Inner City Gazette

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4995 15 - 22 November 2012 Tel : 011 023-7588 / 011 402 - 1977

Fax: 086 609 8601

Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za Website : www.inner-city-gazette.co.za

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Gateway to abundant life

Page 10

School

Book donation for UJ Page 7

expels kids over fees

Page 3

Stories from the African continent Page 7

Abuse awareness drive

‘This year’s campaign will include men as partners since some of them are also victims of domestic violence themselves’

Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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Health and Social Development MMC Nonceba Molwele.

Pic: Enoch Lehung

oburg’s Health and Social Development Department has lined up several events to mark the 21st anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

Announcing the programme this week, Health and Social Development MMC Clr Nonceba Molwele said the event focuses on generating increased awareness about gender violence. The campaign starts on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day. Molwele said every year government, civil society groups and businesses co-operate to broaden the impact of the campaign.

“This year’s campaign will include men as partners since some of them are also victims of domestic vio-

lence. We would like to engage with men on gender and health issues, and make them aware of the importance of practising safe sex and encourage them to undergo tests from time to time,” she said.

In partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the City will host two main events.

The first will be held at the Westbury Recreation Centre on 27 November; and the second, a men’s indaba, at the Meadowlands Welfare Centre in Soweto on 6 December, to promote men’s health.

“This is a collective effort between men and women; and we will hear the stories of survivors of gender violence. We will also involve the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to give us statistics so we can make our own assessment,” she said.

Other activities will be held at the Ivory Park North, Diepsloot Skills Centre, Florida Civic Centre, Cosmo

City Multipurpose Centre, Tshepisong Multipurpose Centre, Doornkop Community Hall, Siyabonga Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Itsoseng Skills Centre, Obet Moshiane Primary School, Emthonjeni Community Centre, Diepkloof Welfare Centre, Alexsan Kopano, Hillbrow Recreation Centre, Glenanda Library, Bertha Solomon Centre and Poortjie Community Centre.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, on November 25 the City will partner with the organisers of Orange Day, a United Nations’ women’s initiative, to raise awareness of gender violence.

The Orange Day campaign has proclaimed every 25th of the month, to ensure that gender violence receives constant attention throughout the year. The City encourages residents to wear orange t-shirts, ties and caps on the day to raise awareness about gender violence. joburg.org.za

For distribution in your shop, school, church, building, police station, etc call +27 11 023-7588.

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Inner-city Gazette

News

15 - 22 November 2012

ANC Women’s League members attended the event

Jeppe police commander Brig Danie Louw addresses the community.

Members of Gauteng Community Safety police

Event held at the place where two cops were gunned down recently

Hillbrow police commander Brig Ntandane addresses the gathering. Seated are councillors Phineas Madisha and Zama Shezi. Pics: Inner-city Press Agency

‘Stop killing police’ campaign Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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his week the Hillbrow SAPS Cluster conducted a crime prevention campaign dubbed ‘Stop killing our police’ in Joubert Park, and was attended by a large number of community members.

Residents and police gathered at the place where one police officer and a colleague were shot by criminals in Bok Street. They were ad-

dressed by ward councillors Zama Shezi, Phineas Madisha, Sihlwele Myeki; and SAPS officials who included Hillbrow station commander Brig Vukile Ntandane, Brig Danie Louw of Jeppe police and a representative from the Gauteng Community Safety MEC’s office. CPF chairman Denzel Goldstone also attended the event.

The prime message was that the community has to help the law enforcement agencies in preventing

and combating crime by providing information about criminal activities in their areas to the police. Speakers called upon community members to participate in community policing forums in their sectors.

The campaign was led by SAPS officials and members from Yeoville, Norwood, Rosebank, Jeppe, Cleveland, Hillbrow, Parkview and Linden police stations. Members of the JMPD and Gauteng Community Safety police were also there.

Members of the Revelation Church of God also attended the event.

Scores held in crime operation Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za

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oburg Central police arrested 63 suspects for various offences during crime combating operations over the weekend, according to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele.

He says among the suspects five were for possession of drugs, seven for fraud, two for possession of suspected stolen

property, two for common robbery, one for rape and one for attempted theft of motor vehicle.

“The rest were arrested for committing crimes ranging from malicious damage to property, driving a vehicle without a license, domestic violence, inconsiderate driving, business breaking, shoplifting, possession of house breaking implements, assault, drunk and driving, theft and drinking in public,” he added.

