MAY 2015
Social | Economic | Political Minded Leaders
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
YOU ARE NOT AN AFRICAN AN OPEN LETTER TO XENOPHOBIANS
IF EARTH COULD TALK DEAR LIMPOPO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
Troops rescued about 300 females in Nigeria.
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From Medunsa to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS
INSIDE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 5
MAY 2015
Inside....................... Editor's note`s
8
You are not an African
9
Troops rescued about 300 females in Nigeria 12 Call me “Babe” one more
13
From Medunsa campus to Sefako Makgatho University 16 About Sefako Makgatho University If the earth could talk 17
YOU ARE NOT AN AFRICAN CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
CONTENTS
Insides Continue.......... If earth could talk
INSIDE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 6
18
Human's position in Nature......Where do we fit in? 20 Is marrying for money/security prostitution? 22 The lost generation or the lost generation? 24 Pain reality of our youth Inside Big Brother African lives
26 28
30
Critics over Facebook move Does true love exist?
32 33
Dear Limpopo provincial government 39
Sefako Makgatho
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
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 ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
EDITORIAL
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | PAGE 8
Fail and Fail, before succeeding Editor’s note. If that’s what you do when confronted by problems, then I am afraid you are not part of us entrepreneurs. We are problem-solver, game changer, visionaries, hustlers and doers that’s why we do not quit nor conform. For the first in life feeling the real let-down, yes I failed a lot but I never felt like a failure. I failed in my magazine, studies, relationship and most importantly is a business but quitting has never been my friend. I failed and failed again because I know that the well baked cake had to go through tremendous heat so I am bound to see through lion’s mouth for me to succeed.
Business is not meant for the faint-hearted, the quitters and the weakest. It is always hard to accept that one day, the sky will be cloudy to an extent that you end up not seeing the light. When such things happen, do you give up hoping for the light and better future? Do you say its fine and you walk away? Do you hide and pretend as if nothing is happening or happened?
If it’s not Informative, Entertaining, Controversial and Educating, IT’S NOT US.
Peace, Love and Success
Golden Komane
Write to the Editor-In-Chief golden@circleofconcern.co.za | mpho@catheltech.co.za (Assistant) CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
AFRICA
OPEN LETTER | PAGE 9
You are not an African An Open Letter to Xenophobians
Harold Ncongwane
You are not an African; you are not a part of us. If you there when a Somalian child lost both of his parents because of your actions then you are not part of the Africa. When Thabo Mbeki was still the president of South Africa he made a world renowned speech “I am an African". In his speech he emphasizes how proud and privileged it is to become an African. As I stand today and see my black brothers and sisters from Zimbabwe, Somalia and Mozambique die in front of my eyes and I feel embarrassed to say that I am also an African.
“He emphasizes how proud and privileged it is to become an African.” In the 2008, I had established some relationship and brotherhood with a few Zimbabweans. I treated them like my family because I learnt a lot about humility and determination.
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One day I came back from school and I was informed that there had been Xenophobic attacks and my friends were gone. So I kept silent because I was afraid to go against the elders in my community. These were elders I valued and honoured. Initially I saw these elders as role model, to me they were true community leaders, but I after I heard and saw what they did to my African brothers I failed to accept their xenophobic tendencies and their approach towards foreign internationals. I still have vivid memories and intense flashbacks of blood and deep wounds that commanded death before my African friends.
“I failed to accept their xenophobic tendencies and their approach towards foreign internationals.” ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
AFRICA I saw you when the Sithole family lost its bread winner, the father of an African child and I was disgusted that your fellow brothers were condoning your mission. I saw you when you mobilized your stupid friends to go and destroy Mr. Chakuro’s shop and steal from him because you are lazy to write a CV or start your own business. I would have forgiven you if you had left him alive with some money to go back to his country of origin, but I guess you could not give him the least thing you could ever give to a person, a second chance to live. After all, you were after his pride and his success.
“You mobilized your stupid friends to go and destroy Mr. Chakuro’s shop and steal”
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
OPEN LETTER | PAGE 10 It is not his problem that you cannot run your businesses well and it was not his intention that you lose customers therefore you have no right to take his belongings. This is not African, you are not an African. I saw you taking your last money to buy petrol to express yourself hatred and sickness to others and later say "bayahlanya" You are the one who deserve this tittle "Mr. Baya Hlanya". Allow me to use my field of expertise in psychology and officially tell you that you are crazy "Uyahlanya" because you cannot consider yourself as normal after what you done. If you were there and laid a hand on your fellow black brother or sister, please do us a favour. When you visit the bank to complete a form for a loan, please do not select African, please tick "other". You are not a part of us, You are not an African. As I write this article I question myself how did you do it? , how do you sleep at night, and, who gave you the right and privilege to decide when to take someone's life? You are worse than Serial Killers who serve life sentence in prison. You are not an African. You take more lives faster than the HIV/Aids epidemic which is one of the major concerns in Sub Saharan Countries, you are an epidemic in Africa. You are the problem of Africa. If you part of the xenophobic drives, you are worse than Apartheid master minds. You have lost your humanity, you are not human. This letter is for all those who are behind the xenophobic massacre, you are official announced as a Non- African.
