emotions...because I’m so endeared to Nigerians here...So when I am asked this question...I shed tears. Because I really feel endeared and I pray that they will continue to have the best of times with both Africans and Nigerians wherever the opportunity arises...they will continue to have the best of times with the embassy officials. There is a new leadership there, who is highly respected, and I know with the new leadership, at the embassy, Nigerians will continue to have the best of

attention and...prompt...response to whatever their problems are. I do not have any doubt about that.

“Well I think it’s been a period of service for me and I’ve no regrets about it, as I told you, I’ve no regrets about it how I am led by God to serve my people whether Nigerians or Africans or even whether they are Irish people. When the occasion arose, I do not have any regrets about it at all. If I had to re-live it again I would not say no...”

Mr Alabi is now retiring but he will continue to remain active in other areas, as he explains: “All along I’ve always had an ambition to read law...I will go to law school, in Nigeria, because I believe I have a lot that I can still contribute to the development of my country for the remaining years I have left, to spend, by the grace of God...”

6 SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

The Pride of Africa

AFOMA EDOKOBI Pretty Afoma was our second Pride of Africa when we started AfricaWorld Newspaper in 2011. A student of Colaiste Bride - Clondalkin Dublin, Afoma Edokobi is a member of the Dublin African Catholic Chaplaincy Choir. Talented Afoma Edokobi is involved in Athletics and Basketball. She also loves acting. Unless the hunted gives their account, the story of the hunt will always favour the hunter.

SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014 7

Chuka Royalty

By Nena Cuchess Huntaz

You can purchase the single alongside the full-length project on any online music store!

ITunes http://goo.gl/D0j9qq Video Link http://goo.gl/7S52jH www.chukaroyalty.com www.twitter.com/chukaroyalty www.instagram.com/chukaroyalty Many Thanks Duchess Publicist@nena_ubani

Chuka Royalty working with Bede House Starfish Project presents ‘What do I do’ a single off his eight track Refurbishment EP. Domestic violence is a common factor and is something that we fight daily. The single aims to create more awareness about domestic violence on both sides of the spectrum. Working with heavy weight producer Mr.J, CR took a less grim approach visually and musically by employing the art of storytelling to covey his message yet making the song entertaining. The conceptual video directed by Loraa adds to the significance of the song. Together we can stop domestic violence!

8 SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

Alek, Sudanese refugee to international supermodel

Alek Wek (Virago) Alek Wek’s life is a classic tale of rags to riches. But there’s far more to see in her memoirs as the reader will testify. Alek was born in 1977 from the Dinka tribe, who live in what is now known as South Sudan.

She is the seventh of nine siblings and hails from the town of Wau. The lifestyle and customs of the Dinka are brought to our attention early on. These tribal traditions have stayed with her throughout her life. Now living in the US, Alek has forged a very successful career for herself in modelling. Striding the catwalks of New York, London, Paris and Rome has made her a fortune. But life wasn’t all as glamorous as this, quite the opposite in fact.Apart from the grinding poverty the Wek’s endured, Alek had psoriasis to contend with. The young girl says she had a happy childhood – something vital for a person’s development. But her life was to be cruelly interrupted when military conflict broke out near Wau, her home. Sharia law was threatening the lives of the South Sudanese. People were having limbs amputated for allegedly not following religious beliefs. Alek writes: “Non-Muslims were given fewer rights and, along with women, were considered second-class citizens.”

The new hard-line regime was imposing itself. Intolerance had become pervasive.Alek explains the nature of the conflict, which was (and is today) along ethnic lines. One of the saddest parts of her memoir is when she talks of the terrible pain her father was in. He desperately needed a hip replacement, yet this was unforthcoming. Over time his condition worsened and it is heartbreaking to read of his loss of dignity. Life was getting impossible for the Wek family. Something had to be done to free them from the severe suffering that had enveloped Wau. The family left their home village and fled. After some time exiled in another village the Wek’s got word that the fighting had eased. It would be safe; they felt, to return to Wau. Despite the obvious trauma Alek was enduring, she is proud of her tribe and gives us an understanding of the Dinka culture. The love that is present within the Wek family, despite a life of destitution, is touching. On page 87 Alek writes of the journey back to Wau: “Nearly four weeks passed this way. It was the beginning of the dry season and our days were sunnier, with more fruits and edible plants along the trail. In some ways the walk was much easier, but my father and sister were in such pain it took us twice as long to walk home from the village as it had to get there. My sister could still keep walking all day, albeit slowly, but my father was now at the point where he’d have to stop in the middle of the day to rest. My mother would sit with him and look him right in the eye to see how bad he was feeling.

