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February 2020
RESIDENTS TIRED
of overflowing by Denzil Africa Stinking raw sewage flows through the streets of Delft making it unbearable and unbreathable for residents. Despite the claims from Superintendent Fuad Amoor (Water and Sanitation Depot in Delft) that their department responds to complaints within 15/30 minutes. Residents say “The sewage flows for days in our streets before the department ever arrives”. Jacqueline Davis a resident says “We as the community are tired of contending with poor hygienic conditions and lack of sanitation”. Right next to the stinking flow of sewage and faecal matter, lives Averill Lillian September. Averill has been living in Delft for more than 19 years, she said I’ve made so many calls to the department asking them to fix the problem but up to now the sewage still flows every other day. She said the stench is unbearable especially when the sewage and the faecal matter dries up and just lies there. Superintendent Fuad said the city has given tenders to private contractors, who are cleaning the pipes and the sewage system using Jet and Block machines. He said the main contributors to sewage overflow are vandalism to city property. Residents throw all kinds of waste in the drainage system and this causes a blockage and overflow of sewage said Fuad. Old fish oil, nappies, tampons/pads, sheep heads, old clothes, condoms, food particles, old pots and pans he said we even found a mattress and part of a lawnmower in the drains and pipes. The breakdown pumps and pipes is an everyday reality for the residents of Delft. Residents said the seeping sewage is making our homes unliveable our children are exposed to harmful germs and bacteria because of the run down sewage system. For years we had to endure jumping on rocks and cardboards finding our way through the stink, we have been stripped from our dignity and self-respect said, Deon Ngono. Counsellor Courtney Van Wyk (Delft) said over the past few years the population of Delft has doubled. The City cannot keep up with this fast growing area; as such routine sewage maintenance remains unresolved for many sections in Delft. Residents said the municipalities have failed to address the challenges of sewage flowing freely in the
SEWER
streets of Delft. Many towns and townships in South Africa have been engulfed by raw stinking sewage. In his report the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Zweli Mkhize , said at least 55 municipalities are distressed or dysfunctional. The Minister claimed to despatch technical experts to provide support to municipalities in their core functions. For many South Africans the tragic reality is that, 31% of municipalities are disfuntional; 31% are almost dysfunctional only 7% of municipalities were functioning well and 31% were reasonably functioning. Despite the serious environmental and health concerns municipalities still claim they have the sewage overflow under control. The South African government has pledged to provide clean water and sanitation to all by the year 2030. The City appeals to all residents to work together in identifying culprits responsible for the vandalism, so that they face the full wrath of the law. For any complaints contact: Water and Sanitation: 0860 103 089 Whatsapp: 063 407 3699
Vandalism: Page 5
2 DelfSTAR NEWS
by Denzil Africa
February 2020
Newly appointed
SAPS
The new station Commander of Delft Police Station; Brigadier Luyanda Damoyi said he wants to build a better relationship with the Delft residents, to ensure effective policing. Listening to the concerns of the community which he will be serving, is first and foremost on the agenda of the Commander. The Brigadier officially took office on 23 December 2019 following his former posting as Station Commander at Mfuleni Police Station. With only 1 month into his new position the Brigadier said I am well aware of the challenges but I am also optimistic and positive that Delft can be a better place for all its residents. He further said I strongly believe in getting things done and not just speak about it. The Brigadier is determined to curb all criminal elements hell-bent on destruction, stripping residents of dignity and their right to life. SAPS high command requested the Brigadier to be stationed at Delft to effectively implement change through the strong arm of the law. Luyanda has identified Delft as a problem area and has already taken steps to address it. To many residents it would seem as though SAPS is fighting a losing battle against criminals but Luyanda said “Change is not easy but it is possible when the community can work together with SAPS”. The Brigadier further said I’m well aware of bad policing and corruption and want to assure the residents of Delft that drastic steps will be taken to root out every bad element. The Brigadier brings on board a vast knowledge and experience that will assist the station in combating crime. With increased shootings, robberies and the murder rate still rising in Delft, the passionate Brigadier is not intimidated nor unrealistic when dealing with crime. Luyanda said increased police visibility will be an important step. The station Commander can be contacted on 082 522 2036 for any criminal activities in his policing area. Complaints regarding police services rendered can also be reported to the Brigadier.
i y o am
At the 25th annual state of the nation address Mr. president Matamela Cyril aka Buffalo Soldier Ramaphosa spoke of celebrating one of the greatest of human achievements, celebrating the triumph of freedom over subjugation, the triumph of democracy over racial tyranny, the triumph of hope over despair. He mentioned celebrating the irresistible determination of an oppressed people to be free and equal and fulfilled. At this SONA the president was in a celebratory mode, a triumphant Matamela that was facing a stagnant economy. Was it a nation celebrating or was it perhaps the CR17 celebrating his triumph over NDZ at Irene. Whatever the case may be the nation had no choice but to celebrate the fall of President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa aka Msholozi Mtshini wam Zuma’s administration. A government that was a Gupta lackey, where state owned enterprises (SOEs) were bleeding billions and billions of rands looted by mostly the Guptas and many other sharks like the late Bosasa boss Garry Watson and many other "smallanyana" sharks.