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
Spoken Words Express yourself through poetry
Send your Poems for Publishing In Circle of Concern Magazine
#Cpoetry
@CoCMagazine st e e B r zin u a o Y ag M
AFRICA
NIGERIA REPORTING | PAGE 12
Troops rescued about 300 females in Nigeria. Staff reporter. Nigeria – Unidentified females have rescued by Nigerians troops after a deliberate search Northeast Sambisa forest on the 28 April 2015. National spokesperson Major General Chris Olukolade said could not conclude on the identity of the 200 girls and 93 women rescued. "I can only confirm the rescue this afternoon of 200 girls and 93 women in different camps in the forest. We are yet to determine their origin as all the freed persons are now being screened and profiled," he said. Olukolade added that at least three major terrorist sites have been demolished in the well-coordinated attacks that include the destruction of the notorious Boko Haram's Tokumbere camp in the Sambisa forest. Last year, Boko Haram abducted close to 300 schoolgirls at Chicok and due a dozen managed to escape while the other 219 remain missing.
DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA @DefenceInfoNG Troops captured and destroyed 3 terrorists camps including the notorious Tokumbere camp in the #Sambisa Forest Operation CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
POEM
POETRY SLAM | PAGE 13
Call me “babe” one more time Mpho Molapo I thought all was well and sealed, I thought the road to finding the one was no longer mine, I found you and I thought you are mine forever, I found you and all I saw was eternity with you. The love fire was incomparable, The intimacy was one of its own, My “right one” was finally there, What more could I ask for? Two years down the line and the fire speed died a slow death, Two years down the line I thought all can be fixed, My wish of what used to be – my wish of whom we used to be. I wonder if you really knew my name thenAs I have never heard you calling it; Honeybunch, sweetheart, my lovely one, and oh yes, Babe, was all I heard! When you called me Babe my blood just did a 100 metres per second, All soft things became hard, and all the hard things became soft. How I loved the sound of your voice when you called me, How nice it was to be called Babe. All have passed but never forgotten, All were nice and are now memories. Before you close the door for good, Before I write a new chapter of this unfair life of mine, Before my tears dry out, Please do me just one favour; Please do just what I will always remember you by; Please, call me Babe just one last time!
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
Be in m ul df
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ire d! In sp
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Be
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IRCLE OF CONCERN MAG
EDUCATION
UNIVERITY NEWS | PAGE 16
From Medunsa campus to Sefako Makgatho University Mahlora Chokwe The Ga-Rankuwa Medical University of Southern Africa well known as the Medunsa campus has been serving institution for medical student since 1976 under the parental of University of Limpopo. Now the honoured leader whom fought for freedom is the Late Mr Sefako Makgatho whom the Medunsa campus is now named after him. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in Ga-Rankuwa, focus on health and
allied health sciences courses as part of the government grand plan to expand access to education and training opportunity for the youth. The day was blessed by the presence of the honourable President Jacob Zuma as he did the unveiling of the statue of the late Mr Sefako Makgatho. The university is now officially called Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in GaRankuwa located in Ga-Rankuwa township
next to Dr George Mukhari academic hospital, Outside Pretoria. The launch of SMU was filled with science matric learners of 2015 and student enrolling at the University for the Open of a new name of their institution. The university opened its doors in January 2015 after the Medunsa campus was uncoupled from the University of Limpopo and incorporated into SMU. 2015 student registration statistics number is 5 060 in total and it’s aimed to increase the number of young people in education, employment and training. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
About Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande has established a new institution, i.e., the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) whose main purpose is teaching, research and community engagement. This was published in the South African Government Gazette no: 37658 of the 16 May 2014. The University is located at GaRankuwa at the then Medunsa campus of the University of Limpopo, previously known as the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA).The University opened its doors in January 2015 and continues with the academic programmes offered at the then Medunsa campus. Mr Sefako Makgatho was a politician, journalist, educationalist and theologian who championed the South African struggle. After the passing of Mr Makgatho in 1951, Nelson Mandela named his son from his 1st wife Evelyn after him. The university aim to produce highly qualified health personnel that provide holistic health science education that meets the health of the people.
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
EDUCATION
UNIVERITY NEWS | PAGE 17
About Sefako Makgatho University When was SMU established? SMU was established when the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande in terms of section 20 of the Higher Education Act 1997 (Act 101 of 1997) promulgated the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in the SA Government Gazette no: 37658 of 16 May 2014. The promulgation followed the announcement made in 2011, by Minister Nzimande, when he announced his intention to separate the Medunsa Campus, from the University of Limpopo. The minister's intention was based on the findings and recommendations of the task team that was established and led by Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, former Vice-Chancellor of University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and Dr Max Price, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Town (UCT).
