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CONTENTS
CONTENTS
INSIDE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 4
APRIL 2015
On the Cover
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY Editor's note`s
8
Why not make economics compulsory to pupils? 9
Business-minded Rapelang Rabana is conquering the world 12
More fire for DJ Sbu and MOFAYA. 14 IMF approves US$918 million to help Ghana 17 CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
MARCH 2015 | ISSUE 12
CONTENTS
INSIDE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 5
EDUCATION AND POLITICS SOCIAL, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINIONS & LIFESTYLE Children, Meet Your New Teacher: Mr Tablet 21
I am satisfied
38
South Africa forgets its history 25 Democracy is bleeding 29 Paul Kruger statue defaced. 76
Black journalists are pushing western agenda aware 40 COSATU fires Zwelinzima Vavi with immediate effect 32 Limpopo official on an allege Porn bill. 36
Eye on Circle of Arts
42
Senyaka Kekana dies financially broken 44
MARCH 2015 | ISSUE 12
Spoken Words Express yourself through poetry
Send your Poems for Publishing In Circle of Concern Magazine
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@CoCMagazine st e e B r zin u a o Y ag M
THE TEAM
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE | PAGE 7
The team Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine, its editor or its publishers. The mention of specific products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by Circle of Concern Magazine or its publishers in presence to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of editorial content, the publishers do not accept responsibility for omissions, errors or any consequences that may arise the reform. Reliance on any information contained in this publication is at your own risk. The publishers make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the correctness or suitability of the information contained and/ or the products advertised in this publication. The publisher shall not be held liable for any damages or loss arising, incurred by readers of this publication or any/ other person/s. The publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability for any damages, including pure economic loss and any damages, resulting from the use of any service or product advertised in this publication. Readers of this publication indemnify and hold harmless the publishers of this magazine, its employees and servants for any demand, action, application or other proceedings made by any third party and arising out of or in connection with the use of any services and/or products or the reliance of any information contained in this publication.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Komane Golden golden@circleofconcern.co.za COPY EDITOR Mpho Molapo lebo@circleofconcern.co.za EDUCATION AND SOCIAL EDITOR Harold Ncongwane harold@circleofconcern.co.za ENVIRONMENTAL EDITOR Ofentse Maluleka maluleka@circleofconcern.co.za SENIOR WRITERS Thabisile Mashabela Andrew Sako Michelle Nchabeleng Kgotso Matsitela Mahlora Chokwe SUBSCRIBTION Sako Andrew andrew@circleofconcern.co.za 071 328 7107 ADVERTISING ads@circleofconcern.co.za 071 328 7107 PUBLISHER Circle of Concern Magazine
EDITORIAL
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | PAGE 8
A talk to sellers Editor’s note.
To people like Harvey Mackay job titles don’t matter, everyone is in sales and that the only way of staying in business hence everything can be interpreted to be a business. The art of selling involves the science of convincing someone that they need something. Literally making it compulsory for that particular person to demand what you are selling. You might be selling yourself to employers or selling your business ideas to potential investors, but the key is convincing them that they need what you are currently offering them.
A talk to sellers is not a talk to entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs only but a light to wounded dream chasers and visionaries. Sales gurus call it a skill but I discovered that its more than a skill, it’s a one size fits all solutions to our social, economic and certainly political problems. We cannot all be accountants or doctors but we can all be sales gurus. Selling is a crucial dexterity every person has to have. It doesn’t matter what you sell, you might be selling a product, service or yourself. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
And telling someone that you have something or selling something is not enough because only one room and 10 000 people want to occupy it. Don’t stand out, stand on top of the circle. Get up and sell you dreams. The world is waiting for your ideas and your services. The mind that consumes knowledge and understanding is the mind manufacture luck and opportunities. If it’s not Informative, Entertaining, Controversial and Educating, IT’S NOT US.
Peace, Love and Success
Golden Komane
BUSINESS
MR TABLET | PAGE 53
“Poverty has the little to do with how much you make but has everything to do with the kind of lifestyle you choose.�
Why not make economics compulsory to pupils? Komane Golden CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
Everyone talks about making mathematics compulsory to pupils so that both our standard of math and education can see an incline for the next 10 years. I agree on that but we must not forget the importance of other key subjects like economics. If people, predominantly pupils, can understand fundamentals of economics then we can be better off as a country in 5 years to come. Everyday I hear economists and financial experts talking about the concerns of low economic growth of our country yet they do not acknowledge lack of economic education as the hidden cause. APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
BUSINESS
I know for sure that when I talk about economics some of you think of money. No, get a chill. Economics is the study of how the state, organisations and the society choose to use limited resources to satisfy unlimited needs and wants.