E H T
25
th
ANNUAL
STATE OF THE NATION
Perhaps the triumph of hope that the president spoke of was the hope of turning the economy around, the economy that was almost in a recession. May be this hope Mr President was that of families seeing their unemployed family members getting employment. People some of which stay unemployed for over a decade, in areas where unemployment becomes a career. This hope that the nation have could be that of seeing very high levels of crime reduced, where violent crime lead to murders that suggest a war zone. Perhaps people of South Africa Mr President had hoped that the Zondo commission would help bring back the looted monies and see arrests being made. What the president forgets is that people have waited for far too long and are now impatient. They have seen your commission if that is your turnaround strategy, that of SARS (The Nugent Commission), The Sate Capture Commission and the PIC Commission. You needed to be quick and act decisively so the nation could see positive results otherwise like some people said from the onset that these commissions would just be talk shop that they would make no difference in their
daily struggles which you mentioned in the SONA MR President. In the last SONA the president acknowledged the fact that efforts to end poverty, unemployment and inequality were impeded by state capture and corruption. Yes in the SONA did mention that there are strong linkages between substance abuse, drug trafficking, crime and insecurity in communities and that as a government they were focusing on tackling this problem at its source through prevention programmers targeting vulnerable persons especially the youth but what the nation has experienced in the period from the last SONA up to today are murders of young people in their communities and in the institutions of higher learning as well as in hospitals places where lives are supposed to be saved not sparing schools where both teachers and learners get murdered despite the promise made by the president in the last Senate recent casualty is Leticia Jansen a learner murdered in Gauteng when she missed her school transport, may her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace and to her parents we are mourning with, you your pain is our pain. So what exactly has the president been able to achieve in the promises of the last SONA. In his state of the nation address president Ramaphosa did not leave out his infamous phrase of ‘thumb mina’ (send me), that South Africans have answered his call. Perhaps the president was in his ‘thumb mina’ call referring to the SARS commissioner and the recently hired Eskom CEO the controversial appointment that saw the leftist organizations like the EFF grumbling seeing this appointment as a reverse in transformation agenda, as well as the surprise appointment of a long well known government and Eskom critic the Financial Mail journalist Sikhonathi Mantshantsha as a spokesperson replacing Khulu Phasiwe. He will be starting in his new position at Eskom in February. Mr president talked about efforts to reignite growth and creating jobs, they have worked together as
ADDRESS
Compiled by Mandla
DELFT
Commander of Delft Police Station Brigadier Luyanda Damoyi
t f l D a De mes d n a o y c l u e L r w e i d a g i Br President Cyril Ramaphosa
Station Commander:
government, labour, business, civil society and communities to remove the constraints to inclusive growth and to pursue far greater levels of investment. We have despite the president’s assurances of creating jobs seen Mr president unprecedented high levels of unemployment. The Presidential Jobs Summit did not yield the results promised of doubling the number of jobs being created in the economy each year, unemployment has resign to a 29.1% record high from a 27.5% a previous year. The nightmare we have instead witnessed is the looming retrenchment of about 3000 jobs by Telkom a company that was once an SOE. The economy is expected to grow by 1% this year. Let us look at the task that the president said they will underpin in everything they do this year, that inclusive growth and job creation be accelerated, that the education system be improved and skills developed that are needed now and in the future, that the conditions of life for all South Africans especially the poor be improved, fight against corruption and state capture, and lastly strengthening the capacity of the state to address the needs of the people. Was this just a sweet-talk, was president Cyril Ramaphosa just trying the charm the nation here or did he achieve any of the promises made in the last SONA. The president promised the restructuring of Eskom so to be able to serve South Africa more effectively but we have yet to see such restructuring all we witnessed were suspicions of a sabotage when Mr. president had to cancel a trip oversees to attend to the issue of load shedding that was hammering the very fragile South African economy. You will be the judge the next SONA is coming up very soon in February of 2020 what can we expect from the Buffalo. Help the president draw up SONA 2020 in your own perspective.
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February 2020
H GENDER G U O s H BASED i N G E U VIOLENCE O N E STOP!
by Denzil Africa
Granddaughter of late Nelson Mandela, Ndileka Mandela says perpetrators of gender violence should remain behind bars. We cannot celebrate while women are raped, killed and violated. This thing of convicted rapists and murderers still getting parole must stop. Horatious acts of violence against woman and children are committed daily in South Africa, yet only the occasional story makes media headlines. According to crime stats SA, woman are 5 times more likely to be killed due to gender based violence committed by men. South Africa has one of the world’s highest gender based violence rates in the world, some experts say it is comparable to countries that are at war. In the mid-1950s, some 20 000 women of this country marched to protest the pass laws. Their slogan was powerful: You strike a woman; you strike a rock. Many have cited this moment as a turning point in the struggle against apartheid. In his public address President Cyril Ramaphosa Said “Violence against women has become more than a
national crisis. It is a crime against our common humanity”. This statement comes after the deaths of several woman and girls, who were brutally murdered by men. The president further said “We have heard the calls of the women of our country for action and for justice. The collective anger, the pain and the fear that these killings have caused must strengthen our resolve to end all forms of violence and abuse perpetrated by men against women”. South Africa’s history of woman brutality, inequality and abuse have become entrenched in society and has left behind a trail of gender inequality, which protects perpetrators and vilifies victims. According to Crazelda principal of oosendaal high school in Delft, “changing the societal narrative around woman and children abuse must begin with teaching from a grass roots level, nonviolence and respect for all woman”. With the global spotlight on South Africa, government put certain measures in place, one of these measures were, no more bail for rape suspects. To many these are reactive and superficial measures. According to Xolile Professor Zolani “If gender based, xenophobic and gang violence is to stop, we need more than policies and diplomatic apologies, we need psychosocial approaches that recognise the pain and build trust and empathy between government and society”.