When did SMU open its doors? The university opened its doors in January 2015 after the Mendunsa Campus was uncoupled from the University of Limpopo and incorporated into SMU
Where is SMU located? SMU is located at Ga-Rankuwa Township (next to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital). GPS coordinates: 25.37.8 South, 28.1.22 East
What courses are offered by SMU? SMU focuses on health and allied health sciences courses as part of government grand plan to expand access to education and training opportunities for the youth, by increasing the number of young people in education, employment and training.
How to apply to study at SMU? Visit : www.smu.ac.za and go to prospective students.
Who is Sefako Makgatho? The late Sefako Makgato whom the university is named after, is a highly acclaimed politician, journalist, educationist and theologian who struggle for South Africa that is legitimate, non-exploitative and democratic.
Source: http://www.smu.ac.za/ CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
ENVIRONMENT
IF EARTH COULD TALK | PAGE 18
If earth could talk… Ofentse Maluleka
The earth is a very complex system, which within it you find complex interrelated subsystems. The systems include the biosphere (where living beings are located), hydrosphere (area containing water), geosphere (area consisting of rocks), lithosphere (area consisting of the soil), cryosphere (area consisting of ice) and the atmosphere (region consisting of gases for life). I believe when research was done in the past to gather information about the earth on how we ought to live inorder to satisfy our (human) needs people were happy and jumping. Profits were made, from utilizing the natural resources and even today it hasn’t stopped. Mining in Africa is the biggest industry after agriculture. But there is a problem, one which I think had and still divides the world…THE EARTH IS DETERIORATING!!
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
ENVIRONMENT The problem is that all of them are interrelated, contributing to one give birth to the other. Our environment is depleting, we are losing our natural aesthetic value and Gods creation. I guess climate change began as just a very hot summer to a coldest winter. Today climate change is a driver of many environmental concerns, ranging from a lack of rainfall to loss of coral reefs due to acidification of oceans and overheating. The same businesses that made profit from this are the ones contributing more and more to this phenomenon. The economic systems that deteriorated the natural world in the past are back and it seems this time they are to stay. Lately there has been a great debate that developed are playing the developing world, big companies locate in developing states in promise of wealth only to be paid peanuts and a stack of money being spent in the developed world. Why is this, why are people so cruel…is it being clever (developed) or being too poor (developing)? I don’t know if they are not aware or they just being ignorant to the fact that we are living within the same planet. The earth is a closed-system, whether you in Europe or Africa you still on EARTH and an injury to one is an injury to all. Pollute our air…the wind currents will make sure that a certain amount of pollutants reach you wherever you are. We are creating machines that deteriorate our natural world, our gift from God. The life in the sea is getting lost because of poor shipping of goods. Our soil is losing its quality due to acid rain and overcultivation of land. Mining industry makes a lot profit and a lot of pollution. I want to write to an open letter to the natural world…
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
IF EARTH COULD TALK | PAGE19
Dear Mother Earth First and foremost, I would like to send apologies on behalf of the earth-inhabitants (excluding the non-rational) whom are busy rotting your body. Money has made people to be greedy and technology has blinded them. They think it can solve all the pains and sores they ignite on you. Hopefully it will all end when the biggest syndrome of all diseases… climate change take over The good thing about this is that “US” environmentalists are working hard to bring life to its normal sense. Solutions are put in-place, just need implementation… I wonder if the earth could read and write what would it respond be to me or the whole world. Would it stop giving us food, air, water or land… I wonder would happen to our artificial materials. If the earth could talk … “Hi there, can you please stop what you doing and start to be responsible for all your actions. Why are you so ignorant, when information about my body is delivered to you. Today I am dirty, have developed holes in my ozone and sometimes I cry this acidic content I don’t really connect with as it makes other parts of my body suffer” What would you do if the earth starts sending-out invoices about our debt, will you pay? The transition from this personal egoist has contributed to the long term degradation of our natural capital. Our desires and freedom of supply and demand has turned Mother Earth into a patient with care-less nurses ignoring the doctor’s guide, yes environmentalists are nature’s doctors. Furthermore … Hello Mr Capitalist, it is because of you that my body is itchy and I have difficulties in maintaining my body temperature and as a result some contents of me struggle to survive due to chronic climate change. You dig deep within me, extracting and exploiting my belongings. You grow rich while I deplete and degrade. Homo-sapiens, I thought you and I were friends when some of you started recognizing my suffering and preached the gospel all over the world. You care-less for me but I care-more for you as I provide food, oxygen and area of rest for you. I wonder how you treat your friends, do you always betray them? Protect the natural world, because they are possibly as closest as we could get to GOD!! ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
ENVIRONMENT
IF EARTH COULD TALK | PAGE 20
HUMAN’S POSITION IN NATURE…WHERE DO WE FIT IN? Ofentse Maluleka “The joy and meaning of life is enhanced through the increased self-realization, through the fulfilment of each being’s potential. Whatever the differences between beings, increased self-realization implies broadening and deepening of the self” (Arne Naess 2003: 269).