Summer Specials

15 - 22 November 2012

Inner-city Gazette

News

Diabetes awareness drive Own Correspondent

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s the country commemorated World Diabetes Day on Wednesday, the Gauteng Health Department reiterated calls for South Africans to lead healthy lifestyles and do regular check-ups to prevent diabetes.

In observing the day, the department held various activities throughout the province to raise awareness of the disease.

Activities included public education, where the provincial Health Department educated the community members on good eating habits and conducted different health screenings such as blood glucose, blood pressure, weight and circumference measuring.

On 29 November Johannesburg Metro District will observe the day by targeting taxi drivers and vendors who are unable to go to health facilities due to the nature of their work. Different stalls will be on display to raise awareness of the disease as well as education on obesity, foot care, physical activity, healthy eating and treatment adherence.

Health screenings for blood glucose, eye testing, blood pressure, measuring of circumference and weight will also be done.

Celebrated worldwide under the theme ‘Diabetes Prevention and Education’, the day aims to create

awareness of the disease, which is both genetic and lifestyle related.

Communities are also encouraged to test so they can be educated on how to manage or prevent the illness.

Diabetes is a chronic disease, but early detection and effective management may lead to a normal lifespan and quality of life. This reduces complications due to diabetes such as blindness, kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases as well as amputations of limbs.

The department said that notable progress has been made in the fight against diabetes, with more than 40 000 people diagnosed in public health facilities in the last fiscal year.

“In the previous financial year, 40 656 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in clinics around the province and 98 support groups - which serve to improve adherence to treatment and are an integral part of care for patients with chronic conditions, were established in the past five years,” the department said.

According to medical experts, the signs and symptoms of diabetes include, frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, feeling very tired most of the time, very dry skin and sores that are slow to heal. SAnews.gov.za

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Community members Mboneni Nothononda, Sisanda Mbokodo, Esther Phalatsi and May Malinga Pic: Inner-city Press Agency

School expels kids over fees Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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his week a group of concerned community members confronted the principal of a Joburg CBD school when they learned that he had turned away a large number of learners because their parents had not paid fees for them.

Learners from Lenkosi Community School in Joburg CBD were on Wednesday turned away for nonpayment of fees, despite Department of Education directives that school authorities must not do so.

Community members, among them Mboneni Nothononda, Sisanda Mbokodo, Esther Phalatsi and May

Malinga noticed the children roaming the streets during school hours.

When they questioned them they learned that they had been expelled from school because they had not paid school fees. The community members took it upon themselves to confront the school and make sure the children return to class.

The school’s principal called Mr Papas confirmed that he had expelled the children because the guardians of some of them have not paid fees since January this year.

“I have teachers and rent for the premises to pay,” Mr Papas said.

The community members acknowledged that the school needs funding to function properly, but reminded the

principal that it enters into agreements with parents and guardians, but not the children. “It is therefore morally wrong for children to face this kind of treatment when their parents and guardians fail to pay their fees, and it is at odds with the country’s laws, not to mention that it is an affront on the right of children to access education,” said Mbokodo.

The community members urged the school to make arrangements with parents and guardians, and allow the children to attend lessons.

In the end both parties reached an agreement that other ways be pursued to recover the money owed to the school by the parents and guardians, while the children remain in class.

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Inner-city Gazette

Leader

15 - 22 November 2012

Liquor is not the problem As we get closer to the festive season I have seen many newspaper articles in which writers blame alcohol for the accidents, injuries and death that goes with the season. But all those accidents are caused by people, and not the alcohol.

Some have suggested that alcohol be banned altogether, regardless of implications towards the economy of this country.

They obviously realise the importance of brewing and advertising companies generating revenue, which in turn helps them sustain jobs for thousands of people, but surprisingly still maintain that all this should be ignored. They do not care about what may happen to those who may lose their jobs if liquor consumption and advertising is banned.

We may have a problem with alcohol consumption in this country, but it is often exaggerated by the press. I also admit that some youths venture into drinking rather too early, but there are means to control that without threatening the stability of the country’s economy by banning business.

Muzi Maphaka Braamfontein

Comment As the days move closer to the end of the year, a general feeling is that this period seems quite different from its predecessors. In the past pre-festive season periods, by about this time many shocking and amazing headlines would have been seen.