Speaking before the first parliament in 1994, Madiba said “Freedom cannot be achieved unless woman have been emancipated from all forms of oppression”. Up to 1 in 3 women has experienced some form of violence, abuse or have been raped in her lifetime, there are nearly 50 countries that do not have laws against domestic violence and in 37 countries marriage excuses rape. The South African government said, “Violence against women is a men’s problem. It is men who rape and kill our women. Thus it is therefore the obligation that the men of this country act to end such behaviour and such crimes”. Society has a responsibility to ensure that we raise boys who respect woman, respect themselves and value life. The South African Police Service in Delft has taken up the obligation of bringing men and woman together to approach the scourge of gender based violence. The aim of these events was to say no more will this violence against (our mothers, our sisters, our daughters) be invisible or, worse still, treated with indifference. The first of these events was held on 28 November 2019 at the Delft South Hall, this seminar was specifically aimed at men. Sergeant SW
Dyantyi of SAPS Delft addressed more than 60 men at this seminar. His message was simple yet profound: knowing the value of real human communication, open with oneself, being authentic and accountable. A man must be a leader and a protector, he must be gentle and understanding, faithful in his life relationships and not be afraid to ask for assistance. In closing he said, men should not streamline with societal norms and he must be able to think for himself. Station commander of SAPS Delft said “We know the illness that is going around where gender based violence is concern, so we call on society, especially men to make a stand against these horrors.” The second of these events were held on 10 December 2019 at Rosendal high schoolDelft, where sergeant SW Dyantyie again specifically addressed more than 40 women. Dyantyie honoured and uplifted all woman, he said “Woman you are more powerful than you know, you are beautiful just as you are.” He further encouraged woman, not to stay silent when they are being abused. Topics that were dealt with at this event were; domestic violence, gender based violence and sexual offences. A motivational quote by Maya Angelou for the woman present at the event. You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
CORONAVIRUS a global emergency
how it spreads Corona virus is a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases they are what scientists call zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus can make people sick, usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to common cold.
NO CASES REPORTED IN SOUTH AFRICA YET
prevention symptoms
Human Corona viruses most commonly spread from an infected person to another through:
There are currently no vaccines available to protect yourself against human Corona virus infection.
1. Coughing and sneezing 2. Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands. 3. Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before you wash your hands 4. Rarely, faecal contamination
Transmission is reduced through: 1. Washing your hands often with soap and water 2. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands 3. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you are mildly sick, keep yourself hydrated, stay home and rest. If you are concerned about your symptoms see your health care provider.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Runny nose Headaches Cough Sore throat Fever Feeling of being unwell
For those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young, there’s a chance the virus can cause a lower and much more serious respiratory tract illness, a pneumonia or bronchitis.
4 DelfSTAR NEWS
DELFT HEROES
saluting by Denzil Africa
Delft salutes the brave men and woman of NHW (Delft Neighbourhood Watch). who willingly volunteers their time to protect and ensure the safety of its residents. These heroes unwaveringly set aside their own families to patrol deep into the night, to the early hours of the morning. Out of sheer passion and the unrelenting sense of obligation NHW stands up against the forces hell-bent on destroying their community. Whether it’s coming face to face with gunman or helping destitute families, saving babies from abusive homes, hunting down offenders, NHW has seen it all. While most residents live in fear, the men/woman with the green reflective bibs has taken up the task of taking back their community from the elements that hold society hostage.
PLUMBING
HANDY-MAN COURSE
Reducing Youth Unemployment through Skills Revolution Subjects Covered:
INTRODUCTION TO PLUMBING IDENTIFICATION OF PLUMBING FIXTURES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS PIPE INSTALLATION REPLACE TOILET CISTERN AND FLUSH MASTERS REPAIR AND REPLACE TAPS & VALVES REPLACE TOILETS (WALL & FLOOR MOUNTED) BLOCK DRAINS, TOILETS & URINALS ALL GEYSER VALVES WATER LEAKS REPLACE BATHS
Duration:
2 (TWO) WEEEKS
Location:
28 Sipres Street Delft South Surbaben 7100
Fees: R1500
CONTACT:
CHRISTOPHER 067 162 5680
- 061311 9606 (Whatsapp)
February 2020
5 DelfSTAR NEWS
Destroying community
facilities by Denzil Africa
Facilities in communities are particularly vulnerable to cable theft and vandalism. These include community centres, libraries, clinics, parks and sports complex. Voorbrug sports complex has been significantly effected as vandalism, robbery and cable theft has flagged this area as a criminal hotspot. With very poor police visibility, one security guard per shift this sports complex has become an easy target for perpetrators. Vandalism and destruction of community infrastructure contributes negatively to society. Soccer tournaments, community events and the youth just gathering to have fun on the sports field has become a rare sight. The loss and damage to these facilities deprive our youth from gathering in a safe environment. The brazen thieves stole most of the vibrigate fencing and has uprooted underground cables. The caretaker of the sports ground Samual Ntonga said the total theft and damages incurred amounted to more than R20,000 of community property. According to the security guard, the 2/3 perpetrators targeted the facility early hours of the morning. The unarmed security guard feared for his life, not knowing which type of weapons
the criminals are carrying. Surrounding residents said they heard the knocking, banging and sawing all through the night as the perpetrators were removing the copper wires. Despite numerous attempts alerting SAPS, the security guard and surrounding residents said the police has not responded. According to Jackie a resident of voorbrug she said “The usually busy field has become like a baron waste land”. She further said “these criminal elements are destroying everything in our community”. This and many other incidents of vandalism to infrastructure have resulted in the City of Cape Town to renew its call on communities to help fight the scourge of vandalism and theft at community facilities. The Delft neighbourhood watch (NHW) has taken up arms to fight these criminal elements hell-bent on destroying the community. According to NHW the perpetrators destroyed the distributor box and made off with a number of copper wiring. The patrolling of Delft NHW has led to the capture of these perpetrators. According to South African Police Services, copper cables are mainly stolen from the mines, Transnet, Telkom, Eskom and municipalities. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimate that cable theft cost the economy between R5 billion and R7 billion per year. The targeting of community facilities disrupts service delivery and require the City to use funds to repair with money that could have been used elsewhere. According to the caretaker of Voorbrug sport field, the complex belongs to the community, looking after the facility requires the support of all community members. He further said “residents must take ownership of these facility’s and help in the fight to protect these assets”. Residents said “We applaud the Delft Neighbourhood watch for their responds in capturing the perpetrators”.