MR TABLET | PAGE 53
If our people can understand the theory of scarcity and opportunity cost, then they can make sound economic choices.
No, most do not even know what a fiscal policy means. Development at large needs its people, not only politicians, academia and economists who are at the minority within the minority. There is a huge difference between listening and participating; and to get them to participate we need to make economics a compulsory subject to every pupil at high school. If our people can understand the theory of scarcity and opportunity cost, then they can make sound economic choices. Trust me; if the government can legislate it as a compulsory subject in schools, pupils will be aware of the value of every rand and be able choose lifestyles appropriately.
Economic freedom is understanding economics of the country, so that you can know what you and your country’s resources are worth. #Economic Freedom In Our Lifetime
Poverty sometimes is not the issue of not having enough money (as a resource) but a consequence of wrong choice of lifestyle. Logically, budget speech is economically skewed and if almost half of the citizens have no idea of what economics is, is it then beneficial to have them listen to lots of Greek? CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
10 Digits
BUSINESS
RAPELANG RABANA | PAGE 12
Business-minded Rapelang Rabana is conquering the world Priya Pitamber
Source: Media Club South Africa
In her down time, Rapelang Rabana enjoys spending time in Cape Town, where she indulges in good food and wine. (Image supplied)
She started her own business, was featured on the cover of Forbes Africa magazine, and was invited to join a panel at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos in 2012 – all before she turned 30. But today, Rapelang Rabana admits that when she was 16, she did not even have a life plan. "All I knew was that I needed to find a way out of what I perceived to be a life system that imposed rules and obligations I didn't understand the purpose of," she explained. "The idea of working my way through more and more systems, from high school to university to the corporate world, weighed on me. But I had no idea this would mean that I would want to be an entrepreneur." CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
A mind for business
Rabana is the founder of Rekindle Learning, which describes itself as a "learning and development company that provides mobile and computer learning solutions that enable knowledge mastery and measurement in corporate and schooling environments". The online training and education company was launched in 2013. It was not her first foray into the business world: as soon as she graduated from university, where she studied computer sciences, Rabana co-founded Yeigo to develop one of the earliest mobile VoIP applications. Since those early days, she has learned a lot about herself and what works for her. "Our society teaches us to spend a lot of time looking 'out there' for success, but the ability to drive yourself to your full potential starts internally with personal mastery," she explained. APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
BUSINESS
"I was able to make the decisions I have made because I am very clear on what I can and cannot tolerate, what my nonnegotiables are, and what I value." In March, she was named one of 15 women changing the world in 2015 on the WEF website. According to the WEF, Rabana "actively promotes the role of women in business as well as the potential of mobile technology to seed new business opportunities that provide much-needed jobs and crack socioeconomic challenges".
Speaking in Davos In 2012, she was invited to speak on a panel entitled "The Future across Generations" at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. She said it became apparent to her the world was looking for answers to global challenges from all sectors of society, and that young people were able to shape perception, which was essentially the beginning of change.
RAPELANG RABANA | PAGE 13
Being on the cover as a representative and symbol of her generation of up and coming aspiring entrepreneurs made it even more of an achievement. Her next step is to have a big enough business to warrant a solo cover. When she was named Entrepreneur for the World in 2014, she even asked the World Entrepreneurship Forum if they were certain since "there are many people who have built far bigger and more successful enterprises". But she was indeed named Entrepreneur for the World, and she felt a deep sense of serenity. "Almost 10 years back I had made the decision to start my business despite the confusion, turbulent thoughts and emotions, not knowing what life would hold," she said.
"Now the trust I had placed in myself to chart my own path was reaping rewards I never could have conceived, all because I dared to listen to myself. Knowing the value of that choice 10 years on gave me great "The awe of the moment was particularly peace." pronounced when I realised that beyond the hundreds of participants at Davos, The woman behind the business savvy several interpreters, journalists, TV When Rabana does have down time, she broadcasters and media platforms were loves to enjoy the world-class cuisine – her listening [to] and recording my every favourite food is seafood and roasted word – when I 'ummed' even the vegetables – and wine in Cape Town. "A trip interpreters 'ummed,' " she said. "It's an to the winelands always helps. If not, I am interesting perspective to see the world." happy to be home with a good book," she said. She is currently reading Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowey.