The press had dubbed this period the ‘heist season’, in which robbers armed with military combat weapons ran amok and terrorised the community. They attacked shops, banks and cash-in-transit vehicles in a bid to collect as much money as possible for the festive season.

The pickpockets, especially in downtown Joburg’s Jeppe, Bree and Small streets, would not want to be outdone, as they made sure they picked as many pockets from shoppers as they could, to raise enough money for their festivities.

This time round it feels very different. There have been few, if any, headlines about the criminals seizing the money bags from the cashin-transit vans, or from the bank vaults, and opening automatic fire.

All we hear are isolated incidents of the crooks trying to rob some cash strapped small business, or to mug some hapless individual, often only for them to be caught and locked up, or beaten up and humiliated by ordinary community members.

Such a welcome change may be attributed to crime prevention strategies and vigilance of state and private security agencies in the city, assisted by concerned community members who are keen to help eradicate crime and create a safe environment for all the city’s residents.

All those have to be applauded for their sterling efforts, which gives concrete hope for completely crime free streets this season and beyond.

Distribution – Free copies door to door delivery weekly to all households and businesses in the Joburg inner-city.

Inner-City Gazette welcomes editorial contributions from readers. They may raise new issues or respond to articles published in the paper. Contributions may be sent to the editor’s address below.

Published by Inner-City Gazette 149 Pritchard Street, Johannesburg 2000 Tel : 011 023 - 7588 011 024 - 8210 011 402 - 1977 Fax : 086 609 8601 Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za Website : www.inner-city-gazette.co.za Printed by Paarlcoldset(Pty)Ltd

All rights and reproduction of articles, images and other items published in this publication are reserved in terms of Section 12(7) of the Copyright Act 96 (1978) and its amendments thereof.

Inner-City Gazette subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we do not live up to the code please contact the press ombudsman on 011 484-3612 or 011 484 - 3618 or ombudsman@presscouncil.org.za .

Command respect, not demand it In South Africa, a law specifically protecting the president’s dignity or protecting him from insults is not only completely unnecessary, but would also never pass Constitutional muster, Pierre de Vos writes.

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waZulu-Natal SACP secretary, Themba Mthembu, said on Monday that many countries had realised after a president was appointed that “some respect needs be given to that person”.

According to him, President Zuma had been the subject of a “barrage of attacks which were unfair and lacking in fact and truth… We want to prevent criticism, which is an insult to the office of the president. They can criticise, as long as they don’t insult and undermine the head of state.”

It is true that so called “insult laws” are in place in many countries across the world. In Iran, a prominent journalist was sentenced to 16 months in prison in 2010 for calling President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a megalomaniac. During the authoritarian rule of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, you could go to jail for four years for insulting the president. In Venezuela, President Hugo Chávez has also used laws against insulting the president to silence his critics in the media. In Lebanon, a man was arrested in 2010 for calling President Michel Sleiman a “hypocrite” and “the worst kind of failure” on Facebook. And in the Netherlands, there were two separate arrests in 2007 of citizens calling Queen Beatrix a whore. In 2006, Poland launched a national manhunt for a man who farted loudly Lech Kaczynski.

But in South Africa, a law specifically protecting the president’s dignity or protecting him from insults is not only completely unnecessary, but would also never pass Constitutional muster. The South Africa common

law already provides for the worryingly expansive protection of the dignity of everyone – including the president. Anyone who believes that someone has infringed on his or her dignity can sue that person for damages. If the president wanted to sue for the infringement of his dignity, he would have to prove, first, that somebody deliberately did or said something which impaired his dignity. In other words, this aspect of the test asks how the president himself understood the words, action or the image, as he must show that his subjective feelings were indeed wounded.

However, not every subjective slight of the president’s feelings would have legal impact. Only wrongfully inflicted infringement of his dignity would be actionable. This is an objective test. It requires the conduct complained of to be tested against the prevailing norms of society (also referred to as the current values and thinking of the community) in order to determine whether such conduct can be classified as wrongful. These prevailing norms must be judged with reference to Constitutional values and norms and must give effect to them.

These values and norms would include the need to protect freedom of expression and the obvious requirement that politicians could not enjoy absolute protection from being offended or hurt. In fact, I would argue that our law would seldom deem it wrongful for the president to be criticised, insulted or even ridiculed, as he is just another politician who has voluntarily exposed himself to the rough and tumble of politics.