“damages incurred amounted to more than R20,000 of community property”
LONELY HOMELESS HAD NO XMAS
by Denzil Africa
Christmas is thought by most to be a wonderful time, focusing the participants on giving, family togetherness, beautiful music and decorations, feasting on special foods and singing Christmas carols. For others just the thought of Christmas may feel like just another day filled with challenges, misery and the unsurerity of survival. For Angelo Williams living on the streets has been his reality for years. When this journalist asked Angelo, what does the spirit of Christmas mean to him? He simply said “It means absolutely nothing to me”. While others enjoy the company and warmth of family and friends, homeless people face a daily struggle just to stay safe and escape the cold. For those living on the streets, many remain invisible to society and forgotten by most. Angelo said “I sleep where ever I find shelter for the night and I eat whatever I can find to fill my stomach.” He further said living on the streets has not been my choice, I was forced to fend for myself at a young age. I lost both my parents and have no relatives nor any friends, the streets are all I know. Receiving and opening gifts, decorating the Christmas tree, being surrounded with loved ones and feasting at the Christmas table are moments that people like Jarome will not be experiencing this festive
season. For the homeless at Christmas things are often very different. “A sense of worthlessness is what I feel, I have no place where I feel safe or loved” said Angelo. As a society we believe that Christmas is a time filled with wonder, meaning and tradition. The spirit of Christmas for many is a time of giving, spending time with loved ones and being swept away by the cheerfulness and utter joy this season brings. Mr Jordan Arendse a resident of Delft said. “I think Christmas has become almost a secular type of holiday, people are caught up in a shopping frenzy, and are only concerned with their own wants and needs.” The homeless are often ostracised from society. The psychological and emotional bantering that these homeless individuals face is truly heart breaking. Christmas a season to be jolly, has become a season of sadness. Loneliness and the overwhelming sense of not belonging. The holidays should be a time where we look back fondly and remember that we made others feel loved, gave gifts to others and shared a meal with others. As a community let us be aware of those less fortunate, and take time out to reflect what the true spirit of humanity really mean.
February 2020
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February 2020
7 DelfSTAR NEWS
the
WILL
to fight
By Denzil Africa
Sipho Kenneth Makazi spent his whole life overcoming impossible challenges. At age 14 he completely lost his sight, both his parents and younger brother in a tragic car accident caused by a drunk driver. “For more than 5 years my disability threatened to define who I was and what others thought I could become “said Sipho. At the age of 15 he fell into a deep depression which led to frequent anxiety attacks. The increasing anxiety attacks overwhelmed his body and left him with a compromised immune system. He then fell ill with different
types of sicknesses, in and out of hospital, Doctors said if he doesn’t develop the will to fight he will die. Sipho have been extremely lucky to have a strong elder brother and his wonderfully patient wife beauty. Over the next few years’ the patients of his family would be tested to the utmost. There were battles Sipho was going to fight, in silence, within himself and outside the struggle of learning step by step how to be a Youngman again. With new challenges confronting him, Sipho had no time for self-pity. He was not alone, having what was left of his family by his side and other individuals with a similar disability Sipho’s spirit slowly started awakening. This young man adopted the mentality of not giving in to his fears. Losing his mom, dad, younger brother and his own body, on the verge of
“As human beings we are capable
of adapting to almost any situation”
February 2020 collapse he refused to lay down and die. The hospital he was attending specialized in the treatment of blindness and depression. The results achieved at the hospital gave new hope to Doctors and patients around the world. The Doctors and his family made sure that Sipho grew tough in the attitude of mind. Pushing him became a daily challenge for his family. His brother said “some days Sipho was mentally strong and then other days he went back to being depressed”. Sipho said “I am afraid of so many things, insecurity, being a burden and pity.” He further said “I get depressed a lot and blame everyone for not doing enough”. Hopelessness is the root of depression for many people living with a disability. Hospitals, organisations and group therapy are bridges for the disabled to find their sense of belonging. Sipho has slowly come to the realization that his former aspirations had to die so he can embrace his disability to form new goals. For people born blind living in the dark is not strange but for people who become disable one can feel profoundly depressed and even contemplate suicide. Yet after a period of time people adapt to their new situation, re-evaluate their attitude and turn their tragedy into triumph. As human beings we are capable of adapting to almost any situation and find happiness in small achievements, focusing on the ability rather than the disability. This young man was living for years with the mentality that difficulties for people result in misery for people. At the age of 19 years old Sipho said “I realize that I can’t let grief define me”. Overcoming tremendous odds, adversity and further challenges, Sipho said I have achieved what I thought would be impossible for a blind depressed youngman. He said I finally realized you don’t have to have perfect sight to have a vision. I have learnt that falling is an opportunity to become better at getting up. I have learnt to live by these words which inspires me every day of my life, “Adversity alone has the unique power to inspire exceptional clarity, purge any vestiges of lethargy, refocus your priorities, hone your character, and unleash your most potent forces.” Sipho today has a diploma in public administration and is currently a 5th year student at Unisa studying law. He is also a public speaker motivating and inspiring Youngman/woman. He said “My disability has made me stronger and more focused, it is my aspiration to speak at the united nations conference one day motivating all men and woman to look at life differently.”