The conflicting claim that human beings are more superior to other species in nature has long been debated and still unclear even today to others. Human’s ability to be rational has actually ignited the force of anthropocentrism, which is to be ignorant and bias towards other species. To separate ourselves from the rest of nature, to believe who we are has inherent worth and to reject the laws of evolution is to be immoral. Evolution suggests that environmental changes in the past have caused changes within the species gene pool in order to produce new form of species that can survive. God’s will have allowed the adaptation to the environment by the new species. We are creatures made in the image of God to be part of nature and that itself has a purpose. Question is, where do humans fit in? What is our role in nature? CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
“To separate ourselves from the rest of nature, to believe who we are has inherent worth and to reject the laws of evolution is to be immoral.” Past studies has proved that the world has three types of people, self-centred, life-centred lastly eco and bio-centred. The first group believes in economics and better living conditions, second group are those who try to balance economics and natural cycles, eco and bio-centred group has a holistic approach in gaining economic dominance while preserving the natural cycles by focusing on deeper issues. Shifting concerns from pollution to biodiversity. To arrive to the third group perspective, one has to be aware of his role and position in nature. Firstly because humans and non-humans (including the land-soil, water and atmosphere) all are present in the same time within the same boat, justifies that humans are just ordinary members of the community of species just like other species (Taylor 2003:207). Secondly nature consists of an ecosystem that is complex and interrelated, one depending on the other for survival (Taylor 2003:207). Lastly for the benefit of all, it means every being has to pursue its own good (Taylor 2003:207). ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
ENVIRONMENT
IF EARTH COULD TALK | PAGE 21
Those three points holds the key to understanding our role in nature and making us aware that actually we are not apart but a part of nature. Therefore “rationality” does not hold much power to become a scalefactor on which grounds are determined to distinguish superiority.
Humans are part of nature not apart from nature, we too have our own intrinsic value. We have our own good to pursue too. Therefore there has to be a change facilitated within our value systems as individuals, to judge things from their own moral standing not from our (human) moral standing.
In general sense, one cannot say A is better than B because each has its own unique properties. Our ability to make moral judgements cannot be compared to a monkey’s agility, soil’s ability to bear food, atmosphere’s ability to sustain life within this closed system. Just because we don’t understand their way of life does not mean their world is not as interesting as ours.
If our actions trigger other members of the community therefore they should be changed. Actions I mean the economic systems we have introduced, which has polluted the soil, water and air we breathe. We actually have to be greateful to nature as it offers us with food, water, air and land to live. But because economics sustain life, therefore they should be integrated with the natural world.
Let us look at a practical example, humans breathe-in oxygen and release carbon dioxide which plants absorb and release oxygen. We each need other to survive. Again plants offer us medicine, food and fuelwood and again they are habitats to other animals and insects.
Keep in-mind that technology cannot solve all our problems, can it? If so how about we use it to fix the Ozone layer… The best way to live honestly is to have an environmental awareness perspective. We should atleast be caring stewards of this world, because nature does not need us for survival.
This is a good example to substantiate our second point (interrelation) above. But such instrumental values cannot be used to justify their worth only the concept of intrinsic value has enough depth to make this judgement. “Only a mountain has the right to judge, because it has been here long before us_Unknown”
Reference
Pierce C and VanDeveer, D. 2003. The Environmental Ethics and Policy book. Third Edition. USA: Holly Allen
“If our actions trigger other members of the community therefore they should be changed. Actions I mean the economic systems we have introduced, which has polluted the soil, water and air we breathe.” CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
TRUE TALKS | PAGE 22
Is marrying for money/ security prostitution? Mpho Mhlanga
W
hen I was doing my 1st year at varsity it
was good but it lasted only a semester when I realised NSFAS will not continue paying for my studies. I was frustrate, realising my dreams of getting my degree are coming to a break I didn’t plan.
R MA
For some reasons I wanted to do anything possible to get that R10 000 for one semester so I too can be like other young people out there. My whole world shattered when registration dates closed.
GE RIA
E LOV
I felt so inconsequential like I failed myself. My dreams and my passion where still in my heart but capital bridged my plans. Like most young people I was young, fresh from high school, naive, analytical and a virgin. With both my parents unemployed I had to hustle hard. it was not my fault my dreams goy shuttered but it will be my fault if I’d let anything put a stop to them while I’m still able to prevent it.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
TRUE TALKS | PAGE 23
I too wanted to live the good life and having sex with a few guys seemed too easy till I stand up on my own feet. Reality hit me hard while I still had those thoughts the semester ended without me getting any job whatsoever and while my peers talked about how stressful university life is I was forced to hide at home every single day.