This is perhaps why the KwaZuluNatal SACP believes that the president needs special protection against insults and criticism. But any law that prohibits the rest of us from “insulting” or “undermining” the president would be unconstitutional. Such a law would place a fundamental limit on the right to freedom of expression to protect one person.

This kind of limitation will, however, never stand. The limitation would

protect only one person – the president – and would therefore not be a law of general application as envisaged by the limitations clause. One would therefore not be able to argue that such an egregious limitation of the right to freedom of expression is justifiable in terms of the limitation clause, as the limitation clause would not apply.

But even if the limitation clause did apply, the Constitutional Court is almost certain to find that the limitation is not justifiable in an open and democratic society. This is because the purpose of the limitation would be illegitimate. It would be aimed at protecting the president from certain criticism and would elevate the president above other citizens. The limitation would therefore undermine the Rule of Law, which requires that no one should be treated as being above the law and everyone should be equal before the law. When the purpose of a law limiting one of the rights in the Bill of Rights is to undermine the essence of the Rule of Law, such a limitation could never stand.

Moreover, the infringement of the right to freedom of expression would be so severe and the harm it seeks to address so trivial, that no court in South Africa would find that the limitation was justified. This is because a law that provides special protection for one politician – usually the leader of the largest political party in Parliament – from harsh criticism, ridicule or actions which could undermine his status as a politician, would have a chilling effect on free speech. It would send a signal that the president is so special, so exalted, so important, that he cannot be subjected to the normal robust criticism and ridicule that all politicians in a democracy are expected to tolerate. The democratic essence of the governing system itself would be undermined by a law that treats a sitting President more favourably than other politicians also competing for the votes of citizens.

In our constitutional democracy, the president is not entitled to better treatment or more respect than the rest of

us merely because he was elected by 400 members of the National Assembly for a term of five years to serve as the head of the government. The president of South Africa – whoever it may be – is just another (potentially grubby, scheming and self-righteous) politician, and his or her appointment as president does not elevate him or her to a special lofty status, which entitles him or her to be respected by anyone.

While one could argue that it would be polite to show some respect for the office of president, this does not entitle the president him- or herself to be respected by us long-suffering citizens. The president is our servant, not the other way around. As our servant, he is entitled to be treated with the respect he has earned.

If the president is good at his job and ensures that textbooks are delivered on time and that houses are built and services delivered; if he does not enrich himself or turn a blind eye when his family members and cronies become corrupt; if he demonstrates respect for himself and for the people of South Africa by acting tirelessly to solve our problems instead of solving his own family housing crisis, then all good citizens would respect the president. Decent South Africans would be entitled to judge those harshly who failed to respect a president who acted as a true servant of the people.

But that is entirely different from demanding that legislation be drafted to protect the president’s dignity.

After all, respect is earned. One cannot legislate it into existence. DM Pierre De Vos teaches Constitutional law at the University of Cape Town Law Faculty, where he serves as deputy dean and as the Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Constitutional Governance. He writes a regular blog, entitled ‘Constitutionally Speaking’, in which he attempts to mix one part righteous anger, one part cold legal reasoning and one part irreverence to help keep South Africans informed about Constitutional and other legal developments related to the democracy.

15 - 22 November 2012

Inner-city Gazette

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Inner-city Gazette

15 - 22 November 2012

Holiday Accommodation

New Doornfontein, opposite University of Johannesburg available for December and January. Self catering and conference facilities available.

Contact: 011 402 8835; 0842889984; 0721598204

15 - 22 November 2012

Inner-city Gazette

News

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From left: Didier Nyembwe, Dr Bawa, Mark Wyn, Justin de Beer and Dr van Vuuren during the event.

Pic: Inner-city Press Agency

Book donation for UJ Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za On Tuesday Foseco South Africa (Pty) Ltd donated books worth thousands of rands to the University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus. Foseco is the Foundry Division of Vesuvius and is the global leader in products and solutions for improving foundry performance.

Justin De Beer speaking on behalf of the engineering metallurgy department said Foseco SA donated 20 sets of the Foundry Man Handbooks. “We have had a long standing relationship with Foseco, and we are looking forward to continuing this relationship in the development of our young engineers in engineering metallurgy and specifically in foundry engineering.

We thank Foseco for the generous

donation towards our library and future of our students.”