In loving Memory of our Fallen Delft Star Rest in peace ward councillor Michaela Serena Williams
By Denzil Africa
Service was held on 25 January 2020 At the Church of River Tabernacle Kudu Avenue Lotus River
MY BABY IS NO MORE
Janine September a resident of Delft lost her son in February 2018. There is no pain that compares to losing a child, no words offer comfort no action make the pain less, says Janine. Another Christmas she will spend without her son. Mark died of an unexpected but brutal brain aneurism in his sleep. He was just 13 years old when he died. Finding my sons cold dead body, in his bed is an experience no mother should ever have to face. It was undoubtedly the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. My son was a star student with so much potential, never disrespectful, great aspirations and so much he wanted to achieve in life. Every occasion brought with it fresh memories of the son Janine had lost. The grief and anguish of never having to experience her son again was beyond measure. As Christmas approaches there is a sense of dread that fills the home. Mark loved to decorate the Christmas tree and arrange the lights while listening to Christmas carols. Janine said “The memories were extremely painful, unpacking ornaments and listening to Christmas carols are like digging up Mark’s grave.”
The holidays are primarily about spending time with family and friends but after the death of a loved one for those in mourning the festive season is never easy. Janine said “One of the biggest challenges is coping with the deluge of raw grief”. Her first Christmas alone Janine broke down on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She said “I realize there would be no more hugs and kisses or Mom I love you, coming from her son.” To avoid spending every waking moment thinking of her son, Janine tried to stay busy for the sake of her extended family. She said people move forward from the sadness irrespective of how fresh the feelings are. Her clinical therapist said “Talking about loss is key; it gradually brings closure and acceptance what happened.” The therapist further said “Figuring out new rituals and traditions is key to moving forward and finding peace and joy with other family members”. New routines and traditions are an elixir for the pain and work like a coping mechanism in moving forward. Janine said “I can see a possibility of embracing new routines and traditions but I’m not there yet.”
The first step in being a true friend is blame busting. One of the most destructive and disabling symptoms of disease within an organization or a human spirit is the prevalence of blame. Like a parasite, blame latches on from the inside and begins to eat away at the spirit. When we blame others we give up our greatest strength, our own sense of responsibility. True leaders seek constantly for giving their absolute best. They are eager to step forward and be accountable for the setbacks and difficult times because they know this will stimulate their own solution orientation while easing debilitating pressure from their team. Within this mind set, blame simply has no place. Blame is particularly crippling because it directs our focus to the past. Its aim is to protect egos, not to build the team. Even if blame is justified, it serves no constructive purpose. The incident is done it’s time to move on. When we are filled with a sincere attitude of friendship, our positive belief in others leads us continuously forward to solutions, not backward to blame. We see the potential to solve even the most difficult challenges because we focus on the possibility in our teammates instead of on the limitations.
When blame becomes entrenched in an organization, grudges and political fiefdoms emerge. These become insidious destroyers of momentum and divert precious energy away from the higher team vision. Focus is wasted on political positioning or crippling emotions such as jealousy, bitterness, and spite. In today’s explosively accelerating business climate, it is like trying to win a drag race with the parking brake on. John Wooden was known as a much disciplined coach. He set high standards of conduct for his players, both on and off the court. Yet, as the years went by, he had very few rules. If a player broke one of these regulations, he was disciplined and corrected, ten welcomed back one hundred percent. Coach Wooden held no grudges. A fresh start was not conditional, there were no probationary periods required to earn back full status Coach Wooden’s discipline was based on respect and friendship. He looked at his players in the same way he looked at friends and family, holding high expectations for them and treating them accordingly, with dignity and respect. He never lost sight of his own fallibility and consequently was able to see mistakes as temporary errors in judgment, not permanent flaws in character. Operating from this foundation of friendship, it is easy and natural to fully forgive. Coach Wooden’s players and staff responded to his humility and trust with extraordinary unselfishness and dedication of their own. Today, many years since his retirement from coaching, a remarkable number of them keep in close touch with him. It is one of the very special rewards of being a leader who refused to blame others and who constantly demonstrated sincere friendship and respect for people. He was indeed a world-class blame buster. BEYOND SUCCESS (The 15 secrets of a winning life) By Brian D. Biro
BECOME A BLAME
BUSTER
Even if blame is justified, it serves no purpose.
When we have instilled an attitude of friendship within ourselves and our team, we gain the ability to correct and direct constructively rather than destructively. Sincere friendship is based on mutual esteem. It allows us to constantly recognize the importance of others. It does not inhibit our ability to see specifically where we need to improve, but instead, helps us to transform problems or issues into opportunities for growth. When we identify a mistake or an area that needs improvement in people, we can help them correct their approach and behavior without tearing down their belief in themselves. It is just as important to use this constructive approach inside ourselves. Everyone benefits because we’re internalizing a discipline that builds self-esteem, rather than inflicting destructive punishment that attacks a person’s character. We cannot expect to have as positive an influence on others tomorrow if we have berated or antagonized them today.