Magazine covergirl
Being on the cover of Forbes Africa magazine in August 2013, alongside Wendy Ackerman, "the force behind Pick n Pay with her husband", made Rabana feel incredibly lucky and privileged. "It was an honour being where so many far more established and successful entrepreneurs have been, much later in their careers," she said. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
Her favourite TV show is Game of Thrones and she loves the movie Crash. She adores the colour black and the quote: "Nothing great is ever achieved in the past or in the future, only in the now." Her most prized possessions in her handbag are her two phones and her notebook. http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com/land-andpeople/4203-business-minded-rapelang-rabana-isconquering-the-world
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
BUSINESS
DJ SBU | PAGE 14
More fire for DJ Sbu and MOFAYA. Staff Reporter
S
ibusiso Leope popularly known as
DJ Sbu found himself in the pool mud after his marketing stunts failed. Few weeks ago, the controversial DJ and social entrepreneur got fired at Metro Fm for failing to follow orders. Sbu promoted his energy drink MOFAYA on stage at the Metro awards last month. Presenters of the Metro awards were instructed not to wear branded clothing that seeks to promote any brands other than that of the official sponsors. Paraffin was poured on the fire after Sbu retweeted the fabricated Forbes Africa cover which shows him holding his energy drink MOFAYA. Forbes Africa learnt that its cover has been faked after the picture went viral on social media. APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
BUSINESS
DJ SBU | PAGE 15
He lately escaped the fire, after Forbes Africa decided to withdraw the threats to take legal steps against him for unauthorised use of its trademark, brand and logo on social networks. The two have an “Besides escaping the Forbes fake reached agreement and cover, Nike and UNICEF distanced Forbes Africa themselves from claims that Sbu believed that DJ Sbu did not fake was their ambassadors.” the cover.
“On the 20th of March 2015 Forbes Africa was made aware of the fictitious cover being shared on social media of Sibusiso Leope, also known as DJ Sbu. The cover features the entrepreneur and an endorsement of Mr Leope’s locally manufactured energy drink,” Forbes Africa.
The CEO of Forbes Africa told 702 that they guard their cover jealously. People spend their whole lifetimes to get on that cover.
Besides escaping the Forbes fake cover, Nike and UNICEF distanced themselves from claims that Sbu was their ambassadors. Nike rather confirmed that they once hosted events with Sbu not ambassadorship.
The mind that reads is the mind beats the challenge Visit www.circleofconcern.co.za to subscribe for weekly updates CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
AFRICA
GHANA | PAGE 17
IMF approves US$918 million to help Ghana boost growth, jobs and stability The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility for Ghana. The amount is equivalent to SDR 664, 20 million (180 percent of quota or about US$918 million) according to the statement issued by the IMF. The assistance arranged is for medium-term economic reform program in achieving high growth and job creation.
International Monetary Fund ANNEX Source: IMF Website CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
Ghana has experienced strong and broadly inclusive growth over the last two decades and its medium-term economic prospects are supported by rising hydrocarbon production. APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
AFRICA
However, emergence of large fiscal and external imbalances, compounded by severe electricity shortages, has put Ghana’s prospects at risks. In recent years, a ballooning wage bill, poorly targeted subsidies and rising interest payments outpaced rising oil revenue and resulted in double digit fiscal deficits.
GHANA | PAGE 18
Growth decelerated markedly in 2014, to an estimated 4.2 percent, driven by a sharp contraction in the industrial and service sectors. This was due to the negative impact of the currency depreciation on input costs, declining domestic demand and increasing power outages.
These imbalances have led to high inflation, a decline in reserves, a significant depreciation of the Cedi and high interest rates, weighing on growth and job The assistance creation.