Foseco director Mark Wynn said Foseco’s parent company in Germany was encouraged by the number of students that are enrolled at UJ. “It shows that young South Africans see metallurgy as a good career. I enjoy the Foseco and UJ partnership; we must carry it into the future.”

The head of the Metallurgy Department, Didier Nyembwe, Dr Annette Janse van Vuuren, director of Client Services at UJ, and acting DFC campus librarian Moipone Qhomane Goliath attended the handover event.

The event was concluded by a vote of thanks by Dr Rookaya Bawa who is the new Executive Director for Library and Information Centre at the University of Johannesburg.

Summit on military force Abuja - At an ECOWAS summit here on Sunday African leaders agreed on a 3 300 force to wrest control of northern Mali from Islamist fighters.

From outside ECOWAS were representatives from Mauritania, Algeria, South Africa, Chad, Libya and Morocco. ECOWAS chairman Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said soldiers would come from ECOWAS countries Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo; and also from outside the bloc in Chad, Mauritania and South Africa. “The UN Security Council approval could come in late November, which would allow the force to be ready days afterward,” he said.

The summit stressed that dialogue remained the preferred option in the resolution, but also said recourse to force may be indispensable to dismantle terrorist networks that threaten international security.

The UN special envoy for the Sahel, Romano Prodi said effort would be made to avoid military action.

However analysts have questioned whether a negotiated solution is possible with Islamists intent on establishing a theocratic state.

The Islamists have set about implementing their version of strict Sharia law, meting out punishments including stonings and destroying World Heritage shrines.

Residents walk past some of the shacks in Prospect Road.

Shacks erected at Berea building Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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oon after publishing a story about shacks that had been erected in the rail line area in Joburg’s Noord Street, Inner-city Gazette was called to witness more shacks that had been set up behind the Highrise apartment building in Prospect Road, Berea.

The shacks were made of the same plastic materials as those in Noord Street, but the occupants were not there. Residents said it is the homeless, sometimes referred to as va-

grants, who erected the shacks and spent the nights in them.

The superintendent of the building could not be reached for comment.

Region F spokesperson Shaun O’shea said they are working closely with Hillbrow police and JMPD to address this matter.

“The area in question is plagued by a number of problems, including drug abuse, service delivery breakdowns, overcrowding and illegal land use. Solutions to these issues require a long term multi-disciplinary approach, sustainable interventions and plans,” he said.

Focus on Africa

Tripoli - Former Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi alMahmoudi has been put on trial for alleged crimes committed during the rule of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi, following his recent extradition from Tunisia.

The public prosecutor’s spokesman, Taha Baara said Mahmoudi faces charges regarding his role in a number of murder and rape cases during the civil Baghdadi al Mahmoudi war, as well as undermining the country’s security.

Rights groups objected to his extradition on June 24, saying that he could face the death penalty.

In July, Mahmoudi protested his innocence from his prison cell in the city.

“I am not guilty. I am sure of myself and of my innocence,” he said during a prison visit organised by the authorities in a bid to quash rumours he had been tortured.

Along with Gaddafi’s most prominent son Saif al-Islam, Mahmoudi is one of the few remaining keepers of the many state secrets under Gaddafi, who was killed on October 20 last year.

A physician by training, Mahmoudi was loyal to Gaddafi until the end, serving as premier from 2006 up to the final days of his regime.

Alassane Ouattara

‘Errors’ in Taylor verdict

Charles Taylor

Court jails two journalists Ouagadougou - A court has jailed two journalists and banned their newspaper on charges of defaming a state prosecutor.

The two editors of the L’Ouragan weekly paper, Roland Ouédraogo and Lohé Issa Konaté were sentenced to 12 months in prison and a US$2 900 fine , plus US$7 800 as damages for defaming prosecutor Placide Nikiéma.

News accounts reported that the journalists’ lawyer, Halidou Ouédraogo, said they would appeal. Konaté

He added that the City of Joburg recently launched an Area Based Visible Service Delivery programme, which is ward based.

“This includes all departments and municipal entities. In addition each ward is part of the 10 plus mayoral programme specifically focusing on law enforcement.”

O’shea added that Region F, together with Hillbrow SAPS and JMPD are regularly enforcing the law. “This includes the removal and destruction of the plastic sheeting, which seems to be erected by vagrants overnight,” he said.