Friendship loyalty cooperation
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February 2020
Health Department So how about the state of health care in our community. We have 2 Day Hospitals and that’s good for everyone. Seeing that Delft is ranked high where crime stats are concerned, it’s nice to know that if you get assaulted there is a place that can fix you up. But here is where the crux lies. The ‘Dag hospital’ is called a Way hospital, meaning a waiting hospital. When you go there you will wait. In some cases it is believed people sat there and died. I think it would have been better to wait for death at home between your loved ones than on a cold chair among strangers. The other day I took an injured person to emergencies. It was around 5 o'clock the afternoon. Needless to say the person only got helped in the early hours of the next day. The patient also had to come back the following day. When going to our Day hospital you have to prepare yourself to spend the whole day. Have your lunch with you and just to be on the safe side have your supper available because it will take a while
A few years ago some brazen thief's pulled off a daring robbery here in Delft. It happened on All pay day. It was reported that millions of rands were taken by the crooks. That money translates into a whole lot of disabled and sick people. Lately it seems as though most people have diabetes. Most of them attend the ‘Waghospitaal’ on a regular basis. At this point the staff of the hospital should know the patterns. For instance weekends there are more patients and when the end of the month fall on a weekend, patients will be streaming in. Long weekends are especially busy as there are more time for tavern patrons to get robbed, stabbed or shot. Motor vehicle accidents also increase as there are more drunk drivers on the road. Its only logical to plan around this and employ more staff. In times of crisis, it seems the ‘Wag Hospitaal’ staff are on an intense ‘go-slow’ sort of programme, instead of rising to the challenge. Perhaps some kind of incentive be given to the members. At many factories you will find a board outside saying something like 57 days without accidents, previous record 61 days or something like that. A competition should be held between Day hospitals so they could have braving
rights to who successfully attended, to how many patients per month. But no not at our hospital. Patients sit outside for hours waiting for a chance to be helped. During summer this is probably all right but what about winter? Let's be honest, many people work in jobs that they don't really like or have a passion for. It is for most of us just a blessing to have a job, any job. The health sector is different because here you have life and death in your hands. Therefore you have to have a passion for your work, a passion for helping people. I bet Florence Nightingale is rolling around in her grave bless her soul, for the state of healthcare in SA. Nightingale worked with injured soldiers during the war. Sometimes Delft feels and sound like a warzone except there isn't a Florence nightingale close by. When someone gets injured and is taken to hospital the family and friends breathe a sigh of relief but that is only the beginning of another deathly ordeal for the poor patient.
Someone in our community went to a big government hospital to have his tonsels removed. Small operation but this one took 12 hours. When he awoke his head was bandaged and he had some pain in his eye. Apparently the Doctor removed his eye and not his tonsils. The doctor took the wrong file. It was of another patient who had some type of cancer in the eye. Well his tonsils was eventually removed after the doctor discovered his mistake but now the poor fellow only has one eye. What a tragedy, but like they say “You never too old to lose a body part at our hospitals. The patient said it felt like the Savannah advert where the guy says Its dark in here. So the doctor got it half right. We certainly need some more dedicated health professionals to stem this tide of carelessness otherwise we might all find that it dark in here. As Mahatma Gandhi said' an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind'. Beware, next time it just might be you!!
the FUNNY side of POO By Christopher Malgas
Many Moons ago, the 1980’s in a galaxy far away, Apartheid, trains used to be on time, well, almost. One knew for a fact that the 7oclock train would arrive at 7h15. You would make sure that you are on the station at 6h45 so that you would make it for the 6h30 train that will be arriving at seven. That train would be packed with passengers who were waiting for the 6h20 trains. Personal space is a luxury that is only afforded to the well off. You would be able to smell who had what for breakfast, and who had a heavy drinking session the previous day, especially on a Monday. Life was blissful and the country was united against the regime. The beneficiaries of the regime were in first class-of-cause, stretching and relaxing their “aching” muscles. The rest of us were bunched together in third-class like sardines in a can. A friend of mine, a would-be psychologist decided to do an experiment. He was a kind of guy who would come up with wild theories. Theories like; there are people from inside the government who are responsible for the violence that is plaguing our country, and the demise of apartheid would mean very little for the poor. Talks like that would cause a whole debate at the she-been where Klaus would wash-off the dust of the day. He would see conspiracies everywhere. Skylab was shot-down by the Americans in a bid to cement their claim to have won the space race. The Americans never set a foot on the Moon; it was all hoax shot in the film studio. Even the theory doing the rounds now on social media that Nelson “Rolihlahla” Mandela died and an imposter took his place. Yes, an evening spent with Klause would be very informative. Back to the trains. So Klause decided to make fake human pooh when he got on the train in Cape Town station he would place it next to him on the seat and pour some water on it. He would take out his newspaper and start reading. His theory was that no one would sit next to him although the train would be full. Everyone would take one look at the pooh and get as far away as possible. Nobody would try and clean it because nobody travels with equipment to clean up freshly squeezed pooh. His theory was that the human instinct is to get away from pooh as quickly as possible. At the site of pooh your mind would convince you that you can smell it and although it was fake your eyes would see the pooh as real. Meanwhile Klause would be sitting comfortably and enjoying his newspaper. At the next stations people embarking the train would squeeze through to get to the open space only to see the pooh and turn their heads in discuss. They would immediately turn around and look in the direction. Some would also look at Klause with a wondering look probably thinking, how this man could sit next to such a disgusting sight. Sometimes he would be sipping on a cool drink just to get more reaction from the passengers. The ride would be in silence as nobody wants to open their mouth. Probably afraid that the stink will get into their mouths. This all while Klause was relaxing and sometimes he would even laydown next to the pooh. When he got to his station Klause would scoop-up the pooh without anyone watching as they would be staring somewhere else and dis-embark. Just to satisfy his own curiosity he decided to one day travel two stations further. As he came to his station he scooped up his disgusting load and went and stood at the door. At the next station the embarking passengers went straight for the open seats. The other passengers looked at them in total disgust. Some smiled and others laughed thinking that the people were sitting where there was pooh just a few minutes ago. Not one of his original travelling companions took a chance to sit there. The lesson learnt is that you should not let your eyes deceive you or you distinguish the forest from the trees.
Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted. Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. Opportunities to make financial gains through investments look promising.
Take a different approach; make an offer they just can't refuse. You will be in a high cycle regarding work. You are best not to confide in anyone right now. Don't be too confident that coworkers are on your side.
Any difficulties with peers could be unnerving. Cultural activities open your eyes to new ways of doing things. Sort situations out as best you can. Watch your spending habits. Pleasure trips or friendly get-togethers will be satisfying and intellectually stimulating.
Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. Take time to look at any outdated papers or possible investments. Keep your cash in your pocket and offer them sound advice rather than your financial assistance.
Your irritability may drive your loved ones crazy. You could be tempted to overspend on unnecessary items. You should get involved in competitive sports this month. Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance this month.
Your lover may be annoyed if you have been flirtatious or not attentive to their needs. You will also encounter individuals who can help you further your goals. Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away.
Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to. You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely. Empty promises will cause confusion.
Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. You will find their philosophies worth exploring. Deep discussions may only lead to friction. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you have overloaded your plate unintentionally.
Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. Travel for business or pleasure will be enlightening. Don't let your anger consume you and don't allow important matters go unattended to. Organize all your responsibilities.
Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Your anger may be impossible to contain if you get into debates with family members. Do some research if you want to find information that you can apply against the opposition you face.
You're on the right track and you can make money if you are willing to go out on a limb. Your attitudes at work will open new avenues for you. Visit friends or relatives who have been confirmed. Invest wisely. Your personal life could have you tied up in knots.
Reciprocate by offering helpful hints. Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust. Check into art objects or precious stones. You can do well in group endeavors. Communications with loved ones may be strained.
CONCRETE 9 DelfSTAR NEWS
By Denzil Africa
The Cape Flats is home to a community of people living in constant fear. Death is a reality for all human beings but the wilful and unnecessary murder of innocence leaves society with a sense of powerlessness. The City of cape town still struggles to contain the pandemic that has been plaguing the Western Cape for years. Despite all efforts of implementing programs to get a foothold on the rising gang infestation, none has prevailed. This jungle called the Cape Flats, renders it residents powerless trapped in a maze of which very few find their way out. Young boys and girls are faced with one determining fact which will set their feet on a road that is built on an ideal, conform or die. Jarome Samuels was 14 when he joined a gang, first for companionship then later for status, power and money. A dysfunctional and emotionally unstable home, mom strung out on drugs and father constantly in and out of prison, Jarome says the pressures of life was too much. Going to school on an empty stomach almost every day, wearing broken shoes and being bullied I had no one to turn to. He says “I began spending more and more time on the street and gradually became involved with criminal activities and gangs”. Gangs gave me a sense of belonging, I felt like I belonged, I finally had a family of my own. My knew family dressed me put a gun in my hand and money in my pocket. I was accepted, respected and feared in my neighbourhood. Not long after having this interview with Jarome, he was shot and died at the young age of 16 years old. This is the tragic reality for many such young men in society. These ‘young soldiers’ as they are called, are fighting a war they don’t fully comprehend. Jarome was both a victim and a perpetrator of an unending cycle which attracts vulnerable youth. Society has been quarantined by this infestation of gangsterism, leaving the roads of our community stained with the blood of its people. The inhumane, violently brutal killings committed by our sons has left society in a state of panic. Martin Luther King jr said “I refuse to accept the idea that the is-ness of mans present nature, makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal aughtness that forever confronts him.” He further said “” I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere float some and jet some in the river of life unable to influence the unfolding events that surround him”. It will forever remain an indelible blight on human history that the apartheid crime ever occurred. It will forever remain an accusation and a challenge to all men and woman of conscience that it took as long as it has before all of us stood up to say, enough is enough. Cape Town’s bloody gang violence is inextricably bound up in its history. As the tremors of apartheid still leaves society psychologically indifferent, gangsterism threatens to totally wipe out our humanity. In the apartheid regeem it was people fighting a system, gangserism is people killing people for no other reason than pure and utter cold hatred. Mr T Vontuin a resident of Delft said “Gangsterism is not just a crime on residents, it is a crime on humanity.” He further said “It takes away our freedom and our rights as fellow human beings”. Every day, the tabloids and social networking sites are filled with the horrific crimes committed in the community. Residents of Delft said “It’s like living in a horror movie that just won’t stop”. Mandiswa Lisilwe councillor for an
Jungle
organisation against gansterism said “It is not foreign hitman killing us, it is our own sons and daughters destroying and crippling our community.” She further said “We are not held prisoner by our military or terrorists from
another Country; we have become prisoners of the children we raised.” In his inauguration speech, late president Nelson Mandela said “Never,
February 2020
never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.” Denver Jantjies a reformed gang member said, apartheid has taught South Africans a valuable lesson, through the strength of unity we can break any form of oppression.