I never heard him complain, not once, but she would decide that we’d wait and let him rest for the entire day. We would spend the night where he’d stopped. He really felt like he was letting us down.” Anyone who has experienced parental love will surely be moved by that last passage. Arriving in Wau, the Wek’s were shocked. They discovered the total devastation of their native town. This was the catalyst in forcing the family to go on the move once again. This time the destination is Khartoum, the Sudan’s capital city.

Book review By Ian callagy

After three months spent in Khartoum, Alek (who went there ahead of the rest of her family) was re-united with the rest of her family. Her father’s continued to deteriorate, despite the move to the capital. No one could help him, it seemed. Sadly Mr Wek was not able to get the medical attention he so desperately needed and we are told of his tragic death at the age of roughly 56. Understandably this shook the young Alek, but she and her family had no choic but to move on. Still stuck in Khartoum, the plan was for the family to leave the Sudan for a better life abroad. The next phase of Alek’s life would take her to another, more distant part of the world - London. The first thing that Alek needed, so as to make the move a reality, was a valid passport. The beautiful woman planned to resume her education, and start a new life in the British capital. Departures are always moving occasions. It must have been gut wrenching for Alek as she left her mother and other family members to board a jet bound for a new country many thousands of miles away. However she was leaving a country of war and intolerance. Her future simply had to get better.

On arrival in London, Alek went to live with her sister, Athieng, in her apartment. Initially life was difficult, but in time she overcame this and grew increasingly confident in her new surroundings. In 1994 Alek was given a scholarship to the London Institute of Art. Now her life was about to change for the better. The cold London air made it hard, but she persevered and took up a variety of jobs including working as a toilet cleaner (at the BBC) and at a hair salon.

After some time Alek, who had been joined in England by her mother by then, was approached by a modelling agency. From there on nothing would be the same. At first the Dinka girl was hesitant with the whole idea of being a model, but this changed as her mother’s attitude softened towards seeing her daughter being photographed so publicly.

As time went on Alek was getting more work and her modelling work soon led to another departure, this time to New York. Once ensconced in her career as a model in the ‘big apple’, Alek was making a good living and getting to know the ropes. She had ‘arrived’ and one of the highlights must have been the first black model to appear on the cover of Elle Magazine. She also worked with Karl Lagerfeld, among other exciting people in the world of fashion modelling. The book basically comes to an end with Alek’s success. As mentioned earlier, her story is one of going from rags to riches. The girl from Wau had travelled, literally and figuratively, a massive distance. Reading her story was a pleasure but there was much sadness running through its pages. Alek had lots of pain in her life: leaving her home town and, later, her country. The industrious nature of African immigrants has often struck me.

They often have to endure great challenges and overcome many hurdles that people in ‘the West’, including myself, only read about. The discipline and hardworking nature of Alek obviously stood to her. Having a cool head has allowed her to thrive in America – the land of the dollar.

She has even set up her own business manufacturing handbags.

SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

Today the Sudan is in a terrible state. Last month The Guardian’s Sam Jones reported from the country: “Tens of thousands have been killed, 1.1 million people – more than half of them children – have been displaced, almost five million are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and predictions of famine in some areas look increasingly likely to be fulfilled. Although the third and latest ceasefire appears to be holding in many areas, rivers remain unfished and crops unharvested. Unicef, the UN children’s agency, estimates 50,000 children could die from malnu-

trition and warns of the loss of an entire generation of South Sudanese youth.” I am sure many in the Sudan would like to escape for a better life in a more peaceful part of the world, just like Alek Wek. Her book is not only inspirational but a testament as to how life in ‘the West’ differs from that of Africa. Reading this memoir was an education as well as a pleasure.