“the government started facing increasing financing difficulties.�
arranged is for medium-term economic reform program in achieving high growth and job creation.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
Inflationary pressures rose on the back of a large depreciation of the cedi and the financing of the fiscal deficit by Bank of Ghana (BoG). Despite several hikes in the policy interest rate in 2014 to 21 percent, headline CPI inflation reached 17.0 percent at end-2014, well above the 8 +/-2 percent target range of the BoG. The fiscal deficit remained high in 2014 despite gradual fiscal consolidation efforts undertaken since mid2013. In addition, the government started facing increasing financing difficulties. Delays in implementing some adjustment measures and unbudgeted wage allowances resulted in a higher-than-budgeted cash fiscal deficit of 9.5 percent of GDP. Additional domestic arrears were accumulated and the overall fiscal deficit on a commitment basis remained close to 10 percent of GDP. APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
AFRICA
The government has had to resort increasingly to short-term domestic debt, which now carries interest rates at around 25-26 percent, and significant monetary financing. A US$1Â billion Eurobond was successfully issued in September 2014, but at significantly higher interest rate than other issuers in sub-Saharan Africa. The external position weakened through mid-2014, with net international reserves reaching low levels in the third quarter and the exchange rate depreciating sharply.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
GHANA | PAGE 19
The exchange rate dropped sharply in the first 8 months of the year before recovering on the back of inflows from the September Eurobond and the US$1.8 billion short-term loan contracted by the Cocoa Board. The currency depreciation and the economic slowdown led to a substantial contraction of imports and a narrowing in the current account deficit, which nonetheless ended at 9.2 percent of GDP. For the year as a whole, the balance of payments was broadly balanced, leading to a fragile stabilization in international reserves, with gross reserves partly supported by large BOG’s short-term liabilities.
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
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EDUCATION
MR TABLET | PAGE 21
Children, Meet Your New Teacher: Mr Tablet By Harold Ncongwane
“The Department of Basic Education has recently announced that pupils have received tablets for their studies.�
Teacher: Children, meet Mr Tablet. Mr Tablet is black, thin and taller than your cell phone as you can see. He is very clever and knows everything about everything. His mother is Google and his father is Wi-Fi. He studied at the University of Internet and has been teaching adults for the past years but from now on he will be teaching you. Children, do not be shy to ask him anything, and I mean anything.
Pupils: Yes madam! CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
EDUCATION
The Department of Basic Education has recently announced that pupils have received tablets for their studies. This initiative is aimed at improving the education system of the South African society. This article is a follow up on the recent article entitled “How cell phones kill people,� however; the context is based in the classroom. The world is moving to the cybernetic area. Pupils are now exposed to a vast area of information on the net. When taught in class they can simply go to internet sites to access more information about their study topics. Having internet access for an African child means that they are connected to the research findings, new creations and developments in the world.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
MR TABLET | PAGE 22
Having access to the world means that their minds not only rely on their imagination, but also when a pupil is told about a space rocket they can search images to see how it looks like. Therefore, learning is no longer too abstract and imaginative. Yes, of course, these are positive connotations that one can take from the tablet programme implemented by Department of Basic Education; however, from a critical point of view, what are the chances of many teachers falling in trap of substituting their lessons with these tablets? I am concerned about how normal class interaction might be compromised. In my school years, going to class was exciting because teachers were engaging learners. Tablets were not there so we had the opportunity to learn from others and forced to think for ourselves.
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
EDUCATION
Giving attention to tablets could enforce laziness and unresponsiveness in learners since they might not even bother to study because they will get their answers from Google. This will also make them not to think on their own and use their own problem-solving method but constantly rely on the method provided on the internet. I do not want to imagine what happens in the Life Orientation or life skills class whereby it is expected that there has to be more discussion and interaction between the teacher and the pupils. The teacher is supposed to create an environment that stimulates creativity and awareness. This could have changed, mainly because pupils could be more focused on their tablets and this makes them not to be aware of what is happening in their tangible community. If you were to ask a pupil a question about issues in the community, they will be more likely to use the internet rather than writing about their day experiences and challenges in the apparent community. In addition, using tablets intensively in school subjects that require in-depth studying could be problematic since the pupils will not be encouraged to make their notes since this is an effective way of studying. They will be reading from their tablet, which means taking the information as it is and not relating it to their lives. If this is the case then what will be the point of going to school? The emphasis will be on getting the facts right from the internet so that they can remember during the exam but they will not learn to change and grow. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
MR TABLET | PAGE 23
We have read articles about how often pupils are not taught in class simply because some teachers are not committed and passionate about their work. There have been cases of neglect and total chaos in teacher’s administrations in public schools. Quite often, our teachers are not happy about their conditions of employment, and in past decade, we witnessed labour strikes related to salary adjustments. Based on this, could we say that the tablet initiative was introduced at a right time? Was it too early before we can resolve the current challenges that we are encountering in the teaching sector? Even so, was there enough training given to teachers so that they can empower those who cannot use these tablets and to be able to use them by themselves? In my opinion, if this project is to be extended and implemented further, there will be a need for integration between normal classroom interaction and usage of tablets. Teachers should be given skills that help them to use both the “tablet method” and normal teaching method to prepare pupils for real world challenges. After all, as an African society, we cannot neglect the African way of teaching where stories, conversations and art form part of our teaching methods. In order to enhance our children’s social skills we need to encourage more of physical interaction than technological interaction.