Former PM put on trial

Kismayo

Monrovia-Lawyers representing ex-President Charles Taylor say they have identified 45 legal errors in the verdict that got him jailed, 42 of which are currently being reviewed by his defence team.

Taylor’s new defense counsel, Morris Anyah said oral arguments into the appeals filed by Taylor against his 50-year sentence on ‘aiding and abetting’ the Sierra Leone brutal civil war is expected to start next January. Anyah claims systematic errors through the judgment as grounds for appeal against his client’s verdict. He said Taylor is determined to fight his appeal to the end.

Taylor, 65, was found guilty of all 11 counts of aiding and abetting the deadly rebel campaign in Sierra Leone on May 30, 2011.

Anyah who maintained that there were flaws in the judgment said parts of the verdict were based on hearsay, with allegations of bribery of prosecution witnesses to testify against the convict.

He repeated the claims that the 50-year jail sentence was harsh, because an individual cannot be given punishment that is equal or more than the doers of the act. Special Court for Sierra Leone judges said the sentence reflected his status as head of state at the time, and his betrayal of public trust.

Pic: Inner-city Press Agency

was imprisoned after the sentencing, but it was not clear whether Ouédraogo had also been detained.

The charges were based on two articles about the prosecutor in the August editions of L’Ouragan. The published articles detailed alleged abuse of power by the prosecutor’s office, including obstruction, in the handling of a high-profile case of currency counterfeiting and a family dispute over inheritance.

The prosecutor denied the allegations and charged

that his reputation had been tarnished.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPA) coordinator Mohamed Keita said the prosecutor’s office should not turn its critics into criminals. “The authorities must release Konaté and Ouédraogo, reverse these convictions, and focus their attention instead on the allegations raised by the journalists in L’Ouragan,” he said.

Raila Odinga

Govt bid to ban lobola Nairobi-The government of Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga plans to ban bride-price payments, legalise polygamy and consider couples cohabiting for more than six months to be legally married.

The proposals were approved by cabinet, but still have to be passed by parliament. The cabinet said the bill aimed to offer legal protection to all forms of marriages, and protect women and children.

Bride prices are commonly paid by the over 40 ethnic groups. Current customary law stipulates that a marriage is not considered legal unless a bride price has been paid, usually in the form of cows.

The proposals are intended to ensure that women with children get maintenance after a break-up.

Even couples married in a religious or civil ceremony will often not be considered bound in the traditional sense by their families unless a payment is made.

Under the new proposals, cohabiting couples will be considered married after a six-month period.

Legalising polygamy is intended to bring civil law in line with customary law, where some cultures allow for multiple partners.

Gay marriages are banned under the constitution.

The proposals have caused a big stir in social circles as many people say the proposed changes go against traditional and religious values.

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Inner-city Gazette

The Arts

Drums against abuse

15 - 22 November 2012

Timothy Moloi

‘We can no longer take the violence against women and children as a norm; we need to get the message out loud and clear’ Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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undreds of drummers will be drumming on Rissik Street Bridge on Saturday 24 November to introduce the Drumming Campaign - Stop Violence Against Women and Children, followed by an official opening in Park Station, event spokesperson Bobby Rodwell says.

Artists include Timothy Moloi, Sindi Sampson and the Onion Eaters, Libbie Du Toit and Nii Molai Addotey and the Djembe Drummers. “We invite anyone to come and drum to show support for the

campaign against gender based violence. The roll-out of the drumming campaign will take place in 16 Gauteng Railway Stations over 16 days, from 25 November to 10 December, from Pretoria to Germiston, Naledi to Mabopane. By the end of 16 days, 365 drummers will have added their voice to the campaign,” Rodwell says.

He explains that the campaign will be held at rail stations because they are public spaces.

“They should be places where people can receive and engage with messages and debates on violence against women and children, in a language that is inspiring and

motivating. Who can resist the sound of a drum? As the campaign develops other public spaces, bus ranks and taxi ranks will become part of the campaign activities.”

On the choice of drumming as the medium Rodwell says: “Imagine the power of hundreds of drums in a railway station, an instrument that exists in different shapes and forms in almost every culture in the world. Drums have been instruments of communication through the ages. We need to drum and be heard. We can no longer take the violence against women and children as a norm; we need to get the message out loud and clear.”

He says the campaign is aimed at raising awareness of gender based violence.