He was driving a BMW I mean I saw myself as lucky really though I had a boyfriend that didn’t stop me from going with him on a date. We meet once and though he introduced me to his mom and sister, the date was doggy. He even asked to have sex with me on that day which I refused to, he was divorced and a former pastor and has three kids.
It was frustrating. Yes I Googled jobs from cleaning to retail, tried applying for loans, even went to the library many times to grab a book and read so I can be equipped with knowledge.
I got home and told him I can’t see him anymore. As days go by and I thought of how he could benefit me on my studies. While that was my second year not studying. I called him once asked if he could pay my studies and I’ll pay him when I’m working as he was a business man. He asked me he will only do so if I marry him. I was puzzle hence I did not love him on anyway.
My peers talked about how stressful university life is I was forced to hide at home every single day.
I lied to my friends that I’m still studying part time because I was embarrassed of my lifestyle. Unexpectedly one afternoon on my way to church I met this guy. I wasn’t looking my best but I guess the glory of God covered my discoloured clothes. He stopped me and we spoke through the window. We exchanged names and numbers and the immediately before I arrived at church he called. That was a catch.
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The time I meet him I didn’t feel the connection between us. The situation felt so abusive. The thought of living with someone all my life because he had money. Finally declined his terms. He started pulling back, saying he will think about my terms. A month passed he said nothing. Three months passed and I gave up on him. Even today I still don’t know his name and surname. Many youngsters fall into abusive traps like this one because one person feel like they owe their lives to the other after they have been saved by them, be it through money, emotions even psychological. Even when both Individuals have a mutual condition on marriage apart from love, the partnership will always favour one than the other.
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
EDUCATION
ARTS & CULTURE | PAGE 24
The lost generation or the lost languages? Mpho Molapo
W
alking around the capital city,
It only becomes an issue when I use my second language as
Pretoria, or any other urban place in South
my first, talking to a friend of mine who speaks the same
Africa, doing some shopping in the CBD or
home language as myself, and when someone asks me why
the mall where a lot of people hang out or do
I am doing that, I will simply say “Sepedi se a bora.”
their shopping, one comes across different
[Sepedi is boring] The belief that indigenous African
people from different cultures, races and
languages are boring and they lack vocabulary or “fancy
countries. All these people speak one
words” has spread across to the point that even people who
language which unifies them, the Queen’s
grew up in the 70s and 80s undermine their languages, and
language.
this is really a threat to the languages because if it continues like this then in years to come the government of
Isn’t it great that, as humans, we can actually
that time would be saying “There are five original Xhosa
communicate with whomever we come
speakers left in the world,” as if reproduction never
across in just one language? Surely it makes
continued in the AmaXhosa nation because of the
our lives a lot easier. No need for interpreters
introduction of the Queen’s language as the home language
and translators.
of most Africans.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
EDUCATION
ARTS & CULTURE | PAGE 25 It can be an exception when one says that they cannot read in their mother tongue because they never received any training in reading and writing it. Well, they are not the ones who decided to do that, right? Their parents decided on their behalf when they were still young. It however becomes a surprise when a first language speaker who has his or her first language as a subject on their matric certificate says that he/she cannot read in their home language. One question could be “Are you the problem or the language itself is? Or maybe your teachers are the problem because they were using another language while teaching you your home language, like teaching Sepedi in English maybe?” This has led to the crucifixion of our indigenous languages even at university level. A group of students sitting together under a tree at their campus or in a restaurant in the afternoon, most of them meeting for the first time, and the big question of “What are you studying?” will always come up. Most of the time none of those students would expect one of them to say: “I am doing a degree or a diploma in languages, majoring in Xitsonga or Setswana.” If that happens, the big “WHY do you study that?” would follow. In most people’s minds, studying your home language at a university and thereafter getting a degree or a diploma is like madness. Well, if you can talk it you know it, therefore no need to study it, right? WRONG! Most people are not aware that for them to be able to know that a particular English word is from Latin or Greek is because of someone somewhere who was interested in broadening the knowledge to the world by translating that information or interpreting it to the target language speakers who then put it on record so that it would not get lost. Are we lost or is there something wrong with our languages?
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
TRUE TALKS | PAGE 26
Painful Reality of our Youth
Xolela Sohuma writes
It's painful when someone is clearly aware of their situation back at home and they go to school and play with the opportunities given to learn and excel ( You will find learners and students who perform so badly in their studies are the very same students/learners who need financial support such as bursaries. Here is a tricky thing, they know for a fact that their results is their tickets out of poverty and desperation and yet they simply won't do what they need to do to get to where they wish to be. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
They will flood your mail box with feel sorry for me stories, instead of focusing on their studies and excelling). It's even worse when one comes from a very disadvantaged background and arrogantly goes through life as if someone owes them a favour. If you were to go to either my Facebook page or group you'll find an emerging trend amongst young people, the notion that things must be handed to them as if it's their birth right. ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
TRUE TALKS | PAGE 27
I am beyond annoyed by the stupidity and carelessness of some of the questions I have to address. Here's my issue, if you know how to use Facebook, you certain should know how to use the Internet as an information sources to enrich your knowledge, (you'd think that wouldn't you, ooh NO dear, this could not be further from the truth.