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
Rhodes, Kruger and others Must Not Fall.. Joint-Article
South Africa Forgets Its History
“Transformation advocacy of the University of Cape Town students, sparked a national debate on the future of both the colonial and apartheid monuments. As everything is centered on race, both black and whites feel wronged. Why removing/keeping the aforementioned statues is radical? Are we going to see changes by doing that? Is there any formulae to transformation?� Editor-In-Chief Komane Golden
POLITICS
COLONIAL AND APARTHEID HISTORY | PAGE 26
South Africa Forgets Its History
Harold Ncongwane
R
emoving the statues means we
are trying too hard to forget our history. In the recent weeks we have seen protests by the EFF Political Party that had a mission to physically destroy statues of the colonial figures including those of Paul Kruger located at the Church Square in Pretoria. These actions not only impacted on the political climate of the country but have also revived anger in our society. I share the same sentiments as Steve Hofmeyr who mentioned that the removal of statues of any historical figure would erase parts of South Africa’s history and certainly I say we cannot just forget our history in that manner. I have seen the power of political influence on the education of South Africa and I am afraid to imagine the future because I foresee more disruption in education sector, particularly universities such as the UCT, where we have seen students under the influence of political parties destroying the statue of the British colonialist Cecil Rhodes. I wonder what will happen to those who have taken their time to learn about this figure at an academic level. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
COLONIAL AND APARTHEID HISTORY | PAGE 27
Does this mean that they will simply forget or will they re-write their history? The point is, we cannot simply re-write or correct or history by a physical action such as spraying or removing a statue.
This could help them to counteract against colonialism or any form of discrimination that may take place in the future. The reality is that the previous generations have experienced these events and they choose to share with us, however we as the supposedly “new generation” we feel that these events are not important to us and as a result we think that statues are the first step to counteract the post-colonial or post-apartheid effects.
we cannot simply re-write or correct or history by a physical action such as spraying or removing a statue. South Africa has come a long way from the apartheid and colonial regime where a rich black history was created. Just like a coin there are two sides of the story, in a sense that from our history we can derive both positive and negative events. When we think about good events, we often feel good about our future and our origin. The question at hand is, are we encouraging our youth to destroy their heritage, is it realistic to say that we must only have statue for only good public figures. If we are saying that the statue must go, then it also means that when I go online to search “Paul Kruger” I should not find anything there because we are trying to forget such individuals. I fear for the future generations because we are too occupied with selecting what is good to our ears, and denying them the next generation to know about the harsh reality that can empower them to learn about the origin of South Africa. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
This makes us to want to share with the recent generation, in other words we feel proud of being a part of that history. However, on the contrary when we think about events that make us angry for an example the apartheid area, our mood changes and we become angry and experience turmoil. If we are saying that we want the future generation to know about our history, to know where they come, are we saying that they should only learn about good history and be deprived of knowing about the impact that Rhodes made on blacks by destroying his statue. APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
COLONIAL AND APARTHEID HISTORY | PAGE 28
I think that’s too dogmatic and certainly not consistent with our heritage values. We have learned that manly countries use statues to capture the rich history of their country to educate and expand tourism in the country, but how come do we destroy such monumental figures? It is expected that since I am a black man, I should support these missions of destroying statues of white figures, but I refuse to be ignorant and to forget the rich history of South Africa. I certainly refuse to become a part of that movement since these actions are not inspired by rational thinking but they are facilitated by anger, rage and hate for the other race.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
REMOVAL OF APARTHEID STATUES IS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY AND UNITY, DEMOCRACY IS BLEEDING ELEMENTS OF APARTHEID: It sound more democratic to remove apartheid statues, but this is a pure political populism within a democratic country, a vulnerable black person is dragged within evil act, unaware campaigning for votes of political structures and personal ambitions. The African National Congress members who are involving themselves in this popsterism act must never forget that what attracted international sympathy against apartheid was not the apartheid government but the conduct and evil act within apartheid government. Apartheid government was not a crisis, but what led to crisis was the conduct within it, the application of total abuse of power and privileges. It is very much worried now that what a group of ANC members has begun it's now being hijacked by Julius Malema and his party and I believe that their radicalism and media popularity will outshine the ANC, this might turn out to be an OWN GOAL. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