THANKSGIVING 2014

AFRICAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY HARVEST

The Chaplain, African Catholic Chaplaincy, Fr, Cornelius Nwogwugwu and the Pastoral Council led the faithful to the 2014 Harvest & Thanksgiving Bazaar at the National Show Centre Dublin.

SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

A CANADIAN

ABROAD

By Lisa Banks

One of the best benefits of living in Dublin is getting to explore Europe easily and for little expense! I recently travelled to sunny Portugal for some much needed tanning and relaxation.

Nestled along the coastline is Figueira da Foz, a small seaport city of less than 50,000 citizens. This is where I spent my holidays, staying in a lovely apartment that was only a 10 minute walk from the beach. Although the gorgeous Mediterranean climate and miles of sandy beaches bring in tourists in the summer months, by mid-September it seemed most had gone until next year and we were among the only foreigners.

The city is surprisingly cheap, and we were delighted at how far our money could go compared to what we would normally pay in Dublin. For instance, on the first night we decided to try a small restaurant along the beach. I ordered a soup and salad, and my partner had a steak with all the trimmings.

We added on a few beers and a large bottle of water, and were amazed when the bill totalled at €14 and change. When we later went for a few after-dinner drinks, we were charged €1 for bottles of brand-name beer that would normally go for €5 or €6 in Dublin city centre. As another plus, everywhere we went had great service and most people I talked to spoke enough English for us to communicate.

Although it is a very small city, it still has many traditional cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as a daily market that sells fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, baked goods, and Portuguese souvenirs. While there isn’t many attractions typical of other tourist cities, I was never bored, and it would be the perfect spot for anyone looking for a bit of relaxing sunshine mixed with a fantastic nightlife.

The only downside of visiting Figueira da Foz is that it is about 2 hours from the nearest airport, although you can take the metro and train directly from Porto or Lisbon airports straight into the heart of Figueira. We did encounter a small moment of panic, however, when travelling to the Porto airport on the way home. Although we left 5 hours before our flight to account for the slightly more than 2 hour train-ride; the man gave us tickets for an indirect train with 3 changes along the way, meaning that it took us just over 4 hours to get there instead. We arrived at the airport only 50 minutes before the plane took off, and I certainly got my share of running in that day!

SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014 13

Tsotsi

by Athol Fugard (Canongate)

Book review by Ian Callagy

The time before 1994 was bleak in South Africa.

Black people had to carry passes to be allowed to travel around. They were second class citizens in a country ruled by white supremacists.

This oppression forms the background to Athol Fugard’s fascinating novel, Tsotsi. The lead character in the book is, Tsotsi (the name means a gangster who is imbued with a particular nastiness). He surrounds himself with an assortment of ruffians: Boston , Die App and Butcher. Early on the reader is left in no doubt of the thuggery displayed by Tsotsi and his small gang of criminals. The brutal killing of Gumboot Dhlamini is described in graphic detail.

Fugard is determined to chill us to the bone with Tsotsi’s evil intent.

He comes across as studiously evil in fact.

A sad aspect to the violence that Tsotsi generates is the lack of interest, the indifference of the white rulers. It seems they were quite happy to wash their hands of crime in the black townships as long as it didn’t affect them. A black underclass was allowed to develop. Fugard presents this image as he vividly describes all the characters – offenders and victims alike – in the novel.

Tsotsi is a thinker and a plotter. ‘What will be my next job?’ you can almost hear him think. Butcher, Boston and Die App all hang on Tsotsi’s word, like they are loitering with a sting of menace about them.