This is my daily cry; I am totally consumed with anger and total disappointment from corporates/government and individuals who have the financial resources to assist one child. We are not talking about millions here, just bloody assist one child, that's all. Just one and see the difference that will make.
These young people will arrogantly send you a question and request which they, themselves could have easily located either from the Internet or from the employers/funders which are always stated in all my posts). This is what pisses me off, people refusing to follow simple institutions which are clearly stated.
Leave a legacy that's more than just how hard you partied and the fantastic clothes you bought from Sandton and the breakfast you had by the beach or an overpriced dinner from Beluga/Oysterbox, don't tell me about the expensive holiday you just took, tell me about what you did to make this world a better place, don't you dare tell me about what you drive, get someone a job and come and brag about that.
I'm not sure whether I'm too ignorant or simply expect too much from job and bursary seekers. If we are not careful we will destroy our own people, I refuse to spoon feed people information, I'm sorry if I offend anyone but I just won't do it..... .... even if God asks me this I will give him a piece of my mind for he and he alone, should give his people the wisdom to do good for and with one another. Be a rainbow on someone's clouds. Trust me your time will never be wasted. We are that generation that everyone has been waiting for.
IN MY VIEW It’s so easy to be tempted by the ills of the world when you're in desperate need, irrespective of whether they are self-imposed or external, now imagine being young and being turned down on a every door you've knocked on? It's so sad to read the stories of some of these kids and I'm discouraged by how our own government is falling to assist the people who are unable to find assistance elsewhere but willing to do the work needed to make something of their lives. I have received few texts from kids and adults who have be thrown out of schools because they could not pay fees, students who could not get funding and parent struggling to get employment, brothers and sisters with degrees who are on the verge of giving up because after the promise of education they are still nowhere. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
Make no mistake I am not suggesting that we should be ashamed of our hard earned achievements or the life we have been blessed with but I am certain that we can bless others as we continue our journeys of a joyous life. Don't misunderstand me, I am not suggesting that we create a hand holding system where we all play some Jesus on anyone who has a save me syndrome nor do I suggest that we should create a society that dependent on hand downs/ hand outs / freebies, I am however advocating for a society that helps those in need in particular with education. Here is my issue, of which I am passionate about, people with education know better and can do better. I am not only referring to formal education but any skills set that can later improve or has the potential to improve someone's life. I hope God hears my prayers because, he will not rest till he comes up with a plan and starts executing it. I am blind to the bloody laziness of our people nor am I'm gullible to believe every story that everyone tells me, and I am no Saint no do I have any desire to be, I am also guilty of not doing good to others in all avenues and counts that I know of, hence I am not above anyone nor do I suggest that I know better but I would like us all to put our hands together and do something about the situation.
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
TRUE TALKS | PAGE 28
Inside Mpho Mhlanga
W
hile everyone is talking about the
disturbing realities happening in the country right now, most young people are couch potatoes watching the most controversial show on DSTV. Big brother Mzansi is one of the most loved shows brought to us by Mzansi magic. It is an addictive non-ending show that gets everyone holding their phones twitting and facebooking day in and night out. To some youth it’s an extension to relaxing and unwinding while to others it’s a way to avoiding boredom.
One might be curious and confused as to why it is loved, hence watching a bunch of 20 housemates aged from 21-39years everyday might not be ideal to other people whom seemingly wake up, eat and sleep while on special days get to engaged in activities and challenges to win prices and immunity. The 2015 big brother Mzansi commenced on the 22nd march with 5paired mates on the 1st Sunday live show and on Monday live show the housemates welcomed another 5paired mates, resulting to 10paires competing against each other for the 2million grand price, which could be one amongst the reasons why most young people line up patiently auditioning for the show. The show caters for many personalities and characters and one must be a hard rock to crack if they want to make it to the end finale. The views too, play a big role in the everyday influence of the activities, evictions and engaging with the publicity of the show, hence the show has 307783+likes and 53035 +people are talking about it at the writing of the article.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
TRUE TALKS | PAGE 29
Living with 19 personalities with different habits, believes, attitude, hobbies, values, skin colour, language and background in one house everyday with no cellphone, radio or TV can be challenging for many individuals. The show enforces on to create alibis within the house, be creative in strategy and shuts any room of trust except their partners. it can also push one to the limit hence personalities could clash, emotions could rise and in many it brings out the evilness. Money is the root of all evil and this game is survival of the fittest. And drama is what keeps the viewers watching. While they enjoy free publicity, free food and drinks it can also be a platform to showcase any form of talent or skills that one wants to pursue in the art industry. The show gives young people an opportunity to create a lifestyle they want to engage in when they leave the house. While everything is all fun and games but like any other house there are rules and only big brother's rules are followed.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
The show differs a lot from other TV shows. It is played fairly and everyone who enters the show is of equal value to the other. It has produced many rising stars and we can say it is a simple yet challenging game that one individual or pair could go from unknown to being a superstar for doing absolutely nothing overnight. Only 68 days or more of shutting the world and facing 19 housemates could land you R2m on your lap but its competition like these that could either make you or break you no guarantees.