DEMOCRACY BLEEDING | PAGE 29
MJ Wa Azania
“a vulnerable black person is dragged within evil act� This is not the ANC of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Thambo, the legacy of our democracy is under siege and being ripped by people who understand nothing about the future of this country . It is a worrying factor that not even an open debate was held by senior members of the ANC, as much as ANC is a Civic organization to those who don't know, it's pathetic that what was once said to be history is now being used to give birth to racial battle and civil war. I Witness with shame today the division between black and white people within a democratic country. Next it will be Xhosa people calling for demolishing of Shaka Zulu statue ,and the question remain, what did Shaka Zulu did to South Africans, was his battle representing the country to deserve a statue? APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
The agreement for reconciliation came with no conditions, and it cannot be destroyed by fellow black people. How much will be spent building new statues? How many young graduates are without internships and Nsfas, but now millions will be spent building new statues. We can celebrate destroying statues now but after this one night stand celebration, we must expect tribalism statues argument. Tsonga people will call for a statue of HW Ntsanwisi and Nghunghunyani. Venda people will call for their own statues. Ndebele people will call for their own statues. Then this will tear south Africa apart and results to collapsing of unity, towards tribal and civil war. There's nothing political about removal of statues, this is just an agenda of using poor black people while there are real issues to focus on. How many buildings in South Africa and roads that were build during apartheid era, why we are not destroying them?
DEMOCRACY BLEEDING | PAGE 30
This might trigger international countries sympathy and intervention and we must not be surprised tomorrow to experience what other African countries are experiencing from super powers countries that are dominated by white people. The focus of unemployment is being shifted to personal agendas.What does a statue do to black people, Millions of black people took pictures in that statue,they never had a problem, the same people who are destroying it took pictures there and host meetings
“The agreement for reconciliation came with no conditions” there, so today it remind them of apartheid. Educate people about it, and let there be solutions regarding our triple challenges we are facing, if the statues is the cause.
Is this the democratic country we wanted!? The power that we are investing destroying statues should be invested in questioning corruption and nepotism as well as youth unemployment.
Hundreds of unemployed people are forever gathering at Church square everyday ,no state official or politician ever went there and question why they are not employed, but the statue in that area is more visible than the unemployed Young people there.
We are using our personal ambitions to punish wrong people, White people who were leading apartheid are no more, those statues should remain as a symbol that we once had white oppressors and now we have white friends.
South Africa we lost it. We are promoting unnecessary hatred and division. We are heading towards tribal politics after this then civil war will come, that will be the end of democracy. Cry my beloved South Africa.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
REPORT | PAGE 32
Paul Kruger statue defaced. Staff Reporter
T
he call for removal of
historical statues left Paul Kruger’s statue lime green at the Pretoria, Church Square. Tshwane officials said it was still unclear as to who could have painted the statue. This came few days the Economic Freedom Fighters threatened to physically remove historical statues associated with white supremacy. A week before ANC Youth League called for the removal of Paul Kruger’s statue. According the Eye Witness News (EWN) statues of Cecil John Rhodes in Cape Town, King George in Durban, Queen Victoria in Port Elizabeth and now Paul Kruger in Pretoria have all been vandalised. The removal of monuments started last month at the University of Cape Town after students wanted the ventriloquist Rhodes to be removed. This was claimed to be a call of transformation at UCT and the end of white supremacy. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
VAVI FIRED | PAGE 33
COSATU fires Zwelinzima Vavi with immediate effect.
Staff Reporter The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) dismisses its general secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi with immediate effect. Vavi was dismissed for violated organisational conduct and exposed COSATU’s financial state, deputy General Secretary, Bheki Ntshalintshali told media houses at a press conference.