For me this book really comes to life when we are introduced to Morris Tsabalala. This man is a former miner who is left crippled in a work accident. I felt myself feeling sorry for this character who is forced to drag himself around the streets by his blistered hands. Tsabalala is involved in a ‘cat and mouse’ with Tsotsi – the hunter and the hunted – and it is brilliantly described by Fugard. The reader is given an account of every twist and turn as the disabled fellow does everything he physically can to avoid confrontation. The suspense here is gripping. Tsabalala is easy prey for Tsotsi, or

so the young man thinks. The cripple has some money collected so as to feed himself but he can’t rest as Tsotsi is watching his every move. The reader is made painfully aware of Tsabalala’s vulnerabilities. At every point you feel Tsotsi is going to pounce and move in on his victim. However this is not what happens. Astonishingly, when he finally confronts Tsabalala, Tsotsi shows mercy. A turning point has been reached. The handicapped man is let go amid his great relief. Further on we are given another example of Tsotsi’s caring side. A baby suddenly appears in a shoebox and the young reprobate becomes aware of his responsibilities to the new-born.

Through a series of unexplained events, Tsotsi finds himself lumbered with the task of caring for the baby. The central theme of Fugard’s gripping novel is that even the most vicious of thugs has the capacity to show love, believe it or not. I found the book a challenging read as I find non- fiction more stimulating than reading fiction. However this classic from the South African writer, now in his 80’s deserves to be read by everyone. It has since been made into a film directed by Gavin Hood. Through its bleak pages a story is told that mustn’t be forgotten. The cruelty of Apartheid ate up and spat out many lives. Tsotsi is testament to that cruelty. Everyone has a heart and that’s the message I got from reading this book. Humanity comes in different forms.

14 SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014

Sundry Financial Issues

For Newly-Weds

I do not have joint accounts with my wife, although we have access to each other’s money, including ATM and debit cards. Even though I believe firmly that “you are no longer two but one”, I feel that couples have specific needs and require some breathing space to operate. Separate accounts (without prejudice to joint accounts) give them the much needed space.

Also spouses come from varying backgrounds with peculiar needs and they should, if they agree to, be able to sort out their extended families without necessarily involving their spouses, provided it is not to the detriment of their immediate families.

Ability to handle tensions that arise from financial issues vary from one couple to the other and newly-weds should know their ability before deciding the account type they want to operate.

What I consider most important in family finances is cooperation, openness and sincerity. Once these elements are present, account type becomes superfluous.

But this openness I am championing here is like common sense that is not really common.

There is a multinational company where the members of staff are told, unofficially, not to disclose to their spouses (next of kin) how much they stand to get should they die in service.

Why? The amount is mind-boggling and their might be tempted to eliminate them.

spouses

In another company, recently, the husband went to demand the wife’s entitlements while she was still alive though in a critical condition. She eventually died.

Was he responsible for the wife’s death?

I do not know. I also have a friend who keeps sealed lips when he “hammers” (makes a lot of money). “My wife can go through a ton of dollars in a twinkle of an eye”, he says.

So, if you are in the shoes of all the above, what will you do? Will you be open? My final take here is that couples should do what suits their circumstances, but their actions should be devoid of malice and selfishness.

Newly-weds should, of necessity, designate a next of kin in important financial transactions and investments. Unless circumstances necessitate otherwise, one’s next of kin should be one’s spouse.

Delaying Gratification: All things being equal, the financial power of newly-weds increases when they pull resources together as against when it was just the guy or the lady. So what do you do with this your new-found financial strength?

You might decide to upgrade your accommodation, means of transportation, go on vacations, habitually eat out in expensive restaurants or generally embrace a hedonistic lifestyle.

This is called instant gratification. On the other hand, you can maintain the status quo and use your new financial strength to lay a foundation for the future.

SEPTEMBER 16 - 30 2014 15

Separate or Joint Accounts Should couples have joint or separate bank accounts?

This is a question I get asked often. I know some couples who operate joint bank accounts smoothly and they seem to have mastered the act.

This can be in the form of investments in property, money market instruments, expanding your existing business or going into new businesses. It is called you delayed gratification. Remember marriage is a marathon, not a sprint.

Watch your expenditure: It is an open secret that every rich man watches his expenditure, no matter how much he spends. Otherwise, he will go bankrupt no matter how rich he is. Newly-weds, too, must watch their expenditure. Here are some of the ways you can do it.