“It will make available information about what to do in cases of gender based violence and services available in Gauteng. Training is aimed at front line railway staff, with support from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and Metrorail,” Rodwell says.

Campaign partners are: Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development based in Lenasia, which has been operating for 20 years, offering sheltering services, training and advocacy campaigns. Nisaa is a leading member of the National

Sindi Sampson

Sheltering Movement.

Mehlo-maya (Eye-to-the-sun) has been using art for social activism over the past 17 years. It uses film, theatre, radio and print; raising and engaging in debate on human rights and gender rights. The group has worked on 16 Days of Activism campaigns since 2005.

The launch of the campaign is supported by the MTN Foundation. Partners in the launch over 16 Days include Amnesty International, MSF, One in Nine Campaign, SHARISA Network, etc.

For more information about the child and women’s rights programme call 011 614 2132.

New thematics in art expo Works present new and ongoing thematics in his ouvre: from his signature collaged portraits of street children to the sole use of acrylics in his search of movement, while depicting the animal form Staff Writer news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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A dance lesson in progress during the last event.

Dance training event Arts Correspondent

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he Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (FATC) will host its annual Summer School from 26 November to 8 December at the University of Johannesburg.

In a press statement FATC said the two week programme is open to young artists, emerging professionals and dance students in their final years of study.

“Through daily technique classes, workshops and discussion sessions led by FATC company members and guest facilitators, the summer dance training offers its participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in various approaches to dance training and dance-mak-

ing,” the FATC statement said.

Funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, Summer School 2012 is focussed on providing participants with creative strategies in the processes of dance-making. These strategies seek to boost the creative resources of participants both as performers and theatre-makers.

“The 2012 event draws on the experiences of a combination of company members and guest facilitators to lead classes and workshops. These artists and educators include FATC artistic director PJ Sabbagha; Fana Tshabalala; Craig Morris; Athena Mazarakis; Jane O’Connell-Crewe; and Naomi van Niekerk,” the statement said.

he subject matter of an art exhibition by Benon Lutaaya steers the viewer’s gaze towards the question of how the work comes to life.

The show opens at the ROOM, Juta Street Precinct in De Beer Street, Braamfontein on 21 November.

Lutaaya uses the materials at his disposal; from discarded paper to plastic phone cards as palette knives and everything in between, to guide the concept and subject matter, which in turn always stems from the artist’s personal experiences.

The exhibition also marks the first year anniversary since the inception of ROOM and the launch of the initiative’s commitment to support charity and art projects with proceeds from every exhibition. Both ROOM and the artist have committed that funds from this exhibition will be donated to the Twilight Children charity in Hillbrow.

Lutaaya’s selected works present new and ongoing thematics in his ouvre: from his signature collaged portraits of street children to the sole use of acrylics in his search of movement, while depicting the animal form. Lay-

er upon layer, is the signature technique of his work.

“I still want to tell the story of the person or the subject matter, yet something new comes from the play, from organizing the mess into form,” he says.

Lutaaya is a Ugandan who works and lives in Joburg. He holds a BFA with Education from Kyambogo University in Kampala. He started his professional career in 2009 as a collage artist. He started painting in 2011 on a residency programme at the Bag Factory.

He is one of the most improving

and sought-after young artists in the Joburg art scene, and his skills are widely becoming recognized.

He donated R75 000 from the sale of his record breaking painting Portrait of a Young Boy (see pic) at a charity auction last month to Dolous Care Centre in Joburg that cares for ill and terminally HIV/Aids positive children.

He has been involved in art projects in the city, including the Ithuba Arts Fund and Display projects both of which had exhibitions that sold out on opening nights.

Lutaaya has participated in many group art exhibitions in Uganda, South Africa and Europe. His paintings are present in a variety of private collections in South Africa, and overseas, and most recently in the Ellerman’s Contemporary public art collection in Cape Town.

He featured at the Joburg Art Fair, winning the Lovell Gallery Juried artists competition in Cape Town, a guest artist at the Thupelo International Artists Workshop in Joburg, a recipient of Ithuba Arts Fund grant, International Resident Artist at the Bag Factory and finalist of the BBC World Service My World documentary global competition, London.

15 - 22 November 2012

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Team Hillbrow wins karate championship Kgothatso Mokhonoana news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

T

he Hillbrow Karate Club in Partnership with the Arrachion Karate Club also in Hillbrow, collected more trophies at the South African Maxima Champions at Springs Civic Centre early this month.