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
VAVI FIRED | PAGE 34
"I am a fighter. I do not just walk away when I think something is wrong," Zwelinzima Vavi
The statement released by the Federation states that the General Secretary violated the COSATU code of conduct for staff and leaders which on amongst others day that leaders are the face of the organisation, the custodians of organisational decisions and must be alert to, and make others aware of any potential damages to the local and global image of the Federation. Furthermore the statement states that the dismissed general secretary failed to co-operate with other structures of the Federation in a spirit of mutual trust and good faith. COSATU Special CEC, concluded that the fired general secretary must henceforth stop speaking on behalf of the federation as a general secretary. According to News24, Vavi vowed to continue his fight. "I am a fighter. I do not just walk away when I think something is wrong," he told Fin24 in response to reports that he intended accepting his dismissal as general secretary of COSATU and would leave to establish a rival federation. Vavi was advised to return everything that belongs to the Federation.
Source: Flick , Abayomi Azikiwe CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
LIMPOPO | PAGE 36
Limpopo official on an allege Porn bill. Staff Reporter According to the City Press the Public Protector’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said that the issue was raised by a Nehawu [National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union] representative during a Everything was session chaired by on an reported to have [Malunga] taken place last year unrelated matter.” August during economics trip to the The office of the Public United States but the Protector is currently the matter hit the investigating spotlight this year payment of the bill which has been January. allegedly paid by the Responding on a legislature. Opposition statement, Masoga parties including the Alliance claimed that Democratic everything was just (DA) have promised to was just a smear raise questions in the regarding campaign of ending legislature his political journey. the allege porn bill. The people daily newspaper City Press reported a story on allegations that the deputy speaker of Limpopo legislature Lehlogonolo Masoga used state money for porn.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
SOCIAL
I AM SATISFIED | PAGE 38
I am satisfied Thabisile Mashabela
F
or so long in my life I was
trained to be nice, respect everyone, care for someone, go to school, graduate, get a job in government, buy a house, get married, and restart the cycle with my kids again. I was walking in that path and the wrong appeared so wrong. It strained me because it was always about helping someone; somebody needs my life. It was until recently that none of the other wishes counts if I am not satisfied.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
SOCIAL
People will drain the life out of you because you allow them, condone it and spoil them for choice. I stopped needing people; materials. I found a road that is okay with who I am, and who I am is the soul that wakes up with excitement. Yes, I sell sweets and chips every morning at a school gate. I do it with a smile. I laugh with my customers. It is not what I had in mind at 28 years old, but it’s what I have right now. Yes, I get people that look at me like I should have went to school. I did go to school. Yes, before my breakthrough I thought that with my business skills I should be the CEO of my company. Now anyone can say and look at me however. This is my story and I am satisfied with the business I am running right now. It teaches me patience, people’s behaviour; it’s teaching me things I didn’t learn in class, and maybe God told me to succeed here before I could run a big company. It is not that I have fallen because I am selling sweets and snacks. In fact, I found myself selling them. It was humiliating because I was travelling the road of doing for people.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
I AM SATISFIED | PAGE 39
It teaches me patience, people’s behaviour; it’s teaching me things I didn’t learn in class, I would be with my wheelbarrow singing every morning, enjoying what I do. I am happy I am giving my best to this. I understand something and I listen to what speaks to my soul. Really, life is what you make of it. It is not the quantity but quality. This money I make, I have helped few people with it, and people borrow from the same pocket. I am making a difference here and there. It feels good and it is an honest living. I am a 28 year old single woman. I do not get hits from guys, I do not have a car and I live at home. I have never had my nails done and never touched a Brazilian hair but I go out when I want to. I laugh so hard every day. I look at my daughter and she melts my heart. It is the small things, I tell you, that satisfy me.
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
OPINION | PAGE 40
BLACK JOURNALISTS ARE PUSHING WESTERN AGENDA UNAWARE. MJ WA Azania
S
ince
the
Dawn
of
democracy lack of transformation within the media and journalism industry became more visible and this has made it impossible to transfer and transform apartheid owned media companies into democratic country where one is expected to apply fairness, objective and accuracy. During the apartheid era media and journalism were channels used by the then government to push their agendas and discredit a black souls, within a democratic country media and journalism are still the available channels to reduce South Africa and destroy its legacy. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
The halt of Civic Journalism in South Africa was not a human error but a deliberate motive arranged prior democratic government to shy away reconstructing challenges faced by many black people. With civic Journalism arguing that media doesn't only inform the community, but it engage with them and create Public debate in finding solutions on the crisis facing the country, never ever we have seen foreign owned media companies trying to apply civic Journalism in their reporting until that moment where SABC, Sowetan and Daily Sun decided to to stand for fair and accuracy in reporting. APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
POLITICS
The regulation of media and journalism during the apartheid era was meant to silence media! More especially black owned media from tarnishing the image of government, no One was worried about it because the term information bill was not popular by then.