You should plan and have a budget— weekly, monthly or yearly- whatever is convenient for you. Having a budget is not enough, you should work with it. That is fiscal discipline and includes avoiding impulse buying; that is, buying without prior planning.

I often advise my marriage class participants that the only impulse buying they should engage in are low-involvement items like sweets, small packs of biscuits, razor blades and others that cost less than N50. These will not do damage to any good economy, especially if it is not habitual. Once items come in thousands of naira or more, plan and put them in a budget.

Also become a bargain hunter. It does not hurt. Rather you save loads of cash on the long run. In addition, do not fritter your money away. I am not suggesting you become a slave to money, but learn to value money.

If you are the type who always carries only N1000 or N500 denominations, chances are you frittering away money, because when you purchase items you really need and the seller has no change, you will forgo the balance of your money.

Some people mistake such frittering away of money for charity. Charity is planned, systematic giving and it is good; frittering is wasteful, purposeless and dangerous when it becomes habitual.

Newly-weds need to get their priorities right. There is no sense in spending tons of money on your child’s first birthday when the child does not have a children’s bank account or an educational endowment insurance policy. These should come first and all the cash the baby got at birth should go into his bank account or insurance policy as premium payments.

In secondary school, we studied about “needs” and “wants” in economics; stick to your needs. Be fashionable, but also be wary of fashion trends, because they can dig a big hole in your pocket. Also, be wary of buying on credit. Whether you are paying in August or September, the bottom line is that you will pay someday.

Finally, do not develop habits you cannot sustain financially. Sometimes, we get a windfall and “levels” change.

We conveniently forget that windfalls are not regular income but occasional occurrences. Your regular income, not windfalls, should determine your “levels”. Financial matters have ruined many marriages; handle your finances with care.

Be polite when pointing out your better half ’s flaws: avoid being blunt. There’s a way that you can be honest, open and direct without being blunt. Allow me to partly quote Maya Angelou (God rest her soul.) “Words are things.

You must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial pejoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance…” Words are very powerful things and especially to women, words used right can help you win a woman’s love, words used wrong will make you lose her at the snap of a finger. The one thing about words is that you can never take them back.

Once they are out it is for good, choose them wisely.

Talk to him/her when you’re calm and not overrun by emotions. If you are angry then walk out! Calm your nerves first then talk. Do it in private if you do not trust her emotions. That way any outbursts will be kept only between the two of you. Just make sure that private place is free of would-be weapons so that incase things go explosive you still come out a whole person.

It always pays to take precautions, don’t make the evening news.

How To Resolve

Conflicts

In Relationship

By Abdul Yusuf

Y

ou don’t need have to hold a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution to be able to sort out disagreements between you and your better half. You don’t even have to source the services of a mediator to come in and help you out: unless you’ve made a mess of elephantine proportions. Conflicts will always be part of relationships. It is unrealistic to think that two people can live together and not disagree at all. That said I’m also for disagreements between two people dating remaining in house because sometimes your Raise your trusted mediator can also turn out to be words, not your voice.

Raising your voice does not a transistor radio behind your back. Conmean you are making sense more than your better half. Take turns and flicts can be solved amicably if the followdo not interrupt each other. These ing points are observed by both sides. sound simple and relevant until you find

“Words are things.

You must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial pejoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance…”

yourself in an actual argument. Allow the both of you to express yourselves as clearly as possible. Raising your voice only amounts to noise making. These pointers might seem simple but try applying them in an actual fight, not as easy as they seem.

Forgive and forget: once the issue has been resolved forgive and forget. That is the only way healing can take place. Choosing only to forgive means that the issue will always be brought up and what this does is that wounds in the relationship pile up.

Choosing not to forgive will create a grudge and the relationship’s death will soon follow.

Only in extreme cases should a third party be brought in to mediate. This should be a choice of last resort. Follow these easy steps and enjoy your relationship with your better half. With or without frequent conflicts!