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
POLITICS
AFRICA TALKS | PAGE 30
African lives Thabisile Mashabela
T
he race black has some sort of history of violence and
today the world forgotten that being black is not an idea but part of nature. The idea starts someone despises black roots, cultures, our traditions, and when a black individual is in shame and look down on what he knows about being black. What we know or rather what we knew was every black man is your brother, every woman is your sister and you never let your brother and sister goes hungry. (bana ba motho ba kgaogana hlogo ya tshiye) This teachings we have forgotten, maybe it is because they are no longer part of the education system, being black in Africa has changed, our people are too focused in being western to worry about our roots, what is this thing of being modern? Is looking at another African and not feeling the connections, the bond that tells stories in the circle of fire under the stars. How can being respectful to all lives shame us as human, we used to believe in something bigger than us, as Black people and it had nothing to do with rands and cents. The spirit in us is fading, you can see by the neglect of grieving in the air, children dying over, the rape crisis is the biggest challenge today, because we are not connected anymore, will those days ever return where children playing wearing beads without the fear of the uncle violating them. We are raising our kids to fear anyone that does not live in your home. Something or someone has divided us; because united blacks are very powerful. What is it that is out of Africa that we cannot live without? We are not experiences for diseases, we are not killing machines, we protect live, and we share. It is not too late to remember who we are. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
TECHNOLOGY
TECH4STARTUP | PAGE 32
Critics over Facebook move F
acebook
has
found
itself
under
tremendous criticism after announcing the instant articles move, which will bring full news articles straight to a user’s News Feed. With the new move towards making Facebook useable, publishers won’t have to share their links on Facebook but they can also publish on Facebook to ensure that readers don’t have difficult time opening the articles mostly when using mobile devices.
“The money is not as significant as speeding up the functionalities of Facebook.” The instant articles initiative will offer publishers ad revenue made from the pages with these articles but the rates and how the ads will be placed has not yet detailed. According to the reports, the money is not as significant as speeding up the functionalities of Facebook. The fear is that, if articles are going to be published and read on Facebook without a link, publishers will have to sacrifice online ads revenue made on the website and readers will be locked in Facebook. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
As alluded above, users will be locked in Facebook and publishers could potentially lose out on a lot of referral traffic. This might as well lead to publishers missing out on statistics about their readers and information with regard to publisher’s content. It is currently easy to generate statistics on your own website compared to social media. Regardless of the criticism over the instant articles, publishers will have to go to their drawing boards and assess if it’s good to go for Facebook instant article. This is the matter of the opportunity cost and it will certainly not work for all publishers. The critics over Facebook, can make others rich and disadvantage others and the choice is yours to make. Facebook-Will this affect my page? The impact of these changes on your page’s distribution will vary considerably depending on the composition of your audience and your posting activity. In some cases, post reach and referral traffic could potentially decline. Overall, pages should continue to post things that your audience finds meaningful and continue using our . ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
LOVE | PAGE 33
Does true love exist Mahlora Chokwe
A Anyone can be in a relationship, but the reasons matter
question that came with the 21st century’s ups and downs.
We could say it came because of change of time and things, change is good, at some point it is needed. Nothing stays constant forever as long as life evolves, it is through our history that today exist and it is on our account that every change is there. Learning about our history the 70s time, love sounded like a tale going along with jazz music. Anyone can be in a relationship, but the reasons matter. Anyone can define love for it satisfy them and for it seems real to them. The evolving of life, time, laws and diversified differences may be the reason why we question true love of existing and not being sure of it. However it takes a human heart to be true to itself before it could claim or mean true to someone else. In the 50s and 60s women were known for housekeeping and men going to work and providing for the family, at this age of time we are exposed to new modified things.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
LIFESTYLE
LOVE | PAGE 34
Anyone can be in a relationship, but the reasons matter
Anyone can be in a relationship, but the reasons matter
Anyone can be in a relationship, but the reasons matter
We have laws governing relationships, there are traditional laws which most of them are no longer followed and legal laws that are created and governed by the constitution. Love it’s a feeling to be expressed and out shined for the right reasons, love should be pure and not jealous or compared to. The pain we go through, the experiences along the way, brings the question to transpire whether we are destined to our soul mates or not. Loving yourself will lead you to finding someone to answer the question positively. Our upbringing makes us in any way we decide to be made, if you grew up in a loving family the choice is yours to keep up with your upbringing and if you were brought up in loveless surrounding it is still your choice to create a new beginning. Where there is good, bad will always want to intervene, challenges are there and will always be there for you to overcome. Mahatma Gandhi once said “you must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty". Looking for love you will meet people to learn from and others as a blessing, the ones your learned lesson from does not represent the nation or a particular gender. Pain, rejection and failure are part of life and having hope will answer the existence of love. It may take time to find one thus hope will bring you closer to the answer and closer to the right answer. If winter is there so is summer, if hate is there so is love. The questioned love is brought by unfaithfulness, beneficial love, lack of respect and pretense. It takes two to tango, if people are willing to loose pride and concentrate on the feeling, true love will transpire and love will be a tale with jazz instrument once again.