We can argue and claim that government is introducing information Bill but no one is questioning the arrogance and brutality of foreign media on the Government,
Role players in media and journalism were told what to report and how to report, it was the very same Information bill that foreign owned media is against it now, no wonder the photographer of Hector Peterson's picture was not safe. We can argue and claim that government is introducing information Bill but no one is questioning the arrogance and brutality of foreign media on the Government, especially where a senior black journalist is fronted to champion this agenda. The success of Xoli Mgambi, the success of Mzilikazi Wa Africa was through tarnishing and diminishing a black person in an African country. It took them an entrance to a foreign owned media to be where they are and the salary they are earning. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
OPINION | PAGE 41
In most of the hard news stories that seek to expose the government and tarnish its legacy there's always a black journalist and a white photographer just to hide the Agenda. The two forms part of the highest paid journalists in South Africa. Owners of those media companies cannot be traced but only a name of a company and group of black journalists involved in writing. This is more like fronting of Black journalists and ignore the impact it has in the country, in this little democracy, as long as the western mandate within foreign owned media companies carried on.
There's always a black journalist and a white photographer just to hide the Agenda. Even black junior journalists are aware that if you want to live better life you must join foreign companies that country owned companies, they mind less about the damage they cause. In the diary meeting, stories are directly coming from Chief Editors to black journalists while white journalists will be working in a documentary. Media and politics will never be separated, there's always a western and African agenda. I think credit should be given to ANN7, SABC, Sowetan and Daily Sun for at least trying to sustain civic Journalism. Abuse of freedom of speech and expression: APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
ARTS
EYE ON CIRCLE OF ARTS | PAGE 42
Eye on Circle of Arts
With Shadreck Makhubu
T
he beauty of this world is
in the artistic hearts of visionaries, the game changers and anti-conformers. Life would be futile without arts and its magic. Circle of Arts is seeking to unhide unrealised local talent. As we are on our first episode of Eye on Circle of Arts, join us chilling and rolling with a Soshanguve Block x artist by the name of Shadreck Makhubu also known as Zakhele (Zakes). The stories told through arts (any form) are amazing. Let’s explore what Zakes has for our readers.
Who are you?
I am Shadreck Makhubu, some call me Zakhele ( Zakes). A Soshanguve based artists.
Describe the kind of arts you are doing? I do caving and drawing but most of my pieces are in caving.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
When did you start doing art?
I don’t exactly remember when (Laughs) but I started drawing at primary school. When I got to secondary I met a teacher called Mojapelo who introduced me to caving and I fell in love with it. After learning caving from Mojapelo, he then gave me a task to complete. After completing his task I couldn’t wait to show him what I did, fortunately one of the teacher was impressed and decided to buy my piece.
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
ARTS
What inspired you to be an artist?
The environment and township lifestyle in an illusion way. I wanted to express my feelings with arts. I am using art to give to explain what I cannot say in sentences. You seems to be more interested in caving tell us more? Unlike pencilling, with caving you literally gibe wood. When you are done with it, a blind can feel it and tell you what it is.
EYE ON CIRCLE OF ARTS | PAGE 43
Zakes' Work
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Eish (thinks) in five years to come I see myself owing a small arts store where all artists can sell their stuff. I know it’s not that big but I want to start somewhere with the high level of maturity in terms of business. Arts gallery are life-time plans, I will predict the in the next five years.
How do you distribute your pieces? I normally do door to door but recently Tshwane has been helping me to show-off my work. Lately, I exhibited some of my work at Cate Motubatse library.
Where can people get hold of you?
People can contact me. Those who are interested can go to Facebook to get my numbers.
Are you on social media?
People can also reach me through Facebook mostly.
Any website?
We are still working on it. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13
ENTERTAINMENT
SENYAKA DIES BROKE | PAGE 44
Senyaka dies financially broken. The well-known Chesampama “Senyaka Kekana” star was reported to have died financially broken. According to City Press, a well-known Kwaito star Senyaka Kekana died with no penny. Kekana’s older brother, Papa Mayisela, told City Press that they were asking everyone to assist in any way they could and Johannesburg jazz club Bassline had even offered its venue free of charge for the memorial service. Staff Reporter