Increase your vocabulary with these 18 words
vocabulary booster The following set of words falls under the category: I LOVE YOU 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
WORDS Revere Narcissism Predilection Confluence Affinity Alacrity Adilation Prudent
DEFINITION To respect highly, to honour To love oneself deeply A natural preference for something A flowing together An attraction, sympathy similarity A cheerful eagerness, briskness or readiness Wild or excessive admiration Foresight, careful or wise
The following set of words falls under the category: I HATE YOU
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
WORDS Acrimonious Acrid Antipathy Bain Deride Derogatory Netlist Annihilate Ranker Vilify
DEFINITION Bitterness, spitefulness Bitter, stinging or caustic Dislike poison, torment or cause of harm Radical or laugh at contemptuously Disapproving or degrading Belief of no values or morals in the universe To completely destroy Bitter, long lasting or resentment Vile or defame
10 DelfSTAR NEWS
our DELFT
February 2020
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11 DelfSTAR NEWS
February 2020
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12 DelfSTAR NEWS
February 2020
SPORT
THE INVINCIBLE LIVER-KLOPP-POOL! By Mawanda Kevin Mase LIVERPOOL FC are the team on form in the English premier league (EPL) at the moment and it does not appear that this would be changing looking at the log standings. So far in the 2019/2020 season Liverpool have yet to lose a single match. It appears as if, with 14 games remaining, Liverpool are taking the Championship to Anfield. Jurgen Norbert Klopp, a Stuttgart, West Germany born coach, very charismatic man, is the reason behind Liverpool’s great form. Since his arrival at Anfield in Liverpool, under his leadership the team has become the most consistent team when it comes to performance and results in the EPL and Champions league. The Saturday fixtures on the 1st of February 2020 saw Southampton receive a 4-0 beating from Liverpool at Anfield, which continued Liverpool's “invincibility” run on the league. The results further stretched the gap between Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who are currently second on the log standings with 51 compared to 73 point of Liverpool, so far this season, with 14 games remaining. Pep Guardiola’s team appears to be the only EPL team with the strength and squad to challenge the invincibility of Liverpool with the
deadly partnership of Aguero, Debryne, and Jesus upfront still possessing great danger to any teams in the EPL. Having said that, Manchester City, like the other Liverpool competitors struggling this season, losing valuable points from teams such as Wolves (when). Liverpool remain unbeaten this season while most EPL teams continue to drop valuable points, as result of this, it is no surprise they are the INVINCIBLE team in Europe.
The performance and form for teams is not always the same, some teams struggle while others strive, Liverpool fc are striving this season under the leadership of Klopp and it seems they are taking the Championship to Anfield. DISCUSSION: WILL MANCHESTER CITY CATCH LIVERPOOL? To add your opinions follow us on Facebook (Delfstar) #StayCurrentWithDelfStar community newspaper!!
Can Middendorp’s euphoric winning combination with Kaizer chiefs contain the pressure exerted by the top five Premier soccer league teams? By Mawanda Kevin Mase Kaizer chiefs under the leadership of the German tactician have been the only team to have managed to achieve 45 points from just 19 games, winning 14 games so far this season. This shows coach Midderndorp’s management skills have re-ignited the Love & Peace of the Amakhosi faithful’s. Through his player selection which is “based on the merit and not popularity” of the players – his team has been on form and consistent so far this season and if Kaizer chiefs or the other teams can continue being consistent in accumulating maximum points until the 17 of May 2020, that team will be champions. Kaizer chiefs under the selection have accumulated maximum points and are currently at the summit of the 2019/2020 PSL season. But some of the Amakhosi supporters argue that players such as Itumelang Khune and Khama Billiat are “tried and tested” players and their absence Kaizer chiefs will not be able to contain the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando pirates from catching-up – however, most argue that if the train is still moving forward with maximum speed then sijabulile (we are happy). Consistency is priority for coach Middendorp’s Amakhosi to win the league and avoid disappointing the Kaizer chiefs’ supporters. If Amakhosi can maintain the winning mentality even with the absence of their popular players, I can see them
containing the pressure from Pirates, Sundowns, Supersport or even Wits who challenging Kaizer chiefs for the championship. With all that said, who is going to win the league is still undecided, because all the top and bottom teams are fighting – either to win the league, the likes of; Kaizer chiefs, Orlando pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Supersport united and Wits university while at the bottom teams such as; Polokwane City, Amazulu, Baroka, Chippa united and Black leopards are fighting to avoid relegation. Therefore, all the PSL upcoming fixtures for all the teams are crucial they get maximum points to either avoid relegation or to help them win the league. At the top of the league Orlando pirates under the leadership of the newly appointed
Josef Zinnabauer, who replaced Rhulani Mokoena, as head coach, has closed the gap to 9 points between them and first place Kaizer chiefs by winning five games in a row which begs the question, will chiefs keep getting maximum points and stay at the summit or will pirates catch up. Moreover, Mamelodi sundowns, Supersport united, as well as Wits University also have more games remaining over the first and second teams at the top of the summit – they could still cause a lot of damage. But like I said in the beginning, form and consistency of any of the top 5 teams will decide the home of the 2019/2020 premier soccer league season which will be on Sunday 17 May 2020. May the best team win the league!