Hillbrow Karate Club instructor, Takalani Mushavhanamadi says the Maxima championships take place every year and this was their first time to participate.

“We combined two teams as one, it was at short notice when we received the invitation to participate at the championships,” he says.

According to Mushavhanamadi there were six different categories, Traditional Kata, Traditional Kumite, Weapon Kata (demonstrate with sticks), Musical Kata, Kick Boxing (point fighting/ continuous fighting), MMA (cage fighting) and Breaking the Tiles.

“I had four students from my class. Alfa Dube was awarded a trophy for position one. The Arra-

chion Karate Club was awarded 21 trophies, Tebogo collected five trophies first place in Kata, Weapon Kumite and Traditional Kata, second place in kick boxing and third in Continuous fighting.

“Nthabiseng collected six trophies, first place in Weapon Kata, second in Kata, Traditional Kumite, Continuous Fighting, Point Fighting and Team Kata,” he adds.

He says Boitumelo from the Arrachion Club received three trophies; she took first place in Kata

Champions...Members of the Hillbrow Karate Club

and Weapon Kata, second place in Traditional Kumite.

Mushavhanamadi explains that 13 year-old Nontuthuzelo performed well and won seven trophies in

most categories. “Nontuthuzelo was requested to fight in another division, Champ of the Champs which is beyond her age where she took second place.”

Joburg’s annual cycle race is on Thousands of cyclists expected to participate in Momentum 94.7 yearly cycle challenge Sports Correspondent

A

Cyclists race in the previous edition of the event.

Cosmos/Sivutsa match postponed The NFD match that was scheduled for last weekend between Jomo Cosmos and Sivutsa Stars at Johannesburg Stadium was called off due to a waterlogged pitch after a heavy downpour.

Following the death of four Polokwane City players last week no NFD matches will be played this weekend in sympathy with the deceased players and their families. The revised fixtures will be announced soon. Fans who were issued promotional tickets to the cancelled Cosmos/Sivutsa match are advised to call Inner-city Gazette on 011 023-7588 for clarification over the issue.

The Polokwane City players who died in a traffic accident on Sunday were named as Koketso Takalo, Robert Mphuti, Moeketsi Nthete and Silvester Mpaketsane. The accident occurred on the R71 near Polokwane, as City were returning from their match against FC AK. The driver of the vehicle was arrested for alleged drunken and reckless or negligent driving.

NFD Fixtures, November 24, 2012

15:30 Jomo Cosmos v FC Cape Town Joburg Stadium 15:30 TR Zulu v United FC Richards Bay Stadium 15:30 Vasco Da Gama v Black Aces Parow Park

bout 25 000 cyclists are expected to participate in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge on Sunday this week.

This year’s edition of the race will start from Maxwell Drive in Woodmead and cyclists will make their way into the inner-city and ride past the Ponte apartment building in Berea, then through the CBD and over the Nelson Mandela Bridge, before making their way back to the northern suburbs, and up to the end of the route at Waterfall Country Estate.

The head of brand at Momentum, Danie van den Bergh said watching the race on home turf and on local streets may encourage more people to be involved in a healthier lifestyle.

“Loved ones at home will also get the oppor-

tunity to feel part of the day’s action, minus the sweat and pain.”

Several roads will be temporarily closed from the early morning on Sunday, for the safety of the cyclists. Those will include the R55, Woodmead Drive, the M1 south, the M2 east, Bramfischer Drive, Jan Smuts Avenue, Cumberland Street, Douglas Road, Witkopppen Road, Malibongwe Drive, and the N14. The R55 between Maxwell Drive and Maxwell Drive Extension will be closed from midday on Saturday. All roads will be reopened by 16.30h on Sunday This race organisers have launched a digital map (http://947.mapservice.co.za) to assist drivers in finding alternate routes to their destinations.

For more information call 0862 947 947.

Weekly Soccer Tickets

Give Away

Jomo Cosmos Football Club is giving away tickets to watch its matches at Johannesburg Stadium every week. To win a ticket answer the following simple question by calling the telephone number 011 023 7588.

This week’s question is: Which team will Jomo Cosmos play against next weekend on Saturday 24 November 2012? Call 011 023 7588 to submit your answer and stand a chance to win a ticket for the match.