Previous Issues Available online CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE WWW.CIRCLEOFCONCERN.CO.ZA
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
TRUE TALKS | PAGE 35
“Poverty is the only way out of poverty” Golden Komane
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
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POLITICS
MJ WA AZANIA | PAGE 39
DEAR LIMPOPO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT :( we have become hobos of Limpopo in Gauteng with our qualifications )
I
MJ Wa Azania broke
in
tears
when
I
visited
Sunnyside yesterday, two ladies were walking in front of me having their heart-breaking conversation, and I could hear the other lady saying “My Friend you know when we complete our Degrees in the University of Limpopo I never imagine that I will one day be stranded in Gauteng fighting for Shoprite Checkers Job. Graduates from University of Venda, University of Limpopo with Diplomas, Degrees, Masters and PHDs have become servants of hard labour and modern day slavery jobs from companies that seek to suck their hopes and energy in Gauteng. Where's the Pride of Limpopo young person? Where's the pride of Limpopo graduates? The statistics of Limpopo unemployed youth is double to the one of adults yet internships are coming out every day, who occupied those internships? We must just give thanks to our local municipalities for sometimes trying to squeeze young people to positions such as Clerks and Administrating tenders, at least that R5500 makes a different. When the Economy of Limpopo government collapsed four years back, young graduates were not even employees or beneficiaries of the budget that was meant to give employment to them, then you ask yourself where the budget was spent, there was no proof of the budget being spent in employing youth. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
"Vatsonga va ri nhloko ya njiya ho tsemelana" We just hear of groups of Comrades from Caucuses that this one changed a Job from department of health to Education, this one left Economic development to home affairs while deserving young graduates are trapped within the dirty flats of Sunnyside and Hillbrow. How many people in Limpopo who are in politics, who doesn't even have a qualifications and needed knowledge but are busy changing jobs like they are changing secret socks but young graduates are forced to queue for Leanership. Gauteng Province has become our exile from the province that rejected its own people. Glory should be given to Tshwane Municipality at least their left overs are giving us bread and Vaseline. We speak of empowering youth every day, corruption found offenders are fired from one department and accepted by another department, our role as young people is to read newspapers and argue if the firing was correct. ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015
POLITICS
We always listen to State of the Province address, Budget address, Imbizo and other events nothing is assisting young people, the only thing they know is to blind us through the Mayor who will come and build RDP House for a needy mother and give her three blankets. Not every young person is a comrade and can have the privilege and influence that other few young people have. How many youth organizations in alliance with government were established in Limpopo with a budget but they just exist in papers. Is Limpopo not a Provincial Government like Gauteng and Western Cape? Where's the pride of being born in Limpopo? If all the graduates from Univen and Turfloop have moved to Gauteng then what is the budget of the province doing. How do you expect the province to develop if there is no space for newly graduates young people who have got skills and can contribute to the success of the province. Our province is governed from a Car, decisions are taken by those who are having political influence. Young people are even having a fear of leaving the University because the government is not promising life, they rather study further and settle for being a tutor or students assistance.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
MJ WA AZANIA | PAGE 39
When our Parents are paying tax, we are still fighting for survival in Gauteng. We see pictures of graduations on Facebook, all of a sudden a person is reporting in Gauteng for survival. What's the difference between Gauteng and Limpopo, what is that our province cannot do that Gauteng is doing. Young people keeps on voting in Limpopo, but their votes are empowering unknown people. The development in Gauteng is massive, Tshwane has become America of South Africa because new ideas for newly graduates are taken serious. Young people, for how long are we going to be treated as jacket holders? We are all in Gauteng, we are starving in Gauteng, we are poor in Gauteng, and our qualifications are even losing ink in Gauteng. We know our province forgotten us due to self-empowerment but May God remember us.
Mj wa Azania ANCYL member and TUT student.
ISSUE 14 | MAY 2015